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Thats life 2007-12-07
Theyve clocked up 36 million record sales worldwide and only the Beatles and Elvis have had more number ones. This week, Westlife show why they are one of the worlds biggest pop acts when they celebrate eight years of chart success with a live show on ITV1.
Hosted by Holly Willoughby and featuring surprise guests, the show sees the band perform some of their 14 uk number ones, including the five classics that topped a fan poll on itv.com
The group has come along way since Irish schoolfriends Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, and Shane Filan first performed together in an amateur version of Grease. Signed by pop manager Louis Walsh,who recruited new members Nicky Byrne and Bryan Mcfadden, the boys secured a record deal with Simon Cowell and are still at the top today, despite the departure of Mcfadden, who quit the band and went solo in 2004,
MARK - LIFE AS I KNOW IT - Mark, 27, is part of chart-topping band Westlife. His partner is former boyband singer Kevin McDaid.
If I could change anything about myself I' have a six-pack. I do go to the gym and I'm trying to get myself in shape, but I'm nowhere near there yet.
The most romantic thing anyone's ever done for me was when my partner, Kevin, got me a massive chocolate chip cookie with "Happy birthday" engraved on it. We were in California and he popped out to the local mall to get it made for me.
Not a lot of people know this, but I'm very good at tennis. When I was at school I played tournaments, but singing gave me even more of a buzz so I gave up sport for rock'n'roll.
To wake myself up I finish my shower with a blast of cold water. That always does the trick.
Last thing at night I always wet my hair to get rid of all the products in it.
When I have time to myself I write songs, but they're for myself rather than for the band.
When I'm feeling down I have to get out and about. I'll go for a walk and head for somewhere busy, like the West End, to take my mind off things.
My best friend is Kevin, and also a lad back home in Ireland who I've known since I was at school.
My "happy place" is when I'm in a room full of friends having a few drinks, chatting and catching up.
The best thing my parents taught me is to have manners. One thing I can't stand is when people don't have the common courtesy to be nice to you.
If I can I always try to avoid confrontation. I've become better at it when I need to stand up for myself, but I'm usually laid back and don't get into arguments.
It's not good for my image but I like crepes with Nutella on them. They're not good for my image because they give me a big fat belly.
If I could pass any law I' stop certain taxes, like when you want to give your parents money and the taxman wants a big chunk of it.
The song I can never get out of my head is Mercy by Duffy. It's so catchy and she has a great voice.
I drive a Mini Cooper and also an Audi Q7 jeep.
If I could be anyone else I'd be Jim Carrey, just to see how he comes up with all those crazy comedy ideas.
My favourite love song is Nothing Compares 2 U, but the original Prince version. His vocals are amazing on it.
When I was a child I wanted to be either Jan-Michael Vincent from Airwolf or Lee Majors in The Six Million Dollar Man.
My biggest regret isI honestly don't have any. I've been very lucky in life and nothing bad has happened so far, touch wood.
My proudest moment was when I heard we'd sold out Croke Park in Dublin. We're playing there in June and the only bands who have sold out the place before us are huge acts like U2 and Bon Jovi.
The shop I can't walk past without buying something is the Vans in Covent Garden. The trainers are so cheap you can buy loads of them.' It's silly how many pairs I have around the house.
The most expensive thing I've ever splashed out on is two portraits of the performance artist Leigh Bowery. They cost me a lot of money but I know they'll be worth even more in the future.
I always laugh at South Park and Shameless, although the latter was better when it first started.
I know I'm having a bad hair day when I've let it grow a bit. Hairdressers say I have the weirdest hair - it goes all over the place and is very unmanageable - so I try to keep it short.
The best day of my life is impossible to say, I've had so many great days, but I remember having a barbecue in Ireland last summer, with all my friends and family around me, and that felt pretty wonderful.
My favourite restaurant is anywhere where they serve Japanese food, like Wagamama and Itsu.
The last film I saw was... The Simpsons Movie. I liked it even better than the IV show.
On my last holiday Kevin and I went to Amsterdam for a weekend recently. It was cold and crisp and it's such a beautiful city to walk around.
My last meal would be my mum's full-on Sunday roast, followed by the biggest lump of chocolate fudge cake imaginable.
For Nicky Byrne, a member of popular Irish pop band Westlife, 2009 has been an annus horribilus.
His good friend, Boyzone member Stephen Gately, 33, died in Majorca in October from an undiagnosed heart condition.
Over the telephone from Ireland, the 31-year-old says quietly: "It was such a huge shock when Stephen died. It was such sad nes because he was so young."
Barely had he dealt with the shock of his friend's death whenhis own father died in November from a heart attack at the ago of 60.
He says: "My dad's death was very sudden and it made me feel that we can never prepare enough for what it going to happen in life. I was very heartbroken and I didn't know what to do but I am trying to move on. My dad was a great father and a great man, and I am sure he would be proud of us now."
Besides personal traumas, Byrne had also been reassessing his life on the professional front.
His band was on a year-long hiatus from mid-2008. The four-member band, which includes Mark Feehily, Kian Egan both 29, and Shane Filan, 30, felt burnt out from work in the past decade and wanted a break.
Byrne says: "There was a risk in taking a break because at the back of our minds, we feared that people would forget us in this fickle-minded music scene. Our fans might end up supporting others but we went ahead and did it because we were so tired nd wanted a good rest."
During their time off, the quartet mostly spent precious time with their families, something they did not have the chance to do in the past.
Byrne says the break was good for the band as they came out of it refreshed and ready to work hard on their 10th album, Where We Are, which was released last November.
And the band think the album of catchy pop tunes and love ballads is their best in a decade-long career that has seen them selling more than 40 million albums.
Byrne, a father of fraternal three-year-old twin boys, says: "We felt pressured to do well and meet high expectations for our new album because of our previous albums' good results. We wanted the album to be an indication of where we are after 10 years and we wanted it to feel special again.
"We also wanted the album to reflect how much we have matured over the years and we used inspiration from our daily lives to put together this album."
Glad to be leaving 2009 behind and starting 2010 afresh, the chatty singer reveals that the band will be embarking on their world tour this year, starting from Europe before coming to Asia.
He says: "I am excited and looking forward to that and I think 2010 will be a brighter and better year."
He also reveals the secret to stayin popular after so many years on the scene: "It is mainly committment to hard work and getting along well as a group. We definitely worked hard for our success today."
But he does no know how long the band can go on, adding: "We don't know, but we are taking it an album at a time. We have come a long way and I hope we can continue to go on for a long time."
He promises Singapore fans that they will come here this year. The last time the quartet performed here was 2006.
He adds: "Singapore has been very nice to us and it is definitely on the map for our world tour 2010. Meanwhile, check out our latest album and we'll see you guys soon."
After 12 years, Westlife are still one of the biggest boy bands around but as they're settling down and having kids you'd be forgiven for thinking it could all be coming to an end. Not if their fans have anything to do with it though...
On being heart throbs in their 30s and playing for crazy fans...
One of the most successful boy bands ever, Irish heartthrobs Westlife have been around for years.
They've had a drama or two along the way not to mention their fill of snotty critics but none of that matters with legions of die-hard fans.
With a cool 44million album sales and in the middle of their 11th tour across the UK and Ireland, the boys Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan and Shane Filan know who they're trying to please, and it certainly ain't their critics.
The fans are fantastic, grins Shane, 31. The banter we have with them from the stage is one of the best things about touring. Most have grown up with us, so you expect them to calm down as they get older.
But the older they get, the madder they are.
And it seems the fans don't care too much about the boys wholesome image. Some of the banners we can see from the stage are hilarious, laughs Nicky, 32. You name it, they write it, and when you think it could be some woman in her 50s holding it up, it's so funny.
We even had the very subtle Ride me Shane!. They're hilarious. I picked the girl out of the crowd and said to her You don't f*** about do you sweetheart? Brilliant.
With so many millions of women convinced the lads are dreamboats, do their own other halves swoon every time they see them?
Hardly! laughs Nicky, who is married to Georgina Ahern, daughter of the former Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
She sees me first thing in the morning and last thing at night, warts and all. The whole swooning thing would end very quickly if people saw what I'm really like!
On temptation on tour and staying out of trouble...
With each of the guys in a solid relationship Nicky with wife Georgina, Shane with wife Gillian, Kian with actress wife Jodi Albert and Mark engaged to partner Kevin McDaid how do they manage to keep themselves on the straight and narrow when they're off working for weeks at a time?
Well for a start, our other halves are on tour with us a lot of the time! laughs Mark, 30. That takes away some of the temptation! But even without that, you just got to trust each other.
Unfortunately people falter from time to time, but that's life. Even if someone goes off to work in the morning and comes back at 6pm, you still don't know for sure.
After the spate of stars caught out cheating last year including fellow boy band stars Ronan Keating and Mark Owen do the lads feel more on their guard?
Life's hard enough without constantly worrying about keeping out of trouble, says Nicky. I think if you really love your other half you be alright and you do your best. But these things are just human error too.
On feeling homesick and balancing fame with family life...
As much as the guys love life on the road and their sell-out arena gigs, they admit being away from home for weeks on end can be tough.
When you're starting out in a band, the tour part is what you dream of, says Kian, 30. it's always been one of the best bits. But after a while it's hard getting up every morning when you're not in your own bed.
You want to be able to make your own cup of tea and a slice of toast, but you're in a hotel, living out of a suitcase. People think it's all glitz but sometimes you want to be at home!
Dad-of-three Shane agrees. In fact, he's managed to arrange work (and a private plane) so he can fly home a couple of days a week to see his family.
Touring the UK is totally do-able now with the family, he says. Around the world over the years has been more difficult, but now I get home for a night here and there in the week.
For now, Nicky's managing because his three-year-old twin boys Rocco and Jay can still join him on tour. This will probably be the last time before they start big school, he says. It's amazing having them there, and last year they came up on stage. But being a dad has given me a different outlook we're not kids anymore. You know it's not just a laugh, you got a proper goal and your family's on your mind the whole time.
On fatherhood and following in Elton John's footsteps...
With two of his bandmates already doting dads, Mark, who came out in the Daily Mirror in 2005, says he would love to become a father one day.
Becoming a father is one of the biggest things you could ever do, he says. I love to think I'll be in a place one day to have a kid, 100%. I;m not saying I'm planning to have kids right now, but they'll definitely be part of my life.
It's always something I've been sure of since I was 14 or 15. Even knowing I was gay and before I came out I knew I love to be a father. You know the way you think things like When I have a kid, I'll tell them this, or take them there, or whatever.
And after Elton John and David Furnish had their son Zachary with a surrogate mother last year, has Mark given any thought to how he like to do it?
I would take some serious time to look into all the options, he says. Everybody's got their own circumstances, so there's no simple answer about what's going to be right for you or the kid.
I like to think I'd be a good dad. It's the dream for me that surpasses everything else, to nurture and bring up a kid and try and teach them all the right things.
But before all that, Mark and fiance Kevin have to tie the knot. We're not one of those wham bam couples that need to rush into everything, says Mark. We're best friends and we live together and we're going to get married soon. I can't wait but we haven't finalised the date.
On controversial old friends, and what's to become of Westlife...
For years the biggest boy band around, Westlife were scuppered a bit by Take That's phenomenal comeback, and then again by their reunion with Robbie Williams last year.
But would Westlife think about welcoming old bandmate Brian McFadden back into the fold?
I don't see Brian ever coming back, says Kian. He left because he was unhappy, so why would he come back? He didn't like what we do.
To be honest, our relationship is much better now he's away from Westlife. He's just difficult at times. He might decide one day to not turn up at the studio or not come to a meeting and it was hard. Brian's not a bad person, there's not a bad bone in his body, but he's hard work.
Some of the others are a little more forgiving. Whatever happened it wouldn't have the same impact as Take That and Robbie anyway, says Nicky. We didn't have a huge fall out like they did, Brian didn't go off the rails, into rehab, and become the biggest pop star on the planet. We didn't break up for years before the biggest comeback in history.
But I love to get Brian back in the studio. The other lads will probably kill me for saying it, but I genuinely believe it's an option down the line.
We had an amazing 12 years, and if you told me 10 years ago we still be doing tours and selling out arenas I wouldn't have believed you. We have to thank our lucky stars but I don't think we'll be around in another 12 if I'm honest. Not at this pace anyway.
CHERYL Cole had to apologise to Westlife Mark Feehily after insulting his band in a row with their manager Louis Walsh.
On Saturday Cheryl urged band JLS not to become like Westlife not knowing Mark was in the studio watching.
Louis, 56, shot back: Westlife have had more hits than you.
A source said: Louis took Mark to Cheryl dressing room and made her apologise. She was embarrassed and looked like she wanted the ground to swallow her.
Nicky's Surprise birthday gift to dad 05 Jan 2009 by Villy
Westlife star Nicky Byrne managed to reduce his dad to tears at the weekend, when he surprised him with a Harley Davidson motorbike.
The popstar and his family threw a huge bash to celebrate dad Nicky Snrs 60th birthday in the Regency Hotel in Dublins Whitehall on Saturday night.
More than 200 friends and family were there to see Nicky blindfold his dad before revealing the extravagant gift. Bike lover Nicky Snr a well known musician and singer on the cabaret scene dissolved into tears of joy at the sight of the dream bike.
"This is the ultimate motorbike for anyone that knows their bikes" said a source "It was the last thing he expected."
Nicky's dad was also thrilled by live performances by stars such as Sonny Knowels and Aslan at the belated bash.
He actually turned 60 at the beginning of December but Nicky and wife Georgina were away at the time so they held it at the weekend instead.
The bowled over dad was surrounded by other family including wife Yvonne, daughter Gillian and younger son Adam.
Source: Irish Star
Thursday October 08 2009
She boasts a bulging designer wardrobe most fashionistas would kill for, but not even red-carpet regular Georgina Ahern knew what to wear to the biggest VIP bash of the year.
The Dublin mum-of-two has revealed her famous hubbie Nicky Byrne came to her rescue when she faced the inevitable crisis of choosing the perfect ensemble for Simon Cowell's A-list birthday party.
The Westlife crooner narrowly saved his wife of six years from experiencing a Cinderella-like fashion disaster by hitting the shops to buy her a dress just two hours before the bash kicked off.
Gorgeous Georgina wowed onlookers at the X Factor judge's star-studded 50th birthday party by stepping out in a jewel-embellished silver dress, which was a last-minute present from Nicky.
A friend of the couple, who are parents to two-year-old twins Rocco and Jay, told the Herald: "Nicky picked it up for her in a boutique in London about two hours before the party."
The short-sleeved designer frock is certain to have set the chart-topping star back a few bob, given that world-famous glamazons Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Cheryl Cole were just some of the other couture lovers contending for the unofficial title of best-dressed guest at the lavish event.
Georgina kept her long hair and diamond accessories simple and understated to let the glitzy frock stand out.
Westlife manager Louis Walsh claimed the group "stole the show" after performing at the party.
But it wasn't all work as the friend revealed the band, who were all accompanied by their wives and partners, had a great time.
"They had a really great time and Westlife performed two songs at the party," she added.
Georgina, who has not yet returned from Britain since last Saturday's party, is believed to have had a different ensemble ready for the event, but it seems she couldn't resist wearing the unexpected eye-catching gift from her husband.
The friend hinted it's not the first time Nicky has bagged his wife some crowd-pleasing clobber, so perhaps he deserves the credit for her fashionista status.
"He has good taste; he always has," the friend added.
Meanwhile, Georgina and Nicky are still recovering from the party by enjoying some downtime in Britain.
The friend said: "They are still over there because Westlife are doing a few bits and pieces in the studio."
29th October 2009
Westlife are hoping to catch the World Cup while touring
WESTLIFE are aiming to combine their love of football with touring next summer.
The Irish heart-throbs hope a visit to the World Cup will be on the cards during their six-month road trip.
We will tour more next year and go places we haven't been much like South Africa said Shane Filan, 30.
That way we can cheer on Ireland at the World Cup.
But that's only if the Irish beat France to qualify.
Kian Egan, 29, added: We play better against good teams so I'm sure we get through.
Tracklist dvd: 1 Hit you with the real thing 2 World of our own 3 Something right 4 What makes a man 5 Uptown girl 6 Easy way 7 If I let you go 8 Mandy 9 Blame it on the boogie 10 Get down on it 11 I'm your man 12 Let me entertain you 13 Already there 14 Unbreakable 15 Queen of my heart 16 Fool again 17 Catch my breath 18 Home 19 Us against the world 20 Swear it again
Westlife Debut Music Video for Single 'Safe' November 2010
While Kian Egan comes to Mark Feehily's rescue, Shane Fillan and Nicky Byrne save women from getting beaten and committing suicide. Westlife save people in a music video. Shane Fillan stands up for a woman when her boyfriend is about to lay a hand on her, Nicky Byrne prevents another female from jumping off the rooftop, and Kian Egan helps Mark Feehily in a car accident.
