Another day and another Westlife tour date is announced, today the lads have confirmed a further show at London's O2 Arena for Saturday 12th May.
Westlife embark on their final ever tour together in May. They will play their final ever show together at Dublin's Croke Park in June. Since announcing the farewell tour back in the Autumn last year, Westlife have been forced to announce further dates nearly ever week to meet phenomenal demand to see the boyband live for the very last time.
However, it’s absolutely certain the summer will see the end of an era for one of Ireland’s most popular musical exports of all time, when Westlife call it a day.
The foursome – since Brian McFadden departed – find themselves contemplating life outside the band that’s taken them around the world for 14 years.
Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, Shane Filan and Nicky Byrne have no idea which of them will go on to be solo superstars, and which – if any – will fade into obscurity, happily or otherwise.
Mark said: “I don’t think anybody could have predicted Cheryl Cole would have the most successful solo career out of Girls Aloud.
“It’s only when we all go off and make music that it will be a bit more apparent who will be successful or not.”
Mark is the guy most would put their money on. With one of the strongest voices in the band, striking looks, a likeable nature and having already written some of the material on previous albums, he appears to have a head start.
He admitted he’s keen to carve out a name for himself once the band finally stops performing, following a greatest hits tour in the summer.
He said: “I’ve been creative since I was 13 and recently I’ve been applying it a bit more. I’ve written thousands of songs but they are hidden away on a hard drive.
“In the last few years I opened up a bit more about them and presented a demo to Westlife.
“They were immediately recorded and the boys put some tracks on the Where We Are album.
“Our last album has four new tracks on it and I have written the last song we will release, Beautiful World.”
Mark, 31, is determined to continue with a musical career once he and his bandmates part ways.
He explained: “I’m a singer and will always want to make music. I didn’t want Westlife to end so I could make a solo record, but it is something I will do now.
“I’ve got a million ideas, a very creative brain. In order to be happy in life I’m going to have to create.”
Of course, Westlife are not the first boyband to split up, and the road ahead can be tough for members flying solo.
Having witnessed the hardships endured by members of East 17 and 5ive, after failing to relight the fires of success, Mark is determined that he and each of his bandmates are not headed for oblivion.
He asserted: “We’re all very driven people. If anything, we are more now that we have to push ourselves individually.
“Some people run off to the distance and you never see them again.
“They have a big stint at the top and then you see some random picture of them with a two-foot beard living in obscurity.
“We are more driven than ever. We are all just over the age of 30 now. A lot of people speak to us as though we are already dead but we are just moving on from Westlife.
Most of his bandmates are champing at the bit to try their hand at new adventures but Mark admits Kian may take more time than others to readjust.
He explained: “The only person who wants to go off and completely get away and relax is Kian.
“He’s already a coach on The Voice in Ireland and he has just had a kid. Part of him wants to completely get away, step away from the business and enjoy his child.
“We took a year off three years ago and it was horrible for Kian because he suffered a terrible misfortune during that time.
“His dad passed away, which put a dark cloud over the year for him.
“He wasn’t able to relax and do a bit of soul searching like the rest of us.
“I think he’ll definitely relax and go away for a while, but Kian is also very driven.”
Making the final decision to split was not easy for anyone but it came after months of rumours about the band.
Mark is keen to reassure Westlife fans that there was never any animosity among them.
He said: “That is something we are stressing a lot.
“There was no incident or episode where someone said: ‘That’s it. I’m f***ing out of here’.
“There was no sensational moment. It’s something that manifested over years. It was more an idea of calling it a day and moving on to new adventures for all of us.
“Everyone’s mind was eventually on the same page.
“We’ve had an amazing 14 years but it’s time for something new. We didn’t want it to dwindle away and for the magic to have gone from it.
“The tour we are about to do, our farewell tour, is the biggest tour we’ll have ever done in our career.
“We are going out on top, not staying around like an unwanted guest at the end of the party.”
As Mark insisted that the boys’ plans to split are not a publicity stunt, quashing hopes that they have secret plans for a big reunion three years down the line, he revealed a new string to his bow.
Though his secret new project is still in its infancy, the excitement in his voice was clear.
He enthused: “I’ve been asked to write a musical by an amazing person in London.
“It’s somebody I really admire and it’s to do something like Boy George’s Taboo musical, which he wrote about 20 years ago. It’s an updated newer version and it’s not completely commercial mainstream – a jazz hands musical like Grease – but a bit more off the centre with a mixture of indie, pop music and Broadway.
“That’s always been something I’ve been interested in and I’m flattered that I’ve been asked to be involved with some people I really admire. But nothing exists yet.
Before anything can be done, however, the boys will lay to rest their collective status, their career together culminating in a farewell tour that will see them play 90 dates in the UK and Ireland.
Mark’s eyes twinkled, partly in sadness, part in excitement, as he added: “It’s going to be a sad day, but it’s also a celebration of 14 years together and 14 years of touring.
“It’s not all doom and gloom.
“We want to have fun and Scotland has an absolutely electric crowd who always scream very well.”
On 3 March one of the world’s most successful boy bands, Westlife, will come to AsiaWorld-Expo for Westlife The Farewell Tour Live In Hong Kong 2012. After a phenomenal career that has spanned 14 years and numerous chart-topping hits, this is the final concert tour before the band splits up. Westlife’s farewell tour has been so well received that all tickets are now sold-out
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Football’s Next Star, which is due to air this autumn, according to Celtic FC.
