Take That Leeds: Residents share excitement as band confirms First Direct Arena shows on 2024 tour

Leeds First Direct Arena will host two dates of the This Life On Tour shows next year.

The tour is taking place across the UK to celebrate the release of the band’s ninth studio album, This Life.

Take That are returning to stadium and arena stages for the first time in nearly five years after they last performed in 2019 during their Summer Series at Ashton Gate.

And speaking to the YEP, fans of the band have told of their excitement to see them in the city again.

“Their songs are poetic, they’re not ‘la la la-ing’ and filling in the gaps all the time,” fan Maureen said, when asked about what makes them special.

"They’ve been too quiet for the last 18 months to two years. Gary did a lot of things solo but he needs to get back again."

Yousuf added: “I bought their album and I was quite a fan.”

After being told they were planning a new tour, he said it would be “lovely to see them make a comeback”.

"I feel they were better united than divided. I did used to like their songs,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jenny spoke of how Take That’s music has transcended generational boundaries and stood the test of time.

"I remember when Shine [Take That single] came out when I was in primary school, that was the first time I actually heard them.

“As I grew up, I realised that my mum was this huge Take That fan, so I was listening to all of their old songs.”

Elsewhere, Ian said he remembered a time when “everybody wanted to be a Take That fan” but was not a convert himself.

“They weren’t my cup of tea but I do recall them,” he said.

"Gary Barlow especially and the hair dos and the style of them. But I was a little bit more to the other side, I like Gary Newman and OMD.”

The latest tour will see Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald play a total of 29 dates across 15 cities around the UK and Ireland, including the two shows in Leeds. They will be joined on the tour by special guest Olly Murs.

The tour kicks off in April and Take That will play at Leeds’ First Direct Arena on April 19 and April 20.

Pre-sale tickets go on sale at 09.30am on September 27. General sale takes place on September 29, from 9.30am.

Tickets for select venues can also be purchased from Ticketmaster.