WestlifeDomain

With his wedding to Gillian Walsh less than a month away, Westlife's Shane Filan is looking forward to his stag night.

The 24 year old told me: "The Lads are taking me to the Man U - Chelsea game for a few quiet beers - No stripping Police women or anything, I don't think that would be a good idea" Pity his band mates don't agree, Bryan McFadden, Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne and Kian Egan revealed all at a bash to launch their new Album Turnaround, Shane said "We've planned a surprise stag Night, It's all going to start at Midday and last all night. We've devised a superstars format with Golf, Football and Rugby competitions. We're going to have a penalty shoot-out and a drop goal contest inspired by Jonny Wilkinson, It's gonna be everyone from the Band, his brothers, Loads of mates and Louis Walsh. The loser of each event will have to do a dare and the overall loser has to run naked through our favourite Dublin bar, We're going to fix it so that Shane loses, But I am not going to say which Bar".

source - Sunday mirror
30th Nov.

Westlife's twelfth No. 1 is a cover of a song that was, once upon a time, held up as an example of everything schmaltzy, uncool and icky. How the times have changed! It first hit the charts 32 years ago as 'Brandy', going to No. 12 for co-writer Scott English, and then Barry Manilow renamed it 'Mandy' and took it to No. 11 in 1975.

Kylie will be smarting from the lacklustre chart position of her new album 'Body Language'. It's come in at No. 6 when surely it should have snagged the top spot. Fellow pop princess Britney Spears will be smarting too, her CD 'In The Zone' manages a poor No. 14. But oh woe Ronan, whose new album 'Turn It On' doesn't even manage to scrape into the top 20. The once mighty seem fragile. Meanwhile someone who's reputation has been seeming really fragile is Michael Jackson, but his arrest hasn't hurt his sales much, and he romps to No. 1.

Westlife

And to celebrate their achievements, including yet another No.1 record, the lads from Westlife - Bryan McFadden, Mark Feehily Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne and Kian Egan - were honoured by their record company with a dinner for family and friends at the Elysium club. At the bash, which was also to celebrate the launch of their new album Turnaround, Bryan, 23, told 3am that he has other ambitions... he wants to be the President of Ireland.

"I'm deadly serious about it," he told us. "It's something I want to do after the band. It's the perfect job. You get a big house, a private jet and loads of security guards."

Westlife Giveaway!

It's a Westlife mega-giveaway, where the grand prizewinner will stand to win the following amazing prizes:

One Westlife mobile display
One Westlife giant poster
One Westlife poster
One Westlife girlie tee
One Westlife CD case

Being the generous people that we are, a second prizewinner will also walk away with one Westlife poster, one Westlife girlie tee, and one Westlife CD case! And that's not all. Five consolation prizewinners will also be rewarded with Westlife's "Hey Whatever" and "Mandy" singles.

You know the drill -- answer the question below to win!

Closing Date: December 26, 2003.Entry Form

Question: Name Westlife's latest single.

More information:
http://www.mtvasia.com/Funstuff/Contests/WestlifeGiveaway/index.html

Source - MTV Asia
30th Nov.

Robbie and Westlife Gifts for Giant Christmas Stocking

By Anita Singh, Showbusiness Correspondent, PA News

Robbie Williams and Westlife are among stars who have donated gifts for a record-breaking Christmas stocking.
Twenty-five celebrities who feature in the Guinness World Records book have contributed gifts to the giant charity stocking.
It will be auctioned at Christie’s next Tuesday (December 2) with all proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Relief.
Robbie has donated a signed album and DVD while boyband Westlife put in a host of prizes, including concert tickets and CDs.
Fatboy Slim, Shania Twain, Pavarotti and JK Rowling have also given presents.

The winning bidder will get the entire contents of the stocking.

Guinness World Records recently earned its own place in the famous book by selling its 100 millionth copy.

WESTLIFE singer Bryan McFadden has pleaded with wife Kerry not to reveal their secrets on I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here.

Kerry, 23, is considering going on the jungle reality show early next year. But Bryan, 23 — whose song Mandy is at No1 in the singles chart — fears she would be too open about their marriage. A show insider said: “Kerry is a favourite with Granada bosses because of her bubbly manner and she always says what she thinks.

They think her curvy figure and dirty laugh will be a big hit with viewers.
“Kerry is very interested but has been talking it over carefully with Bryan. He is worried that the show may not be the best career move for her as a TV presenter.”
Mum-of-two Kerry is a regular co-host on ITV1’s Loose Women.

source - www.thesun.co.uk
29th Nov.

On My Shoulder performance

Check out CD:UK tomorrow morning (Sat 29th) to see Westlife give their first performance of the track On My Shoulder, which is taken from their new album Turnaround (released earlier this week). The band will also be guests on SMTV earlier in the morning.

Then on Monday December 1st, tune in to ITV's Christmas Show at 5pm, which is presented by Eamonn Holmes and Tess Daly, and will feature another performance from the band.

Finally - don't forget that they're performing their Number 1 single Mandy on TOTP tonight, which starts at 7pm...

source - westlife.com
28th Nov.

This week, things are back to normal in the Westlife camp as the boys celebrated their 12th number one when their new single, a version of Barry Manilow's Mandy, topped Sunday's charts. There have been rumours that they were going to split up because others like Blue seemed to be winning the battle for young girls' hearts. Mark says not. An album called Turnaround is out this week and they have just added an extra Sheffield date on their tour next year. They will now be at Sheffield Hallam FM Arena on April 29 and 30 € ’a place they have played several times and which according to Mark is "one of our favourites".
"We always have a good time in Sheffield. And a good few drinks afterwards." He also mentions the hotel they stay in, but surely nobody wants to know that...In a way, Westlife are connected with the current craze for televised pop auditions, although they had the advantage of not having their singing screened before their career was launched. Louis Walsh, who recently helped select Girls Aloud in Popstars € ’ the Rivals, got them together in the first place (like Boyzone), while Simon Cowell, the pantomime villain from Pop Idol, helps look after their career and selects songs for them to record.

"He can be a lot harsher in real life than he is on the television," Mark groans. "He plays up a bit for the cameras, but he is extremely honest. He knows what he likes and he'll tell you things to your face."Mark also denies press rumours that Cowell has commanded that they only record slow songs (their ballads tend to hit the top, while more uptempo ones like Bop Bop Baby or Hey Whatever don't) or even threatened to stop working with them.
"He's been really busy since Pop Idol took off, but he's still involved with Westlife.
"We've a great team behind us and we're all looking forward to the future and raring to go."

WESTLIFE - EXTRA DATES!

Due to phenomenal demand Westlife have added two extra shows for their Turnaround Tour 2004. One matinee and one evening performance is scheduled for Saturday 3rd April 2004. If you missed out last week then this is your opportunity to get your hands on those all-important tickets!
        TICKETS ON SALE SAT 29TH NOV @ 9AM
        PRICED: £30.00
        (Parents with small children are advised to buy tiered seating)
PLEASE NOTE ONLINE TICKET REQUEST SERVICE IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS SHOW

BOOKING By Phone
Call our Box Office on 028 9073 9074 or call Ticketmaster's 24 hr credit card hotline on 0870 243 4455 (subject to service charge).
By Post - Please enclose a covering letter stating preferred show, date, performance and number of tickets and send to: Odyssey Arena Box Office, 2 Queen's Quay, Belfast BT3 9QQ. Cheques should be made payable to Odyssey Arena.

Westlife collaborate with Nara Jang

Next month, many international artists are going to Korea for their performances or concerts. Besides Britney Spears, Westlife will have a concert in Seoul (Korea) on 14th December. Nara Jang was invited to be the lads' supporting act in the concert.

Insiders revealed that Westlife will invite more or less one hundred orphans to watch the show. In order to offer warm and love to the children, Westlife hope they can invite a angel like singer among the Korean artists to appear in their concert. Under the negotiation of the record company, the lucky singer is Nara Jang. She will be the second Korean singer who has the opportunity to collaborate with Westlife. (The first one was BoA, singing Flying Without wings with the lads)

Photo of Nara: here

Source: Ming Pao Daily (Hong Kong) CREDIT - BONNIE

Irish Embassy Honours Boyband Westlife
By Anita Singh, Showbusiness Correspondent, PA News

Westlife celebrated five years at the top tonight with their very own ambassadorial reception. The Irish Embassy in London threw a lavish reception in honour of the chart-topping boyband. The red carpet was replaced with a green one especially for the occasion.
And celebrity fan Martine McCutcheon was there to present the boys with a Guinness World Record award for the most singles to debut at number one on the UK chart.

The black tie event in Grosvenor Square was a double celebration. As well as marking their five-year anniversary, the bash was also a launch party for their new album, Turnaround, which is set to storm to the top of the chart this weekend. The boys – Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Bryan McFadden, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily – performed five songs from the album, including Hey Whatever and current hit Mandy. Mark said: “We’re in a place we never thought we’d get to. We’re delighted to have been around for five years – we just couldn’t be happier." Nicky said the band had considered quitting – but now hoped to be around for another five years. He said: “We always said that if this album wasn’t successful, it might be the end.
“We wondered if our fans would still be there for us but that question has been answered and there are a lot more albums to come.”

