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Take That: The Circus Live

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Take That: Circus

W hile Keane have used cheesy pop licks on their Perfect Symmetry album, Take That have picked up Tim Rice-Oxley's discarded hammering-piano technique for their own album, The Circus. It seems the rejuvenated five have also been listening to Coldplay's A Rush of Blood to The Head for inspiration, delivering a set of earnest songs full of chiming guitars and a dozen violins, which should soar through Wembley Stadium when they embark on their stadium tour next summer. There's even a song called Hold Up a Light, designed to encourage a lighters-aloft moment. Though Mark Owen reprises the jaunty ELO-style pop of Shine on Hello and Up All Night, there are too many well-buffed ballads here, and the songs lack the restraint that made Back for Good truly great. So, what next for Take That? Will Brian Eno get the call? Stranger things have happened in their remarkable comeback.

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Take That: The Circus Live

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• Gary Barlow
• Howard Donald
• 1 User review
• 1 Critic review

• Themselves - Performers

• Self - Performer

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• (as Claire Turton)

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• Connections Featured in Live from Studio Five: Episode #1.54 (2009)

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• November 23, 2009 (United Kingdom)
• United Kingdom
• Wembley Stadium, Wembley, London, England, UK
• Serpent Films Productions
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

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• Runtime 2 hours 36 minutes
• 1.78 : 1 / (high definition)

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All Setlists

• All setlist songs  ( 598 )

Years on tour

• 2024  ( 12 )
• 2023  ( 16 )
• 2021  ( 1 )
• 2020  ( 1 )
• 2019  ( 54 )
• 2018  ( 11 )
• 2017  ( 54 )
• 2016  ( 4 )
• 2015  ( 63 )
• 2014  ( 12 )
• 2012  ( 1 )
• 2011  ( 41 )
• 2010  ( 10 )
• 2009  ( 30 )
• 2008  ( 6 )
• 2007  ( 62 )
• 2006  ( 48 )
• 1996  ( 3 )
• 1995  ( 63 )
• 1994  ( 56 )
• 1993  ( 32 )
• 1992  ( 18 )

Show all tours

• Beautiful World Tour  ( 49 )
• Everything Changes  ( 35 )
• Greatest Hits Live  ( 53 )
• Nobody Else  ( 31 )
• Party Tour  ( 19 )
• Pops Tour  ( 60 )
• Progress Live  ( 35 )
• Take That Live 2015  ( 51 )
• Take That Present: The Circus Live  ( 20 )
• The Ultimate Tour  ( 33 )
• This Life On Tour  ( 10 )
• Wonderland Live  ( 39 )
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Average setlist for tour: Take That Present: The Circus Live

• Song played from tape The Adventures of a Lonely Balloon Play Video
• Greatest Day Play Video
• Hello Play Video
• Could It Be Magic ( Barry Manilow  cover) Play Video
• Pray Play Video
• A Million Love Songs Play Video
• Back for Good Play Video
• The Garden Play Video
• Shine Play Video
• Up All Night Play Video
• Wooden Boat Play Video
• How Did It Come to This Play Video
• The Circus Play Video
• What Is Love Play Video
• Do What U Like / Promises / It Only Takes a Minute / Take That and Party Play Video
• Said It All Play Video
• Never Forget Play Video
• Patience Play Video
• Relight My Fire ( Dan Hartman  cover) Play Video
• Hold Up a Light Play Video
• Rule the World Play Video

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The Home To Backing / Karaoke Tracks of Live Concert Versions

From the biggest artistes in the world, e: [email protected].

The Backing Track Vault

Take that - circus tour backing tracks.

Take That were without doubt the UK's biggest Boyband and their incredible shows were always a talking point. 

But the Circus Tour just broke all boundaries as they worked alongside cirque du soleil to bring spectacular visuals. But it's the music we are interested in for you and WoW was it spectacular. So, we had a great time recreating the tracks from this amazing show that would become their finest achievement... 

Take That| Circus Tour Live Backing Tracks

Take that | circus tour live backing tracks.

