nu westlife is gestopt - wie van WL blijf jij volgen
westlife forever
17-11-2013
Louis Walsh & Kian Egans next big thing
The second and last part of Louis Walsh & Kian Egan next big thing Wonderland was broadcast last night on ITV2! Enjoy Kian as a manager and all the Westlife lads talking about Wonderland.
2011 The part-Irish, part English quintet Sharon Condon, Corrina Durran, Jodi Albert, Kasey Smith and Leigh Learmont were hand-picked by Louis Walsh at a 2008 audition in Dublin. Managed by Kian Egan from Westlife, they released debut single Not A Love Song in March on Mercury Records and it peaked at number seven on iTunes. Next single Starlight is out on June 6 along with their eponymous album. Wonderland have already supported Westlife and Boyzone on tour and made an appearance at the 2010 Isle of Wight Festival. They also had their own ITV2 show Louis Walsh & Kian Egan's Next Big Thing: Wonderland that aired last autumn. About their 32-date Olly Murs tour they say: The past year's been such a dream come true for us all writing and recording our album, and then having so much fun touring with Westlife and Boyzone. We feel really lucky. Jodi Albert feels under pressure to succeed Wednesday 1 June 2011 Kian Egan's wife Jodi Albert has admitted that she feels a lot of pressure for her band 'Wonderland' to succeed. Jodi and her bandmates hosted a launch party for their album, which is out here this week and in the UK next, titled 'Wonderland'. The band, which is managed by X Factor's Louis Walsh and Westlife's Kian Egan, are finally being launched, three years after auditions for the band began. Speaking to The Star, Jodi said: "You feel a little bit of pressure because Louis Walsh is obviously such a big name and Kian has been extremely successful with 12 years in Westlife." "All they have been able to do for us is create this opportunity." "Once we get on stage it is up to us to do our thing and show people we are worthy of being here." More than 1,500 girls battled it out for a spot in the band in the Dublin auditions in 2008. By Melanie Finn Friday September 09 2011
Girlband Wonderland have been sensationally dropped by their record label. However, co-manager Louis Walsh (below) has said they should feel "very proud" for trying their best to make the group a success. Speaking from his holiday home in Miami, he confirmed the news to the Herald -- and said the girls shouldn't feel too devastated about what happened. "They had some great songs, they could all sing and they worked really hard. They tried to do something different and it's just a shame it didn't work out. But people haven't heard the last of them," he said of the Irish group. News that Mercury Records had decided to drop them after just one album was greeted with shock by their fans, who inundated them with messages of support. Members Kasey Smith, Leigh Learmont, Sharon Condon, Corrina Durran and Jodi Albert were put together after a series of nationwide auditions held by Louis and Westlife's Kian Egan. However, there was huge speculation about the future of the band after former Hollyoaks babe Jodi got pregnant with her first baby in July. She always insisted that her impending motherhood wouldn't get in the way of the band's future -- and performed on stage with her band-mates last month. They have been busy promoting their self-titled debut album and performed a string of dates over the summer. Lucky She said in interviews how she had been "really lucky" with her pregnancy and that she hadn't experienced much nausea at all. She and Kian are expecting their first baby on January 1, 2012. The happy couple met while she was touring with her previous group, Girl Thing. They married in a spectacular ceremony on Turtle Beach in the Caribbean in May 2009, after five years together. Last night Wonderland was still listed on Mercury Records website, but on their own site, it stated how they had no forthcoming gigs. They were formed in July 2008 and were unveiled on the Late Late Show shortly before they nabbed a record deal. Their co-managers spent years making sure they were polished performers before they released their debut single Not a Love Song. mfinn@herald.ie
Monday September 19 2011 WONDERLAND singer Sharon Condon is going solo even though music boss Louis Walsh is desperately trying to keep the band together. The 25-year-old has admitted that the band's days are numbered because they haven't got the dancers or the production to succeed. In recent weeks Wonderland were dropped by their record label and Jodi Albert announced her pregnancy. So while their managers, Louis Walsh and Jodi's other-half Kian Egan, want to give it another try, Sharon says the gig is up. Speaking about Jodi's pregnancy, she explained that it would have made things even more difficult in the coming months. "If you look at Una Healy now from The Saturdays, she's fine because they are an established band, but we weren't. "At the end of the day, I don't really know the reason we were dropped, maybe our music just wasn't good enough, but I think there was more to it than that. "But I don't think Jodi was one reason in particular. Wonderland weren't what people were looking for," she said. Sharon revealed to the Diary that talks are taking place behind the scenes about redesigning the band, but it might be too late. "Personally, I felt this coming. Wonderland tried to be something very different, it was country rather than pop. More people are into dance now but we were more of a vocal group," she said. "Those days are gone. People want to see a performance. We were up against Beyonce and Lady Gaga. There was no way we could compete against that." According to Sharon, the five piece had "an amazing journey" but she now wants to go solo. "Maybe it just wasn't meant to be with Wonderland. But I've made so many contacts and it was an amazing three years, I learned so much and I just want to get up and go again. "We have hundreds of fans behind us and it will be great to launch my own career from that platform," she said.