Shane was there with fiancée Gillian Walsh, who he will marry on December 28.He said: “I’m just counting the days now until our wedding. It might break some fans’ hearts but it would have broken my heart if I didn’t marry her.”This was the first live pop performance to be hosted at the Irish Embassy.

His Excellency Ambassador Daithi O’Ceallaigh said that Ireland owed a huge debt to Westlife.
“Westlife are a huge act and their success benefits our country,” he said.
“They are wonderful boys, very well mannered and down to earth, and we are delighted to have them here tonight." Since they formed in 1998, Westlife have had 12 UK No.1 singles and were the first band to score four number ones in a single year. All four of their albums have gone multi-platinum and they have combined record sales of more than 31million.

Westlife will be at the NRJ Radio Awards 2004 in Hovet, Stockholm (Sweden) on 25th January.
Other stars to appear are: Robbie Williams, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue, Ronan Keating, Craig David and Alanis Morisette.

Westlife On SMTV & CD:UK

Bryan, Mark, Kian, Shane and Nicky from WESTLIFE will be dropping in to celebrate their 12th Number one single this weekend - as 'Mandy' gave them their latest chart-topper on Sunday! Westlife have appeared on SM:tv more times than any other artist - so we've got an awesome THIS IS YOUR SM:tv LIFE for them and you on this week's show! Three of the boys will also be trying to win you a Quad bike in EAT MY GOAL when they take on the mighty LIBERTY X,.

As if all that wasn't enough, we'll also have exclusive tracks from LIBERTY X and Westlife, we'll be catching up with NELLY in Dublin, we'll be scrutinising three more videos in the HOTSHOTS REVIEW, and we'll be rounding up the best of this year's biggest Christmas singles. Plus we'll be revealing this week's brand new Number One that's CD:UK this Saturday at 12 o'clock

We still love each other

Westlife have celebrated the launch of their latest album and five years in the industry at a black tie bash at the Irish Embassy in London. Sky News showbiz reporter Hannah Stott caught up with them:

Five boys living, working and socialising together is not always going to be plain sailing. Well, Westlife have been doing it for five years, and whether you love or loathe them, there's no escaping the fact they are still selling records by the bucketful. The icing on the cake however is the fact they still appear to like each other.
"Believe it or not we still love each other," Mark told me.
"Course we argue, we kill each other, but the best thing about us is we are honest we each other," interrupted Nicky.
They haven't just had to learn to deal with the pressures of fame over the last few years. Some have married and there are now babies on the scene, but Nicky promised that love had helped with the strain.
"To be able to share the success with our wives and girlfriends is great. They make the bad times seem brighter."

Martine McCutcheon was there to support the boys, acknowledging what it must take to achieve what they have and still be thick as thieves.
"I think they probably have their moments. I'm sure they drive each other mad, I know we did on EastEnders," she told me.
"But ultimately you become like a family. You can have your squabbles and rows but you're a team and you make it work.
"Five years is a long time in boy band time, they've obviously got something that is working for them so good luck to them." And for all those fans that have any concerns about their longevity, Brian, Kian, Nicky, Mark and Shane say they are keen to stick around for some time yet. "We were nervous when we finished the Greatest Hits because any band that has gone before ended up splitting up.
"We always said we wouldn't because we didn't want to," explained Nicky.
"Mandy helped us launch the new album. But if this album wasn't successful it could be the last one - we'd have to look at it. Of course we want to make more, we want to make 20 more!" But for the time being Turnaround is set to top the album charts next week, and you can get your copy in the shops now.

Source - www.sky.com
28th Nov.

Kian's wild-life

WESTLIFE’s KIAN EGAN went on an all-night booze bender while his girlfriend JODI ALBERT went straight to bed. Kian knocked back the beers until 5am yesterday after his band’s party at the Irish Embassy in London. Actress Jodi went back to their hotel room. The singer picked her up in the morning and they got a taxi to Liverpool so she could be on the Hollyoaks set by 7.30am.

source - the sun.co.uk
28th Nov.

Ambition ... Bryan

Westlife Bryan 'to be Prez' POP star Bryan McFadden has revealed his ambition — to be president of his native Republic of Ireland.
The Westlife heart-throb said he will run for the job when he quits the music business. Bryan, 23, said: “I’m deadly serious. When the time comes I’ll run for president. I think I’d be very good — but I’m too young at the moment.
“Look at it this way, you get a huge house, a private jet and about 15 security guards.”
Brian — married to ex-Atomic Kitten Kerry Katona — was at a bash to mark five years of the band on Wednesday at London’s Irish Embassy.
Any Irish national over 35 can be president — a non-political role representing the Irish people. Elections are held every seven years. Bryan, 23, is not the first singer after the job. Dana, who won the Eurovision song contest in 1970, ran in the 1997 election — and came third.

WESTLIFE TAKE ON COWELL

Talking to dotmusic Westlife's Kian and Mark confessed that they would probably knock Simon Cowell out if he gave them one of his famous dressing downs.
"I think a big part of the reality TV shows is the sheer brutal honesty of the judges," he said.
"But, unfortunately I think that sometimes the opinion is altered by the want of controversial TV footage.

"Let's say, for instance, that Simon had ten contestants on in a row that he actually liked. I don't believe for a second that he'd actually say every one was amazing. I think he'd feel that he had to be a bit nasty to some of them for the TV.

"So the audience at home still get their little bit of seeing poor young people getting stabbed in the chest, or whatever.

"I probably would have knocked Simon Cowell out if I went on it," he added. Nonetheless, Kian confessed that, had Westlife not already been a fully formed pop unit, they would have considered appearing on the program.

"We were so hungry for being in a pop act like Westlife we would have gone to the extent of that," he said.
"I think Pop Idol is a good show for people who don't really get an opportunity for people in the music industry to see them if they're really talented.
"But at the same time I think it's way overkill now and it's time for it to go away.

"At this stage there are so many acts in the industry, pop acts especially, so many boybands, so many girlbands that people are just going to get their hearts broken. An act will get signed and then dropped a week later, it's not a good thing to happen."Westlife are currently at number one in the UK chart with 'Mandy' and you can watch a full video interview with Kian and Mark on dotmusic soon.

source - dotmusic.com
28th Nov.

Republic's embassy honours chart-toppers Westlife

WESTLIFE celebrated five years at the top last night with their very own ambassadorial reception.

The Republic's Embassy in London threw a lavish reception in honour of the chart-topping boyband.
The red carpet was replaced with a green one especially for the occasion. And celebrity fan Martine McCutcheon was there to present the boys with a Guinness World Record award for the most singles to debut at number one on the UK chart. The black tie event in Grosvenor Square was a double celebration. As well as marking their five-year anniversary, the bash was also a launch party for their new album, Turnaround, which is set to storm to the top of the chart this weekend.

The boys - Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Bryan McFadden, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily - performed five songs from the album. Mark said: "We're in a place we never thought we'd get to. We're delighted to have been around for five years - we just couldn't be happier." Nicky said the band had considered quitting - but now hoped to be around for another five years. He said: "We always said that if this album wasn't successful, it might be the end.

"We wondered if our fans would still be there for us but that question has been answered and there are a lot more albums to come." Shane was there with fiancée Gillian Walsh, who he will marry on December 28. This was the first live pop performance to be hosted at the Embassy. Ambassador Daithi O'Ceallaigh said that Ireland owed a huge debt to Westlife.
"Westlife are a huge act and their success benefits our country," he said.

Out and about

Precious may have been the venue for the BBC's post-Children In Need bash last weekend, but Bar 7 still remains a favourite haunt for those lads from Westlife.

After calling into the exclusive club after their Odyssey performances the Westlife boys, along with the Girls Aloud bunch, headed across the Pavilion to join the masses in Bar 7. However, they didn't leave Precious until Kerry McFadden saw off competition from at least five fellas in a game of snooker. Not to be outdone by his wife, Bryan McFadden took to the decks in the bar - and showed off his DJing skills.

Bryan's got his fingers in several pies at the moment, including managing up-and-coming band Franklin. He's keen to point out the guys are not a boyband, but more of a Coldplay-type group. And they're planning to launch their musical career in Las Vegas at the start of the new year. In Bar 7's VIP room, Bryan then met up with Sinead Quinn, who produced a guitar and began singing an acoustic set, accompanied by the Westlife star and fellow band member Mark Feehily.

The lovely ladies from Girls Aloud and Fame Academy's Barry and Audley also joined in the mass jamming session. A source said; "It was an amazing set. "If you'd sold tickets for it you could have made a fortune." Back in Precious, Malachi Cush performed a Garth Brooks number for television, while ex-One True Voice singer Keith Semple revealed he's going back into the studio to record a rock CD.

Source - www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
27 November 2003

UK Album Mid-Weeks!

1: Westlife
2: Michael Jackson
3: Busted
4: Alex Parks
5: Dido

Westlife 'gutted' at missing Celtic tie

CHART-TOPPERS Westlife have admitted they are bored of touring because they keep missing favourite team Celtic's big games.

The Parkhead fanatics, who were in Edinburgh yesterday for the Royal Variety Performance, planned to stay until tonight for the Celtic versus Bayern Munich Champions League match. But the Irish boyband members Bryan, Kian, Mark, Shane and Nicky were devastated to discover they have to perform in Sweden tonight and will miss the game.

