News 2007
Shane spends seasons in the sun (27th December)EXCLUSIVE WESTLIFE STAR HIRES ISLAND FOR RUGGED FITNESS REGIME
SHANE Filan went from Westlife to jet life at Christmas by splashing out on a EUR100,000 island holiday for his wife.
But the two-week festive break could be more like an episode of Lost for the pop star as he'll spend it practising survival techniques as part of a new fitness regime.
The 28-year-old will climb trees, swim, and trek across the island as part of the exercise programme.
He will travel in the New Year with wife Gillian and their two-year-old daughter Nicole to the luxury private resort in the Maldives.
The family, who live in Sligo, will enjoy butler service at the tranquil hideaway in the exclusive Banyan Tree, North Male Atoll.
Shane sprung the surprise on his wife at Christmas and believes it will be the ultimate way to chill out before his band hit the road for a gruelling 2008 tour.
But while Gillian and little Nicole enjoy the lush vegetation and turquoise sea, Shane will be working up a sweat.
A top fitness coach will sail to his island each day and put him through a frantic two-hour workout.
Shane has lost a stone in the past six months and has never been in better shape - and he plans to keep it that way.
He'll even chop through the island's foilage as part of the "back to nature" routine.
A source close to the star revealed: "It's one of the most amazing locations you could ever go on holiday to but Shane is determined to keep in good shape for the new Westlife tour.
"He's going to have a nice time with his family but for two hours each day he'll be working out. Shane loves his new toned physique and has never felt better.
"He wants to give the Westlife fans their best concerts ever by being in great condition for them."
Shane recently told the Irish Daily Mirror: "I've lost loads of weight and I have so much energy now.
"I'm going to he gym three times a week and really watching what I eat and drink. I feel younger than I've felt in a long time."
Source: The Mirror (Irish) / Gitta
Second European Tour Date Confirmed (18th December)
Westlife have added a show in Germany to their 2008 Back Home tour. They will be playing the Oberhausen Arena on Wednesday 28th May, and tickets will be available on Wednesday 19th December at 9am (German time) from www.eventim.de
Source: http://www.westlife.com
European Tour Date Announced (18th December)
Westlife have added a date in Europe to their 2008 Back Home tour.
They'll be playing Denmark's Messecenter Hal on 25th May and tickets are availble now by clicking here.
Source: http://www.westlife.com
Westlife On UTV Life (12th December)
Westlife fans in Northern Ireland have a treat in store tomorrow night - the boys will be appearing on UTV Life! What's more, you may even get a sneak peak tonight, so make sure you tune in between 5.30pm and 6pm...
Source: http://www.westlife.com
New Westlife Special (12th December)
There's another brilliant Westlife-packed show on the schedules - the boys will be starring in their very own VH1 Special! Keep an eye out for it on VH1 and TMF over the weekend.
Source: http://www.westlife.com
Christmas Greetings From Westlife (12th December)
There's a very special treat hiding behind door eleven on the RCA advent calendar - a Christmas message from Westlife! Click here to watch it.
While you're there, take a peek behind some of the previous doors to see videos from the likes of Leona, Shayne, Annie Lennox and The Hoosiers.
Source: http://www.westlife.com
Westlife celebrate their unbreakable bond and give fans a treat (12th December)
Ten years is a long time in the music industry, and when you started out as a boyband and have successfully made the transition to adult performers without loosing any of your appeal - or your aqbility to create number one hits - it's a lifetime.
Due to reach that milestone next year, Westlife plan to celebrate by taking a year off after their arena tour ends in the spring - but they insist they're not going anywhere. Rumours of a split have been doing the round since at least 2002. However the boys are admant that they just need some well earned relaxation and rest. Kian Egan is planning to travel around Australia with his girlfriend, actress Jodi Albert, while his bandmates want to spend more time with their partners and families.
After 9 years in the spotlight - that's three times as long as 1980's pop duo Wham! - you can hardly blame them. Their story began in Sligo, north western Ireland, when Kian, Shane and Mark, together with three other lads, formed the band I.O.U. Once Simon Cowell got involved, three of the original band members were ditched and Nicky Byrne and Brian McFadden were added. A support slot for Boyzone at a Dublin gig confirmed their hearthrob status in 1998 and it's been non-stop hits and adulation ever since.
The band has charted a staggering 14 number ones in the UK, a figure only beaten by Elvis and the Beatles, and they have sold over 40 million albums worldwide. All of which makes the critiscism that they're just four guys perched on bar stools with no personality fairly easy for them to shrug off.
In any case, as anyone who has ever gone out partying with them will testify, it simply isn't true. Okay, so they may not be up there with the likes of Pete and Amy, but they're not exactly The Osmonds, either, Mark Feehily, who came out in 2005, and is now happily dating Kevin Mcdaid (formerly of boyband V) is apparantely banned from LA's trendiest hotel for throwing things out of the window - pretty rock-and-roll for a nice lad from Sligo. Back in 2000 when the lads hit the bars with their supposed rivals The Backstreet Boys, the two bands managed to run up a 30.000 pound bar bill.
Their tour kicks off in Liverpool on 29 February, but in the meanwhile fans can tune into a live tv show special this weekend. Hosted by Holly Willoughby the show will feature exclusive new material from Westlife's Back home album, which was released last month and went straight to the top of the album charts. The boys also promise some "extra special guests" and plenty of surprises, although they are keeping silent about what they are. "There will be a couple of really good ones, but we won't reveal them yet", says Kian.
It's the first such programme they have made and they are all very excited about it. "We're thrilled" says Shane. "We still get a buzz out of performing in front of an audience, especially if it's a live show like this one. It's even more exciting then."
Of the ten tracks performed on the night, five will have been chosen by the bands supports, who were invited to vote online for their favourite numbers ones. Those in the running include Flying without wings, Mandy, World of our own, My love, Unbreakable and You Raise Me Up, which Shane admits he is sneakily hoping will be amongst thoses that make the final cut. "Everytime we sing it, we never get sick of it" he explains.
The band have performed duets with some of the legends in the music industry including Diana Ross, Mariah Carey, Donny Osmond, Lulu and Lionel Richie, so the potential guest list from their tv special is rich and varied. However the smart money is on an appareance by mentors Louis Walsh, Simon Cowell and Ronan Keating.
And anone pining for Kian, Nicky Shane and Mark, in the ad breaks could be in for an unexpected treat - the band are currently starring in an advert for The Post Office's new broadband internet service. Their acting skills might not have the RSC beating a path to their door, but they come across as sweet and likable. And more happy to take the mickey out of themselves.
Having virtually grown up in a business that has swallowed up many of there peers, Westlife's longevity is a result of their ability to transcend the boyband tag. It's certainly not something they take for granted, however. The past decade has seen many career highlights as well as a few low points, but when asked to pick just one, Kian does not hesiate for a moment, "Still being together" he says, "We are very proud of that."
Source: Hello Magazine! / Joanne for typing it up
'Westlife on Christmas' (9th December)
The amount of primping and preening it takes for Westlife to get ready for our Xmas shoot over the page, you’d be forgiven for thinking they’d been taking tips from the ladies in their life. But once they’re all tuxed up and ready for their close-up, they add a bit of suave to our East London location house, with it’s creaking floor boards, Miss Havisham-esque dust-coated roses on the mantelpiece and dim lighting. It’s all rather creepy – but very in-keeping with our Cluedo-inspired Crimbo shoot. ‘Maybe it’s haunted,’ says Shane. ‘Do you think if I pull this light shade, a secret door to the pantry will open?’ laughs Mark picking up a dusty lamp. Best behaviour now boys...
Where are you spending Christmas?
Shane: At home in Sligo with my wife Gillian and two-and-a-half year old daughter Nicole.
Mark: I'll be at home in Sligo too. The first half of Christmas is about family, the second is about getting hammered with mates.
Nicky: This is a really exciting Christmas for me as Georgina and I had twins, Rocco and Jay this year. They’re seven months old now so it’s their first Christmas. My family eat with us in Dublin on Christmas Day as does Georgina’s. I’m the drinks guy – I always make sure the bar is stocked and the Guinness is flowing.
Kian: I’ll be darting between my family in Ireland and Jodi’s (Albert) family.
What’s been your best and worst-ever Christmas present?
Mark: My best was my hi-fi system I got when I was 12, back when they were the size of a spaceship. With it they gave you a list of five albums you could send away for free, so I got TLC’s Crazy Sexy Cool, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. It was the first time I really sang along to anything. My worst was the year I didn’t get the supersonic military helicopter from Airwolf. I thought Santa’s a good guy, he gets you anything. I was so disappointed when it didn’t arrive.
Kian: My drumkit was my best. I was about 10. I remember bashing it until mum wanted to throw it out the window.
What do you want for Christmas this year?
Nicky: Our families don’t know what to buy us as they assume we have everything. But I honestly always need socks and boxer shorts. I can never find a pair. There is definitely a sock monster in Westlife. I blame Mark Feehily.
Kian: It’s true. I had to wear Jodi’s tiny girl-socks the other day because I couldn’t find a pair of my own.
Have you ever had an embarrassing Christmas party moment?
Mark: Shane might seem quite reserved now but you should see him with a couple of vodkas in him.
Shane: I got pissed at a party once and tried to do the Michael Flatley Riverdance. In fact I made quite a habit of it for a while.
Mark: Recently I went to a friend’s house party and I woke up at about half eleven in the morning in the communal hallway of my own apartment block. I was in my Westlife clothes from a photoshoot – the hair and make-up all done – lying face down in a little bit of drool. If anyone realised it was me I don’t know what the f**k they must have thought!
Who would you like to kiss under the mistletoe?
Nicky: My wife, Georgina.
Shane: My wife Gillian, of course.
Mark: My boyfriend Kevin.
Kian: Jodi. Obviously, it’s the person you’ve chosen to be with.
Any New Year’s resolutions?
Shane: I want to get in the best shape of my life. It’ll take six months, so I’m told. I want to stop being a lazy bastard.
Mark: I gave up smoking six months ago so my resolution is to keep it up.
Kian: I want to lose a stone by next summer. And be flexible enough to touch my toes.
Nicky: And he wants to be able to do the splits too.
Kian: Nah, leave that to Jodi.
Nicky: I want to start a fitness routine as well. Having new babies makes you too busy, so I plan to get back into it.
The Westlife Show: Live is on 15 December, ITV2, 6.15pm
Westlife’s album Back Home is out now.
Source: Sunday Mirror
'GIRLS STILL FLASH THEIR BOOBS AT US' (7th December)
It may have been eight years since their first number one, but Westlife have still most definitely got it going on.
Admitting you like Westlife is as embarrassing as being caught with the entire Celine Dion back catalogue (God knows they've had as many cheesy number ones as she has), but when we hear Flying Without Wings we can't resist belting out the chorus - no matter how badly. And we can't be the only ones.
Since they released Swear It Again in 1999, Westlife have sold 36 million records, scored 14 UK number ones, and racked up eight multi-platinum albums. So will the ninth album be any exception? We meant to ask when we caught up with the lads in plush London hotel Claridge's, but were so stunned by how fit they are (frankly, we'd shag them all, including Mark, the gay one!) we clean forgot.
Wow, you've been at this pop lark for such a long time now. Is it all just as exciting as ever?
Nicky: We were starting to feel a bit too old for it but when we heard Take That were making a comeback, it made us feel like spring chickens.
Mark: And there's always a different chart battle going on. Last year it was against Oasis and this year it's the Spice Girls.
Shane: We're probably more excited about our new album than any of our others because other than the Michael Buble song we covered, it's all our own material.
You've had 14 number ones. Do you kick yourselves when a record doesn't make the top spot?
