Feehily Has Faced Death Threats WESTLIFE star MARK FEEHILY has allegedly received a string of "death threats" since he went public with his sexuality - insisting he has been bombarded with "abuse for being gay". The Irish singer stunned fans in 2005 when he opened up about his homosexuality, having kept his secret since he shot to fame with the band.
Feehily is glad he told the truth about his private life, but admits he has been targeted by homophobes since he 'came out'.
He tells Britain's Daily Star Sunday newspaper, "I'm the one who always gets the death threats and hate mail. It's generally abuse for being gay from a few psychos."
MARK FEEHILY EMBARRASSED BY LPWestlife star Mark Feehily is embarrassed by his band's 'Rat Pack' album 'Allow Us To Be Frank'.
Mark Feehily wants to "forget" about Westlife's 'Rat Pack' album 'Allow Us To Be Frank'.
The 29-year-old singer admits the band didn't want to release the LP - featuring covers of classic swing tracks - but insists their record company thought it would be a good idea after seeing the success of Robbie Williams' 'Swing when You're Winning'.
He said: "That was a weird time in our career, really. I'm not making excuses for it, but Brian McFadden had just left. We kind of didn't know what to do... Everyone was a bit like, 'Well this can't be some kind of mediocre pop album', and you know Robbie had just gone out with his and when we heard the idea first, we were just like, 'Well Robbie's just done this, why don't we just come up with our own little twist instead of doing something like that?' "
Mark said by the time they'd spent six months promoting the album, he was completely sick of it.
He said: "We eventually bought into it... but obviously you have to promote for six months and then you tour and stuff, so by the end of the tour we were ready to put that one behind us."
2009
Westlife's Mark, Nicky, Shane and Kian helping seven-year-old Ishthara Larkin switch on the Christmas lights on Dublin's Grafton Street. Thousands of fans packed the street to see the pop stars do the honours outside Brown Thomas.
Westlife: 'Louis Walsh fired us twice' Westlife have revealed how manager Louis Walsh sacked them twice during their rise to fame.
The Irish boyband said that although the X Factor judge has mentored them since the early '90s, there have been two occasions where Walsh has claimed that he was finished with the group.
"He's fired us twice!" Contactmusic quotes singer Shane Filan as saying. "He thought we were being arrogant little rock stars and said, 'Look I can't deal with you'.
"Two years later the same sort of thing happened again - he just got a vibe that we were a little bit too big for our boots. We were all genuinely devastated. I was crying."
ENTERTAINMENT:New heart to old soul 2009/12/20
After a year hiatus, Westlife which has churned out 10 albums and 14 No.1 hits in the past decade is back. PETRINA JO FERNANDEZ talks to one of its members, Shane Filan, to find out what makes it tick.
THEY rocked with their soulful crooning and it looks like they back with more.
Westlife, whose hits in the past decade include Flying Without Wings, World of Our Own, What Makes a Man and Fool Again, are returning to their pop roots in their latest album.
Featuring hit singles such as Shadows, What About Now and the album title track Where We Are, this latest production promises the band trademark ballads with a whole new rhythm.
Heartthrobs Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne make up the boyband.
With 10 chart-topping albums and 14 No. 1 hits (trailing only Elvis Presley and the Beatles), Where We Are is the band"s testimony of their journey from boyhood to manhood.
All the way at home in Ireland, Shane spills the beans on Westlife"s new album and their incredible adventure so far.
QUESTION: What have you been up to recently? SHANE FILAN: I been home Westlife is returning to its pop roots.
Shane Filan the last couple of days; took a few days off. My wife and I put up the Christmas tree with my kids, and it was a lot of fun.
We put on Santa hats and sang Christmas songs. The kids are so excited. My little boy is just a year old but he can already say Santa even though he doesn"t know what it means. My daughter is four and she keeps asking me when Santa"s coming (laughs).
It"s going to be a great Christmas.
Q: Westlife took a year off before coming out with Where We Are. What did you do? SF: I had a holiday at home; we all did our own thing for the fi rst time in nine years. My wife had a baby so it was a really busy year for me as a family man. Musically, it was great to sit and look back at how far we come since we first started out.
Q: What does Where We Are mean? SF: It"s supposed to be ironic.
We showing our fans where we are as a band, 11 years into our career.
Q: How is this different from your previous albums? SF: I think it"s our best album to date. It"s strong pop music with an original sound that is purely Westlife. It"s powerful.
We stayed away from covers this time we wanted to capture the originality we had in our fi rst couple of albums.
As for the songs, they are written by the best in the industry. We got Ryan Tedder (who written songs for Leona Lewis and Beyonce), Steve Robson (James Morrison), Steve Booker (Duffy) and Sam Watters (Whitney Houston, Anastacia).
They an incredibly talented bunch, and they crafted amazing songs for us.
Q: Tell us about your hit single Shadows.
SF: It was co-written by A.J.
Mclean from the Backstreet Boys. Shadows is a new direction for us, but it"s not too far from the type of sound we do. It"s just a really great love song.
Q: And your favourite track? SF: Defi nitely Shadows. The vocals are the best. We pushed ourselves like never before with this song. You have to listen to it; it"s terrifi c.
Q: How have you grown both musically and as a band in the last 11 years? SF: Well, our music has stayed pretty similar from when we fi rst started out. I think that when you have a terrifi c sound and people like your music, it"s important not to change too much.
So we are staying close to what makes Westlife works.
As a band, we definitely become closer, especially after Bryan (McFadden) left the group.
Q: You once said that Where We Are is phase two of the Westlife"s story. Can you elaborate? SF: It"s our fi rst album of our second decade together. We have to keep looking to the future to stay relevant there will be more originality both in songs and music.
It"s time for us to create new material, and we starting with Where We Are.
As I mentioned earlier, this is the best album we ever made. It reflects our journey this last decade. It"s not good it"s great.
Q: Do you listen to your own songs? SF: Of course! I listen to Where We Are in my car all the time now.
In fact, my daughter loves this album. She"s a big fan of Westlife. She understands I"m in a band and that it"s me, Mark, Kian and Nicky singing on those albums.
Every time she gets in the car now, she says Put on daddy"s song! She"s my biggest fan (laughs).
Westlife is returning to its pop roots.
Q: Lastly, after more than a decade and 10 albums, how would you describe Westlife"s journey so far? SF: It"s been absolutely amazing. We never thought we last this long or enjoy this much success.
I mean, take the time we last toured Malaysia there we were, a million miles away from home, and we had fans who gave us a terrific reception! It was unbelievable.
The good news is, if things work out, we will be here on tour soon!
2009 Interview: Jordan Paramor Portrait: Nicky Johnston
We all know they deal with Westlife - they sit on stools, wear dark suits and sing ballads. But not any more!
In a shock move, the boys reveal exclusively to heat that they're ditching the stools as they prepare to unleash their new album. What will they do during those dramatic key changes? Will they ever sing sitting down again? And what were their favourite kind of stools? These and some even more important questions are answered - right here!
You've just had a whole year off - What the hell have you been doing? Shane: Chilling out and doing sweet fuck all. I was at home hanging out with my family, and my wife had a baby boy, Patrick. I played football, golf, went to the gym... Nicky: We've been able to spend time with our kids and do the things we can't normally do. We got to reflect and learn to miss it all. Mark: It was hard being in the middle of the whole Westlife thing and trying to work out what you want from life. It's like trying to meditate in Leicester Square on New Year's Eve or something. We needed to work out what we wanted. Also, I went travelling with [my partner] Kevin, which was amazing. Kian: I was mainly planning my wedding. Also, my dad passed away so I didn't do all the things I was planning to do because I wanted to be close to home. I also put a girl band together with Louis, who are recording at the minute and releasing next year.
Where's the weirdest place you were recognised on your tavels? M: In a forest in a remote part of Bali. This little Balinese man was wheeling his trolley along and wearing one of those big straw hats and he looked up, saw me and shouted, "Westlife!" It was so surreal!
Did you have to fight your record company for the year off? M: They were actually really understanding. We'd done nine albums in nine years. N: We were actually supposed to take a year off in 2004 when Brian was still in the band, but we couldn't after he left because people were worried that the band wouldn't survive.
How much did you see each other during the year off? M: We were chatting every few weeks. We saw each other at Kian's wedding, Nicky's birthday party... N: The biggest gap was about four months. M: But we all needed a break. It's easy to loose yourself in the madness of being in the band.
Did any of you not want to come back? S: No. It made me realise how lucky we are. K: I could have handled another year off, but I also really wanted to do a new album.
Did any of you think about doing solo projects like Girls Aloud? [All shake their head.] S: Not at all. I don't give a shite about being a solo artist. We're in one of the biggest bands in the world and to do it on your own would be very lonely. M: I don't think any of us have it in us to be a solo star. We're not fame hungry. K: We want success, not fame. S: Don't get us wrong, we still have egos, but not so much that we want solo success.
Do you argue a lot? S: Of course. But they're more like discussions than arguments. M: We're all very passionate about what we do.. there can be raised voices.
Have any of you ever punched each other? S: No, there's never been a punch. M: There have been some shin kicks and bitch kicks, though. S: And the odd locking of heads where you're like, "Fuck off. You're really annoying me."
Aren't you bored of singing ballads? K: [Shrugs.] We are what we are. S: We make songs for our fans and if you don't like it... K: We got comments after our X Factor performance like: "Laser lights and leather aren't going to make you cool, lads." We weren't trying to be cool, we were being us. S: There are fuck-all ballads on this new album, they're more mid-tempo tracks. N: Oh, there are ballads. You can't say that. I do get why people would take the piss when we're on a TV show wearing a suit, sitting on stools and singing Michael Buble's Home. I get it.
Do you worry about getting older? Would you ever have surgery? M: I've thought about botox, but it's scary. K: If I look massively different in ten years, I would like to slow things down. Why not?
Will you get plugs if you go bald? N: [Nods.] I think that's something I would look at. S: I would never rule it out. M: My dad has, like, zero hair. K: If I wasn't in the public eye, I wouldn't give a toss. But I am, so I'd rather... S: ...have hair to comb?
Your fans are older now - do you get filthier banners at concerts? N: [Smiles.] They don't say "We love you" or "Wave to us" anymore. S: Some of them are shameless. They'll literally say "Fuck me." One said "I want to taste a pint of your Irish cream." M: A pint is a lot, mind. She should start with a half.
What age was the oldest fan who's propositioned you? M: Oh God, old. Recently this woman in her late 50s came up to me, held my hand, looked deep into my eyes and said, "Mark, I really, really, really, really love you." She was so intense. S: She was probably trying to hypnotise you into being straight. One woman turned up to a signing in a fucking wedding dress and wanted to marry Mark. You always get the nutters. M: And I've got a boyfriend, for God's sake!
How are things with Kevin? M: [Beaming] Fantastic. We've been together for five years now, and we live together. He's really amazing. He's the missing piece for the jigsaw pazzle for me. It wasn't coming out that completed me, it was finding him. He lights me up. He's the missing part of me.
Would you ever let Brian back? S: No. And I don't think he'd want to come back. Never say never about us all singing together again, but we will never get back together as a five-piece.
Has he ever asked to rejoin? He must be a bit gutted you're doing so well. S: No. We were chatting to him last weekend and he was saying how happy he is with his life and Delta, and how he doesn't miss the band at all. M: It's been six years since he left and we've all moved on. He's been out of the band longer than he was in it.
You knew Kerry Katona really well when she was married to Brian - are you still in touch? M: Kerry's not actually in our lives anymore. N: heat probably know her better than we do now. We haven't seen her in ages. K: It's like she's a foreign person to us. She's not the same person we knew. M: We still love her and we were very close to her and we hope she's OK. We want her to be happy. We're used to hearing mad stories about her, but in the beginning I was shocked and very sad. But she always made her own decisions and did whatever she wanted.
Who's the biggest partier in Westlife? K: Probably me and Mark, as the others have kids. S: I like having a drink once a week, or if there's an event. I love getting drunk, but the hungovers are a fucking nightmare. K: I probably get the most drunk out of everybody. Nicky doesn't get hammered anymore. M: I can't drink any more when I'm recording as it ruins my voice. Although I did record one single on the new album, Shadows, after being out until 5.30am and it sounded great!
Tell us about some of your craziest drunken nights out... S: Nicky and I were in Belgium once and I was so drunk I was lying on the floor of this bar and Nicky wouldn't let me get up. He kept putting his foot on my chest to stop me and I was lying there, rolling around and laughing. Then he had a row witht he barman because he was refusing to serve him at 3.30am, so he told him to fuck off and stormed out, leaving me with three very angry men. I was like, "Thanks, Nicky." N: Shane rang me saying he thought these guys were going to kick his head in, so I had to run back and save him.
What was your best drunken night out? K: When we were in a chip shop in South Africa years ago, so drunk. I filmed the others abusing the shit out of each other. [Laughing] Nicky and Shane were picking up sauce and splatting it all in Mark's face, and he just sat there taking it. Then they started throwing things at each other and their eyes were all over the place. I still piss myself when I watch the video back.
Who do you think is going to win the X Factor? S: I'd like to see Olly win it. N: I'd like to see Lucie win it. K: They'll be in the final without a doubt. I had Danyl pegged as a winer, but people don't seem to like him.
Do you think Jedward could win? S: They're the most entertaining act, without a doubt. I don't know if they'll have a pop career, but they'll have a TV career. If they did the John & Edward Show, I'd probably fucking watching it. M: Look at how well the Cheeky Girls did. S: Jedward will make a lot of money out of just turning up to parties and singing. M: The funniest thing is that when we went to Simon's house in America earlier this year, he took us into the cinema to show us some footage of The X Factor before it had started, and the clip he showed us was of John & Edward's audition. Simon was using them to showcase the series before they'd even been picked. Poeple thought Louise was mad to put them through, but even Simon knew they had something.
WESTLIFE ARE DITCHING THE STOOLS FOR GOOD. WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?
So you're ditching the stools! M: Yes, we're coming back with a fresh new sound - the suits and the stools have gone.
Did you just use stools because you're lazy? N: [Grins.] Yes. K: It's nice to have a bit of a rest while you're singing.
