Dan Hadfield: More Than JUST a Gary Barlow Lookalike

Thirteen years, over 1300 shows, and countless encounters with amazed fans – it's safe to say Dan Hadfield has carved out a pretty unique career. He's known as one of the UK's top Gary Barlow tribute artists, but as we discovered when he joined us on the #LincsLivesNatters podcast, there's much more to Dan than meets the eye.

The Musical Beginnings

Dan's journey began long before he stepped into Gary Barlow's shoes. "The first time I ever sang in public was on stage as a teenager in the play Grease," he revealed. Back then, it was all about holding a note rather than hitting the high notes. Karaoke nights followed, with the usual suspects like Mustang Sally getting a good airing.

His musical exploration continued through his 20s, taking in soul, middle-of-the-road classics, and even a stint singing folk tunes at university. "I was exploring different aspects of my voice, and slowly I was finding out what my voice was," Dan explained. A brief foray into an Americana band in Lincolnshire came just before the Gary Barlow tribute took off, which he jokingly says forced him to sing contemporary pop music.

Despite his success, Dan remains humble about his vocal talents. "You're only as good as your last show," he tells us, a sentiment many performers share. It's this grounded attitude that's helped him navigate a career path he never anticipated.

Driven by Determination

When Dan decided to pursue the Gary Barlow tribute, not everyone was supportive. "Some of the comments I received from people at the time, who I kind of thought were friends, really…made me think that, you know, they're just waiting for me to fail," he shared. But, being the stubborn Lincolnshire man that he is, this negativity only fuelled his determination.

Dan's dedication to honing his craft is evident. He emphasised the importance of experience, having seen many reality TV contestants struggle with the realities of live performance. "I wanted to work through all of the difficulty," he said. And that often meant cutting his teeth in some tough venues.

"You do have to treat the good and the bad with the same light hand," Dan explained, highlighting the resilience required in his line of work.

The Resemblance

Of course, the resemblance to Gary Barlow is a key part of Dan's story. But he's keen to dispel any illusions. "Firstly, I bear a resemblance to Gary. That's it. I bear a resemblance. I am not a twin," he clarified. It's a combination of appearance, stage presence, and a bit of "sleight of hand" that creates the illusion.

The turning point came in 2011 when Gary Barlow's return to the spotlight on The X Factor led to a surge of comments about Dan's similarity to the pop star. Initially, Dan was dismissive. "I'd not thought about Gary Barlow for, you know, 10, 15, whatever years," he admitted. However, the constant comments and encouragement from a lookalike agency eventually persuaded him to explore the opportunity.

Then came the call from The X Factor. "They rang me up and said, oh, do you want to come on the telly on Sunday night with Gary to do a sketch of his lookalike?" Dan recalled. This experience thrust him into the limelight and set him on his current path.

Life as a Gary Barlow tribute isn't always glamorous. Dan shared the frequent double takes and requests for photos he encounters. "It's every day I get something, you know," he said.

When it comes to his voice, Dan believes he has a similar range to Gary Barlow but with a slightly deeper tone. While some tributes aim for a caricature, Dan strives for authenticity. "I never pretend to be him," he emphasised.

Meeting Gary Barlow

Meeting the man himself, Gary Barlow, was inevitably a surreal and memorable milestone in Dan's career. It wasn't just a brief encounter; it was a chance to connect, however fleetingly, with the person whose musical legacy he celebrates on stage. Dan described the experience with a touch of awe, highlighting the slightly bizarre nature of meeting someone you portray for a living.

Dan recalled expressing his respect and dedication to Gary, saying he tried to do him proud on stage and be authentic. Gary's response was typically down-to-earth. "Oh, mate," Gary told him, "don't look to me as a role model, mate. I'm just making it up as I go along." Dan clearly took this to heart, seeing it as a reminder to stay grounded and authentic in his own journey, rather than trying to perfectly replicate someone else's path. It's a sentiment that seems to align with Dan's own down-to-earth approach to his career.

Memorable Moments and Connecting with the Crowd

When asked about his most memorable gig, Dan offered a surprising choice. While a wedding performance with Gary Barlow was a highlight, it's a show in Ibiza that stands out. The audience's reaction that night was unforgettable.

"I love to talk a lot between songs. I love to tell jokes. I love to ad lib. I really love to do crowd work. It's my favourite thing," Dan shared, revealing his passion for connecting with the audience.

Performing in Manchester, Gary Barlow's home turf, brings its own unique energy. Though Dan jokingly said the women are "a lot crazier" in Manchester and Liverpool, he loves the experience.

Over the years, Dan has collaborated with other tribute artists, but he prefers to maintain his solo career. "I don't feel like I would benefit really financially or professionally from being in a Take That line up," he explained.

Looking Ahead

Despite his success as a Gary Barlow tribute, Dan is also a musician in his own right. "I think I'm a decent writer, but I struggle to write lyrics that aren't twee," he confessed. Original music may be on the horizon, but for now, you can catch Dan performing across the UK. Check out his website (garybarlowlookalike.com) or Facebook page (Mr Dan Hadfield) for details.

"And what are his favourite songs to perform? It's a tie between 'Since I Saw You Last' and 'Greatest Day,' two songs that often open his shows. Dan explained that he enjoys both because of the audience's journey through those opening numbers. 'Since I Saw You Last' is a great song in itself, but he notices that some generic Take That fans don't always know it, leading to some confused faces. Then, as he transitions into 'Greatest Day,' he sees the audience's relief and enthusiasm grow, with everyone's arms in the air. 'I enjoy both of those,' he said, describing that wave of audience participation."

Dan Hadfield's story is one of talent, resilience, and a healthy dose of humour. He's more than just a lookalike; he's a performer in his own right, with a deep appreciation for music and a genuine connection with his audience.

Watch to the full here or listen here.