happy birthday

Westlife Live on Sky Box Office

To celebrate the live broadcast of Irish boy band Westlife on Sky Box Office/HD we're offering you the chance to see the gig...and meet the band!

Irish boyband Westlife will be appearing in concert live on Sky Box Office/HD on Friday 14th May. The concert will then be available on Sky Box Office/HD for seven days (from Saturday 15th until Friday 21st May).

And, in the build up to the concert, Sky1 will be showing an exclusive behind-the-scenes film of the band as they prepare for the gig, both backstage and in their home town.

Bandmember Kian Egan said: We are delighted to be working with Sky Box Office to offer our fans the chance to tune in live to enjoy this exciting, one-off experience.

"Fans who may never have seen Westlife live in concert will be able to enjoy us perform and lots more besides, as Sky Box Office joins us before the show. Westlife live shows are always big, energetic and exciting and this is a chance to experience Westlife as you have never seen us before!

Twelve competition winners will also attend the hot ticket concert at London's prestigious O2 arena and receive a signed copy of the band's latest album.

And one lucky winner will meet the band - the UK's biggest-selling group of the decade - at their concert at the O2 on May 14 2010.



Competition closes 9am on 4 May 2010

The concert is available exclusively on Sky Box Office/HD, and costs £14.99. Viewers will be able to order the concert from Friday 7th May.

http://movies.sky.com/westlife-on-sky-box-office

Showbiz reporter Paul Martin goes AAA at the Odyssey Arena with Westlife



In fairness to the security guard who was keeping me standing in the pouring rain, I'm sure he's heard the claim a million times before. Although I doubt he's heard it from too many 32-year-old men.

I'm standing at the Odyssey Arena VIP entrance trying to convince a burly bodyguard that I'm not in fact a crazed-boy-band stalker and that Louis Walsh and Westlife hunk Shane Filan really do want me to join them in their ultra-exclusive backstage hideaway.

He's not buying it: 'If you just go in and find either of them I'm sure they will explain everything,' I urge him, brushing the beads of rain from my foarhead and breaking into a shiver. This wasn't what I had in mind when was promised I'd be living the showbiz highlife with the biggest pop band on the planet.

But there's no budging him as he fixes his ice stare and announces: 'That's between you and them. I can't move from this spot and neither you can.'

It doesn't help that I'm surrounded by around a hundred screaming teenagers who, at every opportunity, are grabbing at my arms and begging me to get them autographs, should I finally break through the wall of security and make it to the other side.

Suddenly my phone rings: 'Hey Paul, it's Shane,' announces the soft voice in that familiar Sligo twang. 'I'm coming out to get you now.'

A few seconds later the door edges slowly open, no more than an inch, and from behind the devide Shane shouts out towards the moody big man who is now the only obstacle between me and Westlife world. 'It's OK - that's Paul Martin, he's friend of ours. Let him in.'

Open sesame! I suddenly have a beautiful shiny Westlife AAA laminate thrown around my neck as I break free from the masses of girls who are now convulsing at the prospect of me joining the lads in person on their comeback tour. 'Oh my Gooooooood,' screeches one poor girl, bursting into tears as she grabs my arm, 'Tell Shane I love him. Tell him, tell him!'

Suddenly, in contrast to the chaos outside, there is nothing but silence. Shane emerges from the wings, shakes my hand and leads me into a sort of Westlife wonderland.

He walks me past their dressing rooms, which are meticulously decked out in soft scented candles, towels and energy drinks. In another room the stars' wives (and boyfriend) chat about all the mindane happenings of the day as their children whizz around the room playing around on micro scooters.

'Wait till you see this,' Shane announces, opening another door to a huge Westlife canteen, where a team of top chiefs are busily preparing their favourite foods to order.

Then the unmistakable voice of Louis Walsh comes bellowing down the corridor: 'Oh look, it's Paul,' he announces to the rest of the Westlife boys who are gathered around him hanging on the pop guru's every word.

He dashes over and proudly shows me his phone, where he has my number saved under the heading: 'Paul Martin - sort of journalist.' The cheeky beggar.

After my grand tour of Westlife's hideaway, it's time to get down to business. The lads congregate in Shane's dressing room and give me an hour to discover all for IN! magazine.

Well, lads, you have been away for a year. Are you thrilled to be back or missing the easy life already?
Mark: Well we are actually all quite tired - but only because we've been working so hard in rehearsals to get this show right.
Kian: We are totally pumped up to be back on stage and we had more time than ever to rehearse and get this thing right. I think after a few months of being off on our break we all started missing the music business and we were twitching to get back.

Since we last saw you, Kian, you tied the knot in Barbados with Jodi Albert. No babies on the horizon yet?
Kian: Definitely not yet. Jodi is busy with Wonderland - our new girl band that Louis and I are co-managing, so there will be no children just yet. We've been working on the band for nearly two years and we're officially launching them on this tour, so it's a massive thing for us. I think these girls could go a long way. But Jodi and I still make plenty of time for each other outside the music business. We have to remember we have a marriage to think of as well as two bands!

You are back in Belfast kicking off your comeback after 18 months away. Was the big break all you expected it to be?
Nicky: When I was in Westlife, time had become my biggest luxury and suddenly I had loads of it. There are things that you give up when you are in a band but suddenly I could do them all. We did all that in our year off. And then, by the end of that year, we were desperate to start again. So being back here in Belfast is just incredible and it's something we have all been yearning for for a while.

Eleven years on from your first single, do you not finding that you are always falling out when you are on the road together?
Shane: To be honest we are getting on better than ever. I think we've all grown up a lot since the early days of the band. We all have families now and our own lives outside the band, so that means when we get back together it's like being back with your mates and we enjoy every second of it. If we disagree on something we are very democratice - we put it to a vote. Whoever has the majority gets their way.

As a band you've always had a soft spot for Belfast, so where do you hang out when you are here.
Mark: It's kind of weird because this time we all are in different hotels. I'm in Malmaison, while Shane is in the Hilton because he likes the gym in there and Kian and Nicky are in the Radisson. But we are all planning to go for dinner in the Malmaison while we are here. We don't really go out clubbing, but I was in Victoria Square earlier and I also met up with Kian's wife Jodi and we went into House Of Fraser. I got Jodi a birthday present there.

It must be a challenge to keep things fresh after eleven years together. Did you look at Take That and learn from how they re-invented themselves?
Shane: Definitely. They really took it to a new level and it made us realise you can in a boy band beyond the age of 30 and still be reveland. You can't take it away from Gary Barlow, he is an amazing songwriter. With songs that strong you will always stand the test of time.

You are all looking rather buff. Are you all fitness freaks?
Kian: I don't really hit the gym, but Shane is into it in a massive way. He works out four or five times a week. We all try and eat pretty well when we are on tour and Shane organises a personal trainer if we ever want a good blow out in the gym. Nobody wants to see four big fat pop stars up there plodding around the stage.

What's it like having Simon Cowell as a boss. I would imagine he's quite demanding?
Nicky: That's something we never shy away from. He's the most powerful man in the music, and that opens a lot of doors. He's always been great with us. When you are in a room with Simon Cowell you can have a debate about what songs you should and shouldn't do, but at the end of it all he usually wins - he is Simon Cowell after all. He knows the music business inside out and he has helped us reach the top. Having Simon Cowell in your camp is a massive advantage and we owe so much to him.

You've all made your millions and live incredible lifestyles. Can you still enjoy the normal things in life or does it all have to be bling bling now?
Nicky: I was out with my mates during the year off. We'd been out, had a proper and mad night, and we were walking back from a pub we had been in, when a lad came up to me. He said, 'I know you, you shouldn't be round here, you should be in the bling bling bars'. It made me laugh. I'm not really one of that whole celeb lifestyle. I'd rather be in an ordinary pub or a bar than somewhere bling bling.
Shane: My biggest passions, beside my family, are golf and snooker. So you don't need millions to be able to play those sports! It's the simple things in life that are the best.

Westlife launch Convention Centre Dublin
08 September 2010
 



















Boy band Westlife entertained guests at a gala dinner to celebrate the opening of the Convention Centre Dublin.

The Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) opened yesterday after more than three years of development and construction.

While testing the building, the CCD hosted events including X Factor, Britian,s Got Talent and the 175th Anniversary conference for Engineers Ireland.

Westlife performed at the launch event last night, which was one of three events produced by Grass Roots to showcase the new centre.


Mark Feehily celebrates his birthday Westlife's Mark Feehily celebrated his 30th birthday at the 'Circle Club' in Manchester on Friday night after their gig at the M.E.N. arena. Mark arrived with his boyfriend Kevin Mcdaid and his Mum Marie.

Chart toppers Westlife to make sensational return to Liverpool on arena tour
Sep 6 2010 Liverpool
Irish pop stars Westlife performing at the Liverpool Summer Pops
CHART-toppers Westlife will make a spectacular return to the ECHO arena during a UK tour next year.

They will return a little over a year since they were last in the city, when they caused a sensation among fans.

The set list promises to include many of the pop stars best known hits, from Flying Without Wings to What Makes A Man, Uptown Girl and Mandy.

They will also play some of their favourites from the 2009 double platinum album Where We Are and from a brand new album they are currently working on in the studio, which is due to be released in November.

The nine-date arena tour is being designed by visionary stylist William Baker, who also does shows for Kylie, Leona and Bjork.

An ECHO arena spokeswoman said: No pop band can compare to Westlife extraordinary success, having been certified by [music industry group] the BPI as the biggest selling band of the past decade.

During their 11 years at the top of pop hierarchy, the band has sold over 43m records globally.

Haiti single Everybody Hurts due out on 7 February

 







Everybody Hurts, the all-star single recorded to raise money for victims of the Haiti earthquake, will be released on 7 February, it has been confirmed.

Parts of the song were recorded in London on Tuesday, while artists including Robbie Williams put down their vocals in Los Angeles.

The song was originally a 1993 hit for US band REM.

The final line-up of artists has also been confirmed and includes Michael Buble, Jon Bon Jovi and JLS.

The song will be available for download on 7 February and on CD single the day after.

JLS singer Ortise Williams, who lost relatives in the 12 January earthquake, said: "The tragedy is very close to my heart.

"It's great to be working with such talented artists all pulling together to make a difference through song."

Cheryl Cole said she hoped money raised would "help the people of Haiti rebuild their lives" while Rod Stewart said he could not think of "a more fitting song than Everybody Hurts to convey the unimaginable tragedy that is Haiti".

Simon Cowell, who organised the single, said it had been "an absolute priority for us all".

X Factor winners Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry also appear on the single alongside Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue and Miley Cyrus.

Take That, Mika, James Blunt, James Morrison, Susan Boyle and Westlife complete the line-up.

On Monday night, Westlife's Shane Filan enjoyed his 31st birthday celebration with Tiger Woods, Andrea Corr and Aidan Quinn at the Dunraven Arms Hotel

DVD Track list

Where We Are
What About Now
When You're Looking Like That
My Love
Uptown Girl
Swear It Again
If I Let You Go
Shadows
Home
I'm Already There
I Gotta Feeling
Halo
Boy's Are Back In Town
Sex On Fire
What Makes A Man
Flying Without Wings
World Of Our Own
I'll See You Again
You Raise Me Up

Filan was born on July 5, 1979 to Peter and Mae Filan, and grew up in Sligo, a small town in the northwest of Ireland. The youngest of seven children, he has three brothers and three sisters: Finbarr, Peter Jr, Yvonne, Liam, Denise and Mairead. His parents owned a diner in Sligo named Carlton Cafe located on Castle Street and Shane used to work there as a waiter from a very early age.