Nicky, who was signed by Leeds United when he was 16, is a fanatical Celtic supporter, and he played for the Hoops in the Legends match at Celtic Park against Manchester United back in August.
So he’s the ideal host for Football’s Next Star, which will be produced by Tyrone Productions for RTE Young Peoples Programmes, and it will feature 10 young footballers who will battle it out for one coveted place at Celtic’s prestigious Youth Academy. It’s every Bhoy’s dream!
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Westlife have added even more shows in June to their farewell tour next year and will be performing at Metro Radio Arena for a second date on Friday 15th June 2012.
‘The Greatest Hits Tour’ will see Kian, Shane, Mark and Nicky perform their 14 number one singles and hits in one spectacular live show for the very last time. Having sold over 44 million records worldwide, the aforementioned 14 number one singles and 7 number one albums, Irish super-group Westlife are celebrating over 14 years of success by also releasing their brand new single ‘Lighthouse’ on 13th November (physically 14th) with the release of their ‘Greatest Hits’ on 21st November. The single written by Gary Barlow and John Shanks is an instantly recognisable Westlife classic complete with soaring melodies, rousing lyrics and is one of four brand new tracks to feature on their album. The band said: “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 album and performing them live on the tour as a special thank you to our fans who have supported us throughout our career.” '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
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Pop sensations Westlife are taking time out of their farewell tour of China to enjoy the top tourist sights.
The four pals posted a photo online as they posed in the famous Tiananmen Square in Beijing yesterday.
The band had performed before 15,000 fans in the MasterCard Centre in the city the night before. Band member Nicky Byrne tweeted: “Taking in the sights in China… Tiananmen square & the Forbidden City.’’
A spokesperson for the stars revealed Westlife are having the time of their lives in China. “They’ve really been bowled over by the country and the Chinese people — probably because they have more time to see the place this time.
“In terms of concerts, they said it’s the new America. There’s a massive population and a huge appetite for live music and they were amazed by the rapturous welcome they’ve received in China,” the spokesperson added. Westlife’s farewell tour of China is expected to earn them a whopping €5m.
The group will play in seven different cities for the final time in their 14-year history. The last Westlife tour is scheduled to visit the cities of Hangzhou, Chendu, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Hong Kong during the tour, which continues until March 3.
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Westlife join the team for Shay and Jane Given's Fashion Kicks charity extravaganza
March 06, 2012
Westlife will perform at the Fashion Kicks event organised by their friends, Aston Villa goalie Shay Given and wife Jane Westlife will perform at the Fashion Kicks event organised by their friends, Aston Villa goalie Shay Given and wife Jane
Footballer Shay Given and wife Jane have scored quite the exclusive as they gear up to host their huge charity event in Manchester – as
manband Westlife will perform just a week before their big farewell tour kicks off.
Republic of Ireland and Aston Villa goalie Shay and glamorous wife Jane have raised over £1mn with their Fashion Kicks events over the
past eight years.
And I can reveal they are planning their biggest event yet for this year – once again to be held at The Point at Lancashire County Cricket
Club on May 1.
The couple have long been friends with the Westlife guys, and the Irish band have agreed to perform at the finale of the event just a
week before they head out on their final tour before splitting after 14 years together and 26 top ten hits.
Jane says: “It will be the last charity event that Westlife will perform at together so we're just so thrilled they were able to support us and the charities.
“They want to go all out, so I know it's going to be a very special performance.”
The band's Nicky Byrne says: “This year will be a memorable one for us and it is gratifying to know as Westlife draws to a close that we have helped Shay and Jane in some small way over the years.
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Westlife announce girl group Vanquish as 'Farewell Tour' support
The boyband, who will embark on their 'Farewell Tour' of the UK and Ireland in May, confirmed that girl group Vanquish will open their shows.
Speaking about their appointment, the group said: "To be supporting Westlife on their final UK arena tour is an amazing feeling!
"We feel honoured to be part of this. We are going to bring fun, excitement and some powerful Vanquish pop songs to the tour. Can't wait to get on stage!"
The four-piece have been working with producers Rob Davis and Jorgen Elofsson for their debut album.
Between them, the producers have previously worked with the likes of Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Lopez and Kylie Minogue.
Vanquish's debut single 'The Harder You Love' will be released in April.
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Filan eyes solo career as financial ruin looms
Westlife star faces ?23m debt, but Louis Walsh says he'll bounce back
FIGHTER: Shane Filan,
will be 'the next Michael Buble', says Louis Walsh
Sunday April 08 2012
WESTLIFE singer Shane Filan faces losing everything in the property crash and is now set to relaunch his pop career in an attempt to revive his fortunes.
Filan, one of Ireland's biggest pop stars, is believed to be in debt for up to ?23m, according to well-placed financial sources.
The singer is reportedly in the process of cutting a deal with creditors by entering an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) in Britain.
Sources say he has employed a leading firm of London accountants and is currently negotiating financial arrangements with his banks -- including Ulster Bank and Bank of Ireland -- as a way of avoiding bankruptcy.
An IVA is a way of having debt written off if existing assets are sold to raise money for creditors.
It is understood in financial circles that Filan is attempting to keep earnings from the impending Westlife farewell tour out of the current negotiations.
This weekend his manager Louis Walsh, although refusing to be drawn on a figure for the Sligo man's total losses in the property business, confirmed that the singer was about to start afresh.
