Very few people have experienced Gary Barlow’s level of success and fame. He’s the lead singer of the nineties British pop band Take That, he’s won 6 Ivor Novello Awards for song writing & composing, sold more the 50 million albums and filled stadiums of screaming fans across the world! But despite all this, as we’ve come to learn, he’s one of the nicest, most genuine people going around.

In this episode, Gary shares his experience of rising to such fame, and what happens when he lost it.

He opens up about the devastating burden of jealousy between him and bandmate Robbie Williams, his journey with disordered eating, the loss of his daughter Poppy and the love of his life, the one constant through it all his wife.

So sit back and pour yourself a cup of vulnerabilitea, this is a big one.

00:00 Welcome Gary Barlow
12:55 Loneliness on Tour
17:51 Love at First Sight (Sort Of)
20:58 The Strings of Being Famous
25:06 Music as the Answer
28:25 Robbie Williams, Comparison and Happiness
34:30 Eating Disorders and Self Worth (Trigger Warning)
45:35 Losing a Child
49:50 Married to a No Nonsense Woman
52:31 Being Grateful

To buy tickets to Take That’s upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand visit: https://bit.ly/3INExGA.

To hear Ryan’s episode on shame & jealousy, mentioned in this episode, follow this link: https://link.chtbl.com/D_21alUg

To hear Hamish Blake’s episode on his friendship with Ryan & Hugh, follow this link: https://link.chtbl.com/IppXW33h.

To listen to Gina Chick’s episode, follow this link https://link.chtbl.com/Ginachick.

The Robbie Williams documentary is available on Netflix: https://bit.ly/493WWta.

For film recommendation ‘Salt Burn’ follow this link: https://apple.co/3x3GvQp.

To purchase your own set of Vulnerabilitea House Cards, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3PBFlkR

If you or someone you love is experiencing disordered eating, we recommend the following organisations:

The Butterfly Foundation https://bit.ly/48YCSZe
Eating Disorders Families Australia https://bit.ly/3TLU7J5
Uncovery https://bit.ly/3x4IOCO


This episode with Gary Barlow includes a discussion about disordered eating and a conversation about a child who was delivered still born. If this feels like too much for you right now, please come back to this episode when you're feeling ready.

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.