Filan attended Summerhill College, a Catholic school, with Kian Egan and Mark Feehily. All three of them participated in a school production of Grease when they were about 12. The Hawkswell Theatre became a significant part of their careers, and as a big fan of Michael Jackson, Filan taught himself how to moonwalk.

2004

WESTLIFE'S KIAN BUYS SECRET LOVE PAD IN SLIGO; Star settles down.








WESTLIFE star Kian Egan has bought himself a luxury love pad to enjoy with stunning girlfriend Jodi Albert.

The seafront house in his native Sligo is just a few hundred yards from the plush home he bought for his parents.

The millionaire singer splashed out E340,000 for the five-bedroom house on a private estate in Strandhill in the last ...

 

 

 

Five minutes with... Westlife
Jun 22 2008 Wales On Sunday



OUR STORY
How did you manage to write a book between the four of you?
Nicky: Well, it was obviously difficult in more ways than one for the writer Martin Roach. He interviewed us separately and collectively. He also had to cater for four different personalities and four different people talking and telling the same story in different versions, but he did it effectively. I read the book and even though I know all the stories and I was in stitches laughing, it,s a milestone in our career 10 years on. Even if you, re not a Westlife fan, the book is a success story in the pop industry.
Kian: We all opened up Mark in particular opened up and said things he might not have said to members of his band. It,s sometimes easier to talk to someone outside the band about your story.

How did you feel when Brian McFadden announced he was leaving?
Nicky: My initial thought when he told us was that he was punking us. That was Brian,s personality. He was sitting beside me so I looked at him, smiled, laughed, and started checking him for wires because that would be a typical Brian thing to do. I respect him for doing it even though it was heart-breaking. I thought he was crazy. I offered him counselling, we were almost in relationships with each other in terms of how much time we were spending together so I thought maybe counselling might have helped us. But there were different things going on that we didn,t know about. Obviously there were things going on with his marriage that we didn,t have a clue about. But I think he made the right choice for him.
Shane: Brian leaving was a very big turning point within Westlife. I wonder whether we would be still be together if Brian hadn,t left, I don,t know. At the time it made us realise how lucky we were. It made us stronger as a group.

Three of you have known each other since school and Shane is married to Kian,s cousin. Is Westlife a family affair?
Shane: We known each other since we were 12, for more than 15 years, so it has been kind of like they,re family to a certain degree. We picked each other as mates so that is the backbone to a strong relationship, and when the others came they gelled with us straight away.

Were you worried about how people would react to news that Mark was gay?
Mark: I really didn,t give a damn what anyone thought that,s one of the key things that anyone that,s gay needs to realise before they come out. It,s getting to the point of not giving a s**t what anyone thinks that actually pushes you into it. Too many people care about what people will react like.

What will you do during your year off?
Shane: My wife is pregnant so I,m looking forward to having some time off. But I,m worried I,ll be bored after four or five months, not working. Even if you have a new baby it,s going to be a shock to the system after having a schedule for so long.

What do you think Westlife stands for today?
Kian: We ure not a political band, we ure not trying to make any big noise politically or in the music industry. We don,t try to sell ourselves as this credible, funky band that writes their own records and is making milestones in the music industry. We ure just four guys that sing great pop songs for pop fans.

 

 





After the last minute cancellation of their Arena show earlier this month due to two of the group falling ill, Westlife will be in town next week to honour the date. But it will be the last time we see them for a while, as the quartet plan to take at least a year off after the current tour. LISA WILLIAMS spoke to them about the break and their latest book Our Story...



How did you manage to write a book between the four of you?

Nicky: Well it was obviously difficult in more ways than one for the writer, Martin Roach. He interviewed us separately and interviewed us collectively. He also had to cater for four different personalities and four different people talking and telling the same story in different versions, but he did it effectively. I read the book and even though I know all the stories and I was in stitches laughing, It's a milestone in our career ten years on. Even if you're not a Westlife fan, the book is a success story in the pop industry.



Kian: We've all opened up - Mark in particular opened up and said things he might not have said to members of his band. It's sometimes easier to talk to someone outside the band about your story so we've told it as was. I'm not a massive book-reader but this one I read in three or four days - I couldn't put it down. I was quite taken aback with how fast I wanted to read it, even though I knew what was going to happen.

How did you feel when Brian McFadden announced he was leaving?

Nicky: My initial thought when he told us was that he was punking us. That was Brian's personality. He was sitting beside me so I looked at him, smiled, laughed, and started checking him for wires because that would be a typical Brian thing to do. I respect him for doing it even though it was heart-breaking . I thought he was crazy. I offered him counselling, we were almost in relationships with each other in terms of how much time we were spending together so I thought maybe counselling might have helped us. But there were different things going on that we didn't know about. Obviously there were things going on with his marriage that we didn't have a clue about. But I think he made the right choice for him.

Shane: Brian leaving was a very big turning point within Westlife, I wonder whether we would be still be together if Brian hadn't left, I don't know. At the time it made us realise how lucky we were and how fickle the thing could be - that it could be over just like that. It made us stronger as a group.

Nicky: We only got bigger after he left which was a bit weird in a way. We never expected that - to even last would have been good but you actually out-do ourselves and keep getting better was really good.

What do you think of Louis Walsh's involvement in X Factor?

Kian: As long as what he's doing with Westlife what they've always done with Westlife then that's the important thing. I think Louis being involved has done nothing but good for us. He knows the people who run the show, the people behind the scenes and it opens doors. Contacts are a very big part of our industry.

Three of you have known each other since school and Shane is married to Kian's cousin. Is Westlife a family affair?

Shane: We've known each other since we were 12, so for more than 15 years so it has been kind of like they're family to a certain degree. We picked each other as mates so that is the backbone to a strong relationship, and when the others came they gelled with us straight away.

Do you have a favourite book?

Shane: I don't read that much but I've started reading a lot crime books by writers such as Paul Williams. His are books about crime in Ireland, all true stories. In general I like history, facts and public figures. I'm intrigued by JFK, for example.

Were you worried about how people would react to news that Mark was gay?

Mark: I really didn't give a damn what anyone thought - that's one of the key things that anyone that's gay needs to realise before they come out. It's getting to the point of not giving a s**t what anyone thinks that actually pushes you into it. Too many people care about what people will react like and that's the problem. For me I really didn't care what anyone thought and I don't mean that in any ignorant or aggressive way it was just the way it was.

What will you do during your year off?

Shane: My wife is pregnant so I'm looking forward to having some time off. But I'm worried I'll be bored after four or five months, not working. Even if you have a new baby it's going to be a shock to the system after having a schedule for so long.

What do you think Westlife stands for today?

Kian: We're not a political band, we're not trying to make any big noise politically or in the music industry. We don't try to sell ourselves as this credible, funky band that writes their own records and is making milestones in the music industry. We're just four guys that sing great pop songs for pop fans.

 

Football career
Before joining Sligo based band IOU, Byrne was a footballer who played for Home Farm F.C. and St. Clemintines Boys F.C. in North Dublin.
He became a professional football player, and joined Leeds United as a goalkeeper in 1995, and was a squad member of the FA Youth Cup winning team of 1997

He played for Leeds for two years, leaving when his contract expired in June, 1997. He played in a reserve game for Scarborough F.C. and in a trial game with Cambridge United before returning to join Dublin club Shelbourne. He then signed for Cobh Ramblers, then St. Francis F.C., all in Ireland's Eircom league.

 

 

 

WESTLIFE - WESTLIFE STAR BACKS GAY CAMPAIGN






WESTLIFE star MARK FEEHILY is spearheading a campaign to help fight homophobic bullying in Britain's schools.
The singer - who revealed he was gay in August 2005 - joined Stonewall's campaign because he was bullied as a boy.
He says, "It's not just individual bullying, it's the way kids in classrooms use the word gay to mean bad - gay trainers, a gay jacket they don't like - that needs to be tackled.
"People need to know that a throwaway remark at school will stab certain members of the class in the heart."
Feehily joins Sir Ian MCKellan, The Feeling star Dan Gillespie Sells, and Dannii Minogue in backing the nationwide campaign.



 

 

Pictures of Westlife

At 'This Is It' Michael

Jackson Premiere

 

 

 

 

Westlife call off big bash to jet away for Robbie's Soccer Aid


April 06 2010

Westlife have been forced to cancel the after-party they had planned to throw for their much anticipated Where We Are concert at Croke Park next June.

The pop foursome were due to host a bash for friends and family after what promises to be one of their biggest gigs ever.

However the Herald has learned the band will instead be hopping on a plane to Manchester to take part in Robbie Williams' World Cup Soccer Aid special the next day.

The boys will line out at Manchester United's Old Trafford alongside a number of celebrities on June 6 to take on a team of football heroes including Alan Shearer and Jamie Redknapp.

Robbie, who has been organising the event for four years, said he chose the date as it falls just five days before the World Cup kicks off in South Africa. A source close to the group said: "The boys were disappointed when they heard that the two dates were falling so close together.

"After a big gig like that in their home country and in front of their Irish fans, they would generally have had a few drinks to relax, but this time they'll be sticking to water so that they're on top of their game the next day.

"Nicky, in particular, would take it all very seriously and wouldn't want to let his teammates down when he gets out onto the pitch."

The dad of two (31) is a former professional football player, who was signed to Leeds United for two years as a goalkeeper, before he returned to Dublin and forged a pop career.

He and his bandmates will join celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, comedian James Corden and cricket player Brian Lara for the match.

 

 

Not even torrential rain could keep Westlife 22,000 screaming fans away as they played to a packed stadium.

The Irish pop group sang a collection of their hits, including Flying Without Wings and Fool Again at the July Racecourse in Newmarket.

With four costume changes, and their trademark bar stools, the band kept up the tempo with a rendition of I have a Feeling by group, The Black Eyed peas.

A spokeswoman for the racecourse said: It was a complete sell-out and fantastic concert.

The guys talked to the crowd and sang a mix of their old and new songs and the crowd went wild.

November 19 2009
Westlife dedicated their performance at the Childline concert to Stephen Gately.

 


WESTLIFE paid an emotional tribute to fellow boyband star Stephen Gately dedicating their headline show to his memory at the Cheerios Childline concert at Dublin's 02 arena last night.

The Irish popstars gave a riveting performance at their first homecoming gig since playing to 82,000 adoring fans at Croke Park last summer and helped raise €400,000 for the Irish children's charity.

And for disappointed fans who couldn't get tickets to see last night's sold-out show, the band revealed they were in talks for another gig here next summer.

 

 

 

L-R Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily Shane Filan and Kian Egan of Westlife arrive for the 'Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Of The Year Awards 2010' at Banqueting House on November 2, 2010 in London, England.

MCFADDEN WILL NEVER REJOIN WESTLIFEIrish pop stars WESTLIFE have dashed rumours former bandmate BRIAN MCFADDEN is planning to rejoin the group.
MCFadden quit Westlife in 2004 to pursue a solo career. When that failed, he moved to Australia with fiancee Delta Goodrem and embarked on a career as a TV and radio personality.
It was recently rumoured he may rejoin his former bandmates - but Westlife singer Kian Egan insists the door is closed on a reunion.
He tells Angry Ape, "No. He doesn't live in this country and he's not in the music industry anymore. He has a new life in Australia. We're all still very good friends, but he left Westlife for a reason."