"He's wiping the slate clean and starting over," said Walsh. "He is going to be fine.
"He has a massive solo deal in the pipeline and is going to be a massive, massive star.
"He is set to make millions from the Westlife farewell tour. They have sold out two dates at Croke Park -- that alone is huge -- and then he will make millions from the solo career too."
The manager also said that he would be standing by his number one pop star and helping to get him back on his feet:
"I am 100 per cent sticking by him through this. He is facing up to it and doing it [in] a very honourable and honest way. And you have to respect him for that."
He added: "Shane has something that you can't buy, that no one else in Ireland has. He has a million-dollar voice. He'll be okay.
"We're meeting with record companies and I'm going to make him the next Michael Buble.
"I have big plans for Shane, there is huge interest and you know me when I say to watch this space. Shane's future is very bright."
Both Filan and Walsh have been in talks with several record companies in London in recent days.
It is believed that at least four different labels are making a bid to sign the Sligo father of three and release his debut solo album at the end of next year.
As a source explained: "There's four, possibly five labels so far who have made it very clear that they want Shane.
"He already has loads of ideas about the kind of album he wants to make and the road he wants to go down.
"He and Louis have have had back-to-back meetings with the heads of the UK's biggest record companies and he has his pick of deals.
"It couldn't have come at a better time, just as he needs to start again. But Louis has taken him under his wing and will always look after him."
Sources say that the money-spinning Westlife farewell tour is set to net the band more than ?12m.
And Filan is thrashing out a deal so that this and all future earnings will remain untouched by his creditors.
The 32-year-old -- who has sold 43 million records worldwide with Westlife, one of the biggest boy bands of all time -- is currently being sued by Bank of Ireland for unpaid debts.
Filan auctioned off his James Bond-style Aston Martin for ?398,000 last September. He had bought it just two years earlier as a birthday present to himself.
A spokeswoman for the Westlife star said Filan would not be commenting.
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WE’RE more used to seeing them in smart suits but Westlife have donned the sweat pants to get in shape for their farewell tour.
The Mail can reveal that Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily have taken over a north Dublin dance studio in a bid to get festival fit.
The group have flown in a team of choreographers from London and are learning the gruelling routines that will make up the two-and-a-half hour show.
For the next five days they must watch what they eat and put in eight hours of intense rehearsals.
‘It’s the worst part of touring for them,’ said an insider. ‘They only have the week to get the steps and set list down completely. After that they will go their separate ways until the tour starts in May.’
Yesterday was also the first time that all four members have come together since it emerged that Shane Filan was in serious financial trouble. Shane’s property company Shafin Developments Ltd is believed to be in debt for up to [euro]23m and the singer is reportedly in the process of cutting a deal with creditors.
This was the firsttime he has been pictured on Irish soil since news broke three weeks ago. And Mark, Nicky and Kian all rallied around the singer.
A source said: ‘A couple of smart comments were made that were taken in good spirit by Shane because that’s the way the Westlife lads are.
‘But, to be honest, Shane is just happy to be back at work.’
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’M KIAN ON BEING A ROCKER AGAIN; Star wants to form new band.
Byline: MAEVE QUIGLEY
KIAN Egan has revealed he wants to form a rock band when Westlife split.
The star has always said he would rather move into band management after the group hang up their microphones.
But after being a coach on The Voice, Kian revealed he wants to launch his own group.
He said of a singing career after Westlife: “Coming into the show as a singer myself but in the background with Westlife, I always had a thing in my mind that no, I wouldn’t.
“But being around these people I kind of have a different attitude towards it.”
Kian, 31, plays a number of instruments including guitar and piano and was a former member of Sligo punk rock group Skrod.
He said being around singers such as Shane Filan and Mark Feehily made him doubt his own abilities as a vocalist.
But the other coaches on The Voice – Sharon Corr, Bressie and Brian Kennedy – have helped him get his musical mojo back.
He added: “I suppose when you are in one world and you are in a band like Westlife and are in a band with people like Shane and Mark who are amazing singers, your confidence gets put down.
“But then when you get around more musical people like Brian, for me as a musical person Brian has put a lot of confidence in me.”
After Westlife part ways, Nicky Byrne looks set to pursue a career in television while both Shane and Mark are going to record solo albums.
But Kian said: “I don’t think I would do a solo album, I think I would be in a rock band.”
And insiders said there’s a possibility he might ask one of his team to join him in his guitarladen endeavours.
One added: “It could be that Kian might have his eye on Graham [Dowling] as a member of his band in the future.”
Credit/Source: Irish Daily Mirror – Published on 18.04.2012
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Music guru Cowell offers Filan solo deal after Westlife split.
Byline: SAM HAMILTON
X FACTOR supremo Simon Cowell is hoping to tempt Westlife’s Shane Filan to sign with his label.
The music mogul, 52, has offered the band’s lead singer a big-money offer with Syco Records.
But Shane, 32, also has two other labels battling it out to release his debut solo album after the Us Against The World band go their separate ways this summer.
If he did decide to sign with Simon, it would be a thawing in the band’s frosty relationship with the pop guru after the group walked away from his label. A source said: “Shane was always the best singer in the band and it seems Simon realises that.
“It would turn a lot of heads if these two ended up working together. After Westlife go their separate ways, the only member of the band that Louis Walsh is going to be managing is Shane – and he has a great relationship with Simon.