Tracks Produced By - Marc Andrew

Backing Vocals - Marc Andrew

Tracks Produced At - Splash Studios

Guide Vocals - Marc Andrew

Original Songs By Take That

Versions Created From - The Circus Tour

© Concert Show Tracks 2022

Take That - The Circus Tour Guide Tracks

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Take That (formed in 1990) is the most successful English boy band in UK chart history, specialising in their own style of pop balladry, the band hails from Manchester, England.

Band manager Nigel Martin-Smith in 1989 had a vision to create a youthful and highly appealing male singing group based on New Kids on the Block. Introduced to young singer Gary Barlow, Martin-Smith decided to design the group around Barlow’s talents, subsequently inviting Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and 16-year-old Robbie Williams. Originally performing under the moniker Kick It, Take That’s breakthrough came with a cover of the Tavares hit “It Only Takes a Minute”, followed by “I Found Heaven” and “A Million Love Songs”. Take That later released the album “Take That & Party” in 1992 which featured all of the hit singles theretofore released.

In 1993 the band released their second full-length album “Everything Changes” garnering generous amounts of popular appeal. The album peaked at No.1 and spawned six singles including “Pray”, “Relight My Fire” and “Babe”. Nominated for the Mercury prize the band saw some international esteem however wasn’t enough to break into the U.S. market.

On the wake of Take That’s third studio album “Nobody Else”, Robbie Williams came under some criticism from other band members for his drug use and was offered an ultimatum: sort himself out or hit the road. Williams chose the latter and Take That embarked on their first worldwide tour and released the album “Nobody Else” in America with Williams removed.

Sensing an opportunity to continue his solo careers in the shadow of artists like Elton John an George Michael, Gary Barlow and the group disbanded in 1996. Barlow’s debut solo single reached the No. 2 spot in the UK chart and Mark Owen began working on a solo album influenced by Paul Weller and Radiohead. In 1997 Robbie issued his solo album “Life Thru a Lens” which topped the charts as did his sophomore release “I’ve Been Expecting You” a year later.

In 2005 a new compilation of Take That hits “Never Forget - The Ultimate Collection” arrived which led to an ITV documentary where the band discussed things past. In late 2005 the post-Williams line-up announced they would tour around the UK in 2006 and released the album “Beautiful World”. The album shot straight to the No. 1 spot, sold over 2.8 million copies and is the UK’s 25th best selling album in chart history. The album was led by the single “Patience” which hit the No. 1 spot, the group’s ninth single to do so.

In 2008 Take That released their new single “Greatest Day” ahead of their fifth studio album “The Circus”. Like its predecessors the album broke many records and earned many awards, afterwards the band embarked on their Take That Present - The Circus Tour Live”.

Robbie Williams returned in 2010 with the single written by both Barlow and Williams entitled “Shame”. Subsequently the band released the single “The Flood” ahead of the group’s 2010 album “Progress”. In 2014 the group released the album “III” led by the No. 1 single “These Days".

Live reviews

Take That was A M A Z I N G! We had seats in Block 420, Row C, and had the BEST view we've ever had at the O2! The support band, All Saints, were quite good and a great introduction to how the stage in the middle worked and what our view would be like for the main act. We found by watching them that Take That wouldn't be little ants like we thought they would, we could in fact see them clearly. I cannot fault the start of the main act as it was just so good. The visuals were superb, and my mind was blown as I watched. As someone who is a die hard Take That fan and loves all of the new songs as well as the old, I stood up for nearly every song and got goosebumps all the time. The visuals again, throughout, were especailly good in the songs Giants, relight my fire and shine. Take That also did a medley of old or obscure songs in the middle, which was amazing for me, even though I was the only one standing up in Block 420! Their new dance song called 'Cry' really got the crowd hyped, as it was amazing to witness. Never forget and rule the world were beautiful, with phone flashlights illuminating the whole arena.

I also cannot fault the secruity, as it was like being in an airport and I felt very safe. However, we had to go to level 1 to get chips as there is not much vareity on level 4 and we do not like going to a big resturant on the ground floor before a concert.