Wednesday September 28 2011
It seems all was not wonderful in Wonderland prior to the group's split. With Jodi Albert sailing off into the sunset to face impending motherhood, the four other members of the group are attempting to pick up the pieces of their failed music careers. Lead singer Sharon Condon has revealed to the Diary she has no contact with Kian Egan or his wife Jodi since hearing of the group's break-up through the internet. together Sharon is still smarting after she found out about the band's demise after her mother read it on Facebook. And the talented artist says it was becoming evident that there was a break occurring in the group when pregnant Jodi stopped spending time in the band's spacious apartment and started spending nights in Kian's London home. Sharon says she and bandmates Corrina Durran, Leigh Learmont and Kasey Smith are sticking together during these tough times. "I haven't spoken to Kian or Jodi about this so I don't know how they are feeling, but I suppose they were just as devastated as we were. I haven't really been speaking to Kian, him and Jodi have their own things going on. "I know from mine and the girls' perspective that we want to stay positive and use everything we have done to move forward with music. I'm not really going to see Kian and Jodi now. So I want to do my own thing and look out for my own life. "But Kasey, Leigh and Corrina are all really supportive of me, they are lovely girls. Casey will continue writing but I think Leigh and Karena would be great at TV presenting," she said. Last night Wonderland's official band page was flooded with upset comments from fans after they posted a message confirming they were over for good and would no longer be producing music together as a band. "As some of you may know already we have parted ways with Mercury Records. We have taken the past few weeks to consider our future as a band. After a lot of thinking and talking we have decided that we will no longer continue as Wonderland. "We feel we have given it all we have and we could not take it any further. We want to say a massive thank you to all our fans for the love and support they have shown us over the three years we have been together. We really feel we had an amazing time and it will be something we remember for the rest of our lives," they wrote. mutual But Sharon (25) told the Diary that she was unaware the band had officially made the decision to split, and had to find out through her mother who saw the girls' message on their Facebook page. "We all knew it was coming but I didn't know the band were officially announcing the split. My mum rang me and told me that the girls had posted it on their Facebook page. "I had spoken to the girls before and said that I didn't want to continue with Wonderland. So in the end it was a mutual decision because other members felt the same, " she said.
1. Beautiful Tonight, 2. Safe (Album Version), 3. Chances, 4. I Will Reach You, 5. Closer, 6. The Reason, 7. Tell Me Its Love, 8. I Get Weak, 9. Before Its Too Late, 10. No Ones Gonna Sleep Tonight, 11. Difference In Me, 12. Too Hard To Say Goodbye
WESTLIFE say anyone who believes they are boring will think again when they hear new album Gravity.
The Westlife boys release the disc on Monday and say they have taken more risks on it than ever before.
And in a Westlife first, mega-piped Mark has two self-penned tracks on the collection, one a poignant tune written after the death of Nicky's dad. Mark, 30, told me: We normally do two or three tracks with different producers but this is the first time we worked with just the one.
We went into the studio in LA and London and got way more involved with the creative process than ever before and really experimented with vocal arrangement.
It was exciting but at times felt a little dangerous.
We were working totally outside our comfort zone. But the tracks eventually took shape and now we think it's the strongest work of our career.
Our voices sound better than ever.
Of the songs he wrote himself, Mark said: I wrote Before It's Too Late and Out Of Reach.
Seeing them make the final cut was one of the proudest moments of my career so far.
I wrote Before It's Too Late just after Nicky's dad passed away. It's all about telling people how much you love them before it's too late
He added: We're in our 30s now, have more creative control and are subtly moving away from the band we once were.
We no longer just doing covers.
We're less boring, we are happier and you can hear that.
Westlife LP keeps hold of Irish top spot Friday
Westlife hold onto the number one spot for a second week as the top three albums in Ireland remain unmoved.
The top ten albums this week:
1. (*) Westlife - 'Gravity' 2. (1) Take That - 'Progress' 3. (2) Rihanna - 'Loud'
Westlife is reportedly planning to take a break after more than a decade together.
The Irish man band is set to release a greatest hits album and new single Lighthouse, but has decided to take a year or two out after that, according to The Mirror.
The boys are pretty knackered, said a source. Theyve been constantly working for the past decade and just want time to enjoy what theyve made for themselves before coming back with a brand-new album.
Theyre not splitting up its a break. The plan is to come back with full force after that.
The 9 O'Clock News - Westlife planning to take a break
Boy Band Westlife perform Don't expect a new WESTLIFE album in the near future. Apart from their Greatest Hits package and new single Lighthouse penned by Take Thats Gary Barlow and a possible tour next spring I hear the boys will be taking a year or two off to enjoy a much- needed break.
The boys are pretty knackered, says my source. Theyve been constantly working for the past decade and just want time to enjoy what theyve made for themselves before coming back with a brand-new album.
Theyre not splitting up its a break. The plan is to come back with full force after that.
Westlife returns to Manila for 'Gravity Tour' 2011September 13, 2011, 3:06pm MANILA, Philippines -- The long-awaited return of Westlife to the Philippines happens on Sept. 29 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. You ready? Westlife members Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne debuted in 1998 when they opened for Boyzone and the Backstreet Boys in Ireland. Since then they have received many awards and broke numerous records worldwide. In the UK alone, theyve had 14 number one hits. Westlife is the fourth biggest selling boyband in the world with over 44 million albums sold. Gravity Tour is Westlifes 11th concert tour to date. Known for their impressive concerts, for this tour, the group collaborated with creative director William Baker, known for his work with Kylie Minogue, Leona Lewis and Bjork. The group has stated this tour to be bigger and better, and is expected to perform their biggest hits and more, including Flying Without Wings, Swear It Again, You Raise Me Up, World of Our Own, Uptown Girl, When Youre Looking Like That, and Safe. Although five years have passed since the groups last appearance in the Philippines, the return of Westlife has been greatly anticipated by their longtime fans. Westlifes local fanbase has been active throughout the years, especially the members of Official Westlife Fan Club Philippines and Westlife Philippines who have joined forces to support their favorite group. Fans from all over the country will also be making their way to Manila so as not to miss their beloved Irish superstars.