Shane: We've become victims of our own success because we put pressure on ourselves to get to the top. If a song goes in at number three, we're not happy, which is ridiculous. We'd like at least 20 number ones before we call it quits.
Kian: If anything, getting a number one is more satisfying now because rather than releasing seven singles a year we're only releasing one. And we're proud to be here after so long. The market's tougher now, because when we started pop music was more popular. These days, many radio stations don't want to play our stuff.
Are your knees starting to creak during your performances now you're older?
Mark: We're probably all healthier and fitter than ever, which makes it easier.
Nicky: Unlike when we did our first tour. We were in our early 20s and after every show it was like being let out of a cage. We'd have wrestling matches with security because we were tanked and thought we could take them on. They'd have to control us without doing too much damage.
Shane: We definitly used to burn the candle at both ends. But now we're better behaved and focused on making the band last as long as possible.
Nicky [Laughs]: So we only go out three nights a week now!
Kian: And we've worked out how to cure hangovers.
This we need to hear!
Kian: It's easy. When you wake up dying, you knock back a couple of Nurofen with a pint of water, then go back to sleep. When you wake up again, your hangover's gone.
Shane: My hangovers aren't so bad since I gave up vodka. I haven't touched it since a run-in with it a few years ago.
Really? What happened?
Shane: We went out on the beers but I hadn't eaten much so I got drunk quickly. Halfway through the night I switched to vodka and don't remember anything else until the following morning, when I woke up feeling worse than I ever have in my life.
Kian: He was so bad we practically had him on suicide watch in case the pain got too much and he decided to end it.
Shane: Now I can't even look at a bottle of vodka without feeling sick. I definitely think I had alcohol poisoning.
You've been off the radar for most of this year. Does that mean you can go out without being spotted now?
Shane: We get recognised more than ever now - and it's worse if you disguise yourself. It's best to go about your business like everyone else..
Kian: If you're looking to get recognised you will. I was on the tube the other day with my girlfriend Jodi and no one batted an eyelid because we kept our selves to ourselves.
Shane: You must've been lucky - if I go shopping in London at least 20 or 30 people will try and take a photo on their phone. I'd much rather they just asked.
Kian: Camera phones are the worst invention ever. You can't away with anything any more because there's always a camera in your face.
So, do hordes of screaming fans still mob you?
Mark: We get followed more than mobbed, which is a bit awkward. I'll be out shopping when I'll notice someone who I've seen in every shop.
Shane: And we still get women on hen nights who are all pissed and pulling their tops up while we're performing - one of the perks of the job!
Nicky: I was in HMV last week when a girl came up and said "you're my daybreak." I didn't know what she was on about, but apparently it's when you and your partner agree to have one person you're allowed to sleep with if you had a day off from the relationship.
That must be hard for your wife to hear. How do your partners handle all the attention you get?
Mark: We respect them for coping with it because it's not something most people have to deal with in relationships.
Shane: But they're used to it.
Mark: Everyone has baggage. If they dated a fishmonger he'd come home smelling of fish.
Shane: We just come home smelling of success.
Now Nicky and Shane are both married and Kian and Mark, you're both settled with your partners, do you miss being single?
Nicky: Not at all. At the start Mark, Bryan and Kian were all single and they had plenty of fun. Me and Shane have always been in relationships, so we left them to it and got our kicks listening to their stories!
Kian: It was fun, but it's only a period of waiting to find the one you'll spend your life with.
That's so sweet. Is there any relationship advice you'd give your 20-year-old self?
Kian: I don't know anymore about women than I did then. They're so different. Jodi was in a foul mood yesterday and there was no reason for it.
Shane: That's not just women, that's everyone.
Kian: But women are so much worse for it than us.
Is there anything that still confuses you about women?
Kian: The way they think they can have close male friends and believe the friend doesn't want to sleep with them. When I first met Jodi, she had a male friend who was always popping round and I was like, "Are you having a laugh?"
Shane: Yeah, he probably planned to pop round with a weepy film when you were on tour and say, "Don't worry Jodi, I'll look after you."
Kian: I'm in trouble when she reads this. [Doing impression of Jodi's cockney accent] "I can't believe you said that!"
Your reputation has always been clean cut. Do you ever feel like becoming bad boys?
Shane: Nah, we're just normal blokes and none of us wants to get in trouble and disrespect our mums.
Nicky: We're all afraid of that feeling when you wake up the next day and think "Shit. What have I done?"
Shane: We were careful in the early days and luckily we liked spending time together, so we didn't fall into bad company.
You've been at it almost a decade. Do you intend to still be banging out the hits when you're in your 60s?
Kian: Yes, if people are still buying our records.
Shane: And we're so proud of our latest album - but we still like singing our old stuff. I'll never get tired of singing Flying Without Wings.
Mark: Every time the intro plays you feel yourself gearing up, as it's not an easy song. We'll never forget our roots.
Source: New Woman magazine / Jane, The Committed
Westlife Take On The World (7th December)
Pop sensations Westlife have recruited their loved ones to star in a video Us Against the World.
The chart toppers will continue to shoot the video at Twickenham Rugby Stadium in London today as they prepare to celebrate their 10th anniversary next year.
The video which will be released with the new single next February, aims to look back over the bands decade in show business.
Milestone
"They're pulling out all the stops for this video because the single will also mark a major milestone for the band," said a source.
The whole thing is meant to be a celebration of their 10 years in the music."
"The band are spending a lot of money on this and they'll be at least two days shooting."
Band member Nicky was accompanied by wife Georgina with twins Rocco and Jay. Shane Filan took wife Gillian along and their todler Nicole.
Mark Feehily took partner Kevin McDaid and Kian Egan was joined by Jodi Albert. Band manager Louis Walsh also shot a cameo role.
Westlife are tipped to give their first live performance of the Meteor Awards in Dublin next year.
Source: Irish Mirror / Janine
Westlife's Next Single (7th December)
The second single to be taken from Westlife's massive-selling album Back Home is... Us Against The World!
We'll be bringing you more details on it soon - stay tuned.
Source: http://www.westlife.com
We will beat them! (6th December)
WESTLIFE have vowed to keep singing until they have more No 1 singles than The Beatles.
The Irish boyband have had 14 chart toppers, including Flying Without Wings – but aim to better the 17 notched up by the Fab Four.
SHANE FILAN, 28, said: “If a song is at number three we’re not happy, which is ridiculous. We’d like 20 number ones before we call it quits.”
Bandmate NICKY BYRNE, 29, also told New Woman mag the band felt old – but TAKE THAT’s reunion “made us feel like spring chickens” and inspired their comeback.
Source: The Sun.co.uk
Jade Goody fails to recognize Bono in busy Dublin pub - Shane mentioned (6th December)
Jade GoodyControversial British reality TV star Jade Goody reportedly failed to recognize U2 frontman Bono in a busy Dublin pub - even though he knew who she was. Pals later had to explain to Goody, 26, who the multi-millionaire Irish rocker was.
According to British newspaper The Sun, Goody admitted: “I didn’t know who he was. I knew he did loads for Live Aid, but that’s all.”
However - Jade did recognise Westlife star Shane Filan, 28, in a London club. She said: “He told me they stick up for me. I thanked him in my best Irish accent. He wasn’t impressed.”
Source: Showbizspy
The Best Track On Back Home: Your Verdict (6th December)
You've been voting in your hundreds and hundreds for your favourite track on Back Home in our poll. The vote is now closed - here are the top three songs you picked:
1. I'm Already There (21.7%)
2. Something Right (14.57%)
3. Us Against The World (14.42%)
So will any of these three be Westlife's next single? We'll let you know very soon!
Source: http://www.westlife.com
Vote For Your Favourite Fan Home Winner! (6th December)
The final winner in our Fan Home of the Week competition is lil minx 2006 (aka Vicky Walker). Congratulations Vicky, a signed picture will be on its way to you soon! (check your Flickr mail).
Now that the competition has closed, we want you to pick your favourite winner! Check out all of our finalists over in the Westlife Fan Homes section of the Gallery and vote for the one you like best in the Poll at the bottom of the homepage or by clicking here.
Voting will close on Monday 17th December at 5pm and the person with the most votes will have their winning picture printed and signed by the boys!
Source: http://www.westlife.com
Westlife's Facebook Profile (3rd December)
The boys have a new official Facebook profile, where you can become one of their friends, write on their wall, join in the latest discussion topic and more.Log on and join in the fun by clicking here.
Source: http://www.westlife.com
New Video Shoot (3rd December)
Exciting news - Westlife are shooting the video for their next single tomorrow!
It's all very hush-hush at the moment, but rest assured we'll be bringing you more details, including the name of the new single, very soon. Watch this space.
Source: http://www.westlife.com
Shane's Answer (3rd December)
Did you correctly guess what Shane's favourite part of his body is? Watch the video here to find out!
Source: http://www.westlife.com
Question From Shane (29 November)
Today's question comes from Shane. Watch the video below and then let us know what you think the answer is in the comments section...
Click Here To Watch.
Source: http://www.westlife.com
Late Late Show Westlife Special (28 November)
Great news for fans in the Republic of Ireland: there will be a special Westlife edition of the Late Late Show next month!
The boys are filming it in Dublin on 21st December for broadcast on 28th December. It's set to be a fantastic programme, so mark the date in your diary now.
Source: http://www.westlife.com
See In The New Year With Westlife (28 November)
Westlife will be making an appearance on Graham Norton's New Year's Eve show, The Big Finish. The guys will be recording their performance on Sunday 16th December for broadcast on 31st December. It'll be the perfect way to see in 2008!
Source: http://www.westlife.com
Westlife Update (28 November)
It's been a super-busy few weeks for the boys, who've had their hands full with lots of international TV, radio and press interviews, taking place both in Europe and in London. Last week they also did two fab photoshoots for Christmas editions of the Sunday Mirror and Tesco magazine - keep an eye out for those, coming soon.
On Saturday they appeared on the X Factor and gave their first ever performance of ‘I'm Already There', which they were all really pleased with. The boys then had a few days off, except for Mark who did an interview and photoshoot with his boyfriend Kevin for the front cover of Attitude magazine.
Tomorrow the guys have an interview for Australian TV with presenter Molly Meldrum, and on Friday they will start rehearsals for their ITV special, and will continue rehearsing almost every day until the show on 15th December.
They will, however, be taking some time out for a live appearance on This Morning on Monday!
Source: http://www.westlife.com
Westlife To Go Live On ITV1 (28 November)
After 14 UK number ones and 36 million record sales worldwide, the biggest selling pop act of the last nine years, Westlife, are treating their fans to a one-off musical extravaganza, The Westlife Show: Live, exclusively for ITV1.
The Westlife Show: Live is a colourful celebration of the band’s hits spanning their record-breaking career. Of the tracks Shane, Kian, Mark and Nicky sing on the night, five will be the top tracks voted for online ahead of the show from a selection of Westlife’s classic number ones.
Which of their classic hits will make the top 5? Flying Without Wings, Mandy, World Of Our Own, My Love, Unbreakable, You Raise Me Up...?
This live show is to be hosted by Holly Willoughby and in addition to the classics Westlife will be performing exclusive material from their new No.1 album, Back Home, and there'll also be some extra special guests, as well as some surprises in store.
Westlife member Shane says: “We’re very excited and thrilled to have our own TV special. We’ve seen so many amazing TV specials over the years on ITV1 so it’s an honour to finally have our own”.
Kian continues: “There’ll be lots of our biggest hits plus new songs from the new album Back Home. Also, there’ll be a couple of really good surprises which we can’t reveal yet. Fans will also have had chance to choose some of the songs we perform, which is best bit about the show really”.
When asked if they still get a buzz from performing in front of an audience, Shane says: “Yes, especially if it’s a live TV show like this one, it’s even more exciting then.”