The Irish heart-throbs are regular visitors to Celtic Park and even dedicated their success to Martin O'Neill. But they will have to call home from Sweden to hear the match result. The band also play five-a-side matches for charity in the Glasgow side's green and white hoops. Bryan and Kian managed to catch the Hearts v Hibs Edinburgh derby on Sunday at Tynecastle and they admitted their hearts will be in the east end of Glasgow tonight.

A spokesman for the band said: "The schedule for the new album is
very hectic and they've missed a few games lately but they'll be backing the Bhoys wherever they are."
Fan Alanna Corbett, 24, who runs an unofficial Westlife website, said: "Quite a few of the girls brought along their tops to get signed and a lot of the fans only became Celtic supporters because the band are."

Westlife another extra date added

Westlife add another extra Dublin date
The Point, Dublin 15/16/18/19/20 May 2004 Extra Dates On Sale Now
The Point, Dublin 11/12/13 May 2004 Original Dates
Due to excess demand Westlife have added another extra date, 20 May to the existing seven dates in the Point, Dublin. Westlife will now play the Point,
Dublin on 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19 and 20 May 2004.
Fans under 16 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years. Adults with small children are recommended to purchase tickets in the balcony. Fans requiring special needs are requested to advise their outlet at time of ticket purchase.

2003 has been another fantastic year for Ireland's number one pop band.
They've recorded their fifth album, played over 62 arena shows (including performing to over 90,000 Irish fans at their sold out Lansdowne Road & Markievicz Park stadium shows), released a live Greatest Hits Tour DVD and VHS, plus Nicky even found the time to get married.
Tickets are on sale now.

How to access the Fan Conference content

A massive thanks to everyone who's already bought Westlife's new Turnaround album - copies are fair flying off the shelves...
So, once you own the CD, you will be able to view the exclusive Fan Conference content online. When you load up www.westlife.com, you should see a small window pop-up in the top left corner. Click on this, and you will then be given instructions on how to access the content; you will need the album to be in your PC's CD-Rom drive.

If for any reason the pop-up doesn't appear for you, you should go to www.westlife.com/fanconference instead.If you submitted a question for the fan conference, even if you didn't win you should still have your name displayed in the 'Fan List' section.Then there's a video piece for those of you who were there to remember the event by, and for those of you who weren't, it's the next best thing!

Finally there's a transcript of the questions asked and answered on the day - although we did pick and invite 50 winners, unfortunately some were not able to attend, which is why there are not 50 questions listed in the transcript.
Finally, just to confirm to all the worldwide Westlife fans - all of the above should work with your versions of the album as well.

Hope you like it...

source - westlife.com
27th Nov.

More big stars announced for TOTP relaunch

A whole host of big names have been drafted in to appear on the All New Top Of The Pops this Friday, the BBC announced today. As previously reported, Victoria Beckham will help launch the new look show by asking viewers to vote on which of her double A-side tracks she should promote more.

Elton John will appear live from Atlanta singing one of the first songs he ever performed on TOTP, 'Your Song' whilst Robbie Williams fans will be treated to an "exclusive" performance from one of his sell-out Knebworth concerts earlier this year.

Kylie Minogue will also be present to perform a new album track before the Christmas single from The Darkness gets its first TV airing.

Other performers include from Nelly, Lisa Mafia, Mis-teeq, Will Young, Gareth Gates, Blazin Squad and this week's number one band, Westlife.

Following the BBC One show at 8pm will be All New Top of the Pops on Three on BBC Three, fronted by Richard Bacon and Margherita Taylor. The extra show will go behind-the-scenes as the stars celebrate the relaunch, as well as featuring bonus performances from Lemar, Starsailor, Dizzee Rascal, The Lost Prophet, The Black Eyed Peas and Mis-teeq.

Hey, whatever experts say Westlife are still a smash hit

When Westlife's single Hey Whatever failed to reach number one commentators claimed their pop bubble had finally burst. But with an extra Sheffield date added to their next tour and new chart-topper this week they appear to have silenced their critics. John Quinn reports.

You can get just too much of a good thing, you know. Like 12 number one singles, seven of them in a row. Or indeed 31 million worldwide sales. No matter what you think of their music, that's some record to live up to, so Westlife were a bit perturbed that Hey Whatever – the first single released since their greatest hits album last year – struggled to reach their usual heights.
"I've got to admit I was a bit disappointed that it only got to number four," admits Mark Feehily.
"But if I look back to when I was a 15-year-old stuck in Sligo and wondering how to become a pop star, I'd have loved to get to number four," says the former pizza delivery boy. "It would have been a dream come true."

This week, things are back to normal in the Westlife camp as the boys celebrated their 12th number one when their new single, a version of Barry Manilow's Mandy, topped Sunday's charts. There have been rumours that they were going to split up because others like Blue seemed to be winning the battle for young girls' hearts. Mark says not. An album called Turnaround is out this week and they have just added an extra Sheffield date on their tour next year.

They will now be at Sheffield Hallam FM Arena on April 29 and 30 – a place they have played several times and which according to Mark is "one of our favourites".
"We always have a good time in Sheffield. And a good few drinks afterwards." He also mentions the hotel they stay in, but surely nobody wants to know that... In a way, Westlife are connected with the current craze for televised pop auditions, although they had the advantage of not having their singing screened before their career was launched.

Louis Walsh, who recently helped select Girls Aloud in Popstars – the Rivals, got them together in the first place (like Boyzone), while Simon Cowell, the pantomime villain from Pop Idol, helps look after their career and selects songs for them to record.
"He can be a lot harsher in real life than he is on the television," Mark groans. "He plays up a bit for the cameras, but he is extremely honest. He knows what he likes and he'll tell you things to your face." Mark also denies press rumours that Cowell has commanded that they only record slow songs (their ballads tend to hit the top, while more uptempo ones like Bop Bop Baby or Hey Whatever don't) or even threatened to stop working with them. "He's been really busy since Pop Idol took off, but he's still involved with Westlife. "We've a great team behind us and we're all looking forward to the future and raring to go."

Source - sheffieldtoday.net

Shane Filan gets expert help for wedding plans

Westlife's Shane Filan has booked a wedding planner to help organise his forthcoming nuptials with Gillian Walsh.
The Sligo singer is due to wed his long-term girlfriend in Ashford Castle on December 28.
But though he may play a central role in the band, Shane's decided to take a back seat with the arrangements for the big day - leaving them to a planner and Gillian.
"We actually have a wedding planner. Gillian is putting everything to bed with her and, so far, everything's going according to plan.
"I'd be in Hong Kong or wherever on the phone seeing if everything is going right, but Gillian is doing 99% of it."

The couple have chosen the luxurious Ashford Castle in Co Mayo for their wedding, which will be attended only by family and close friends. It is understood no special guests will be invited. A honeymoon destination is yet to be selected, but the pair have decided that, unlike band member Nicky Byrne, they will not sell their big day to Hello or OK magazines.

Instead Shane and Gillian plan to pose for a photograph together after their wedding to release to the media.

Source - belfasttelegraph.co.uk 27th Nov.

Jackson set for top five

Michael Jackson is heading for a top five single this weekend despite the child sex allegations hanging over him.

One More Chance has been selling well since its release on Monday, according to midweek figures. Jacko's album Number Ones went straight to the top of the charts last week - though it will be toppled this weekend by Westlife.

Chart expert Gennaro Castaldo of HMV said: "Michael Jackson won't be challenging for the number one single spot but a top five place is still good."It shows the public still rate him as an artist, despite what they might think of him as a person."The single is currently vying for the number five spot but could suffer because of reduced radio airplay since Jackson's arrest.

Will Young looks set to top the chart this week with new single Leave Right Now. He is currently outselling Shane Richie's Children In Need single, a cover of the Wham! hit I'm Your Man, by about 5,000 copies. The former Pop Idol star has spent a year away from the charts working on his second album.

Glitzy UK album launch this Wednesday

Westlife will be celebrating the band's 5th anniversary, plus the release of their 5th album Turnaround, with a glamorous champagne reception at the Irish Embassy this Wednesday (26 November 2003).

The launch will begin at 5.55pm, precisely, and promises to be a star-studded affair, with celebrity guests arriving down a special green carpet and Westlife due to perform 5 songs.

It's formal dress only, and being hosted by the Irish Ambassador himself, His Eminence Daithi O'Ceallaigh.

The Irish Embassy is located on Grosvenor Place / Chapel Street, in London's swanky SW1 area (the same postcode as the Queen!).

Source - westlife.com
25th Nov.

Race on to buy signed Westlife cars

An English woman who splashed out £15,000 for a car signed by Westlife today said she could not wait to meet the band in Belfast. Jean Madge, from Taunton, near Birmingham, bought the autographed Smart car during Terry Wogan's on-air auction on his Radio 2 programme yesterday. The money will go towards Children In Need.

Earlier this year Mark, Kian, Nicky, Shane and Bryan signed their names on the car, which then sat in the Odyssey Pavilion. The car was put up for auction yesterday and Jean was determined to get her hands on it for her teenage twin daughters Esther and Sophie. The trio were being flown into Belfast today to attend tonight's Children In need concert at the Odyssey. It is also expected that they will meet Westlife before the show.

