Take That have debuted their new single on national radio this morning, weeks after it was announced that Jason Orange was leaving the band.
Remaining band members Gary, Howard and Mark appeared on Radio 2 on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show to debut the upbeat tune, titled These Days.
[Html##<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>III. THE NEW ALBUM. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TTIII?src=hash">#TTIII</a> <a href="http://t.co/0HpWxepDIa">pic.twitter.com/0HpWxepDIa</a></p>— Take That (@takethat) <a href="https://twitter.com/takethat/status/520266556442701825">October 9, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>##Id¬1jehx]
The band revealed that the single would be played on radio first last night, tweeting this message from their official Twitter account, alongside a teaser of their new album cover:
"We can officially confirm that our new single is premiering tomorrow morning across UK radio! Tune in from 7:30am."
The new album is called III and the single will be released on November 23. With last album Progress named the fastest-selling album of the century, the boys have big shoes to fill - but the reaction to the new track on social media has been overwhelmingly positive so far.
But what do you reckon? Have a listen and comment below with your thoughts.
It must be weird leaving a pop band, especially when it's consumed pretty much your whole adult life, but now that Jason Orange has quit Take That he is going to take a 'gap yah', travel the world and "discover himself".
Perhaps all he'll do all night is pray (sorry, it had to be done!).
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The 44-year-old is said to be desperate to escape showbiz and "discover himself" again, by heading overseas.
Apparently he is a big fan of Asia - having been to a Thai retreat - and one of his "friends" told reporters at The Mirror that "Jason is going to take this opportunity to get away from it all.
"He loves the anonymity of travel and not having the grind of promoting and touring an album.
"The life of a pop star can be relentless and he wants to discover himself again away from showbiz."
Jason is also planning to devote more time to overseeing his property empire.
Former Take That manager Nigel Martin Smith claimed: "Jason has not really been a part of the band for a long time. This way the guys can get on with making music and performing, and Jason can get on with his thing.
"They have not fallen out or anything."
If there's room in your suitcase for one more Jason, call us!
SOURCE: THE MIRROR
Sad news for Take That fans this morning, as Jason Orange has announced he was quit the band.
Orange has insisted there were no "fallings out", he just did not want to commit to recording and promoting a new album.
In a statement posted on the band's website, he said:
"I want to start by saying how proud I am of what we have achieved together over the years. However, at a band meeting last week I confirmed to Mark, Gary and Howard that I do not wish to commit to recording and promoting a new album".
He continued: "I have spent some of the best years of my life with Take That and I'd like to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey, including my band mates, who I feel are like brothers to me. Most especially my gratitude goes to all of the good and kind, beautiful and ever-loyal fans of the band, without whom none of this could have been possible. Thank you."
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"At the end of The Progress Tour I began to question whether it might be the right time for me to not continue on with Take That. At the start of this year and with my full knowledge and blessing the guys began writing new material. There have been no fallings out, only a decision on my part that I no longer wish to do this. I know how much Mark, Gary and Howard enjoy writing and making music, and they know that they have my full support and encouragement to continue on with what is to be another chapter for the band."
Mark, Gary and Howard also responded to the news:
"This is a sad day for us. Jason leaving is a huge loss both professionally and even more so personally. We first became aware of Jason's reservations a couple of years ago but had hoped that by giving him the desired time and space he may begin to feel differently. This has not been the case and we now have to accept and fully respect his decision which we know hasn't been an easy one. Jason's energy and belief in what this band could achieve has made it what it is today, and we'll forever be grateful for his enthusiasm, dedication and inspiration over the years."
The news comes months after Robbie Williams announced he would not be reuniting with the band for his next tour.
Take That have enjoyed massive success since they reunited to tour in 2006, ten years after the first split. But recently the band have come under intense media scrutiny after Gary, Howard, Mark and their manager Jonathan Wild faced accusations of tax avoidance, after they reportedly invested £66 million in two partnerships styled as "music industry investment schemes".
But it's not all terrible news for the fans: Gary, Mark and Howard will continue as a three piece band.