“And while Simon can be a hard person to work with at times, he knows what he is talking about.
“With the X Factor it’s only when artists stop listening to him that they flop.
“So you’d be sure if Shane went with Simon, he’d definitely get a No1 album.”
Dad-of-three Shane will be heading straight to the studio after saying goodbye at Westlife’s final Croke Park gig with bandmates Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Nicky Byrne in June.
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WESTLIFE star Mark Feehily claimed The Voice coach Kian Egan isn’t mean in real life.
The gay star revealed he doesn’t believe Kian is the Mr Nasty character people have made him out to be.
But the 31-year-old admitted his friend isn’t as cruel in the recording studio with the rest of the band as he is on The Voice.
He added: “I actually think Kian isn’t that bad, and I think his comments are quite spot-on to be honest. But I do have to support him of course.”
And Mark, who recently split from fiance Kevin McDaid, feels the band’s split this summer is going to be “bittersweet”.
He said: “It’s quiet in terms of the Westlife stuff, but we’re always doing bits and pieces behind the scenes.
“We’ve got our final tour coming up which finishes in Croke Park. It’s bittersweet because it’s going to be the best gigs of our life, but after that we finish up for good.”
Credit/Source: Irish Daily Mirror – published on 31.03.2012
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Wives join Westlife on tour bus for Farewell gigs
Monday 2012
IT'S a case of 'all aboard' the Westlife bus this week as the chart-toppers are joined by all their partners on their last ever tour.
THE four crooners have kicked off their Farewell tour and will play a string of arenas all over Britain before bringing it to Ireland this summer.
But as proof that the boys have definitely grown up, this time around they'll be bringing all their partners with them on the tour bus.
Nicky Byrne's other half Georgina said being able to travel around with the band made it much easier for them as a family.
"I wasn't able to get over to Cardiff because I had to mind the boys," she explained.
"But we are all going to the London gig and going out on the road with them for the week. I don't know how rock and roll the lads will think it is but all the wives are going on tour.
Special
"We will be piling into the tour bus each night with them after the shows and heading on the road. It is the last time they will be doing this together, so it will be special," she said.
However, she won't be stuck for company either, given that Shane's other half Gillian will also be there, as will Kian's wife Jodi Albert.
Nicky, Kian Egan, Shane Byrne and Mark Feehily kicked off their tour last week at Cardiff Motorpoint arena, performing to almost 10,000 fans. They'll now spend the next few weeks taking to the stage in major venues all over the UK before building up to the grand finale of their Croke Park concerts.
Such was the demand to see them performing to their home crowd that promoters had to add an extra date to their Dublin gigs on June 22 and June 23.
Last November saw the chart-toppers confirming they were going their separate ways after more than 14 years together.
In that time, they have sold over 45 million records and clocked up some 12 number one singles in Ireland.
The group was recently voted the best ever boyband during a two-week poll of an MTV audience of some 12 million viewers.
They beat off a total of 32 groups to the coveted title including rivals like The Wanted and Disney stars The Jonas Brothers.
mfinn@herald.ie
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Westlife singer Shane Filan is set to make his first solo album with record company Universal, according to reports.
Shane Filan to sign to Universal The 32-year-old singer who is currently on Westlife's farewell tour due to end in Croke Park this June is believed to have signed a deal with Universal, despite the bands 14-year long career with Sony Music.
It is believed that Mark Feehily will also make a solo album, while other band mates, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne are set to focus on television.
Kian Egan recently judged the Irish version of the hit US show, The Voice. While according to reports in the Daily Star, Nicky Byrne is in talks with US show, Dancing With The Stars.
In an interview earlier today with 98FM, Kian said: "I have been in talks with Sky amongst other people aswell about other TV projects. Nothing is in the bag, nothing is finalised. I haven't signed any contracts or anything like that - it's all talk at the minute. I signed up with a big agency in the UK. It's looking good. It's looking like I will probably be doing one or two more things in the UK in the coming months and the next year or so but to be honest, I'm not chasing anything. I don't want to be running after anything - if something comes up that feels natural, then I'll go for it"
Nicky Byrne, who will be playing tonight in Cardiff's Motorpoint Arena alongside the band as part of their farewell tour has tweeted a picture of two fans that got his autograph tattooed on their wrists hours after he signed them.
Byrne took to Twitter to say: "Signed two girls wrists in Cardiff earlier.. Came back out of the Arena two hrs later and they've had them Tattooed !!!"
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FANS couldn't get hold of tickets for Ireland's most successful boyband's farewell tour fast enough when they went on sale last October.
After tickets disappeared within a matter of minutes, Westlife decided to give a few more of their beloved Birmingham fans the chance to see them perform their greatest hits one last time and added an extra date to their current LG Arena visit.
Having decided to split after 14 years performing together, 26 top ten hits, 11 top five albums which have collectively sold 44 million copies, the additional concert next Friday, June 8, will see Kjan, Shane, Mark and Nicky perform their 14 number ones, among others, in Birmingham for the very last time.
The band, the only group in British and Irish pop history to reach number one with their first seven singles, also boast an impressive history of awards from Smash Hits to Top of the Pops and countless Brit Awards.
"It's almost hard to believe that we've been doing this for as long as we have," said the band.
"We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved and are looking forward to releasing our Greatest Hits album and performing them live on the tour as a special thank you to our fans who have supported us throughout our career."