Ali Bastian, Sarah Jayne Dunn and a heavily pregnant Jodi Albert, the wife of Westlife's Kian Egan. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/3841140/Sexy-Pixies-got-a-Lott-of-Lipsy.html
Wednesday, 21 September 2011 FOURTEEN years ago Westlife burst onto the boy-band scene. They had crooning harmonies, slick coordinated dance moves, and handsome group shots that ended up as posters on every pre-teenage girls bedroom walls. We, the 12 and 13 year-old girls of the time, crooned along with them in our rooms as we dreamed of what it would be like to know these demi-gods of love and music, even just to see them in person. Could they be real people? Now, a generation later, we are all grown up and those days when no-one understood us but our CD player, are all but forgotten. And yet, as I sat in the crowd at the Hart van Windhoek concert, I was happy to throw off adulthood and join the latest batch of pre-teens in their delirious enthusiasm. Westlife, in elegant black trench coats, paid tribute to their original fans with a set of early songs. We, now men and women, clapped and danced and sang along in child-like revelry. Then they went ultra modern with a set of songs from their latest album. We, the originals, scratched our heads but swayed along with them anyway. The medley of contemporary songs by other artists such as Black-eyed Peas, Rihanna and Lady Gaga was fun, albeit awkward. For the final set, they changed into Mickey Mouse shirts and sport jackets. It was a little too 90s and unrefined for my personal taste but I was already consumed by the atmosphere to really care. Ultimately, it was an exciting trip down memory lane and a wonderful event for Windhoek. With the success of this concert I hope many more international artists will start including Windhoek on their tour map.
Westlife to sing with Vietnamese fans VietNamNet Bridge According to the organizing board of Westlifes Gravity Tour in Vietnam, Vietnamese fans will have a chance to sing with their idols on the stage. Westlife to perform in Vietnam thi October Westlife will invite four audience members from the Stand F, to sing with them in their only show in Vietnam at the My Dinh National Stadium on October 1. However, the show producer did not disclose the names of the songs for fans. Anh Tuan, the show organizer in Vietnam, said that Gravity Tour will have international quality. The stage will be built nearer with stands to enable singers to better exchange with the audience. Vietnamese fans are preparing for the show. Everyone, try to remember lyrics of all Westlifes songs in case you are the lucky ones who have the chance to sing with them. This is the call published on many online forums. Westlifes fan club in Hanoi, with hundreds of members, have discussed a plan to welcome their idols. On Sunday, September 18, over 70 Westlifes fans in Hanoi wore uniforms and showed their love to the band at many public sites. The fan group in HCM City planed to fly to Hanoi three days before the show to see the Hanoi fan club and to welcome their idols at the Noi Bai airport.
Posted on September 26, 2011 06:58:55 PM Westlife: Still going strong Few boy bands have careers that can last beyond their debut singles. But Irish all-male vocal group Westlife has defied the odds by remaining in the music business for more than 13 years. Despite the departure of Bryan McFadden in 2004, the original members -- Nicky Bryne, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan and Shane Filan -- continued to work together as Westlife. Since the groups debut in 1998, Westlife has released 10 multiplatinum albums, had 14 #1 hits in the UK alone, and sold over 44 million albums worldwide. After eight years, Westlife returns to the Philippines for a special one-night concert this Thursday, Sept. 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City. The concert is part of Westlifes Gravity Tour to promote the groups latest album of the same title. The 46-city concert tour kicked off at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales on March 7. Since then, Westlife has performed in the Arabian Peninsula, Europe, Africa and Asia. Westlife began the Asian leg of its tour last Wednesday with a jam-packed concert at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium in China. The group then performed in Guangzhou and Beijing before performing tonight (Sept. 27) at the Asia World-Expo in Hong Kong. After that, the group will fly to the Philippines for the concert this Thursday, before heading off to Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia to continue the world tour. The group will then cap the six-month tour with a concert at the Hwajung Gymnasium in Seoul, South Korea on Oct. 9. For the concert this Thursday, Westlife promises to perform its chart-topping singles, including "When Your Looking Like That" and "Flying Without Wings," as well as their hit versions of "Seasons in The Sun" and "Uptown Girl." The group will also perform a medley of covers of current hit songs like Rihannas "Ony Girl (in the World), Black Eyed Peass "The Time (Dirty Bit)," and Lady Gagas "Bad Romance." And if the groups die-hard Filipino fans prevail, Westlife might perform their favorites like "Swear it Again," "If I Let You Go," "Fool Again" and "My Love."
Westlife's Nicky Byrne. MANILA, Philippines Members of Irish boy band Westlife said Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao will not be able to make it to their concert at the Araneta Coliseum on Thursday. Pacquiaos ongoing training in preparation for his upcoming bout with Juan Manuel Marquez made it impossible for him to take part in the group's second Manila show. Nicky Byrne explained, Unfortunately, its not gonna happen. I spoke to his secretary this morning and he cant get out of his training camp at the moment. Freddie Roach wont let him. Aside from Pacquiao, Westlife members have shown interest in working with international singing sensation Charice Pempengco. Mark Feehily has praised Pempengcos singing prowess. Were a big fan of her, and I talking to her on Twitter, she said shes also a Westlife fan. Shes got a phenomenal voice, world class, he said.
Irish pop band "Westlife's" Nicky Byrne is so excited to meet Philippine boxing icon http://www.gmanews.tv/story/233770/entertainment/westlifes-nicky-byrne-happy-just-to-shake-pacmans-hand
Westlife on being together for thirteen years: "We just love what http://www.pep.ph/news/31274/Westlife-on-being-together-for-thirteen-years:-We-just-love-what-we-do.