What will you do during key changes now you won't be rising up off stools? N: [Laughs.] Have you ever seen Westlife in concert? We've probably only sat on stools twice in ten years, honestly. We put on a proper show at our gigs.
What are your favourite kind of stools? S: The ones that go up and down and swivel. N: I've got some nice bar stools.
Have you ever have a stool-related accident? M: I was on Frank Skinner's show and my stool collapsed half way through the interview, and I ended up on the floor. It's on YouTube if you want to laugh at me.
Has Gillian McKeith ever tried to get her hands on your stools? S: Ewww, no. M: But she can have them. We don't need them anymore.
Westlife's album 'Where We Are' is released on 30 November.
Have you ever have a stool-related accident? M: I was on Frank Skinner's show and my stool collapsed half way through the interview, and I ended up on the floor. It's on YouTube if you want to laugh at me.
ENTERTAINMENT:New heart to old soul 2009/12/20
After a year hiatus, Westlife which has churned out 10 albums and 14 No.1 hits in the past decade is back. PETRINA JO FERNANDEZ talks to one of its members, Shane Filan, to find out what makes it tick.
THEY rocked with their soulful crooning and it looks like they back with more.
Westlife, whose hits in the past decade include Flying Without Wings, World of Our Own, What Makes a Man and Fool Again, are returning to their pop roots in their latest album.
Featuring hit singles such as Shadows, What About Now and the album title track Where We Are, this latest production promises the band trademark ballads with a whole new rhythm.
Heartthrobs Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne make up the boyband.
With 10 chart-topping albums and 14 No. 1 hits (trailing only Elvis Presley and the Beatles), Where We Are is the band"s testimony of their journey from boyhood to manhood.
All the way at home in Ireland, Shane spills the beans on Westlife"s new album and their incredible adventure so far.
QUESTION: What have you been up to recently? SHANE FILAN: I been home Westlife is returning to its pop roots.
Shane Filan the last couple of days; took a few days off. My wife and I put up the Christmas tree with my kids, and it was a lot of fun.
We put on Santa hats and sang Christmas songs. The kids are so excited. My little boy is just a year old but he can already say Santa even though he doesn"t know what it means. My daughter is four and she keeps asking me when Santa"s coming (laughs).
It"s going to be a great Christmas.
Q: Westlife took a year off before coming out with Where We Are. What did you do? SF: I had a holiday at home; we all did our own thing for the fi rst time in nine years. My wife had a baby so it was a really busy year for me as a family man. Musically, it was great to sit and look back at how far we come since we first started out.
Q: What does Where We Are mean? SF: It"s supposed to be ironic.
We showing our fans where we are as a band, 11 years into our career.
Q: How is this different from your previous albums? SF: I think it"s our best album to date. It"s strong pop music with an original sound that is purely Westlife. It"s powerful.
We stayed away from covers this time we wanted to capture the originality we had in our fi rst couple of albums.
As for the songs, they are written by the best in the industry. We got Ryan Tedder (who written songs for Leona Lewis and Beyonce), Steve Robson (James Morrison), Steve Booker (Duffy) and Sam Watters (Whitney Houston, Anastacia).
They an incredibly talented bunch, and they crafted amazing songs for us.
Q: Tell us about your hit single Shadows.
SF: It was co-written by A.J.
Mclean from the Backstreet Boys. Shadows is a new direction for us, but it"s not too far from the type of sound we do. It"s just a really great love song.
Q: And your favourite track? SF: Defi nitely Shadows. The vocals are the best. We pushed ourselves like never before with this song. You have to listen to it; it"s terrifi c.
Q: How have you grown both musically and as a band in the last 11 years? SF: Well, our music has stayed pretty similar from when we fi rst started out. I think that when you have a terrifi c sound and people like your music, it"s important not to change too much.
So we are staying close to what makes Westlife works.
As a band, we definitely become closer, especially after Bryan (McFadden) left the group.
Q: You once said that Where We Are is phase two of the Westlife"s story. Can you elaborate? SF: It"s our fi rst album of our second decade together. We have to keep looking to the future to stay relevant there will be more originality both in songs and music.
It"s time for us to create new material, and we starting with Where We Are.
As I mentioned earlier, this is the best album we ever made. It reflects our journey this last decade. It"s not good it"s great.
Q: Do you listen to your own songs? SF: Of course! I listen to Where We Are in my car all the time now.
In fact, my daughter loves this album. She"s a big fan of Westlife. She understands I"m in a band and that it"s me, Mark, Kian and Nicky singing on those albums.
Every time she gets in the car now, she says Put on daddy"s song! She"s my biggest fan (laughs).
Westlife is returning to its pop roots.
Q: Lastly, after more than a decade and 10 albums, how would you describe Westlife"s journey so far? SF: It"s been absolutely amazing. We never thought we last this long or enjoy this much success.
I mean, take the time we last toured Malaysia there we were, a million miles away from home, and we had fans who gave us a terrific reception! It was unbelievable.
The good news is, if things work out, we will be here on tour soon!
Pregnant singer and actress Jodi Albert is pictured stroking her baby-bump on London's South Bank as she records a cookery article with fellow Wonderland members Kasey Smith and Corrina Durran for the This Morning show. - Simon Earl / Splash News
Pregnant singer Jodi Albert said she's had cravings for crunching ice and chocolate so far.
The 28-year-old star is expecting her first baby with husband and Westlife singer Kian Egan and recently attended Pixie Lott's launch of her new clothing line for Lipsy at Public nightclub in London.
Speaking about her pregnancy, she said to UK's MailOnline: 'I'm six and a half months and I love it. Kian is being really doting over me and doing things like rubbing my back and we can't wait for the new arrival.
'I've been really lucky. I haven't suffered and the only cravings I have had have been for chocolate, which I eat anyway, and for crunchy ice, which is a bit weird.'
WESTLIFE star Mark Feehily has called for gay marriage to be made legal.
The singer said he wishes he could marry boyfriend Kevin McDaid without any restrictions and be afforded the same rights as his bandmates.
Mark, 30, added: "Like anyone else I want equality. I want to have the choice to get married wherever I want, just like everybody else.
"I am still reading up on different legislation matters about getting married, I'm still learning loads about it.
"But at the end of the day I would just like to be like any of my friends and the other members of the band and have the choice to get married whenever, wherever I want, be it Ireland or anywhere."
The star said he can't escape all the wedding talk as everyone wants to hear what the boys plan to do on their big day.
He added: "Everyone's asking me did we set a date, we haven't as yet because we haven't been engaged that long really.
"It's only been since January so it's not that long at all really. We are still enjoying the moment.
"We are always talking about it and thinking of dates, places and times.
"Everyday we are getting closer to the date and time. We are looking into a lot of different options for now." The star also revealed Westlife are gearing up to release their new album in November.
He said: "It's going to be great - we got a great response to our new single after they played clips of it on the X Factor last week.
"It's an original song and we think that our fans will love it. It's very Westlife."
Mark revealed that the muchloved foursome are desperate to appear on this year's talent show and perform their new track.
He added: "We have appeared on it every year so far but we would never take it for granted and expect that we would automatically be on it.
"We won't be jumping up and down though until we get the call.
"But I have to say that we would love to go on it this year again."
We still think about Stephen every day, says Westlife Mark
Monday October 2010
WESTLIFE'S Mark Feehily admits that he is still haunted by the death of Boyzone's Stephen Gately one year after his tragic passing.
The Sligo-born singer explained how he and his fellow bandmates; Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan and Kian Egan could not attend an anniversary service in memory of the singer, which took place at the St Laurence O'Toole church on Sheriff Street, as they were in London for a photoshoot.
"We still think about Stephen and talk about him, it's not that the situation has left our minds at all," he said, adding he was also hit by Gerry Ryan's death.
ASHES
"I mean even on Wednesday morning I was at home in Sligo and I almost went to go and turn on the radio to listen to Gerry Ryan. You know it's tough and you do think about them a lot," he added.
The star added that he knew nothing about the alleged falling out between the family of Stephen Gately and the late pop star's husband Andrew Cowles over the scattering of his ashes earlier this month.
"I suppose it's a very sensitive subject, only the family and him [Cowles] will ever know what really happened.
"It's like politics."
Mark, who got engaged to his longtime partner Kevin McDaid last January, says they are planning their nuptials.
The star says they have yet to decide on a date or venue, but feels strongly that they should have the right to hold their civil partnership in Ireland if they so choose. "I would love to have the choice to marry in Ireland, it's just a matter of being equal to everyone else," Mark explained.
outlets
"I think I should have the choice. Ireland has come a long way but there's still a long way to go. Right now we're an engaged couple. We're brainstorming at the moment. It's probably going to be the best day of our lives so we want to make it really special," he added.
Mark also spoke of his excitement ahead of Westlife's first official concert at the O2 which takes place on April 2.
Tickets for the gig went on sale last Friday at 9am from all usual outlets and are expected to sell out fast. "We've never actually played the O2 to full capacity before.
"The acoustic gig was more of an intimate, small performance so we're all very excited," Mark explained.
"We're just meeting our creative team at the moment to make all the plans."
lnolan@herald.ie
2011 Nicky Byrne, 32, is one quarter of Irish boy band Westlife, who have just released their 11th album, Gravity, and are about to start their ninth British tour.
Does being in Westlife ever get monotonous? It does, to be honest. We're 12 years in. It's all we've ever done since we were teenagers. Every job does become monotonous at times but it's a fantastic one.
Have you got fed up with singing cover versions? We were spoilt by the amount of quality original songs we had when we first started. Things such as Flying Without Wings, Swear It Again and Fool Again were amazing pop songs. To keep your career going when you don't have those quality songs coming in abundance, you've got to do something. In the latter part of our career, every time we went in to do an album it was about what cover we could do. It was frustrating because we're better than that.
Are you happy with the current album? Delighted. We put our foot down a bit and worked with John Shanks, and did it in his house in LA. It was the first time we've worked with just one producer. We were more involved in the songwriting.
What do you listen to yourself? A lot of chart music but a bit of everything. I love the Black Eyed Peas and you can't get away from Rihanna. The Script are very good. I like some 1980s stuff. Just one-off songs such as Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship.
Do you have any musical pet hates? I was never a big Finley Quaye fan and I don't like really heavy metal.
What's the worst gig you've done? We did a promotional tour of the US in 2000. We did a local radio station roadshow in a big football stadium. There were ten acts on and about five people standing at the front barrier, and the rest of the place was empty. I just remember thinking: This is a ball of s***e.
Are you disappointed you never cracked the US? We all would have liked to. You never admit defeat. Pop had been so prominent in the US with Britney, Christina, Backstreet Boys and Sync they had three or four years before we got there. The boy band thing worked against us there because people were fed up with it. Our US label sent World Of Our Own to radio stations in LA and New York without our name on it. It got a good response but when they found out who it was they wouldn't playlist it as they weren't supporting boy bands.
What lesson has the music industry taught you? It's not a nice industry. Until I was 19, I had a footballing background. That's a very upfront world; the music industry is the opposite. Problems are sorted out in the press he's said this about this person, someone else has said XYZ, you hear things from producers or record company people back through the grapevine months later. It's not nice but I've got no regrets. I've met a million nice people and nothing beats performing to a crowd.
Louis Walsh used to place ridiculous stories in the press about you. What was the worst? He did it in the early days with Boyzone too. Before I was in Westlife, I read a story about Boyzone being in a plane crash in Australia; it wasn't true but it gets the name out there, I suppose. He's come up with some quirky, mad stories. There was one about Shane falling off the stage and leaving in a wheelchair; we were walking through an airport in Germany at the time when we read about it and there was nothing wrong with him. The thing is, Louis never tells you he's done it.
What's been your most extravagant purchase? When Westlife first kicked off, we all got into cars and watches. We all had Ferraris at one point. Anybody who doesnt come from money who earns a lot of cash very quickly will do crazy things. I would't do the same thing now.
"NO REPRO FEE"16/8/2011.Westlife s Nicky Byrne launches new IHF heart attack campaign.It was a family affair for Nicky Byrne from Westlife as he urged Irish men to Listen to your heart, not your head at the launch of the Irish Heart Foundation s new heart attack awareness campaign sponsored by AstraZeneca, to encourage more men to call 999 at the first sign of heart attack. Inspired by the personal loss of a loving father and husband Nikki Byrne Senior in November 2009, the singer joined his wife Georgina,his mother Yvonne, sister Gillian and brother Adam,Nicky urged men to call 999 before it s too late.A driving force behind the scenes, the Byrne family raised significant funding for the campaign which features the famous singer as a voiceover on the adverts due to air on Sunday, 21st August 2011. Don t die of embarrassment is the hard-hitting message from the Irish Heart Foundation using unforgettable animated characters heart and head created by Rothco. In addition, to mark Heart Month this September
FM104 has offered Nicky Byrne a DJ job following Westlife's split. The Flying Without Wings singer previously declared that he would love a career in radio if the band ever broke up.
The station's programme director Dave Kelly revealed that Nicky would be the perfect fit on its breakfast show, Strawberry Alarm Clock.
Boyish charm: He may be in his thirties, but Nicky Bryne is still a hit with the ladies after a girl throws her bra onstage
Wednesday December 07 2011
WESTLIFE star Nicky Byrne yesterday spoke of his sorrow at the death of Wales football player and manager Gary Speed, with whom he trained at Leeds United when he was a schoolboy.
"I'm stunned because I knew Gary when I was at Leeds. It was only last May myself and my wife Georgina sat next to Gary and his wife at Shay Given's charity ball in Manchester," he recalled.
Shock
"There's terrible shock that someone so young and healthy could be dead. He was a lovely fellow to me and to everyone else and I'll be thinking of his family this Christmas," said Nicky, who was a goalkeeper, and won the FA Youth Cup during his time at Leeds.
Mr Speed was found dead at his mansion near Chester 10 days ago.
But last night Nicky Byrne was putting his best foot forward as a solo attraction. He and his bandmates might have called time on their million-selling boyband but there were still hordes of screaming girls to greet the 33-year-old when he opened the new Lifestyle Sports flagship store on Dublin's Mary Street.