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Kian on Westlife swansong
Swansong ... Westlife By JENNIFER O’BRIEN,
2012 WESTLIFE are getting emotional as they embark on their €5million farewell tour tonight — and prepare to say goodbye to their boyband days forever.
2 comments And singer Kian Egan reckons there will be plenty of tears between the foursome after 16 years on the road.
He revealed: “It’s hard to believe that after so long together this will be the end.
“I don’t doubt that there will be tears — and lots of them to be honest! We want to go out with a bang and make this the best tour we have ever had.”
Kian, Shane, Nicky and Mark will take to the stage at the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena tonight in front of nearly 10,000 fans.
And the rest of their farewell tour will see them take in dates all across the UK in May.
But the highlight will be their final gigs in Croke Park in June.
Kian, 32, said: “I think for a lot of the nights they are going to be kicking us off the stage. Especially the ones at Croke Park — we are not going to want to leave.
“They fine you a serious amount of money there if you go over time — something like ?10,000 a minute, but I know we are not going to want to get off that stage. It’s going to be so emotional.”
Kian showed fans another side of him when he appeared on RTE’s The Voice as a coach.
And despite being thrown into rehearsals for the tour straight after the show, he loves being back with Westlife.
Kian, who recently became dad to baby Koa with wife Jodi Albert, said: “Coming out of The Voice and straight into rehearsals is probably what bridged the gap for me.
“It’s exciting — we are bringing in a lot of songs that we haven’t done in a long time like I Have a Dream. There will also be a medley as fans seem to love that.
“The whole thing will be very high octane. We are going to try and bring in every element of Westlife’s career and make it a Greatest Hits to remember.”
The tour will be the last time the boyband perform as a four-piece after selling more than 45million records and 12 Irish No1 singles.
It has been eight years since Brian McFadden left the group and he now lives in Australia with his model fiancée Vogue Williams.
And despite rumours that Brian might come back, Kian insists it isn’t going to happen.
He said: “No. We love Brian, but he hasn’t been a part of the band for such a long time.
“For us it would be very weird to stand on the stage with him again, especially on our final tour.
“For us it’s kind of like, he left us, we didn’t leave him and for us, it just wouldn’t feel right. I just don’t think it would work.”
Boyzone and Take That have reunited after years apart and are among the biggest bands in the world again. But Kian can’t see Westlife reforming.
He said: “I would find it difficult to think that we would never step on a stage together again but to make an album and go back on tour... I find it difficult to think that we would get back together.”
Westlife were formed by Louis Walsh in 1998 when he took Sligo lads Kian, Mark and Shane from boyband IOU and put them with Dubliners Nicky and Brian.
Their first single Swear It Again shot in at No1 in April 1999. Looking back over their successes, Kian is glad he and the lads — who have six kids between them — made their families a priority.
He said: “I think we all have a lifestyle that’s very normal in a sense, we are only in the band six months of the year really anyway.
“Nicky is in Malahide bringing his kids to school every day and Shane is over in London bringing his kids to school every day.”
As for the future, Kian believes he and the other lads have made the right decision to go their separate ways. He said: “Shane has solo plans, Mark probably will end up doing a solo album, Nicky is making TV shows and I’m doing one or two things.
“It’s already kind of moving on. I do think that I have made the right decision.
“As people we need to feel what life is like without Westlife because we have never experienced it. We don’t know what the world is without Westlife
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Only a few weeks left now until Westlife are no more….they play Cardiff tonight and they only have about 2 or 3 days where they won’t be doing a show before the final concerts on the 22nd and 23rd of June at Croke Park.
So the next thing for the lads is figuring out what to do next – we know that Shane Filan will be focusing on a solo career as will Mark Feehily and it seems after his stint on The Voice of Ireland, Kian Egan has been getting some TV presenting offers over in the UK so are the rumours true?
Kian told 98FM “I have been in talks with Sky amongst other people aswell about other TV projects. Nothing is in the bag, nothing is finalised. I haven’t signed any contracts or anything like that – it’s all talk at the minute. I signed up with a big agency in the UK. It’s looking good. It’s looking like I will probably be doing one or two more things in the UK in the coming months and the next year or so but to be honest, I’m not chasing anything. I don’t want to be running after anything – if something comes up that feels natural, then I’ll go for it”.
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The Irish version of ‘Football’s Next Star’ has wrapped filming and is currently in post-production at Screen Scene in Dublin.
Produced by Tyrone Productions for RTÉ, the show finished filming last weekend with scenes shot in locations including Dublin, Limerick and Glasgow. The show follows 10 talented young soccer hopefuls who battle it out to win a place at Celtic’s Youth Academy in Glasgow.
Westlife singer Nicky Byrne is the show’s presenter, with the format originally developed by Sky TV. The Irish version for Tyrone has been directed by Paul Golding (Strictly Come Dancing). Noleen Golding (OMG! Jedward’s Dream Factory) is the producer, while Patricia Carroll is the executive producer for Tyrone.
Eight 25-minute episodes of the series are scheduled to broadcast on RTE Two in September.
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SHANE Filan is to make his first solo album with Universal, despite Westlife enjoying a 14-year career with rival label Sony.
The 32-year-old is on the manband’s farewell tour but is already plotting a debut disc away from the group.
Mark Feehily, 32, is also expected to make an album, while bandmates Nicky Byrne, 33, and Kian Egan, 32, focus on television.