LOUIS WALSH AWARDED MAYOR PERSON OF THE YEAR IN DUBLIN 2009

Shane Filan with his wife Gilian Filan and Nicky Byrne with his wife Georgina Byrne. Louis Walsh is awarded Mayor Person of the Year 2009 at the Citywest Hotel - Dublin, Ireland - 13.02.09

 

 

Kian Egan leaving his car, carrying his dog - Dublin, Ireland - 29.01.09

 

 

Mark Feehily has revealed that Kian Egan can be violent when drunk.

The Westlife singer, who is in the Irish boyband with Egan, Shane Filan and Nicky Byrne, said that Egan once bit his ear.

Feehily told Jonathan Ross on his chatshow: "[Kian] bites everybody - he bit my ear and nearly took the lobe off."

Talking about when bandmate Brian McFadden left the group in 2004, Feehily said: "When Brian left, we... thought we'd slowly fall apart."

Byrne added: "Managing to survive brought us closer together

 

• Reeds gemeld
   

   
   
  
  
  
  Westlife member Nicky Byrne devastated as his dad dies suddenly aged 4/11/2009
  
  
  Westlife star Nicky Byrne was devastated last night after his father collapsed and died of a heart attack.
  
  The singer broke down in tears when he discovered his beloved dad - also named Nicky - died suddenly at home in Swords, near Dublin.
  
  His wife Yvonne called medics but it was too late to save the 60-year-old.
  
  Pop hunk Nicky, 31, called his dad his 'best friend in the world' and the pair set up a karaoke business together before he hit the big time.
  
  Last night a friend said: "Nicky is distraught. It's a huge shock. He and his dad were very close."
  
  Nicky's band mates arrived at their home to express their sympathies. Westlife has cancelled a regional radio tour planned for this week.
  
  

   

  Westlife Video Shooting in Iceland
  
  

   

   

   

   

KIAN EGAN 2013

HIS son Koa might be only 13-months-old but doting dad Kian Egan is already planning baby number two.

our son, is 13-months-old now," said the 32-year-old former Westlife star.

"He's a perfect baby, but I'm sure our second one is going to make up for it. We'll probably wait until Koa is two or three before we try for another."

The Voice judge said the birth of his son had a profound effect on him and his wife Jodi.

"Koa was a great newborn. He'd wake up smiling; have a feed, then go back to sleep.

"We've been through a lot. I lost my dad before Koa was born, and Jodi's mum has been battling cancer for the last year but she's doing quite well now.

"When you have a child your perspective changes. All the stuff we worry about, you realise this is what matters – being there for that child, guiding his personality in the right direction." And former Hollyoaks actress Jodi Albert (29) says she feels an automatic bond with mums.

"I think the best thing that has happened to me since having a baby is the connection I actually feel with other mums who have been through the same thing," she wrote on her blog.

"I am never stuck for conversation with other mums. I talk about stretch marks, that my boobs are dropping a little bit and I can chat about it all day".

Kian married Jodi in Barbados in 2009. And Kian says he will never forget their Big Day.

"I was flabbergasted to see my fiancee walk up the aisle. I remember being gobsmacked, getting that butterfly feeling in my stomach and thinking 'Oh My God, this is real. This is it."

The new series of The Voice of Ireland
a new coach Jamelia joining returning coaches Bressie, Sharon Corr and Kian Egan for the first of this season's 'blind' auditions, where the coaches can hear, but cannot see, the hopefuls.

KIAN EGAN

Not content with TV stardom former Westlife star Kian Egan apparently now has his sights set on a solo career. Following the news that former band-mates Mark and Shane have penned solo deals of their own it now seems Kian wants a bit of the action. The singer is said to already have a few tracks in the bag which he has produced with boyband McFly and his Voice of Ireland co-star Bressie. But Kian, who is planning on shopping the tracks to various record companies, isn't putting all his eggs in one basket. Egan is still keeping up with his TV work making regular appearances on This Morning as a presenter. The star is also said to be shooting a documentary for ITV about US music but has denied that he and former Wonderland star wife Jodie Albert are filming their own reality TV show. Rumours were rife that he and Jodie were to begin shooting a 'fly on the wall' style show but Egan insists that allowing camera's into their everyday life with his wife and baby son Koa is not something he is keen on. I can't say I'm not a little disappointed, who wouldn't love a peek at the lives of the rich and famous.

2013









Westlife singer Kian Egan has told of how he's enjoying living a "normal life" since the band retired.

The Voice' coach has embarked on a presenting career since the popular music group hung up their microphones last summer.

Egan splits his time between Ireland and the UK with wife Jodi Albert and their son, Koa, who celebrated his first birthday on December 20.

The father of one told the Irish Independent that he's adapting well without the band and can't wait to embrace more of life's simple pleasures, like making a cup of tea and putting his son to bed at night.

"Life is at a nice pace now. I'm not travelling as much and I'm getting to spend more time with Koa and Jodi, which is amazing," he said.

"But I'm still working hard. It's a shift in life, but feels good. I'm looking forward to settling down that little bit more again and having a normal life because since I was 17, before Westlife, I haven't had that.

"I want to wake up at home every day and spend time with my family."

After a successful stint on 'The Xtra Factor' and ITV's 'This Morning', Egan has been taking on more work in TV.

In what may be his biggest project yet, the 33-year-old was in the US with an ITV crew in December to film a programme which explores American music of the south.

He also admitted that he and wife Jodi would love to have more children in the future.

"Fatherhood is amazing. It surpasses anything else you've ever done," he said.

"We definitely do want more kids down the line, as we wouldn't want Koa to be an only child -- but not yet."

A SECOND Westlife star has run into house problems.


KIAN Egan will have to take down a timber fence from around his Sligo home after falling foul of planners.

But unlike bankrupt Shane Filan, who cannot get any offers for his mansion even at the knockdown price of €999,000, Kian and his wife, Jodi Albert, have simply been ordered by to take down a timber extension to the boundary stone wall.

The couple said they wanted the fencing for two years until landscaping and foliage matured to hide their home from the road, but Sligo County Council has refused their application

The luxury home is just half a mile from a beach where Kian indulges his passion for surfing.

The home's impressive kitchen was custom-made and features Asian fretwork door with distressed antique mirrors.

In the past three years, the couple have extended and modified the five-bedroom house at Carrowdough, Strandhill, building into the attic and fitting out a music and entertainment room. They've doubled the bungalow's size to 5,231sq ft.

Antique

Kian is a judge in RTE's The Voice of Ireland and Jodi starred in the Channel 4 series Hollyoaks in her native England before settling in Sligo.

The couple married in Barbados in May 2009 and their first baby, Koa, was born on December 20, 2011.

The couple named their son after the Hawaiian koa tree. "Some of the best surfboards are made from its wood, so when Koa was born it just suited him," says Kian.

Westlife star Kian Egan is enjoying living a normal life and spending time with his nearest and dearest since the boys disbanded last summer (12).

The hunky singer has now tried his hand at TV presenting, becoming a judge on the Irish version of hit talent show The Voice alongside The Corrs stunner Sharon Corr and sultry songstress Jamelia.

Kian splits his time between Ireland and the U.K. with his wife, former Hollyoaks star Jodi Albert, and their gorgeous son Koa, who celebrated his first birthday on 20 December last year (12).

Since Westlife hung up their microphones, the star admits he is embracing life's simple pleasures and is looking forward to having more kids in the future.

He tells the Irish Independent newspaper, 'Life is at a nice pace now. I'm not travelling as much and I'm getting to spend more time with Koa and Jodi, which is amazing. But I'm still working hard. It's a shift in life, but feels good. I'm looking forward to settling down that little bit more again and having a normal life because since I was 17, before Westlife, I haven't had that.

'I want to wake up at home every day and spend time with my family. Fatherhood is amazing. It surpasses anything else you've ever done. We definitely do want more kids down the line, as we wouldn't want Koa to be an only child - but not yet.'

 

 

 

 

'VOICE of Ireland' judge Kian Egan has been ordered to take down a 'privacy' fence which he erected around his country mansion.

The Westlife star and his wife, Jodi Albert, put up the wooden fence on top of a stone wall around their Strandhill, Co Sligo, home and then applied to Sligo County Council for planning permission on February 1.

Despite no listed objections to the fence being lodged, the council has refused the singer and his actress wife permission to retain the fence around the perimeter of their home.

No reason was given for the refusal of planning retention for the fence.

The couple must now decide either to appeal or be obliged to take down the fence as soon as possible.

In their application, which cost €102 to lodge, the couple claimed the fence was only to be in place for two years, to give shrubbery time to mature and develop as a natural screen.

"The fence provides protection to the landscaping as well as providing security," the application stated.

The house is located on the outskirts of the popular tourist and surfer town of Strandhill.

Over the past six years, the couple have lodged four separate applications for planning permission, as they constructed their large home on the site of a former house and constructed a gateway and access route to the house.

The celebrity status of the couple frequently draws fans to the perimeter of the largely stone dwelling, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Westlife crooner or his 'Hollyoaks' actress wife.

One local said he was surprised that the council refused permission for the temporary wooden fence.

"It's not exactly an eyesore and nobody has ever really passed any remarks on it," he said

"Kian and Jodi keep themselves to themselves and never cause anybody any real bother,"he added.

THEY may have survived the gruelling battle rounds, but Kian Egan has sent out a warning to the contestants on this year’s series of ‘The Voice’ – as every judge will be forced to cut their teams by a third in the first two weeks of live shows.

The former Westlife singer was speaking to Ryan Tubridy when he revealed the shake-up to this year’s live shows.

“We will all have three contestants for the first week, the audience will put one through and it will be down to us to decide who stays”, he said.

“That will happen again the following week. For the first two weeks we lose a contestant each — people are going to go home very fast."

The Sligo native said the changes were made to keep the show fresh and different from other talent show rivals.

“Last year it kind of felt like we got into the live show and it was just another live show with the contestant coming out on-stage.

“It was pretty generic and became very similar to all the other shows on TV, but now we are going to get to see the real talent really standing up.”

The talent show has been a ratings smash for RTE, regularly pulling in just shy of a million viewers every Sunday night.

 

 

 

 

POP hunk Kian Egan has admitted the reality of Westlife’s break-up still hasn’t hit him yet.
The band went their separate ways last summer following a sell-out Farewell Tour.

But the singer, 32, has revealed how the finality of the split hasn’t sunk in — because he’s busy working on The Voice of Ireland.

He said: “Ask me a year or six months from now and I’ll feel a lot different about it.

“But whenever I do feel nostalgic, I remind myself we had 14 amazing years together.”

Here we go again!

(3:20) Westlife, Nicky

   

 

Nicky
Naam voluit Nicholas Bernard James Adam Byrne
Geboortedatum 9 oktober 1978
Kleur ogen blauw
Kleur haar Blond
Lengte 1,76
Broers en zussen 1 zus en 1 broertje
Woonplaats Dublin
Instrument leert piano
Vorige Baantjes Keeper bij Leed utd
Favo - Film Armageddon
- Actrice Cameron Diaz
- Acteur Brad Pitt
- Boek ?? (Tell me!!)
- Kleding Designer Gucci
- Westlife nummer Moments
- Ballad Against all odds
Slechtste WL songtekst?

I have a dream...a song to sing..."

en de zin: "We had joy we had fun.."
Kenmerken Litteken op elleboog
Huisdieren? geen
Favo - "catch" phrase ??
- Lichaamsdeel (zelf) ogen
- Lichaamsdeel vrouw ogen
- Kleur blauw/wit



Nicky: Liam is obnoxious
2007
Nicky would never want to be Liam,

it seems Westlife's Nicky Byrne has apparently

revealed that whilst he loves Oasis

he would never want to swap places with Liam Gallagher.

