Robbie announced he was leaving Take That, causing devastation amongst
teenage girls and, tolling the death bell for the first wave of boy bands.
The writing had been on the wall for a while. Robbie wanted to
pursue a solo career - and he brought out his first single, Freedom,
in early 1996.
After a few months without Robbie, Take That finally announced
at a press conference in February 1996 that the band were splitting up.
The careers of the other members have faltered since, while Robbie
has gone from strength-to-strength. But, as they say, it's not over
'til the fat lady sings.
