Gary Barlow’s fitness program was inspired by Phil Collins.
The Take That singer revealed how the Genesis drummer influenced his attitude towards touring and keeping fit on the streets after spotting him on a treadmill while filming Top of the Pops.
In the Wired column of the Daily Star newspaper, he said, “You never want to feel like you’re on the road when you’re on tour, I’m training now. I got some really good advice in the early 90s.
“Phil Collins did ‘Top of the Pops’ with us and when I passed his locker room he had a treadmill and I said, ‘What’s this all about?’
“He trained physically to go on tour. It fascinated me because you sing for two hours, move on stage, just the persistence to be there, not to be breathless. “
Gary toured the UK during this festive season, which proved difficult due to the pandemic as band members had to miss shows and the last night of the run had to be canceled.
However, the 50-year-old star insisted he did not regret it and did everything in his power to stay safe.
He added, “It’s such a rigorous operation. These are not government restrictions; this is a tour of life right now.
“We were all in a bubble – I am in a bubble with my driver, my assistant and my security. I can’t have dinner or visit other people’s locker rooms.
“Nobody, not even the family, is allowed behind the scenes. It’s the opposite of what it should be, but this time it’s necessary.”
Gary, who released his first festive album “The Dream of Christmas” earlier this year, joked that he would let the record play at home.
He quipped, “Will I be playing my Christmas album at home for Christmas? Yes, of couse. I’m sorry kids. I have a record player and it only comes out for Christmas. We have [Frank] Sinatra and Bing Crosby and now me. “