Its Westlifes fourth time in Manila after their concerts here in 2000, 2001, and 2006 MANILA, Philippines - Irish boy band Westlife revealed what may well be the most important keys to their enduring success: hit songs and unwavering passion for their craft. "We love what we do, and weve always loved to be in a band, and we generally love being on stage, related Westlife member Shane Filan to Bulletin Entertainment and other members of the media in a press conference on Sept. 29, hours before their "Gravity Tour" concert, their fourth show in the Philippines. Other boy bands who are not presently as visible as this quartet can apparently take cues from the group, who, in their more-than-a-decade-spanning career ,has sold over 44 million records worldwide and made history by notching 14 number one singles in the UK chart. Westlife, composed of Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, and Nicky Byrne (their fifth member Bryan McFadden left the group in 2004), puts a premium on coming up with hit songs consistently, and credits the talented producers and songwriters that they have worked with. The boys themselves have tried their hands in songwriting, with Mark noting it as a natural progression for them. Although Westlife started out with a very pop sound, the members eventually experimented with various genres such as jazz/standard (Allow Us To Be Frank in 2003) and covers (e.g. Daughtrys What About Now? and Billy Joels Uptown Girl). But for their 11th studio album, Gravity, the quartet delves into a more guitar-driven, more mature pop sound, as Mark noted. Each of the members are at least 30 years old now (the conferences host, MYX VJ Nikki Gil, even teased them, you dont look like youve aged!), but apparently, their fans have stayed with them through the years, something that Westlife highly appreciates. "We come to the Philippines and we get a response like this after many years... maybe we're doing something right," Kian enthused. Their connection to their Filipino fans is a magical experience for Westlife that began 11 years ago in their first show in Manila, noted Feehily. Weve come so far away from home and for everyone to knew our names, our family [and] our pets names were glad, said he. Having been told that a lot of people, particularly in the presscon venue, grew up listening to their music, Nicky kidded, "That makes us feel old." Nevertheless, he hopes that their accessible music would transcend generations--that even when their fans become parents, they'd get to share Westlife's music with their children. Asked who they'd like to share the stage with in the future, the boys mentioned their fellow boy bands Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync.They also mentioned internationally-renowned Filipino acts Charice, whom Mark described as "world-class;" as well as boxing champ and Sarangani congressman Manny Pacquiao, whom theyve invited to do a duet in their concert. However, as Nicky, the self-confessed big Manny Pacquiao fan, related, Its not gonna happen. He cant get out of the training. Coach Freddie Roach wont let him.
Egan Apologises For Westlife's 'Dangerous' Show Irish singer Kian Egan has promised Westlife fans in Indonesia the band will return to the country after they halted a concert on Wednesday (05Oct11) due to safety fears. The Flying Without Wings hitmakers are touring the Far East and took to the stage for a gig in Jakarta, but they were forced to leave the stage for 30 minutes amid fears hysterical crowd members would be crushed or trampled to death. Egan has now apologised to fans for the shortened set and has vowed to revisit the country with his Irish group. In a post on his Twitter.com page, he writes, "Westlife will never give up on our Indonesia fans. Sorry the concert was dangerous. We will come back. Thank you for all your love."
WORLD EXCUSIVE: BEHIND THE SCENES OF WESTLIFE'S NEW VIDEO LIGHTHOUSE http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/214264/Westlife-We-track-down-manband-s-new-video-shoot-in-Africa/
Westlife sounding better By Jonathan Chua (The Philippine Star) Updated October 03, 2011 12:00 AM | Zoom MANILA, Philippines - To be told by a 23-year-old hotel receptionist that she listened to your music throughout her years in grade school must make any singer feel old. That, we were told, was what happened to Westlife when the boys checked in at the EDSA Shangri-La. But last Thursday night at the Araneta Coliseum, Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne, all in their 30s now, hardly looked any older or less prepossessing than when they last came to the country five years ago. It has been more than 12 years since the release of Westlifes first single, Swear It Again, which became the first in an unprecedented string of No. 1 hits. The boys there were five of them then were being managed by the frontman of another Irish boy band. When Bryan McFadden decided to go solo in 2004, it was thought that the end of the group was imminent. But the remaining boys played on. Since the separation, they have made five more albums, visited the top of the music charts a few more times, and weathered a few National Enquirer-type controversies. Coming in November is a second greatest hits album, a rarity for any boy band. (Indeed, a boy band this old is a contradiction.) Twelve years is a record for any pop act, especially given that the group has not changed its sound and style that much. The British boy band craze of the 1990s had given way to more rough and rocky acts on one hand and to Disney-fabricated teen stars on the other; but Westlife apparently did not get lost in the shuffle. True, the initial mass hysteria that made the group arguably the most commercially successful British pop act of its time has dissipated somewhat, but the core fan base has remained large enough to sustain tour after tour and CD after CD. And the Philippines appears to be a lucrative market yet. This is Westlifes fourth visit to the country. Looking at the size of the crowd, one would think that it was its first. Was the fourth time just as good the first? It would not be impertinent to say that it was. In fact, the boys sounded better. Bryan had been the second man of the group, but with him away the vocal burden has had to be more equitably shared among the remaining members. Shane, the lead, carried his bulk of the singing predictably well; Mark was irrepressible. And the other two? They made a respectable showing not that anybody would have minded much if they had not. There was, too, the stage patter, always a test of a performers charisma. One knows that all is scripted, of course, but one is willing to play along: How charming they seemed when they stopped to address the audience. But a fly had to land on the ointment. Inviting three members of the crowd to the stage, the group asked each one to name which song was his or her favorite, ostensibly so that it would sing the song a kind of by-request session. One of guests answered, My Love. It was a song that the group had just sung and with the crowd, too. Shane had the graciousness to say, We sang that for you. But one of the other boys (which one?) said, Hello? When Dionne Warwick scolded latecomers at her concert at the Aliw Theater some years ago, her position was at least defensible. That derisive Hello? was just a case of rudeness. songs even the best-selling ones being left out of the program. But what else was one to expect, given that the groups repertoire had grown and that the show was only a little over an hour long? Westlife, after all, was here primarily to promote its latest album Gravity, from which they sang at least two songs (Safe and Beautiful Tonight). Still, the loudest cheers noticeably were for the earlier, more familiar and obviously more beloved songs (Seasons in the Sun, My Love). We had joy, we had fun,/we had seasons in the sun, the boys sang, lines, appropriately it seems now, from an old song. Youthful (childish?) enthusiasms cool down with age, but last Thursday night a little stoking was all it took to rekindle them. On the first beat, the three front acts, the 30-minute delay, and the dozen or so years that separate the boys first single from their forthcoming album and that perhaps also separate the first stirrings of romance in an adolescent heart (now a memory tucked away in a corner) from the drudge and dust of tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow creeping in its petty pace all that vanished. That hotel receptionist, had she been there, would have felt like 12 again, defying gravity, flying without wings.