"There's a bit of acting for us to be doing and we're getting involved in all different scenes," Shane said in an interview with OK! Magazine. "We're kind of flipping the word safe and making it 'unsafe' - trying to stop people from being 'unsafe.' We're the heroes - although we don't have cloaks (laughs). It's real life stories put into a video."
All the scenes in the "Safe" music video, including the car accident, were done without any stuntman. "It was the most fun we have had shooting a video," Mark shared to the Daily Star. "We wanted to do the stunts ourselves and management let us."
The song is taken from the boyband's new album "Gravity" which is due November 23 in the United States.
Kian Egan - Kian Egan And Jodi Albert Want Baby Daughter 20 March 2012 11:00:11 AM
Kian Egan And Jodi Albert Want Baby Daughter
Kian Egan and Jodi Albert want a little girl to complete their family following the birth of son Koa in December.
The Westlife singer and the former 'Hollyoaks' actress are closer than ever following the birth of their son Koa in December and would love to give him a sister in the future.
Kian said: ''A little girl would melt my heart now but every man likes the idea of having a little boy. I'm looking forward to taking him surfing, golfing - he's going to be an outdoorsy little dude. But we do want a little girl, hopefully next time.
''I think no matter how many boys we have, we'll keep going until we have a girl too!''
Jodi added to OK! magazine: ''Kian has said he wants four children but I don't know about that. If he's putting the pressure of four on me, I'm going to put the pressure of a girl on him. I've got my little boy. I want girl next but not any time soon.''
Kian also revealed Westlife manager Louis Walsh - who doesn't have any kids of his own - has surprised him by his interest in the baby.
He said: ''Louis hasn't seen the baby yet but he does continuously ask about him, which is so sweet. Louis doesn't strike you as the type of person to talk about children much, yet he's asking loads about Koa. Maybe he's getting soft in his old age.''
Kian is preparing for Westlife's final tour and admitted he and Jodi are looking forward to taking some time off to travel the world with Koa.
He said: ''Jodi and I would like to get back to the sunshine and spend some time travelling and living a lifestyle that we haven't lived in a few years. We'd love Koa to see the world, having a baby really puts things into perspective.''
LUXURY Kian and Jodi?s Sligo home is designed around surfing themes
THIS is the beautiful new seaside pad of Voice of Ireland judge Kian Egan. The Westlife star's luxurious bungalow in surfing town, Strandhill, Co. Sligo boasts stunning views of the surrounding sea and mountains. It is located in a scenic spot at the foot of Knocknarea Mountain, yet can be clearly seen from the main road. Kian (31) who previously owned a modest dwelling in the same area, recently moved into this spectacular house with his beautiful wife Jodi Albert (28) and their three-month old baby boy, Koa. The five-bedroom love-nest is modest in size compared to band mate Shane Filan's ?1.5m two-story country mansion nearby in Carraroe.
Despite their massive wealth, Kian and Jodi, who wed in Barbados in 2009 and also have a property in London, decided to opt for a singlestorey residence that blends in with the local landscape. Kian, who is currently battling it out on The Voice Of Ireland, revealed recently that his new dream home took four years for the couple to design, and they are delighted to have finally moved in. "It's a big house with lots of small rooms," Jodi explains. "I'm not from a wealthy background, so I didn't want the rooms to be too big." The home's décor reflects Kian's love of surfing. It is open-plan, with lots of imported Indonesian furniture, while huge windows provide plenty of light. Friends say they wanted to create a laid-back, chillout zone to unwind in. The impressive kitchen was custom-made and features Asian fretwork doors with distressed antique mirrors. Kian said that becoming parents had brought the happy couple closer together. "We've never argued much, but the things we used to argue about before are out the window now. We have a good routine going on and we're just so much in love." Doting mum Jodi said: "When you have a baby it goes to a whole new level. I didn't think I could love Kian any more, but I do.." The couple named their son, Koa, after the Hawaiian Koa Tree. "Some of the best surfboards are made from its wood, so when Koa was born it just suited him and our little vibe as a family" says Kian. "Koa means bold, brave and fearless. Koa's a chilled out little dude, we're very lucky," said Jodi. But Kian also reveals that there is an element of sadness after the group he co-managed with Louis Walsh,Wonderland, which featured Jodi, was disbanded after it flopped. "My heart was broken at the end of Wonderland," he admits. "I gave my heart and soul to that band and put in a huge amount of my own finances, time and effort. It became quite thankless in the end." Conor McTernan
Nicky Say's.
I never thought that west life play two nights at Lansdowne road to 80,000 people. My favourite west life moment was meeting the pope and our dads performing on our T.V show she's the one. The other's would say that I'm the longest in the shower. My favourite west life track is world of our own. My favourite west life video is world of our own When I m not working I like to spend time with my wife and walk our little pups My motto is smile, enjoy life, live every day like its your last. I would describe myself as thoughtful, reliable and trustworthy. The phase I often use is Le Gra( With Love in Irish).
Nicky Byrne insists Mary Byrne is NOT his aunt
Nicky Byrne set the cat among the pigeons earlier this month, when he claimed on Twitter that X Factor finalist Mary Byrne was actually his aunt.
The Westlife singer tried to retract the joke soon after but has admitted that many fans, followers and journalists swallowed the story hook, line and sinker.
He told BANG Showbiz: I was watching X Factor the first live show I think and I was tweeting. I just put something like Good luck to my auntie Mary, she's my favourite auntie,%u2019 in a p**stake, sarcastic kind of way.
I did see a lot of feedback coming back, not your average person who replies but I was getting journalists coming back to me going No way, is this true? So I was looking at all of this going Oh f**k, this isn't good, I better fix it!
His manager and Mary's X Factor mentor Louis Walsh was dragged into the furore, when journalists started interrogating him about the story.
He said: I actually tweeted no just for the record she's not my auntie, but that didn't seem to do the job. Then Louis called me the next day to ask what was going on. He actually forwarded me a text from a journalist saying If this is true and you haven't told us before Louis, we need to f**king know about it.
Needless to say Nicky and Mary are NOT related as far as he knows but he isn't ruling the possibility out altogether.
He said: She f**king could be if you look back down the bloodline, she's from Dublin, she's from Ballyfermot, my dad's from Cabra, which is not far away.
Mark Feehily's Jet Ski Drama
Irish singer Mark Feehily was once stranded in the middle of a lake for two terrifying hours after his jet ski malfunctioned.
The Westlife star often takes to the water for fun trips with friends, but one journey turned into a nightmare after a rope got "stuck" and jammed the engine of his vehicle.
Feehily was left stranded away from the shore until his father contacted a local search team - and the singer has commended the work of his rescuers.
He tells Britain's The One Show, "I have (been rescued). I have a jet ski and sometimes I take it out on a lake. We kind of have one of those inflatable things - other people sit on it and pull it and it's a lot of fun, but the rope for that got stuck up in the engine in the jet ski and we ended up getting stranded for two and a half hours on the lake.
"It started to get dark and very worrying and very cold but luckily I brought my mobile phone with me. Everyone said, 'Don't bring it, it'll get wet!' Luckily I did because if I didn't I wouldn't have been able to call my dad and he went off and got somebody, a local search and rescue team. You don't appreciate it until something like that happens, you realise these people are just waiting (to help)."
In an interview with the Mirror Feehily, who came out in 2005, said: "Becoming a father is one of the biggest things you could ever do. I'd love to think I'll be in a place one day to have a kid, 100%. I'm not saying I'm planning to have kids right now, but they'll definitely be part of my life.
"It's always something I've been sure of since I was 14 or 15. Even knowing I was gay and before I came out I knew I'd love to be a father. You know the way you think things like 'When I have a kid, I'll tell them this, or take them there', or whatever."
Asked if he had given any thought to how the couple might become parents, Feehily replied: "I would take some serious time to look into all the options. Everybody's got their own circumstances, so there's no simple answer about what's going to be right for you or the kid.
"I'd like to think I'd be a good dad. It's the dream for me that surpasses everything else, to nurture and bring up a kid and try and teach them all the right things."
Asked about his other future plans with McDaid, Feehily replied: "We're best friends and we live together and we're going to get married soon. I can't wait but we haven't finalised the date."
was today unveiled as the grand marshal of this year’s St Patrick’s Festival Parade.
A native of Baldoyle in Dublin, Byrne was chosen by festival organisers for his “outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry” and will have a lead role in the festival parade on Sunday, March 17th.
Each year the St Patrick’s festival board honours one or more persons for their achievements and contribution to Irish life with the title of grand marshal. Previous grand marshals include Katie Taylor, Johnny Giles, Ronny Drew and Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh.
Mr Byrne said he was honoured to be chosen for the role. “My best memories of St Patrick’s Day were when I was a child and going to all the parades. In the past 13 or 14 years with Westlife I’ve only been home for one St Patrick’s Day. As a Northside lad it’s an honour to be grand marshal in the Dublin parade.”
Nicky Byrne is married to Bertie Ahern’s daughter Georgina. The couple have twin five-year-old sons, Jay and Rocco.
“St Patrick’s Day as a kid for me was a time when you got new clothes, got your shamrock on, your Tricolour in your hand, and headed in to the parade. I’d sit up on my dad’s shoulders and watch the floats go by. My kids are really excited that I’m going to be grand marshal this year so they can’t wait,” he said.
Acting chief executive of St Patrick’s Festival Edelle Moss said Byrne is a “great ambassador” for Ireland.
The theme of this year’s parade is “Great Things Happen When We Get Together” as part of the Gathering celebrations.
This year, the greatest ever number of overseas participants will take part in a “People’s Parade” which will see participants from all over the world take part in the festivities.
“I Love My City”, the festival’s culture programme, includes 16 free headline events staged in Dublin over the five days of the festival.
To pre-register for I Love My City or for more information on the festival, see stpatricksfestival.ie.
the celebrations and have his family watching as he drives up Dublin's O'Connell Street during the parade.
"This is something completely out of my comfort zone.
I was lucky enough with Westlife to have
some amazing gigs around the world,
but to be sitting in a car in front of half-a-million people,
when there's no rulebook on that – you can't really prepare.
But I'm looking forward to it."
The St Patrick's Day parade this year is billed as the People's Parade, as part of The Gathering festival. Some 8,000 people from around the world have been invited to march.
Byrne said the event will be one of nostalgia.
"During the last 14 years with Westlife I was only home for one St Patrick's Day, so to get involved in the festival this year is a real honour – especially as a Dublin lad who would've got off the train at Connolly Station every year to come up to O'Connell Street with mum and dad," said the 33-year-old, speaking at the announcement yesterday.
Last night we attended the relaunch party where we spotted Nicky Byrne hanging out with Euro Song hopeful Kasey Smith who's dead keen to represent Ireland this year with her 'Kiss Me There' single under the stewardship of Mairead Farrell. We're hoping she has more luck with her than she did with Kian Egan's Wonderland... Remember them?
Westlife's Nicky Byrne is this year's grand marshall of the parade.
Nicky Byrne may have sold millions of albums and swept us off our feet on Strictly Come Dancing, but now he is in for the biggest honour yet as he marshals the St Patrick's Day parade.
The Westlife singer has been granted the honour of Grand Marshal for the parade in Dublin on 17 March 2013 and will be following in the footsteps of the likes of John Giles, Ronnie Drew and Katie Taylor.
Speaking at the announcement of his key role in the parade, Dublin-born Nicky said he was feeling very proud to have been offered the part, but admitted he was full of nerves and excitement about having to do something so completely different to his day job.
The organisers of the event decided Nicky was perfect for the honour, thanks to his contribution to the entertainment industry through his time in Westlife and his shimmying in Strictly.
The 34 year old said, "I've always tried my best to fly our flag around the world in all the amazing places I've been to with Westlife, so to be asked to play such a poignant role on our national holiday is special."
He added, "I have my memories of sitting on my dad’s shoulders on St Patrick’s Day in years gone by on O’Connell Street trying to catch a glimpse of all the floats passing by in the Dublin Parade. So as a very, very proud Dubliner this will definitely be one to tell the grandchildren about."
Once the main part of the day is over, Nicky will still have plenty of work to do as he has also been tasked with hosting the highlights show, which will be broadcast the following day.
This year, the event has been given the title of the People's Parade and is hosted as part of The Gathering festival, a massive celebration of Irish culture and life. Over 8,000 people from all over the world have been invited to take part in the procession, not to mention all the people who will come down to watch. That's an awful lot of people for Nicky to marshal over!
FORMER Westlife star Nicky Byrne admits that he rarely watches his ex-bandmate Kian Egan on the The Voice.
But while he has no interest in mentoring music acts, he said he would like to try his hand at more presenting.
"I haven't seen much of it (The Voice), but as far as I know he (Kian) is doing well," Nicky told the Herald.
"Presenting has always been something that I have loved, but in terms of mentoring acts, I'm not sure that's for me.
"I have heard FM104's skit in the morning with him and Bressie, so I always have a little giggle at that," he added.
As well as lighting up our screens on Strictly Come Dancing, the 34-year-old Dubliner also enjoyed a presenting gig on Football's Next Star.
And just this week,
he hosted a one-off episode on
RTE depicting Dublin's St Patrick's Day festivities,
during which he took on the role of Grand Marshall.
While he can't see himself
handing down advice to nervous hopefuls anytime soon,
for the live shows in the 02 and to work with Nicky.
“This series brings together
Irelands best songwriters and artists
to work together and
I know it will make gripping viewing.”
Audience tickets for The Hit will be available to buy shortly.
The show, which originated in RTÉ’s Format Farm project,
will see songwriters pitch
their songs to two established
music stars over five weeks,
in the hope that they will pick their song.
In the final week, the five songs will be performed before
the winning show, The Hit, is chosen.
The show will feature five-time Grammy-award winning producer Steve Lillywhite who will be tasked with picking the songs before they are pitched to the performers.
Ultimately though the audience will decide as the final two songs each week are available for download and the one with the most downloads secures a place in the final.
Credit/Source: rte.ie
Former Westlife star Nicky Byrne will make his BBC Radio Ulster presenting debut this weekend as he fills in for his old friend Gerry Kelly.
Nicky, who last year took part in the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, will guest present on Gerry’s Saturday afternoon programme on September 21.
Over the 90-minute programme, Nicky will be inviting some celebrity friends along for a chat, including Moya Brennan from Clannad, playing plenty of great music and inviting listeners to get in touch with him.
Nicky says: “I’ve always enjoyed radio and this was another big opportunity to present. Gerry Kelly has always been good to Westlife and I jumped at the chance of stepping in for him for the day. Westlife had a fantastic relationship with Northern Ireland and I’ve great memories of visiting the Odyssey many times, so it’s good to get on the local airwaves and if there are still any Westlife fans out there, call in and we’ll have a laugh.”
Gerry Kelly says: "I was chatting to Nicky yonks ago and he was saying how, after Westlife, he'd like to do more radio and television work so when we were thinking of someone to sit in for me on my BBC Radio Ulster programme, I thought he was the man for the job. I texted him to see if he'd be interested and he was delighted to take me up on it. And, of course, Nicky loves to come up to Belfast as often as possible so it's a win-win. Just don't get too comfortable there, Nicky, I'll be back soon enough!"
Nicky Byrne is a dad again
Former Westlife singer turned The Hit presenter Nicky Byrne and his wife Georgina are celebrating the birth of their third child.
The couple’s daughter, Gia, was born this morning [Wednesday].
Writing on Twitter, Byrne said: “Our beautiful Baby Girl Gia was born today at 10:30am. She is absolutely beautiful, just like her mommy! We are thrilled Nico, G, Rocco & Jay.”
The couple’s twin sons, Rocco and Jay, are aged six.
Jodi Albert posts adorable pictures of son Koa on her blog
What a cutie! Proud mum Jodi Albert posts adorable pictures of son Koa on her blog
..She gave birth six months ago and Jodi Albert is completely smitten with her gorgeous son.
The stunning former Hollyoaks actress and her Westlife singer spouse Kian Egan are the proud parents to baby Koa who could surely compete for title of cutest celebrity baby. Jodi posted pictures on her blog of the six-month old cutie, entitled My Dude, and even the hardest of hearts would find it difficult not to coo over the tot.