I’ve already revealed how Nicky is in talks with US show Dancing With The Stars.
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Westlife, Motorpoint Arena
Tuesday 15th May 2012 in Entertainments By Chris Sharpe
What a fantastic night of entertainment!
The show opened with Glenn Cal, an Irish male singer who is very talented and performed really well.
An all-girl band, Vanquish, performed a variety of songs, and from their act it is possible they are the next Girls Aloud/SaturdaysŠ. perhaps!
Also on stage were the popular Lilygreen & Maguire.
This is the second time I have had the pleasure of seeing this duo (first time when they supported Olly Murs) and they have a great vibe, stage presence and are charming and charismatic. They gave a great show and if you get the chance I would highly recommend you catch them when the opportunity arises. Great young Welsh talent.
But the act everyone was waiting for was, of course, Westlife.
And despite technical problems which meant a break in the show for around 20 minutes or so the band are just WOW! They were amazing and performed all their best-known songs.
I love this band so much I can¹t wait to see them again next month in Sheffield, while Welsh fans have the chance to see the band at the Motorpoint with a couple of dates lined up next month.
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Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given took to twitter to thank his celebrity pals who supported his Fashion Kicks fundraiser in Manchester.
Warnock bid £10,000 to appear on stage on the night with Wesltife. And the 30-year-old Aston Villa defender even managed to upstage singer Shane Filan with his rendition of Mack The Knife.
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The evening - hosted by Shay and Jane Given, and said to offer a night of 'fashion, football, food and entertainment' - also attracted the attention of the recently-parted Westlife.
Kian Egan's wife Jodi Albert looked fantastic having just given birth last December, while Shane Filan's partner and mother of his three children Gillian looked like a Sixites bombshell in yellow.
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Nicky Byrne attended with wife Georgina
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REVIEW: Westlife all fired up on final tour at Sheffield Motorpoint Arena
Westlife performing at Sheffield Arena on their farewell tour.
Published on Tuesday 15 May 2012
FLAMING ’eck! Chart kings Westlife really were fired-up for the first of three goodbye concerts in Sheffield - when figures of Ireland’s fab four went up in flames to signal the end, writes Graham Walker
And that was just the start of this spectacular last production at the Motorpoint Arena.
After 14 years of pop domination, Kian Egan, Shane Filan, Mark Feehily and Nicky Byrne finally emerged for real, opening with What Makes A Man and then took fans on a trip down a memory lane of hits, complete with synchronised dance moves.
The sing-a-long included highlights Uptown Girl, Queen of My Heart, When You’re Looking Like That, Mandy, You Raise Me Up, World Of Our Own and fitting finale, Flying Without Wings.
At one stage the band ended up soaring across the Arena floor on a makeshift spaceship, as they jetted in to party.
This was never going to be a sombre farewell.
Let’s face it, they had a lot to celebrate in an hour and 45 minutes, what with 26 top ten hits, including 14 number one singles, 11 top five albums, seven of which hit the top spot and over 44 million record sales, with 10 sell out tours.
It’s difficult to image Westlife getting booed, especially by their own fans. But booed they were at any mention that this was the end.
In truth it’s probably a well-earned break and when Shane insisted ‘this isn’t goodbye’, the roar of approval from fans almost raised the roof.
Westlife will be back in Sheffield for two final shows, on Saturday, May 19 and Tuesday, June 12.
Tickets priced £41.50 are limited. See
www.motorpointarenasheffield.co.uk or call 0114 256 56 56 to book.
Set list: What About Now; What Makes A Man; My Love; Safe; Uptown Girl; If I Let You Go; Ain’t That a Kick in the Head; Queen Of My Heart; Unbreakable; (Medley) I Gotta Feeling, Sex On Fire, Don’t Cha, Let Me Entertain You, Bohemian Rhapsody; When You’re Looking Like That; Mandy; Seasons in the Sun; Swear It Again; Home; Encore: You Raise Me Up; World Of Our Own; Flying Without Wings.
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WESTLIFE are gearing up for rehearsals for their final ever tour. Entertainment Editor Gordon Barr previews their two Newcastle shows.
WHEN Westlife take to the stage of the Metro Radio Arena on May 14 it will mark their 31st appearance there.
They hold the record for most shows at the venue but are not content with just 31 – come June they will make their 32nd trip there as part of their farewell Greatest Hits tour.
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FAREWELLS don’t always have to be sad. Richard Neale saw Westlife prove they can be entertaining, energetic and – most of all – fun.
THE fact the band known by some as “them boys who sit on chairs and sing covers” have lasted for 14 years probably says enough about their popularity and talent as any other statistic.
But for those who love a stat, the band have had 26 top ten-hits including 14 number one singles, 11 top five albums, seven of which hit the top spot and have collectively sold over 44 million copies around the world, not to mention 10 sell-out tours.
Westlife wow fans at Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena
And while other boy bands from 14 years ago are consigned to grubby fading posters in former fans’ garages, the boys from Ireland have managed to keep their huge fanbase more than happy – while picking up a few others along the way.
And that is why, having already having performed at the Metro Radio Arena more than 30 times, the group have had to add an extra date to the city for their farewell tour.
And if it’s anything as good as the first date last night, fans will be in for a treat – as all those years of experience performing concerts were put to great use.
It’s a sad time for the boys and their fans but, after such a long time they wanted – and deserved – to go out on a high.
