Gary Barlow: Net Worth, Biggest Hit, Daughter’s Death & Robbie

There’s a reason Gary Barlow remains one of Britain’s most recognised pop stars — his story isn’t just about chart-topping hits, but about friendship, rivalry, and profound personal loss. The Take That frontman has sold millions of records, yet his private life has been marked by tragedy and health battles that few fans know the full extent of.

Born: 20 January 1971 · Occupation: Singer, songwriter, record producer, television personality · Nationality: English · Years active: 1989–present · Biggest hit: Back for Good (1995)

Six key details that frame Gary Barlow’s public profile:

Who is richer, Gary Barlow or Robbie Williams?

The two Take That icons have very different wealth trajectories. Multiple editorial profiles estimate Barlow’s net worth at around $125 million (Mirror, UK tabloid), while Robbie Williams is valued closer to $300 million (MoneyWeek, investment magazine). A 2025 ranking from the Express placed Barlow as the second-wealthiest Take That member with £147 million, behind Williams (Express, UK tabloid).

Three categories, one pattern: every source puts Williams ahead, sometimes by a factor of more than two.

The pattern: Robbie Williams has consistently pulled ahead financially thanks to a longer-running solo career and larger-scale touring. Barlow remains wealthy, but his wealth is second in the band’s hierarchy.

What is Gary Barlow’s biggest hit?

By chart performance and cultural footprint, “Back for Good” (1995) is widely regarded as Barlow’s signature song (Mirror, UK tabloid). It reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and became a global ballad, cementing Take That’s mid-nineties dominance. Barlow has written or co-written fifteen number-one singles and 24 top-ten hits (South China Morning Post, Hong Kong newspaper).

When did Gary Barlow lose his daughter?

Gary Barlow’s daughter Poppy Barlow died in December 2012 from a rare mitochondrial disease (BBC News, UK public broadcaster). He has spoken about the loss in interviews, describing ongoing grief and anger. “I’m still angry about the death of my daughter,” he admitted in a 2024 profile (Yahoo Style Canada, lifestyle portal).

How did Gary Barlow’s daughter pass away?

Poppy was stillborn due to a rare mitochondrial disease, a genetic disorder that affects the energy-producing parts of cells (BBC News, UK public broadcaster). Barlow has said the tragedy inspired some of the most personal tracks on his albums.

Why is Gary Barlow still angry about his daughter’s death?

Nearly twelve years on, Barlow has been candid that the pain hasn’t faded. “It still makes me angry,” he told Yahoo Style Canada in 2024 (Yahoo Style Canada, lifestyle portal). He has also spoken about the impact on his mental health in a televised interview (YouTube, interview clip).

I’m still angry about the death of my daughter.

— Gary Barlow, as reported by Yahoo Style Canada (2024)

Are Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow still friends?

After years of public feuding following Williams’ departure from Take That in 1996, the two have reportedly mended their relationship. A joint performance in 2019 at a charity event signaled that the long rift was over (Mirror, UK tabloid). “We are friends now,” Williams said in a 2019 interview (Mirror, UK tabloid).

Why did Robbie Williams not like Gary Barlow?

The feud’s origins trace back to Take That’s breakup. Williams has said he felt overshadowed by Barlow’s role as the band’s primary songwriter and frontman (Mirror, UK tabloid). Competition for creative control and media attention fueled a rift that lasted nearly two decades.

Gary and I are friends now. It took a long time, but we got there.

— Robbie Williams, as reported by the Mirror

Is Gary Barlow’s wife ill?

Gary Barlow’s wife Dawn Andrews has reportedly been living with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME) since around 2012. Barlow has mentioned her condition in interviews, though he keeps specific health details private (YouTube, interview clip). The couple have three children together and remain married.

For Gary Barlow, the balance of public success and private tragedy continues to define his story. His music reaches millions, yet his personal losses — the death of his daughter, his wife’s illness, and the long feud with his former bandmate — remind fans that fame rarely comes without a human cost. Barlow has channeled grief into song, and a private man learning to share his scars.