The Westlife singer has confessed he finds the frontman

"obnoxious" -

and was shocked when he met him for the first time.

"I love Oasis, they are proper musicians

and songwriters and I'm a fan of their music,"

he told The Sun.

"But I'd never want to be Liam -

I could never be as obnoxious as him and

I couldn't lead his lifestyle.

"I met him once.

We'd only just started out and we

assumed all pop and rock stars

would be nice to each other.

We were naive.

"We were at the opening

of a Tommy Hilfiger store in London and we saw Liam and said, 'We're from Westlife, Ronan Keating's new band'.

"He looked at us, and just went,

'F*** off'.

Nowadays I'd probably give something back but I was just left speechless."

Nicky wins award

The Peter Marks VIP Style Awards were

held at the Shelbourne hotel last weekend,

and Nicky won for Most Stylish Man.

Afterwards, star studded after party

held at popular Harcourt Street venue Krystle nightclub.

Nicky and Georgina were among the partiers,

 

 SHANE

Nicky is a top guy, and the person I talk to the most. We have a similar personality, the same taste in cars and girls. If I meet a girl, and I've been out with her a few times, I'll always ask Nicky for his opinion. He's good at spotting girls for me too. Both of us like very sexy girls with long legs and high heels, and when we're out he'll say "Shane you'll like her over there" and I won't notice her. Or he'll be sitting at the bar chatting to a girl and shout "Come over here Shane, there is someone you should meet" He's nearly always right - he's matched me up with a girl a few times! Nicky is definitely the most daring when it comes to fashion. He brought a £1.500 pair ofsky blue leather trousers recently, and he always wears these stupid, lucky irish green socks. He's got about ten pairs, all covered in shamrocks. Nicky's a great guy. We're always planning stuff together - we'd love to open a restaurant or club together. I can talk to Nicky about anything - he really listerns and gives me proper advice. He's like an older brother, and I look up to him an awful lot. He loves to shop just as much as I do, we're the same taste in clothes.

MARK

Nicky's the romantic one of us all. He was once away for Valentine's Day and he and his girlfriend Georgina were bitterly disappointed that they weren't going to see each other. He never said anything to her, but he flew back to Ireland and when she was in the shower he sneaked into her house and went up to her bedroom and filled it with balloons. So when she came back into the room all upset that she wasn't going to see her boyfriend, there he was lying on the bed with a box of chocolates! It's one of the most romantic things I've ever heard of and I've always wished the story was about me and that I'd done it for a girlfriend of mine. Nicky is quite sensible and mature normally, but he's definitely got a wild streak and he changes the most in drink. When he's got a few beers in him he gets very brave. He'll come up and give you a punch on the jaw just to be friendly. He thinks he's being playful but it really hurts. I think out of all of us Nicky was meant to be famous. He missed out on playing football for Leeds United because they dropped him when he was 16. He was destined to be a star.
Nicky has become much more laid back in the recent months. He used to worry about everything, but he's much more chilled now. And he's very stylish. He loves clothes, and, even if the rest of us look like we've been dragged backwards through a hedge, Nicky keeps it together

KIAN

Nicky's got a lot of phobias. He gets scared in lifts and he doesn't like small spaces. We can't resist teasing him, we do it all the time. We'll get in a lift with him and jump up and down to make it move or pretend it's broken. He really freaks out and if the lift gets crowded, he starts pleading with people to get out. I'm just in tears laughing at him. He worries about mobile phones and bought an earpiece in case they give you cancer. He's frightened of flying and he's got all these strange superstitions. He insists on ringing every person he knows just before they get on a plane and again once they've landed.
Nicky's very committed to the band and feels strongly about things. He's very headstrong. If he makes a point and then realises he's wrong, he'll still argue that he's right. This week, we were discussing whether to do a new dance routine on a TV show next week. The rest of us thought we should wait because we didn't know it well enough, but he was determined that we go ahead. He kept saying: "We have to do it, we have to do it." I reckon Nicky's most likely to get married first. He's been with his girlfriend for six years. They really love each other and he's very lucky in that

Nicky on Cool FM

No new mum looks like this. It's all fake... admits Jodi Albert as she lashes celeb mothers who starve to lose their baby weight


Posing in sexy patterned stockings and the shortest of short tops, Jodi Albert looked as glamorous ? and as svelte ? as she ever had.
Amazingly, the glamorous shoot ? for the portfolio of an up-and-coming fashion photographer friend ? came less than three months after she gave birth to her first baby, son Koa.
The online reaction after she tweeted the pictures was phenomenal. Most responses were congratulatory but the undercurrent of envy and, occasionally, despair was impossible to miss. It is this undercurrent, perhaps, that has prompted the actress and singer into a guilty confession.
Family: Jodi Albert, with husband Kian Egan and baby son Koa
For today, Jodi reveals that the glamorous images were ?not real? ? and insists ?edited? pictures set a false standard that ordinary women cannot possibly live up to.
Those celebrities who really do lose weight instantly are ?barely eating? while exercising ?like lunatics?, Jodi says ? and setting an unhealthy and disheartening example.
In an exclusive interview with the Irish Mail on Sunday, the former Hollyoaks star says she is determined to tell other mothers that celebrities struggle with losing baby weight too and confesses the pictures of her were ?not reality?.
?I did a fashion photoshoot for a friend and basically she put the pictures on Twitter and they got a bit of a reaction,? she says. ?One of the papers picked up on it, saying that I was winning the fight against the baby bulge.
?But I don?t want women to get disheartened: the shoot was fun but it wasn?t reality. I don?t wake up every morning looking skinny. As someone who has always been honest, I felt like I really had to let them know that I am struggling. It is hard.?
Jodi, pictured shortly after giving birth, reveals that the glamorous images were 'not real' - and insists 'edited' pictures set a false standard that ordinary women cannot possibly live up to'
The 28-year-old wife of Westlife?s Kian Egan says another recent spread in OK! magazine also made her look unrealistically glamorous. Jodi is seen cuddling up to Kian and baby Koa ? and the new mother looks flawless.
She refuses to say which images are airbrushed ? and which are just cleverly lit or angled.
?Let?s say the photographer is very clever; he can change things and he knows what he?s doing,? she said.
?I appreciate that photography flatters sometimes because I have lots of lumps and bumps ? but at the same time, I want to be honest about it to women,? she adds.
The actress admits that she has been heavily airbrushed throughout most of her career, saying that she didn?t even recognise herself when she graced the cover of men?s magazine Maxim.
?Most of my pictures have been airbrushed. When I was in Hollyoaks, I didn?t even know what airbrushing was. I started doing these photo shoots for Maxim and I would look at myself and I would think, ?Oh, I look very different. Why do I look so weird??
?And it was because the photographer airbrushed the s*** out of me. I didn?t even recognise myself any more,? she says.
The performer ? who was also a member of now-defunct girl group Wonderland, co-managed by Voice mentor Kian ? was quick to point out that she is not like many other celebrity mothers. She said influential women like Victoria Beckham were starving themselves to lose their baby weight.

Mark Streap Tease

moonriver gezongen door mark.

MARK   feehily

mark- against all odds

Thats life 2007-12-07

Theyve clocked up 36 million record sales worldwide and only the Beatles and Elvis have had more number ones. This week, Westlife show why they are one of the worlds biggest pop acts when they celebrate eight years of chart success with a live show on ITV1.

Hosted by Holly Willoughby and featuring surprise guests, the show sees the band perform some of their 14 uk number ones, including the five classics that topped a fan poll on itv.com

The group has come along way since Irish schoolfriends Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, and Shane Filan first performed together in an amateur version of Grease. Signed by pop manager Louis Walsh,who recruited new members Nicky Byrne and Bryan Mcfadden, the boys secured a record deal with Simon Cowell and are still at the top today, despite the departure of Mcfadden, who quit the band and went solo in 2004,


MARK - LIFE AS I KNOW IT -
Mark, 27, is part of chart-topping band Westlife. His partner is former boyband singer Kevin McDaid.


If I could change anything about myself I' have a six-pack. I do go to the gym and I'm trying to get myself in shape, but I'm nowhere near there yet.

The most romantic thing anyone's ever done for me was when my partner, Kevin, got me a massive chocolate chip cookie with "Happy birthday" engraved on it. We were in California and he popped out to the local mall to get it made for me.

Not a lot of people know this, but I'm very good at tennis. When I was at school I played tournaments, but singing gave me even more of a buzz so I gave up sport for rock'n'roll.

To wake myself up I finish my shower with a blast of cold water. That always does the trick.

Last thing at night I always wet my hair to get rid of all the products in it.

When I have time to myself I write songs, but they're for myself rather than for the band.

When I'm feeling down I have to get out and about. I'll go for a walk and head for somewhere busy, like the West End, to take my mind off things.

My best friend is Kevin, and also a lad back home in Ireland who I've known since I was at school.

My "happy place" is when I'm in a room full of friends having a few drinks, chatting and catching up.

The best thing my parents taught me is to have manners. One thing I can't stand is when people don't have the common courtesy to be nice to you.

If I can I always try to avoid confrontation. I've become better at it when I need to stand up for myself, but I'm usually laid back and don't get into arguments.

It's not good for my image but I like crepes with Nutella on them. They're not good for my image because they give me a big fat belly.

If I could pass any law I' stop certain taxes, like when you want to give your parents money and the taxman wants a big chunk of it.

The song I can never get out of my head is Mercy by Duffy. It's so catchy and she has a great voice.

I drive a Mini Cooper and also an Audi Q7 jeep.

If I could be anyone else I'd be Jim Carrey, just to see how he comes up with all those crazy comedy ideas.

My favourite love song is Nothing Compares 2 U, but the original Prince version. His vocals are amazing on it.

When I was a child I wanted to be either Jan-Michael Vincent from Airwolf or Lee Majors in The Six Million Dollar Man.

My biggest regret isI honestly don't have any. I've been very lucky in life and nothing bad has happened so far, touch wood.

My proudest moment was when I heard we'd sold out Croke Park in Dublin. We're playing there in June and the only bands who have sold out the place before us are huge acts like U2 and Bon Jovi.

The shop I can't walk past without buying something is the Vans in Covent Garden. The trainers are so cheap you can buy loads of them.' It's silly how many pairs I have around the house.

The most expensive thing I've ever splashed out on is two portraits of the performance artist Leigh Bowery. They cost me a lot of money but I know they'll be worth even more in the future.

I always laugh at South Park and Shameless, although the latter was better when it first started.

I know I'm having a bad hair day when I've let it grow a bit. Hairdressers say I have the weirdest hair - it goes all over the place and is very unmanageable - so I try to keep it short.

The best day of my life is impossible to say, I've had so many great days, but I remember having a barbecue in Ireland last summer, with all my friends and family around me, and that felt pretty wonderful.

My favourite restaurant is anywhere where they serve Japanese food, like Wagamama and Itsu.

The last film I saw was... The Simpsons Movie. I liked it even better than the IV show.

On my last holiday Kevin and I went to Amsterdam for a weekend recently. It was cold and crisp and it's such a beautiful city to walk around.

My last meal would be my mum's full-on Sunday roast, followed by the biggest lump of chocolate fudge cake imaginable.

by Claire O'Boyle, Daily Mirror 26/03/2011

After 12 years, Westlife are still one of the biggest boy bands around but as they're settling down and having kids you'd be forgiven for thinking it could all be coming to an end. Not if their fans have anything to do with it though...



On being heart throbs in their 30s and playing for crazy fans...