My favourite songs live were: Cry, Shine, wonderland, it's all for you and rule the world.

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Back in 2011 Take That played a stint of gigs at London’s Wembley Stadium. They were certainly impressive shows. Since their 2005 comeback the English pop group (it no longer seems fitting to describe them as a boy band) have been famed for the dramatic scale of their arena performances.

Take That drew upon their by-now vast repertoire of work. They had released no less than three studio albums since their much-anticipated comeback n 2005. Of course, the latest album and tour had been particularly exciting because it marked the belated return of Robbie Williams. The largely female crowd was an excitable screaming mass throughout the evening, letting out deafening yells, whoops and screams as the Take That four-piece opened with ‘Rule the World.’ Five songs later, Robbie Williams took to the stage to perform five of his own solo tracks. And then it was time for what we were all waiting for. THE ORIGINAL TAKE THAT LINE-UP PERFORMING TOGETHER. They began with ‘The Flood,’ the leading single of their 2010 album, ‘Progress’. Soon the reunited five-piece were transporting us back to the nineties with a fine rendition of ‘Want You Back’. Take That delivered an impressive spectacle of a performance. And with an encore featuring ‘Relight My Fire’ it would have been difficult to please their audience any more!

A nation went into mourning when boyband Take That announced their breakup in the mid 90s. However they delighted the devoted fanbase announcing a reunion in 2006 as they reappeared as a more mature, grown up band with a new approach to pop music. The tours have also changed with age, there and no more cheesy dance routines of the 90s videos and instead they have been replaced with more considered, sophisticated production values.

The fully reformed lineup took to Wembley stadium to delight fans with a barrage of dancers, lights, video interludes and an infamous illuminating elephant. With so much to focus on, you could review a Take That show without having to mention the incredible track list which includes mega-hits such as 'Relight My Fire' 'Never Forget' and 'Could It Be Magic'. The original reformed four piece also perform modern hit singles including 'Rule the World' and 'Patience' before Robbie arrives to play a number of his solo tracks including 'Rock DJ'. This show really is a masterclass in pop majesty.

What an absolutely wonderful time we had at Take That's Thursday night concert at Take That Arena.

Rick Astley was brilliant a trip right back to the 80s. I'd quite forgotten how many hits there were. Then bang up to date with some of his contemporary work. Great voice great music!!!

Then the boys landed!!!

The set and special effects were incredible. The lads worked so hard for over 2 hours and treated us to a catalogue of hits and routines from their previous tours. Even the outfits were authentic.

It was so fantastic to see such a show and be able to sing along to of the music.

Very hoarse today !

And a final surprise guest Lulu.

The little pocket rocket with the huge voice. Hasn't lost any of it!!

If you get the chance to see the tour my advise just do it.

We celebrated our wedding anniversary in style xxxxxx

I am a heavy metal fan who goes along with his wife to Take That concerts. Joy!

To be honest, Joy is the correct word to use. Take That always put on an excellent show and even thought it is so different from let’s say the upcoming Rammstein concert at the same venue I am so looking forward too in July, these guys show is exciting and so well presented that I found myself bopping like a 16 year old kid out on the kip for his first conquest. Loved it. I would say that of the 5 TT tours I have been to, this one rates second after the Circus show at Wembley all those years ago.

Well done lads. Loved it!

Yet again, a fantastic show. Take That never fail to entertain. They sounded fabulous, the stage was a masterpiece and Lulu was amazing! Rick Astley was the perfect set-up for the boys, getting everyone dancing and singing. The crowd were all in good spirits with everyone being friendly and polite to each other. It was an amazing tribute to the past 30 years with a real mixture of old and new songs. The guys may be 30 years older now but they ooze energy! Certainly my favourite gig since The Circus tour in 2009!!

The concert was stunning and amazing *-*

It was huge, even it was only the 'little' show of them.

