Academics to debate Take That reunion

The University of Salford is planning a two-day academic event discussing the contemporary music issues surrounding Take That's 1996 split and subsequent reunion.

The Sun reports that lecturer Tim Wise has invited papers for a conference dedicated to Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Howard Donald and Jason Orange's fractured relationship with Robbie Williams and the long-awaited news of their 2010 reunion.

A notice to staff and students at the institution said: "The break-up of a favoured band has had profound implications for fans, followers and the music industry.

"The convenors invite papers from any discipline which address the themes of break-up and reunion of popular music acts. We are particularly interested in papers addressing these issues in relation to Take That and boybands generally."

The conference is scheduled for June 3 and June 4 - coinciding with the group's appearances at the City of Manchester Stadium on their upcoming UK tour.