Kian continues, “The audience is going to be made up of our biggest fans, so it’s going to be quite a spectacle”.
If they had to pick one of their number 1 hits to perform on the night, Shane plumps for "You Raise Me Up. Every time we sing it we never get sick of it".
Kian says that the highlight of his career so far is “still being together after nearly ten years. We are very proud of that”.
Shane puts the key to Westlife's success down to “Great songs, hard work and honesty within the band and the people we work with”.
The Westlife Show: Live, Saturday 15 December 2007, 6:15pm - 7:15pm on ITV1.
Source: www.easier.com
Kids go West (26 November)
Westlife are taking an extra bus with them on their world tour - to use as a travelling creche.
Family commitments mean one vehicle won't be enough for the four Irish hunks when they set off in February. Band member SHANE FILAN, whose daughter Nicole is two, said: "We've got so many children between us now that we need somewhere for them to go." Other youngsters include NICKY BYRNE's seven-month-old twins Rocco and Jay.
Shane, 28, also revealed that the band will celebrate their 10 years together by finishing their Back Home tour in their native Dublin on June 1.
They are planning a huge party night at the city's Croke Park stadium, one of the most modern sports arenas in Europe. But former bandmate BRIAN MCFADDEN, who went solo in 2004, isn't expected. Shane said: "Brian won't be there."
Source: people.co.uk
Croke Park Tickets On General Sale (23 November)
Tickets are now on general sale for Westlife's 10th anniversary gig at Croke Park on Sunday 1st June, with special guest Shayne Ward.
Buy online from www.ticketmaster.ie or call the ticket hotline on (NI & UK) 0870 243 4455 (ROI) 0818 719 300.
Source: http://www.westlife.com
Irish Boys Are Smiling (23 November)
By: SHARMILA BILLOT
Irish band Westlife continues its run of success with its latest album. SHARMILA BILLOT discovers that they have evolved over the years to be even better.
THE four Irish lads of Westlife are back stronger than ever with their ninth album called Back Home with the offerings’ first single Home from a cover of the Michael Buble song.
The group comprising Shane Filan, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Nicky Byrne has been around for almost a decade now, but it is not showing any signs of losing its passion or love for pop music.
After 14 No 1 hits, 36 million albums sold worldwide and stacks of awards, Filan speaks of the group’s success and their latest album released this month.
“The album has nine new Westlife songs with our trademark upbeat tempo we used when we were in our teens,” said Filan in a telephone interview from the United Kingdom recently.
“There are some songs different from our usual style, but overall fans will recognise the Westlife stamp.”
While the album retains examples of Westlife’s signature ballads such as I’m Already There and You Must Have Had a Broken Heart, the boys also use the album as a vehicle to explore new territory.
The Easy Way is an upbeat, uplifting infectious anthem, while subtle, electronic influences are played on Pictures in My Head. When I’m with You sees the boys go into a slow jam. The album also includes the melodious, yet tranquil single Home.
“We have evolved in the past 10 years and so has our music. Our music is said to have changed for the better. Our ballads, which are mostly love songs, journal what we’ve gone through all these years.
“We also have new songwriters and producers who get to know us so that the lyrics reflect who we are.
“We have all grown up and matured. Some of us have married, some of us have kids and one of our members, Brian McFadden, left the group in 2004. But one thing remains the same - our love for music and singing.
Westlife has always been seen as the typical boy band, but Filan insists the group is a typical and unlike other boy bands.
“Mark is exceptional in his vocals. Most boy bands don’t have one strong vocalist who stands out,” he said.
It was Simon Cowell of American Idol fame who suggested they release their latest single Home, which is a cover version of the recent Buble hit.
“At first we were against the idea. It turned out our version is completely different and rather good too, so we decided to record it!”
The group shocked fans when they revealed they will be taking a one year break after their tour at the beginning of next year. “Don’t worry, we are not splitting up,” he assured me.
“We need a rest and time to attend to other things before working on our next album,” he said.
Westlife became a cultural phenomenon after they started their band. Today, they’re still at the top of their game and continue to astound their fans.
Their album, The Love Album, was the biggest selling album last year with sales of one million copies.
The group is scheduled to tour the UK in February and perform in Asia some time in May.
Source: www.nst.com.my
Croke Park Pre Sale (21st November)
The fan pre-sale for Croke Park on 1st June 2008 starts at 9am today. You'll need the password that was emailed to members on the Westlife mailing list to buy tickets.
To buy, go to: http://www.ticketmaster.ie/promo/k1i04y
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com newsletter / Joanne
Be In The Audience For The Westlife Show: Live! (21 November)
Last week the guys told you about a very special show they are doing for ITV - The Westlife Show: Live!. If you haven’t voted for which of their number 1 singles you want the guys to perform then do it NOW as the voting so far is pretty tight so every vote counts.
Want to be in the audience to see the guys live? We’ve managed to get 100 pairs of ‘priority tickets’ just for you. If you want to win one of those pairs then all you need to do is email thewestlifeshow@itv.com with your name, age, address and a contact telephone number. Make sure to mark the subject as THE WESTLIFE SHOW COMPETITION. For terms and conditions see bottom of the email.
The lucky 100 people will be picked at random and notified by email the week before the show with a follow up phone call.
Because it’s Westlife’s own show we need winners to come dressed in your best ‘Westlife’ attire. We’re looking for banners, flags, posters, hats, scarves, t-shirts etc. The more effort made, the nearer to the front you are likely to be placed. Anyone under 16 will be refused entry. ID may be required.
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com newsletter / Joanne
Westlife Win Best Recording Artist (21 November)
Westlife snapped up the prestigious Best Recording Artist gong at last night's Variety Club Showbiz Awards.
Not only were the boys there to pick up their award in person, but they also performed to the star-studded audience.
The show will be broadcast in full on Sky Three on 24th November at 8pm and again on Sky One 25th November at 3pm. To see some pictures from the evening, click here.
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
This Morning (21 November)
Here's another date for your diary - the Westlife boys will be appearing on This Morning next month.
Tune in on Monday 3rd December to see them in action.
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
X Factor Bans Westlife Hit (21 November)
By SARA NATHAN / TV Editor
WESTLIFE have been banned from performing their new single on this week’s X Factor, The Sun can reveal.
Show stars Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh don’t want to be accused of using the ITV1 programme to plug their talent.
So far this series, last year’s winner Leona Lewis appeared to sing her No1 hit Bleeding Love. And 2005 winner Shayne Ward performed his new single Breathless.
Despite Westlife having recently released their cover of Michael Buble’s hit Home, they will not sing it on the TV talent show on Saturday night.
A show source said: “Simon and Louis have come under fire for booking all their artists on the show. But why shouldn’t they? It’s the same family and it’s the biggest show on TV.
“However, Westlife will be mentoring the finalists - and will not sing Home.”
Westlife singer Mark Feehily said: “We’re going to perform a track off our album. It’ll be an exclusive performance.”
The band also revealed their favourites to win the X Factor.
Mark added: “Beverley has the best chance out of Louis’ group and then Rhydian.” Shane Filan said: “He (Rhydian) has got personality and character and that goes a long way in the industry.”
Source: www.thesun.co.uk
‘Westlife Recorded A Message For My Daughter’s Birthday!’ (21 November)
Article shortened and only includes the part about Westlife
by Lydia Whitfield, South Wales Echo
JOANNE Hancocks, 34, lives in Pontllanfraith and is married to Karl. She is mum to Sophie, 11, and Tom, 6, and is personal assistant to the station director at Real Radio in Morganstown, Cardiff.
Met any celebs?
I’ve met Shayne Ward, Westlife and my favourite was when Duncan from Blue came in. The band had split up so he came on his own and I asked him for an autograph for my daughter Sophie, then asked if Sophie’s mum could have a photo taken with him. We had Girls Aloud in the studio the other week and they are very particular with their cups of tea. In the end, they asked me just to take the sugar bowl in for them to do it themselves.
When Westlife came in once for 9am, they wanted breakfast baguettes and it was a case of rushing down to the local garden centre and begging them to make up some bacon rolls and acting as if we’ve always got things like that to hand. I’ve got lots of autographs, but have got a bit blase, which is a shame, and just put them to one side at home.
What are the biggest perks of the job?
I’m sometimes the acts liaison when we have events in Cardiff or Swansea and my children love that. They sometimes get backstage access. I had Westlife record a message for my daughter’s birthday a few weeks ago. She said she’s so pleased I work for Real Radio.
Source: http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk / Westlife.GR
Westlife star: "Leona's song was better" (18th November)
By Daniel Kilkelly
Westlife star Shane Filan has admitted that Leona Lewis' 'Bleeding Love' was more deserving of the number one spot than the group's new single 'Home'.
'Home' debuted at number three in the UK singles chart earlier this month, while Leona and Take That stayed in the top two positions based on their second week of sales.
"Obviously, we're not happy about that," Shane told Hot TV magazine. "But the album is the most important thing to us. At the end of the day, I think Leona had the better song - it's more exciting and she deserves to be number one. Maybe Take That had a better song, too."
Source: Digitalspy.co.uk
Vote For Your Favourite Back Home Track (17th November)
Our brilliant new Poll area is now live! We'll be giving you the opportunity to have your say on a whole load of different Westlife topics - right now, we want to know what your favourite track is on Back Home.
Head to the bottom of the homepage to cast your vote and check out which song is currently in the lead...
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Get A Westlife Widget! (17th November)
We've got a rather nifty new addition for your Facebook or other HTML page - a Westlife widget!
Brighten up your profile by adding this fancy gadget and not only will you be able to watch all the Westlife videos, but you'll also get the latest hot-off-the-press news delivered direct from www.http://www.westlife.com to keep you up-to-date with what's going on with the boys.
Go here: http://apps.facebook.com/westlifemusic to check it out.
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
New http://www.westlife.com blog from the lads - Our ITV Special!! (14th November)
Hi everyone,
Wow, what can we say - you've made us number one again, it's incredible!! We were all so over the moon when the chart position was confirmed on Sunday: even after all these years we still get excited about it.
The thought that Back Home is our ninth top three album is just so amazing and it's down to the support and loyalty that you've all shown us. So, we're really pleased to have been given the opportunity to put on a very special show for you on ITV next month.
Westlife On Demand will be happening in December and it's a celebration of our career over the past decade. We'll be performing ten tracks - all sung live, all broadcast live! - on the night and the great thing is that you get to pick five of them from the list of our 14 number ones.
All the information is on the ITV site at www.itv.com/westlife including details of how to vote for the song you want us to sing. We're all taking bets on which ones you're going to pick, so will be interesting to see which five are the most popular!
It's set to be a fantastic show and we reckon it's going to be a lot of fun to do. We start rehearsing for it later this month and we can't wait - we've got a few tricks up our sleeves to make sure it's a really top event.
Thanks again,
Love Nicky, Kian, Shane and Mark x
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
ITV Westlife Special (13th November)
Westlife will be putting on a spectacular one-off musical extravaganza on ITV next month!
The show will be a celebration of the band's massive hits over the past ten years - and to make it that extra bit more special, YOU get to pick five of the ten songs they'll perform!
To find out how to cast your votes, head over to www.itv.com/westlife, where you can also watch a video interview with the boys.
The show will be presented by Holly Willoughby and will include some very special guests. Check www.http://www.westlife.com next week for the chance to win a place in the audience!
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Fourth Glasgow Date Announced: Pre Sale On Thursday (13th November)
Due to massive demand, Westlife will be playing a fourth date at Glasgow's SECC on 18 March 2008.
Tickets for the show will be available to fans at a pre-sale on Thursday 15th November from 9am - check www.http://www.westlife.com on the morning to find the link (the password will be the same as for previous pre-sales). Make sure you register at www.livenation.co.uk first to ensure you can buy tickets.