Me and my friend both got a plec from Kevin, the best tour manager ever! And we never thought that Howard, Mark and Gary would look at us that much! All three of them looked at us several times and grinned when we grinned or laughed or winked or what ever. We botj saw that they have really much fun with that what they do! :)

This concert was just awesome! <3

Thank you for the great night! <3

Fabulous show!!. A million costume changes,loads of stage props and pyrotechnics fireworks ldancing girls and flames. All the hits were covered and appeared I went. Rick Astley is still as fab as he ever was though he did say" I'm 53 and knackered" lol. Surprise guest was Lulu . "Rule the world" a little tear ran down my face. All had our torches on and my dad's dear face on my phone was lit up like he was there. The stars are coming out tonight...for you Dad. He'd have loved it ❤

The concert was brilliant. Was so excited to see the boys, particularly Gary

The performances got everyone on their feet and the crowd were well behaved.Take That was fantastic as usual.

Cant wait for their next future concert.

Would love to see Gary at a forthcoming live shows of his own, would like to be inform whenever this happen or to win tickets

Lovely person.

The concert was brilliant. Was so excited to see the boys, particularly Gary.

The performances got everyone on their feet and the crowd were well behaved. Take That was fantastic as usual.

Would love to see Gary at his own forthcoming live show, would like to be informed whenever this happen or to win tickets.

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Take That is not due to play near your location currently - but they are scheduled to play 71 concerts across 14 countries in 2024-2025. View all concerts.

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It’s a good day to be a PGA Tour player — and a really good day to be Tiger Woods.

The Telegraph is reporting that players are receiving the money they earned by not bolting for LIV Golf and accepting the huge offers that were being made by the rival league.

Woods received the biggest payday at $100 million, with Rory McIlroy coming in at around $50 million.

The funds were made available after a group of investors led by Fenway Sports, which also included Mets owner Steve Cohen, infused $1.5 billion into PGA Tour Enterprises in January.

In total, approximately $1 billion will be split — unevenly — between 193 golfers, according to The Telegraph.

How much a player gets is determined by career-long achievements, which is why Woods is getting paid so handsomely.

The Telegraph noted that the PGA Tour and commissioner Jay Monahan “have been at pains” to try to keep the financial breakdown under wraps, as it naturally could cause frustration from players receiving far less than the top group.

The top 36 players on the list are splitting up approximately $750 million, the 64 players who round out the top 100 are dividing $75 million, with $30 million going to the next 57 players.

The remaining $75 million is divvied up between 36 retired players who are considered living legends, per the report.

The other specific figures cited in the report were Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, who will each rake in around $30 million.

The influx of cash comes as the PGA Tour, including Woods, has been in talks with PIF — the financial arm of the Saudi government that funds LIV.

While the specifics on the talks have been kept tight, a framework agreement that would like merge LIV and the PGA Tour in some form has been agreed to since June.

Aside from Woods, the significant cash the players are receiving still pales in comparison to what the top stars got for going to LIV Golf.

The likes of Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau reportedly were in the nine-figure range — or very close to it — to defect to LIV.

Jon Rahm reportedly got a whopping $450 million to make the LIV leap in December in what many viewed as a tipping point that would push the PGA Tour closer to a merger.

However, five months later the two sides remain in a vague negotiating phase.

Rumors surfaced last week that McIlroy was possibly headed to LIV Golf for $850 million, but he shot down that possibility in an interview with Golf Channel.

“I honestly don’t know how these things get started, I’ve never been offered a number [potential deal] from LIV and I’ve never contemplated going to LIV,” said McIlroy, who is returning to the PGA Tour Players Advisory Council after stepping down last year. “I think I’ve made it clear over the past two years that I don’t think it’s something for me.

“That doesn’t mean I judge people who have gone and played [LIV Golf]. One of the things I’ve realized over the past two years is people can make their own decisions for whatever they think is best for themselves and who are we to judge them for that? For me, my future is here on the PGA Tour.”

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Live music: Tickets on sale for summer Music Circus, Melody Tent shows

 Spring brings the sweet sounds of live music to the area. See where you can catch a show and time to take a look further ahead to the summer.