With hundreds of fans held back by barriers and a small army of security men, it was business as usual for the Malahide-based popstar, who revealed he was still "shell-shocked" by the band's decision to call it a day last October.
"There's no point in denying it, we are all still simply devastated over the split. But after 13 years it was inevitable this was going to happen some day," Mr Byrne told the Irish Independent.
As ever the four members have turned to manager and creator Louis Walsh, who as well as his 'X Factor' duties, was offering career advice.
"We've been meeting with Louis, collectively and individually. Who else could we turn to? After all he knows better than anyone else how to spin a story, and has contacts throughout the entertainment business which are coming in really useful now," Mr Byrne said.
The father of two has been relying on Mr Walsh's network to plot his move into a new media career, but doesn't have anything to announce yet.
"It's scary in ways because the security blanket of Westlife is gone. But at the same time, I don't want to jump into anything so I'm exploring all my options, talking to broadcasters in TV and radio as well as talent agencies. The last few weeks have been about seeing what is out there for Nicky Byrne post-Westlife," he said.
But despite this new beginning, as the new year approaches Mr Byrne said his thoughts once again were of his late father, Nicky Byrne senior, who passed away in November 2009.
With this in mind, he asked mystified manage-ment at the new Lifestyle Sports Flagship store he opened yesterday for a pair of trainers inscribed with the words 'Nucal'.
Joke
"I think the crew here thought it was a South African football team but it's actually a little private joke with my dad. I remember one New Year's Eve he came home really drunk. Being just 15, I said: 'Dad you're drunk.' But he denied it, saying: 'I could walk to Nucal and back.' He meant Lucan, but he was so drunk, Nucal is what came out," Mr Byrne said.
With his diary now empty until April, when rehearsals begin for Westlife's farewell tour, which includes three monster shows in Croke Park, Mr Byrne said he believed that throughout their career the band had made a lot of people happy.
Last week the Irish Independent reported comments from rival Irish group, The Script, who said Westlife's lack of original material could mean this will be the last anyone hears of them.
But Nicky Byrne said: "The Script look up to U2 so they should remember that U2 never, ever knocked any pop bands and especially any Irish pop bands."
Westlife’s Nicky Byrne has officially opened the new Life Style Sports flagship store on Mary St in Dublin City Centre, which is 10,000 sq ft spread out over two floors.
....Nicky Byrne may have found fame with Westlife but he's a stand out act in his own right and mainly because of his hotness.
And omg! aren't alone in our adoration as Nicky Byrne's fans nominated him to be today's Friday Fittie. When it went to a vote he won, beating off competition from Ryan Gosling, David Beckham and Olly Murs.
omg! asked our Twitter fans to nominate their fave male celeb before we launched a poll to see which of the shortlist were voted the sexiest.
Nicky Byrne won hands down and his super fans tweeted us why they think he won...
1. It's all about the looks for @Scrivey who told us: "It has to be Good ole Nicky Byrne. Have you seen those eyes, hair, smile? #HA"
2. His soft lips are what sealed the deal for @SyaFeehily who choose Nicky Byrne because; "He kissed my lips backstage #Winks!"
3. @adefadilla tweeted us: "I love Nicky because he has a beautiful smile, sexy voice and good taste in fashion .. "
4. For @lesley1976 there was no other choice for the Friday Fittie : "Woohooo @nickybyrneoffic for #fridayfittie gets my vote every time hmmmm x"
5. And as @gonzobyrne puts it, Nicky Byrne is a regular tweeter unlike some celebs which means we can have round-the-clock access to him!
Nicky Byrne and Georgina Ahern met when they were twelve years old and Nicky told his Mum he'd met the girl he was going to marry. Nicky plucked up the courage to ask her out and took her to a friend's party. Georgina was Nicky's date for his 21st birthday party and had her first taste of the paparazzi. The couple have been together for over six years. Georgina's says, "Nicky is totally, completely my life." They live together in Dublin. Nicky proposed to Georgina on Christmas Day 2002 and she said yes!... Well, they married now. Nicky and Gina byrne slideshow The story of love
It was a family affair, this most of Irish of weddings in France when Nicky Byrne of legendary boy band Westlife, married the Irish Prime Minister daughter Georgina Ahern. The 410 plus guests were all almost all family and friends but only the closest of friends, some of whom who also happened to be rock stars or play football professionally. There was not one politician in sight except for the father of the bride Irish Prime Minister, Bertie Ahern. It was a proper family affair and they had all come to celebrate in true Irish style.
Today is the 5th Wedding Anniversary of Nicky and Georgina.
Westlife's Nicky Byrne and Wife Georgina Are 'Living the Dream' For many parents, welcoming a new baby -- whether it's the first born or the fourth -- can be a somewhat daunting task, but when there are twins involved, the work can become overwhelming! After being together for more than fifteen years, Westlife singer Nicky Byrne and his wife Georgina welcomed twin boys and realized their close relationship had become a "different thing altogether." Admitting that "it was tough in the beginning," Georgina -- in a new interview with Hello -- shares that things are looking up for the happy family. "Now it's chaos, as Nicky says, but good chaos!" While the couple do not hide the fact that their fraternal twins -- Rocco Bertie and Jay Nicky, 17 months -- are definitely "harder," they say that the added responsibility is equally balanced by the double blessing. Although the boys have reached an age where they are able to "chat to each other and have a real little friendship," Georgina reveals that the built-in playmate has only recently been in their favor.
"There came a time when a few of our friends who had babies at the same time as us, said, 'It's getting easier now, isn't it?' And we looked at each other doubtfully [and said], 'Hmmm, is it really?'"
Nicky and Georgina are more than happy to take both the serene peaceful moments and the chaotic ones with their sons as they recall the twins' unexpected arrival. Born early and spending a month in the hospital, the couple were expecting premature babies, but admit that the eight-week early delivery date "caught us off guard." Once the twins were born, the parents were always "reassured that they were healthy," but were an emotional wreck after their babies were taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. "As a father, I found it very hard to see what Georgina was going through with the babies being taken away to a different part of the hospital. There were a lot of tears," shares Nicky. Between premature twins and watching "such tiny babies wired up in an incubator," the couple -- who view the situation as a positive, saying "we gained extra time with them because we had them sooner" -- made a mutual decision to forego a nanny in order to make up for their hospital stay. Georgina explains,
"By the time we took them home we just wanted them to ourselves. We seriously wanted all the nice cuddles for ourselves. It's lucky that we've had so much family around us. Both our parents and our sisters, all offering to sit for us and help us out."
Despite Georgina's dislike of "labeling [the boys] because they change so much every week," the couple admit that their sons certainly have some budding personalities. Jay, who tends to have a "calm character," is "slightly bigger" than his brother, but knows how to be a "little monkey too, with a real sense of humor." On the other hand, Rocco -- who was the smaller of the babies at birth and received his name because "from the start, he was our little fighter" -- definitely has spunk and likes to stay close to his parents, "wanting to hold your hand a lot."
Although the boys were born to a father who is a member of a hit pop group, according to Nicky, there will be no pressure on his end for his children to continue on his legacy in the music world. In fact, Nicky -- who once played for Leeds United -- says that if Rocco and Jay prefer the soccer field to the stage, he will offer his complete support. While the proud papa may not instill his love of music in his boys, he shares that they will be brought up with a sense of tradition, similar to his own childhood. Growing up with a strict mother and a lenient father, Nicky "was always taught that nobody is any better or worse than you. Others might have more money, but they are no better." Following his parents' example and wanting his own boys to "grow up honest and trustworthy," Nicky believes that the best advice he received as a child was from his father.
"My dad just said, 'Enjoy yourself and do what you do. But never bring the police to our door.' It was good counsel!"
Since welcoming their boys, both Nicky and Georgina have realized that quiet time for themselves is more and more infrequent, but with a positive attitude toward their relationship, the pair make an effort to "make time for each other." Hopeful to "take our first short break alone together just before Christmas," the couple are looking forward to adding more children to their family after they get "a lot more sleep first." Says Nicky, "We should not be shying away from adding to the family with two little boys around the house and no girls. I think we need a girl, but whatever God sends us..." In the meantime, the family of four is completely content with their lives together as they are "living the dream." Explains Georgina,
"We just enjoy the simple things in life with lots of extra bonuses. But best of all is having kids. I know people have them every day, but when you have them for yourself, you look at them and can't believe it."
NICKY BYRNE'S IN THE SUN...
Westlife Nicky Byrne and his wife Georgina have been enjoying staying at their new holiday home in Portugal, complete with gym and swimming pool, now that the two-year build has been completed. The house was ready for us only this summer. We been turning it into a proper little home since then and we had glorious sunshine from the moment we arrived, says Nicky, 30, whose main family home with Georgina and their 17-month-old twins Rocco and Jay is in Dublin
Nicky Byrne and Family Step Out for Book Launch
Tags: Babies , Dads , Westlife's Nicky Byrne and wife Georgina Ahern Byrne pose with their 17-month-old fraternal twin sons, Rocco Bertie and Jay Nicky , at the launch of aunt Cecelia Ahern's book The Gift. The party was held at The Mansion House in Dublin on Wednesday evening.
I'd love five children, says Nicky Byrne
Wednesday December 17 2008
Georgina Ahern is in for a busy time in 2009 -- her Westlife hubbie Nicky Byrne wants to have five children.
The celebrity couple are now immersed in domestic bliss after becoming first-time parents 20 months ago, to twins Rocco and Jay.
Yet doting dad Nicky, who has taken a year off from the chart-topping band to spend time with his family, has revealed how he still wants to have three more tots.
"Hopefully we're not done yet -- we would love to have more kids. I have always said I would have five.
"I don't know if I can convince Georgina on that, but we'll see!" he laughed.
Nicky's now gearing up to spend the Yuletide season at home with his glamorous wife, their two boys and the rest of the Ahern family.
Secret
And he also revealed the secret of his success when it comes to his rock-solid relationship with the daughter of former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
"Without sounding cheesy and corny, if you love someone, you do make it work," he added.
Nicky had a brief reunion with his Westlife bandmates to perform at the thrilling final of the X Factor.
And he was gutted that manager Louis Walsh was pipped at the post when it came to nabbing victory with his JLS boyband.
"I don't think Louis has won it yet so it would have been good for him," he said.
"We were obviously disappointed for JLS after helping them to do a great performance to help them win it. When the decision was made, we thought we could have really helped them win. But with hindsight, I think that Alexandra really deserved it."
Nicky took centre stage at the new O2 Arena last night as he presided over the star-packed Cheerios Childline Concert.
All the biggest stars of the moment were out strutting their stuff on stage at the northside venue last night, as some 8,500 screaming fans cheered them on.
Fresh from presenting Childline at the o2, Westlife's Nicky Byrne popped-out to the late party with wife Georgina. For a band on a year's sabbatical, the Westlife boys sure are very busy lately. X Factor, Childline, and creating a new girlband do the lads ever have a day off?
GLAMOROUS mum Georgina Byrne says having her Westlife husband back under her feet at home hasn't gotten old yet.
The couple are spending more time than ever together now that the band are winding down.
And with Nicky Byrne landing his own TV show on RTE, he's going to be at home for twins Rocco and Jay a lot more.
Even though the pair have been together during Westlife's longest running tours, Georgina says she can't ever get used to him being away from home.
Speaking to the Diary, the daughter of Bertie Ahern revealed she hates it when Nicky is on the road and she is thankful that they only spend a few weeks apart now, compared with months.
"I do really miss him when he's gone. When we were younger he used to be gone for really long periods of time on tour and that was hard. While lately I'm lucky because he only goes away for like a week or two. But when they went to China that was quite long again so that wasn't nice. But it's work at the end of the day and you have to take things as they come," she explained.
football
And thankfully Nicky's new career path is keeping him close to home. The Westlife star has signed up to be the host of RTE's new show Football's Next Star which sees him travel around Dublin, Limerick and Glasgow for filming. Georgina says the new job is a perfect fit for Nicky, who played for Leeds United when he was 16.
"He is absolutely loving it. He was a footballer so for him the whole experience is fun. They have started filming now and he will be going all around Ireland watching people play. It's for a place on the Celtic team so he has to go over to Glasgow as well. It's like exactly what he did so it's mad.
"He was playing football since he was one. He always played with his dad, his dad was a goalkeeper and he was teaching him. When he was 16 he went over (to Glasgow) so this whole show means a lot to him, it is a perfect fit for him," she said.
Georgina made the comments while promoting the Life Style Sports Trainer Scrappage Scheme. Now in it's third year, the scheme will allow people to trade in their old trainers and get 25pc off any full price ASICS trainers.
The Dubliner, who is taking part in the Great Ireland Run this year, said although she's not hugely athletic she loves being motivated.
"I'm not very athletic to be honest but it's a nice thing to do, it keeps me motivated. I did it in an hour and seven minutes last year so I'd really love to get under the hour this year, for me that would be a great improvement.
"I want to try and get faster and faster each time. It's nice to have a goal.
"The Trainer Scrappage Scheme is a great way to recycle your old trainers. Wearing the right footwear when you're running is very important," she explained.
GEORGINA LAUNCHING THE LIFE STYLE SPORTS TRAINER SCRAPPAGE SCHEME IN DUBLIN 2012
Well-heeled Georgina steps out in ¤23 bargain boots
Wednesday April 04 2012
SHE'S one of the most stylish women in Irish social circles -- but even Georgina Ahern can't resist a Penneys bargain.
The glamorous mum-of-two, who is married to Westlife singer and aspiring TV presenter Nicky Byrne, was happy to leave the designer heels at home and opt for more affordable boots during a recent stroll on Sutton beach.
Chart-topper Nicky (33) shared a picture of his stunning wife on his social networking page and fans were quick to react to Bertie's daughter's choice of ankle boots, which cost her only €23 at the popular high street retailer.
"Mrs [Byrne] out jogging on Sutton Beach today -- where's your Asics trainers!!" Nicky wrote online.
Georgina, who recently celebrated her twin boys' Jay and Rocco's fifth birthday, delighted fans when she revealed she still shops on the high street, despite being half of one of Ireland's most glamorous couples.