And that they did.
Shane has previously told “we know we can sing”. And for any who doubted that (nobody in last night’s audience obviously), Nicky, Mark and Kian proved his point, with favourites such as Uptown Girl and Flying Without Wings.
Not that they needed to of course. Their adoring fans were happy to take the lead and fill in the word, verse or chorus of any and all songs when requested.
Not that they always did what the lads wanted. “Welcome to the farewell tour” was greeted with a chorus of boos from a public who want more years.
But the night wasn’t about saying goodbye in a sad way.
“We want this to be fun” the full to bursting arena was told.
And it was.
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FAREWELLS don’t always have to be sad. Richard Neale saw Westlife prove they can be entertaining, energetic and – most of all – fun.
From the start the night was all fun.
A simple silhouette of the lads behind the curtain whipped the crowd into a frenzy – only for the curtain to reveal four burning effigies instead of the expected foursome.
During one break Nicky took time to read the banners – fully knowing they “always find a new level of depravity in the North East” but enjoying every saucy comment. And when one woman asked them to fit into a pair of huge over-sized bloomers the boys duly obliged. This group are still great friends – one of the reasons they want to give up now while they’re on top and happy. And they’re happy to have a laugh at themselves – surely the dance moves were a nod to those who have had a go at this aspect of their performing.
But who needs to dance when they can entertain so well – even covering huge modern hits like Black Eyed Peas’ Tonight’s Going To Be a Good Night and Bohemian Rhapsody (with obligatory horrible dance moves).
And for those fans sitting at the back, the “circle” was brought back – with the lads flying across the Arena, making sure the back row became the front row and everyone got a good look at them performing... now there are no health and safety considerations to worry about.
In 2002 Westlife stood on this stage on their first tour. It was called dreams come true – and they certainly did.
Nobody was sitting in their chair last night, and the tears were flowing as the famous four said their own personal farewells.
And fans will certainly be on the edge of their seats hoping one of the most successful boy bands of the last decade turn out again on the almost obligatory reunion tour sometime soon.
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Westlife have a devoted following whose admiration for the boys appears to the more casual observer to be somewhat out of proportion to their musical impact. True, the boys all have good voices, with Shane and Mark clearly some way ahead of the other two, as well as a decent line in banter and a sense of fun which goes down well with the enthusiastic crowd. What's not to like about Nicky reading out the rudest banners in the crowd? There's plenty of fire and fireworks, an obligatory journey above the heads of the crowd to visit the punters at the back of the Arena, and the excellent backing musicians are tighter than the buttons on Mark's jacket.
And yet - should a band which has been going 14 years really have to puff out the middle of a concert with a medley of other people's hits? Especially when a significant proportion of their own hits are already covers. It did up the tempo bit, but in that case why not play some of the bands' own livelier material?
Obviously none of this matters to 99% to those who were at the Arena, a venue which Westlife have already played 15 times. They came to hear the greatest hits, they got exactly that, and they went away happy.
And so, too, off went Westlife, into the night; with wistful looks over their shoulders, and a sadness borne of the knowledge that they will never perform in this fair city again. Oh, except for their added date in a couple of weeks' time.
Westlife will be back at the Capital FM Arena on June 5 as part of their Farewell Tour.
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Shane, Nicky, Kian and Mark announced last year that they will go their separate ways, after 14 years together.
But before they go they will play five dates at Belfast's Odyssey Arena, a city where they have performed 60 times previously.
It is the final tour for the band, which has sold more than 44 million records worldwide, and Westlife will play their last concert at Dublin's Croke Park next month.
Their closing gig will be screened at cinemas across the globe in countries including South Africa, Finland and the Netherlands.
The boys, who were originally signed by Simon Cowell and managed by Louis Walsh, have topped the UK charts 14 times.
Westlife started on the road to pop success in 1998 with five members, but in 2004 Brian McFadden left the group to focus on solo projects.
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There were a few tears flowing at the Odyssey Arena when Westlife took to the stage for very last time in Belfast last night
Twelve years, ten albums and 44million sales into their career, Westlife came to a crossroads earlier this year.
The group's original line-up was Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, and Nicky Byrne. Brian McFadden was part of the group until 2004. Westlife have sold over 45 million records worldwide which includes studio albums, singles, video release, and compilation albums. Despite the group's worldwide success, they only have one hit single in the United States, "Swear It Again", which peaked in 2000 on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 20.
The band were originally signed by Simon Cowell and are managed by Louis Walsh. The group have accumulated 14 number-one singles in the United Kingdom, the third-highest in UK history, tying with Cliff Richard. The group had also broken a few records, including "Music artist with most consecutive number 1's in the UK", which consists of their first seven singles and only behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley. The band have 14 UK number ones and 25 top ten singles, consisting of 20.2 million records and videos in the UK across their 14-year career - 6.8 million singles, 11.9 million albums and 1.5 million videos.
On 1 June 2008, Westlife marked their tenth 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 are the official third top touring act within the years 2005?2008, while they were seventh top touring act of 2008.
Also in 2008, they were declared Ireland's ninth-richest celebrities under 30 years old and thirteenth in general with 36 million euros as a group. In 2009, they dropped as sixteenth richest Irish with estimated 8 million euros each. They were named as the fourth most hard-working music artist in UK by PRS in 2010.[5] In August 2011, it was reported in the Irish Examiner that the profits of the band's firm grew five-fold in 2010.