One of the most successful boy bands ever, Irish heartthrobs Westlife have been around for years.

They've had a drama or two along the way not to mention their fill of snotty critics but none of that matters with legions of die-hard fans.

With a cool 44million album sales and in the middle of their 11th tour across the UK and Ireland, the boys Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan and Shane Filan know who they're trying to please, and it certainly ain't their critics.

The fans are fantastic, grins Shane, 31. The banter we have with them from the stage is one of the best things about touring. Most have grown up with us, so you expect them to calm down as they get older.

But the older they get, the madder they are.

And it seems the fans don't care too much about the boys
wholesome image. Some of the banners we can see from the stage are hilarious, laughs Nicky, 32. You name it, they write it, and when you think it could be some woman in her 50s holding it up, it's so funny.

We even had the very subtle Ride me Shane!. They're hilarious. I picked the girl out of the crowd and said to her You don't f*** about do you sweetheart?
Brilliant.

With so many millions of women convinced the lads are dreamboats, do their own other halves swoon every time they see them?

Hardly! laughs Nicky, who is married to Georgina Ahern, daughter of the former Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

She sees me first thing in the morning and last thing at night, warts and all. The whole swooning thing would end very quickly if people saw what I'm really like!

On temptation on tour and staying out of trouble...

With each of the guys in a solid relationship Nicky with wife Georgina, Shane with wife Gillian, Kian with actress wife Jodi Albert and Mark engaged to partner Kevin McDaid how do they manage to keep themselves on the straight and narrow when they're off working for weeks at a time?

Well for a start, our other halves are on tour with us a lot of the time! laughs Mark, 30. That takes away some of the temptation! But even without that, you just got to trust each other.

Unfortunately people falter from time to time, but that's life. Even if someone goes off to work in the morning and comes back at 6pm, you still don't know for sure.

After the spate of stars caught out cheating last year including fellow boy band stars Ronan Keating and Mark Owen do the lads feel more on their guard?

Life's hard enough without constantly worrying about keeping out of trouble, says Nicky. I think if you really love your other half you be alright and you do your best. But these things are just human error too.

On feeling homesick and balancing fame with family life...

As much as the guys love life on the road and their sell-out arena gigs, they admit being away from home for weeks on end can be tough.



When you're starting out in a band, the tour part is what you dream of, says Kian, 30. it's always been one of the best bits. But after a while it's hard getting up every morning when you're not in your own bed.

You want to be able to make your own cup of tea and a slice of toast, but you're in a hotel, living out of a suitcase. People think it's all glitz but sometimes you want to be at home!

Dad-of-three Shane agrees. In fact, he's managed to arrange work (and a private plane) so he can fly home a couple of days a week to see his family.

Touring the UK is totally do-able now with the family, he says. Around the world over the years has been more difficult, but now I get home for a night here and there in the week.

For now, Nicky's managing because his three-year-old twin boys Rocco and Jay can still join him on tour. This will probably be the last time before they start big school, he says. It's amazing having them there, and last year they came up on stage. But being a dad has given me a different outlook we're not kids anymore. You know it's not just a laugh, you got a proper goal and your family's on your mind the whole time.

On fatherhood and following in Elton John's footsteps...

With two of his bandmates already doting dads, Mark, who came out in the Daily Mirror in 2005, says he would love to become a father one day.

Becoming a father is one of the biggest things you could ever do, he says. I love to think I'll be in a place one day to have a kid, 100%. I;m not saying I'm planning to have kids right now, but they'll definitely be part of my life.

It's always something I've been sure of since I was 14 or 15. Even knowing I was gay and before I came out I knew I love to be a father. You know the way you think things like When I have a kid, I'll tell them this, or take them there, or whatever.

And after Elton John and David Furnish had their son Zachary with a surrogate mother last year, has Mark given any thought to how he like to do it?

I would take some serious time to look into all the options, he says. Everybody's got their own circumstances, so there's no simple answer about what's going to be right for you or the kid.

I like to think I'd be a good dad. It's the dream for me that surpasses everything else, to nurture and bring up a kid and try and teach them all the right things.

But before all that, Mark and fiance Kevin have to tie the knot. We're not one of those wham bam couples that need to rush into everything, says Mark. We're best friends and we live together and we're going to get married soon. I can't wait but we haven't finalised the date.

On controversial old friends, and what's to become of Westlife...

For years the biggest boy band around, Westlife were scuppered a bit by Take That's phenomenal comeback, and then again by their reunion with Robbie Williams last year.

But would Westlife think about welcoming old bandmate Brian McFadden back into the fold?

I don't see Brian ever coming back, says Kian. He left because he was unhappy, so why would he come back? He didn't like what we do.

To be honest, our relationship is much better now he's away from Westlife. He's just difficult at times. He might decide one day to not turn up at the studio or not come to a meeting and it was hard. Brian's not a bad person, there's not a bad bone in his body, but he's hard work.

Some of the others are a little more forgiving. Whatever happened it wouldn't have the same impact as Take That and Robbie anyway, says Nicky. We didn't have a huge fall out like they did, Brian didn't go off the rails, into rehab, and become the biggest pop star on the planet. We didn't break up for years before the biggest comeback in history.

But I love to get Brian back in the studio. The other lads will probably kill me for saying it, but I genuinely believe it's an option down the line.

We had an amazing 12 years, and if you told me 10 years ago we still be doing tours and selling out arenas I wouldn't have believed you. We have to thank our lucky stars but I don't think we'll be around in another 12 if I'm honest. Not at this pace anyway.

CHERYL Cole had to apologise to Westlife Mark Feehily after insulting his band in a row with their manager Louis Walsh.



On Saturday Cheryl urged band JLS not to become like Westlife not knowing Mark was in the studio watching.

Louis, 56, shot back: Westlife have had more hits than you.

A source said: Louis took Mark to Cheryl dressing room and made her apologise. She was embarrassed and looked like she wanted the ground to swallow her.

Nicky's Surprise birthday gift to dad
05 Jan 2009 by Villy


Westlife star Nicky Byrne managed to reduce his dad to tears at the weekend, when he surprised him with a Harley Davidson motorbike.

The popstar and his family threw a huge bash to celebrate dad Nicky Snrs 60th birthday in the Regency Hotel in Dublins Whitehall on Saturday night.

More than 200 friends and family were there to see Nicky blindfold his dad before revealing the extravagant gift. Bike lover Nicky Snr a well known musician and singer on the cabaret scene dissolved into tears of joy at the sight of the dream bike.

"This is the ultimate motorbike for anyone that knows their bikes" said a source "It was the last thing he expected."

Nicky's dad was also thrilled by live performances by stars such as Sonny Knowels and Aslan at the belated bash.

He actually turned 60 at the beginning of December but Nicky and wife Georgina were away at the time so they held it at the weekend instead.

The bowled over dad was surrounded by other family including wife Yvonne, daughter Gillian and younger son Adam.

Source: Irish Star

Thursday October 08 2009

She boasts a bulging designer wardrobe most fashionistas would kill for, but not even red-carpet regular Georgina Ahern knew what to wear to the biggest VIP bash of the year.

The Dublin mum-of-two has revealed her famous hubbie Nicky Byrne came to her rescue when she faced the inevitable crisis of choosing the perfect ensemble for Simon Cowell's A-list birthday party.

The Westlife crooner narrowly saved his wife of six years from experiencing a Cinderella-like fashion disaster by hitting the shops to buy her a dress just two hours before the bash kicked off.

Gorgeous Georgina wowed onlookers at the X Factor judge's star-studded 50th birthday party by stepping out in a jewel-embellished silver dress, which was a last-minute present from Nicky.

A friend of the couple, who are parents to two-year-old twins Rocco and Jay, told the Herald: "Nicky picked it up for her in a boutique in London about two hours before the party."

The short-sleeved designer frock is certain to have set the chart-topping star back a few bob, given that world-famous glamazons Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Cheryl Cole were just some of the other couture lovers contending for the unofficial title of best-dressed guest at the lavish event.

Georgina kept her long hair and diamond accessories simple and understated to let the glitzy frock stand out.

Westlife manager Louis Walsh claimed the group "stole the show" after performing at the party.

But it wasn't all work as the friend revealed the band, who were all accompanied by their wives and partners, had a great time.

"They had a really great time and Westlife performed two songs at the party," she added.

Georgina, who has not yet returned from Britain since last Saturday's party, is believed to have had a different ensemble ready for the event, but it seems she couldn't resist wearing the unexpected eye-catching gift from her husband.

The friend hinted it's not the first time Nicky has bagged his wife some crowd-pleasing clobber, so perhaps he deserves the credit for her fashionista status.

"He has good taste; he always has," the friend added.

Meanwhile, Georgina and Nicky are still recovering from the party by enjoying some downtime in Britain.

The friend said: "They are still over there because Westlife are doing a few bits and pieces in the studio."

29th October 2009

Westlife are hoping to catch the World Cup while touring


WESTLIFE are aiming to combine their love of football with touring next summer.



The Irish heart-throbs hope a visit to the World Cup will be on the cards during their six-month road trip.


We will tour more next year and go places we haven't been much like South Africa said Shane Filan, 30.


That way we can cheer on Ireland at the World Cup.


But that's only if the Irish beat France to qualify.



Kian Egan, 29, added: We play better against good teams so I'm sure we get through.

Westlife Debut Music Video for Single 'Safe'
November 2010

While Kian Egan comes to Mark Feehily's rescue, Shane Fillan and Nicky Byrne save women from getting beaten and committing suicide.

Westlife save people in a music video. Shane Fillan stands up for a woman when her boyfriend is about to lay a hand on her, Nicky Byrne prevents another female from jumping off the rooftop, and Kian Egan helps Mark Feehily in a car accident.

"There's a bit of acting for us to be doing and we're getting involved in all different scenes," Shane said in an interview with OK! Magazine. "We're kind of flipping the word safe and making it 'unsafe' - trying to stop people from being 'unsafe.' We're the heroes - although we don't have cloaks (laughs). It's real life stories put into a video."

All the scenes in the "Safe" music video, including the car accident, were done without any stuntman. "It was the most fun we have had shooting a video," Mark shared to the Daily Star. "We wanted to do the stunts ourselves and management let us."

The song is taken from the boyband's new album "Gravity" which is due November 23 in the United States.

Kian Egan - Kian Egan And Jodi Albert Want Baby Daughter
20 March 2012 11:00:11 AM


Kian Egan And Jodi Albert Want Baby Daughter


Kian Egan and Jodi Albert want a little girl to complete their family following the birth of son Koa in December.



The Westlife singer and the former 'Hollyoaks' actress are closer than ever following the birth of their son Koa in December and would love to give him a sister in the future.

Kian said: ''A little girl would melt my heart now but every man likes the idea of having a little boy. I'm looking forward to taking him surfing, golfing - he's going to be an outdoorsy little dude. But we do want a little girl, hopefully next time.

''I think no matter how many boys we have, we'll keep going until we have a girl too!''

Jodi added to OK! magazine: ''Kian has said he wants four children but I don't know about that. If he's putting the pressure of four on me, I'm going to put the pressure of a girl on him. I've got my little boy. I want girl next but not any time soon.''

Kian also revealed Westlife manager Louis Walsh - who doesn't have any kids of his own - has surprised him by his interest in the baby.

He said: ''Louis hasn't seen the baby yet but he does continuously ask about him, which is so sweet. Louis doesn't strike you as the type of person to talk about children much, yet he's asking loads about Koa. Maybe he's getting soft in his old age.''