Friday October 07 2011 WESTLIFE singer Kian Egan is to play a starring role on RTE's new talent show. The Irish Independent has learned that the 31-year old is to be a vocal coach on 'The Voice Of Ireland' when it comes to TV screens early next year. Programme sources have said that the star is perfect for the role as not only is he a member of one of the world's biggest pop bands, but he also has experience of band management. "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," a programme insider said. Until recently the Westlife vocalist was co-managing his wife Jodi Albert's girlband Wonderland but the group split last month after being dropped by their record label. The Irish Independent has also learned that Belfast born Brian Kennedy is to be another coach on the programme. Egan and Kennedy will be joined by fellow coaches Sharon Corr and former Blizzards singer Niall Breslin aka Bressie.
the hearts of millions of girls around the world by announcing they're splitting up. After 14 years together - notching up a mighty 14 No 1 hits, seven No 1 albums and 10 sell-out tours - the Irish four-some have decided to pack up their stools. And instead, the lads, put together by X Factor judge Louis Walsh, 59, will spend quality time with their partners and children. In a statement the group - Mark Feehily, 31, Shane Filan, 32, Nicky Byrne, 33, and Kian Egan, 31 - explainted: "We announce our plan to go our separate ways after a Greatest Hits collection this Christmas and a farewell tour next year. "The decision is entirely amicable and after spending all of our adult life together so far, we want to have a well-earned break and look at new ventures. "We see the greatest hits collection and the farewell tour as the perfect way to celebrate our incredible career along with our fans and are really looking forward to getting out on the tour and seeing our fans one last time.
WESTLIFE ON THEIR LATEST SHOOT IN SOUTH AFRICA I've supported Westlife since the day they launched, then named Westside, and featuring Brian McFadden, 31. Despite their reputaton for being dull due to the load of covers Simon Cowell, 52, would force them to record, they're actually a great laugh and can properly sing live too. Their last album was their best yet - including many co-writes by Mark with producer John Shanks, who re-invited Take That for their comeback - so I'm sad to hear they're throwing in the towel and hope Mark and Shane consider solo albums. The Loife added: "Over the years Westlife has become so much more to us than just a band - Westlife are a family. "We would like to thank our fans who have been with us on this amazing journey and are part of our family too. THE LADS SHARE A LAUGH "We never imagined when we started out in 1998 that 14 years later we would still be recording, touring and having hits together - it has been a dream come true for all of us." Their swansong will be the Gary Barlow-penned single Lighthouse, out November 13, which we had exclusive behind-the-scenes access at in South Africa. Westlife's Greatest Hits drops on November 21 and their final tour kicks off in Newcastle on May 14. Lads, please sing Tunnel Of Love for me.
Westlife: A long goodbye for the boyband that played for the Pope http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/westlife-a-long-goodbye-for-the-boyband-that-played-for-the-pope-2911741.html .. Westlife member Kian Egan No, weve not heard anything from Simon at all Kian Egan 6th November 2011 By James Ingham IF you thought Simon Cowell was straight on the blower when Westlife called it a day, youd be Flying Without Wings! Despite increasing Simons bulging bank balance by millions over the past 14 years The Loife havent heard a peep from their former boss. Kian Egan told me: No, weve not heard anything from Simon at all. We arent on his label anymore and Im sure hes really busy in America, so Im just guessing he hasnt had a chance. Either that or he just couldnt be bothered. Its a different story for the groups manager Louis Walsh though. Kian went on: Louis kept trying to change our minds, saying we were mad to be calling it a day and we were throwing something amazing away. Hes probably right to be honest but we all want to try something new. And before fans start dreaming of one last singalong with former member Brian McFadden it aint going to happen. In fact, Kian told me Brians lucky to be left on the Greatest Hits collection after they debated stripping all trace of him from Westlife history. He said: We were asked if we wanted to re-record his vocals for the Greatest Hits album by the record label. We discussed it and we were like no, we dont want to take him off. We wanted to keep it true to the original singles. But even though we want Brians vocal on the record, bringing him back would overshadow what we have done as a four-piece. Weve been offered big bucks to bring him back before but its never going to happen. Cant blame the lads that much: Brian doesnt really have the same pulling power as Robbie Williams after all!
WESTLIFE'S Nicky Byrne was among hundreds of guests who attended a conferring ceremony at one of the country's best known independent colleges yesterday. Nicky, who is married to former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's daughter Georgina, was snapped proudly looking on as his younger brother Adam McGarry Byrne graduated with a BA in journalism. Meanwhile, champion of young homeless people Fr Peter McVerry was presented with a prestigious award at the ceremony that saw 1,100 students graduate across a range of disciplines. The tireless advocate for the needs of the disadvantaged and dispossessed was presented with the Griffith College Distinguished Fellowship Award by college president Diarmuid Hegarty. The award is in recognition of Fr McVerry's dedication to young homeless people in Ireland and the outstanding work he has done over the past 32 years to establish much- needed services, including residential detox facilities, rehabilitation and emergency accommodation.
Westlife split will be final Westlife insist they will never reunite once their farewell tour is over in 2012, no matter how much money they are offered. 07 November 2011 Westlife will never reunite once their farewell tour is over. The Irish boy band - made up of Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan will split in 2012 after a greatest hits album and string of concerts and are adamant they will never record or perform together again. Kian said: "We walked away from a multi-million-pound record deal that would have changed our lives forever, secured our future beyond anything. "It's not about the money. We'd have made far more on a new record than we ever would with a comeback tour." Shane also said they will all support each other if any of them decide to release a solo record. He said: "The first person to decide to do a solo record, the other three will all be there. "Everyone's thought about going solo I would love to continue singing for a living. " For now, the group - who had a total of 13 number one hit singles in the UK, including 'Swear it Again' and 'Flying Without Wings' are putting all their efforts into the farewell tour. However, original fifth member Brian McFadden will not be joining them. Kian said: "We still text him and stuff, but he's not coming back."