Jean said: "My mother died earlier this year and left me some money and I wanted to donate some of it to Children in Need.
"When I heard about the car I just decided to go for it on impulse.
"I am a fan of Westlife and have bought a few of their records. The girls like them, too, so I thought it would be a nice way to spend the money. "Apart from that the car will come in handy."

Another bidder was giving Jean a run for her money, but she ended up forking out £15,000 to ensure the car was hers.
"We were contacted by Mary-Rose Gilroy from the Odyssey who said we'd be flown over to Belfast for the gig," she said.
"We've never been to Belfast before and are really excited about the trip. "Getting to meet the band will also be a once-in-a-life-time opportunity." The band hoping for their 12th number one this weekend, have also signed five replica miniatures car which were being sold off this week in George Jones on-air radio auction. The band is just one of the top pop acts taking part in this year's concert at the Odyssey Arena. Jetting into Belfast today for the event were Simply Red and Girls Aloud who will also feature.

Television pictures of the concert will be beamed live across the UK. On the bill as well are Joanne Birchill, the seven finalists from BBC's Country Cool, Malachi Cush and Katie Melua. The concert will be presented by John Daly and Donna Traynor and Terry Wogan and Gaby Roslin in BBC Television Centre, London. As well as BBC presenters Dermot Murnaghan and Declan Currie, Dermot O'Leary, Nicky Chapman and Keith Duffy, have all been lending their support locally by making appeal films in Northern Ireland, which will be shown during the night. There will also be a chance to see the world premiere of Radio Ulster/Radio Foyle's version of the 80s classic Video Killed the Radio Star, featuring many well known faces.
The live Children In Need programme begins from Belfast at 7pm.
Anna Carragher, controller of BBC Northern Ireland, said: "We are delighted with this wonderful line-up of stars joining us for what we know will be a great night out for all the family."

Westlife's Wonder Blunder [International - 24 November 2003]

Irish chart-toppers Westlife accidentally blew a chance to make music with soul legend Stevie Wonder, after losing his telephone number.

The Mandy hitmakers bumped into Stevie at a Hollywood party during a recent trip to the States, and were stunned when the superstar - who recently collaborated with boy band rivals Blue - suggested they record a track together.

But band member Mark Feehily drunkenly jotted down his number wrong. Band mate Bryan McFadden explains, "We were in LA and Stevie said we should hook up and I nearly fell over. Stevie gave Mark his phone number but he took it down wrong." (WENN)

source - www.soundbuzz.com 25th Nov.

Mandy on top

For the first time in just over a year, the UK charts play host to a Number One single from Westlife. 'Mandy', their cover of Barry Manilow's classic 'Mandy' becomes their 12th Number One single since they debuted in 1999.

KIAN EGAN’s girlfriend JODI ALBERT has changed her mobile phone number eight times — to dodge scary nuisance calls from jealous girl stalkers. Crazed fans of the Westlife hunk keep getting hold of the Hollyoaks actress’s number and tormenting her over her romance with the Irish singer.

Her best mate Michelle Barber, who sang in Jodi’s former band GIRL THING, told me: “Jodi is a complete nightmare to get in touch with on the phone because she is always changing her mobile number.
“She’s changed it eight times lately because she feels really scared about it getting into the hands of the wrong people.
“She’s had terrible trouble with a series of stalkers who just wouldn’t leave her alone.
“They would keep calling her and it totally freaked her out.
“She found that the only way to get rid of them was to change her phone number. But this has now become a bit of a habit.”

Westlife’s army of fans obsess about the boy band and often go to extreme lengths to to try and get near them. Last week two girls hid all day in a cramped cupboard at London nightclub 10 Room in a bid to spring out on their idols but were rumbled before their dream came true.

Despite the pressures of fame, though, Kian and Jodi remain besotted. Jodi’s pal Michelle adds: “They flirted with each other for years before they got together.
“There has always been a real spark between them.
“And now they are together, they make a really fantastic couple.
“Kian is absolutely committed to Jodi and I know that Jodi has never been happier than she is now that she is with him.”

source - The Sun Newspaper
25th Nov.

Westlife play Royal Variety show tonight

Westlife play Royal Variety show tonight Westlife will play tonight's Royal Variety Performance at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh. The Irish boyband will perform alongside headliner Luciano Pavarotti, Seventies star Donny Osmond and new jazz sensation Jamie Cullum. Other artists include Gloria Estefan, actresses Amanda Holden and Maureen Lipman and 16-year-old classical singer Hayley Westernra from New Zealand.

This is the 75th anniversary of the Royal Variety show; it will be attended by Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh.

"Turnaround" released today

Fresh from their number 1 single with Mandy, Westlife today release their fifth album Turnaround.

It's definitely one of their best LPs, and at their recent Fan Conference the band were keen to stress that they'd spent a lot of time making sure they found the highest quality songs possible for it.

So, it features 13 gems, including Mandy and previous single Hey Whatever; full tracklisting is below, we particularly like the title track and Heal, but we're sure you'll quickly find your own favourites too.

To preview clips of Heal, Obvious, When A Woman Loves A Man, Turn Around and I Did It For You, go to www.westlife.com/turnaroundsampler

1. Mandy
2. Hey Whatever
3. Heal
4. Obvious
5. When A Woman Loves A Man
6. On My Shoulder
7. Turn Around
8. I Did It For You
9. Thank You
10. To Be With You
11. Home
12. Lost In You
13. What Do They Know?

Westlife the Man Utd of Pop

Westlife secured their 12th No. 1 single on Sunday with a cover of Barry Manilow's Mandy, but after so many chart toppers do the boys still get a kick out of being Top Of The Pops?

"If we don't get a No.1 album or single - we want to know why," says Nicky,while beefy Bryan compares Westlife to a championship winning football team in the News Of The World's Sunday magazine. "We're like Manchester United. Just because we won the treble, it doesn't mean we're going to sit back."

The boys held off stiff competition from Girls Aloud who entered the
chartat No. 2 with Jump, and Fame Academy winner Alex Parks who could only
manage a No. 3 entry with her debut single, That's What It Takes.

WESTLIFE star Kian Egan has told how nasty manager Simon Cowell warned him not to get into a relationship with his latest girl Hollyoaks babe Jodi Albert.
The Irish singer hooked up with stunning Jodi, who plays the soap's tart with a heart Debbie Dean, six months ago, but had wanted to ask her out when she was just 15.
But Cowell ordered him not to ``touch her'', in case it affected her own struggling music career.

However, Kian, who famously ditched Atomic Kitten's Liz McLarnon after a brief fling, claims he never forgot her and was stunned at how she had grown up when they met up again earlier this year.
He said: ``Jodi was signed to Simon Cowell in a band called Girl Thing, but she was sonly 15 at the time, so I decided to stay away. I fancied her the first time I saw her, but Simon was like, `No! Not for you. Don't touch her'. I think he didn't want young girls to dislike her band because I was seeing her.''

source - daily record
23rd Nov

LONDON (Reuters) - Irish boy-band Westlife have rocketed straight to the top slot in the pop charts with their new single "Mandy", according to The Official UK Charts Company. The ballad is the band's 12th UK number one and was originally a hit for American crooner Barry Manilow in the 1970s.

Made-for-TV band Girls Aloud, whose Cheryl Tweedy was found guilty last month of attacking a female nightclub attendant, scored the second-best selling hit of the week with new entry "Jump". Alex Parks, the winner of TV's "Fame Academy 2003", was another new entry, flying in at number three with "Maybe That's What It Takes", taken from his album "Introduction". Last week's number one, "Crashed the Wedding" from British boy band Busted, slipped to fourth place. R&B singer Lemar, a runner-up in last year's "Fame Academy", entered the charts at number five with his double A-side "50:50/Lullaby".

American pop princess Britney Spears dropped to sixth from number two with her Madonna collaboration "Me Against The Music". Reggae singer Kevin Lyttle fell to number seven from three with "Turn Me On", while hip-hop duo Outkast's "Hey Ya" was down to eight from number six. Former number one hit "Be Faithful" from Fatman Scoop and the Crooklyn Clan fell four places to number nine. Veteran electronic popsters the Pet Shop Boys rounded out the top 10 with the week's fifth new entry, "Miracles".

Now Simon's Mr Nazi

WESTLIFE have compared their record label boss SIMON COWELL to ADOLF HITLER.
The Irish lads reckon the Pop Idol judge dubbed Mr Nasty bullied them into releasing a cover of the soppy BARRY MANILOW classic Mandy as a single.
I wouldn’t complain too much, boys. After all, the track did hit No1 yesterday.

The group’s NICKY BYRNE said: “Simon said our album was missing that one big song, the one that will reach out to both housewives and teenagers.
“He recommended Mandy and we went back into the studio and did it. Hands up, though — it worked out brilliantly, Simon was right. He has got a nasty streak to him though and I don’t think he likes the word compromise.
“We’ve experienced that first-hand over the last five years.
“I think we’re the only people who have managed to get around him the odd time.”