Kian is preparing for Westlife's final tour and admitted he and Jodi are looking forward to taking some time off to travel the world with Koa.

He said: ''Jodi and I would like to get back to the sunshine and spend some time travelling and living a lifestyle that we haven't lived in a few years. We'd love Koa to see the world, having a baby really puts things into perspective.''

LUXURY Kian and Jodi?s Sligo home is designed around surfing themes

THIS is the beautiful new seaside pad of Voice of Ireland judge Kian Egan. The Westlife star's luxurious bungalow in surfing town, Strandhill, Co. Sligo boasts stunning views of the surrounding sea and mountains. It is located in a scenic spot at the foot of Knocknarea Mountain, yet can be clearly seen from the main road.
Kian (31) who previously owned a modest dwelling in the same area, recently moved into this spectacular house with his beautiful wife Jodi Albert (28) and their three-month old baby boy, Koa. The five-bedroom love-nest is modest in size compared to band mate Shane Filan's ?1.5m two-story country mansion nearby in Carraroe.


Despite their massive wealth, Kian and Jodi, who wed in Barbados in 2009 and also have a property in London, decided to opt for a singlestorey residence that blends in with the local landscape. Kian, who is currently battling it out on The Voice Of Ireland, revealed recently that his new dream home took four years for the couple to design, and they are delighted to have finally moved in.
"It's a big house with lots of small rooms," Jodi explains. "I'm not from a wealthy background, so I didn't want the rooms to be too big."
The home's décor reflects Kian's love of surfing. It is open-plan, with lots of imported Indonesian furniture, while huge windows provide plenty of light. Friends say they wanted to create a laid-back, chillout zone to unwind in. The impressive kitchen was custom-made and features Asian fretwork doors with distressed antique mirrors. Kian said that becoming parents had brought the happy couple closer
together.
"We've never argued much, but the things we used to argue about before are out the window now. We have a good routine going on and we're just so much in love."
Doting mum Jodi said: "When you have a baby it goes to a whole new level. I didn't think I could love Kian any more, but I do.."
The couple named their son, Koa, after the Hawaiian Koa Tree. "Some of the best surfboards are made from its wood, so when Koa was born it just suited him and our little vibe as a family" says Kian.
"Koa means bold, brave and fearless. Koa's a chilled out little dude, we're very lucky," said Jodi.
But Kian also reveals that there is an element of sadness after the group he co-managed with Louis Walsh,Wonderland, which featured Jodi, was disbanded after it flopped. "My heart was broken at the end of Wonderland," he admits.
"I gave my heart and soul to that band and put in a huge amount of my own finances, time and effort. It became quite thankless in the end."
Conor McTernan

Nicky Say's.


I never thought that west life play two nights at Lansdowne road to 80,000 people.
My favourite west life moment was meeting the pope and our dads performing on our T.V show she's the one.
The other's would say that I'm the longest in the shower.
My favourite west life track is world of our own.
My favourite west life video is world of our own
When I m not working I like to spend time with my wife and walk our little pups
My motto is smile, enjoy life, live every day like its your last.
I would describe myself as thoughtful, reliable and trustworthy.
The phase I often use is Le Gra( With Love in Irish).

 

Nicky Byrne insists Mary Byrne is NOT his aunt



Nicky Byrne set the cat among the pigeons earlier this month, when he claimed on Twitter that X Factor finalist Mary Byrne was actually his aunt.

The Westlife singer tried to retract the joke soon after but has admitted that many fans, followers and journalists swallowed the story hook, line and sinker.

He told BANG Showbiz: I was watching X Factor
the first live show I think and I was tweeting.
I just put something like Good luck to my auntie Mary, she's my favourite auntie,%u2019 in a p**stake, sarcastic kind of way.



I did see a lot of feedback coming back, not your average person who replies but I was getting journalists coming back to me going No way, is this true?
So I was looking at all of this going Oh f**k, this isn't good, I better fix it!

His manager and Mary's X Factor mentor Louis Walsh was dragged into the furore, when journalists started interrogating him about the story.

He said: I actually tweeted no just for the record she's not my auntie,
but that didn't seem to do the job.
Then Louis called me the next day to ask what was going on. He actually forwarded me a text from a journalist saying
If this is true and you haven't told us before Louis, we need to f**king know about it.

Needless to say Nicky and Mary are NOT related as far as he knows
but he isn't ruling the possibility out altogether.

He said: She f**king could be if you look back down the bloodline, she's from Dublin, she's from Ballyfermot, my dad's from Cabra, which is not far away.

 

Mark Feehily's Jet Ski Drama


Irish singer Mark Feehily was once stranded in the middle of a lake for two terrifying hours after his jet ski malfunctioned.

The Westlife star often takes to the water for fun trips with friends, but one journey turned into a nightmare after a rope got "stuck" and jammed the engine of his vehicle.

Feehily was left stranded away from the shore until his father contacted a local search team - and the singer has commended the work of his rescuers.

He tells Britain's The One Show, "I have (been rescued). I have a jet ski and sometimes I take it out on a lake. We kind of have one of those inflatable things - other people sit on it and pull it and it's a lot of fun, but the rope for that got stuck up in the engine in the jet ski and we ended up getting stranded for two and a half hours on the lake.

"It started to get dark and very worrying and very cold but luckily I brought my mobile phone with me. Everyone said, 'Don't bring it, it'll get wet!' Luckily I did because if I didn't I wouldn't have been able to call my dad and he went off and got somebody, a local search and rescue team. You don't appreciate it until something like that happens, you realise these people are just waiting (to help)."

In an interview with the Mirror Feehily, who came out in 2005, said: "Becoming a father is one of the biggest things you could ever do. I'd love to think I'll be in a place one day to have a kid, 100%. I'm not saying I'm planning to have kids right now, but they'll definitely be part of my life.


"It's always something I've been sure of since I was 14 or 15. Even knowing I was gay and before I came out I knew I'd love to be a father. You know the way you think things like 'When I have a kid, I'll tell them this, or take them there', or whatever."


Asked if he had given any thought to how the couple might become parents, Feehily replied: "I would take some serious time to look into all the options. Everybody's got their own circumstances, so there's no simple answer about what's going to be right for you or the kid.


"I'd like to think I'd be a good dad. It's the dream for me that surpasses everything else, to nurture and bring up a kid and try and teach them all the right things."


Asked about his other future plans with McDaid, Feehily replied: "We're best friends and we live together and we're going to get married soon. I can't wait but we haven't finalised the date."

 

What a cutie! Proud mum Jodi Albert posts adorable pictures of son Koa on her blog

..She gave birth six months ago and Jodi Albert is completely smitten with her gorgeous son.

The stunning former Hollyoaks actress and her Westlife singer spouse Kian Egan are the proud parents to baby Koa who could surely compete for title of cutest celebrity baby.
Jodi posted pictures on her blog of the six-month old cutie, entitled My Dude, and even the hardest of hearts would find it difficult not to coo over the tot.


What a cutie! Jodie Albert posted pictures of her and Kian Egan's gorgeous son Koa on her tumblr page
In the series of pictures, Koa, who has gorgeous dark blue eyes is decked out in a Little Man hat, red and navy striped top and eschews the traditional bib in favour of skull print bandana.
In one photograph he even wears an adorable pair of red sunglasses as he pouts into the camera.
He chews on his bottle in a series of the snaps and is cuddled by his adoring daddy in another as he breaks out into a huge smile.
Meanwhile, Jodi is preparing for a fun-filled weekend as Kian and Westlife prepare for their final concerts in Dublin’s Croke Park.


Time to say goodbye: Jodi is preparing to help her husband Kian Egan say goodbye to his time in Westlife this weekend
The boyband will bow out after an extraordinarily successful 15-year-career with a series of sold out shows in their native Ireland and Jodi is ready to help them party.
She posted a picture of herself on her blog with a glass of champagne and the caption ‘Oh yes the champers is coming out this weekend in FORCE BABY!!!!!’
It’s hard to believe it is only six months since she gave birth as even though Jodi is wearing an oversize sweater in the photo and a pair of ripped jeans, it is evident she has quickly regained her pre-pregnancy figure.


Jodi often posts pictures of her adorable son Koa on her blog
Jodi – who is happy to let Kian be the main breadwinner for now after her girl group Wonderland split up – loves reaching out to other mothers on her blog and comparing stories.
She said: ‘I think the best thing that has happened to me since having a baby is the connection I actually feel with other mums who have been through the same thing. I am never stuck for conversation with other mums.
‘I talk about stretch marks, that my boobs are dropping a little bit and I can chat and chat about it all day.


This weekend Jodi will help Kian say goodbye to his Westlife days as he and the band bow out after 15 years at the top

Mark feebly talking about bullying

and his involvement with ISPCC

and Blue Shield Campaign

Tuesday September 18 2012

LOUIS Walsh has revealed he hopes to see Westlife back on the stage - despite revelations by Nicky Byrne that the foursome fought like cats and dogs.

The 33-year-old singer, who is competing in Strictly Come Dancing, said after 14 years it was right for the band to go their separate ways.

"We battered each other, obviously not physically, but we argued like hell. Probably more so in the latter years," he said.

But Louis has revealed how he hopes fans haven't seen the last of Nicky, Shane Filan (33), Mark Feehily (32) and Kian Egan (32).

The X Factor judge said he reckons they will take to the stage again -- but in ten years time.

"I'm not looking for any band to replace Westlife because that's just not going to happen," he told the Herald.

"Hopefully in 10 years time they will be back touring."

Westlife with Coventry great, great grandmother Alice Byrne Coventry’s coolest great, great grandmother Alice Byrne - Boy George tweets about her on Twitter and Westlife mention her name on stage.

She is a 94-year-old rock ‘n’ roller who can be spotted backstage at top rock venues chatting away with celebrities.

The Coundon pensioner even told Westlife off when she met them backstage at their NEC LG concert last month.

She greatly amused the Irish pop stars by telling them she had missed her bingo to come to see them in concert and hoped it would be worth it.

Singer Mark Feehily later urged the NEC crowd to give Alice a loud cheer because she had sacrificed her weekly bingo session specially to see them.

The band also posed for photos with Alice backstage and her family reckons she was one of the oldest concert-goers at the arena.

But the music-loving pensioner is no stranger to meeting the rich and famous and loves her showbusiness jaunts.

The mother-of-three has nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild called Chloe.

Born in Dublin in 1918, she moved to Coventry with her family in the 1950s.

Her eldest great grandchild is Daniel Lismore arranges Alice’s A-list invites. 







He was described by Vogue as “London’s most outrageous dresser” and now holds some of London’s top party nights and is creative director of new fashion label Sorapol.

Patricia, one of Alice’s daughters, said: “Daniel loves his Nan and often invites her to join him for special nights.

In a recent interview, R-Patz was asked which boy band he’d rather be a member of — One Direction or Westlife!

Robert responded with:

“Westlife, definitely. Westlife are one of my favorite bands. I actually don’t know any songs that One Direction have done. I’ve just seen pictures of them.”


Westlife, definitely," answered Pattinson, adding, "Westlife are one of my favorite bands

Louis Walsh has accepted €500,000 (£404,000) in libel damages from the Sun after it published a false story claiming he had sexually assaulted a man in a Dublin night-spot.


Walsh, the X Factor judge and Westlife manager, sued Sun publisher News Group Newspapers (NGN) – part of News International – in the Irish high court, seeking aggravated and exemplary damages for the story published on 23 June 2011 with the headline "Louis probed over 'sex attack' on man in loo'". NGN will also pay Walsh's legal costs of €180,000.