On 19 October 2011, Westlife announced they were to split after their Greatest Hits was released on 21 November 2011 it debuted in Ireland at number1 for 1 week and debuted and peaked at number 4 in the UK and a farewell tour in Spring 2012.
The band recently won the coveted poll of MTV.com Battle of the Boybands. After five rounds and competing with 32 boybands, Westlife won over 74% at the final round.
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Westlife record song for Niamh Curry's funeralContinue reading the main story
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About 300 people have paid tribute to five-year-old Niamh Curry, who died from a rare form of cancer.
Pop stars Westlife recorded a message of condolence and an acoustic version of their Number One hit Unbreakable for the funeral at Kettering Crematorium.
Niamh was well known in the county for her and her family's work campaigning for awareness and funding to treat her neuroblastoma.
Her charity, Niamh's Next Step, attracted support from Westlife.
'Amazing little girl'
When news of her death on 20 May was announced on social media networks, the group was so moved they recorded the song and a message that paid tribute to an "amazing little girl" who had been an inspiration.
They said they had been "very sad" to learn of her death.
Niamh was was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2010 when she was three. She underwent several bouts of medication, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and an operation to remove a tumour, but the cancer returned at the end of 2011.
Her family were due to take her to Philadelphia to receive specialist care in September but she developed an infection which gave way to severe pneumonia.
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Mark Feehily Celebrates Birthday During Westlife Show
Westlife star Mark Feehily was given an early birthday treat on Sunday (27May12) when he was serenaded by the audience at the group's arena show in Scotland.
The Irish singer turns 32 on Monday (28May12), and he has been given a night off from the band's The Greatest Hits Tour to enjoy his big day.
However, the crowd at the band's Sunday show at the Glasgow Secc venue treated Feehily to a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday during the performance, much to the star's delight.
In a post on his Twitter.com page, he writes, "Glasgow u were great, thanks for singing Happy Birthday to me 'n' all."
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Westlife singer Kian Egan admits that he's feeling nervous about the group's farewell gig in Croke Park.
Saturday Jun 2 2012
Singer Kian Egan confesses that he's already feeling nostalgic about the band's farewell gigs in Croke Park.
The 32-year-old, who became a father for the first time last year, says it?s not the singing that?s giving him butterflies, but the actual event itself.
?It?s just so huge ? it?s being broadcast in cinemas all over the world, with a live feed into all the cinemas in the UK, Ireland, Europe and Asia,? he says. ?It?s going to be in Australia and New Zealand. There?s even talk about showing it in America at the minute.?
The group will play two sell-out shows in Croke Park in three weeks time.
The ?Voice of Ireland? judge is also feeling emotional about the fact that this is the last time Westlife, who have been together for 14 years, will sing as a group.
?It does feel pretty sad knowing this going to be the last time ? we?re all sad about it,? he says. ?But I think at the moment we?re just trying to enjoy it and not dwell too much on it,? he told The Irish Daily Mirror.
But he is looking forward to spending more time with wife, Jodi Albert and son Koa.
?It?s going to be a bit of time for me to just spend with my family and not have work commitments pulling me away from them,? the singer says. ?It?ll be nice to be able to sit back and enjoy the memories as well and watch the DVDs of our gigs gone by and chill out with it all.?
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THE farewell concert by Irish pop band Westlife is to be screened live at the cinema in Galashiels.
The group, who announced last October they were splitting after 14 years, are set to bow out with a final concert at Dublin's Croke Park on Saturday, June 23.
The event will be beamed at more than 200 cinemas in nine countries including Belgium, Denmark, Estonia and Norway.
The band, whose 14 UK number ones include 1999 hit Flying Without Wings, have sold more than 44 million records worldwide. Organisers said tickets for the concert sold out in minutes.
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Mark Feehily Celebrates Birthday During Westlife Show
Westlife star Mark Feehily was given an early birthday treat on Sunday (27May12) when he was serenaded by the audience at the group's arena show in Scotland.
The Irish singer turns 32 on Monday (28May12), and he has been given a night off from the band's The Greatest Hits Tour to enjoy his big day.
However, the crowd at the band's Sunday show at the Glasgow Secc venue treated Feehily to a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday during the performance, much to the star's delight.
In a post on his Twitter.com page, he writes, "Glasgow u were great, thanks for singing Happy Birthday to me 'n' all."
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Westlife singer Kian Egan admits that he's feeling nervous about the group's farewell gig in Croke Park.
Saturday Jun 2 2012
Singer Kian Egan confesses that he's already feeling nostalgic about the band's farewell gigs in Croke Park.
The 32-year-old, who became a father for the first time last year, says it?s not the singing that?s giving him butterflies, but the actual event itself.
?It?s just so huge ? it?s being broadcast in cinemas all over the world, with a live feed into all the cinemas in the UK, Ireland, Europe and Asia,? he says. ?It?s going to be in Australia and New Zealand. There?s even talk about showing it in America at the minute.?
The group will play two sell-out shows in Croke Park in three weeks time.
The ?Voice of Ireland? judge is also feeling emotional about the fact that this is the last time Westlife, who have been together for 14 years, will sing as a group.
?It does feel pretty sad knowing this going to be the last time ? we?re all sad about it,? he says. ?But I think at the moment we?re just trying to enjoy it and not dwell too much on it,? he told The Irish Daily