Unfortunately for the band, Nicky’s tactful remarks were all for nothing — once BRYAN “who ate all the pies?” McFADDEN opened his mouth and let his belly rumble.
He said: “Simon’s like, erm, Hitler.”

Westlife aren't keen on covers

Westlife may have recorded their fair share of covers over the years, including their current Barry Manilow penned No. 1 - Mandy, but it turns out they're not so keen on others covering their own work.

We are of course talking about American Idol winner Reuben, who released Westlife's hit, Flying Without Wings in the States, but what did the boys actually think of it?

"I heard it and it was sh*te," says Nicky in Popworld magazine , while Shane was equally callous. "I saw it live on the final on TV 10 and it was absolute muck. He's a great singer, but he ruined that song."

"That just goes to show how big Westlife songs in America could have been," rounded off Nicky, who's obviously still reeling from failing to break the US charts. Oh well lads, at least good ole Blighty still loves ya.

MTV has roped in Westlife as a star international act for the Im

MTV Immies are all set to heat up the music scene with some international sensations. Latest news is that the youth channel has roped in Westlife, Safari Duo, Outlandish, Rishi Rich and Panjabi MC for the international acts. The first ever music awards from the Viacom's Indian music arm, establish to coincide with 100 years of recording music.

One of the popular boy bands of the international music scene, Westlife have sold 18 million albums and seven million singles The five member team is set to woo MTV viewers at their first ever performance in India when they perform at the Indian Music Excellence Awards - MTV IMMIES presented by AirTel, on 12 December, 2003, says a company release.

Besides Westlife, the Immies boasts of international acts comprising percussion pop duo Safri Duo, the popular Danish group - Outlandish, Asian music sensation - Rishi Rich and international king of Bhangra -Panjabi MC.

While the channel has unveiled its international acts, the local acts are still kept under the wraps but the release hints that the Immies will bring together a galaxy of international and local acts sprinkled liberally with performances from Bollywood.

Presented by AirTel, the MTV Immies is exclusively supported by the Indian Music Industry (IMI) and is brought in association with LG Electronics India Pvt. Ltd, Kinetic Zing and Maruti - for the brand Alto. The hospitality partner is J W Marriott while the radio partner is Radio Mirchi.

The stars of the evening Nicky, Shane, Bryan, Kian and Mark have sold over 250,000 units of their albums in India alone. The popular Irish boy band is creating waves across the globe with 'Mandy' and 'Hey Whatever' from their forthcoming album 'Turnaround'.

An English woman who splashed out € ¦£15,000 for a car signed by Westlife today said she could not wait to meet the band in Belfast. Jean Madge, from Taunton, near Birmingham, bought the autographed Smart car during Terry Wogan's on-air auction on his Radio 2 programme yesterday. The money will go towards Children In Need. Earlier this year Mark, Kian, Nicky, Shane and Bryan signed their names on the car, which then sat in the Odyssey Pavilion.

The car was put up for auction yesterday and Jean was determined to get her hands on it for her teenage twin daughters Esther and Sophie. The trio were being flown into Belfast today to attend tonight's Children In need concert at the Odyssey. It is also expected that they will meet Westlife before the show.

Jean said: "My mother died earlier this year and left me some money and I wanted to donate some of it to Children in Need. "When I heard about the car I just decided to go for it on impulse. "I am a fan of Westlife and have bought a few of their records. The girls like them, too, so I thought it would be a nice way to spend the money. "Apart from that the car will come in handy."

Another bidder was giving Jean a run for her money, but she ended up
forking out ¦£15,000 to ensure the car was hers.
"We were contacted by Mary-Rose Gilroy from the Odyssey who said we'd be flown over to Belfast for the gig," she said." We've never been to Belfast before and are really excited about the
trip. "Getting to meet the band will also be a once-in-a-life-time opportunity."

The band hoping for their 12th number one this weekend, have also signed five replica miniatures car which were being sold off this week in George Jones on-air radio auction. The band is just one of the top pop acts taking part in this year's concert at the Odyssey Arena.

Jetting into Belfast today for the event were Simply Red and Girls Aloud who will also feature. Television pictures of the concert will be beamed live across the UK. On the bill as well are Joanne Birchill, the seven finalists from BBC's Country Cool, Malachi Cush and Katie Melua.

The concert will be presented by John Daly and Donna Traynor and Terry Wogan and Gaby Roslin in BBC Television Centre, London. As well as BBC presenters Dermot Murnaghan and Declan Currie, Dermot O'Leary, Nicky Chapman and Keith Duffy, have all been lending their support locally by making appeal films in Northern Ireland, which will be shown during the night.There will also be a chance to see the world premiere of Radio Ulster/Radio Foyle's version of the 80s classic Video Killed the Radio Star, featuring many well known faces.

The live Children In Need programme begins from Belfast at 7pm. Anna Carragher, controller of BBC Northern Ireland, said: "We are delighted with this wonderful line-up of stars joining us for what we know will be a great night out for all the family."

Stars out in force for charity marathon - Record night for Children In Need

More than £400,000 has been raised by Northern Ireland in aid of the BBC Children In Need appeal, latest totals showed today.
When the phone lines closed at 2am, the local total raised was £441,342. The UK-wide total stood at £15,305,212 this morning - the highest total on the night since the appeal began and £1,805,212 more than at the same time last year.

The Ulster total was slightly down on the same period last year, when local donors had contributed £476,903 by the end of the evening.
Thousands of people crammed into Belfast's Odyssey Arena last night to see Westlife, Girls Aloud and Simply Red perform live on stage.
Malachi Cush, Katie Melua, Joanne Birchall and the seven finalists from BBC Northern Ireland's Country Cool all appeared on the area stage during the night. BBC Radio Ulster presenter George Jones raised an amazing £52,115 in his annual on-air radio auction.

And while the entertainment was being broadcast last night, dedicated Westlife fans were camping out in freezing conditions to secure tickets for their forthcoming concerts which went on sale this morning. Meanwhile, Children in Need organisers predicted that the UK-wide total to be collected over the coming months from fund-raising events will top last year's total of more than £26m.

Entertainment during the 24th annual telethon last night included a remake of The Wizard of Oz with the cast of EastEnders, Holby City, Casualty and Merseybeat. Shane Richie, who plays Alfie Moon in Eastenders, opened the show with a cover of the Queen hit, We Will Rock you. He will also release this year's Children In Need single, I'm Your Man, a cover of the Wham hit. A Morecambe and Wise kitchen sketch was recreated by chefs Ainsley Harriott and Antony Worrall Thompson.

Youngsters affected by homelessness, HIV, sexual abuse and drug addiction are being helped by the Children in Need appeal. Martina Milburn, chief executive of the charity, said: "What a fantastic evening. It is hard to believe that we have topped last year's total."

Source - www.belfasttelegraph.
22 November 2003

Mandy No.1 on Irish singles chart

Westlife reached the top spot on the Irish singles chart with Mandy this week. Congrats guys!

1. Westlife - Mandy (new)
2. Girls Aloud - Jump (new)
3. Britney Spears Feat. Madonna - Me Against the Music (1)
4. Fatman Scoop Feat. Crooklyn Clan - Be Faithful (2)
5. Busted - Crashed The Wedding (3)

Source - uk.launch.yahoo.com
21 November 2003

Westlife set to light up Omagh and the Odyssey

WESTLIFE are to perform in Omagh at the switching on off the Christmas tree lights tomorrow, it was confirmed today.The chart-topping boy band will stop in the town centre en route to the Odyssey Arena's Children in Need event.The band, who are hoping for their 12th number one single this weekend with Mandy, take to the stage at Omagh courthouse at 6pm.

They are expected to perform a number of songs, including their latest release, before rushing off to Belfast for the main Children in Need concert. A spokeswoman for Omagh Council said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Westlife to the town."It will certainly make for a spectacular event and will make thousands of young fans very happy."The council has organised a host of activities to mark the switch-on.

Westlife are expected to travel to Omagh from Dublin, where they were holding a launch party for the release of their new album Turnaround. After their Omagh appearance, they take the stage at the Odyssey along with Girls Aloud and Simply Red.

Christmas Lights Switch On

21st Nov 2003 - 18:00PM to 22:00PM
Fun starts at 7.00 pm with street entertainment, face painting, and live music from Santa's Grotto. Host and compare for the evening will be the popular HIghland Radio DJ, Mr Pio McCann.

Young local bands will perform in the town centre between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. Bells' Funfair will provide entertainment for all the family throughout the evening. Children will have the opportunity to meet Santa when he arrives in the town to switch on the lights, accompanied by his elves, helpers and some Disney characters. During the switching on ceremony a short address by representatives of Omagh Churches' Forum will help focus on the spirit of the season.

Westlife to Switch on Christmas Lights
There are 5 good reasons to come to Omagh this Friday night!!!!! Irish heartthrobs Westlife are set to light up Omagh on Friday 21st November 2003 when they take part in the Christmas Lights switch on event.
The entertainment is due to kick off on Friday night at 6pm with local band, Top Floor,& getting the show on the road, with Westlife scheduled to appear between 6pm and 6.30pm, so make sure you get into town early so not to miss any of this exciting show. Also featuring in our line up will be a special visit from Santa Claus, helped on the evening by many of his friends from the world of Disney, who will be there to say a special hello to all the children who have turned out to see him.