The story originated from the Dublin-based Irish edition of the Sun, but was also published in the paper's main UK edition.


Unemployed dance teacher Leonard Watters was jailed for six months in July for wrongly accusing Walsh of groping him in the celebrity nightclub Krystle after a Westlife concert in April 2011.


Eoin McCullough, senior counsel for NGN, read a statement to the high court in Dublin on Wednesday morning apologising to Walsh.


"The Sun published an article in its editions of 23 June 2011, in which we reported that Louis Walsh was being investigated in relation to a sexual assault on Leonard Watters," he said.


"In fact, it transpired that Leonard Watters had made a false statement to [Irish police force] An Garda Siochána, and he has since been convicted in relation to this matter.


"The Sun fully accepts that the alleged assault did not occur in the first place and Louis Walsh is entirely innocent of any such assault.


"The Sun unreservedly apologises to Louis Walsh for any distress caused to him as a result of our article."


Walsh's lawyer, Paul Tweed, said: "This is a prime example of what we would look to see come out of Leveson. We are not trying to gag the press or stop investigations, but if there was a strong body that we could have rung before to get them to stop the story for 24 hours, we could have provided proof that Louis wasn't even in the place at the time and all this would have been avoided. They gave us just a few hours, they were determined to run it."


Speaking outside the high court in Dublin, Walsh said he was "relieved" it was all over, but added that he would never get over the traumatic experience.


"Nobody should write lies," he said. "No amount of pleading could stop them [from publishing]."


Walsh said he had told Gordon Smart, editor of the Sun's Bizarre showbiz column, the night before publication that the allegations he groped Watters were false.


"Gordon Smart called me and said 'you could be nicked for this'. I told him it was not true; it was totally totally not true, but they still ran the story," Walsh said. "It has been a very traumatic experience for me. I will never get over it."


In a statement read on the steps of Dublin's Four Courts, Walsh added: "I am very satisfied with this total vindication for me, but I remain very angry at the treatment at the hands of the Sun.


"I was absolutely gutted and traumatised that these allegations against me should have been published, particularly as I had made it clear at the time there was not one iota of truth in them, and was totally bewildered who would have made up this type of story."


He said although the perpetrator of the false allegation had been jailed, "this didn't stop the story going around world" because the Sun had published its story.


The story threatened to end Walsh's career as a manager of bands including Westlife and Boyzone, as well as his TV career as a judge on The X Factor.


"No amount of money will compensate for what I have gone through," he said. "This has had a terrible effect on me guys. It was all lies.

Westlife's Shane and Mark land solo record deals .Westlife's Shane and Mark land solo record deals


.The post-Westlife phase of their careers has well and truly begun for Shane Filan and Mark Feehily. It was only yesterday that we reported that Filan is considering making an assault on the Eurovision as a way to launch his solo career and hopes to release his first material early in the New Year. Meanwhile, his cohort Mark Feehily has signed a deal with Paul McCartney's manager, according to reports in today's The Sun.

Since Westlife's split after 14 years together, its members have been enjoying various forms of success - mostly in television. Nicky Byrne has appeared as a contestant on UK TV show Strictly Come Dancing, while Kian Egan was a guest on the Irish version of The Voice.

dec 2012
Westlife's Shane Filan has reportedly signed a record deal to kick-off his solo career.

The Sun said that the singer has been snapped up by London Records and is already working on a debut album, to be released next year.

His former bandmate Mark Feehily is also set to get his own deal, The Sun reported, after taking on Sir Paul McCartney's manager.

The Irish boyband split up this summer after 14 years together in which they notched up 14 number one singles and a string of hit albums.

Since then, Nicky Byrne waltzed onto Strictly Come Dancing but got booted off earlier this month and recently confessed he'd love to get into acting.

Kian Egan has done stints as a TV presenter on This Morning and The Xtra Factor and a coach on The Voice of Ireland.

THE wife of Strictly Come Dancing hunk Nicky Byrne has been keeping very close tabs on her husband. But not because Georgina, daughter of former Irish Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, is worried the Westlife star is getting too close to dance partner Karen Hauer.

Nicky, 34, laughed and said: “My wife is loving it and taking the mickey out of me.

“She says she constantly has to watch that my fake tan isn’t as dark as hers. When your wife is saying that you know you’ve got to be careful.”

Of course, Nicky is best known for massive-selling boyband Westlife, who called time after 14 years together in June.

During their time at the top, as well as 14 No 1 singles they also performed 27 sell-out shows at Wembley Arena in 10 years, shifting 250,000 tickets and making them the venue’s most successful pop band.

They sang one song at the venue for last year’s X Factor final and tonight Nicky is back – but this time he’s dancing.

And there’s no stools.

Laughing again, Nicky said: “Never say never. There’s been talk of using a Westlife song and incorporating one of them into a routine. I don’t think it’s a bad idea. I’m up for it.”

Kerry Katona thinks Sharon Osbourne should come back
WE like her style.

Kerry Katona says: Westlife star Kian Egan has said he’d love to be a judge on The X Factor, but only if Louis Walsh stays.


I can’t help thinking his former bandmate Mark Feehily would be better.


Vocally, Mark is more passionate. I love Louis, but he seems to say the same things: ‘You’re a great recording artist, you’ll get a record deal!’ I reckon Sharon Osbourne should come back, her and Louis are great together.

 

 

Carr: Westlife tricked me into getting drunk
Monday, November 19, 2012



Alan Carr once got so drunk with Westlife on 'Chatty Man' he had trouble reading the autocue.

The 36-year-old presenter usually enjoys a drink with his star-studded line-up of guests on the chat show but he felt as though he'd been on a heavy night out when he had the 'Flying Without Wings' band on the show once, as he tried to match their alcohol consumption but didn't realise they were only pretending to drink.

Carr - who is on the ninth series of the Channel 4 programme - said: "I didn't realise they were flinging their glasses behind the sofa. So I kept drinking, thinking: 'God, I know the Irish can drink, but my head's rotating'.

"When I got up, I saw it was knee-deep in shot glasses behind the settee.

"I find all alcohol moreish, so I was on my third glass and I couldn't read the autocue properly. By the time the third guest came on, I was up for a fight and a kebab!"

 

 

 

 

O2 CALLS FOR WESTLIFE GIG


O2 SMARTSOUNDS: Westlife
IT was recently announced that Westlife will make a return to The O2 this year, to headline a one-off gig, 'O2 SmartSounds'.
The four-piece will take to the stage on November 24 to play a live social media gig, specially created by O2 to coincide with the introduction of its new Smartphone offer.
From August 25, customers who buy or upgrade to a Smartphone at O2 retail stores nationwide can get two free tickets to see Westlife on November 24 at 'The O2', while tickets last.
Westlife's Kian Egan said, "O2 SmartSounds will be a very different gig, with fans being given unique opportunities throughout the night to interact with us. Keep an eye on www.O2.ie for more details."
Support act announcements will follow and up-and-coming Irish bands are being encouraged to keep an eye out for the launch of a Battle of the Bands competition, where O2 will offer one lucky band the chance to play on November 24.

A 1964 Aston Martin DB5 offered by singer Shane Filan, of the Irish pop band Westlife, sold for 348,000 pounds to a telephone bidder against a low valuation of 250,000 pounds. The car had undergone three years of restoration for Filan, having been found in dilapidated condition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, several years ago by the Aston specialist dealer Desmond J. Smail, said Bonhams.

Aston Restoration
“I think the seller probably made a profit,” said Knight. “You can renovate an Aston for less than 200,000 pounds and if you’re going to spend that kind of money restoring a car, you may as well do it with a DB5.”

An Aston Martin DB5 was the runaround of choice for James Bond in five movies, beginning with “Goldfinger” in 1964.

Living the Westlife Way
CONVERSATIONS With Ricky Lo The Philippine Star Updated September 18, 2011 The band is coming for a concert at the Araneta Coliseum on Sept. 29.

We know we can sing. That?s the easy part.?

That?s what Shane Filan said about Westlife, the boyband that helped pave the way for bands of the same genre, and that?s what they?ve been happily doing all these 14 years during which they sold over 44 million records worldwide, 14 of them No. 1 singles in the United Kingdom, making them the only artist with the most consecutive No. 1?s in the UK.

Minus Bryan McFadden who has gone solo, the remaining four Westlife guys ? that is, Shane, 32; Kian Egan, 31; Mark Feehily, 31; and Nicky Byrne, at 33 the oldest of the group ? are coming for a concert at the Araneta Coliseum next Thursday, Sept. 29, as part-promo for their latest album called Gravity, released locally by Sony Music.

?It?s a really good album,? said Nicky in an exclusive phone Conversation (again, the band agreed to talk only to one Philippine paper, The STAR). ?It?s one producer. It?s one sound. Maybe it?s taken us 14 years to get there. But it doesn?t matter. We?re here now.?

And here they will stay, well-entrenched on top and unchallenged by the emergence of other bands.

Before he became a Westlifer, Nicky played professional football and represented Ireland at several underage competitions. He?s married to Georgina Ahern, his childhood sweetheart and they have fraternal twin sons named Jay and Rocco, four years old. Except for Mark, the two other members are married, too, and have kids of their own.

Nicky (rightmost) with (from left) Kian, Shane and Mark. You and the other Westlife guys are coming to the Philippines for a concert on Sept. 29. Welcome back!

?We?re looking forward to it. You know, the Philippines has always been very welcoming to Westlife. Ever since we first went there in 1999, the people there have been so friendly to Westlife and I know that Westlife songs mean a lot to some people there.?

When you were here in 1999, you were new as a group.

?That?s right. We?ve been to the Philippines I think maybe four or five times for promo visits and we?ve done some concert visits. It?s a place that we do like to visit again and again. It?s been too long since we?ve been back, so we?re really looking forward to go back over there and to, you know, sing all our songs for the fans again. It should be very special.?

It has been 14 years since you were organized as a group. How has the Westlife music changed all these years, how did it evolve?

?I think that when you?re in a band like this and you enjoy doing it, you always try to improve the next album and make the songs better. At the same time, you don?t want to change too much because possibly one of the reasons why we?re still around is that we didn?t try and change our music. We?ve stuck to the formula and to what we know how to do best. People seem to like most of the pop songs that we make and that?s very important.?

What about you and the three other guys, how have you changed as persons all these years? I guess the way you look at life has changed a bit. Are you the same persons that you were 14 years ago?

Nicky Byrne. ?Well, we?ve certainly grown up. We are family men now. I?ve got children now. The way you look at life does change a little bit as you grow older. This is actually our 14th year, would you believe?I couldn?t believe that we?ve lasted this long.?

Wow, that?s a long time!

?Yeah, it has been a long time! And we?re enjoying every minute of it. We have a greatest-hits album this year and this is why we?re going to the Philippines to sing all the songs on it. We?re inviting all those people who used to be Westlife fans and who are still Westlife fans to come and enjoy the concert with us.?

Oh, I?m sure they will all be there.

?And, you know, something that is also very close to me about the Philippines is that I?m a big fan of Manny Pacquiao.?

Really!?!

?Oh yes, I am! I do a bit of boxing training. I heard that Manny likes to sing, so I hope that he will watch our concert if he?s around. I?m inviting him.?

What was your boxing training for?

?Oh, just for conditioning?just to keep fit.?

Right now (last week during the interview), he?s in the States promoting with Juan Manuel Marquez their return bout on Nov. 12 (Nov. 13 Manila Time) in Las Vegas. I?m sure he?ll be back in time for your concert.

(Addressing Manny) ?Come to our concert, Manny! Be our guest!?