What a cutie! Jodie Albert posted pictures of her and Kian Egan's gorgeous son Koa on her tumblr page In the series of pictures, Koa, who has gorgeous dark blue eyes is decked out in a Little Man hat, red and navy striped top and eschews the traditional bib in favour of skull print bandana. In one photograph he even wears an adorable pair of red sunglasses as he pouts into the camera. He chews on his bottle in a series of the snaps and is cuddled by his adoring daddy in another as he breaks out into a huge smile. Meanwhile, Jodi is preparing for a fun-filled weekend as Kian and Westlife prepare for their final concerts in Dublin’s Croke Park.
Time to say goodbye: Jodi is preparing to help her husband Kian Egan say goodbye to his time in Westlife this weekend The boyband will bow out after an extraordinarily successful 15-year-career with a series of sold out shows in their native Ireland and Jodi is ready to help them party. She posted a picture of herself on her blog with a glass of champagne and the caption ‘Oh yes the champers is coming out this weekend in FORCE BABY!!!!!’ It’s hard to believe it is only six months since she gave birth as even though Jodi is wearing an oversize sweater in the photo and a pair of ripped jeans, it is evident she has quickly regained her pre-pregnancy figure.
Jodi often posts pictures of her adorable son Koa on her blog Jodi – who is happy to let Kian be the main breadwinner for now after her girl group Wonderland split up – loves reaching out to other mothers on her blog and comparing stories. She said: ‘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. 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 and chat about it all day.
This weekend Jodi will help Kian say goodbye to his Westlife days as he and the band bow out after 15 years at the top
LOUIS Walsh has revealed he hopes to see Westlife back on the stage - despite revelations by Nicky Byrne that the foursome fought like cats and dogs.
The 33-year-old singer, who is competing in Strictly Come Dancing, said after 14 years it was right for the band to go their separate ways.
"We battered each other, obviously not physically, but we argued like hell. Probably more so in the latter years," he said.
But Louis has revealed how he hopes fans haven't seen the last of Nicky, Shane Filan (33), Mark Feehily (32) and Kian Egan (32).
The X Factor judge said he reckons they will take to the stage again -- but in ten years time.
"I'm not looking for any band to replace Westlife because that's just not going to happen," he told the Herald.
"Hopefully in 10 years time they will be back touring."
Nicky Bryne reveals secrets of Wedstlife ?hell? split
Fourteen years ... the lads, Shane Nicky, Mark and Kian enjoy success By AOIFE BANNON Published: 18th September 2012 0 NICKY Byrne has revealed how the final days of Westlife were marred by in-fighting. The former boyband star, 33, has now landed a coveted role on the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
But he confessed he has no regrets about Westlife coming to an end earlier this summer.
In fact, he believes the time was right for the band to call it a day.
Speaking about his 14 years with Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily, Nicky said: ?We?d done it all, we?d the best times and the worst times. Battered each other ? obviously not physically ? but argued like hell.
?Probably more so in the latter years but that?s part of relationships, isn?t it? We had a laugh. We earned a few quid. We weren?t unique, but what was unique was that we lasted so long. I don?t know how we did it!?
Westlife with Coventry great, great grandmother Alice Byrne Coventry’s coolest great, great grandmother Alice Byrne - Boy George tweets about her on Twitter and Westlife mention her name on stage.
She is a 94-year-old rock ‘n’ roller who can be spotted backstage at top rock venues chatting away with celebrities.
The Coundon pensioner even told Westlife off when she met them backstage at their NEC LG concert last month.
She greatly amused the Irish pop stars by telling them she had missed her bingo to come to see them in concert and hoped it would be worth it.
Singer Mark Feehily later urged the NEC crowd to give Alice a loud cheer because she had sacrificed her weekly bingo session specially to see them.
The band also posed for photos with Alice backstage and her family reckons she was one of the oldest concert-goers at the arena.
But the music-loving pensioner is no stranger to meeting the rich and famous and loves her showbusiness jaunts.
The mother-of-three has nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild called Chloe.
Born in Dublin in 1918, she moved to Coventry with her family in the 1950s.
Her eldest great grandchild is Daniel Lismore arranges Alice’s A-list invites.
He was described by Vogue as “London’s most outrageous dresser” and now holds some of London’s top party nights and is creative director of new fashion label Sorapol.
Patricia, one of Alice’s daughters, said: “Daniel loves his Nan and often invites her to join him for special nights.
In a recent interview, R-Patz was asked which boy band he’d rather be a member of — One Direction or Westlife!
Robert responded with:
“Westlife, definitely. Westlife are one of my favorite bands. I actually don’t know any songs that One Direction have done. I’ve just seen pictures of them.”
Westlife, definitely," answered Pattinson, adding, "Westlife are one of my favorite bands
Louis Walsh has accepted €500,000 (£404,000) in libel damages from the Sun after it published a false story claiming he had sexually assaulted a man in a Dublin night-spot.
Walsh, the X Factor judge and Westlife manager, sued Sun publisher News Group Newspapers (NGN) – part of News International – in the Irish high court, seeking aggravated and exemplary damages for the story published on 23 June 2011 with the headline "Louis probed over 'sex attack' on man in loo'". NGN will also pay Walsh's legal costs of €180,000.
The story originated from the Dublin-based Irish edition of the Sun, but was also published in the paper's main UK edition.
Unemployed dance teacher Leonard Watters was jailed for six months in July for wrongly accusing Walsh of groping him in the celebrity nightclub Krystle after a Westlife concert in April 2011.
Eoin McCullough, senior counsel for NGN, read a statement to the high court in Dublin on Wednesday morning apologising to Walsh.
"The Sun published an article in its editions of 23 June 2011, in which we reported that Louis Walsh was being investigated in relation to a sexual assault on Leonard Watters," he said.
"In fact, it transpired that Leonard Watters had made a false statement to [Irish police force] An Garda Siochána, and he has since been convicted in relation to this matter.
"The Sun fully accepts that the alleged assault did not occur in the first place and Louis Walsh is entirely innocent of any such assault.
"The Sun unreservedly apologises to Louis Walsh for any distress caused to him as a result of our article."
Walsh's lawyer, Paul Tweed, said: "This is a prime example of what we would look to see come out of Leveson. We are not trying to gag the press or stop investigations, but if there was a strong body that we could have rung before to get them to stop the story for 24 hours, we could have provided proof that Louis wasn't even in the place at the time and all this would have been avoided. They gave us just a few hours, they were determined to run it."
Speaking outside the high court in Dublin, Walsh said he was "relieved" it was all over, but added that he would never get over the traumatic experience.
"Nobody should write lies," he said. "No amount of pleading could stop them [from publishing]."
Walsh said he had told Gordon Smart, editor of the Sun's Bizarre showbiz column, the night before publication that the allegations he groped Watters were false.
"Gordon Smart called me and said 'you could be nicked for this'. I told him it was not true; it was totally totally not true, but they still ran the story," Walsh said. "It has been a very traumatic experience for me. I will never get over it."
In a statement read on the steps of Dublin's Four Courts, Walsh added: "I am very satisfied with this total vindication for me, but I remain very angry at the treatment at the hands of the Sun.
"I was absolutely gutted and traumatised that these allegations against me should have been published, particularly as I had made it clear at the time there was not one iota of truth in them, and was totally bewildered who would have made up this type of story."
He said although the perpetrator of the false allegation had been jailed, "this didn't stop the story going around world" because the Sun had published its story.
The story threatened to end Walsh's career as a manager of bands including Westlife and Boyzone, as well as his TV career as a judge on The X Factor.
"No amount of money will compensate for what I have gone through," he said. "This has had a terrible effect on me guys. It was all lies.
Westlife's Shane and Mark land solo record deals .Westlife's Shane and Mark land solo record deals
.The post-Westlife phase of their careers has well and truly begun for Shane Filan and Mark Feehily. It was only yesterday that we reported that Filan is considering making an assault on the Eurovision as a way to launch his solo career and hopes to release his first material early in the New Year. Meanwhile, his cohort Mark Feehily has signed a deal with Paul McCartney's manager, according to reports in today's The Sun.
Since Westlife's split after 14 years together, its members have been enjoying various forms of success - mostly in television. Nicky Byrne has appeared as a contestant on UK TV show Strictly Come Dancing, while Kian Egan was a guest on the Irish version of The Voice.
dec 2012 Westlife's Shane Filan has reportedly signed a record deal to kick-off his solo career.
The Sun said that the singer has been snapped up by London Records and is already working on a debut album, to be released next year.
His former bandmate Mark Feehily is also set to get his own deal, The Sun reported, after taking on Sir Paul McCartney's manager.
The Irish boyband split up this summer after 14 years together in which they notched up 14 number one singles and a string of hit albums.
Since then, Nicky Byrne waltzed onto Strictly Come Dancing but got booted off earlier this month and recently confessed he'd love to get into acting.
Kian Egan has done stints as a TV presenter on This Morning and The Xtra Factor and a coach on The Voice of Ireland.
THE wife of Strictly Come Dancing hunk Nicky Byrne has been keeping very close tabs on her husband. But not because Georgina, daughter of former Irish Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, is worried the Westlife star is getting too close to dance partner Karen Hauer.
Nicky, 34, laughed and said: “My wife is loving it and taking the mickey out of me.
“She says she constantly has to watch that my fake tan isn’t as dark as hers. When your wife is saying that you know you’ve got to be careful.”
Of course, Nicky is best known for massive-selling boyband Westlife, who called time after 14 years together in June.
During their time at the top, as well as 14 No 1 singles they also performed 27 sell-out shows at Wembley Arena in 10 years, shifting 250,000 tickets and making them the venue’s most successful pop band.
They sang one song at the venue for last year’s X Factor final and tonight Nicky is back – but this time he’s dancing.
And there’s no stools.
Laughing again, Nicky said: “Never say never. There’s been talk of using a Westlife song and incorporating one of them into a routine. I don’t think it’s a bad idea. I’m up for it.”
Kerry Katona thinks Sharon Osbourne should come back WE like her style.
Kerry Katona says: Westlife star Kian Egan has said he’d love to be a judge on The X Factor, but only if Louis Walsh stays.
I can’t help thinking his former bandmate Mark Feehily would be better.
Vocally, Mark is more passionate. I love Louis, but he seems to say the same things: ‘You’re a great recording artist, you’ll get a record deal!’ I reckon Sharon Osbourne should come back, her and Louis are great together.
Carr: Westlife tricked me into getting drunk Monday, November 19, 2012
Alan Carr once got so drunk with Westlife on 'Chatty Man' he had trouble reading the autocue.
The 36-year-old presenter usually enjoys a drink with his star-studded line-up of guests on the chat show but he felt as though he'd been on a heavy night out when he had the 'Flying Without Wings' band on the show once, as he tried to match their alcohol consumption but didn't realise they were only pretending to drink.
Carr - who is on the ninth series of the Channel 4 programme - said: "I didn't realise they were flinging their glasses behind the sofa. So I kept drinking, thinking: 'God, I know the Irish can drink, but my head's rotating'.
"When I got up, I saw it was knee-deep in shot glasses behind the settee.
"I find all alcohol moreish, so I was on my third glass and I couldn't read the autocue properly. By the time the third guest came on, I was up for a fight and a kebab!"
O2 SMARTSOUNDS: Westlife IT was recently announced that Westlife will make a return to The O2 this year, to headline a one-off gig, 'O2 SmartSounds'. The four-piece will take to the stage on November 24 to play a live social media gig, specially created by O2 to coincide with the introduction of its new Smartphone offer. From August 25, customers who buy or upgrade to a Smartphone at O2 retail stores nationwide can get two free tickets to see Westlife on November 24 at 'The O2', while tickets last. Westlife's Kian Egan said, "O2 SmartSounds will be a very different gig, with fans being given unique opportunities throughout the night to interact with us. Keep an eye on www.O2.ie for more details." Support act announcements will follow and up-and-coming Irish bands are being encouraged to keep an eye out for the launch of a Battle of the Bands competition, where O2 will offer one lucky band the chance to play on November 24.
A 1964 Aston Martin DB5 offered by singer Shane Filan, of the Irish pop band Westlife, sold for 348,000 pounds to a telephone bidder against a low valuation of 250,000 pounds. The car had undergone three years of restoration for Filan, having been found in dilapidated condition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, several years ago by the Aston specialist dealer Desmond J. Smail, said Bonhams.
Aston Restoration “I think the seller probably made a profit,” said Knight. “You can renovate an Aston for less than 200,000 pounds and if you’re going to spend that kind of money restoring a car, you may as well do it with a DB5.”
An Aston Martin DB5 was the runaround of choice for James Bond in five movies, beginning with “Goldfinger” in 1964.
Living the Westlife Way CONVERSATIONS With Ricky Lo The Philippine Star Updated September 18, 2011 The band is coming for a concert at the Araneta Coliseum on Sept. 29.
We know we can sing. That?s the easy part.?
That?s what Shane Filan said about Westlife, the boyband that helped pave the way for bands of the same genre, and that?s what they?ve been happily doing all these 14 years during which they sold over 44 million records worldwide, 14 of them No. 1 singles in the United Kingdom, making them the only artist with the most consecutive No. 1?s in the UK.
Minus Bryan McFadden who has gone solo, the remaining four Westlife guys ? that is, Shane, 32; Kian Egan, 31; Mark Feehily, 31; and Nicky Byrne, at 33 the oldest of the group ? are coming for a concert at the Araneta Coliseum next Thursday, Sept. 29, as part-promo for their latest album called Gravity, released locally by Sony Music.
?It?s a really good album,? said Nicky in an exclusive phone Conversation (again, the band agreed to talk only to one Philippine paper, The STAR). ?It?s one producer. It?s one sound. Maybe it?s taken us 14 years to get there. But it doesn?t matter. We?re here now.?
And here they will stay, well-entrenched on top and unchallenged by the emergence of other bands.
Before he became a Westlifer, Nicky played professional football and represented Ireland at several underage competitions. He?s married to Georgina Ahern, his childhood sweetheart and they have fraternal twin sons named Jay and Rocco, four years old. Except for Mark, the two other members are married, too, and have kids of their own.
Nicky (rightmost) with (from left) Kian, Shane and Mark. You and the other Westlife guys are coming to the Philippines for a concert on Sept. 29. Welcome back!
?We?re looking forward to it. You know, the Philippines has always been very welcoming to Westlife. Ever since we first went there in 1999, the people there have been so friendly to Westlife and I know that Westlife songs mean a lot to some people there.?
When you were here in 1999, you were new as a group.
?That?s right. We?ve been to the Philippines I think maybe four or five times for promo visits and we?ve done some concert visits. It?s a place that we do like to visit again and again. It?s been too long since we?ve been back, so we?re really looking forward to go back over there and to, you know, sing all our songs for the fans again. It should be very special.?
It has been 14 years since you were organized as a group. How has the Westlife music changed all these years, how did it evolve?
?I think that when you?re in a band like this and you enjoy doing it, you always try to improve the next album and make the songs better. At the same time, you don?t want to change too much because possibly one of the reasons why we?re still around is that we didn?t try and change our music. We?ve stuck to the formula and to what we know how to do best. People seem to like most of the pop songs that we make and that?s very important.?
What about you and the three other guys, how have you changed as persons all these years? I guess the way you look at life has changed a bit. Are you the same persons that you were 14 years ago?
Nicky Byrne. ?Well, we?ve certainly grown up. We are family men now. I?ve got children now. The way you look at life does change a little bit as you grow older. This is actually our 14th year, would you believe?I couldn?t believe that we?ve lasted this long.?
Wow, that?s a long time!
?Yeah, it has been a long time! And we?re enjoying every minute of it. We have a greatest-hits album this year and this is why we?re going to the Philippines to sing all the songs on it. We?re inviting all those people who used to be Westlife fans and who are still Westlife fans to come and enjoy the concert with us.?
Oh, I?m sure they will all be there.
?And, you know, something that is also very close to me about the Philippines is that I?m a big fan of Manny Pacquiao.?
Really!?!
?Oh yes, I am! I do a bit of boxing training. I heard that Manny likes to sing, so I hope that he will watch our concert if he?s around. I?m inviting him.?
Right now (last week during the interview), he?s in the States promoting with Juan Manuel Marquez their return bout on Nov. 12 (Nov. 13 Manila Time) in Las Vegas. I?m sure he?ll be back in time for your concert.