So, don't be a Fool Again and Bop Bop Baby down to Omagh this Friday night to be part of the biggest annual Switch On in the North West.

Location: Omagh Town Centre

Westlife and Girls Aloud are soaring to the top of the UK charts- as Ronan Keating looks set to suffer a major flop.

Westlife and Girls Aloud are putting champagne on ice as they look set to go in at No1 and No2 in the British Charts this weekend.
The boyband have gone straight in at No1 with their new single, Mandy, according to the mid-week charts.
The group is on track to sell a massive 100,000 copies of the single, which is a cover of the Barry Manilow hit.
Girls Aloud who are also managed by Louis Walsh, have shot straight to No2 with their single Jump
Keating's new album is a disappointing No18 according to the mid-week UK charts

1 Westlife 32k
2 Girls Aloud 24.9k
3 Alex Parks 22.6k
4 Busted 10.9k
5 Britney/Madge 8.7k
6 Lemar 8.6k
7 Pet Shop Boys 6.6k
8 Kev Lyttle 6.6k
9 Outkast 6k
10 Fatman 5.5k
11 Enrique
12 Kylie

Westlife's album Turnaround will, for some crazy reason, be released Wednesday 26 November in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland according to www.cdon.com. There will be only 12 songs on the album and not 13 like on the one released in the UK and Ireland. It's the song Lost In You that is not included.

Source: CDON.com
20th Nov.

Clear DayBallad-y Hell!

Aww! Sometimes you can't help but feel sorry for Westlife. They make teenage girls cry wherever they go, they're not Blue, and now they've been condemned to a life singing sopping wet ballads for all eternity.

The schmaltz offensive has come from his lordship Simon Cowell, who reckons the boys can forget earning chart-topping hits with more upbeat songs like 'Hey Whatever', and must do more songs like 'Flying Without Wings'.

One band insider told the Daily Star: "Westlife are determined to move away from being ballad merchants but they're desperate for a No.1 and this is their best option." Bryan and co have made it clear in the past that they're not the biggest fans of some of their songs, which is great news for anyone who hates them too, surely.

The Irish hunk boys are to release a cover of super-slowie 'Mandy' next month. Talk about being hung out to drip...

All next week 24th - 30th,from 6-7pm on the box - the music channel - Westlife will be STRIPPED!!!!
That means Westlife will be answering questions and selecting their favourite video's and putting them up for selection.

IT SEEMS that the more popular the band, the more deranged the fans - just ask Westlife.

The Irish crooners - currently at the top of the midweek chart with their version of Barry Manilow's Mandy - were left "stunned and shaken" after being ambushed by two besotted admirers on Monday. The incident happened after Bryan McFadden, Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan and Kian Egan had held a fans' conference in London's 10 Rooms.

A couple of girls decided they wanted to see more of their idols so they hid in a cupboard hoping to snare the lads later on. But the plan backfired. The girls jumped out hours later but before they could get to the band they were spotted by bouncers who showed them the door. An insider tells us: "The boys are stunned - they can't believe the lengths some of their fans will go to. All sorts could have happened - they could have even suffocated in there." Apparently, because the girls had heard Westlife would be popping back that evening for a drink, they decided to stow themselves away. "It was a ridiculous thing to do and the lads were really shaken up by it."

Bryan and Mark, both 23, were far more relaxed when we caught up with them in Leicester Square's Yates's Wine Lodge earlier in the evening. As the pair celebrated their chart success with a few vodka and diet cokes, hunky Bry revealed that he's now an Atkins Diet addict." It's the best thing ever - I've lost a stone in two weeks," he beamed." I can have a big fry-up with loads of sausages and rashers of bacon in the morning and a Burger King in the evenings - just without the bread. It's great." But while his body is now top notch, Bryan's memory isn't quite up to scratch." I've just had to come back from the cash point because I can't remember my Pin number," he whined. "It's so annoying, I've got thousands in there, too."

No doubt there will be a lot more cash in his account when the group's album, Turnaround, is released on Monday.

Westlife & Kerry McFadden on this week's SM:TV live

Join us live at 2pm this Saturday on ITV1 for more ace SM:TV Gold. We've got loads of best bits of ANT and DEC and CAT DEELEY for you to enjoy and this week the stars get to pick the bits they want to see again. BUSTED, WESTLIFE, S CLUB 8 and LIBERTY X will be choosing their all-time favourite sketches and games and introducing top treats such as Cat The Dog, Dec Says, Chums and The Vicar Of Dribbley!

Top TV funnyman BRIAN CONLEY will be live and unleashed in the SM:TV Gold studio this Saturday. Brian will be bringing his comical characters "Nick Frisbee" and "Dangerous Brian" so expect loads of mayhem! We'll be taking a look back at Brian's funniest moments on SM:TV over the last 5 years in" This Is Your SM:TV Life" - one of which includes the time he stuck a sausage up Dec's nose!

Our special SM:TV friend this Saturday afternoon is KERRY McFADDEN. As Stephen Mulhern is away filming a new series of CiTV's "Globo Loco", Mrs. Bryan from Westlife will be lending our very own Des a hand all afternoon. Part of her job will include telling you guys how you can get your hands on one of 10 signed copies of BLAZIN' SQUAD's brand new album. We've an exclusive Ring To Win for you this week and you could get your hands on a signed copy of the Squad's latest CD. Don't miss out - make sure you're switched on to SM:TV Gold this Saturday at 2pm on CiTV

Westlife dipped in to their own pockets yesterday - to bail out a mugged fan.

A die hard Loifer, who camped out overnight to attend a fans conference at London's 10 rooms yesterday, was robbed to the tune of £80O their die hard fans clubbed together to reimburse her. But when Westlife heard about it, they insisted they should pay.

The Irish lads released their new single Mandy yesterday.

The Barry Manilow cover was added to their new album 'Turnaround' only after Simon Cowell heard the CD and decided it was missing a 'Banker' ballad. Westlife member Nicky Byrne told Hot: "Cowell said the album was missing that one big song, the one that will reach out to the housewives and teenagers. So we went back in to the studio to do Mandy."

Big Handclap to Lisa and Zoë from Westlife boards ( See the newspaper article above.) These kind lasses did a whip round to help some stranded fans who were robbed at the HMV signing @ London. BMG later refunded money so the remainder has been donated by the angels to 'Marie Curie cancer charity'

It appears that record company politics have gotten in the way of Westlife's favourite songs making the grade on to the new album, Turnaround. The track 'All That You Know' was a big hit with the Westlife lads but was sensationally removed from the album after their record company, BMG, would not consider it to be released as a single.

Mark Feehily said the boys were terribly disappointed that the song hadn't made the grade. He said: "'All That You Know' isn't on the new album because the record company would never consider it as a single." That song was totally different for us - a real departure, really rocky and Shane did an unbelievable vocal on it - something Bono would be proud of.
"But because the record company said they wouldn't make it a single, the producer decided to take it back and make it a single for someone else.
"And I don't blame him because it's a brilliant song. But it would have been great if we could have done it."

Mark said it was part and parcel of being signed to a major record label.
"It's hard to explain but in our situation you either have to do what the record company want or sacrifice their support on the record.
"That's what we've learned and there's no point in kidding ourselves. "It's not like we have no respect for ourselves and our opinions but it's just a case of business and politics and we have learned to go with the flow."

On Thursday the band will be having a huge bash for family, friends and industry personnel in Dublin.

Westlife have now confirmed a signing session for HMV on the on the Ocean Kitchen stage area at Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ.

Watching the event is free to all, but entrance to the signing will be via wristband only. There will be a strictly limited number of spaces available, and wristbands will be available only from HMV Ocean Terminal from 8.00am on Monday 24 November onwards. In person only, one pair per customer, while stocks last, subject to availability, at participating store only.

source - www.westlife.com
19th Nov.

MORE than 500 Westlife fans will get the chance to meet their idols when when they sign new single, Mandy, in Edinburgh on Monday. The event, at the Ocean Kitchen stage area at Ocean Terminal, will be free to all, but only 500 wristband holders will get to meet the boys and get the CD signed.

Wristbands will be available only from HMV Ocean Terminal from Monday, November 24, with a purchase of the album from 8 am.

Westlife In Sweden

Westlife will be in Sweden to promote their new album Turnaround in a few weeks. They arrive on Tuesday 25 November and are scheduled to be on Sen Kv ¦äll Med Luuk. They will be doing an exclusive performance in one of H&M stores in Stockholm. It's a competition and you have to be a H&M Club member. Pick up a form at your nearest H&M store. You can also win tickets to this event at nrj.se

Westlife Bryan is an idiot

Comic Phill Jupitus has slated manufactured pop - and described Westlife's Bryan McFadden as the "village idiot". The Never Mind The Buzzcocks star also attacked Pop Idol creators Simon Fuller and Simon Cowell, saying: "Didn't the Bible mention something about not worshipping false pop idols?

"These shows don't care about the singers. It's just a way to make
money. "It's about product, not nurturing talent. It's a marketing exercise." Jupitus, 41, told Teletext Total Entertainment he turned down eight requests to appear on BBC's Fame Academy.