Westlife star Nicky Byrne insists decision to call it quits after 14 years ISN'T a publicity stunt Nov 11 2011 Rick Fulton THE Beatles' record of 17 number one singles looks safe now that Westlife are to split. And the Irish crooners think that's a good thing. After notching up 14 number ones in their 14 years together, the band last month announced that they were calling it a day. So the unmentionable - for a boy band to surpass The Beatles - won't happen, just yet. Nicky Byrne, 33, said: "In a funny way, that's probably right. To outdo The Beatles is crazy. "It would have been interesting if we had, and a lot of people would have been hammering us. "The Beatles really should hold on to that record forever. "Music is a whole different world from what it was in their day and has even changed since we started. "We haven't had a number one single since The Rose in 2006 but we can hold our heads up high with 14 number ones. " They could, however, get closer. Their final single Lighthouse is released digitally on Sunday and is in the shops on Monday. If it goes to number one, the song will take them one better than Cliff Richard, whoalso has 14. The most UK number ones by a solo artist is Elvis, with 21. The Irish boy band have had an amazing 14 years. Nicky, Kian Egan, 31, Mark Feehily, 31 and Shane Filan, 32, were brought together as Westlife back in 1998. They have sold more than 44 million records, produced seven number one albums, and been awarded two Brits, an MTV Award, a World Music Award and four Records of The Year. They also have the accolade of Biggest Arena Act of All Time in the UK, performing a record 25 concerts at Wembley Arena. Of course, being a boy band, they have had their fair share of ridicule, especially when they started nudging closer to The Beatles' record. But since announcing the split, there has been an outpouring of affection, not only from fans but the entire music industry. Nicky said: "The love we are getting has been incredible. It feels like when somebody dies and everyone says how great they are after the person has gone. "We've been joking with people saying, 'We wouldn't have broken up if we'd realised you liked us so much'. We never knew you cared." A greatest hits album is to be released on November 21, with a farewell tour next year. The band are adamant they will never reform and it really is the end. Manager and X Factor judge Louis Walsh is devastated. But surely, with eight months in each other's company left, they could change their minds? Nicky said: "This isn't a publicity stunt or a break. It gives freedom to everyone to do what we want, not to have commitment to anybody or the band. "Not everyone at this point would say the same, which is why for me I say never say never. "Down the road I'm sure I'll see the lads again and remember the memories. And there's always a chance we could do something. "But for now there are no plans to do anything after next year's farewell tour." Have the lads been touched by the good feeling that's followed the announcement? Nicky, married to Georgina, the daughter of former Irish Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, and father of twin sons, said: "We know the reason for interest is because we aren't going to be around anymore. We are big enough not to kid ourselves. "Had we let it go another year or two, the love and support might not have been as strong. "A weight has been lifted off our shoulders and we won't be going back on next summer being our final shows. " So why the split? Shane and Mark were always the singers in the band. Did they want the solo careers? There was also dissent about musical direction. Often labelled a boring ballad band, their ninth album Where We Are in 2009 to push them further but failed to reach number one. Couldn't they have gone off and done solo albums or whatever else they wanted to do? As it turns out, the band had been talking for a while about splitting. They hoped quitting Syco, the label run by Simon Cowell, to which he signed them in 1998, would help. They left at the beginning of this year but nothing changed. Nicky said: "The cracks had formed and we were trying to patch things up when we left Syco, rather than quitting. We thought we would try and change everything to see if things improved and it wasn't to be. "It wasn't one thing just a gradual progression. The amount of pressure to constantly do it at the right level was huge. "There have been cracks internally for quite a while. Because we were releasing a greatest hits this year and re-negotiating our contract, it felt the right time. "This was the moment where we manned up and said, 'We've done what we can with Westlife'." Nicky and the rest of the band are still friends. And they thought letting people know now would mean everyone could say goodbye properly. Nicky said: "We can go out on a massive, massive high. That's how we all want remember it. " Westlife began in Sligo when Kian, Mark and Shane, along with three other lads, formed a boyband. They came to the attention of Louis, who was managing Boyzone, and he tried signing them to Syco. Cowell demanded the three other boys were sacked and Nicky and Brian McFadden were found during auditions in Dublin. Louis made Boyzone singer Ronan Keating co-manager of Westlife and their debut single Swear It Again was an instant success. They went on to have a further six number ones, making them the only act in UK history to have their first seven singles go to the top spot. Even Brian quitting the band in 2004 failed to stop the juggernaut. No wonder Louis is heartbroken by the split, which Nicky admits the X Factor judge didn't want. Nicky said: "He thought the idea of the split would go away when we told him. He finds it hard to talk about it. "He hopes it'll be a long break but we've had to keep enforcing it to him, it's not. He's devastated." Next year's farewell tour, which includes three dates in Scotland, will also see the end of the stools that Westlife became famous for. Nicky admitted: "There has to be a bit of a moment with the stools. It's nice to be known for something."
Georgina Ahern has revealed there "won't be a dry eye in the house" when chart-toppers Westlife take to the stage at Croke Park next summer. The wife of Dublin star Nicky Byrne has said that seeing the boyband performing their final two gigs at the northside venue in June 2012 will definitely be an occasion to remember. Tickets for the first Dublin concert in their Farewell tour set a new record after all 80,000 of them sold out in just five minutes last Friday, following their decision to split after 14 years together. A similar reaction is expected when the second gig goes on sale this Friday as fans from all over the world clamour to see them take to the stage in their home town. "Croke Park is going to be something else, it will be really exciting for them all and we're all going to be in tears. I was nearly crying just watching them last weekend," Georgina told the Diary. "I don't think they expected the reaction they got with the tickets, it took everyone by surprise but it's going to be so amazing." Starstruck Westlife took to the stage at The O2 in Dublin over the weekend for the Cheerios Childline Concert, alongside stars such as JLS, The Wanted, Cher Lloyd and Jedward, a night Georgina described as "fantastic". "It was very emotional watching them perform. I can still remember the first time they played that concert in 1997 and we were all so starstruck meeting these big stars," she said. "Back then they were only starting off and now they're finishing their music careers as a band and they're like the daddies of the pop industry now. " But Georgina has predicted that their June 22 and 23 concerts will be their most memorable to date. Last night saw the Westwife out in MU gym in Malahide at a charity event for Irish Premature Babies, of which Georgina is the patron. Their young boys Rocco and Jay (4) were born six weeks prematurely. Last night saw her host a Spinathon, where she was joined by plenty of volunteers at a three-hour spinning class that covered 650 miles.