The duo, who did not attend this year's VIP Style Awards, are spending more time than ever together now that Nicky's chart-topping band is winding down.
Lucky
Georgina recently admitted that she hates it when her hubby, who has signed up to host RTE series Football's Next Star, is on the road and is looking forward to having him at home more.
"I do really miss him when he's gone. When we were younger he used to be gone for really long periods of time on tour and that was hard, while lately I'm lucky because he only goes away for like a week or two," she said.
While the couple are staying practical with their wardrobe lately, Dubliner Nicky still likes to splash out on occasion.
He was spotted in February sporting a lavish Breitling Emergency watch worth a hefty €4,760, which is fitted with micro-transmitters designed to save the wearer if he or she is abducted.
Yvette Walsh, sales consultant from Weirs & Sons jewellers, told the Herald: "There is no other watch like it on the market, it's a very manly watch."
labutler@herald.ie
HER husband’s Westlife career may be coming to an end, but Bertie’s eldest daughter Georgina Ahern is about to step into the limelight.
The mum of twin boys had had a very low key launch to her own blog, by tweeting a link to her 23,817 followers inviting them to check it out - fitnesswannabe-choclover.tumblr.com.
Georgina (33), is married to pop star Nicky Byrne and they have five-year-old boys Rocco and Jay. She has long been a fan of fitness and is a qualified personal trainer.
On her new blog Georgina offers an insight into her life as a pop star wife, but she has her own feet firmly on the ground.
Today she writes, not about their VIP lifestyle but about the benefits of broccoli.
She admits that her family enjoy private caterers when on tour with Westlife, but back home in Malahide, Co Dublin, she prefers to prepare simple healthy meals with plenty of green veg.
“When we go back home to reality, it’s back to me!….my menus are not quite as exciting but at least when I’m feeding my boys heal
To celebrate the live broadcast of Irish boy band Westlife on Sky Box Office/HD we're offering you the chance to see the gig...and meet the band!
Irish boyband Westlife will be appearing in concert live on Sky Box Office/HD on Friday 14th May. The concert will then be available on Sky Box Office/HD for seven days (from Saturday 15th until Friday 21st May).
And, in the build up to the concert, Sky1 will be showing an exclusive behind-the-scenes film of the band as they prepare for the gig, both backstage and in their home town.
Bandmember Kian Egan said: We are delighted to be working with Sky Box Office to offer our fans the chance to tune in live to enjoy this exciting, one-off experience.
"Fans who may never have seen Westlife live in concert will be able to enjoy us perform and lots more besides, as Sky Box Office joins us before the show. Westlife live shows are always big, energetic and exciting and this is a chance to experience Westlife as you have never seen us before!
Twelve competition winners will also attend the hot ticket concert at London's prestigious O2 arena and receive a signed copy of the band's latest album.
And one lucky winner will meet the band - the UK's biggest-selling group of the decade - at their concert at the O2 on May 14 2010.
Competition closes 9am on 4 May 2010
The concert is available exclusively on Sky Box Office/HD, and costs £14.99. Viewers will be able to order the concert from Friday 7th May.
Showbiz reporter Paul Martin goes AAA at the Odyssey Arena with Westlife
In fairness to the security guard who was keeping me standing in the pouring rain, I'm sure he's heard the claim a million times before. Although I doubt he's heard it from too many 32-year-old men.
I'm standing at the Odyssey Arena VIP entrance trying to convince a burly bodyguard that I'm not in fact a crazed-boy-band stalker and that Louis Walsh and Westlife hunk Shane Filan really do want me to join them in their ultra-exclusive backstage hideaway.
He's not buying it: 'If you just go in and find either of them I'm sure they will explain everything,' I urge him, brushing the beads of rain from my foarhead and breaking into a shiver. This wasn't what I had in mind when was promised I'd be living the showbiz highlife with the biggest pop band on the planet.
But there's no budging him as he fixes his ice stare and announces: 'That's between you and them. I can't move from this spot and neither you can.'
It doesn't help that I'm surrounded by around a hundred screaming teenagers who, at every opportunity, are grabbing at my arms and begging me to get them autographs, should I finally break through the wall of security and make it to the other side.
Suddenly my phone rings: 'Hey Paul, it's Shane,' announces the soft voice in that familiar Sligo twang. 'I'm coming out to get you now.'
A few seconds later the door edges slowly open, no more than an inch, and from behind the devide Shane shouts out towards the moody big man who is now the only obstacle between me and Westlife world. 'It's OK - that's Paul Martin, he's friend of ours. Let him in.'
Open sesame! I suddenly have a beautiful shiny Westlife AAA laminate thrown around my neck as I break free from the masses of girls who are now convulsing at the prospect of me joining the lads in person on their comeback tour. 'Oh my Gooooooood,' screeches one poor girl, bursting into tears as she grabs my arm, 'Tell Shane I love him. Tell him, tell him!'
Suddenly, in contrast to the chaos outside, there is nothing but silence. Shane emerges from the wings, shakes my hand and leads me into a sort of Westlife wonderland.
He walks me past their dressing rooms, which are meticulously decked out in soft scented candles, towels and energy drinks. In another room the stars' wives (and boyfriend) chat about all the mindane happenings of the day as their children whizz around the room playing around on micro scooters.
'Wait till you see this,' Shane announces, opening another door to a huge Westlife canteen, where a team of top chiefs are busily preparing their favourite foods to order.
Then the unmistakable voice of Louis Walsh comes bellowing down the corridor: 'Oh look, it's Paul,' he announces to the rest of the Westlife boys who are gathered around him hanging on the pop guru's every word.
He dashes over and proudly shows me his phone, where he has my number saved under the heading: 'Paul Martin - sort of journalist.' The cheeky beggar.
After my grand tour of Westlife's hideaway, it's time to get down to business. The lads congregate in Shane's dressing room and give me an hour to discover all for IN! magazine.
Well, lads, you have been away for a year. Are you thrilled to be back or missing the easy life already? Mark: Well we are actually all quite tired - but only because we've been working so hard in rehearsals to get this show right. Kian: We are totally pumped up to be back on stage and we had more time than ever to rehearse and get this thing right. I think after a few months of being off on our break we all started missing the music business and we were twitching to get back.
Since we last saw you, Kian, you tied the knot in Barbados with Jodi Albert. No babies on the horizon yet? Kian: Definitely not yet. Jodi is busy with Wonderland - our new girl band that Louis and I are co-managing, so there will be no children just yet. We've been working on the band for nearly two years and we're officially launching them on this tour, so it's a massive thing for us. I think these girls could go a long way. But Jodi and I still make plenty of time for each other outside the music business. We have to remember we have a marriage to think of as well as two bands!
You are back in Belfast kicking off your comeback after 18 months away. Was the big break all you expected it to be? Nicky: When I was in Westlife, time had become my biggest luxury and suddenly I had loads of it. There are things that you give up when you are in a band but suddenly I could do them all. We did all that in our year off. And then, by the end of that year, we were desperate to start again. So being back here in Belfast is just incredible and it's something we have all been yearning for for a while.
Eleven years on from your first single, do you not finding that you are always falling out when you are on the road together? Shane: To be honest we are getting on better than ever. I think we've all grown up a lot since the early days of the band. We all have families now and our own lives outside the band, so that means when we get back together it's like being back with your mates and we enjoy every second of it. If we disagree on something we are very democratice - we put it to a vote. Whoever has the majority gets their way.
As a band you've always had a soft spot for Belfast, so where do you hang out when you are here. Mark: It's kind of weird because this time we all are in different hotels. I'm in Malmaison, while Shane is in the Hilton because he likes the gym in there and Kian and Nicky are in the Radisson. But we are all planning to go for dinner in the Malmaison while we are here. We don't really go out clubbing, but I was in Victoria Square earlier and I also met up with Kian's wife Jodi and we went into House Of Fraser. I got Jodi a birthday present there.
It must be a challenge to keep things fresh after eleven years together. Did you look at Take That and learn from how they re-invented themselves? Shane: Definitely. They really took it to a new level and it made us realise you can in a boy band beyond the age of 30 and still be reveland. You can't take it away from Gary Barlow, he is an amazing songwriter. With songs that strong you will always stand the test of time.
You are all looking rather buff. Are you all fitness freaks? Kian: I don't really hit the gym, but Shane is into it in a massive way. He works out four or five times a week. We all try and eat pretty well when we are on tour and Shane organises a personal trainer if we ever want a good blow out in the gym. Nobody wants to see four big fat pop stars up there plodding around the stage.
What's it like having Simon Cowell as a boss. I would imagine he's quite demanding? Nicky: That's something we never shy away from. He's the most powerful man in the music, and that opens a lot of doors. He's always been great with us. When you are in a room with Simon Cowell you can have a debate about what songs you should and shouldn't do, but at the end of it all he usually wins - he is Simon Cowell after all. He knows the music business inside out and he has helped us reach the top. Having Simon Cowell in your camp is a massive advantage and we owe so much to him.
You've all made your millions and live incredible lifestyles. Can you still enjoy the normal things in life or does it all have to be bling bling now? Nicky: I was out with my mates during the year off. We'd been out, had a proper and mad night, and we were walking back from a pub we had been in, when a lad came up to me. He said, 'I know you, you shouldn't be round here, you should be in the bling bling bars'. It made me laugh. I'm not really one of that whole celeb lifestyle. I'd rather be in an ordinary pub or a bar than somewhere bling bling. Shane: My biggest passions, beside my family, are golf and snooker. So you don't need millions to be able to play those sports! It's the simple things in life that are the best.
Westlife launch Convention Centre Dublin 08 September 2010
Boy band Westlife entertained guests at a gala dinner to celebrate the opening of the Convention Centre Dublin.
The Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) opened yesterday after more than three years of development and construction.
While testing the building, the CCD hosted events including X Factor, Britian,s Got Talent and the 175th Anniversary conference for Engineers Ireland.
Westlife performed at the launch event last night, which was one of three events produced by Grass Roots to showcase the new centre.
Mark Feehily celebrates his birthday Westlife's Mark Feehily celebrated his 30th birthday at the 'Circle Club' in Manchester on Friday night after their gig at the M.E.N. arena. Mark arrived with his boyfriend Kevin Mcdaid and his Mum Marie.
Chart toppers Westlife to make sensational return to Liverpool on arena tour Sep 6 2010 Liverpool Irish pop stars Westlife performing at the Liverpool Summer Pops CHART-toppers Westlife will make a spectacular return to the ECHO arena during a UK tour next year. They will return a little over a year since they were last in the city, when they caused a sensation among fans.
The set list promises to include many of the pop stars best known hits, from Flying Without Wings to What Makes A Man, Uptown Girl and Mandy.
They will also play some of their favourites from the 2009 double platinum album Where We Are and from a brand new album they are currently working on in the studio, which is due to be released in November.
The nine-date arena tour is being designed by visionary stylist William Baker, who also does shows for Kylie, Leona and Bjork.
An ECHO arena spokeswoman said: No pop band can compare to Westlife extraordinary success, having been certified by [music industry group] the BPI as the biggest selling band of the past decade.
During their 11 years at the top of pop hierarchy, the band has sold over 43m records globally.
Haiti single Everybody Hurts due out on 7 February
Everybody Hurts, the all-star single recorded to raise money for victims of the Haiti earthquake, will be released on 7 February, it has been confirmed.
Parts of the song were recorded in London on Tuesday, while artists including Robbie Williams put down their vocals in Los Angeles.
The song was originally a 1993 hit for US band REM.
The final line-up of artists has also been confirmed and includes Michael Buble, Jon Bon Jovi and JLS.
The song will be available for download on 7 February and on CD single the day after.
JLS singer Ortise Williams, who lost relatives in the 12 January earthquake, said: "The tragedy is very close to my heart.
"It's great to be working with such talented artists all pulling together to make a difference through song."
Cheryl Cole said she hoped money raised would "help the people of Haiti rebuild their lives" while Rod Stewart said he could not think of "a more fitting song than Everybody Hurts to convey the unimaginable tragedy that is Haiti".
Simon Cowell, who organised the single, said it had been "an absolute priority for us all".
X Factor winners Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry also appear on the single alongside Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue and Miley Cyrus.
Take That, Mika, James Blunt, James Morrison, Susan Boyle and Westlife complete the line-up.
On Monday night, Westlife's Shane Filan enjoyed his 31st birthday celebration with Tiger Woods, Andrea Corr and Aidan Quinn at the Dunraven Arms Hotel
Westlife are delighted to announce the pre-order of The Where We Are Tour Live At The O2! The DVD and Blu-ray will be released on the 29th November and will not only include the amazing show, but also an exclusive previously unseen documentary of the boys backstage on tour. You can now pre-order the DVD from the below retailers and get a chance to relive some of the amazing tour memories from this past years incredible run of shows.
Pre-order DVD: HMV Play.com
Pre-order Blu-ray: HMV Play.com
DVD Track list
Where We Are What About Now When You're Looking Like That My Love Uptown Girl Swear It Again If I Let You Go Shadows Home I'm Already There I Gotta Feeling Halo Boy's Are Back In Town Sex On Fire What Makes A Man Flying Without Wings World Of Our Own I'll See You Again You Raise Me Up
Filan was born on July 5, 1979 to Peter and Mae Filan, and grew up in Sligo, a small town in the northwest of Ireland. The youngest of seven children, he has three brothers and three sisters: Finbarr, Peter Jr, Yvonne, Liam, Denise and Mairead. His parents owned a diner in Sligo named Carlton Cafe located on Castle Street and Shane used to work there as a waiter from a very early age.
Filan attended Summerhill College, a Catholic school, with Kian Egan and Mark Feehily. All three of them participated in a school production of Grease when they were about 12. The Hawkswell Theatre became a significant part of their careers, and as a big fan of Michael Jackson, Filan taught himself how to moonwalk.
2004
WESTLIFE'S KIAN BUYS SECRET LOVE PAD IN SLIGO; Star settles down.
WESTLIFE star Kian Egan has bought himself a luxury love pad to enjoy with stunning girlfriend Jodi Albert.