South Shore Music Circus , Cape Melody Tent tickets on sale

Spring is in the air – at least when it's not raining – and summer can't be far behind.  Meanwhile the summer venues have been announcing shows and selling tickets for a while now, and the South Shore Music Circus kicks off its season June 18 when the popular Happy Together tour hosted by The Turtles returns.  A quick check of Cohasset's beloved tent venue's schedule reveals a busy slate of shows, with tribute bands continuing to show their strength. Check out Let's Sing Taylor (June 22) for you Swifties; or Voyage , for Journey fans (July 12), or Rumours for Fleetwood Mac devotees (July 20); or even the ever popular The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA (Aug. 3).  But there are some really attractive shows by original artists too, such as country/rock/blues singer Elle King (June 28); Southern rockers Needtobreathe (July 24); rocker Grace Potter (July 31); and perennial favorites The Beach Boys (August 9). Check the full schedule at themusiccircus.org

The sister Cape Cod Melody Tent gets started a bit earlier, with country star Brantley Gilbert performing he first show on June 2, followed by Holliston's own Jo Dee Messina on June 8. The Melody Tent's killer couple of weeks in June continues with Bonnie Raitt , with the James Hunter Band opening, on June 11, and then blues and soul man Keb' Mo' on June 14.  The Hyannis venue has gone big for comedy this summer too, with Saturday Night Live alumnus Pete Davidson (June 18); Nikki Glaser (July 12); TV's Seth Meyers (July 20); and New England favorite Bob Marley (Aug. 3).  And Vermont's Grace Potter is also rocking out at the Cape venue on Aug. 6.  Take a look at the full schedule at melodytent.org. 

10,000 maniacs in Mass.

Fans may have noticed and been curious about 10,000 Maniacs tour through the area, as they have sold out both their Saturday stop at the Narrows Center in Fall River , and their Sunday night stop at City Winery in Boston .  The current lineup is really strong with four of the six original members from the band's early 1980s start still on board. Of course, the focal point is singer Natalie Merchant , who left for a solo career a long time ago. But Mary Ramsey , a musician (violin and viola) who'd been associated with the band for years, has taken over on vocals and does a stellar job. The Maniacs have been enjoying a resurgence, especially with their 40th anniversary in 2022, and naturally, those melodies are as entrancing as ever.  

THURSDAY, April 25: Scorpions guitarist coming to Fall River

Scorpions guitarist Uli Jon Roth brings his solo band to the Narrows Center in Fall River , where the walls are sure to be shaking. More rock thunder at MGM Music Hall in Boston where Judas Priest touches down. Alan Doyle , the main man from the beloved Newfoundland band Great Big Sea, brings his solo show to The Wilbur Theater in Boston. Comic Shannon Ford is at City Winery in Boston. Certainly worth a road trip when soul legend Dionne Warwick sings at The Lowell Auditorium. Larsen celebrates its new album, "Club Americana," at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke . Blu deTiger rocks The Sinclair in Cambridge. Funktapuss leads the jam at The Music Room in Yarmouth. Country songwriter Adam Doleac performs at Royale in Boston.