(Addressing Manny) ?Come to our concert, Manny! Be our guest!?
Have you heard him sing?
?No, I haven?t. It will be great if he will come to our concert and sing a song or two with us, a Westlife song of course.?
You have two kids. What about the other members (Kian, Mark and Shane)?
?Kian is expecting his first child next January. Shane has three children. Mark doesn?t have any children. He?s not married at the moment.?
Nicky: We?re inviting Manny Pacquiao (inset) to our concert. I heard that he sings; maybe he can sing one song with us during the show. I also want to do a bit of boxing training with him during the day. Now that you are fathers, how do you look at music? I suppose you sing with a different feeling now.
?Yeah, definitely! Being a father does change your life. Having children is an amazing experience. You look at music differently from the way you did when you were single. It gives you a special feeling singing the same songs with a different feeling. When we go on a world tour, I don?t want to stay away too long because I miss my children.?
Do you sing your kids to sleep at night?
(Laughs) ?No, I don?t.?
How do you Westlife guys manage to stay together and stay on top all these years despite the emergence of other groups?
?To be honest, I don?t know. You know, maybe we know what buttons to push or what pushes each other?s buttons. There?s really no magic formula. If there were, we would bottle it and sell it. I think if you want to continue doing something that you love to do, you have to help each other through and do your best to make things easy for everybody. Fourteen years is a long time. We?re coming to Asia now for concerts because you just never know what?s around the corner so we?re looking forward to this tour.?
Do you guys always do things together at work or at play?
?Right now, no. I don?t believe that at this particular moment any member has that plan. That?s not to say that things will not change because in time, maybe each of us will take a break and I?m sure each one of us will want to do his own thing. But as I?ve said, right now, not one of us has any such plan and we are just concentrating on the greatest-hits tour.?
Oh, you?re doing a greatest-hits album. That?s great!
?Yes, it?s coming out in November, after Gravity which came out last year.?
I read somewhere that you guys came to a crossroads last year and the result was the album Gravity. According to the story, you wandered into ?uncharted waters.? Was it a ?risk? doing that kind of album?
?I don?t think doing the album was a risk. I think what we meant was that, with nobody to compare ourselves to we?re making more and more albums, and we?re in ?uncharted waters? where the typical boy band would have maybe three albums and a ?greatest hits? one. With us, we did nine albums before doing a ?greatest hits? album. Every album we make is new and nobody has ever done it like this before. You know, the Gravity album is a pretty good pop album.?
I?ve listened to the album and the most touching song on it is Too Hard To say Goodbye. There?s an interesting story behind it, about the passing of your father and that of Kian, right?
?Yeah, my dad had a heart attack and died suddenly when he was at work, and Kian?s dad also died within the same year. It was a painful way to end the year. It was quite hard. What we did was go to the studio and write the song. It?s a song that really works. It?s a hard song to do, our special tribute to our dads. We were crying when we did it.?
You helped pave the way for boy bands. You?re grown-up now, you?re fathers now. You have ceased to be a boyband. How would you classify yourselves now?
?Maybe we should call ourselves, hmmmm, the Granddad Band.? (Laughs)
See you at the Araneta Coliseum on Sept. 29. We?d love to listen to you sing the old familiar Westlife songs.
?Yeah, we?ll be singing all our songs ? You Raise Me Up, When You?re Looking Like That?all the big songs. We can hardly wait to sing all of them.?
If Manny Pacquiao watched your concert and agreed to do a song with you guys, what song would it be?
?I think You Raise Me Up would be good. That would be a nice one. Or any Westlife song he?d want to do. During the day, I would love to do a bit of boxing training with him and then at night time, he could do a bit of singing with us.?
One trivia question: Your full name is quite long ? Nicholas Bernard James Adam McGarry Byrne Jr. Didn?t you have a hard time writing it during grade school?
?Oh, in school I didn?t have to write all that. That?s the name on my birth certificate. For short, you take the first and the last ? Nicholas Byrne. My friends call me Nicko and then everybody knows me as Nicky.?
Anything you have to say to your fans down here? ?Oh, please remind everybody to follow me on Twitter. I?ll be keeping everybody updated on what I?m doing.?
Westlife are filming a brand new music video in South Africa for what will be their first single since moving to RCA.
The track, the name of which hasn't been revealed yet, will be the lead single from their upcoming Greatest Hits.
Also being done over there is what has been described as a "very special photo shoot".
The pictures are going to be featured in a special fan Box Set of their Greatest Hits, the first 500 of which will be signed by the boys.
The box set is also going to include an amazing retrospective photobook showing their 14 years together, as well as some specially selected fan pictures.
Westlife set to announce greatest hits tour for 2012Date Posted: 15/09/11 Westlife are rumoured to be undertaking a greatest hits tour next year to follow up from the release of their collection of chart-topping singles.
The Irish boy band's The Greatest Hits album will be available to purchase from Monday November 21st and Stereoboard.com reports that they could perform in front of those booking city breaks at some of the UK's biggest venues in May 2012.
"It’s almost hard to believe that we’ve been doing this for as long as we have. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and are looking forward to releasing our Greatest Hits as a special thank you to our fans who have supported us throughout our career," said the boys in a statement.
During their career, Westlife have had 14 number on singles, bettered only by Elvis Presley and The Beatles, and have sold more tickets at Wembley Arena than any other act, having performed there 25 times.
While a track listing for The Greatest Hits has yet to be announced, it could feature the likes of Home, Flying Without Wings and Against All Odds.
Westlife star Shane Filan sells Bond car September 2011
Westlife star Shane Filan fetched ?398,000 for his James Bond 1964 Aston Martin, when it went under the hammer .
The silver DB5 4.2 litre sports saloon was driven by Sean Connery in the James Bond film Goldfinger and was auctioned off in the UK at the three-day Goodwood Revival motorsport and aviation event.
It was expected by auctioneers Bonhams that the car would fetch around ?300,000, but it well exceeded expectations and was sold to a telephone bidder.
Sligo-born Filan, who is a car fanatic, bought the motor as a 30th birthday present to himself. However, he put it up for sale because he is always on tour and he won't get a chance to use it.
The car remains the most famous off all the James Bond Aston Martins, having appeared in five movies out of the series.
Westlife is King in Vietnamese fans’ heart VietNamNet Bridge - Thousands of people packed Hanoi’s My National Dinh Stadium on the night of October 1, to shout “Westlife, we love you!” and sing along with their idols for nearly 100 minutes.
Westlife to sing with Vietnamese fans Westlife's Gravity Tour to come to Vietnam this October
After two rainy days under the impacts of typhoon Nesat, rain suddenly stopped on the afternoon of October 1, just several hours before Westlife’s Gravity tour. Thousands of fans flocked to the My Dinh Stadium to see their idols. Vietnamese fans had to wait for over a decade to see Westlife.
Westlife appeared at 8.10pm, when a small rain began. However, the stadium was very hot. Thousands of people shouted “Westlife, Westlife, Westlife”.
The band started the show by two songs “When You’re Looking Like That” and “World Of Our Own” in the shouts of encouragements.
In the 100-minute show with over 20 songs, among those from the latest album, Gravity, Westlife also performed some hit songs that have brought the boy-band to the list of the world’s most popular artists, including “My Love”, “Seasons In The Sun”, “You Raise Me Up” and “Flying Without Wings”.
The four singers - Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan and Kian Egan - made many young fans bursting into tears with their pieces of music and friendliness.
Almost all the audience turned on the flash lights of their mobile phones after being asked to do so as the boy-band started to sing “You Raise Me Up”.
The four singers also had a very close interaction with audience by shaking hands with them, and Nicky and Kian even helped their fans take the photos by using their own digital cameras. Kian also asked the audience to shout out “Twinkle”, the nickname of his future child - his wife’s second pregnancy, so that he can record the view for the child.
Westlife kept the promise to their fans as not only showed off sweetest love songs, but also more exciting music with the cover of 5 songs, including Viva La Vida (Coldplay), Only Girl (Rihanna), The Time (Black Eyed Peas), Bad Romance (Lady Gaga) and I Predict A Riot (Kaiser Chiefs).
Different with fans’ prediction, Westlife invited not four but up to eight fans, including two girls from Sweden and Denmark, to sing “Beautiful Tonight,” not “My Love” with them.
They ended their Vietnam’s live concert with “What About Now” and “Uptown Girl”.
The show closed by a firework show, which raised the audience’s temper to the highest level. The show marked a great leap in organizing technology in Vietnam.
After the show ended, Nicky immediately logged on Twitter to share the 32-second clip he filmed the moment thousands of Vietnamese fans cheering up and singing along the hit “My Love”.
The four-man idol group said they decided to add “My Love” to their list, although it was not originally included after finding out before coming here that the song was their most popular song to local fans.
With their only one show in Vietnam, Westlife has really become “King of My Heart” in the heart of Vietnamese fans.
Nearly 10,000 people watched the show.
The band opened its show by two songs "When You're Looking Like That" and "World Of Our Own"
A fan cried when Westlife performed "My Love", a special gift for Vietnamese audience.
Eight fans joined Westlife to sing 'Beautiful Tonight'. Photo: a fan from Da Lat city.
Many audiences were surprised with the cover of 5 songs, including Viva La Vida (Coldplay), Only Girl (Rihanna), The Time (Black Eyed Peas), Bad Romance (Lady Gaga) and I Predict A Riot (Kaiser Chiefs).
Westlife was very friendly.
Vietnamese fans presented many gifts to their idols.
The four singers also had a very close interaction with audience by shaking hands with them. Nicky and Kian even helped their fans take the photos by using their own digital cameras.
They said goodbye to Vietnamese fans by "Uptown girl". They promised to see Vietnamese audiences again in a near future.
Westlife’s Kian Egan, to mentor on The Voice Ireland?
Westlife’s Kian Egan, Sharon Corr, Brian Kennedy to mentor on The Voice Ireland? October 7th, 2011 by Lisa McGarry.
Kian Egan may just be about to follow in his manager’s footsteps.
The Westlife star – who is managed by X Factor judge Louis Walsh – is rumoured to be in talks about joining the judging panel of new reality TV show The Voice, not the BBC version but the Irish one.
The singer not only has industry and music experience, but he has also managed other acts, such as his wife’s girlband Wonderland – until they split last month after being dropped by their record label – and has an all round history in the business.
The Independent claims that Egan, 30, has been approached by BBC bosses about joining the panel as a Voice mentor and an insider explained:
“Kian realised that the huge amount of experience he has in the music business could be of great use to any aspiring singer trying to get a break”.
It is thought that Kian will be joined by Sharon Corr, Brian Kennedy and former Blizzards singer Niall Breslin aka Bressie on the show.
Famous Irish Boy Band in Concert Westlife and Gravity thrill Jakarta
Oct 07, 2011 Seven years since their last performance in Indonesia, the famous Irish boy band, Westlife, finally made their comeback in Jakarta on the evening of October 5, quenching the longing of their fans. This exuberant show was part of their world tour entitled, The Gravity, held at the Tennis Indoor Stadium in Senayan, Jakarta. Thousands of loyal fans from Jakarta and other major cities of Indonesia such as Bandung, Surabaya, and Lombok flocked to the site, hours before the show commenced.
A special Meet and Greet session organized by Enterprise Ireland was held before the fabulous quartet of Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, and Shane Filan went on stage. Speaking for Enterprise Ireland, Claire Tracey stated that they had a number of fortunate loyal fans to come face to face and interact closely with the boy band, which supports education in Ireland. When asked about how he sees Indonesia, Nicky simply replied, “It’s amazing.” The Meet and Greet session itself was short, but it left a lasting memento for those who got the chance to just shake hands or take pictures with all Westlife members.
The concert kicked off at 2000 Western Indonesia Time, as the rumbling sounds of the hysterical audience grew louder by the minute. As the curtains were raised, Westlife appeared with their elegant trench coats and black ties, and shook the stadium with “When you‘re looking like that,” while the audience passionately sang along with them.
After the opening song, Mark greeted the audience and expressed his excitement to return and meet his fans in Indonesia. “I hope you guys don’t just scream, but also sing along with us, but watch out don’t let anybody get hurt,” said Mark, as Westlife went on to play "World of Our Own," "What Makes A Man," and “What About Now.”
The hysteria and frenzy got somewhat out of control as the quartet played “Home.” The adrenalin drove some among the audience to push one another, causing a number to faint.
Shane got to know Gillian through musicals and plays they were in at school. Then in 2000, they met up again in a nightclub in Sligo and decided to go out with each other! Gillian accompanied Shane to the World Of Our Own album launch press conference, but she hid in the audience and Shane wouldn't reveal who she was to the press. Gillian is keen to keep her private life private. Shane says he is in love with her without a shadow of a doubt. He is always sending her flowers. Shane took Gillian to Dubai in December 2002, got down on one knee and proposed to her on the beach underneath the stars! Oh how romantic!
Shane and Gillian slideshow Lets make tonight special
(4:26) Shane and Gillian slideshow Lets make tonight special
wedding
Shane Filan Gillian Walsh December 28th, 2003
WESTLIFE'S Shane Filan said he was ''the luckiest guy in the world'' as he wed his childhood sweetheart .
Guests, including Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, watched as Shane and Gillian Walsh exchanged vows at Ballintubber Abbey, County Mayo.
Dressed in white, Shane joked with bandmates Kian Egan and Mark Fehilly as his bride turned up late.
When Gillian, wearing an embroideredwhite dress arrived at the altar, he whispered to her: ''You look amazing.''
Afterwards, Shane said: ''Looking at Gillian at the altar was the best moment of my life. I was welling up during the service.
''I feel like the luckiest guy in the world and everything went according to plan.
''It was great to go out there and wave to the fans and also see all our friends and family enjoying our big day.
''Gillian felt like a princess and looked like one too.''
Last night, guests enjoyed a wedding banquet at nearby Ashford Castle.
Westlife singer Shane Filan has been celebrating his marriage to his childhood sweetheart at one of Ireland's most exclusive hotels. Shane wed Gillian Walsh at historic Ballintubber Abbey in County Mayo on Sunday.
They later celebrated along with more than 350 guests in the lakeside splendour of the nearby Ashford Castle hotel. It was reported that Shane had popped the question while he and Gillian were on holiday together in Dubai last year.
His elder brother Finbar acted as best man whilst The Conway Sisters sang at the ceremony in Ballintubber, which dates back to the 13th century, and was once left a wreck by the army of Oliver Cromwell.
The event marked the first Westlife wedding since last summer's occasion in a French village, when Nicky Byrne married Georgina, one of Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern's two daughters.
It was reported that the couple had struck a $1m (£622,000) deal with celebrity magazine Hello! to cover the ceremony.
About 200 of Westlife's noisy, but devoted following stood in the cold weather outside the Abbey on Sunday to catch a glimpse of the band and cheer them into and out of the church.
Like his bride, Shane was dressed in white and the happy couple arrived for the ceremony in a white, horse-drawn coach.
Westlife Kids Nicole & Patrick
2008 New baby boy is a handful for Shane
Shane Filan with their first son, Patrick Michael
shane en nicole
14.03.2008 Announcement from Shane
Hi everyone You've probably all heard the news by now, but I wanted to let you know personally that Gillian and I are having another baby!
I can't even begin to describe how amazing we're both feeling right now - as you can imagine, we're completely over the moon and Nicole is very excited at the thought of having a little brother or sister to play with.
The baby is due in September, so quite a while to go yet, although I'm sure it'll fly by really quickly. Gillian's bump is growing by the day and she's extremely happy and healthy.
I look forward to introducing the new member of the Filan clan to you later in the year!
Love Shane.
Shane and Gillian
Baby joy for Westlife's Shane Filan Westlife singer Shane Filan and his wife Gillian celebrated a new addition to their family yesterday morning with the arrival of their first son, Patrick.
The couple already have a three-year-old daughter named Nicole. Shane & Gillian Filan - New arrival
The Irish Daily Star reports that mother and son are doing well and are believed to be in Sligo General Hospital.
Patrick Filan christening 23 October 2008 - Shane Filan showed off his beautiful new baby Patrick for the first time today exclusively in the Irish Daily Mirror. The 29 year old shunned a series of big money magazine offers to stick with his favourite newspaper and posed with stunning wife Gillian, daughter Nicole and Patrick athis christening. Until today Shane has kept the baby under wraps since he was born on 15 September.