The seafront house in his native Sligo is just a few hundred yards from the plush home he bought for his parents.
The millionaire singer splashed out E340,000 for the five-bedroom house on a private estate in Strandhill in the last ...
Five minutes with... Westlife Jun 22 2008 Wales On Sunday
OUR STORY How did you manage to write a book between the four of you? Nicky: Well, it was obviously difficult in more ways than one for the writer Martin Roach. He interviewed us separately and collectively. He also had to cater for four different personalities and four different people talking and telling the same story in different versions, but he did it effectively. I read the book and even though I know all the stories and I was in stitches laughing, it,s a milestone in our career 10 years on. Even if you, re not a Westlife fan, the book is a success story in the pop industry. Kian: We all opened up Mark in particular opened up and said things he might not have said to members of his band. It,s sometimes easier to talk to someone outside the band about your story.
How did you feel when Brian McFadden announced he was leaving? Nicky: My initial thought when he told us was that he was punking us. That was Brian,s personality. He was sitting beside me so I looked at him, smiled, laughed, and started checking him for wires because that would be a typical Brian thing to do. I respect him for doing it even though it was heart-breaking. I thought he was crazy. I offered him counselling, we were almost in relationships with each other in terms of how much time we were spending together so I thought maybe counselling might have helped us. But there were different things going on that we didn,t know about. Obviously there were things going on with his marriage that we didn,t have a clue about. But I think he made the right choice for him. Shane: Brian leaving was a very big turning point within Westlife. I wonder whether we would be still be together if Brian hadn,t left, I don,t know. At the time it made us realise how lucky we were. It made us stronger as a group.
Three of you have known each other since school and Shane is married to Kian,s cousin. Is Westlife a family affair? Shane: We known each other since we were 12, for more than 15 years, so it has been kind of like they,re family to a certain degree. We picked each other as mates so that is the backbone to a strong relationship, and when the others came they gelled with us straight away.
Were you worried about how people would react to news that Mark was gay? Mark: I really didn,t give a damn what anyone thought that,s one of the key things that anyone that,s gay needs to realise before they come out. It,s getting to the point of not giving a s**t what anyone thinks that actually pushes you into it. Too many people care about what people will react like.
What will you do during your year off? Shane: My wife is pregnant so I,m looking forward to having some time off. But I,m worried I,ll be bored after four or five months, not working. Even if you have a new baby it,s going to be a shock to the system after having a schedule for so long.
What do you think Westlife stands for today? Kian: We ure not a political band, we ure not trying to make any big noise politically or in the music industry. We don,t try to sell ourselves as this credible, funky band that writes their own records and is making milestones in the music industry. We ure just four guys that sing great pop songs for pop fans.
Reeds gemeld
After the last minute cancellation of their Arena show earlier this month due to two of the group falling ill, Westlife will be in town next week to honour the date. But it will be the last time we see them for a while, as the quartet plan to take at least a year off after the current tour. LISA WILLIAMS spoke to them about the break and their latest book Our Story...
How did you manage to write a book between the four of you? Nicky: Well it was obviously difficult in more ways than one for the writer, Martin Roach. He interviewed us separately and interviewed us collectively. He also had to cater for four different personalities and four different people talking and telling the same story in different versions, but he did it effectively. I read the book and even though I know all the stories and I was in stitches laughing, It's a milestone in our career ten years on. Even if you're not a Westlife fan, the book is a success story in the pop industry.
Kian: We've all opened up - Mark in particular opened up and said things he might not have said to members of his band. It's sometimes easier to talk to someone outside the band about your story so we've told it as was. I'm not a massive book-reader but this one I read in three or four days - I couldn't put it down. I was quite taken aback with how fast I wanted to read it, even though I knew what was going to happen.
How did you feel when Brian McFadden announced he was leaving?
Nicky: My initial thought when he told us was that he was punking us. That was Brian's personality. He was sitting beside me so I looked at him, smiled, laughed, and started checking him for wires because that would be a typical Brian thing to do. I respect him for doing it even though it was heart-breaking . I thought he was crazy. I offered him counselling, we were almost in relationships with each other in terms of how much time we were spending together so I thought maybe counselling might have helped us. But there were different things going on that we didn't know about. Obviously there were things going on with his marriage that we didn't have a clue about. But I think he made the right choice for him.
Shane: Brian leaving was a very big turning point within Westlife, I wonder whether we would be still be together if Brian hadn't left, I don't know. At the time it made us realise how lucky we were and how fickle the thing could be - that it could be over just like that. It made us stronger as a group.
Nicky: We only got bigger after he left which was a bit weird in a way. We never expected that - to even last would have been good but you actually out-do ourselves and keep getting better was really good.
What do you think of Louis Walsh's involvement in X Factor?
Kian: As long as what he's doing with Westlife what they've always done with Westlife then that's the important thing. I think Louis being involved has done nothing but good for us. He knows the people who run the show, the people behind the scenes and it opens doors. Contacts are a very big part of our industry.
Three of you have known each other since school and Shane is married to Kian's cousin. Is Westlife a family affair? Shane: We've known each other since we were 12, so for more than 15 years so it has been kind of like they're family to a certain degree. We picked each other as mates so that is the backbone to a strong relationship, and when the others came they gelled with us straight away.
Do you have a favourite book?
Shane: I don't read that much but I've started reading a lot crime books by writers such as Paul Williams. His are books about crime in Ireland, all true stories. In general I like history, facts and public figures. I'm intrigued by JFK, for example.
Were you worried about how people would react to news that Mark was gay? Mark: I really didn't give a damn what anyone thought - that's one of the key things that anyone that's gay needs to realise before they come out. It's getting to the point of not giving a s**t what anyone thinks that actually pushes you into it. Too many people care about what people will react like and that's the problem. For me I really didn't care what anyone thought and I don't mean that in any ignorant or aggressive way it was just the way it was.
What will you do during your year off?
Shane: My wife is pregnant so I'm looking forward to having some time off. But I'm worried I'll be bored after four or five months, not working. Even if you have a new baby it's going to be a shock to the system after having a schedule for so long.
What do you think Westlife stands for today?
Kian: We're not a political band, we're not trying to make any big noise politically or in the music industry. We don't try to sell ourselves as this credible, funky band that writes their own records and is making milestones in the music industry. We're just four guys that sing great pop songs for pop fans.
Football career Before joining Sligo based band IOU, Byrne was a footballer who played for Home Farm F.C. and St. Clemintines Boys F.C. in North Dublin. He became a professional football player, and joined Leeds United as a goalkeeper in 1995, and was a squad member of the FA Youth Cup winning team of 1997
He played for Leeds for two years, leaving when his contract expired in June, 1997. He played in a reserve game for Scarborough F.C. and in a trial game with Cambridge United before returning to join Dublin club Shelbourne. He then signed for Cobh Ramblers, then St. Francis F.C., all in Ireland's Eircom league.
WESTLIFE - WESTLIFE STAR BACKS GAY CAMPAIGN
WESTLIFE star MARK FEEHILY is spearheading a campaign to help fight homophobic bullying in Britain's schools. The singer - who revealed he was gay in August 2005 - joined Stonewall's campaign because he was bullied as a boy. He says, "It's not just individual bullying, it's the way kids in classrooms use the word gay to mean bad - gay trainers, a gay jacket they don't like - that needs to be tackled. "People need to know that a throwaway remark at school will stab certain members of the class in the heart." Feehily joins Sir Ian MCKellan, The Feeling star Dan Gillespie Sells, and Dannii Minogue in backing the nationwide campaign.
Pictures of Westlife
At 'This Is It' Michael
Jackson Premiere
Westlife call off big bash to jet away for Robbie's Soccer Aid
April 06 2010 Westlife have been forced to cancel the after-party they had planned to throw for their much anticipated Where We Are concert at Croke Park next June.
The pop foursome were due to host a bash for friends and family after what promises to be one of their biggest gigs ever.
However the Herald has learned the band will instead be hopping on a plane to Manchester to take part in Robbie Williams' World Cup Soccer Aid special the next day.
The boys will line out at Manchester United's Old Trafford alongside a number of celebrities on June 6 to take on a team of football heroes including Alan Shearer and Jamie Redknapp.
Robbie, who has been organising the event for four years, said he chose the date as it falls just five days before the World Cup kicks off in South Africa. A source close to the group said: "The boys were disappointed when they heard that the two dates were falling so close together.
"After a big gig like that in their home country and in front of their Irish fans, they would generally have had a few drinks to relax, but this time they'll be sticking to water so that they're on top of their game the next day.
"Nicky, in particular, would take it all very seriously and wouldn't want to let his teammates down when he gets out onto the pitch."
The dad of two (31) is a former professional football player, who was signed to Leeds United for two years as a goalkeeper, before he returned to Dublin and forged a pop career.
He and his bandmates will join celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, comedian James Corden and cricket player Brian Lara for the match.
Not even torrential rain could keep Westlife 22,000 screaming fans away as they played to a packed stadium.
The Irish pop group sang a collection of their hits, including Flying Without Wings and Fool Again at the July Racecourse in Newmarket.
With four costume changes, and their trademark bar stools, the band kept up the tempo with a rendition of I have a Feeling by group, The Black Eyed peas.
A spokeswoman for the racecourse said: It was a complete sell-out and fantastic concert.
The guys talked to the crowd and sang a mix of their old and new songs and the crowd went wild.
November 19 2009 Westlife dedicated their performance at the Childline concert to Stephen Gately.
WESTLIFE paid an emotional tribute to fellow boyband star Stephen Gately dedicating their headline show to his memory at the Cheerios Childline concert at Dublin's 02 arena last night.
The Irish popstars gave a riveting performance at their first homecoming gig since playing to 82,000 adoring fans at Croke Park last summer and helped raise €400,000 for the Irish children's charity.
And for disappointed fans who couldn't get tickets to see last night's sold-out show, the band revealed they were in talks for another gig here next summer.
L-R Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily Shane Filan and Kian Egan of Westlife arrive for the 'Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Of The Year Awards 2010' at Banqueting House on November 2, 2010 in London, England.
MCFADDEN WILL NEVER REJOIN WESTLIFEIrish pop stars WESTLIFE have dashed rumours former bandmate BRIAN MCFADDEN is planning to rejoin the group. MCFadden quit Westlife in 2004 to pursue a solo career. When that failed, he moved to Australia with fiancee Delta Goodrem and embarked on a career as a TV and radio personality. It was recently rumoured he may rejoin his former bandmates - but Westlife singer Kian Egan insists the door is closed on a reunion. He tells Angry Ape, "No. He doesn't live in this country and he's not in the music industry anymore. He has a new life in Australia. We're all still very good friends, but he left Westlife for a reason."
LOUIS WALSH AWARDED MAYOR PERSON OF THE YEAR IN DUBLIN 2009
Shane Filan with his wife Gilian Filan and Nicky Byrne with his wife Georgina Byrne. Louis Walsh is awarded Mayor Person of the Year 2009 at the Citywest Hotel - Dublin, Ireland - 13.02.09
Kian Egan leaving his car, carrying his dog - Dublin, Ireland - 29.01.09
Mark Feehily has revealed that Kian Egan can be violent when drunk.
The Westlife singer, who is in the Irish boyband with Egan, Shane Filan and Nicky Byrne, said that Egan once bit his ear.
Feehily told Jonathan Ross on his chatshow: "[Kian] bites everybody - he bit my ear and nearly took the lobe off."
Talking about when bandmate Brian McFadden left the group in 2004, Feehily said: "When Brian left, we... thought we'd slowly fall apart."
Byrne added: "Managing to survive brought us closer together
Reeds gemeld
Westlife member Nicky Byrne devastated as his dad dies suddenly aged 4/11/2009
Westlife star Nicky Byrne was devastated last night after his father collapsed and died of a heart attack.
The singer broke down in tears when he discovered his beloved dad - also named Nicky - died suddenly at home in Swords, near Dublin.
His wife Yvonne called medics but it was too late to save the 60-year-old.
Pop hunk Nicky, 31, called his dad his 'best friend in the world' and the pair set up a karaoke business together before he hit the big time.
Last night a friend said: "Nicky is distraught. It's a huge shock. He and his dad were very close."
Nicky's band mates arrived at their home to express their sympathies. Westlife has cancelled a regional radio tour planned for this week.
Westlife - Brian Mcfadden Teams Up With Fellow Irish Stars For New Album January 2013
Former Westlife star Brian Mcfadden has teamed up with fellow Irish singers Ronan Keating and Sinead O'connor to record tracks for his new album.
MCFadden is celebrating his heritage with his latest solo record The Irish Connection, which is due for release in March (13).
The album features covers of songs by a number of famous local acts, including Northern Irish rockers Snow Patrol and the Cranberries, as well as duets with Keating and O'Connor.
MCFadden says, "This album is something I have wanted to do for a long time. Ireland has produced some of the greatest songs in history and I decided I would put my own twist on a collection of my favourite ever Irish songs."
Brian McFadden spotted shopping in the Bullring 25 Jan 2013
Former Westlife star Brian McFadden took time out to do a spot of shopping in Birmingham city centre today.
The 32-year-old, who is performing at the city’s LG Arena on Friday night with former fellow Irish boyband member Ronan Keating, was spotted browsing the shops at the Bullring just after 10am this morning.
A spokeswoman for the mall said: “He was with his wife Vogue William, and was first seen heading across the middle west mall before spending a lot of time in Topshop.
“There weren’t many shoppers around at the time as many of the shops had only just opened.”
The singer-songwriter, who now judges Australia’s Got Talent, married Irish DJ Williams last September after they began dating in May 2011.
The star has a string of former famous lovers, including Australian actress and singer Delta Goodrem. The couple, who sang a duet Almost Here, called off their engagement in April 2011.
McFadden has two daughters, Molly, 11, and Lilly-Sue, 10, with ex-wife and former Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona
The former Westlife band member admitted that Simon Cowell's latest boyband are more radio-friendly.
"One Direction songs are proper radio records, but Westlife were about selling albums," McFadden told the Daily Star.
The singer also revealed that he would love the opportunity to feature on the next series of The X Factor and help the next generation of popstars.