FRIDAY, April 26:  Folk singer Cheryl Wheeler coming to Plymouth

It's always a charming mix of music and humorous storytelling when folk singer Cheryl Wheeler comes to town, and her opener and cohort Kenny Wheeler is an extraordinary songsmith himself, at the Spire Center in Plymouth .  The Freight , with guests Danny C and the East Coast Horns, heat up The C Note in Hull . The Americana artist known as Waxahatchee takes over Boston's Orpheum Theater. The funk and grooves of Magic Beans is at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke all weekend. Jazz pianist Michel Camilo is playing solo at The RegattaBar in Harvard Square all weekend. The roots band all the way from Kootenay, British Columbia, Moontricks , arrives at Brighton Music Hall. The jazz singer known as Savoir Faire performs at The Burren in Somerville. Folk and guitar master Garnet Rogers returns to Club Passim in Cambridge. Jamband Umphrey's McGee is at The House of Blues in Boston through Saturday. Country star-on-the-rise Priscilla Block sure to pack the Paradise Rock Club in Boston.  Comedian Drew Lynch at The Wilbur Theater in Boston. One of new England's favorite "party hearty" bands, Steve Smith and the Nakeds , light up The District Center for the Arts in Taunton . Bluegrass/roots music supergroup Barnstar! – their latest album is called "Furious Kindness" – raises heck at the Narrows Center in Fall River . Spacy popster Helado Negro plays at The Sinclair in Cambridge. Kiss the Sky – a Jimi Hendrix tribute – at The Music Room in Yarmouth. DJ duo Two Friends brings their Los Angeles sheen to MGM Music Hall in Boston for two nights. 

SATURDAY, April 27:  Chris Pahud heading to Needham

Band of Brothers , a group dedicated to performing the music of the Allman Brothers Band and its various offshoots, headlines the Spire Center in Plymouth . Quincy's basso profundo folksinger Chris Pahud joins Tom Pirozzoli and Seth Connelly for some indelible harmonies at Needham's Homegrown Coffeehouse . Falmouth's genre-busting rock quartet Crooked Coast heats up Brighton Music Hall. Returning the scene of some of their first area shows, Suzanne McNeil and Tim Mahoney take the stage at Paddy Barry's in Quincy . Sister Funk headlines a benefit for the TT's Animal Foundation at The C Note in Hull . Siblings Natalie (cello) and Brittany (fiddle) Haas deliver some traditional folk sounds at Club Passim in Cambridge. Glitter Boys – a DJ crew – headlines Roadrunner in Allston. Pianist Joey Alexander delights jazz fans at Scullers in Boston. Disco Dream brings back the music of that era at The District Center for the Arts in Taunton .  Electronic popster Wisp is at The Sinclair in Cambridge. Mercy hits the groove at The Next Page Cafe in Weymouth .  Boston folk singer Vance Gilbert performs at Lexington's Harmony on the Green Coffeehouse. 

SUNDAY, April 28:  Shady Roosters spend the afternoon in Plymouth

Sunday's 2 p.m. Shady Roosters sets have become a staple at the Spire Center in Plymouth ; while the 4-8 p.m. blues jam at Players in Rockland , helmed by The Michele Rockwell Band , always has surprise guests. Sunday night the biggest show is at MGM Music Hall in Boston where the reunited Black Crowes (with the battling Robinson brothers) take the stage, with local blues-rockers GA-20 opening. The electronic producer/performer known as Oneohtrix Point Never , or just Daniel Lopatin to his friends, crafts a mood at Royale in Boston.   

Coming attractions

MONDAY: Lost Dog Street Band is one of the best and fastest-rising Americana outfits out there, so their show at Royale in Boston is not to be missed; meanwhile the oddly-named Rey Royale brings R&B to City Winery in Boston.   

TUESDAY: Teenage Fanclub rocks The Paradise in Boston; while EXTC – a band playing the music of XTC and including XTC's drummer – hits City Winery in Boston; and indie rocker Malcolm Todd plays Royale in Boston.  

WEDNESDAY: Hanover's bandleader/artist/Energizer rocker Aldous Collins brings his solo work to the Spire Center in Plymouth ; while garage-rocker Ty Segall raises a ruckus at Royale in Boston.

MAY 2: A huge night for Americana rock, with The Decemberists at Roadrunner in Boston; while The Jayhawks touch down at Beverly's Cabot Theater. 

MAY 4:  Folk music rules with the detailed story-songs of Ellis Paul at the Spire Center in Plymouth ; while the bluesy sounds of Mark T. Small are at The South Shore Folk Music Club at Duxbury First Parish .

MAY 6:   A night for musical legends, as Norah Jones sings at MGM Music Hall in Boston; while blues titan Buddy Guy 's Farewell Tour is at The Wilbur Theater in Boston.  (Guy also plays Medford's Chevalier Theater May 8).