KERRY Katona talks in her OK! column about Westlife. Kerry Katona says: Apparently people are asking Westlife if Brian McFadden is going to return for their final tour as if! He walked out on them and said he wanted to spend more time with his kids, but that same day he went into the studio and recorded a solo album! I bumped into Shane and Kian in Marbella and theyre such genuine, real, loving family guys. I was so close to them and have so many great memories with them. They were my family Nicky is Lillys godfather, I would give anything to see them all again. I want to go and see them on tour so I can take the girls because they were a massive part of their lives and even used to go on stage with them. Id love to do a shoot with Westlife and take Brians place!
Pop band Westlife met hundreds of adoring fans when they signed copies of their greatest hits album. Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Mark Feehily and Kian Egan were visiting HMV stores in Glasgow, Newcastle and Manchester, giving fans one last chance to meet the band before they split up next year. The album, called Greatest Hits, includes the singles Swear It Again, Flying Without Wings, Unbreakable and Fool Again. Westlife announced last month that they are to go their separate ways after next year's farewell tour. The Irish group, who have been performing for 14 years, have chalked up 26 top 10 hits including 14 number ones. In Glasgow, fans queued overnight for their chance to catch a glimpse of the boy band, and the first 400 through the door were lucky enough to see the singers up-close. Feehily said: "It's been a bit manic - it's a signing so everyone's kind of wheeled in and wheeled out but we try and speak to each person as much as we can, look them in the eye and say hello and thank you. It would be nicer to spend a bit more time with each person individually, but we have a lot of people to get through. " Filan added: "We're enjoying being in Scotland. We've got such an amazing amount of fans in Scotland and we're looking forward to the tour next year - it's going to be unbelievable. Thank you very much to all our fans." The group - for many years managed by Louis Walsh - survived the departure of one of its founding members, Bryan McFadden, and continued seamlessly as a four-piece. They formed in 1998 and in that time notched up 11 top five albums - seven of which have gone to number one - and they have sold 44 million records around the world. Byrne said his favourite album over the years was Where We Are because it is "pretty cool", while Filan opted for the band's first album Westlife.
Westlife - Greatest Hits (Album Review) Thursday, 24 November 2011 Written by Heather McDaid Time and time again we see boybands fleetingly entertain the masses, disappear from view and if theyre lucky milk a comeback a few years down the line. So, imagine the sadness the music world faced when the lead success in longevity as a boyband announced their plans to disband in 2012. We are, of course, referring to the Irish wonders, Westlife. As a lover of rock and metal, people meet this sadness in my case with certain disbelief. Westlife were one of my favourite bands as a little girl and, regardless of how far my musical tastes have varied over the years, they still hold that soft spot for nostalgias sake. Their final Greatest Hits release is just a really nice, simple 18 track trip down memory lane. Opening this final soiree with the opening track of their self-titled debut in 1999, the fans are guided through a musical tour of the bands acclaimed catalogue, from Swear It Again all the way through to their new numbers including Lighthouse. Featuring covers that proved to become prominent hits for the band, they have wisely included Mandy (Barry Manilow) and Uptown Girl (Billy Joel) in this compilation. Rightfully, the band rejected the option put forth by their label to re-record Brian McFaddens vocals on earlier tracks and have kept their song list true to their studio releases; this decision is also a testament to the bands integrity not to remove him from his key part in their history. While tracks such as When Youre Looking Like That and other enormous numbers didnt quite make the cut, the named being a personal favourite, the band have concisely documented one of the most lucrative and seamless careers in boyband history for fans to revel in. Although their new tracks are good and will both please and satisfy fans of the band, it does somewhat defeat the purpose of a greatest hits release. We spend a good while singing along to a string of classics, resisting the urge to dance and, if youre sitting on a stool, standing up for the key change; then at the end were met with fresh music. Having said that, give the album a few listens and the sense of unfamiliarity will soon dwindle, Beautiful World being a key one to look out for. All stool quips aside, this is a nice send off to the band that have seamlessly shown boybands how it should be done; going from their sleek dance routines to stepping up the suave factor with a rat-pack inspired release. The band refused to change with the trends, sticking to what they knew and loved and, in turn, became a staple of mainstream music in the UK. While it is sad to say goodbye to Westlife, it is nice to see they ended things naturally instead of in a blazing break up like weve come to see and expect repeatedly from others. If youre a fan of Westlife and want something to relive their fantastic career by, youll relish this release, I swear... and I swear it all over again.
Pop mogul Simon Cowell has revealed that he and legendary Irish boyband Westlife almost came to blows during rows over work. With a staggering 14 Number One singles, Westlife's relationship with Simon Cowell and manager Louis Walsh must've been faultless right? Wrong! In fact, the group nearly came to full-on fist fights during blazing rows with the man who originally signed them. Speaking on tonight's ITV television special commemorating Westlife's career, Simon Cowell has gone on record saying things werent always as flawless as people thought: "We had face-offs. God we had fights. Me versus five, practically turning into a punch-up over disagreements." Although remaining tight-lipped over what the arguments were about, Simon Cowell praised the group for their enthusiasm and professionalism throughout their early years. "I don't think I've met anyone who worked as hard as these guys. They were like little puppies in those days. It was all about the fans. In those days the band was so happy and so enthusiastic and just wanted to sing. Always with them it was about the fans. They were always conscious that no matter how tired they were people had paid to see them and they wanted to put on a show."