"If Simon Cowell rang me tomorrow I'd be in the car and straight down there," he added.
Meanwhile, McFadden recently announced that The Irish Connection will serve as his new solo studio album, which will be released on March 11.
Get ready for possibly the most exciting boy band news in a long time – Brian McFadden has admitted that he would “definitely” consider reuniting with Westlife in the future, if the opportunity arose.
The singer quit the band 11 years ago and launched a successful career as a solo singer.
But speaking to stv.tv’s Gill Harvey recently, Brian admitted that he loved his time with the chart-topping Irish group, and would jump at the chance of reunion.
“Westlife only broke up six months ago, so give them a few years to chill out and rest,” Brian joked, before adding: “We never discussed [a reunion] ourselves. I’m sure if the band got back together they’d probably want to do it as a four-piece, but if they did want to get back together as a five I would definitely do something with them. It’s been a huge part of my career and a huge part of my life, they were great times.”
In the meantime though Brian is happy to let some of the younger crowd, aka One Direction and The Wanted, take on the reigns in the boy band stakes.
Speaking about 1D, who are being tipped the ‘new Beatles’ because of their current global domination of the pop market, Brian said: “I think they’re great. They remind me of what Westlife were like, but they’re making these amazing radio records that are getting played in America, all over the world.
“They’re not just a boy band selling albums any more, they’re getting played on radio which is a nice change. “
Brian continued: “Boy bands will be round forever. People said the day of the boy band was gone but as long as there are teenage girls these always going to be this demand for a boy band.”
Check out the video in the player above to hear more of what Brian has to say about Westlife, One Direction and his own solo career.
Brian wraps up his current tour alongside Ronan Keating on February 12, and will release his next solo album,
He's lost out on millions and has been singing in pubs, not stadiums, but Brian McFadden insists he is happy he walked away from Westlife.
‘I probably had financial regrets. We didn’t even know what we used to earn in Westlife. The accountants just kept adding up. I’m glad I’m not that millionaire any more. This way, you work harder and enjoy it more. ‘The pleasure I have had since leaving keeps me alive, though it’s been a rollercoaster. One minute I’ll have a number one single, then I’ll have a single that doesn’t even make the Top 40, then I’ll think I’m finished and then I come back a couple of years later. In Westlife, we went through a stage where we thought we were invincible. We didn’t realise how lucky we were.’
The rest of the band split up last June after two 82,300 capacity concerts in Croke Park, Dublin, having notched up record sales of more than 44 million. McFadden’s solo career got off to the best possible start when his single Real To Me went straight to number one in 2004. ‘I was thinking, OK, for the rest of my life it’ll just be the same as Westlife has been for the last six years. And then you realise how quickly that can all change.’ His second single Irish Son reached number six, but the album of the same name failed to make the top 20. By this time his marriage to Katona — who won I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here in 2004 — had ended.
McFadden felt he needed a change and headed for Australia. ‘No one knew who I was because Westlife had never been successful there. I could walk the streets, go into a pub, go shopping, just be normal again. I liked the idea of starting from scratch.’ He’d earned a reputation as the bad boy of Westlife. I remember being with the band — the other members were Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily and Kian Egan — on tour in Singapore.
I accompanied Mark Feehily to the official Manchester United shop out there where he bought his brother a football shirt. Later McFadden showed off his own purchase: a £1,800 camera with telescopic lenses. ‘My dad has that now,’ he says a bit sheepishly. Since then he’s been through a few Ferraris too. ‘I left because I didn’t have a life,’ he says. ‘We’d achieved things we could never have dreamed of but we never had one second to enjoy it. It was like going out with the most beautiful girl in the world and never being able to sleep with her.’ Couldn’t he have aired his grievances with the rest of the band and manager Louis Walsh? ‘We could never discuss those things. The problem with having five people in the band is that each of us would go through a period where we felt a bit jaded and needed time off. But when one person wants to do it, the other four don’t. ‘When I announced I was leaving it was put on the table: do we all break up or does just Brian go? They thought it was too early to break up. I realise I could have been responsible for that happening but I’m glad for everybody they had another seven years of fantastic success.
Back in the days: 'We didn't realise how lucky we were,' says Brian about his time in Westlife
Brian McFadden: I’d love to get back with Westlife boys again
@TheSun_Showbiz Brian McFadden: I’d love to get back with Westlife boys again March 2013
IT has been nine years since BRIAN McFADDEN stunned fans by walking out on WESTLIFE. The boy band were at the peak of their powers.
They’d secured 12 No1 singles and sold 40million albums. The lads went on as a four-piece while Brian forged a TV career in Australia.
Now he’s back with a new album, The Irish Connection, and a support slot on Ronan Keating’s world tour.
Here Brian discusses his old band, his comeback, his new wife Vogue Williams... and the mother of his two kids, ex-wife Kerry Katona.
HOW is your relationship with Kerry?
I don’t have a relationship with Kerry. For the kids’ sake, we make sure that runs smoothly.
Was it hard to keep quiet while she made public digs at you?
It looks like there’s a war but I’m happy to take everything said on the chin. I just don’t want the kids reading it. I want them to know everything is fine. They have a great nanny and have done for a long time. It’s not ideal that she lives her life through the papers but it’s her choice. She’s the mother of my children and I’ve got nothing bad to say about her.
How about The Big Reunion, with Kerry back with Atomic Kitten?
I know all them! It’s like the Smash Hits Road Show. All us of were on the same bill. It looks like fun but I’m glad I’m not part of it.
What did you miss most when living in Australia?
You know the banter you have on a Saturday afternoon when you sit around with the boys and watch a football match, jump into the bookies next door and put on a bet? There’s none of that in Australia.
Comeback ... Brian's album Do you and Vogue plan to settle down here?
We would like to stay in London. But it’s all down to work. I spent so much time in Australia because that’s where I was getting work.
Is it weird being back?
Yes! The music industry is completely different. There are no bands I know. Your Olly Murs, Rita Oras and One Directions — it’s hard to get my head round these people. I don’t know anybody in the labels. The journalists are new. Even the TV companies, from the runners to producers. But it’s nice to be back.
It’s like the people you went to college with. There are no bad vibes. I spoke to Mark (Feehily) the other day on the phone and Nicky (Byrne) a year ago. When the boys were in Los Angeles shooting their last video, when I lived there, we all went for dinner and Kian (Egan) and Mark came back and sat in my swimming pool to 6am drinking beers.
Did you mind not being invited on the band’s Farewell Tour last year?
There was never even a conversation. I spoke to Kian around the time and neither of us brought it up. I was in Westlife for six years and the Westlife that was together for the next seven was a different band. It wasn’t the Westlife that I was in that was retiring. Maybe some of the fans would have liked it — but for me and them it wouldn’t make any sense.
Would you ever rule out getting back together in the future?
I’d love to do something with the boys again and probably one day we will. But if they get back together in five years to celebrate 20 years of getting together and they don’t invite me, then I will be p***** off!
BRIAN MCFADDEN: I LOVED BEING IN WESTLIFE
HE traded the boyband world for solo loife in 2004 – but Brian McFadden finally feels ready to reform with Westlife.
The 32-year-old, whose new solo album The Irish Connection is out this week, has seen enough time go by to reflect on his pop roots with fond feelings.
The Irishman told me: “I loved being in Westlife and I miss the company because it can be lonely on the road.
“I watched them play to 85,000 people in Dublin and I was so jealous. If there was a reunion in 10 years I’d rejoin.”
He added: “Westlife were clever because all we’d have to do is sit on our stools and we’re sorted. We could come back when we’re 50.”
The group continued as a four-piece without Brian until calling it quits last year.
Shane Filan, 33, and Mark Feehily, 32, are hunting for solo deals while Kian Egan, 32, has become a judge on The Voice Ireland and Nicky Byrne, 34, strutted his stuff on Strictly Come Dancing.
Meanwhile Brian headed Down Under to become a judge on Australia’s Got Talent.
Right now his covers album – which features Ronan Keating, 35, and Sinead O’Connor, 46 – is his main focus.
He revealed: “I made the album in Sydney and came back to Dublin to do the collaborations.
“I picked my favourite artists’ songs and tried to produce them as if I’d written them.”
Westlife - Brian Mcfadden Received Death Threats Over One Direction Comments
Former Westlife star Brian Mcfadden was bombarded with death threats from One Direction fans after suggesting Niall Horan would be the first to quit the group.
The Irish singer was asked about the boyband in a recent interview with Britain's Real Radio Yorkshire and MCFadden singled out Horan when the host urged him to pick which singer he thought would be the first to launch a solo career.
MCFadden now reveals the comment sparked a backlash from the group's fans and he received a slew of threatening messages via Twitter.com.
He says, "I wouldn't wanna (sic) f**k with their fans. I was asked who I thought would be the first to leave One Direction on the radio - I didn't know (who to choose), but they (the hosts) said to pick one, so I said Niall because I'm Irish, he's Irish, and he has that glint in his eye. Then I get these Twitter comments from nut jobs (sic) like, 'Go f**king kill yourself'. I'm like, 'Calm down.' They're f**king nuts... It's different now because of Twitter - you can see how crazy people are."
Brian McFadden has revealed that he would love to join the X Factor judging panel, if Gary Barlow steps down this year.
Most stars wait for Simon Cowell to come knocking on their door, but the former Westlife star has put his name out there personally and admitted that working on the ITV singing show would be his dream job.
The Irish singer and Kerry Katona’s baby daddy (is that reason enough NOT to hire him?) has already worked with Cowell, as part of his former boyband and then again when he joined the judging panel of Australia’s Got Talent, so he thinks he knows what the music mogul wants from his judges and stars.
Brian is moving back to the UK, to pursue a reignited music career and told The Daily Mail that he would love to kick start it, by taking a place on the hit entertainment series.
‘I’m going to give Simon a call and ask him to put me on that list,’ he revealed.
‘We worked together for six years when I was in Westlife. I’ve gone through enough in my own career to be able to offer some advice.’
Brian recently supported Boyzone star Ronan Keating in his nationwide tour and it seems the concerts were a great experience for the singer. After his final gig this week he tweeted:
“just got off stage for the last night of the #fires tour with @ronanofficial what a great tour with a great bunch of people!!!!”
He will soon kick off his own UK tour and the shows will kick off in Glasgow on 19th March.
However, he may have some competition for the X Factor role, as insiders have claimed that Simon is considering adding Robbie Williams to the lineup. He wants a new female also, but the choice is said to be between Mel B and Sharon Osbourne. Olly Murs revealed last night that he is backing Mrs O for the job.
Man crush is really a Fad'
MAN CRUSH: Brian McFadden IT LOOKS like Mark Feehily isn't the only member of Westlife who fancies guys, as Brian McFadden (right) has also 'come out'. "I have a man crush on Tom Hardy," Brian (32), admits. "I'd do a girlie scream if I saw him." Asked which reality show judges he'd like to 'get off' with, he replies: "I'd snog Sharon Osbourne, marry Dannii Minogue and avoid Mel B. I always end up drinking with her when we're working, so I know she's trouble."
12 April 2013
Brian McFadden has joked that he and Ronan Keating need to "take a break" from each other.
The former Westlife star has teamed up with Boyzone's Ronan on several occasions and jokingly told The Sun that they would cut back on their joint projects in case people start thinking there's something going on between them.
Brian, 32, said: "Me and Ronan will take a break from each other now. We've done a lot of duets together and we've done two tours together.
"There are no more plans to do anything else. I think people will start to think there's something going on between us if we did anything else."
Ronan recently recorded a song for Brian's new album The Irish Connection, which also features other Irish stars.
Brian admitted that he had been hoping to get U2 frontman Bono on board for the record.
He said: "I rang Bono but he was away. I'm still waiting to hear back from him. I left him a voice message. I think it was his number. I found it on the back of a toilet door in a Dublin pub."
Brian McFadden has unveiled the video to his latest track ‘Time To Save Our Love’. The Dublin born singer-songwriter returns to the UK music scene with his first studio single in almost eight years. ‘Time To Save Our Love’ is an up-tempo ballad co-written by Brian, which showcases his versatile vocal talent. About the track Brian says:
“It’s great to be back in the UK full time and to release my first studio single in nearly 8 years here! The single is very special to me and to have co-written makes it even more so. As always the fans continue to be incredible and I look forward to seeing them on the road soon”
With a fifteen year career in the music industry Brian’s passion for making music remains undiminished. From being one fifth of Westlife, Britain’s biggest boy band of all time, to replicating this success in his solo career with the number-one hit ‘Real To Me’ and global recognition with the track ‘Almost Here’, Brian is back once again.
Brian is also set to take part in a brand new ITV entertainment show ‘Stepping Out’ – with his wife Vogue – hosted by Davina McCall starting next Saturday at 6.30pm on ITV1.
Watch Brian McFadden – Time to Save Our Love – Official Video below:
HIS son Koa might be only 13-months-old but doting dad Kian Egan is already planning baby number two.
our son, is 13-months-old now," said the 32-year-old former Westlife star.
"He's a perfect baby, but I'm sure our second one is going to make up for it. We'll probably wait until Koa is two or three before we try for another."
The Voice judge said the birth of his son had a profound effect on him and his wife Jodi.
"Koa was a great newborn. He'd wake up smiling; have a feed, then go back to sleep.
"We've been through a lot. I lost my dad before Koa was born, and Jodi's mum has been battling cancer for the last year but she's doing quite well now.
"When you have a child your perspective changes. All the stuff we worry about, you realise this is what matters – being there for that child, guiding his personality in the right direction." And former Hollyoaks actress Jodi Albert (29) says she feels an automatic bond with mums.
"I think the best thing that has happened to me since having a baby is the connection I actually feel with other mums who have been through the same thing," she wrote on her blog.
"I am never stuck for conversation with other mums. I talk about stretch marks, that my boobs are dropping a little bit and I can chat about it all day".
Kian married Jodi in Barbados in 2009. And Kian says he will never forget their Big Day.
"I was flabbergasted to see my fiancee walk up the aisle. I remember being gobsmacked, getting that butterfly feeling in my stomach and thinking 'Oh My God, this is real. This is it."