The general sale will start at 9am on Friday 16th November.
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Westlife In OK! (13th November)
Whatever you do, don't miss the brilliant exclusive interview and photoshoot with the boys in this week's edition of OK! magazine, out now.
Snap up your copy to read about the guys' thoughts on love and marriage, Amy and Posh, who's the best cook and who's the biggest drinker!
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Westlife Go To War (8th November)
WE SAID NO MORE COVER VERSIONS.. BUT IT'S HARD TAKING ON SIMON COWELL;
EXCLUSIVE: WESTLIFE GO TO WAR
WESTLIFE waged war with their record boss Simon Cowell in a showdown meeting and warned him: "We'll never do another cover version."
The stars took on the fearsome X Factor judge after he ordered them to record a cover version of Michael Buble's Home for their latest single.
The song reached No.3 in the UK charts last weekend but their new album Back Home will shoot straight to No1 this Sunday.
In an exclusive interview with the Irish Daily Mirror, stars Nicky Byrne and Shane Filan have revealed how they laid down the law with Cowell over his policy of making them record covers. Nicky said: "We would not be happy about releasing cover versions all the time and we're definitely going to release far more original material in the future."
"There was a big battle of wills over us releasing a cover of Home in the first place - Simon wanted us to do it and we wanted to do something new. We had a big meeting about it and in the end he got his way - but we told him we wanted to take a new direction in the future."
"I think he knows where we stand now and we are serious about it. We want to make our next album our biggest and best ever."
"It's not easy taking on Simon Cowell when you disagree with his decisions - anyone who watches the X Factor will know that."
The scene for our meeting is South Dublin's trendy Dylan hotel where the group has been hosting TV interviews for 10 hours without a break.
It's hardly the glamorous lifestyle many of their fans would imagine - especially for Nicky and Shane who have young children to look after through the night. Despite their frantic schedule the pair are lively, energetic, and look lean and toned as they burst into the penthouse suite and grab a handful of sandwiches and crisps.
Shane admitted: "We are completely wrecked.
"But I've been on a real fitness push and doing loads of gym work and that's given me a real energy boost. It's the only way you can get through days like this."
Nicky agreed saying it was 10 years since they have had any significant time of year off.
He added: "I think we are all feeling the pace of it. But we're determined to make this album and tour our greatest so far and we're prepared to put in the work to achieve that."
Nicky and Shane could have been forgiven for packing in Westlife when they became pop papas.
Proud Shane, 28, became a dad two years ago when his wife Gillian gave birth to their baby daughter Nicole. While 29-year-old Nicky joined the parent pack in April when he and wife Georgina welcomed twin sons Rocco and Jay to the world.
Endless touring, promoting and travelling is hardly the perfect recipe for family life, but the stars made a vow to be hands-on parents and resist the temptations to hire nannies.
Nicky explained: "I can honestly say that from day one Georgina and I knew that we wanted to do everything ourselves with the twins. We sat down and talked about all the options and we knew that we wanted to experience everything with these babies - even the sleepless nights. It's all part of the bonding experience."
"It does get really tough but it's getting easier all the time now as they get a little older. I just think it would be really weird having a nanny in the house and being there all the time."
Shane added: "It was the same for Gillian and I. We could have a nanny on the scene but we'd rather do things ourselves. We're also really lucky to have loads of really close family members who help us out loads."
After the band's huge Croke Park concert to celebrate their 10th anniversary next June the lads will take a year's break - their longest time off since they stormed the charts with debut single Swear It Again.
Shane said they are relishing the chance of living a normal life and have already made plans.
He added: "I'm going to play loads of golf and try to get my handicap down to around 12. I'm also just looking forward to doing normal things - even the housework seems appealing when you have been on the road for six months."
Nicky added: "We have been working right up to a couple of days before Christmas for the last 10 years so I'm just looking forward to being able to enjoy the build-up properly next year. It's also going to be a dream to get to spend a year with the twins and Georgina without having to leave them."
But it mightn't be long before they add to the brood as Nicky said: "I'd love five kids so if we get twins again then we're flying. We'll have to wait and see."
And Shane confessed: "I'm definitely getting broody. I want more kids - I'd love a little brother or sister for Nicole."
Source: Irish Daily Mirror / Gitta for finding
Shane: I’m Glad Take That Are Back (8th November)
SHANE is THRILLED that Take That have exploded back on the scene because he reckons it has inspired a love for pop music again.
He doesn’t see GARY BARLOW and co. as a threat to their own boyband or should that be manband - crown.
Shane explained: “Slowly but surely pop music is coming back into the charts again thanks to Take That. Since their massive comeback I think it’s had a knock-on effect, helping to make pop music to make popular again. I hope it’s going to inspire record company bosses to sign more pop acts."
“Seven or eight years ago you couldn’t move for pop acts, then guitars came in and pop became a dirty word. Now you’ve got the SPICE GIRLS back, BOYZONE are reforming and with LEONA LEWIS’ incredible single sales it feels like things could be changing.”
The singing star believes X Factor champ Leona who has Britain’s No.1 single with Bleeding Love, and SHAYNE WARD who won the telly wannabe show the year before, are proper pop stars who can have long careers.
But he doesn’t think the current batch of X Factor contenders are up to it.
He said: “I don’t think the talent in the show is good this year. There are three or four good acts but not one outstanding one. I don’t think it’s the 12 best acts in the UK. Leona Lewis is a star and Shayne Ward is a star. But this year? I really don’t see it.”
Shane married childhood sweetheart Gillian in 2003. They have a two-year-old daughter, Nicole.
Source: www.thesun.co.uk
Westlife Performing On Fotballgalla 2007 (5th November)
Westlife will be performing on the Fotballgalla in Norway, on Friday. It's aired on TV 2 on Friday November 9th at 10:10pm and it's repeated on Saturday at 2:00pm.
They will also be performing on the Norwegian version of Idol that night.
Source: Hilde
Westlife On Your Radio (3rd November)
Make sure you tune in to Radio 2 on Wednesday (7th November) as Westlife will be interviewed live on the Ken Bruce show from 10.30am.
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Westlife Performing At Christmas Lights Switch-On (3rd November)
The boys are set to give an amazing performance at this year’s Oxford Street Christmas lights switch-on!
Get into the festive spirit by heading down there for 4pm on Wednesday 7th November to see Leona Lewis flick the switch, Westlife perform ‘Home’ and a number by the West End cast of Mary Poppins.
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
'Home' No.2 In Ireland (2 November)
Westlife's new single 'Home' reached no.2 in the Irish Singles Chart today.
1. Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love (1)
2. Westlife - Home (-)
3. Take That - Rule The World (3)
4. Britney Spears - Gimme More (2)
5. Shayne Ward - If That's Ok With You (7)
So UK people, so out and buy, buy, buy, as it looks like they are 'only' gonna reach no.3 in the UK!
Source: www.irma.ie
10 Years Of Westlife Concert (2 November)
To celebrate their incredible career spanning a decade at the top of the charts, Westlife will be playing a very special gig next year.
The concert will take place at Croke Park in Dublin on 1st June, and tickets go on sale on 23rd November. We’ll have more details coming soon of where to buy them - it looks set to be an unmissable event!
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Westlife On The Graham Norton Show Tonight (1 November)
Westlife will be on the Graham Norton Show tonight so make sure to catch that.
When: 1 November 2007
Time: 10pm (GMT)
Channel: BBC 2
Source: Kerry for letting us know
Fancy Meeting Lads In Westlife? (1 November)
FANCY going to WESTLIFE’s exclusive album launch at Harrods?
The lads will be signing copies of Back Home and performing five tracks on Monday next week.
And I have a stack of golden tickets, plus an extra special prize to give away.
One lucky winner will receive four tickets, overnight stay in a top London hotel, lunch in the store’s Georgian restaurant, return train travel and tickets to a West End show.
I also have 25 pairs of tickets for the album launch for runners up.
To be in with a chance of winning simply email me the at biz@the-sun.co.uk answer to the following question:
What year did Westlife open the Harrods summer sale?
There is only one entry per person and please clearly mark your email “Westlife at Harrods”.
Source: www.thesun.co.uk
Westlife Interview In New! Magazine (31 October)
Westlife tell New! why the last two years have been the best ever and how they would have welcomed a chart battle with the Spice Girls.
On a sunny autumn day, New! is off to meet the Westlife boys - Kian Egan, 27, Shane Filan, 28, Mark Feehily, 27 and Nicky Byrne, 29 - in the penthouse of a plush London hotel.
When we arrive only three of them are there, but fans can be rest assured there hasn’t been another shock departure such as when Brian McFadden left the group in 2004. 'Mark’s stuck in traffic trying to get here but he won't be long', explains Shane. Of course we can forgive his lateness in the Irish Charmers, and Mark apologetically joins the group part way through our chat.
The band have been together for nearly 10 years and with 14 UK No.1s, countless awards and eight multiplatinum albums under their belts, they could be forgiven for resting on their laurels. But the guys are as hungry as ever for success and have a new single out and are set to release a new album.
As they settle back on the comfy sofas with cups of tea and coffee, they tell New! how they are all happier than ever in their personal lives too. Shane is married with a 2-year old daughter, Nicole, Nicky and his wife have 5-month old twins, Rocco and Jay, Kian is dating ex-Hollyoaks actress Jodi Albert, and Mark is settled with his partner Kevin McDaid formerly of boyband V.
As the banter bounces between the lads, its clear they’re great friends and united in their ambition to maintain the band’s success. They also reveal how Simon Cowell nearly stopped Shane being in the band, what they think of the X-Factor finalists and how life on the road has turned into a kindergarten…
The Spice Girls were going to release their album on the same date as you… how did you feel about that?
Kian: We would have welcomed it. I reckon we would have beat them! We think "Bring it on" but they obviously decided best not to.
Nicky: We have nothing personal against the Spice Girls but the battle would have been big. It would have been Simon Fuller versus Simon Cowell, boys versus girls. Simon wouldn’t want to loose, Louis Walsh wouldn’t want to loose, we wouldn’t want to loose…
Shane: We always want number 1, number 2 isn’t enough.
Nicky: If we get another number 1 with this record, it will be our 15th and that would put us third in the record books behind Elvis and The Beatles.
How do you feel about Take That being on the scene?
Kian: We’re younger than Take That so it's great to see they are still going well.
Shane: It shows us we should be able to keep going for years.
Kian, you helped Louis pick his over 25 finalists for the XFactor - was it an easy decision?
Kian: Yes, as soon as I heard them sing, I knew the three I would have picked and that was the three he went for. He was deliberating over putting the crazy guy Icaro through but I told him he would make a mockery of himself.
Nicky: My sister thinks Daniel (DE Bourg) could win it. Is he worth putting a few quid on Kian?
Kian: He’s Louis strongest chance. I don’t like the girl group HOPE. They haven’t gelled and seem to be in for it for themselves. In Simon’s Category, I would have put the geeky guys I sette Cantante, through and Ghost. I thought they were really good. Same difference are as cheesy as sin.
Why out of the entire group, were you picked to be Louis's advisor Kian?
Kian: I don’t know he just asked me.
Nicky: He’s teacher’s pet.
Kian: I was the natural choice as I want to get into that side of things.
What advice would you give to the contestants?
Kian: Take it as it comes. Don’t get too excited as you could be back at Tesco next month or you could be the biggest act in the country. Just because you are in the X-Factor, it doesn’t mean you are going to be big.
Shane: Out of all the acts on these shows, not many survive. Girls Aloud have had a good career and Will Young, Leona Lewis, watch this space. But that’s about it.
Nicky: Bands like us and Take That had a gradual rise to fame. On the X-Factor everyone knows everything about you by Christmas.
Two of you have become fathers recently. How is it all going?