Team MciLowry ready to take on Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Rory mcilroy making first nola appearance with shane lowry.

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Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry have been close since they were kids, representing Ireland at the 2007 European Amateur Team Championships. They played for Europe as it reclaimed the Ryder Cup in Rome last fall, and when McIlroy was on the verge of becoming a “car park scrapper” at Marco Simone, as one scribe put it, Lowry was there to hold him back.

You would be hard-pressed to find two closer teammates at this week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans, and keep in mind this is a field that features two sets of twins.

“We’ve got quite a bit of shared history,” McIlroy told PGATOUR.COM on Wednesday. Lowry was sitting next to him as they spoke about their partnership for a tournament that NOLA first-timer McIlroy, in his 17th year as a pro, anticipated would be a welcome addition to his schedule.

They cracked up laughing at the mention of their only other match as a duo, a 4-and-3 loss to Tony Finau and Harris English at the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits.

“I’d like to think I’m playing better now than I was then,” McIlroy said.

Added Lowry, who is making his fifth start in New Orleans, “We feed off each other well. I like to think we’re good for each other on and off the course.”

Shane Lowry on practicing with Rory McIlroy

Who among them would be considered the jokester, and who would be the serious one?

McIlroy: “It’s probably not the answer that people would expect.”

Lowry: “I’m probably more intense when it comes to playing tournament golf.”

McIlroy: “Yeah, yeah.”

They had flown in around midday Tuesday, and in lieu of a practice round they played some chipping games together at TPC Louisiana, as kids will do. Granted, each is in his mid-thirties, with wives and kids of their own, careers and goals, insurance policies and pension plans. They’re not the same carefree teenagers who played for Ireland in ’07.

“We got some good restaurant reservations the next few nights,” McIlroy said in their press conference earlier in the day. Naturally, someone asked: Like which restaurants?

“I don't know them,” Lowry said. “I just go where I'm told … Rory is the team captain.”

They would like to do well. Neither is off to a strong start this season, and they spoke of playing to win and racking up FedExCup points to improve their positions going into the summer.

Whatever happens, they are looking forward to a fun week, which would be of a piece with how this team was formed in the first place, as the byproduct of a boozy lunch at McIlroy’s house the week after the Ryder Cup last fall. McIlroy was the first one to broach the idea.

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry's best highlights from 2024

“We talked about it that day,” Lowry said, “and then he sent me a text around Christmastime, and it was a nice little Christmas present for me to get.”

McIlroy divulged that he’d previously had other suitors, specifically Bubba Watson, who had tried to get him to buddy up in New Orleans, but it never fit his schedule. And Lowry allowed that he never would have been the one to ask, certain as he was that McIlroy would say no.

But now they’re here – the Irish in New Orleans. Their wives are close, too, everyone living near each other in South Florida. So are their kids, two of whom have playdates together. Lowry has said he considers himself privileged to have such a friendship with McIlroy, one of the game’s all-time greats, and that affection goes both ways.

“Shane's been one of my biggest advocates,” McIlroy told the Irish Independent last fall. “He's a great person to be around, and a really good influence on me. There’s parts of (Lowry) that I really love; I see how he lives his life; I see how he is with his girls, and the relationships he has with the people from home that are still close to him.

“He enjoys his life and everything he's worked for,” the three-time FedExCup champion added, “and I think spending time with him makes me a better version of myself.”

Perhaps taking a page from Lowry, McIlroy said Wednesday that he, too, would be enjoying his life, partaking of all New Orleans has to offer this week, even if only in moderation.

“I'll maybe venture down to Bourbon Street at some point,” McIlroy said, “and spend half an hour and say I've been there and I've got the T-shirt and then move on.”

Been there. Got the T-shirt. With any luck, these friends will leave NOLA with more than that.

Cameron Morfit is a Staff Writer for the PGA TOUR. He has covered rodeo, arm-wrestling, and snowmobile hill climb in addition to a lot of golf. Follow Cameron Morfit on Twitter .