The new series of The Voice of Ireland a new coach Jamelia joining returning coaches Bressie, Sharon Corr and Kian Egan for the first of this season's 'blind' auditions, where the coaches can hear, but cannot see, the hopefuls.
KIAN EGAN
Not content with TV stardom former Westlife star Kian Egan apparently now has his sights set on a solo career. Following the news that former band-mates Mark and Shane have penned solo deals of their own it now seems Kian wants a bit of the action. The singer is said to already have a few tracks in the bag which he has produced with boyband McFly and his Voice of Ireland co-star Bressie. But Kian, who is planning on shopping the tracks to various record companies, isn't putting all his eggs in one basket. Egan is still keeping up with his TV work making regular appearances on This Morning as a presenter. The star is also said to be shooting a documentary for ITV about US music but has denied that he and former Wonderland star wife Jodie Albert are filming their own reality TV show. Rumours were rife that he and Jodie were to begin shooting a 'fly on the wall' style show but Egan insists that allowing camera's into their everyday life with his wife and baby son Koa is not something he is keen on. I can't say I'm not a little disappointed, who wouldn't love a peek at the lives of the rich and famous.
2013
Westlife singer Kian Egan has told of how he's enjoying living a "normal life" since the band retired.
The Voice' coach has embarked on a presenting career since the popular music group hung up their microphones last summer.
Egan splits his time between Ireland and the UK with wife Jodi Albert and their son, Koa, who celebrated his first birthday on December 20.
The father of one told the Irish Independent that he's adapting well without the band and can't wait to embrace more of life's simple pleasures, like making a cup of tea and putting his son to bed at night.
"Life is at a nice pace now. I'm not travelling as much and I'm getting to spend more time with Koa and Jodi, which is amazing," he said.
"But I'm still working hard. It's a shift in life, but feels good. I'm looking forward to settling down that little bit more again and having a normal life because since I was 17, before Westlife, I haven't had that.
"I want to wake up at home every day and spend time with my family."
After a successful stint on 'The Xtra Factor' and ITV's 'This Morning', Egan has been taking on more work in TV.
In what may be his biggest project yet, the 33-year-old was in the US with an ITV crew in December to film a programme which explores American music of the south.
He also admitted that he and wife Jodi would love to have more children in the future.
"Fatherhood is amazing. It surpasses anything else you've ever done," he said.
"We definitely do want more kids down the line, as we wouldn't want Koa to be an only child -- but not yet."
A SECOND Westlife star has run into house problems.
KIAN Egan will have to take down a timber fence from around his Sligo home after falling foul of planners.
But unlike bankrupt Shane Filan, who cannot get any offers for his mansion even at the knockdown price of €999,000, Kian and his wife, Jodi Albert, have simply been ordered by to take down a timber extension to the boundary stone wall.
The couple said they wanted the fencing for two years until landscaping and foliage matured to hide their home from the road, but Sligo County Council has refused their application
The luxury home is just half a mile from a beach where Kian indulges his passion for surfing.
The home's impressive kitchen was custom-made and features Asian fretwork door with distressed antique mirrors.
In the past three years, the couple have extended and modified the five-bedroom house at Carrowdough, Strandhill, building into the attic and fitting out a music and entertainment room. They've doubled the bungalow's size to 5,231sq ft.
Antique
Kian is a judge in RTE's The Voice of Ireland and Jodi starred in the Channel 4 series Hollyoaks in her native England before settling in Sligo.
The couple married in Barbados in May 2009 and their first baby, Koa, was born on December 20, 2011.
The couple named their son after the Hawaiian koa tree. "Some of the best surfboards are made from its wood, so when Koa was born it just suited him," says Kian.
Westlife star Kian Egan is enjoying living a normal life and spending time with his nearest and dearest since the boys disbanded last summer (12).
The hunky singer has now tried his hand at TV presenting, becoming a judge on the Irish version of hit talent show The Voice alongside The Corrs stunner Sharon Corr and sultry songstress Jamelia.
Kian splits his time between Ireland and the U.K. with his wife, former Hollyoaks star Jodi Albert, and their gorgeous son Koa, who celebrated his first birthday on 20 December last year (12).
Since Westlife hung up their microphones, the star admits he is embracing life's simple pleasures and is looking forward to having more kids in the future.
He tells the Irish Independent newspaper, 'Life is at a nice pace now. I'm not travelling as much and I'm getting to spend more time with Koa and Jodi, which is amazing. But I'm still working hard. It's a shift in life, but feels good. I'm looking forward to settling down that little bit more again and having a normal life because since I was 17, before Westlife, I haven't had that.
'I want to wake up at home every day and spend time with my family. Fatherhood is amazing. It surpasses anything else you've ever done. We definitely do want more kids down the line, as we wouldn't want Koa to be an only child - but not yet.'
'VOICE of Ireland' judge Kian Egan has been ordered to take down a 'privacy' fence which he erected around his country mansion.
The Westlife star and his wife, Jodi Albert, put up the wooden fence on top of a stone wall around their Strandhill, Co Sligo, home and then applied to Sligo County Council for planning permission on February 1.
Despite no listed objections to the fence being lodged, the council has refused the singer and his actress wife permission to retain the fence around the perimeter of their home.
No reason was given for the refusal of planning retention for the fence.
The couple must now decide either to appeal or be obliged to take down the fence as soon as possible.
In their application, which cost €102 to lodge, the couple claimed the fence was only to be in place for two years, to give shrubbery time to mature and develop as a natural screen.
"The fence provides protection to the landscaping as well as providing security," the application stated.
The house is located on the outskirts of the popular tourist and surfer town of Strandhill.
Over the past six years, the couple have lodged four separate applications for planning permission, as they constructed their large home on the site of a former house and constructed a gateway and access route to the house.
The celebrity status of the couple frequently draws fans to the perimeter of the largely stone dwelling, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Westlife crooner or his 'Hollyoaks' actress wife.
One local said he was surprised that the council refused permission for the temporary wooden fence.
"It's not exactly an eyesore and nobody has ever really passed any remarks on it," he said
"Kian and Jodi keep themselves to themselves and never cause anybody any real bother,"he added.
THEY may have survived the gruelling battle rounds, but Kian Egan has sent out a warning to the contestants on this year’s series of ‘The Voice’ – as every judge will be forced to cut their teams by a third in the first two weeks of live shows.
The former Westlife singer was speaking to Ryan Tubridy when he revealed the shake-up to this year’s live shows.
“We will all have three contestants for the first week, the audience will put one through and it will be down to us to decide who stays”, he said.
“That will happen again the following week. For the first two weeks we lose a contestant each — people are going to go home very fast."
The Sligo native said the changes were made to keep the show fresh and different from other talent show rivals.
“Last year it kind of felt like we got into the live show and it was just another live show with the contestant coming out on-stage.
“It was pretty generic and became very similar to all the other shows on TV, but now we are going to get to see the real talent really standing up.”
The talent show has been a ratings smash for RTE, regularly pulling in just shy of a million viewers every Sunday night.
POP hunk Kian Egan has admitted the reality of Westlife’s break-up still hasn’t hit him yet. The band went their separate ways last summer following a sell-out Farewell Tour.
But the singer, 32, has revealed how the finality of the split hasn’t sunk in — because he’s busy working on The Voice of Ireland.
He said: “Ask me a year or six months from now and I’ll feel a lot different about it.
“But whenever I do feel nostalgic, I remind myself we had 14 amazing years together.”
Nicky Naam voluit Nicholas Bernard James Adam Byrne Geboortedatum 9 oktober 1978 Kleur ogen blauw Kleur haar Blond Lengte 1,76 Broers en zussen 1 zus en 1 broertje Woonplaats Dublin Instrument leert piano Vorige Baantjes Keeper bij Leed utd Favo - Film Armageddon - Actrice Cameron Diaz - Acteur Brad Pitt - Boek ?? (Tell me!!) - Kleding Designer Gucci - Westlife nummer Moments - Ballad Against all odds Slechtste WL songtekst?
I have a dream...a song to sing..."
en de zin: "We had joy we had fun.." Kenmerken Litteken op elleboog Huisdieren? geen Favo - "catch" phrase ?? - Lichaamsdeel (zelf) ogen - Lichaamsdeel vrouw ogen - Kleur blauw/wit
Nicky: Liam is obnoxious 2007 Nicky would never want to be Liam,
it seems Westlife's Nicky Byrne has apparently
revealed that whilst he loves Oasis
he would never want to swap places with Liam Gallagher.
The Westlife singer has confessed he finds the frontman
"obnoxious" -
and was shocked when he met him for the first time.
held at popular Harcourt Street venue Krystle nightclub.
Nicky and Georgina were among the partiers,
SHANE
Nicky is a top guy, and the person I talk to the most. We have a similar personality, the same taste in cars and girls. If I meet a girl, and I've been out with her a few times, I'll always ask Nicky for his opinion. He's good at spotting girls for me too. Both of us like very sexy girls with long legs and high heels, and when we're out he'll say "Shane you'll like her over there" and I won't notice her. Or he'll be sitting at the bar chatting to a girl and shout "Come over here Shane, there is someone you should meet" He's nearly always right - he's matched me up with a girl a few times! Nicky is definitely the most daring when it comes to fashion. He brought a £1.500 pair ofsky blue leather trousers recently, and he always wears these stupid, lucky irish green socks. He's got about ten pairs, all covered in shamrocks. Nicky's a great guy. We're always planning stuff together - we'd love to open a restaurant or club together. I can talk to Nicky about anything - he really listerns and gives me proper advice. He's like an older brother, and I look up to him an awful lot. He loves to shop just as much as I do, we're the same taste in clothes.
MARK
Nicky's the romantic one of us all. He was once away for Valentine's Day and he and his girlfriend Georgina were bitterly disappointed that they weren't going to see each other. He never said anything to her, but he flew back to Ireland and when she was in the shower he sneaked into her house and went up to her bedroom and filled it with balloons. So when she came back into the room all upset that she wasn't going to see her boyfriend, there he was lying on the bed with a box of chocolates! It's one of the most romantic things I've ever heard of and I've always wished the story was about me and that I'd done it for a girlfriend of mine. Nicky is quite sensible and mature normally, but he's definitely got a wild streak and he changes the most in drink. When he's got a few beers in him he gets very brave. He'll come up and give you a punch on the jaw just to be friendly. He thinks he's being playful but it really hurts. I think out of all of us Nicky was meant to be famous. He missed out on playing football for Leeds United because they dropped him when he was 16. He was destined to be a star. Nicky has become much more laid back in the recent months. He used to worry about everything, but he's much more chilled now. And he's very stylish. He loves clothes, and, even if the rest of us look like we've been dragged backwards through a hedge, Nicky keeps it together
KIAN
Nicky's got a lot of phobias. He gets scared in lifts and he doesn't like small spaces. We can't resist teasing him, we do it all the time. We'll get in a lift with him and jump up and down to make it move or pretend it's broken. He really freaks out and if the lift gets crowded, he starts pleading with people to get out. I'm just in tears laughing at him. He worries about mobile phones and bought an earpiece in case they give you cancer. He's frightened of flying and he's got all these strange superstitions. He insists on ringing every person he knows just before they get on a plane and again once they've landed. Nicky's very committed to the band and feels strongly about things. He's very headstrong. If he makes a point and then realises he's wrong, he'll still argue that he's right. This week, we were discussing whether to do a new dance routine on a TV show next week. The rest of us thought we should wait because we didn't know it well enough, but he was determined that we go ahead. He kept saying: "We have to do it, we have to do it." I reckon Nicky's most likely to get married first. He's been with his girlfriend for six years. They really love each other and he's very lucky in that
The Irish Times - 2013 Creditors of bankrupt Westlife singer Filan called to Dublin meeting later this month
Creditors of Westlife singer Shane Filan, who was declared bankrupt in Britain in June after being unable to repay €18 million worth of debts built up in property developments in Leitrim and Sligo, have been called to a meeting in Dublin later this month.
Kevin John Hellard and Richard Hicken of Grant Thornton UK LLP are joint bankruptcy trustees for Mr Filan, who chose to declare bankruptcy in the Kingston-upon-Thames county court outside London.
The trustees have now called a creditors’ meeting under rule 6.81 of the Insolvency Rules 1986 to take place at 24-26 City Quay, Dublin 2, at 1pm on January 22nd to establish a creditors’ committee and settle on remuneration for the trustees.
Under British bankruptcy law, a creditors’ committee consists of between three and five creditors elected by all, and they must give approval for the subsequent actions of the trustees, including the bringing, or taking of legal actions.
Creditors of the Westlife singer, pictured above with wife Gillian, who is now living in London, must lodge proofs of the debt outstanding with the trustees by noon on January 21st, according to an official notice posted yesterday.
Mr Filan, who is hoping to restart his music career with a solo album, was forced into bankruptcy after the property firm owned together with his brother Finbarr collapsed, leaving debts of more than €5.5 million to Ulster Bank and Bank of Ireland.
Speaking after his bankruptcy declaration, Mr Filan said he had worked for months to avoid bankruptcy, but without success: “I have worked long and hard to try to reduce my debts, and I am devastated that it came to this conclusion,” he said then.
Westlife finished their final world tour last summer, having had 14 number one singles in Britain, including Flying Without Wings and Fool Again. In all, the band had more than two dozen songs that made the British Top 10.
Shane Filan’s house not sold, despite reports
SHANE Filan's Co Sligo mansion has not been sold, an estate agent said today.
However, Ken Draper of Sherry FitzGerald Draper in Sligo refuted the claim the ex-Westlife singer's home has a new owner.
"We are expecting instructions on this property but we certainly haven't even placed a value on it yet," he said.
"Due to the nature of the sale it will be required to be sold on the open market."
It understood father-of-three Filan and his wife Gillian moved all of their possessions out of the house last week ahead of a January 15 deadline.
They now live in Surrey where he has been declared bankrupt.
Friends say it cost Filan €3m to build the property which included landscaped gardens, a pond and a stream.
A businessman once offered him €10m for the home at the height of the boom.
It's understood the house will be put on the open market at the end of this month for around €1.3m.
It cannot be sold until after a creditors' meeting takes place in Dublin on January 22.