Gillian also 29 was back to her sexy best at the christening in Sligo and Shane looked hot in a designer suit and joined friends and family for the christening. "Gillian looked great and little Patrick was fantastic throughout the service. He took it all in his stride". "I feel like the luckiest man alive to have an adorable son and daughter. Gillian and I have to keep pinching ourselves". Shane and his bandmates have taken a year off to concentrate on their families after a decade at the top. And the singer, who confessed he has never been busier, added: "I thought I would be twiddling my thumbs but think it is pretty hectic. "Having two kids is incredible but a lot of work. It's great that I can be at home more to help Gillian out". One guest said "Gillian looked like a million dollars. She has really got her figure back and was absolutely glowing. Shane couldn't stop smiling and you can tell just to look at them that they are happier than ever. Source: Paul Martin - Irish Daily Mirror
Shane and Gillian at Ivy Ball in London taken on 21 November 2008.
Interview with Shane about Gillian
December 2001
Little more than an hour earlier I had watched in astonishment as 12,000 girls scream themselves hoarse for Shane and the rest of westlife. Almost any of them would have done anything to spend the night with one of their idol. But there is only one woman Shane is interested in. She is Gillian Walsh, the bright and gentle Irish girl he has tried to keep secret for more than a year. But as we sit chatting in his hotel room with Shane still buzzing with exctitement from the Sheffield Arena gig, there are no secrets anymore. He wants to talk about how they 1st kissed, how he told her he loved her and his hopes one day they will settle down and have children.
" I knew I loved her more or less straight away" says Shane 22, shatterring a million teenage dreams. "She has such a great personality and is the most amazing person I have ever met."
When i first met Shane, the youngest of 7 children, he had a boyish charm, and talked enthusiastically about everything. 3 years on his passions or still singing and performing, but now there is Gillian, too. All the attention from women could of turned him into a vain egomaniac, but his modesty shrugs off his appeal. Sittimg curled up in an arm chair, wearing jeans and an old t-shirt, he has filled out since our 1st meeting, but he has an air of innocence that belies the experiences he has gained in Westlife.
A week talk, Gillian also 22 quielty sorts through a pile of clothes. She is happy to stay out of the limelight. But Shane says it was he, not she, who insisted on total secrecy for the 1st year now he wants the world to know. He says "I needed to have a more normal relationship. We kept it quiet for ages, and it was driving me mad coz we couldnt walk down street holding hands".
They still do not like to pose for phototgraphs together. And Gillian in the final year of a bussiness studies degree, keeps a discreet distance when he is working. Shane has known Gillian, a cousin of fellow bandmate Kian Egan, since childhood. But it was only more recently that it became serious. He says, "I fancied her for an awful long ime, but didn't tell her. I didnt kiss her for ages because I didnt want to come on too strong. The 1st time I kissed her was...oh, my God, it was amazing, we had just gone on our 1st proper date, to the cinema. It was just a quick kiss, but long enough for her to hopefully want some more and she did."
"Things got better and better, and i started thinking she is the one we had been together for about 4 months when I wanted to tell her I loved her. I didn't know how to do it so I just said I had a secret. I kept her guessing for a few weeks. She was dying to get it out of me. Then she said she had a secret too. One night i said I'll tell u my secret if u tell me yours. We agreed and I told her 'I love you' She told hers was that she loved me too. It was one of the best moments ever, I'll never forget it."
Will he marry her? "I definately hope so one day," he says well that's blown it. "I cant see myself ever being happy with out her. I call her the perfect package . She is the girl of my dreams in every sense.
SHANE & G i l l i a n 15 dec - 2008
the Emeralds and Ivy Ball on November 21 -2009 in London
Happy 6th Wedding Anniversary Shane & Gillian 28 Dec 2009 by Villy Aww today it's Shane and Gillian's 6th wedding anniversary! Time flies... I hope they will always be in love with each other and very happy in their beautiful family!
Baby joy for Shane and Gillian Filan.
Twelve days early and catching his parents by surprise, Shane Filan junior made the sort of entrance his famous dad would have been proud of.
"He certainly didn't keep us waiting. He wasn't due until early February, and up until 8 p.m. last Friday there was no sign he was on his way. But an hour and a half later, he was here," Westlife's Shane told THE SLIGO CHAMPION, describing the early arrival of his third child, a brother for Nicole (4) and Patrick (18 months).
"There was no panic or anything like that, but we certainly weren't expecting it. Gillian started having pains at about eight o'clock, we went straight to Sligo General, and the baby was born exactly one hour and thirty-four minutes later," he explained.
Weighing in at 6 lbs 9 ounces, the new arrival will be named Shane Peter, after both his father and grandfather. The couple's first son was named Patrick Michael, after Gillian's dad.
"It's a family tradition to name children after fathers and grandfathers, so we're just following that really. I suppose I've always wanted a son named Shane, so I'm thrilled about that," the singer added.
He was singing the praises of the staff in the maternity department at Sligo General, who made sure everything went very smoothly.
"They were all fantastic. Our gynaecologist, Dr. Heather Langan, made sure all ran smoothly, and midwife, Carol, who helped deliver Shane, was a real angel. Everything happened so quickly, and we were all really well looked after," Shane added.
With three children under five years of age, it will be a busy household, particularly as Shane has a hectic summer schedule of concerts lined up with Westlife.
"We'll certainly have our hands full for a while, but we love it," he said. And is that the full set?
"You'd better ask Gillian that question --it certainly is for now!"
2010
Wednesday December 29 2010
THERE was plenty of celebration in the Filan household yesterday as Westlife singer Shane and his wife Gillian celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary.
The Diary can reveal how the couple, who wed at a star-studded ceremony in Ballintubber Abbey, Co Mayo, planned an intimate bash with close friends last night to mark the milestone.
The high-profile pair have been together for over ten years, with Shane explaining that the couple now put more focus on meaningful gifts when it comes to celebrations.
"At the start we used to spend money, but you soon get bored of that and it's far more meaningful to put thought and effort into something," Shane explained.
"I'd rather have a gift that cost nothing and had loads of thought put into it."
The singer also revealed how this Christmas was particularly significant for the family as it was their first year with new baby, Shane Peter.
The tot, who has two older siblings, Nicole and Patrick, will turn one on January 22.
"It was the first Christmas with Shane Junior so it was a big Santa Claus Christmas this year," he said.
"We had a traditional day and all the trimmings. The whole family came over from all corners of Sligo, so there was a great atmosphere in the Filan household."
The busy popstar has plenty of big plans for 2011, including a €5m development in his home town of Sligo.
Shane owns a property development company called Shafin, alongside his brother Finbarr, and the pair are hoping to buck the recession by building a neighbourhood centre.
The building will be anchored by a large supermarket and will also contain five retail units and two takeaway outlets.
WESTLIFE'S Shane Filan is on the verge of signing a six-figure deal with a new record company.
The Diary can reveal how the Sligo crooner was popping the champagne at Cheltenham Festival after talks with a string of big labels.
In what will be his first solo deal without his chart-topping bandmates, he said he'll be signing on the dotted line in the next few weeks.
And he admitted that the nerves are jangling at the thought of going it alone.
"It's exciting but, of course, I'll be nervous. It's only natural when you're coming out of a band after 14 years, you don't know where your life's going to take you," he said.
"But all I want to do is sing, sing great songs and see where it goes. It's down to the songs."
Shane and manager Louis Walsh have been having top-level negotiations with a number of labels -- but Shane didn't want to rush into anything.
"I'm just working out now exactly what's happening, there's different things happening and we'll work it out in the next month or two. Obviously I want to make the right decision," he said.
Fun
Shane and his wife Gillian left their three children Nicole, Patrick and Shane at home for a day of fun at the festival.
The celebrity couple were guests of multi-millionaire businessman JP McManus. Shane revealed how it was his first time at the festival.
But it wasn't the easiest trip up from their Surrey home, where they're now living.
They spent more than five hours caught in the traffic chaos as they slowly made their way to the Cotswolds course.
A YOUNG girl has vowed to beat cancer and keep a date with Westlife star Shane Filan.
But brave Niamh McNulty will have to wait at least a year to make her dream happen -- after getting a call for a life-saving transplant.
The 16-year-old received a 'good luck' call from the singer ahead of her operation, which takes place this Friday at Crumlin Children's Hospital.
She has fought a rare form of leukemia for the past five years, but now a suitable bone marrow donor has been found in Germany.
Her family threw her a party in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, to raise her spirits before the operation.
All her family and friends came along, as did special guests former Eurovision singer Mickey Joe Harte and 'X Factor' contestant Eoghan Quigg.
Call
But Niamh got a very special phone call on the night from Westlife star Shane.
"Her whole face just lit up. She couldn't believe it when Shane phoned. It was very nice of him to take the time.
"Hopefully when the operation is a success, Niamh will get to meet him and have a good chat with him," her mother Bernie said.
Bernie said that despite her chemotherapy treatment and watching her hair fall out four times, Niamh has been so brave.
"She has such a great personality. She has been through hell and back and she always tries to have a smile on her face. She is amazing," Bernie added.
Despite her date with Shane, Niamh will have to wait for several months after her operation, as she can only see immediate family and cannot leave her home.
"The (medical) conditions are very strict, but we will do whatever we have to. Shane will have to wait," Bernie joked. "But it will all be worth it when Niamh pulls through."
- Stephen Maguire
This is information from Westlife’s Mark Feehily’s Twitter page, on the band’s trans-Asia tour this summer; which will cover Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam. The information was then confirmed on Westlife’s website.
Westlife’s Vietnamese fans are very enthusiastic with the information.
This year, many international singers have come to Vietnam. After Backstreet Boys, Super Junior, JYJ, Alexandra Burke, David Cook will be David Archuleta, Westlife and perhaps Bon Jovi.
Westlife is an Irish pop group formed on July 3, 1998. The group's original lineup comprised Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan and Brian McFadden (departed from the band in 2004). The group is the only act in British or Irish history to have their first seven singles go straight to Number 1, and they have gone on to sell over 44 million records worldwide which includes their studio, single, video, and compilation albums.] Despite the group's worldwide success, they've only had one U.S. hit on the Billboard Hot 100 charts: "Swear It Again", which made it to No. 20 in 2000.
Westlife were originally signed by Simon Cowell and are currently managed by Louis Walsh. They garnered 14 number one singles in the United Kingdom, the third-highest in UK history, tying with Cliff Richard and trailing behind only Elvis Presley and The Beatles. The group has also broken a few top records, including "Music artist with most consecutive number 1's in the UK". It was officially announced by the Official Charts Company that they are the "2nd biggest selling artist" (trailing behind Robbie Williams) and "Biggest selling band of the decade" (beating Coldplay) in UK with 11 million album sales.
On June 1, 2008, Westlife marked their 10th anniversary with a concert in Croke Park, Dublin which had more than 83,000 fans attending the special occasion. Music Week revealed on their website that Westlife is the official third top touring act within the years 2005–2008, while they were 7th top touring act of 2008. Also in 2008, they were declared as Ireland's ninth-richest celebrities under 30 years old, and 13th in general with 36 million euros as a group. In 2009, they dropped as 16th richest Irish with estimated 8 million euros each. They are named as the fourth most hard-working music artist in UK by PRS in 2010.
Gravity is the eleventh studio album from Westlife. It was released on November 22, 2010 in the United Kingdom through Syco Music, RCA Records and Sony Music.
Westlife began its tour to advertise the album on March 7, 2011. Its Asian tour will begin on September 21.
In Gravity tour, Westlife will perform its popular songs like Seasons in The Sun, Flying Without Wings, Uptown Girl, World of Our Own, You Raise Me Up and songs from the new album, such Gravity, Safe, I Will Reach You or No One’s Gonna Sleep Tonight.
Shane Filan says it will happen 'someday'
Westlife have hinted that they will reunite with former member Brian McFadden "someday".
Last year McFadden, who quit the band in 2004, wrote on Twitter.comBrianMcFaddem: "I had a dream I was back on stage with Westlife playing some crazy-sized football stadium.
"I would love to do an album with the boys and show JLS and Take That what we are really made of! If the boys wanna challenge these newcomers I am up for a fight."
However, member Shane Filan responded at the time by saying: "I don't think it's even remotely interesting if Brian came back."
Filan has now had a change of heart, telling the Daily Record: "I'd never rule out Brian coming back because there never was a bad patch with him. Brian was great with fans.
"I definitely think some day it would be great fun to sing with Brian again. It could be in 10 years time but I think it will happen."
I'm so happy for Brian and new love Vogue --
Wednesday July 20 2011
WESTLIFE'S Nicky Byrne has spoken of his joy that former bandmate Brian McFadden has found love again.
The singer made the comments about his ex bandmate, who is currently enjoying the early flushes of romance with top Irish model Vogue Williams.
Dad-of-two Nicky (32) explained how he doesn't know the Howth born model personally, but says that he is happy for his Australia-based friend on his newfound love.
Nicky went on to reveal his belief that Artane native Brian will collaborate with Westlife again.
He insists however that the group have made no plans for a reunion.
"I don't know Vogue whatsoever but I'm just happy if he's happy," Nicky told the Diary.
"He's a nice fella, I've always said it since the day he left.
"Brian's not the worst in the world. He has a heart of gold. He's probably had a bit of a rough time of it down the years.
"The way it is with Brian and the band is that it was one of those things where you'd never say never but there is no plan. I can categorically say that. I like him and who knows.
"People love a bit of nostalgia.
"I think there will be a time in Westlife's life when we do sing with him again. When that is, whether it's next week or five years down the line I really don't know," he added.
Nicky also insists that he is in the dark when it comes to the line-up for RTE's new talent series, The Voice, for which his name has been mentioned as a potential judge.
The Flying Without Wings singer says he would be interested in hearing more about the show but claims he has not spoken to anyone to date.
According to the down to earth singer: "I don't know about The Voice at all. I keep hearing my name being mentioned around as well but no, not that I know of.
"I don't know, I mean, I'd certainly be interested in being listed but you know I think they put everyone's name in the hat, don't they?
"TV is something I've always enjoyed. Certainly I've presented Childline over the years. I'm always doing TV with Westlife being interviewed. I've always enjoyed the buzz of TV so definitely down the road.
"I'm still concentrating on Westlife at the moment, we've another album to produce and lots of tours.
"I do think The Voice is a great concept, I mean I've seen the American version. I think it will be great for Ireland definitely," he added.
Nicky and his bandmates took a month off work over the summer, but are soon due to hit the road once more to continue their tour across South Africa and South East Asia.
The chatty popstar was speaking last night at the world premiere of Peter Pan at the Grand Canal Theatre.
Nicky was joined at the star-studded event by his wife Georgina, the couple's twin sons Rocco and Jay (4) and his mother-in-law Miriam Ahern.
Westlife pay tribute to Amy Winehouse at Hamilton Park Race Course
Westlife brought their Gravity tour to a packed Hamilton Park Racecourse last night (Saturday, July 23).
Although the atmosphere at the concert was electric, the night was tinged with sadness following the news that Amy Winehouse had been found dead earlier that day.
The boys were keen to express their sadness at the news and pay tribute to the singer.
Mark Feehily told the crowd: ?It?s been a funny old day. I?m sure you?ve all heard the sad news about Amy Winehouse. I am a massive fan of hers; she has done so much for music in this country.
?Amy Winehouse, we love you so much ? tonight is for you.?
Prior to the show, Mark had joined the host of stars and fans Tweeting tributes to Amy. He wrote: ?I am devastated...so so devastated... RIP my hero Amy xx?
During a concert in Scotland, Westlife singer Mark Feehily told fans: “It’s been a funny old day. I’m sure you’ve all heard the sad news about Amy Winehouse. I am a massive fan of hers; she has done so much for music in this country. Amy Winehouse, we love you so much – tonight is for you.”
Westlife singer Mark, who came up with the idea, said he was inspired by his own personal experiences of bullying when he was younger.
A poster campaign aimed at highlighting the effects that bullying has on the lives of children and young people was launched in Dublin today.
A number of well-known figures from the world of music and the arts are participating in the ISPCC campaign, which will last for four weeks.
The society hopes the campaign will encourage children and young people to stand up to bullying and to find the strength to talk about it and to seek support.
Saoirse Ronan, Mark Feehily, Louis Walsh, Laura Whitmore and Jedward all feature in posters with cuts and bruises to represent the lasting effect bullying can have on lives.
"I know at first hand how the impact of being bullied as a teenager can quite literally last a lifetime," said Westlife member and ISPCC ambassador Mark Feehily. "I thought that if we could involve well known ISPCC ambassadors perhaps people will think twice about bullying or indeed allowing bullying to happen."