1) What About Now 2) How To Break A Heart 3) Leaving 4) Shadows 5) Talk Me Down 6) Where We Are 7) The Difference 8) As Love Is My Witness 9) Another World 10) No More Heroes 11) Sound Of A Broken Heart 12) Reach Out 13) I'll See You Again
westlife- maybe tomorrow westlife- nothing is impossible westlife- forever westlife- bad girls westlife- butterfly kisses westlife- close your eyes westlife- crying girl westlife- daytime friends and nighttime lovers westlife- don't calm the storm westlife- everybody knows westlife- i promise you that westlife- if i had words westlife- i'll be there westlife- i'm missing loving you westlife- everlasting love westlife- let's make tonight special westlife- lost in you westlife- miss you when i'm dreaming westlife- never knew i was losing you westlife- nothings gonna change my love for you westlife- on the wings of love westlife- reason for living westlife- until the end of time westlife- what becomes of the broken hearted westlife- where we belong westlife ft donna summer- no more tears westlife- tunnel of love westlife- that's what it's all about westlife- don't get me wrong westlife- you don't know
They already announced their plans to take a break, now Westlife have confirmed that they are actually splitting up for good. Statement from the band reads:
"After 14 years, 26 top ten hits including 14 number one singles, 11 top 5 albums, 7 of which hit the top spot and have collectively sold over 44 million copies around the world, 10 sell out tours and countless memories that we will forever cherish, we today announce our plan to go our separate ways after a greatest hits collection this Christmas and a farewell tour next year. The decision is entirely amicable and after spending all of our adult life together so far, we want to have a well-earned break and look at new ventures. We see the greatest hits collection and the farewell tour as the perfect way to celebrate our incredible career along with our fans. We are really looking forward to getting out on the tour and seeing our fans one last time.
Over the years Westlife has become so much more to us than just a band. Westlife are a family. We would like to thank our fans who have been with us on this amazing journey and are part of our family too.
We never imagined when we started out in 1998 that 14 years later we would still be recording, touring and having hits together. It has been a dream come true for all of us.
Kian, Mark, Nicky and Shane"
The boys Greatest Hits album is released on 21 November, and fans will be able to say goodbye in person on their May 2012 tour
Usually it's the wives of pop stars flaunting their beach bodies as they holiday in sunny climes.
Usually it's the wives of pop stars flaunting their beach bodies as they holiday in sunny climes.
But Westlife singer Mark Feehily's boyfriend Kevin McDaid, 26, gave ex-Hollyoaks babe Jodi Albert, 27, a run for her money. While Jodi covered up in a black batwing top and shorts, hunky Kevin stripped off to show a buff body in a pair of short swimming trunks.
Mark and Kevin, who was a member of the now defunct boy band V, have been dating since January 2005 and last January they announced their engagement. The pair strolled on the beach before deciding to take to the waters for some sporty fun with their partners. The former Hollyoaks star seemed to be very body-conscious as she took to a paddle board in Barbados earlier this week.
And Jodi wasn't the only one to cover up as her husband of almost two years also decided not to bear his body. The shy singer stayed under wraps in long surfer shorts and a black t-shirt as he tried his hand at paddle boarding. And he looked as though he'd failed to stay on top of the board as he went out on it dry but was then snapped looking soaked through as his clothes clung to him.
Kevin - who wasn't at all shy in his tiny shorts that showed off his muscular frame - looked like a natural however as he sailed past his friends and went to join his fiancé who was seated in a canoe. The two men chatted to each other and touched their oars together as they bobbed on the water. But later on, Mark had to be rescued by his long-term partner after his canoe capsized. The pop star was left bobbing up and down in the sea after falling out of his boat as he and Kevin took to the waves. Mark sailed out inside a red canoe and looked as though he was having a great time until he fell into the water. Watched by Kevin and Jodi, who were laughing and chatting in the surf before Kevin waded in to help his partner out of the water and on to his board.
A very happy Valentine's Day to all Westlife fans! The boys have recorded a short message each to celebrate this special day - check them out below. http://www.westlife.com/news/2009/02/14/happy_valentines_day
Westlife star Mark Feehily has revealed that Boyzone singer Stephen Gately's bravery in coming out as gay helped him find the courage to do the same years later.
Wednesday November 04 2009
Westlife star Mark Feehily has revealed that Boyzone singer Stephen Gately's bravery in coming out as gay helped him find the courage to do the same years later.
Stephen sent shockwaves throughout the music industry when he publicly announced he was gay in 1999.
Mark followed in 2005, and said it was Stephen's fearlessness that helped him do so.
He also credited the late singer for paving the way for other gay men in Ireland.
"In hindsight, Stephen helped me and probably any other gay lad to come out," he said.
"Every time a celebrity comes out, people have said to me that they came out after.
"This one young lad said I was in the paper that day and he was with his mum and she responded really positively to the story, no negative attitude.
"So he decided to seize the moment and tell her he was gay."
He added: "A lot of similar stuff happened with Stephen Gately, but there was a difference in the way it was perceived
Braver
"He was a lot braver than me. Things are constantly improving -- he was one of the first people."
The singer said that when a public figure admits to being gay, it helps promote tolerance and provides a positive image for the gay community.
"I remember what a big thing it was when he came out to a tabloid newspaper," he said.
"There is a cliche about guys and there is the reality, and a lot of people just see the cliches.
"Every time something normal happens to a celebrity who happens to be gay, or every time a celebrity who is admired by thousands or millions of people comes out, it is one more blow to the negative cliche and one more victory for the reality.
"There is not a whole lot of difference between gay people and straight people. Stephen definitely helped back this up."
Mark went on to speak of the harrowing day of Stephen's funeral, three weeks ago.
"I was as close to him as I was to anyone in Boyzone," he said.
"We supported them when we first started. As a teenager in Ireland, I grew up watching Boyzone on TV, and it was a mixture of a fan from back in the day and a friend that bumped into him.
"I've been to a lot of funerals, because, where I come from in Ireland, everyone knows each other and there are big funerals.
Tragic
"There is always something a lot more tragic when a young life is lost.
"You can process the death of an elderly person a lot easier."
On Stephen's funeral, he concluded: "It was a little bit of a celebration of his life.
"Everybody was talking about all the good things that had happened."
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