Shane: It’s great, I’ve been doing it for two years, so a bit longer than Nicky. Every day Nicole is running, jumping, talking - she is becoming a proper little girl. The last two years have been the best of my life.
Mark: That’s the same for me. The last two years have been the best of my life.
Shane: That’s because you came out though...
Mark: Yes but I also got a dog…!
Do you find it hard you don’t get to see your children a lot because of work?
Shane: No they’re in London with us so I saw Nicole this morning and I’ll see her this afternoon...
Nicky: Since my twins were born they’ve been to Portugal, Sweden and England - we travel everywhere together. It’s like a creche on the road with Westlife now.
Shane: I really hope that all our children will grow up to be friends.
Kian, do you and Jodi have any plans to marry?
Kian: Possibly, we don’t feel under any pressure to do it. We’re both very happy at the minute and when the time comes, the time comes...
In Louis Walsh’s biography, he revealed one or two things about Westlife being reformed.
Nicky: He said Westlife were ugly but that was before Brian and I joined.
Shane: Yeah, and Simon Cowell didn’t want me to be in the band. That shows how silly he can be.
Did you mind Shane?
Shane: No, it’s a funny story. I came back a month later to audition with my hair dyed blonde and Simon said, ‘Who’s the new guy, I love him!’ Simon is rarely wrong but he was wrong that time!
Do you still see Brian?
Shane: Yeah. My birthday was the last time I saw him a few months ago.
Nicky: And he texted me when he twins were born.
Kian: He's backward and forwards between London, Ireland and Australia at the moment.
Shane: It feels like forever since he was in the band. He’s had success but maybe not as much as he hoped. If anyone leaves a band of course you want to go on to be Robbie Williams but it can be hard to beat what you achieved as a band. And in a group, you also keep each others egos tamed. I think that is why we are still together and will be together for a long time.
Do you ever argue?
Shane: Everyday.
Kian: Argument is the wrong word. Its more of a debate…
Nicky: We do argue though...
Kian: No we don’t argue we debate...
Shane: See, they are arguing now…
Kian: Now we’re debating. The truth is we all just want what is best for the band...
Westlife’s single Home is out now.
Source: Nww! Magazine / Joanne for typing it up
Westlife's Shane Filan: I want the perfect bod
Singer says he's become a fitness freak
Westlife star Shane Filan has revealed he's become a fitness fanatic in a bid to get a perfectly-toned bod.
The singer, 28, says he got into a more active lifestyle because he felt chubby.
'I was unhappy with my body,' he admits. 'I was maybe a ½ or ¾ of a stone overweight. I just wanted to be leaner and fitter. Mainly to be fitter, to have more energy and have a better lifestyle.'
Now Shane visits the gym regularly for a workout.
'I've got a whole new lease of life in the last 2 months,' he tells Now Online. 'I've never felt better in my life.'
See Shane for yourself in the flesh when the boys sign copies of Back Home at Harrods on Monday 5 November.
The signing will take place from 10am (make sure you're there earlier to see the boys arrive in the famous horse drawn carriage at 9.30am), during which time you'll be handed an envelope.
If yours contains a golden ticket, congratulations – you've won the chance to watch an exclusive performance by the boys straight afterwards, plus a goody bag!
See Westlife's new single Home from the album Back Home in this video....
Source: Now Magazine
Pensions Go West... (31 October)
Westlife were at the centre of a security alert in a post office.
They were behind the counter of London's Trafalgar Square branch to film an advert for the PO's new broadband service when a fan leant over the counter and set off the alarms.
We hear: "Our manager had to reset all the computers and it caused a bit of a delay. Westlife looked bemused but the people queuing up for their pensions weren't best pleased." D'Oh!
Source: www.mirror.co.uk
Back Home DVD Preview (31 October)
You can watch a Preview of Westlife's new Back Home DVD at Westlife's Official Youtube page
Source: www.youtube.com/westlife / Westlife.GR
Exclusive Album Previews (30 October)
Day two of our exclusive Back Home previews, and today you can see Kian talking about 'Something Right' and Mark on 'I'm Already There'. Head over here to watch them - and let us know what you think here!
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Home extras (30 October)
The two CD singles for 'Home' come with some brilliant extras - new track 'Hard To Say I'm Sorry' on CD1 and two great remixes on CD2. And now, you can check out clips of all three by clicking here!
Buy CD1 here and CD2 here.
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Win Tickets To Westlife's Harrods Performance! (30 October)
There’s a brilliant opportunity to see Westlife in the flesh on the day the album’s released (Monday 5th November)! The boys will be signing copies of Back Home in London’s ultra-glamorous Harrods department store – you NEED to be there!
The signing will take place from 10am (make sure you’re there earlier to see the boys arrive in the famous horse drawn carriage at 9.30am), during which time you’ll be handed an envelope. If yours contains a golden ticket, congratulations – you’ve won the chance to watch an exclusive performance by the boys straight afterwards, plus a goody bag!
If you want to increase your chances of seeing this exclusive gig then have we got a competition for you! We’ve got 25 pairs of the tickets for you to win to this special private gig after the signing - click HERE to answer a simple question and enter the draw. (Please note, the tickets only allow you into the gig – you’ll need to queue for the signing if you want to attend that too).
It looks set to be a completely unmissable event, so if you can make it down you’re in for a treat!
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Westlife At The Post Office! (30 October)
Anyone who popped into the Trafalgar Square Post Office this morning to buy their stamps got more than they bargained for when Westlife turned up!
The boys were there as the faces of the Post Office’s new TV advertising campaign, and you can check out some photos in the Gallery area right now.
Click here to watch the advert.
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Westlife Wanted Justin Timberlake To Join Band (30 October)
BEVERLEY LYONS AND LAURA SUTHERLAND
Exclusive Timberlake was ideal to take Brian's place
IRISH popsters Westlife have revealed that when Brian McFadden quit the band in 2004, their ideal replacement would have been Justin Timberlake.
Band member Nicky Byrne admitted: "Justin would have fitted in just right. I think he would have been great. We would have loved him to bring Sexy Back with him."
But the Irish foursome obviously realised that, despitehaving14 No.1singles in the UK, Justin might well have shown them up on the dance floor.
Shane Filan joked: "Yes, he would have been able to do all of the dance moves."
But Shane said it wasn't just Westlife who were big fans of the American singer. His two-year-old daughter Nicole is also an admirer.
We caught up with the boys in Aberdeen at Asda Be Live!, a new music event organised by Emap Radio Events and the supermarket chain.
Backstage Shane told us that Nicole loved to dance to Justin's tunes.
He said: "When I put his album on, she sings Sexy Back and dances. It's so funny watching her. But she does ask us to put daddy's song Home on too." This weekend Westlife are set for a chart battle to win their15thNo.1withthat track. But they admitted they would have had no chance if they had been up against pop babe Leona Lewis.
"Leona has had one of the biggest weeks of the year," Shane said. "It's looking like she is going to do about a quarter of a million sales so she probably would have beaten us. I think she has out sold Take That two to one, which is pretty big."
But the boys, who are renowned for being well mannered, would have taken the defeat in good grace.
"She has got a great voice," Shane continued. "When we met her last year, she was a really nice girl, a sweetheart. It looks like she will have a great career ahead of her."
But if they had been up against Take That in the charts, Shane admitted it could have gone "either way"
Source: www.dailyrecord.co.uk
Home Is Where The Heart Is For Westlife (30 October)
Westlife have jetted all over the world during their music career, but the boys insist that their solid home lives keep their feet on the ground.
The Irish foursome, who are the new faces of the Post Office, credit their families with helping them deal with fame.
"I think home to all of us is very, very important," Mark Feehilly revealed.
"We've all got very solid families and we've all had very good upbringings back home.
"We're very lucky to be surrounded by a lot of love."
And for new dad Nicky Byrne, home has become even more important after the birth of his twin sons earlier this year.
"We haven't been getting a lot of sleep for the first part of it," he admitted. "But I think any new parent will tell you that it's all worthwhile in the end.
"They're starting to kind of giggle and smile and do a lot of things now."
Source: http://musicnews.virginmedia.com
Simon's Pet (30 October)
WHILE it may seem inconceivable, Westlife has Simon Cowell to thank for their career which spans almost a decade now.
While any fan worth their salt would know that acid-tongue Cowell was the man responsible for making the band, which in Britain ranks at number three with the most number one singles behind only Elvis Presley and the legendary Beatles, it's an eye opener that, even today, the Irish quartet are still the apple of his eye.
"It's something he really feels for," Westlife member Shane Filan told FLIP in a phone conversation recently.
"No matter how much obscene amounts they shovel to him on American Idol, or no matter how many other projects he's got. Westlife has been very important for a lot of reasons, more to sentimentality, for Cowell. When Simon signed us at the very beginning, he wanted us together, picked who would be part of the group and has since then, picked every single we've ever released.
"And after 14 No. 1s in Britain, he's prouder of the group than you would ever imagine."
While it may seem ironic that Cowell would be so attached to a boyband - an insulting term that many acts try to break free from to establish credibility in the new millennium - it is indeed an obvious testament to his Midas touch, if not Westlife's actual ability to weather the changing musical currents.
"He is our A&R for every album, and he's had some great ideas," added Filan.
And the group's comeback single of sorts in Home, is another Cowell venture from the Irish lads' latest outing in Back Home.
"It's a great album with a lot of original pop songs, and we decided on the cover of Home, originally done by Michael Buble, after Cowell's idea to try it.
"THERE was no real reason why it wouldn't work, after all, he's always right," said Filan.
On paper, it may seem Westlife may be opting for a return to their boyband roots rather than covers. Despite Allow Us To Be Frank being a forgivable venture which bought them much credibility among music lovers, Filan says the band is making a return to pop.
"We've always wanted to do more original music, but the material was at one time hard to come by, though good songs are coming in again.
"Luckily for us, we've been associated with some really good tunes throughout our career. Maybe, some would think we should inject more of our selves into our songs by writing our own material, but songwriting is not something we do, plus we've always had the right songs."
And who can deny that with their track record?
Back Home however, has apparently struck fear into the hearts of their peers - with even the Spice Girls rescheduling their comeback release, despite initially wanting to proceed with a clash of pop titans dubbed The Tits versus the The Hits.
"We heard they pulled out and changed their release dates, and all I can say is that it's a compliment to Westlife. I don't blame them really, as everyone seems to have lost against us, and I don't mean that in a cocky way.
"Them coming back, they need that and so do we. We don't really care for a showdown, as we're fans of them as well and we're really glad they're coming back. I think more bands from the last decade are coming out of the woodwork, and you see Take That come back with their phenomenal return, it just shows that there are pop fans out there."
Filan said it marked a change in attitude to music `as we know it' to music `as we knew it'.
"It doesn't get tired. It's pop. We've been around for ten years. Every year it seems to work, and we grow with the fans, and they don't outgrow us.
"Take That coming back gave us confidence, as they're much older than us, but they've showed us success is possible still and good old fashioned pop is still alive."
He said while many negatively viewed the `90s as the period of manufactured acts with mechanically-churned out hits, it was a period where pop was everything it should be.
"Record companies don't want to take chances, but times are slowly changing, and more pop music is coming back in."
Who would have thought pop acts were losing ground? Still, pop music seems to be reclaiming its territory.
However Westlife, who has, and most probably will continue to, conquer with their tunes, is not going to expand their empire and take on America. Not yet at least.
"There is no point going to America unless you have the proper people behind you. The people who are going to get you a tour of the country, and get you on all the big TV shows like Jay Leno and Oprah Winfrey."
Anyone who would have thought having Cowell in your corner would assume you had it made!
"Simon is the man who signed us, picks our music and yes, he's a star in America. He wants us to break into the American market but maybe with another album in the next two years.