Bullying can take on many forms from physical threats to online harassment and the Childline service received some 2,300 calls and messages everyday from young people last year alone.
Almost a quarter of these contacts related to abuse and welfare, including bullying as well as issues around mental health.
A week ago Kian Eagan announced that he and wife Jodi Albert were expecting their first child and today Jodi Albert proudly showed off her growing baby bump.
The Wonderland singer appeared on This Morning with her fellow band members to sing a song from their debut album and Jodi looked just swell.
Last week Jodi and her Westlife singer husband enjoyed a holiday in Ibiza and the singer showed off her four month pregnancy in a white bikini
Kian announced on Twitter than the couple were expecting their first baby together and Jodi revealed on This Morning today that the baby is due January 1.
people.com : Westlife star Kian Egan is looking forward to being a dad. Wife Jodi Albert, 28, is busy in girl band Wonderland - but not too busy to have a baby.
The singer loves strutting around in her Louboutins, but she might have to abandon them soon - for the sake of her back!
'I have two or three pairs for special occasions and they always make me feel really sexy,' Jodi tells us.
Kian, 31, doesn't mind what Jodi wears though and even finds her alluring in her jim-jams.
'Kian thinks I'm sexy in my pyjamas,' she reveals.
Thursday August 18 2011
WESTLIFE star Nicky Byrne has revealed his delight for his bandmate Kian Egan, who is preparing to become a father for the first time.
The Dublin singer told the Diary how he was delighted to hear earlier this month that Kian and his wife, Wonderland singer Jodi Albert, were expecting their first child.
The singer explained how Kian was a great help when he started his own family with wife Georgina Ahern. The couple have children, twin brothers Rocco and Jay (4).
tips
"It's such great news. The thing about Kian is he has a load of nieces and nephews so Kian, if I'm honest, was actually giving me and Georgina tips when we started having kids, back in the day," he laughed.
Speaking at the launch of the new ad campaign for the Irish Heart Foundation earlier this week, the star who was accompanied by his wife and their twin sons, revealed that singer Jodi has always been very maternal.
"Kian was very good with kids from the offset so I really think he will be a great dad and Jodi will be a great mum, she's brilliant with Rocco and Jay, she's very very motherly. I am genuinely delighted for them," he revealed.
Meanwhile, the Dublin star -- who is tipped to be the new co-presenter of RTE's The Voice -- told the Diary that he hasn't met or spoken to former bandmate Brian McFadden since his return to Ireland.
The Australia's Got Talent judge is in town for a month with model girlfriend Vogue Williams, and although he asked Westlife member Mark Feehily to meet up last week, Nicky (32) says he hasn't heard from him at all.
blood
"I haven't seen Brian or heard anything from him, you probably see him or hear about him more than I do," he joked.
The dad-of-two insists however that there is no bad blood between them.
"I never fell out with Brian, he's a good mate but just haven't heard from him or seen him at all," he explained.
Jodi Albert has revealed that she will be raiding partner Kian Egan's wardrobe for 'baggy' clothes during her pregnancy. 1 of 1 Albert is set to wear partner Kian Egan's clothes during her pregnancy Speaking to the Daily Star newspaper, the 27-year-old Wonderland singer said: "I love to wear baggy clothes and I'm always in Kian's wardrobe!"
Jodi Albert and Kian Egan are looking forward to becoming parents.
Albert continued to disclose that the pair are over the moon to be expecting their first baby saying: "We're so happy and can't wait to become parents."
However, the former Hollyoaks actress suggested that her baby will be the first of many pitching in: "We'd love to have a big family. That's what life's about."
Saturday August 20 2011
Westlife's Nicky Byrne has said he doesn't believe The X Factor will be as good without acid-tongued judge Simon Cowell.
And the Herald can reveal how the band's usual slot on the hit show now hangs in the balance since they left the music mogul's record label, SyCo.
The chart-topping singer explained how he believed the whole dynamic of the ITV programme will have changed as a result of Simon switching to X Factor USA.
"I hear Gary Barlow is good but I can't see it being as good without Simon, if I'm honest, because he and Louis had that banter, that chemistry. I know Louis likes Gary and they get on but I'm not sure if the same chemistry could be had, with anyone," he said.
Cog
"It doesn't matter who you put in that seat, it's not Simon Cowell. It's nothing against Gary but it's going to be different. And then you've not got Cheryl or Dannii either, so it's not like, you're not just missing one major cog in the wheel it's like 'wow, the whole thing has changed'. But it could be 50 times better, who knows?"
The Irish boyband has made countless key appearances on the talent contest, now in its eighth series, which has helped them launch their latest albums to TV audiences of millions.
But Nicky explained how the group are no longer assured a key slot on the programme now that they have switched labels to RCA. "I will certainly watch the show but I don't know if we'll be on it. We would all love to, of course and with Louis there thankfully we have an 'in' on it," he continued.
"But they have had us on a lot over the years and you have to remember, SyCo is the company that makes the show so hopefully it wouldn't be like that. But you never know, we might not get the show and if we don't, we'll just have to pick ourselves up and move on."
The popular singer has also done little to allay speculation that RTE is head-hunting him to co-present new programme The Voice of Ireland. But he said that it's all to do with timing and his first loyalties will always lie with Westlife as the four lads gear up to embark on a short tour next month of South Africa and South East Asia.
"I'm not going to lie -- broadcasting is something I do enjoy," he continued. "Nobody has offered me the job or anything like that but it's always nice to be mentioned in a big TV show like that. I don't know if I have the timing for something like this."
Request
Once their next tour is complete, Westlife will be taking to the stage at the O2 Dublin on November 24 to play 'O2 SmartSounds'. A live social-media gig, it will see attendees being able to request the songs they'd like to hear on the night. "We're really looking forward to that. It's a great concept and there's also going to be a battle of the bands on the night," Nicky added.
Herald readers will have the opportunity to win tickets to this exclusive event, with more details revealed over the coming weeks
mfinn@herald.ie
Dubliner Nicky Byrne has revealed that the band is currently out of contract and looking forward to their future.
The Irish crooners, who parted ways with Simon Cowell's record company earlier this year, moved to RCA after they clashed creatively with Cowell.
Speaking to The Star, Byrne said that there is not a new Westlife album in the works right now.
"Right now no." he said. "Right now we are just looking forward to the Greatest Hits.
"We are out of contract at the moment which is a great position to be in because if this album does well we're looking to the future, like a footballer you are free to talk to anybody.
Byrne with his bandmates Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan
"At the moment I would guess Greatest Hits tour and then we might not come back with an album in the next year because it might feel too soon.
"I would say we'd probably look at what's on the table and then maybe discuss with a few other people, labels and see what's there and move forward."
However the Westlife star admitted that there is no hard feelings between the band and their former mentor Cowell.
"I texted him when the amicable departure happened and I said Simon I just want to thank you for the 13 years and I owe you an awful lot. Straight away he replied and said 'listen we're always here for you guys'."
Jedward, X-Factor judge Louis Walsh and Westlife star Mark Feehily have all posed as assault victims in a hard-hitting campaign against bullying.
The pop stars appear bruised and battered in the posters launched by children's campaigners.
MTV presenter Laura Whitmore and actress Saoirse Ronan have also been photographed as part of the series of images launched in Dublin today by the Irish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC).
Advertisement >> Westlife singer Feehily, who came up with the idea, said he was inspired by his own personal experiences of bullying when he was younger.
"I know at first hand how the impact of being bullied as a teenager can quite literally last a lifetime and I though
Kian Naam voluit Kian John Francis Egan Geboortedatum 29 april 1980 Kleur ogen blauw Kleur haar Bruin maar blond geverfd Lengte 1,74 Broers en zussen 3 broers (1 jonger) en 3 zussen (1 jonger) Woonplaats Sligo Instrument piano + gitaar Vorige Baantjes Kissogram, Kledingwinkel Favo - liedje She's like the wind - Film Titanic - Actrice Cameron Diaz - Acteur Brad Pitt - Boek Bravo 2 Zero (Andy McNab - Kleding Designer D&G - Westlife nummer Fool Again - Ballad ?? Slechtste WL songtekst? What I want is... Kenmerken litteken onder rechteroog en op linker knie Huisdieren? geen Favo - "catch" phrase Ya Deutz! - Lichaamsdeel (zelf) ogen - Lichaamsdeel vrouw ogen - Kleur wit
KIAN
Kian: I love Metallica
I WAS stunned when
KIAN EGAN told me his favourite band.
The music I listen to at home is very different from Westlife, he revealed. I love
METALLICA. I loved them when I was younger and that,s the kind of music I choose to listen to on my iPod.
Kian lives in Essex rather than his native Sligo, though he has a house there.
He moved to be with his gorgeous girlfriend, actress
JODI ALBERT.
And when the band take a break after their tour next year, he and the former Hollyoaks star plan a long holiday.
Kian said: I need to get away for a while. Jodi and I want to backpack around the world.
I don,t think I m going to stay in a backpackers hostel, but I don,t want to go five-star either.
Moody
I don,t think you experience enough in five-star hotels. You don,t meet enough interesting people.
I m surprised to learn that Kian likes being so friendly and meeting strangers.
His bandmates have nicknamed him Grumplestiltskin because he apparently always so moody.
Kian great love in life apart from his lovely girlfriend, of course is surfing.
He leaps on his board in exotic locations around the globe and has even opened up a juice bar in Sligo, where there is a strong surfing community.
He said: Im not into football, which Jodi is grateful for, but I do love surfing. She always moaning at me because I like to watch surfing DVDs all the time.
I love going away on surf camps with my buddies. When I do that we don,t stay at top-price places, I stay at hotels that cost 15 a night and I like that because you meet some great people.
Kian Say's
I never thought westlife would have 12 number ones. My favourite westlife moment was shooting the video for if I let you go in Tenerife. My favourite westlife track is what makes a man. My favourite video is fool again. The others would say that I'm very head strong. When I m not working I like to surf. My motto is treat people how you would like to be treated. If I had to describe myself in three words they would be romantic, fun and shy. The phase I often use is Alone .
NICKY
Kian is the most serious in the band and the most passionate about what we do. He always seems to have a point to make. He's thinking about Westlife all the time but the other side of it is that he has a fiery temper. He'll lose his head and start swearing but then we all swear. Spend an hour with us and a swear box and you'd be rich!I remember one occasion and we'd been at a party all night. We'd literally had 20 minutes sleep and we got on a plane from East Germany to Amsterdam. Everyone was conked out on the flight but our tour manager woke up and took Kian's watch from his wrist without him noticing.When Kian got off the plane, he realised it had gone and because he'd been drunk he couldn't remember when he'd last seen it. He'd spent pounds 2,500 on it and it wasn't insured. He was just about to bawl his eyes out when the tour manager gave it back tohim.If that was me, I would have been so relieved that I would have given the guy a hug but Kian was the opposite and was really annoyed. He freaked out and started shouting at him: "Don't you ever do that to me again". He'll look back on it now and think it was hilarious, but he wasn't happy at the time!
SHANE
We've been friends for years, and we see things quite similarly. I've always been close to him and we even went out with the same girls - but not at the same time! Kian works really hard, and worries about the band alot. He worries a lot about his hair as well! Kian has an angelic smile - which doesn't always hide the cheeky devil inside! He's happiest when he's standing on a stage in front of thousands of screaming fans, or talking business down the phone to Louis Walsh, or standing in the middle of a crowd of beautiful girls! And when Kian's not working he loves to shop - and Los Angeles is his fave hunting ground. He recently splashed out on a five-thousand-pound Rolex, and has a weakness .
MARK
Kian's very serious about the band - he'd lose a leg for it, I suspect! He can be very charming, especially when there are girls about! He loves being on stage and gets a huge buzz out of it! He's very dedicated, but he also knows how to gave a laugh.
Thursday November 19 2009
Westlife's Kian Egan has revealed how he relived the pain of his own father's death this month, when his bandmate Nicky Byrne's dad passed away suddenly.
The Sligo singer admits that the funeral of Nikki two weeks ago brought back so many memories of his beloved father, Kevin, that he shed as many tears that day as he did when he buried his own dad last July.
Kian married his longtime love Jodi Albert at a lavish ceremony in Barbados last May, just two months before his father's tragic passing.
"I probably cried just as much at Nicky's dad's funeral as I did at my own dad's," he told the Herald.
"It wasn't because I was sitting there thinking my dad is gone as well, it's just because I know what it feels like. I know the pain. It was just a very sad time, you know.
"I knew what he would have to go through, what his mother would have to go through.
"When my dad passed, I just wished that no-one else in Westlife had to go through that pain.
"My dad was very sick with cancer for a long time and he suffered a lot at the end, so you know in a sense for Nicky's dad to have passed so quickly after my own, it was very strange and very difficult.
"It was just very fresh and I just wish it wasn't so close.
"All of our fathers are of similar age. Nikki Sr was too young to die. My dad was too young to die. It shouldn't have happened. We got the rough end of the stick," he added.
The star, who stepped out alongside his bandmates Nicky, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan last night to perform at the Cheerios Childline Concert at the O2, says that his pal Nicky has been remarkably brave and says he was right to throw himself back into his work.
"We all took the week off for Nicky and he's been very strong," he explained. "Both of our fathers would absolutely kick us asunder if they saw us at home sitting on our ass.
"We've an album coming out in three weeks and both of our dads' lived for Westlife so we're doing it for them really.
"We're not going to get anywhere by sitting at home moping," he added.
No Westlife wipeout!
Kian Egan can more than hold his own on a surfboard as he takes to the waves in Barbados By Daily Mail Reporter on 31st December 2010
At a glance, it looks like the man taking to the waves in Barbados is a professional surfer, or someone more than a little used to balancing on a surfboard. But, on closer inspection, the blonde beach hunk in the water is Westlife's Kian Egan, who showed off some impressive surfing skills in Barbados yesterday. Wearing a T-shirt and board shorts, Kian looked confident and self-assured as he performed some tricky manoeuvres in the sea. Not a Westlife wipeout! Kian Egan looks more than a little confident on a surfboard as he takes to the waves in Barbados
The 30-year-old singer was watched by his wife Jodi Albert as he enjoyed the surf, but former Hollyoaks star Jodi decided to play it safe by sitting on the shore. It seems the couple are thoroughly enjoying their time away, as Kian tweeted earlier this week: 'Hope everyone is have a lovey Christmas/ new year... Were enjoying chilling out but very excited for 2011! Bring it on!!!' 2010 has been an incredibly successful year for Westlife, who remain one of the most popular boybands in the UK. Catching the wave: Kian appears to be a very skilled surfer
And...up: Kian prepares to stand up on the board as he gets his timing just right
They released their eleventh studio album Gravity, the first single from which, Safe, peaked at number 10 in the UK charts. The boys - Kian, Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne and Mark Feehily - are now preparing for their tour next year, which starts in March. And they have no intention of breaking up and pursuing other career interests in the near future. Surfer boy: Kian's wife Jodi Albert watched from the shore as Kian surfed
Westlife’s Kian Egan to replace Barlow? February 6, 2012 Share Tweet By Danielle FletcherRumours are rife that Gary Barlow is to be replaced by Westlife’s Kian Egan, for the next series of The X Factor.
It has been mentioned that Simon Cowell plans to make ‘sweeping changes’ to the show, after axing Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and Steve Jones, from the American version.
The Irish singer is currently a judge on Ireland’s talent contest, The Voice and plans on building a TV career after Westlife’s farewell tour.
One source said: “Kian is highly rated and would be a perfect judge, although whether he is considered will depend on what happens with Louis Walsh.”
Insiders said: “In reality, Kian can only be considered if Louis doesn’t come back,” as the pair are both closely connected to the Irish music scene
Kian happy to be voice for children HE may be a bit of a rottweiler in the judge's chair of 'The Voice of Ireland', but yesterday Kian Egan was more a cuddly puppy as he threw his weight behind a campaign to help sick children.
And the Westlife singer admitted that becoming a father himself has made him realise "just how lucky most of us are".
His wife Jodie gave birth to their son Koa just before Christmas and it has helped him appreciate life more.
Kian was speaking close to his home in Strandhill, Co Sligo, where he helped to launch Happy Faces Day for the Jack & Jill Foundation. Money from the campaign helps families pay for specialist respite nurses.
"I am just delighted that I can help because what these people do is just marvellous," he said.
He added: "Most of us take so much for granted, like shopping, taking the children to the park and things we see as ordinary every day things.
"But the families of these children don't have so much time to do that. All their hours are taken up with dedicated care. The Jack and Jill foundation does so much to help give them time."
