Gary Barlow OBE is one of Britain's most accomplished singer-songwriters, celebrated as the lead singer of Take That and one of the UK's most successful songwriters. Across a career spanning more than three decades, Gary has written numerous chart-topping hits, sold over 50 million records worldwide and earned widespread recognition as both a solo artist and member of one of Britain's biggest pop groups. An OBE recipient and six-time Ivor Novello Award winner, Gary is regularly hired to headline concerts, corporate events and exclusive private functions, where his catalogue of timeless hits and exceptional live performances continue to captivate audiences.
Born in Frodsham, Cheshire, Gary discovered a passion for music at an early age, teaching himself to play the keyboard before beginning to write his own songs as a teenager. In 1990, he became the lead singer of Take That, writing many of the group's biggest hits, including 'Pray', 'Back for Good', 'A Million Love Songs' and 'Never Forget'. Following the band's initial split, Gary launched a successful solo career with the albums Open Road and Twelve Months, Eleven Days. After Take That's reunion in 2005, he helped lead the band's remarkable resurgence, contributing to a string of chart-topping albums while continuing to enjoy solo success with releases including Since I Saw You Last and Music Played by Humans. Gary has also become a familiar television personality through his roles on The X Factor, Let It Shine and Walk the Line.
Alongside his recording career, Gary has continued to expand his creative portfolio. He has published bestselling autobiographies, including 'A Better Me', written songs for numerous international artists and received six Ivor Novello Awards, including the prestigious Outstanding Services to British Music honour. Appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2012 for services to entertainment and charity, Gary has continued to tour extensively as both a solo artist and with Take That. Most recently, he completed his successful 'The Songbook Tour', celebrating more than 35 years of songwriting with audiences across the UK and Ireland.
Gary is one of the UK's most in-demand live performers, combining world-class musicianship with one of the strongest catalogues in British pop. Audiences know him not only from Take That and his solo career, but also from high-profile performances including the London 2012 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony and the Concert for Diana, alongside television appearances on The X Factor, An Audience with Gary Barlow and Walk the Line. He has also collaborated with brands and organisations, including Marks & Spencer through its Christmas advertising campaigns, further cementing his reputation as one of Britain's most recognisable entertainers. Whether performing at festivals, corporate events or private celebrations, Gary delivers an unforgettable live experience.
Social Media
Books
A Different Stage: The remarkable and intimate life story of Gary Barlow told through music
A Better Me: This is Gary Barlow as honest, heartfelt and more open than ever before
My Take
Gary Barlow: Music Played By Humans - Piano, Vocal and Guitar
- 2025 – Completed 'The Songbook Tour', a 41-date UK and Ireland arena tour celebrating his career as one of Britain's leading songwriters.
- 2023 – Take That's album This Life debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart.
- 2021 – Hosted and judged ITV's Walk the Line.
- 2020 – Music Played by Humans became Gary's third UK No. 1 solo album.
- 2018 – Appointed Musical Director of the Queen's Birthday Party at the Royal Albert Hall, staging performances for King Charles III's 70th birthday celebrations (then The Prince of Wales).
- 2017 – Created and fronted BBC One's Let It Shine, which cast the performers for the Take That musical The Band.
- 2014 – Received the Music Industry Trusts Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to British music.
- 2013 – Presented BBC One's Children in Need Rocks, curating performances from some of the UK's biggest artists.
- 2012 – Appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to entertainment and charity.
- 2012 – Organised the official Diamond Jubilee single 'Sing', featuring The Commonwealth Band and The Military Wives Choir, which reached No. 1 in the UK.
- 2011 – Joined the judging panel of ITV's The X Factor UK.
- 2010 – Take That's Progress became the fastest-selling album of the 21st century in the UK at the time of its release.
- 2008 – Received the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Services to British Music.
- 1999 – Awarded the Freeman of the Borough of Cheshire in recognition of his achievements.
- 1997 – Debut solo album Open Road reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart.
- 1994 – 'Back for Good' became Take That's first US Top 10 hit and one of the UK's biggest-selling singles of the decade.
- 1990 – Became lead singer and principal songwriter of Take That, going on to co-write the majority of the band's biggest hits.
How to hire Gary Barlow
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Gary Barlow for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