Have you heard him sing?

?No, I haven?t. It will be great if he will come to our concert and sing a song or two with us, a Westlife song of course.?

You have two kids. What about the other members (Kian, Mark and Shane)?

?Kian is expecting his first child next January. Shane has three children. Mark doesn?t have any children. He?s not married at the moment.?

Nicky: We?re inviting Manny Pacquiao (inset) to our concert. I heard that he sings; maybe he can sing one song with us during the show. I also want to do a bit of boxing training with him during the day. Now that you are fathers, how do you look at music? I suppose you sing with a different feeling now.

?Yeah, definitely! Being a father does change your life. Having children is an amazing experience. You look at music differently from the way you did when you were single. It gives you a special feeling singing the same songs with a different feeling. When we go on a world tour, I don?t want to stay away too long because I miss my children.?

Do you sing your kids to sleep at night?

(Laughs) ?No, I don?t.?

How do you Westlife guys manage to stay together and stay on top all these years despite the emergence of other groups?

?To be honest, I don?t know. You know, maybe we know what buttons to push or what pushes each other?s buttons. There?s really no magic formula. If there were, we would bottle it and sell it. I think if you want to continue doing something that you love to do, you have to help each other through and do your best to make things easy for everybody. Fourteen years is a long time. We?re coming to Asia now for concerts because you just never know what?s around the corner so we?re looking forward to this tour.?

Do you guys always do things together at work or at play?

?Right now, no. I don?t believe that at this particular moment any member has that plan. That?s not to say that things will not change because in time, maybe each of us will take a break and I?m sure each one of us will want to do his own thing. But as I?ve said, right now, not one of us has any such plan and we are just concentrating on the greatest-hits tour.?

Oh, you?re doing a greatest-hits album. That?s great!

?Yes, it?s coming out in November, after Gravity which came out last year.?

I read somewhere that you guys came to a crossroads last year and the result was the album Gravity. According to the story, you wandered into ?uncharted waters.? Was it a ?risk? doing that kind of album?

?I don?t think doing the album was a risk. I think what we meant was that, with nobody to compare ourselves to we?re making more and more albums, and we?re in ?uncharted waters? where the typical boy band would have maybe three albums and a ?greatest hits? one. With us, we did nine albums before doing a ?greatest hits? album. Every album we make is new and nobody has ever done it like this before. You know, the Gravity album is a pretty good pop album.?

I?ve listened to the album and the most touching song on it is Too Hard To say Goodbye. There?s an interesting story behind it, about the passing of your father and that of Kian, right?

?Yeah, my dad had a heart attack and died suddenly when he was at work, and Kian?s dad also died within the same year. It was a painful way to end the year. It was quite hard. What we did was go to the studio and write the song. It?s a song that really works. It?s a hard song to do, our special tribute to our dads. We were crying when we did it.?

You helped pave the way for boy bands. You?re grown-up now, you?re fathers now. You have ceased to be a boyband. How would you classify yourselves now?

?Maybe we should call ourselves, hmmmm, the Granddad Band.? (Laughs)

See you at the Araneta Coliseum on Sept. 29. We?d love to listen to you sing the old familiar Westlife songs.

?Yeah, we?ll be singing all our songs ? You Raise Me Up, When You?re Looking Like That?all the big songs. We can hardly wait to sing all of them.?

If Manny Pacquiao watched your concert and agreed to do a song with you guys, what song would it be?

?I think You Raise Me Up would be good. That would be a nice one. Or any Westlife song he?d want to do. During the day, I would love to do a bit of boxing training with him and then at night time, he could do a bit of singing with us.?

One trivia question: Your full name is quite long ? Nicholas Bernard James Adam McGarry Byrne Jr. Didn?t you have a hard time writing it during grade school?

?Oh, in school I didn?t have to write all that. That?s the name on my birth certificate. For short, you take the first and the last ? Nicholas Byrne. My friends call me Nicko and then everybody knows me as Nicky.?

Anything you have to say to your fans down here?
?Oh, please remind everybody to follow me on Twitter. I?ll be keeping everybody updated on what I?m doing.?

Westlife are filming a brand new music video in South Africa for what will be their first single since moving to RCA.

The track, the name of which hasn't been revealed yet, will be the lead single from their upcoming Greatest Hits.

Also being done over there is what has been described as a "very special photo shoot".

The pictures are going to be featured in a special fan Box Set of their Greatest Hits, the first 500 of which will be signed by the boys.

The box set is also going to include an amazing retrospective photobook showing their 14 years together, as well as some specially selected fan pictures.

 

 

 

 

Westlife set to announce greatest hits tour for 2012Date Posted: 15/09/11
Westlife are rumoured to be undertaking a greatest hits tour next year to follow up from the release of their collection of chart-topping singles.

The Irish boy band's The Greatest Hits album will be available to purchase from Monday November 21st and Stereoboard.com reports that they could perform in front of those booking city breaks at some of the UK's biggest venues in May 2012.

"It’s almost hard to believe that we’ve been doing this for as long as we have. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and are looking forward to releasing our Greatest Hits as a special thank you to our fans who have supported us throughout our career," said the boys in a statement.

During their career, Westlife have had 14 number on singles, bettered only by Elvis Presley and The Beatles, and have sold more tickets at Wembley Arena than any other act, having performed there 25 times.

While a track listing for The Greatest Hits has yet to be announced, it could feature the likes of Home, Flying Without Wings and Against All Odds.

 

Westlife star Shane Filan sells Bond car
September 2011

Westlife star Shane Filan fetched ?398,000 for his James Bond 1964 Aston Martin, when it went under the hammer .

The silver DB5 4.2 litre sports saloon was driven by Sean Connery in the James Bond film Goldfinger and was auctioned off in the UK at the three-day Goodwood Revival motorsport and aviation event.

It was expected by auctioneers Bonhams that the car would fetch around ?300,000, but it well exceeded expectations and was sold to a telephone bidder.

Sligo-born Filan, who is a car fanatic, bought the motor as a 30th birthday present to himself. However, he put it up for sale because he is always on tour and he won't get a chance to use it.

The car remains the most famous off all the James Bond Aston Martins, having appeared in five movies out of the series.

Jodi Albert celebrated her baby shower

Westlife is King in Vietnamese fans’ heart
VietNamNet Bridge - Thousands of people packed Hanoi’s My National Dinh Stadium on the night of October 1, to shout “Westlife, we love you!” and sing along with their idols for nearly 100 minutes.

Westlife to sing with Vietnamese fans
Westlife's Gravity Tour to come to Vietnam this October





After two rainy days under the impacts of typhoon Nesat, rain suddenly stopped on the afternoon of October 1, just several hours before Westlife’s Gravity tour. Thousands of fans flocked to the My Dinh Stadium to see their idols. Vietnamese fans had to wait for over a decade to see Westlife.

Westlife appeared at 8.10pm, when a small rain began. However, the stadium was very hot. Thousands of people shouted “Westlife, Westlife, Westlife”.

The band started the show by two songs “When You’re Looking Like That” and “World Of Our Own” in the shouts of encouragements.

In the 100-minute show with over 20 songs, among those from the latest album, Gravity, Westlife also performed some hit songs that have brought the boy-band to the list of the world’s most popular artists, including “My Love”, “Seasons In The Sun”, “You Raise Me Up” and “Flying Without Wings”.

The four singers - Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan and Kian Egan - made many young fans bursting into tears with their pieces of music and friendliness.



Almost all the audience turned on the flash lights of their mobile phones after being asked to
do so as the boy-band started to sing “You Raise Me Up”.


The four singers also had a very close interaction with audience by shaking hands with them, and Nicky and Kian even helped their fans take the photos by using their own digital cameras. Kian also asked the audience to shout out “Twinkle”, the nickname of his future child - his wife’s second pregnancy, so that he can record the view for the child.

Westlife kept the promise to their fans as not only showed off sweetest love songs, but also more exciting music with the cover of 5 songs, including Viva La Vida (Coldplay), Only Girl (Rihanna), The Time (Black Eyed Peas), Bad Romance (Lady Gaga) and I Predict A Riot (Kaiser Chiefs).

Different with fans’ prediction, Westlife invited not four but up to eight fans, including two girls from Sweden and Denmark, to sing “Beautiful Tonight,” not “My Love” with them.




They ended their Vietnam’s live concert with “What About Now” and “Uptown Girl”.

The show closed by a firework show, which raised the audience’s temper to the highest level. The show marked a great leap in organizing technology in Vietnam.

After the show ended, Nicky immediately logged on Twitter to share the 32-second clip he filmed the moment thousands of Vietnamese fans cheering up and singing along the hit “My Love”.

The four-man idol group said they decided to add “My Love” to their list, although it was not originally included after finding out before coming here that the song was their most popular song to local fans.

With their only one show in Vietnam, Westlife has really become “King of My Heart” in the heart of Vietnamese fans.



Nearly 10,000 people watched the show.



The band opened its show by two songs "When You're Looking Like That" and "World Of Our Own"



A fan cried when Westlife performed "My Love", a special gift for Vietnamese audience.



Eight fans joined Westlife to sing 'Beautiful Tonight'. Photo: a fan from
Da Lat city.


Many audiences were surprised with the cover of 5 songs, including Viva La Vida
(Coldplay), Only Girl (Rihanna), The Time (Black Eyed Peas), Bad Romance (Lady Gaga)
and I Predict A Riot (Kaiser Chiefs).


Westlife was very friendly.


Vietnamese fans presented many gifts to their idols.


The four singers also had a very close interaction with audience by shaking hands with them.
Nicky and Kian even helped their fans take the photos by using their own digital cameras.





They said goodbye to Vietnamese fans by "Uptown girl". They promised to see
Vietnamese audiences again in a near future.

Famous Irish Boy Band in Concert
Westlife and Gravity thrill Jakarta



Oct 07, 2011
Seven years since their last performance in Indonesia, the famous Irish boy band, Westlife, finally made their comeback in Jakarta on the evening of October 5, quenching the longing of their fans. This exuberant show was part of their world tour entitled, The Gravity, held at the Tennis Indoor Stadium in Senayan, Jakarta. Thousands of loyal fans from Jakarta and other major cities of Indonesia such as Bandung, Surabaya, and Lombok flocked to the site, hours before the show commenced.

A special Meet and Greet session organized by Enterprise Ireland was held before the fabulous quartet of Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, and Shane Filan went on stage. Speaking for Enterprise Ireland, Claire Tracey stated that they had a number of fortunate loyal fans to come face to face and interact closely with the boy band, which supports education in Ireland. When asked about how he sees Indonesia, Nicky simply replied, “It’s amazing.” The Meet and Greet session itself was short, but it left a lasting memento for those who got the chance to just shake hands or take pictures with all Westlife members.

The concert kicked off at 2000 Western Indonesia Time, as the rumbling sounds of the hysterical audience grew louder by the minute. As the curtains were raised, Westlife appeared with their elegant trench coats and black ties, and shook the stadium with “When you‘re looking like that,” while the audience passionately sang along with them.

After the opening song, Mark greeted the audience and expressed his excitement to return and meet his fans in Indonesia. “I hope you guys don’t just scream, but also sing along with us, but watch out don’t let anybody get hurt,” said Mark, as Westlife went on to play "World of Our Own," "What Makes A Man," and “What About Now.”

The hysteria and frenzy got somewhat out of control as the quartet played “Home.” The adrenalin drove some among the audience to push one another, causing a number to faint.

 

<iframe width="300" height="169" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtu

shane filan- documenteary part - 1

part-2

part-3