Sligo Parents Nicholas and Alice Power are one couple who were delighted with the singer's help.
"Kian is helping to give us a voice. We really appreciate his efforts to help us," said Alice, whose son Nicholas, 18 months, suffers from a complicated heart condition called truncus arteriosis as well as cerebral palsy.
The Jack & Jill Foundation has been helping the couple since September when Nicholas was discharged from hospital.
He needs 24-hour care, with Alice doing the day shift and her husband doing the night shift.
To help Jack and Jill raise funds, the Irish Professional Photographers Association are providing its services free for Happy Faces Day.
Photographers will charge €25 for individual portraits with the funds going to Jack and Jill to be spent on respite care.
- Greg Harkin
ADMIRATION: Kian for Jodi KIAN Egan admits he has new admiration for women after seeing his wife go through 13 hours of labour with their son, Koa. "Watching Jodi go through all that gave me a whole different respect for women," says the Westlife and Voice of Ireland star. "I was telling my friends to pick up the phone, ring their mothers and thank them for what they experience for us. "It's insane what they do. Jodi didn't scream once. "It was the determination in her to make sure everything went all right that really impressed me. "The way she powered through - I was well taken back by it."
Lillie's hosts Kian and Leigh's birthday bash
Monday April 30 2012
THE party posse turned out in force over the weekend, as Westlife star Kian Egan and model Leigh Learmont celebrated their birthdays at Dublin nightspot Lillie's.
The champagne was flowing as The Voice coach and Wonderland singer toasted another year with a number of his close pals.
An insider revealed to the Diary that dad-of-one Kian, who turned 32 yesterday, was joined by wife Jodi Albert and band mate Mark Feehily at the bash, which was held in the exclusive members bar. New mum Jodi was delighted to catch up with Wonderland singer and pal Leigh, who was blowing out the candles for her 23rd birthday.
A source divulged: "Jodi looked amazing, she was in great form. She had a great time catching up with Leigh."
U2 frontman Bono and close friend Guggi later stopped by and had a glass of vino with the revellers. Also painting the town red were style queen Triona McCarthy, designer Louise Kennedy and restaurateurs Dylan McGrath and Ronan Ryan.
SHANE FILAN, 28, said: If a song is at number three were not happy, which is ridiculous. We like 20 number ones before we call it quits.
KIAN
Shane and I are very close. We are both very committed to making this band as successful as we can. We spend ages talking about songs, and about how the band is getting on. He,s good fun to be with.
MARK
With Shane, his character very much depends on his mood. If he's in a good mood he can be absolutely hilarious, but if he's not he just doesn't want to know. His biggest fault is that he's downright lazy. I was once at his house in Sligo and he had a video that was due back.The video store is 50 metres away, but he still got in his car and drove there. It's the same with his mobile phone. If his phone is in his bag on the other side of the room, he'll ask to borrow my phone rather than bother to get up and fetch his bag. But he's a very generous person and he's very fast to buy a round of drinks. If we go into a bar for just one drink, Shane will always be the one to pay. He's quite happy to spend his money. He's not as extravagant as Kian when it comes to shopping, but he does enjoy it and he gets quite choosy about the clothes he wears. I'll always ask Shane for advice on anything because there's a mutual respect. He's helped me out a few times and we've got a lot of time for each other, especially when it comes to singing. Shane is so talented. I'm convinced music will always be part of his life. Shane can be very, very funny. And he can also be very, very inattentive. Sometimes it takes ages and hours to get his attention. If he's doing one thing, then that's the only thing he's going to do!
NICKY
Shane is great and we get on very well, we have a good laugh and he can take a joke.He's pretty cool and very popular with the girls, but he can be quite vain, particularly about his hair. He can't pass a mirror without looking into it. He's quite into clothes, too, but he's got the worst fashion sense out of the whole band. He doesn't have a clue. We're always warning him the fashion police will be after him, so when he arrives in the morning in a dodgy outfit we pretend to go over and handcuff him. He'll happily wear white socks and shoes and jeans and bright colored trousers that don't match his shirt.But the worst ever was when we were in Tenerife to shoot the If I Let You Go video. We had a day off beforehand and were all down at the pool. He came down in a vest, really short shorts, flip-flops with socks, a bum bag tied to his waist - and a pair of shades. He just looked like a typical tourist, but the worst thing was he thought he looked really cool. It was terrible!
Shane Say's
I Never thought that Westlife would still be Highly successful seven years on. My favourite westlife moment was meeting the pope. My favourite westlife tract is Flying Without Wings. My favourite westlife video is Fool Again. What the other guys say about me is that I'm generous and a nice guy! When I'm not working I like to change Nicole,s nappies! My Motto is "everything happens for a reason." I would describe myself as level - headed, generous and romantic. The phase I often use is You Know What I Mean.
shane pop profile
Shane interview in May edition of Sky Magazine
How would you feel about there being a Westlife musical? I would feel quite good about it, actually. It's something we've talked about, but we would have to take time to consider how it would be done. It could end up being very cheesy and very silly.
Who would play you in a film? That's a good question. My favourite actor is Tom Cruise, but he doesn't look like me. Leonardo DiCaprio is great, but he doesn't look like me either - whoever wants to play me is fine.
What's your craziest fan experience? Mark got sent a turnip - a turnip in a box! Why, I don't know. Most of our fans are normal but 1% of them are headcases. You get sent pubic hair.
Which Westlife song are you bored of being asked to perform? I Have a Dream is probably our least favourite song.
What's the oddest thing that has been thrown on stage? Someone threw these knickers and they must have been about a size 50. I picked them up and said, 'Who the hell owns these?' It was a big joke on the night and very funny. If we get bras and stuff we usually put them on each other - it's all good fun.
How do you avoid being noticed when you're out and about? You choose the places you go carefully. If you go to a club in Ireland there's always going to be a hen night. I don't mind having a picture, but sometimes it gets out of hand and you get girls in bunny rabbit suits coming over and jumping all over you!
What's you perfect day off? Just spending time with my family and playing a bit of golf. I'd like to do both in the same day, preferably somewhere hot. Obviously Ireland isn't that hot. Every day I get up and see my kids and thank God they are healthy and safe. It's really all about family now.
Do you ever catch your family singing your songs? My daughter Nicole is four and a half and she's singing them all of the time - she literally knows every word of every song on the new album already.
When were you last star-struck? We met Barack Obama recently, and I was completely star-struck. We met Pope John Paul II before he died, too.
Shane: I got this dream and it is still going on
"As a young fellow in Summerhill college, it was always a dream that I never thought would happen. Some people dream about going to college and being a doctor but for me I dreamt about being in a band. I got my dream and it is still going and I don't forget that for a second".
That's how Shane Filan summed up his thoughts on the remarkable Westlife success story as he and the other bandmembers prepare for next week's sell-out Lissadell concert.
Shane puts it all down to the band's choice of music and a solid fan base.
"It's unbelievable you know, after 12 years or whatever, it's kind of hard to believe we are still going strong every year. Our popularity keeps going strong and every album we release does well and tickets still sell.
"I think we have come to the stage with fans now and have reached a certain point where if you release good music and stuff, the fans will stay with you.
"We now have a very solid fan base around the world and we still have the same kind of fan base and they have kinda grown up with us and obviously we are getting a lot older audience now as well."
"At concerts around the world you notice fans that are still there with us growing up and some of them have kids now, married, and then you know you have the mums and dads that come then it's more of a family event. That's the secret of a long journey for Westlife, we just have that solid fan base that just sticks with us".
Looking ahead, when asked where he would see himself and Westlife in ten year's time, Shane said: "We would still obviously like to be in Westlife, we look at Take That now and they have a massive comeback. They're obviously doing great stuff at the moment and they're 9 or 10 years older than us.
"They were the band we looked up to when we were 16 or 17. They were our age doing what we're doing. It's great to see them at that age being so strong. And obviously Robbie's back with them now and it just shows you we can do it when we are 39 or 40 years old. It's just a matter of getting the songs right".
On the reasons for keeping going, Shane said: "We enjoy it, of course we do, we wouldn't do it if we didn't enjoy it. I think as a band we have done so well now that if we weren't enjoying it anymore we wouldn't have to do it.
"We have had a lot of success but for us it's all about the next album and the next single. It's great fun you know as a band. We have grown up together as people, we have gotten married, had babies and different stuff and we are a very close kind of group of friends now as well as band mates".
DESPITE his rise to international fame, Shane and his fellow band members succeeded in keeping close to their roots. Shane has many friends from his days in Summerhill college.
On Friday last he attended the wedding of one of his best friends. "I had a great bunch or friends at Summerhill, a lot of fellas I know to this day; I still see them".
Shane found himself going directly into showbusiness after Summerhill. When asked if he thought about what his life might have been like if he had taken a different route back then, Shane said: "I suppose you always think back of what it would have been like but I'm a firm believer in what's meant to be is meant to be.
"Sometimes you think things are great but then you have bad days or whatever's meant to be in your life, that's the path you're meant to take and for me it was to be in Westlife.
"I didn't get to go to college like everyone else and have the mad years away and live that side of life. I didn't have a rag week or any of them kind of things. Small stuff, but for me it was all about dreaming to be where I am now, in a band like this and touring the world".
BRIAN LEAVING WAS 'A SHOCK' Westlife's Shane: Band thought we were being 'Punk'd' by McFadden
SHOCK: Westlife’s Shane WESTLIFE insist that Brian McFadden will not be joining them for their last ever tour next year. The band played an intimate invite gig in Dublin's 02 on Thursday night. Mark Feehily says the band will end their days as a quartet and Brian will not be a part of their final tour. "It's not happening and was never happening [Brian taking part in the tour], even though everyone has asked," he insists. Shane adds: "Brian left because he didn't like being in the group. "It shocked us beyond belief. "We actually thought we were being Punk'd on that MTV show when he said he wanted to leave. "I was like 'you're s***ing me, why the f** would you want to leave Westlife?. "We were all getting along so well, but we didn't have a clue what was going on in his personal life, his marriage, any of it." He also reveals some of the bizarre 'presents' they have got off fans. "Mark got sent a turnip with all the dirt on it," he laughs. Pubic "Then at a signing we were given a pubic hair taped to an envelope and also a used tampon in a box."
Shane Filan moves to England to boost solo career after Westlife
13/01/2012
Shane Filan has moved to England as he prepares to kickstart his solo career.
The Westlife star, 32, his wife Gillian, and three children Nicole, Patrick and Shane, moved from Sligo to Surrey during the Christmas holidays.
Although they lived for several months at a time in the Georgian-style house at Cobham, the family has decided to make it a more permanent home while Shane develops his solo career after Westlife break up following Croke Park concerts in June.
Eldest child Nicole, six, is already attending a school near the home Shane bought three years ago.
A close family friend said he and Gillian have no intention of breaking their links with Sligo and will return often and will retain their sprawling home outside the town.
The friend added: “They adore Sligo and will always regard it as their home. But Shane has realised London is the best place to be for his solo career.
"Cobham is in the London commuter-belt. He has spent so much time on the road around the world with Westlife. He wants to spend more time with his family so he and Gillian decided the best thing for now would be to move to their home outside London.
“He can concentrate on his new career and not be away from his family so much.”
Shane and Gillian can take their children to a number of parks near their new home and also to nearby Chessington World of Adventures. He can also indulge his passion for golf at Wentworth, where he has played several times.
Louis Walsh, currently on holiday at his Miami apartment until February, has already announced he will continue to manage Shane and has predicted he will be the most successful solo artist of Westlife after the band splits next summer.
Louis said he could see Shane having a career like big band singer Michael Buble.
He added: “Shane is going to be a big artist. I will only manage someone if I believe in them.”
Along with my colleague Jeremy, we've been living,
working, eating and sleeping in
the window and today we were asked to do our first task: Adrian Kennedy v Jeremy Dixon in a game of Jenga.
The loser would have to perform a forfeit --
the forfeit in this case was a spray-on tan performed live in the window in front of a street of on-lookers.
After a spine-chilling game of Jenga, watched by more than 150 spectators, I emerged the victor.
Suffice to say, Jeremy now looks well and truly tangoed with FM104 Phoneshow listeners now nicknaming him the oompa-loompa DJ.
Loyal
Following those high jinks,
our celebrity guest joined us for dinner.
Tonight it was Westlife's Nicky Byrne.
His loyal female fans began
queuing outside from early morning.
By the time he arrived, at 6pm, there was a frenzy.
Hundreds of FM104 listeners and
Nicky fans catching a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity -- Adrian, Nicky and Jeremy eating their dinner.
During the show, things went a bit crazy outside our studio window.
We had an Al Pacino look-a-like perform ballroom dancing, a topless man with FM104 printed on his
chest and an interesting character who spent 20 minutes freestyle dancing for the spectators.
Time to get some sleep.
We only wish the road-sweeping truck would stop driving by.
Don't forget you can send your text donation of $2 any time, by texting the word CHILD to 57080.
06.03.09 Nicky Byrne Goes On The Soup...
Westlife's Nicky Byrne was on-the-soup
in Dublin this week but don't worry folks, not a drop was had...
The spiky blonde crooner was hanging out with Adrian Kennedy & Jeremy Dixon in Clerys' shop front window (as you do) slurping down his dinner and raising money for the ISPCC...
Westlife's Nicky showed-up with a bottle
of Champers for the two lads last Tuesday night and even stayed on for a bowl of hot soup prepared
by his genial yet slightly stir-crazy hosts...
Of course hardcore Westlife fans turned-up in their hundreds and went nuts with their idol just feet away in the window...
Spit on me Nicky!
Published: Wednesday, 17th June, 2009
Get out your BBQ
The Centra Childline
Big BBQ is back and Nicky Byrne of Westlife
has joined Centra and Childline to encourage
people living in Cavan to get out their
BBQs out during June and July and raise money for a great cause.
The Childline Big BBQ raised €408,000 for Childline
in 2008
and Centra are asking people all over
Cavan to register for their BBQ pack and host their own fundraising barbecue at home,
at work or even in their local sports club.
Last year success was also helped by the many Centra Stores throughout Cavan which hosted BBQ
for their local communities.
Childline is Ireland,s only multi-media listening service,
providing support to children throughout the country 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Commenting at the launch, Nicky Byrne of Westlife said:
To raise over €400,000 last year was a great achievement, particularly given the weather we had,
and I really encourage people to help us match that amount this year by hosting their own BBQs throughout June and July.
Des Mahony, brand communications manager,
Centra said: We are delighted to be involved with the Childline Big BBQ once again. Following on from the massive success of last year event and
the fantastic response from Centra customers,
we are hoping that even more people will register to host BBQs throughout the summer.
It is a great way to spend time with family and friends and all the monies raised goes to a very worthwhile cause.
Our aim is to ensure that fewer calls to Childline go unanswered.
Westlife singer Shane scores
the winning goal in charity match against his childhood idols Rovers
Thursday August 06 2009
Westlife superstar Shane Filan wowed fans with his fancy footwork when he scored the winning goal in a charity football match against his childhood heroes, Sligo Rovers, last night.
The multi-millionaire heart-throb fulfilled a childhood dream when he captained his father-in-law's works team from a local junior astro-turf league before a crowd of 500 at the Sligo Showgrounds.
"I actually find this quite exciting. I've followed Sligo Rovers all my life and I never thought I would get to play a game against them," he said before kick-off.
"To do it at the Showgrounds is an added thrill. It's what every kid in Sligo wants to do."
And he even managed to score the winning goal from a penalty against the Eircom League side in the action-packed game which ended with a 3-1 win for 'Filan's Eleven'.
Equalised
After a goal-free first half, Shane's team went one up when his co-striker, former Rovers star Sean Flannery, scored -- but just two minutes later, Rovers equalised.
Following a 20-yard driving run down the middle by Shane, his pass to Anthony Hennebery was netted in the 80th minute to put his side 2-1 ahead.
But Shane sealed victory when he scored from the penalty spot in the closing minutes.
Earlier, the 30-year-old beamed proudly as he jogged out sporting the striker's Number 9 jersey, after jetting in from London, where Westlife are working on their next album, just hours earlier.
He arranged the game with League of Ireland side Rovers to help pals Ann Culkin, a 26-year-old HR consultant, and Hilary Jones (27), a beauty consultant, raise funds for a charity climb of Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, in aid of the Irish Red Cross later this month.
His Night Owls' League team, named the Sligo Plumbing and Heating Company, included four former Rovers players.