"Which will be another year and a half away or so, as we intend to do promos and tour with Back Home - before we even get on that. But it's not an obsession or even a real target for us to break the American music scene."
For now, their fans, who have helped them set the enviable records are still their priority - and closer to our shores, Filan says Westlife will be returning to Malaysia sometime in April or May 2008 as plans were still being worked out.
"Things haven't changed much and I think our fans like the fact that we have normal lives. Westlife is a dream job to me. Screaming girls are a bit of a laugh though it's always nice to get a reception, a reaction like when you're in Kuala Lumpur, and our wives and our partners hardly mind.
"It's after all - part of the job."
* Interview courtesy of SonyBMG
Source: Malay Mail (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) / Gitta
West-ify Your Myspace!(29 October)
Got a Myspace page? Fancy jazzing it up with a brilliant Westlife banner announcing their new single? Then simply copy and paste the following code:
Be sure to keep an eye on www.myspace.com/westlife as Westlife’s top friends will be changing on a regular basis. If you want to make it into the elite list, make sure you’re showing your support for the boys by having ‘Home’ playing on your page!
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Home Previews & Interviews (29 October)
Each day this week the guys will let us into the inside story behind each track on Back Home, plus we'll be bringing you an exclusive preview of the song.
Today it's Nicky talking about brand new single 'Home', plus Shane reveals all about 'Us Against The World'.
Click here to watch.
Check back tomorrow for the next two tracks!
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
'Home' Out On CD Now! (29 October)
Don't forget, 'Home' is now available on two great CD singles, one with a brand new track and one with two great new remixes.
CD1
Home
Hard To Say I'm Sorry
Click here to order
CD2
Home
Mega Eclipse Of The Heart (Jim Steinman remix)
Home Soul Seekerz remix (radio edit)
Click here to order
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
New Interview On The Mirror Website (29 October)
Check out the brand new video interview with the boys on The Mirror’s site! Watch part one right now by clicking here – and head back over there tomorrow to watch the second instalment.
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Signing In Dublin On Friday (29 October)
Westlife will be heading to Dublin on Friday 2nd November to sign copies of Back Home at HMV Grafton Street!
If you want to see the boys in the flesh, you’ll need to pick up a wristband from the store, which will be available when it opens on Friday morning. Make sure you’re there early as wristbands are on a first come, first served basis and are limited to one per person. The signing starts at 5.30pm. For further info, click here.
After the signing, the boys will be hot-footing it over to The Late Late Show studios, as they’re amongst the special guests appearing on the programme that night. Don’t miss it!
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Wembley Pre-Sale On Wednesday (29 October)
Westlife have added a show at Wembley Arena to their huge 2008 Back Home tour.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, but fans can take advantage of a dedicated pre-sale on Wednesday 31st October from 9am.
You’ll need to be a Live Nation member in order to take part in the pre-sale. Registration is quick and free, but sign up now to save time on Wednesday. Just go to http://www.livenation.co.uk/members/signup and fill out your details.
Check back here on www.http://www.westlife.com at 9am on Wednesday to get the link to the pre-sale. The password will be the same as it was for the pre-sale on 16th October (if you can’t remember it, head over to the VIP section). Log in using your Live Nation username and password and you’ll then be able to access tickets.
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
X marks spot for Westlife (28 October)
THE boys of Westlife have recorded a documentary about their 10-year pop career - which will be screened immediately before the X Factor live final in December.
No prizes for working out how they scooped that prime slot - the boys are managed by judge Louis Walsh.
This comes after Leona Lewis - Simon Cowell's protegee - sang Bleeding Love last week.
Kian Egan joked: "Sharon will be pushing to get Ozzy on next."
Westlife's single Ho me is out tomorrow.
Source: Sunday Mirror
Home released as download (28 October)
Hi Guys,
Releasing the first single off a brand new album is always an incredibly exciting time for us. We all agree that 'Back Home' is one of the best albums that we've ever made and 'Home' is a great track to introduce everyone to it.
It's also our chance to get our 15th number one single! We'd be absolutely over the moon if that happened, so we'll be listening to the charts with our fingers crossed next weekend.
We can't thank you all enough for being such great fans – it's because of you that we're about to release our ninth album.
Love
Kian, Nicky, Mark & Shane x
DOWNLOAD HOME FROM ITUNES NOW
DOWNLOAD SPECIAL MIXES BUNDLE FOR JUST £1.79 AT TUNETRIBE NOW - CLICK HERE
Source: Westlife Official Myspace
Westlife on sex, love and size 0 (27 October)
Cheating, dieting and skinny girls with enhanced breasts - all subjects the Westlife boys have an opinion on. Cue a controversial conversation.
Lets talk about Sex
SEX
What constitutes cheating for you?
Shane: Taking things to the point just before youre going to snog. If you're flirting badly, you might as well snog them because you're already cheating.
Kian: You don't have to have sex to be unfaithful, If you're already in a relationship, however far you do go is too far. Mark: There's a deep romantic intimate side of you that should be exclusive to your other half..
Do men have sex or make love?
Kian: Often it's totally sex - especially one night stands men can seperate sex and emotion.
Why do men have a worse reputation than women for being unfaithful?
Kian: That's easy, men think with their downstairs head, not their upstairs head.
Shane: Guys always think the grass is greener.
Nicky: Women don't chase men if they're in a relationship, but men chase women.
What makes a girl sexy?
Mark: Confidence makes a girl stand out.
Shane: Dress sense and nice hair catch my eye. I like girls who look amazing but don't know it.
Love and Relationships:
What would you say if your girlfriend asked if she'd put on weight?
Kian: "I'd be honest and say "Youre not as in good shape as you were a month ago"
Nicky: He's not joking either. Kian once said to Jodi, his girfriend "What happened to the 19-year old girl I used to go out with". Kian: Jodi always asks me "Does my bum look fat in this>?" just before we go out. I can't say yes because I'll be waiting for another while, while she gets changed.
Shane: You're going to be in trouble when she read this..
Kian: She's gorgoeus, she doesn't have anything to worry about.
Body Image
Does a girls size bother you?
Kian: A girl who is naturally slim is one thing, but a girl who starves herself to be skinny is awful. It doesn't look nice.
Shane: There's nothing worse than a girl who doesnt fill her jeans. Voluptuous is better.
What do you think about the size 0 craze?
Nicky: It's stupid, no one needs to be that skinny.
Mark: The celebrities women aspire to look like are all in rehab and far too thin. Girls like Amy Winehouse are a mess. These girls are idolised because they're addicted to drugs and are way to thin, it's digusting.
Would you mind if you girlfriends put on weight?
Nicky: Yes - if she put on alot I'd tell her. She'd know herself anyway, so you'd have to acknowledge it.
Shane: That's harsh. So you'd divorce Georgina (Nicky's wife) is she put on weight?
Nicky: Of course not, because I love her unconditionally, but I'd have to say "Listen love, you put on 6 stone"
Kian: I wouldn't be bothered if Jodi put on a few pounds, but if she was bursting out of all of her clothes then it would be different.
Do men worry about their weight as much as women?
Kian: Totally, and we're in the public eye so we're scrutinised more than normal guys.
Mark: Often I'll see myself and think I look awful. Then I'll try to eat better and exercise more.
If your girlfriend said you needed to loose weight, would you?
Nicky: Yes definitely I'd be straight down to the gym.
Kian: Jodi says thing like: "Come on fat boy" to me all the time. I just laugh.
Nip/Tucks
What do you think of girls hwo have plastic surgery?
Kian: I don't mind it. If a girl isn't happy with something, she should be able to get it fixed.
Shane: But when girls get too much changed,it can look bad.
Nicky: Yeah boys don't like women who look like Jackie Stallone, she's a diaster.
Would you mind if your girfriend had a breast enlargement. Kian: If it's tastefully done then its fine.
Nicky: But they have to be in proportion.
Kian: Victoria Beckham is a perfect example. She's stick thin but her boobs are up on top of her chest like two footballs.
Mark: Look at Kate Moss. She doesn't have the biggest boobs in the world, but shes still gorgeous and very sexy.
Which parts of your body do you feel insecure about?
Shane: My belly and my jawline
Kian: They're the two main things for men. Girls worry about their thighs and bums, but for men its all about their stomachs.
What do you think about girls who flash the flesh in tiny skirts? Nicky: Men don't like seeing girls in tight skirts with dodgy boots.
Mark: Yeah, there's nothing worse than a girl letting her body hang out of clothes, like cheese coming out of a filled pizza crust
Do you refer women to dress to the nines or casually?
Kian: Jeans and a T-shirt work for me. When Jodi gets dressed up, I try to get her to dress down.
Shane: I like a bit of both, Theres nothing like a girl in a tracksuit with a really nice bum.
Source: Sunday celebrity / NOTW Sunday Magazine / Jo for typing
Westlife Back Home DVD available for pre-order at the Woolies website (27 October)
Woolworths has a special Westlife dvd for sale, you can pre-order it here
Westlife - Back Home DVD, featuring:
- Westlife up close and personal
- Back Home album Photoshoot
- Videos: Home / You Raise Me Up / When You Tell Me That You Love Me / Amazing / The Rose
Release Date
5 November 2007
6.99 - 7.99 pounds
Source: Woolworths / Irishpuppies
Signing at Grafton Street HMV on 2nd November (27 October)
Westlife will be signing copies of their new album 'Back Home' at:
Friday 2nd November - 5:30pm - HMV Grafton Street, Dublin
*Event will be a signing only.
Fans can pick up free wristbands at HMV which allow entry to the signing. Wristbands will be available only from HMV Grafton Street from store opening on Friday 2nd November onwards. One wristbands per customer, no reservations, while stocks last, subject to availability, at participating store only.
Source: hmv.co.uk
Can Westlife still cut it? (27 Ocotober)
Westlife, the Irish boy band turned "Adult contemporary" balladeers, could be excused for being the smuggest young multimillionaires ever to bring a flush to the pop charts.
Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne and Kian Egan have more number one singles-14-to their credit than anyone, except Elvis and The Beatles. They are clinking with platinum discs and garlanded with awards.
They even survived the potentially ruinous departure of popular band member Brian McFadden three years ago, in their echo of the Take That/Robbie Williams split, They are, surely, justifiable content with their lot?
The answer is yes and not entirely - of which more later. In personal terms, they swear that they have never been happier or more settled. "You grow up, it’s that simple," says Shane, 28, the shorted dark one with the sardonic eyebrows, who shared lead vocals with Mark. "There are only so many times you can go to nightclubs and get free bottles of vodka and still think its fantastic. Your priorities turn to home and family. We know what’s important to us." Held up against the gawky posturing of performers like Babyshambles, Pete Doherty, this degree of domesticity can make Westlife seem unnaturally sensible. They like to allude to wild nights in the pub, but they remain that shockingly rare thing in the music industry: adults who behave like adults instead of dysfunctional adolescents.
They make concerned tut-tutting noises about Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse ("terrible she needs help”) and are grudgingly sympathetic to Doherty himself, but there’s definite impatience with the self indulgences of pops perpetual teenagers.
Though they all have bases in UK, Ireland is "HOME" and where they retreat from the not very intrusive lenses of the press. "If the papers think we’re boring, bring it on..!!" crowns Nicky. "It’s great for us. We can get on with our lives. It’s not the newspapers that buy our records."
Shane is married to Kian's cousin Gillian and they have a 2-year old daughter, Nicole Rose. Nicky's wife Georgina, his girlfriend since they met at school when they were 16, is the daughter of Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. They have twin boys, Rocco and Jay, who were born prematurely in April but are now thriving. In an announcement that caused barely a ripple, Mark admitted he was gay 2 years ago, and now lives with his partner, singer Kevin Mcdaid, Kian is also in a long term relationship with former Hollyoaks Actress Jodi Albert.
