If there’s one band who can offer advice about the tumultuous experience of being in a boyband it’s Take That. The band, whose lineup has changed repeatedly since Robbie William left the group in 1995, have urged One Direction to call their former member Zayn Malik.
In an interview with the Manchester radio station Key 103, Take That bandmates drew comparisons between Malik and Williams. “Hopefully maybe somebody’s phoned Zayn and made sure he’s all right,” Mark Owen said. “One thing that we never did when Rob left us the first time is we never [called].” Take That admitted that their reluctance to support Williams following his departure led to a 10-year break in their relationship. “You kind of get caught up in your world and you forget sometimes,” said Owen.
Owen, Gary Barlow and Howard Donald of Take That were speaking ahead of their first full tour as a trio since Jason Orange left the band last September. “I think it’s sometimes easier for the band because you’re brothers, you know, you stand together,” said Barlow, “and it’s always hard for the one that leaves … [but] I’m sure he’s got good people around him.”
Donald added: “I think what happened with us is we were going so fast and … we never even got round to discussing the whole thing about it. That’s what they need to do.” His advice to One Direction? “Don’t wait 10 years boys.”
Malik left One Direction in March, saying he wants “to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time”. The group plan to continue as a four-piece.
“We’re really sad to see Zayn go, but we totally respect his decision and send him all our love for the future,” the band said at the time. “The past five years have been beyond amazing. We’ve gone through so much together, so we will always be friends.”