The youngest fan at the game was five-month-old Alana Lynch, who travelled from Dundalk with her parents, Francis and Carmel, friends of the organisers.
Alana's brother Francis (3) and sister Aoife (5) were official mascots for Shane's side as he led his squad on to the pitch.
14/02/2010
WESTLIFE will perform at the News of the World's Children's Champions Awards this year.
It is the second time the big-hearted band - Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan - have sung at the star-studded bash, which honours those who work beyond the call of duty for kids.
Westlife, who are managed by Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell, have now sold over 45 million records worldwide.
Mark said: "We've always supported Children's Champions so it's so great to be able to come back and perform.
"Seeing the faces of the winners and hearing their stories is always really special. I know this will be another brilliant year."
The event is hosted by Chris Evans and Amanda Holden in London on March 3 and will be shown on Sky1 on March 7.
4 July 2010
UP to 15,000 people arrived in Adare early this morning with more expected later today as Ireland's most successful charity golf Pro-Am got off to a spectacular start, guaranteeing that millions of euro will be made for local charities. The top golfers in the world were joined by Hollywood stars,
The scenic setting for the charity event was a hive of activity over the weekend as celebrities and golfers began to arrive and as organisers and volunteers completed the final preparations ahead of the tournament which began at eight o'clock this morning.
Fans began to arrive at the venue shortly after 6am and gardai reported some traffic delays on approach roads to Adare.
Tournament host JP McManus was on hand shortly after 7am to welcome US Open champion Graeme McDowell when he took to the driving range. "It is great I am looking forward to it and let's hope the weather stays away," he said as he took shelter from a light shower.
World No 1 Tiger Woods was due to arrive at Adare this afternoon after travelling from the United States overnight in his own jet, following the conclusion of the PGA Tour event at Philadelphia.
Justin Rose was also due to arrive this afternoon after his victory in the AT&T event.
Celebrities were also out in force this morning with Hollywood stars such as Samuel L Jackson, Michael Douglas and Peter Gallagher all taking part.
Desperate Housewives star Kyle MacLachlan said it was a privilege to have been asked to participate.
"Just coming here with the grounds and the manor it is so beautiful and its was so unexpected," he said. "JP is such a good host and everything is first-class. We are all treated
incredibly well."
WESTLIFE POP INTO GREAT ORMOND STREET ABOVE: Seamus Glancy,3, with Jen and Westlife 14th December 2010 By Jeffier Dunkerley As tiny Ben rips open his first Christmas present it isnt the milestone his mum imagined.
For the little bundle of joy is marking his first birthday AND first Christmas on the wards of Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.
Sadly many children will spend the big day in hospital. But your Daily Star is determined to make it as good as it can be.
As part of our charity appeal we inviting celebrity pals and big-hearted readers to bring some extra sparkle to the wards this December.
And its smiles all round as Westlife's Kian, Nicky, Shane and Mark deliver big baskets of gifts for the little patients. Shane Filan, 31, cuddles Ben, who has leukaemia, and gulps: He such a happy fella you wouldnt know how poorly he is. It breaks your heart.
I have three kids of my own and it's always tough to leave them when we tour. Visiting Great Ormond Street, especially at Christmas, makes you see what a special place this is.
Ben's mum Angela Quadling, 36, of Sittingbourne, Kent, says: find your baby has leukaemia is the worst news.
But we're thankful to be under some of the best care here.
The excitement of the band's visit to Elephant Ward was missed by sleeping beauty Rhianna Umpleby, three, from Basildon, Essex. Mum Lisa, 22, says: We having a tough time of it today we just found out she has leukaemia.
Nicky Byrne, 32, holds back tears as he admits: Seeing this little girl just brings a lump to my throat she was born on the same date and year as my little twins. I can't imagine what this family is going through.
And for gay band member Mark Feehily, 30, the day makes him yearn to become a dad. Mark, 30, says: Visiting the wards has blown me away. To see the tiny faces look up at me and to make the kids laugh is the best feeling in the world.
Just because youre gay doesnt mean those instincts towards wanting children go away. I think I make a great dad.
Kian Egan, 31, cuddles fellow Irish boy Larry Connor from Co Wexford. and tells the three-year-old fighting two rare cancers: You re a long way from home. But you are having the best care possible.
Great Ormond Street's Children's Charity needs £50million a year in donations to keep the hospital world class. It's thanks to the public that its good work can continue, says Shane. So please support the Daily Star Appeal.
its Old Trafford stadium was attended by a number of stars including X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke.
Given?s team-mates Carlos Tevez, Nigel de Jong and Vincent Kompany also attended.
Irish singer Nicky Byrne agreed
to have his leg waxed
on U.K. TV on Wednesday (02Mar11) for charity.
The Westlife star winced in pain as
The One Show host
Alex Jones ripped the hair from his right limb
after his bandmates donated cash to the Comic Relief appeal. 03/03/2011
Westlife back Niamh’s appeal
Published on Friday 24 February 2012 08:45
Westlife are backing a campaign to raise money for life-saving cancer treatment for a five-year-old girl from Wellingborough.
The Irish pop group has invited Niamh Curry and her family to meet them at one of their London concerts in May.
Niamh has the rare and aggressive cancer neuroblastoma and her parents Chris and Samantha are trying to raise £450,000 to take their daughter to America after doctors exhausted their treatment options here in the UK.
Band member Shane has been following her story on Twitter – Niamh’s Next Step is one of just 88 Twitter users the singer follows on the social media network, despite having 156,000 followers himself.
His wife Gillian has been in touch with the Curry family to show her support for their campaign.
Mr Curry said: “She’s been following us since we started and she sent us a message saying Shane and the rest of Westlife wanted to do something to help.
“They have invited us down to meet them at their concert on May 12, and they have also given us VIP concert tickets and a meet and greet with Westlife as a prize for an auction we are having in May.
“Gillian has also asked us to send over some special Niamh wristbands and she’s going to see if she can get the band to wear them. That would be amazing for us because it would raise so much awareness.”
We went into a big meeting room that is now Simon Cowell's private office but back then was just a huge conference room. Sonny Takhar was also there,
Simon's right-hand man who has also been
instrumental in our career.
We knew it was a big record deal -
we signed for five albums on a contract worth
several million pounds, so, understandably at that age,
we all thought that once we'd signed this piece of paper,
we'd be millionaires.
Of course that money is split over the albums and it has to go towards paying for some incredibly expensive stuff like accommodation, clothes, cars, video shoots,
recording costs and so on.
It's funny, looking back, because we'd all been looking at what cars we could afford.
Rather than get proper carried away, I was thinking of buying maybe a Toyota MR2, you know, for 15 grand, say - nothing too ridiculous.
That's how you think at that age.
Signing that record deal was all my dreams come true, says Kian. It really was a lifelong dream and here we were, signing the contract, about to record an album, put singles out, travel the world in a band and make music. It was just amazing.
It was the stuff of dreams, absolutely, recalls Shane.
All my life I'd been looking forward
to this moment.
It was one of my major goals in life,
but I never thought it would happen.
I knew I wanted to get married and I hoped I'd be a father, but I never thought I'd get a massive record deal.
It's such a prized achievement for a band.
I can't really ever forget that excitement, that moment sitting in that office, all the thoughts buzzing around my head: We are going to be pop stars!
We might have a hit single! Then the teenage thoughts kick in, like Maybe I'm going to be a millionaire! Then,
most importantly of all, I can go and buy a new car!
13.06.2008 Autobiography
Read part two of our fantastic preview of Westlife:
Our Story!
Signing the record deal was a huge decision for me,
the pen moving in slow motion as I signed my name.
At that precise second,
a thousand thoughts were buzzing through my brain.
I was excited about the deal,
naturally, but I was very nervous
about what it meant for my life back in Sligo.
I was really scared that it might change things.
Of course it changed everything beyond recognition.
Subconsciously, I must have known this
and that is
why signing that piece of paper
was such a big deal for me.
There I was, an 18- year-old country boy,
flying into this big corporate office in
the middle of London, being surrounded
by all these big names in the business, working
for this worldwide company, sitting by accountants,
lawyers, managers - it felt insane.
I think in the back of
my mind I'd been preparing to go to college,
like a lot of kids do from around Sligo,
then suddenly here
I was signing a multi-million pound record deal with
all the heavy responsibility that comes with that.
Maybe for a kid brought up in Camden,
it would have been an easy day out,
but for me the contrast was so severe. Exciting, thrilling, scary, daunting, all at once.
I'm just trying to be really honest here.
As I signed,
the noise of
the city outside was as far from my idyllic
country childhood
as you can imagine.
I could feel that distance sitting there in that room,
writing my name on that sheet of paper.
Right there and then,
I put a barrier up. This is not going to change me,
this is not going to change my life,
I kept saying to myself.
It was important at that point to have that feeling.
It reassured me.
I hadn't travelled like Nicky,
I didn't have the confidence of Shane, Kian and Brian. But, ultimately, the draw to sing was greater than the desire for my life not to change,
so I signed the contract.
But I just kept telling myself it wouldn't really change anything. How wrong can you be?
The business side of it hit us instantly, says Nicky.
We had to set up a company,
we hired an accountant, Alan McEvoy, and we got lawyers and tour managers lined up, all sorts. It was explained to us that the company, Blue Net,
should own the band name because if any member were to leave then the band could continue
without legal problems.
We just agreed - it sounded reasonable and besides, no one was going to leave Westlife,
were they?
As soon as we signed the deal,
we spoke with Louis and he said, Right, you're going straight into a recording studio.' Game on.
Album Title : Unbreakable - The Greatest Hits Vol I Year : 2002 Tracks :
1. Swear It Again (Radio Edit) 2. If I Let You Go (Radio Edit) 3. Flying Without Wings 4. I Have A Dream (Remix) 5. Fool Again (2000 Remix) 6. Against All Odds (feat. Mariah Carey) 7. My Love (Radio Edit) 8. I Lay My Love On You 9. Uptown Girl (Radio Edit) 10. Queen Of My Heart (Radio Edit) 11. World Of Our Own (US Mix) 12. Bop Bop Baby 13. When You're Looking Like That (Single Mix) 14. Unbreakable (Single Remix) 15. Written In The Stars 16. How Does It Feel 17. Tonight 18. Love Takes Two 19. Miss You Nights
Album Title : Turnaroundl Year : 2003 Tracks :
1. Mandy 2. Hey Whatever 3. Heal 4. Obvious 5. When A Woman Loves A Man 6. On My Shoulder 7. Turn Around 8. I Did It For You 9. Thank You 10. To Be With You 11. Home 12. What Do They Know
Album Title : Allow Us To Be Frank Year : 2004 Tracks :
1. Ain't That A Kick In The Head 2. Fly Me To The Moon 3. Smile 4. Let There Be Love 5. The Way You Look Tonight 6. Come Fly With Me 7. Mack The Knife 8. I Left My Heart In San Francisco 9. Summer Wind 10. Clementine 11. When I Fall In Love 12. Moon River 13. That's Life
Album Title : Face To Face Year : 2005 Tracks :
1. You Raise Me Up 2. When You Tell Me That You Love Me 3. Amazing 4. That's Where You Find Love 5. She's Back 6. Desperado 7. Colour My World 8. In This life 9. Heart Without A Home 10. Hit You With The Real Thing 11. Change Your Mind
Album Title : The Love Album Year : 2006 Tracks :
1. The Rose - 3:39 2. "Total Eclipse of the Heart" - 4:39 3. "All Out of Love" - 3:44 (feat. Delta Goodrem) 4. "You Light Up My Life" - 3:27 5. "Easy" - 4:26 6. "You Are So Beautiful (To Me)" - 3:03 7. "Have You Ever Been In Love" - 3:41 8. "Love Can Build a Bridge" - 3:55 9. "The Dance" - 3:58 10. "All Or Nothing" - 3:56 11. "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" -
Album Title : The Love Album Deluxe Edition Year : 2007 Tracks :
1. The Rose - 3:39 2. "Total Eclipse of the Heart" - 4:39 3. "All Out of Love" - 3:44 (feat. Delta Goodrem) 4. "You Light Up My Life" - 3:27 5. "Easy" - 4:26 6. "You Are So Beautiful (To Me)" - 3:03 7. "Have You Ever Been In Love" - 3:41 8. "Love Can Build a Bridge" - 3:55 9. "The Dance" - 3:58 10. "All Or Nothing" - 3:56 11. "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" - 3:25
1. Butterfly Kisses (Exclusive) 2. Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You 3. If 4. Solitaire 5. Still Here 6. Total Eclipse Of The Heart -
Sunset Strippers Verse Radio Edit
Album Title : Total Eclipse of the Heart Year : 2007 Tracks :
1. total eclipse of the heart
(sunset strippers verse club mix) 2. total eclipse of the heart
(sunset strippers dub mix) 3. total eclipse of the heart
(sunset strippers radio edit
Album Title : Back Home
Year : 2007 Tracks :
1. Westlife - Home 2. Westlife - Us Against The World 3. Westlife - Something Right 4. Westlife - Im Already There 5. Westlife - When Im With You 6. Westlife - Have You Ever 7. Westlife - It,s You 8. Westlife - Catch My Breath 9. Westlife - The Easy Way 10.Westlife - I Do 11.Westlife - Pictures In My Head 12.Westlife - You Must Have Had A Broken Heart
CD.. 1999 - WESTLIFE 01-11-1999 / Highest Chart Position: 2 UK and EU
1. Swear it again 2. If I let you go 3. Flying without wings 4. Fool Again 5. No No 6. I don't wanna fight 7. Change the world 8. Moments 9. Seasons in the sun 10. I need you 11. Miss you 12. More than words 13. Open your heart 14. Try again 15. What I want is what I've got 16. We are one 17. Can't lose what you never had
Title : Coast To Coast Year : 2000
Tracks :
1. My Love 2. What Makes A Man 3. I Lay My Love On You 4. I Have A Dream 5. Against All Odds (feat Mariah Carey) 6. When You're Looking Like That 7. Close 8. Somebody Needs You 9. Angel's Wings 10. Soledad 11. Puzzle Of My Heart 12. Dreams Come True 13. No Place That Far 14. Close Your Eyes 15. You Make Me Feel 16. Loneliness Knows Me By Name 17. Fragile Heart 18. Every Little Thing You Do
Album Title : World Of Our Own
Year : 2001
Tracks :
1. "Queen Of My Heart (Radio Edit)" 2. "Bop Bop Baby" 3. "I Cry" 4. "Uptown Girl (Radio Edit)" 5. "Why Do I Love You" 6. "I Wanna Grow Old With You" 7. "When You're Looking Like That (Single Remix)" 8. "Evergreen" 9. "World Of Our Own" 10. "To Be Loved" 11. "Drive" 12. "If Your Heart's Not In It" 13. "When You Come Around" 14. "Don't Say It's Too Late" 15. "Don't Let Me Go" 16. "Walk Away" 17. "Love Crime" 18. "Imaginary Diva" 19. "Angel
DVD Westlife - World Of Our Own [2002]
Westlife 10 Years Of Westlife Live At Croke Park Stadium DVD Released November 24th 2008 After a staggering 10 years
at the top of the UK charts,
pop royalty Westlife
release an amazing
live DVD of their massive
Croke Park stadium concert,
through Syco/Sony BMG on November 24th.
TRACK LISTING: 1. HIT YOU WITH THE REAL THING 2. WORLD OF OUR OWN 3. SOMETHING RIGHT 4. WHAT MAKES A MAN 5. UPTOWN GIRL 6. EASY WAY 7. IF I LET YOU GO 8. MANDY 9. SEXYBACK / BLAME IT ON THE BOOGIE 10. GET DOWN ON IT 11. I'M YOUR MAN 12. LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU 13. ALREADY THERE 14. UNBREAKABLE 15. QUEEN OF MY HEART 16. FOOL AGAIN 17. CATCH MY BREATH 18. HOME 19. US AGAINST THE WORLD 20. SWEAR IT AGAIN 21. FLYING WITHOUT WINGS 22. WHEN YOU'RE by Youtube Lyrics" href="http://westlifeiscool.hyves.nl/forum/2193568/FMMC/BOEKEN_CD_DVD_enz_westlife/" 91c4="1" in_rurl="http://i.txtsrving.info/click?v=Tkw6NDcwNTg6MjQyNTpsb29raW5nOjViOGEwOTJkZGY2ZDA0M2ZlYjVhOTlkZTM4YTY5MTczOnotMTc0My00MzQyOTk6d2VzdGxpZmVpc2Nvb2wuaHl2
nicky 