Where are the drugs? The groupies? The Tabloid kiss and tells? Instead they offer sidelines of golf, property development and a juice bar for Sligo surfer dudes. Shane works out in his home gym and rides horses. Kian surfs, Marks building a portfolio as a photographer. Nicky is absorbed by babies, but has taken acting classes. Where is the appealing misbehaviour we have come to expect from our icons? Drinking with your mates doesn’t count.
One look at their trim physiques and clear eyes tells you it is hopeless. They are dressed in a stylist’s selection of dark shirts and tapered trousers that makes their legs look as if they’ve been sharpened, and they are irredeemably wholesome. Photographs at a London barbershop are all over and they can relax in a private room across the road.
They talk loudly and across each other, with digressions about the heights of their brothers (giants all) and raucous laughter. And when they speak at the same time, it almost becomes impossible to separate Kian's booming bass from Nicky's machine gun delivery, or Marks more measured style and Shane’s pithy, if rarer contributions. Kian "We’re Irish, divorce is barely legal over there! We don’t come from rich families but we’re lucky to have strong stable backgrounds. We respect our parents.
Nicky: "My dad always used to say: “Do whatever you want, just make sure you don’t bring the police to our door"”
Mark: "We’re real people with genuine problems, we’re not perfect by any means, but we’re not running about being tortures artists."
Shane: "I’m the youngest of seven: three brothers and three sisters, so personally when I went into the Westlife world, I didn’t want to let them down. My brothers would have killed me. So I never did, and all of a sudden we’ve been here for 9 years and I’m glad.
Which brings us to the most remarkable thing about Westlife, their longevity. The interval between the birth and death of a boy band averages rather equally than a tin of beans: packaged, marketed, screwed up and discarded. Take That stayed together for barely 6 years the first time round. Boyzone made it to 7 and and Five lasted four. By those standards Westlife who formed in 1998 and are managed by The X-Factor’s Louis Walsh, are time worn veterans.
Shane, Kian and Mark were part of a band called IOU at the same Sligo school when Shane’s mum Mae, called in Louis Walsh, already the manager of Boyzone, to look them over. He jettisoned a couple of members and added Nicky and Brian.
"Right from the start Louis was very strict” recalls Nicky. "He wouldn’t let us get in with the wrong people in the industry. He always kept an eye on us. He’d read the stories in the newspapers and be on the phone straight away saying, "What are you doing? Stay away from him" And you realise its good advice.
Kian: “We imagined we were going to walk into some nightclub in London and be offered cocaine and ecstasy and Page Three Girls"
Mark:”We had seen the horror stories. We were so scared of getting carried away, even before the band was signed. that our feet were on the ground from the start. The first time you got to somewhere like London’s Met Bar, it’s a different planet. I mean, I grew up on a farm. Its enjoyable for a while, being in the VIP area with the All Saints, or whoever, but after a while you realise that it’s not healthy or enjoyable experience to be surrounded by strangers who only want to be seen with you because you’re famous. Its all fake."
If they make themselves sound like a gang of wide eyed scarey cats, it’s worth remembering that all except Nicky, who is the oldest at 29, were in their teens when their careers started. They are adamantly opposed to the new, lower age of 14 for contestants on X Factor.
"It would have killed my confidence to be rejected on national tv at the age of 14, I think you’re too young to handle pressure at that age - its using kids for entertainment. If they have talent at 14, they’ll have it at 17. Wait for them to grow up a bit," says Shane.
They admit that, when they started out, they did whatever they were told to by the experts in charge of the band. Their compliance brought huge success, but possibly at the cost of the elusive "creed". As Kian puts it, "I don’t think our music is too complicated and, for that reason, there are lots of people who would never admit to liking Westlife, even if they did, because it wouldn’t be a cool thing to say. Its just everyday, honest people who like our music -and they don’t feel like they need to be cool."
Bob Geldof may sing as if he’s gargling through a cracked drain, but his dismissive comment in 2004, that Westlife were nothing to music and his failure to ask them to perform at Live was an indication of their frustratingly low standing with the intellectual heavyweights of the music industry.
They hint that they are tired of the jibes about their over dependence on luch, impeccably produced cover versions. Their best selling Love album of 2006, illustrated with a photograph of then in sub James Bond unbuttoned tuxedos and winsome expressions had no original songs. Their latest single Home, from the new album, was previously a hit for the its co. writer Michael Buble. After nine years as dutiful grafters, they sound as if they have the confidence to get off the album once a year treadmill. At one point Shane is trying to explain the iron divide between family and the musical hoopla of promoting records, he says, “Westlife is just a job to us. A passion and a job.”
Kian, the unofficial liaison officer between the band and management, and a sharp strategic thinker, says "It’s not a job you could get bored with, but it runs in a very similar way every year, in that we record at a certain time and are then ready to move on to the next stage. You can get tired of the same routine. We’ve decided we’re not going to bring out another album this time next year.”
“It’s important to us to remember why we got into this business in the first place”, adds Nicky. "To keep anything fresh, you need new influences, and its imperative, if we want to keep moving forward, that we produce better songs every time. Then were more excited about performing them. We’re going to give it more time to naturally evolve, like we did at the beginning, and not have this structure in place.”
They are very frank about relying on other songwriters for most of their material, but they know what they want: variety. Presumably they can afford in every sense to be more demanding as they get older, having sold 36 million records, and won 2 Brit Awards and four Record of the Year Awards. Their fan base is devoted solid and surprisingly broad: composed, they say of teenage girls, their mothers, a few fathers and a sizeable gay following.
Mark didn’t tell his band mates he was gay until 5 years after they formed. They and his family were supportive, but he was concerned, when he came out in the press two years later, that it would damage Westlife’s popularity as pin-ups. "I honestly don’t think it’s affected the band’s success in any way at all.” he insists, "Each time someone like me speaks up, it becomes more acceptable. I’ve heard of one person in a boy band who was kicked out before they made their first record when it was discovered that he was gay. It’s a sad fact that the industry can be fearful do such revelations damaging a groups image. There’s still a prejudice there from the marketing point of view, that I think is disgusting. But even if everyone isn’t ready to accept openly gay stars yet, the situation is much better than it was ten years ago.
“And think back. When we first signed our record deal, I was 17 or 18, I don’t think at that stage in my life, many gay men are sorted about their sexuality. I kept pushing the issues away because I’m really bad at decisions and thought I’ll live vicariously. I won’t face myself. But in the end, I had no choice except to be honest. Your sexuality is such a big part of you that, unless you express it, you’re in danger of becoming some sad, crushed person with something buried inside you. I gave myself the ability to be happy.
It is Mark and Shane who are the best singers and the prime candidates for solo careers, but Shane has reportedly rejected offers to do it. They are adamant that they will stay together. "You can’t explain what we’ve got”, says Shane, Kian adds, "We know each other like brothers, better probably, because we spent ten years growing up together, Develop yes, Stop no... we’re in it for the long haul.”
And there no reason to disbelieve him. What are the odds that by Christmas, Home will have earned the boys their 15th number one single and brought them an improbable step close to top pine Elvis.
Source: Daily Mail, weekend magazine / Typed by Joanne
A Message From The Boys (26 October)
Hi everyone
Releasing the first single off a brand new album is always an incredibly exciting time for us. We all agree that Back Home is one of the best albums that we’ve ever made and ‘Home’ is a great track to introduce everyone to it.
It’s also our chance to get our 15th number one single! We’d be absolutely over the moon if that happened, so we’ll be listening to the charts with our fingers crossed next weekend. We know that lots of you have already ordered your copies and we really, really appreciate your support. Hopefully you’ll all enjoy the extra stuff on the CD singles and downloads. ‘Hard To Say I’m Sorry’ is a brand new track that we’re really proud of, and all of the remixes are just amazing.
We can’t thank you all enough for being such great fans – it’s because of you that we’re about to release our ninth album.
Love
Kian, Nicky, Mark & Shane x
To watch a short video from the boys, click here.
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Harrods Signing Event (26 October)
If you can make it to London on 5th November then you’re in for a real treat: Westlife will be signing copies of Back Home at Harrods!
The boys will arrive at the ultra-swanky London department store on Brompton Road, SW1, by horse-drawn carriage at 9.30am. They’ll then move to the HMV area to begin the signing, which will be taking place from 10am – 11am on a first come, first served basis.
Those who turn up will be handed a special Harrods black envelope containing a Westlife card. Check very carefully inside, because if yours also has a golden ticket, you’ve won a place at an exclusive performance afterwards!
Those lucky winners will then attend the special private gig, starting at 11am and finishing at 11.45am, after which they’ll receive a fantastic goody bag.
It promises to be a really incredible day – we look forward to seeing you there!
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Back Home Previews On Monday (26 October)
It's not out until 5th November, but from next week we'll be giving you the exclusive chance to sample every track on Westlife's new album Back Home!
What's more, you'll also be able to watch videos of the boys discussing each song.
Check back here on Monday!
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Westlife In The Press (26 October)
There are three great Westlife features to look out for in this weekend’s papers.
First up, get yourself a copy of the Daily Mail’s Weekend magazine on Saturday where you’ll find an interview and photo shoot. Then on Sunday there are two great features to collect - a chat with Nicky in the Sunday Express’s S magazine and an interview in the News Of The World’s Sunday magazine with the whole band.
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Home Is Just A Few Days Away! (26 October)
The wait is nearly over guys! Just under 2 days until you can download the fantastic new single 'Home' and just under 3 days til you can get your hands on the 2 track and Maxi CD.
Here's a reminder of all the tracklistings:
Maxi-CD
1. Home
2. Mega Eclipse Of The Heart (Jim Steinman Remix)
3. Home (Soul Seekerz Radio Edit)
PREORDER - MAXI
2-Track
1. Home
2. Hard To Say I'm Sorry
PREORDER - 2 TRACK
The guys can't wait for you to hear the new b side and the remixes so make sure you leave your comments here to let them know what you think.
The new album 'Back Home' is out in just over a week so make sure you check back next week when we start our exclusive track by track guide to the album from the guys themselves. If you haven't already preordered your copy of 'Back Home' you can do so NOW to make sure you have it on 5th November when it comes out.
ADMIN
Source: Westlife Official Myspace
Westlife star thought career was over (25 October)
Westlife star Nicky Byrne has revealed that he thought the group would split up after their 'Allow Us To Be Frank' album was released.
Speaking to the Daily Star, the singer said: "After the big band-theme album 'Allow Us To Be Frank' was our least successful, we thought we were making our last album on 'Face To Face'."
"If you'd asked me then, I'd have said we were on our arse. Then 'You Raise Me Up' was the biggest comeback."
"We told Simon (Cowell) we needed something to get us hungry again this time. He said he'd search high and low for original songs," he said.
Speaking about the group's new album 'Back Home', Byrne said: "The single is a cover but it's 90% original material and I think this is our best album."
Source: RTE.ie
"Our Secret Confessions" (24 October)
It all came out when we talked to Westlife...
They've dominated the pop charts for the past decade, chalking up an astonishing 36 million record sales and 14 UK No.1 hits, but Britain's most successful boyband reckon the best is yet to come.
Watching Westlife at our exclusive London photo shoot goes a long way to explaining their success. Having ditched the sharp suits for funkier, more casual fashions, the four boys laugh, joke, take the mickey and play fight like only best mates can.
Nicky, Shane, Mark and Kian credit their friendship and families with keeping them sane, and there's no sign of this likeable Irish foursome slowing down - or, perish the thought, splitting up like their recently reunited peers Take That ant the Spice Girls. With their latest single a cover of Michael Buble hit 'Home', and a nineth album out within weeks, the boys reveal what really makes them tick and why they'll be around for a long time to come.