More than €18m is owed to creditors from the building company owned by Mr Filan and his brother Finbarr, €5M of that to Ulster Bank and Bank of Ireland.
Putting it behind them: Shane Filan and his wife Gillian headed out for a day in London, as creditors met in Dublin to discuss their bankruptcy
Bankrupt Westlife star Shane Filan and wife Gillian put money woes behind them for romantic day out
He's had a difficult year after been forced to file for bankruptcy when his property business collapsed.
But it seems that former Westlife star Shane Filan is moving on from his money woes, after being spotted out and about with wife Gillian in London on Friday. Seemingly in good spirits, the couple grabbed some takeaway coffee from Starbucks before heading out for the day, proving that they were putting their difficult year behind them.
According to new information in the Irish Independent the UK insolvency service allowed Filan to keep the ring, which is valued at $48,600. Befitting a platinum-selling pop star the ring is no simple gold band but is instead described in official documents as "a gentleman's platinum two-row channel-set 31.41 carat baguette diamond wedding ring
Former boyband star Shane Filan has been left with only the ring on his finger following bankruptcy
Keeping his ring: Shane has been allowed to keep his wedding band, after filing £18 million bankruptcy debt
Shane Filan’s mansion goes on the market
THE mansion that formerly belonged to bankrupt Westlife star Shane Filan has been put on the market.
The Castledale house in Carraroe, Co Sligo – once home to singer Shane (33), his wife Gillian and their young family – has a price tag of €990,000.
This is a far cry from the estimated €4m the house cost to build.
The move comes as the father-of-three continues to deal with debts of up to €23m.
The well-known singer – who is rumoured to be releasing a solo album this year - was declared bankrupt in the UK last June.
He now lives in a €2.5m house in Surrey with wife Gillian and their three children Nicole (7), Shane (4) and Patrick (3) as he works through his financial problems.
The detached house has five bedrooms and six bathrooms and has been listed by Sherry Fitzgerald Draper with a guide price of €990,000 – although it’s expected to go for more than that.
Shane built the house from scratch in 2004 after being given the land by a relative and it’s estimated that he splashed out up to €4m on building it.
The Bank of Scotland is owed €3.85m on the home.
Covering an area of nearly 10,000sq ft and set on almost five acres of landscaped gardens, the waterfront home with a natural stone finish includes a bar and an entertainment lounge as well as a cinema area and a sun-room.
It is controlled by electronic gates with trees and shrubs blocking it from the road.
BANKRUPT Shane Filan has turned to America in a bid to recoup his missing millions. Hush Hush can reveal the former Westlife star is currently holed up in Nashville. The Tennessee city may be known as the capital of country music, but Shane is busy there with some of the world's top songwriters in a bid to top the music charts as a solo artist. "He is delighted with what he has accomplished so far and there will be a bidding war in the coming months to sign him up," says a pal. Insiders hope Shane will become the Irish answer to Michael Bublé. The likeable Sligoman lost his €10m fortune from Westlife due to investments with his brother in the property market.Their company reputedly has debts of €23m. Bankrupt Last June he was declared bankrupt in the UK, where he has moved home with his wife Gillian because of its more lenient insolvency laws, which means he will be able to start over again after a year. Last week Shane's plush home in Co. Sligo was put on the market for €990,000, a huge drop from the €10m a businessman offered during the boom. The mansion, which cost €3m to build in 2004, is being sold following a creditors' meeting last month. It's a spectacular fall from financial grace for the 33-year-old, who appeared to have it all.
Shane Filan will lose a fortune on his plush Sligo house
Not only was he an idolised member of Westlife for 13 years - during which they sold 43 million records - but Shane was also lucky in love and wed his childhood sweetheart Gillian Walsh. Despite his fame, he remained grounded and didn't splash the cash too much. The exceptions were his Sligo home and James Bond Aston Martin, which was sold for just under €400,000 at an auction to try and clear his debts. Shane set up his firm Shafin Developments Ltd in 2004 with his brother Finbarr and snapped up several investment opportunities in the west, which were paid for by large bank loans. But the bubble burst and so did Shane's investments, including a planned 90-house estate in Dromahair, Co. Leitrim, and a major housing and office complex in Carraroe, Co. Sligo.
Shane also took out loans for a string of personal investments, including student apartments in Sligo and several rental properties in housing estates. A mortgage was also taken out on a 60-hectare farm near Dromahair, which was bought for €1.3m in 2009. In a further blow, a boutique owned by Shane and his sister Mairead shut in 2009 with losses of €1m. Let's hope that the people Shane are working with in Nashville have the magic touch so he can become a multi-millionaire once again.
Former Westlife star Shane Filan has signed a solo record deal, just months after being declared bankrupt.
The Irish singer has already begun recording his album in Nashville in the US, which will be released by London Records at the end of the year.
His chart-topping group split last year with a series of sell-out stadium shows after a 14-year career during which they notched up 14 UK number one singles.
Filan, 33, was declared bankrupt last summer, only a few days before Westlife bowed out with their farewell show at Dublin's Croke Park. His Irish-registered property company had already gone into receivership, thought to be as a result of the country's economic problems.
Filan said he was excited by his new deal, adding: "One of the things that pleases me the most about this record is that I've been given the opportunity to write my own songs. I'm so excited for people to hear them."
Westlife were noted for the many cover versions they took into the charts.
Filan's bandmate Nicky Byrne was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing last year, while colleague Kian Egan has been a presenter on ITV's This Morning.
Filan's manager, Louis Walsh, said: "This is a fantastic new deal for Shane."
Shane Filan is going it alone!
The Westlife star has confirmed news that he’s signed a solo record deal and is planning to release his first album later in 2013.
The Irish hunk will be working with record label Universal London and has already started work on the new material, which will be his first since his long running man band split last year.
Shane is looking forward to producing and writing his own songs and said in a statement:
“I am so excited to be joining London Records, Universal Music and being back in the studio in London and Nashville recording new songs has been amazing. One of the things that pleases me the most about this record is that I’ve been given the opportunity to write my own songs. I’m so excited for people to hear them!”
Manager Louis Walsh meanwhile added: “This is a fantastic new deal for Shane, we are thrilled to be part of the team at London Records.”
Filan’s fans reacted very positively to the news and he has been bombarded with encouraging tweets all day. They included:
GAAAH @ShaneFilan IS RELEASING A SINGLE IN SUMMER AND AN ALBUM LATER THIS YEAR, AND HE’S WRITTEN SONGS HIMSELF AND I’M SUPER EXCITED
I hope @ShaneFilan visits down under when his solo career takes off. That’s a concert I wouldn’t want to miss. Can’t wait for the 1st single
@ShaneFilan I can’t wait to actually be blasting Shane’s new single!!! #FilanFiday xx
Shane responded to his fans writing:
“I’m speechless guys !!! Thankyou so much .. Hand about to fall off from RTs Love to every single one of ye? Follow @LondonRecords for news!”
Former Westlife member Shane Filan has signed to London Records as a solo artist.
He's started recording his debut solo album in Nashville as well as the UK. It will be released towards the end of this year.
Shane says ”I am so excited to be joining London Records, Universal Music and being back in the studio in London and Nashville recording new songs has been amazing. One of the things that pleases me the most about this record is that I've been given the opportunity to write my own songs. I’m so excited for people to hear them!”
Louis Walsh, Filan’s manager said: “This is a fantastic new deal for Shane, we are thrilled to be part of the team at London Records.”
London Records President Nick Raphael commented: “We are over the moon to have Shane on our roster. I already feel that the strength of the song writing shows Shane at his most creative."
As part of Westlife, Filan sold over 50 million records worldwide and have accumulated 14 No.1 singles, the third highest in UK history - a feat that won them the accolade of the UK's top-selling album group of the 21st century in 2010
They also won The Record of the Year (the only music award based on public votes in the UK) a record-breaking four times and in 2012, the Official Charts Company listed Westlife 34th amongst the biggest-selling singles artists in British music history.
Filan will release his new album on London Records later in 2013.
Shane Filan from Westlife has signed a solo record deal with London Records and you can expect his debut album by the end of the years. Recording sessions have already kicked off in Nashville but he’s also recording in the UK.
Louis Walsh will manage Shane’s solo career. With over 50 million record sales as part of Westlife, everyone is really excited about hearing the new material as Shane has been writing plenty of songs.
(above) Shane pictured with Jo Charrington, SVP A&R, London Records/ Louis Walsh / Nick Raphael, President, London Records
It's been a good week for Shane Filan, not only has he sold his house but he has signed a new record contract.
The Westlife singer has had more than his fair share of bad luck recently, as he was declared bankrupt after his property development firm went bust.
But now things are on the up again, as the singer has sold one of his properties for almost 1 million Euros at auction. The period home and an adjoining plot of 146 acres of land was purchased by farmer James Irwin for 910,000 Euros. The farmer certainly got a good bargain, as the price was just a tenth of what Shane paid for it only a few years ago during the housing boom.
In a separate sale, Shane's older brother Liam snapped up 3.6 acres of land that is next to Shane's home in Carraroe, County Sligo, for 50,000 Euros. The property itself is still on the market with a value of 900,000 Euros, way below the 3 million Euros Shane paid to build it, and far less than the 10 million Euros he was once offered for it.
The news of the sale came as Shane signed a new contract with London Records to release his first solo material after spending over a decade in Westlife.
Shane says in a statement, "One of the things that pleases me the most about this record is that I've been given the opportunity to write my own songs. I'm so excited for people to hear them!"
It will all come to some relief to Shane, who is believed to have up to 23 million Euros debts. He now lives in England with his family, and it is thought he will clear his bankruptcy debts in June.
If you are still nursing a broken heart from Westlife?s final tour back in 2012, we have some exciting news for you?
Working on solo material is something I had always dreamed of doing Shane Filan - a.k.a the hot one ? is making a comeback! And we have a brand new exclusive video of the singer performing an acoustic version of his track ?Today?s Not Yesterday.?
The song features on the ex-boybander?s new EP, which also includes his debut solo single ?Everything To Me.?
The singer has been working on his solo material since Westlife bid their final farewell to fans with their ?goodbye tour? last year, and says he?d always dreamt of going it alone.
Everything To Me' is a very personal song to me lyrically ?Working on solo material is something I had always dreamed of doing, and I?m incredibly happy with the results,? says Shane.
The new material comes after a rocky year for Shane, who was forced to file for bankruptcy last year when he fell victim to the Irish property crash.
It was a tough time for the 34 year-old who recently revealed the heart-breaking moment he had to refuse his son a £30 toy because the family couldn?t afford it.
He recalled: 'I remember my little fella Patrick looking in a shop window and going: ?Daddy, look at that Spider-Man toy! Can I get that?
Shane pictured with childhood sweetheart Gillian last year ?I looked and it was £29.99. I was like: ?That?s really expensive. We can?t get that now.'
Throughout the tough time, Shane said it was his wife Gillian and their three children, Nicole, 8, Patrick, 5, and three-year-old Shane, who got him through.
Now Shane looks forward to the future and his new solo career.
Speaking about his debut single, which is released on Sunday, Shane says: ??Everything To Me? is a very personal song to me lyrically; it is such an upbeat and optimistic record.?
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No new mum looks like this. It's all fake... admits Jodi Albert as she lashes celeb mothers who starve to lose their baby weight
Posing in sexy patterned stockings and the shortest of short tops, Jodi Albert looked as glamorous ? and as svelte ? as she ever had. Amazingly, the glamorous shoot ? for the portfolio of an up-and-coming fashion photographer friend ? came less than three months after she gave birth to her first baby, son Koa. The online reaction after she tweeted the pictures was phenomenal. Most responses were congratulatory but the undercurrent of envy and, occasionally, despair was impossible to miss. It is this undercurrent, perhaps, that has prompted the actress and singer into a guilty confession. Family: Jodi Albert, with husband Kian Egan and baby son Koa For today, Jodi reveals that the glamorous images were ?not real? ? and insists ?edited? pictures set a false standard that ordinary women cannot possibly live up to. Those celebrities who really do lose weight instantly are ?barely eating? while exercising ?like lunatics?, Jodi says ? and setting an unhealthy and disheartening example. In an exclusive interview with the Irish Mail on Sunday, the former Hollyoaks star says she is determined to tell other mothers that celebrities struggle with losing baby weight too and confesses the pictures of her were ?not reality?. ?I did a fashion photoshoot for a friend and basically she put the pictures on Twitter and they got a bit of a reaction,? she says. ?One of the papers picked up on it, saying that I was winning the fight against the baby bulge. ?But I don?t want women to get disheartened: the shoot was fun but it wasn?t reality. I don?t wake up every morning looking skinny. As someone who has always been honest, I felt like I really had to let them know that I am struggling. It is hard.? Jodi, pictured shortly after giving birth, reveals that the glamorous images were 'not real' - and insists 'edited' pictures set a false standard that ordinary women cannot possibly live up to' The 28-year-old wife of Westlife?s Kian Egan says another recent spread in OK! magazine also made her look unrealistically glamorous. Jodi is seen cuddling up to Kian and baby Koa ? and the new mother looks flawless. She refuses to say which images are airbrushed ? and which are just cleverly lit or angled. ?Let?s say the photographer is very clever; he can change things and he knows what he?s doing,? she said. ?I appreciate that photography flatters sometimes because I have lots of lumps and bumps ? but at the same time, I want to be honest about it to women,? she adds. The actress admits that she has been heavily airbrushed throughout most of her career, saying that she didn?t even recognise herself when she graced the cover of men?s magazine Maxim. ?Most of my pictures have been airbrushed. When I was in Hollyoaks, I didn?t even know what airbrushing was. I started doing these photo shoots for Maxim and I would look at myself and I would think, ?Oh, I look very different. Why do I look so weird?? ?And it was because the photographer airbrushed the s*** out of me. I didn?t even recognise myself any more,? she says. The performer ? who was also a member of now-defunct girl group Wonderland, co-managed by Voice mentor Kian ? was quick to point out that she is not like many other celebrity mothers. She said influential women like Victoria Beckham were starving themselves to lose their baby weight.
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