MARK OWEN: “I SEE GREY HAIRS AND LINES… THEY’LL ALL KILL ME FOR SAYING THAT. THEY’RE ALL IN DENIAL!”
Mark Owen couldn’t resist an opportunity to poke fun at his Take That pals – but admitted the longevity of the pop superstars is something to be proud of.
Owen and his bandmates started Take That as fresh-faced teenagers and – albeit with a lengthy break – have recently enjoyed massive international success after their middle-age-charmers transformation.
“It is a relief we’re all still here,” Owen said. “I see grey hairs and lines…they’ll all kill me for saying that. They’re all in denial!
“But I’m really proud, not just of the band. Mates from school I see. We’ve shared this place, together.”
Away from Take That’s incredible success, Owen hasn’t managed to live up to the same heights on his own, and this week he released his fourth solo album, The Art Of Doing Nothing.
It’s arguably his best yet, and with a wild spell long behind him, the 41-year-old told The Big Issue that he is primed for whatever the future has to throw for him.
Speaking in his ITV dressing room before his performance on Alan Carr’s Chatty Man, Owen held a bronze pendant of a stag’s head with the inscription, Je Suis Pret – a symbol of someone ready to protect themselves.
“It says I am ready in French, and I am ready,” he said of the pendant. “For phase two. I’m ready for life. I’m ready to embrace. I’m ready to be aware. I’m ready to be amazed. I’m ready to be a dad.”
To read the full interview with Mark Owen, buy this week’s Big Issue, on sale now.