The BBC Radio 6 DJ also criticised Coldplay, branding frontman Chris Martin "too intense". He said: "There's no joy in Coldplay's music. It's too considered." He said working on Buzzcocks was great for being able to meet real pop idols like Jimmy Cliff or Lemmy of Motorhead. He said: "Compare them to Bryan from Westlife. He's like the village idiot on the donkey and neither he nor the donkey know where they're going."

IRISH boyband Westlife have announced they are coming back to Belfast's Odyssey next spring for two dates at the start of their 2004 Turnaround tour

The lads, who had a string of 11 sold out dates at the venue earlier this year, are sure of a rapturous welcome from their legions of fans when they appear on March 29 and 30.

Peter Aiken of Aiken Promotions said: "The Odyssey shows are always among the best of the tour for Westlife.
"So once again the boys have decided to start their 2004 tour in Belfast. Its a huge tribute to local fans and testament to the great reception the band receives here."

Westlife's latest single 'Mandy' is due for release this Monday. The £30 tickets will go on sale on Saturday, November 22, at 9am, from the Odyssey box office (9073 9074) and usual ticketmaster outlets.

Midweek Chart sales

1 - NEW 13217 MANDY WESTLIFE
2 - NEW 12765 JUMP (FOR MY LOVE) GIRLS ALOUD
3 - NEW 10066 MAYBE THAT'S WHAT IT TAKES ALEX PARKS
4 - 1 7545 CRASHED THE WEDDING BUSTED
5 - 2 7499 ME AGAINST THE MUSIC BRITNEY SPEARS FT MADONNA
6 - NEW 6534 50/50/LULLABY LEMAR
7 - NEW 5109 MIRACLES PET SHOP BOYS
8 - 3 5097 TURN ME ON KEVIN LYTLLE
9 - 5 4933 BE FAITHFUL FATMAN SCOOP/CROOKLYN CLAN
10 - 6 4321 HEY YA OUTKAST

Westlife sell out their 2004 Irish concerts Tuesday, November 18, 2003

Irish pop kings Westlife have dispelled any talk of their music career slowing down by selling out four nights at the Point Theatre in 2004.Tickets for the band's performances on May 11, 12, 13 and 15 have
already been sold out and their final date, Sunday, May 16 is not far behind. Tickets for the band's Irish shows only went on sale on Friday last, the same day as their new single "Mandy" hit the shelves. But within the space of a few hours the first three nights were sold out, with two more dates added by promoters MCD soon afterwards. Justin Green of MCD confirmed that demand for the first three shows was phenomenal. "The dates were not fully finalised until the tickets went on sale on Friday morning, but then they sold out that morning. The original three dates, May 11,12 and 13 sold out and then another two were added. The band will not be playing on May 14."

Ticket sales in Sligo's only Ticketmaster outlet, Star Music, had been fewer than expected for the Point dates, possibly due to a potential home-town concert next year. Following the success of their Sligo gig in August, Westlife said they would like to return to Sligo as part of their future tours. Fans were caught out last year when they purchased tickets for the band's Dublin shows, before the announcement of their Markievicz Park gig was made.

An increase in credit card and internet sales of tickets are also reasons for a decrease in demand in Star Music. A spokesman for the record store said that many parents buy Westlife tickets for their children via their credit card." Credit card and internet sales are a major part now. There has been a good steady demand but nowhere near the demand of years ago." Meanwhile Westlife launch their new album "Turnaround" in the Four Seasons Hotel in Dublin on Thursday. November 20.

The album goes on release the following day and is expected to top the charts, something which all Westlife's previous albums are managed.

SWEAR IT AGAIN

This was their first ever single and I was really nervous about how well it would do.Id piut my life and soul into this band - there was a lot at stake. I beleieved it would work but I thoughts "If it doesnt work then my instincts are all over the place".Its always risky to kick off with a ballad but I had this felling
that this song was going to be big.When I first heard them do it, every hair on the back of my neck stood up and I thought, "This is going to be huge." Thankfully I was right.

MORE THAN WORDS - WESTLIFE

Extremes original single of this song is one of my favourite records of all times. I think Westlifes version showed just how strong they
were vocally, too.When it was suggested they cover this I was slightly dubious, but they did a great job and I think on the back of this they changed
from a boy band to a vocal harmony group. Westlife have been phenomenally successful. With the right records, they could be around alot longer.

Source - NEWS OF THE WORLD 16/11/03

Westlife Turn It Around

Irish heartthrobs Westlife have inked in plans for a late spring outing next year. The Turnaround tour, which comes in support of the band's latest album of the same name, launches April 6 in Nottingham.
It's all arenas on the books and a couple multi night stands thrown. Glasgow nabs the lads for two shows and Dublin weighs in with three. There's still room in the other markets, though, for additional dates.

On their last tour, which was over the summer months, Westlife played an impressive 11 shows at Belfast's Odyssey Arena to an entirely sold-out crowd. They also packed houses in other arenas around the U.K. for runs of two, four and six consecutive shows.

Since rising to huge popularity in 2000, Westlife have been given a run for their money by bands including Busted, Blue, and Girls Aloud. But Westlife still remain at the top. As a result, there have been some nasty rumours circulating that the group is splitting up. However, they've vigorously denied those reports and, as indicated by their tour schedule, appear to be going strong.
Tickets will be available on Westlife's Web site starting November 14. Their new single, a cover of Barry Manilow's "Mandy," comes out a couple days later.

Great news for all you crazy Westlife fans who like to go camping - the fabulous fivesome will be appearing in the flesh at HMV next Friday so get pitching your tents!

Ireland's favourite boyband Westlife will be launching their new album Turnaround next Friday (21st) at HMV on Grafton Street from 9am to 11am. No doubt this will be a crazy affair as all you nutty Westlifers like to be first in line to see the lads wherever they turn-up, and as they will only be there for two hours you will have to be the early bird.

As this is the third album the guys have launched in HMV on Grafton Street the clever organisers, who are well experienced with the all-out pandemonium that ensues, are giving out wristbands to the lucky fans first on the line. Only one pair of wristbands will be issued per person.

Source: Showbiz Ireland
16th Nov.

Top boy band Westlife have fallen foul of anti-truancy officers in Birmingham over plans to stage a promotional event in school time.
The Irish chart-toppers are in the city next week to launch their eagerly awaited new single Mandy.
But police and education welfare officers, who together make up the city’s Pupil Watch scheme, fear hundreds of children will bunk off school for the chance to see their heroes. Westlife will be signing copies of their new single at the HMV store in High Street, Birmingham, on Wednesday. The band will be on autograph duty from 5.30pm, after schools have finished lessons. But in order to meet Westlife in person, their young fans first have to obtain special wristbands at the HMV store from 9am on Monday - the day the single goes on sale.

John Smail, Birmingham’s head of education welfare, said: “This is irresponsible planning. We would urge organisers of such events to consider the importance of children’s education and to arrange them outside
school hours.
“Parents have a legal responsibility to ensure their children attend school.”
A spokesman for HMV said they had deliberately arranged the record signing for outside school hours. He said:" We asked the police and city council what they thought was the safest approach, both to limit numbers and to ensure that fans don’t take the whole of Wednesday off school.” As a result, only 400 wristbands will be issued on a first come, first served basis. The spokesman added: “They don’t have to be there in person, a mum or dad can go.”

Teenage group Busted were accused of encouraging children to play truant by staging an album signing at WH Smith at 3pm in October last year. It was later put back until after school closing time following the Evening Mail’s story.

source - Evening Mail by Tony Collins

17th Nov.

Nicky Told To Calm Down

Westlife Star Nicky Byrne has been shown the yellow card by Sky One's Dream Team because of his over enthuastic attitude on the pitch in last year's 7-up challenge when he lined out with Keith Duffy's All Star. The Sky
One team returned to Dublin this weekend to announce the second 7-up challenge but they've told the organisers to tell Nicky it's not the World Cup. The TV softies were dismayed by Byrne's no-compromise approach to the match last year and are afraid of a repeat performance.

Pop singer came within a whisker of a career as soccer pro when he was a teenager playing for Leeds United's youth team.

Meanwhile, Duffy and his All Stars are hoping to avenge the 7-3 trouncing meted out to them by Dream Team earlier this year and Nicky will be a key member of the squad. But the popstar has been told to calm down when the two teams meet again in Tolka Park on February 1 next.
Perhaps some folk would prefer Keith and the lads to take to the pitch in fluffy slippers...

17th Nov

Going West-life

WESTLIFE are re-newing their assault on the US — with BARRY MANILOW’s help. BRYAN and the lads today release a cover of the big-nosed crooner’s 1975 hit Mandy, and Bazza wants to remix it for the US market. A spokesman for the band, who have failed in America twice, said “Barry’s reputation will be great for us.”

Westlife brand new single ‘Mandy is released today with format details below.
They include an excellent live version of Flying Without Wings, as well as the new B side, You See Friends ( I See Lovers)
The Band have a busy day today, with a signing at HMV in London this morning, then press interviews to fit in before the Turnaround Fan Conference that takes place at the 10 Room on Air Street in Soho, and finally some radio promo

Shane : "- IF THE NEW ALBUM FLOPS WE'RE SPLITTING UP!"