KIAN 'I stay in hostels on holiday'
Kian Egan, 27, has been dating Hollyoaks actress Jodi Albert, 24, for five years. They share homes outside London and in Sligo.
'We've always been known as the clean-cut boys of pop, but we do fall out of clubs at 4.00 am - we just don't get photographed doing it. Two of the boys are dads now and I envy them, but they also envy me - the hassle they have with babysitters! My relationship with Jodi is six to ten years behind what Shane and Nicky have. I want marriage and babies, and Jodi's the person I'm gong to do that with, but she's younger and her career's important to her. I don't want her crying 10 years down the line because she didn't get to fulfil all her dreams.
'I switch off by going surfing - I have 15 boards and I chase waves all around the world. I’ve been to Hawaii, the Maldives and Indonesia on surf trips - I'm always backpacking in hostels with my surf mates. They don't give a s**t who I am or what I do. It’s taught me that there's a lot more to life than being in a boyband and making a load of money. My ambitions are more about having a family, being an amazing surfer and backpacking around Australia and Asia, with poor Jodi in a headlock with me! She needs to see the real world and get a bit of dirt under her nails.'
NICKY 'We should model for Primark'
Nicky Byrne, 29, is married to Georgina, 28, daughter of the Irish PM Bertie Ahern. In April they became proud parents of twin sons Rocco and Jay, and the family ivied their time between London and Dublin.
'In the past ten years we've had so many great times as a band but fatherhood is the most amazing thing I've ever experienced. It’s something Georgina and I have waited a while for, as we've been together since we were 16. Rocco and Jay were born 2 months premature, which was very worrying. They were 2lb 14oz and 3lb 11oz and spent five weeks in intensive care. But now those two little fellas are my life. One’s so calm while the other one is a screamer! It’s tough and were both busy all the time with them. We didn't want a nanny but when you're up at 4am, you can start to change your mind!'
'Fair play to Take That for landing the 'Marks and Spencer advertising campaign, but I think for us to do Primark would be amazing. It’s affordable to everyone.'
'Georgina gave me a shopping list after the babies were born so I went to get it all from a local Primark. They even opened up a till especially for me!’
MARK 'Britney feels like family to me'
Mark Feehily, 27, announced he was gay two years ago. He goes out with former boyband star Kevin McDaid and lives in Sligo.
'I can't wait to see what everyone thinks of the new album. We’ve moved it up a step and I want to know what fans think. We've been around a long time now and it's getting better and better. It saddens me to see what's happening to Britney. We met her a few times at the start of our careers and it's like watching your little cousin. The clincher for me was the children thing - I hope so much that she pulls it back together.
'When I'm not working I love traveling and photography and collect modern art. I love the nightlife in cities like New York, Sydney, Barcelona and in South America. In years to come I can see myself spending long periods there.'
'I was a Take That and Spice girls fan. We've shared stylists over the years. The girls would fire their hair stylist and then we'd get them! I was a big fan of Mel C's solo career - but she has a bit of a temper!'
SHANE 'Simon & Louis make us behave'
Shane Filan, 28, is married to Kian’s cousin, Gillian Walsh, 28. They have a daughter Nicole, two, and homes in London and Sligo.
'Westlife's secret is we get on and respect each other. We’ve never had a fight. We’re so honest with each other that sometimes we offend each other, but that’s why we've lasted nine years. Simon Cowell, who signed us, and our manager, Louis Walsh, keep us on the straight and narrow. My biggest vice is Guinness. I used to hate it but I've developed a taste for it. I also have a thing for Pot noodles, I eat them a couple of times a week. I’m a golf freak and I love horses.'
'My brother's an international show jumper and I did think about making it a career myself. I still ride, and there's nothing like letting a horse go as fast as it can. I’ve started working out lately because I was never happy with my body and I started getting a belly. Maybe it's the Guinness!'
Source: Woman Magazine / Tabby for typing it up
Westlife Update (23 October)
After a hectic few days on their regional radio tour, the boys took a few well-earned days off and spent the weekend relaxing.
Yesterday they appeared on the Paul O’Grady Show, which they really enjoyed, and would like to send a big thanks to everyone who turned up to show their support. That evening they presented two awards at the Wellchild Awards, a charity supported by Prince Harry that provides care and assistance to sick children and their families.
Today, the guys are busy with international promotion and press interviews, with tomorrow dedicated to regional ISDN and online interviews, plus a chat with Heart FM (to be broadcast at a later date).
The boys will then have a few days to themselves, before performing at the Emap Radio gig in Aberdeen (a special event for prize winners) on Sunday 28th October - the day before ‘Home’ is released! To pre-order your copy, click here.
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Third Belfast Date Coming Soon (23 October)
Westlife have added a third date at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena. Tickets for Wednesday 27th February will go on sale at 9am on Saturday 27th October from www.ticketmaster.ie, or call the venue on (028) 9073 9074
For a full rundown of their 2008 shows head to the Dates area.
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Westlife In Royal Mail Ad (23 October)
The Westlife males have teamed up with the Royal Mail! Kian, Nicky, Mark and Shane are the faces of a brand new TV ad, which you can check out by clicking here.
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Win Tour Tickets & A Signed Disc! (23 October)
How do you fancy getting your hands on a signed Westlife platinum disc plus a pair of tickets to their upcoming UK tour?
Head over here to watch a short message from the boys and find out how to be in with a chance of winning this top prize.
And while you’re there, don’t forget to pre-order your copy of the new album!
Source: www.http://www.westlife.com
Westlife's Brian Ban (22 October)
Westlife won't allow former bandmate Brian McFadden to join them for their 10th anniversary concert.
The Irish boy band - Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne and Kian Egan - are planning a show in Dublin next summer to celebrate the landmark date, but won't let Brian, who left the group in 2004 to pursue a solo career, take part.
Shane said: "We are hopefully going to do a concert in Dublin's Croke Park. It's an 80,000 capacity stadium. We haven't confirmed it yet, but we hope to do that next summer which will be our 10th anniversary celebration."
When asked if Brian would be joining them on stage, Kian replied: "No, Brian isn't in Westlife any more. Why would he be joining us? He will be there watching us perform, kicking and screaming inside that he left the band."
Nicky added: "I am sure he will want to come and cheer us on."
The band, who are set to release new single 'Home' on October 29, already have the "perfect" song to end the celebratory concert.
Kian: "Guess what our last song will be? We will have to do 'Home' - the lyrics are perfect for it.
"So if you are a Westlife fan, we hope you see you there!"
(C) BANG Media International
Source: http://people.monstersandcritics.com
In A Taxi With... Westlife (22 October)
After nearly ten years together the boyband tell how “natural fun” keeps them in harmony.
Interview Maureen Paton
Photograph Dean Beicher
Those Irish boys always wanna have fun, which is why I’m whisking Westlife away from the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane for some R and R at private London club 50 St James in Piccadilly, during a break from their hectic schedule.
Tony Bennett is the only pop cargo that our Essex taxi driver has carried before, so he doesn’t know quite what’s hit him when three lively Sligo men - Kian Egan 27, Mark Feehily, 27, and Shane Filan, 28 - and an equally talkative Dubliner, Nicky Byrne, pie nicely into the back of his cab. ‘Normally we don’t all travel in a cab together - we’re like the royal family, we travel separately so that if an accident happened, the rest of us could carry on’, quips Nicky, the cheeky one with the blond quiff.
Well the tour have managed pretty well so far without the original fifth member self-confessed former vodkaheed Brian McFadden, who left Westlife after five years in 2004. The industry predicted that the remaining quartet’s days were numbered comparing it to when Robbie Williams left rival boyband Take That.
But the industry turned out to be wrong about the group that took the charts by storm with hits such as ‘Flying Without Wings’.
‘We don’t miss Brian. He was never going to be another Robbie Williams because Robbie is unique,’ says the diplomatic Mark.
Within tour months of Brian’s departure, Westlife had released their stylish album tribute to Frank Sinatra, Allow Us To Be Frank, and served notice that their timeless brand of soulful pop was here to stay.
As Mark shrewdly puts it, ‘That allowed us to regroup, come back and throw people off the scent. We were never a manufactured band and we were never a one-hit wonder, something that must be almost worse than not having a career in the first place.’
In their nine-year history, Westlife, who begun life in the west of Ireland at Summerhil College, a catholic school, have sold more than 36 million albums worldwide and had 14 number one UK singles which ranks them behind only Elvis and the Beatles. They have sung with Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey and Donna Summer, cite such classic Motown influences as the Temptations lament that there are no new pop music icons to replace Madonna or Michael Jackson. But they’re doing their best to fill the gap with their latest single - ‘Home’, a new version of the Michael Buble song - showing the same devastatingly commercial acumen as their heroes.
Unfortunately for their lovelorn fans, this is one band that’s all spoken for.
Nicky is married to Irish premier Bertie Ahern’s daughter, Georgina, who gave birth prematurely to their twins in April; Shane is married to Kian’s cousin Gillian, with a two-year-old daughter; Kian is dating former Hollyoaks actress Jodi Albert, and Mark has a long-term relationship with Kevin McDaid, former member of boy band V.
There is a clean-cut image which Nicky ascribes to ‘Irish family values. A lot of bands get caught up in the lifestyle, glitz and glamour but we were a bit afraid of that,’ he says. ‘And when my twins were born early at seven months, it put everything in perspective, it was a big shock and opened my eyes to the little bubble of celebrity we live in.’
Shane adds with deadly seriousness: ‘I’ve been offered drugs twice, but I never took them - I promised my mother I never would’.
As Mark puts it, ‘Our background is having fun in a more natural way’
And it has to be said they look pretty good on it as we sit in the bar at 50 St James and their focus on work hasn’t wavered, they still have a burning desire to crack the American market, Nicky admits.
‘It would be the cherry on top of the icing’ adds Kian, ‘But then, we’ve always got the icing.’
Westlife’s latest single ‘Home’ will be released on 29 October, their new album will be out in early October.
Source: Mail On Sunday / Westlife.gr / Joanie for scanning the picture and the article
Westlife split claims are absolute rubbish says Shane (21st October)
By JIM GRAY
In an exclusive interview with The Sligo Champion, Westlife star, Shane Filan has dismissed as ‘absolute rubbish’ reports that the band is splitting up and has said he sees no reason why they will not still be recording and performing together in ten years time.
While confirming that the band is taking a lengthy rest at the end of a gruelling world tour next July, Mr. Filan stressed that this did not signal the beginning of the end but rather a fresh impetus for a group that has already set staggering records of achievement over the past nine years.
He said that the break, which would be for no more than six or eight months, would allow band members time to ‘chill out’ with their families.
"I wouldn’t even call it a break; it’s a rest, a holiday, which we all need after nine years non-stop work", he said. "Both professionally and personally, the rest will be good for us. It gives us more time to prepare for albums and to get better songs, but also it gives each of us a chance to chill out with our families. Two of us have young families now, and that’s a factor. People sometimes forget that we have lost out on our late teenage years and our early 20’s to a large extent because we’ve been working so hard for nearly 10 years now. We haven’t had that much quality time with our families and friends, and we feel the time is right to do that now", he explained.
The world tour which begins in Belfast next February and concludes the following July will mark the band’s 10th anniversary, making it a perfect time for a sabbatical. There will be no Westlife album in 2008 and no tour until at least 2010, but the world’s biggest pop act will remain intact.
"We’ve done nine albums in nine years, which is a feat in itself. Most bands would regard an album every three years as good going, so there’s probably a shock reaction when we say we won’t be doing an album next year. But we’re at the stage where we don’t have to do an album every year. In fact, we believe the quality will be even better if we take more time, and that’s what we’re doing. The plan would be maybe to do