Looks like the lads in Westlife have washed gold from an inexhaustible success-spring for over five years! A whole eleven no.1's in the UK is only a brush away from the World Record! Now they return with a new, tougher sound, and Shane confesses for OKEJ that they're really nervous. - It feels like starting over new again!

God knows what the time is in Hong Kong, but anyways there's where Shane Filan of Westlife is when he calls up OKEJ to talk about the new Westlife album Turnaround. He's just landed from Tokyo and it's easy to be indulgent towards his yawns. The rollercoaster around Westlife starts again now - like it ever stopped spinning. The Irish superstars have hardly had the time to relax after their Greatest Hits Tour before everything is back to usual again. Usual for Westlife for the last five years have been interviews, photo sessions, TV shows, screaming fans and eternal travelling.

Do they never get tired of it?
- Yes, sure we do, Shane confesses from a line that's so clear that he could've called from the house next door. But we have to work hard while we're still hot. It's all the hard work that have made us this successful.

Westlife's fifth album is an ordeal. They've realized that their concept, where magnificent ballads have played the biggest role, is starting to be a little bit boring. For their own survivals sake they had to do something new, something un-expectable, and that have among other things been involved a tempo increase and whole other arrangements that they're normally used to.

NEXT SINGLE FITS EVERYONE!
The first single, Hey Whatever, a new version of the rocking fellow countrymen The Relish's a few years old hit Rainbow Zephyr, was a very risky and unexpected move. That didn't go like expected, or? A second place on Ireland and no.4 as the highest position in the UK is certainly really good, if it wouldn't be for the previous eleven no.1's they've had. Only their single Bop Bop Baby, that came on a fifth place, has landed on a lower position. A bad start but Shane certainly doesn't seem worried.
- Seriously, it's not that important if we get no.1's or not, however it's fun! It's the album selling that's important and I think it's going to decide Westlife's future destiny. People were probably surprised over Hey Whatever, but already the next single can restore the order, then we're releasing Mandy! And Mandy is something of a trump card! It's a cover of Barry Manilow's big hit from 1975, but it could've just been written for Westlife. Here is everything a good ballad should contain.
- I would be very suprised if it doesn't become no.1, says Shane. It's amazing! It fits the children, the couples, the women....everyone! It's simply a song you just can't help liking.

NO LACK OF GOOD SONGS
The kids yeah. Westlife original audience, the big crowd of girls that brought them to success, are all growing apart from their idol worships. That is a problem for all the artists with a young audience. It's hard to tempt a new generation fans. The little sister doesn't want to listen to the same band as the older sister.She want to find own idols.
- I think Westlife attracts people from all ages, not just kids but adults too, and that could be our rescue, Shane thinks. But the screaming fans are more likely to be around us all the time, and many of them matured with the band.

There's three covers on the album, Mandy, Hey Whatever and Mr. Big's old hit Be With You that maybe qualifies under the title "Predictable Westlife Ballads."Are so many covers a sign of desperation or cleverness?
- More likely cleverness, laughs Shane. We hardly suffer from lack of great songs. We've been given a lot of good songs from the great Swedish songwriters, but also from Steve Mac. We've always done covers, we like them when it fits our sound. Me myself I think both Mandy and Be With You are smart choices.

Everyone expect them to go straight to the top and when they don't, and then hell breaks loose. Westlife assures that they've had no plans whatsoever to quit, but one day they eventually have to. Everyone does. The question is what it takes?
- Well, if the album doesn't sell, then I really don't know what's going to happen, Shane tells. If we only sold,let us say, half a million copies over the whole world, then we're gonna split up - that's a fact!
We've sold five, six millions of each album so far so I don't think we could handle a flop like that. We would be dissatisfied with two million, but that would probably not be the end. But let's not paint Satan on the wall. Westlife has done their most varied and exciting album so far. Here's a variation that a lot of people, that have been a little bit tired of all the ballads, wanted. Westlife sound hungry! Let us hope that it continues to roll on. What does the future look like?
- We're going to work really hard with the promotion, go to every country and do interviews! We're known for working hard - now we're going to work even harder! After New Year there's going to be a big tour and then we'll probably take time off. Next album will probably not be recorded until 2005. Shane's going to take some time off around New Year too, cause on December 28th he's going to get married to his Gillian.
- After that we'll probably go to Hawaii on our honeymoon, he chuckles. And yeah, I also wanna have loads of kids in the future....!

source - Translated and typed up by Jenny –please do not use without permission.

The lads from Westlife release a new single tomorrow — a cover of Barry Manilow’s hit Mandy. It’s taken from their new album Turnaround, which will be released the following week and marks the fact that the band have grown up. They see this as the start of a new phase in their career and an attempt to widen their audience appeal.

“Our Greatest Hits was us leaving behind our first era,” Nicky told me. “To be honest, we were getting bored with the music we were doing. If we wanted to remain together, we had to actually enjoy the music.
“We were going to release a cover of Miss You Nights last Christmas, but that was scrapped. We were relieved, to be honest. We’d got to the stage where we were pulling our hair out.”
Recently the lads have started to see older people turning up to their shows. But not always for the obvious reason.
“You look out and you see people who are 25 and people who are 55.
“You do get a few 10-year-olds there, but then you see them sitting with their mums and their mums are having a better time than they are. Sometimes we think the mums have taken the kids as an excuse to go themselves!”
Nicky knows there are lots of other young bands snapping at their heels and that most bands have a sell-by date, even if Westlife don’t think they’ve reached theirs yet.

“If it all ends, we can walk away very proud with what we’ve done,” he told me. “We’re certainly not taking Number One singles for granted any more. The new material is more up-tempo and has moved us up a level, we think.
“We didn’t write any of the songs on the new album because we wanted to pick the absolute best. We didn’t just want to cash in by putting eight or nine of our own on the record that maybe wouldn’t be as good, but would be better for our pockets.”
He is equally against the idea of the lads doing solo projects. Nicky himself has no plans to release solo material, even if the band were to split.

“We don’t want people to look at us afterwards like they did with the Spice Girls and start talking about us like ‘There’s the one who flopped or ‘There’s the one that made it’. I don’t want to be a Mel C or Emma Bunton.”
While we’re talking about big names, Nicky says the boys find it hilarious that Simon Cowell is now a big TV star around the world.
“When we started, he was our A&R man helping us out. Now he’s more famous than any of us and it’s weird seeing him on TV all the time!”
Nicky is thoroughly enjoying married life and is grateful that his fans didn’t mind him getting hitched to Georgina Ahern, the Irish Prime Minister’s daughter.

“I’d been going out with her since I was 16 and we never lied about the fact that we were together.
“In Ireland it was impossible to keep it a secret anyway because of who she was, but everyone was fantastic and sent gifts.
“I don’t think any of our fans grew up expecting they’d get to marry us!”
With his Westlife colleague Brian now a proud father of two, Nicky admits he sometimes feels a bit broody. . . but not too often!
“Whenever Molly and Lilly (Brian’s daughters) are around, I definitely feel that, but I don’t think I’ve lived enough yet to have kids — I’m too selfish at the moment.”
The Westlife story has been one of the big successes of the past few years and they’ve broken box office records every time they’ve played live. On their last tour it was estimated that one third of the entire Irish population saw them in concert. So, as the lads embark on a new campaign, it seems there’s definitely still life in Westlife

source -Sunday Post - By Kevin Bridges

Tickets for Westlife’s 2004 Turnaround Dublin shows are on general sale, and can be purchased via the link below.The shows take place at The Point Venue, on May 11th, 12th, 13th and 15th 2004

Thanks very much to everyone who submitted a question for the Westlife Turnaround Fan Conference that’s taking place next week.

All the winners have had their invites mailed out, and you should have been contacted by phone or e-mail – we didn’t have phone numbers for everyone, so make sure you’ve been checking your mail!

For those of you that didn’t win, you will nevertheless be able to watch footage from the conference, view a transcript of all the questions and answers and see your own name listed in a special vaulted web area only available via the Turnaround album when its released on November 24th

Westlife have now confirmed that they will be holding a signing session at the HMV on Grafton street in Dublin, between 9.00 and 11.00 am on Friday 21st November.

Entrance to the signing will be via wristband only; a limited number will be made available from HMV from 9 am on Friday 21st Nov onwards. One pair per customer, in person only, while stocks last, subject to availability, at participating stores only. Phew

Westlife's Kian Egan has totally turned his back on the party lifestyle. And its all thanks to new girlfriend Jodi Albert. in his most honest interview to date Kian told hot that Hollyoaks actress, 21, is the love of his life. Earlier this year he lost the plot and was out on the town every night until 2 am with band mate mark Feehily. but meeting Jodi has forced Kian to hang up his wild partying boots. he confessed , its the best relationship I've ever had. Its going well. she certainly the most superb person ive ever known. we've been going out for 5 months now. we are very happy. " But Kian's in no hurry to become the 4th Westlife husband after Bryan Nicky and Shane - who's marrying long term girlfriend Gillian Walsh over Christmas. Kian, who has dated Liz McClarnon and been linked to Jodie marsh, added anyone who knows me knows i would never get married after 5 months . Everyone goes through a stage of going a bit wild. I did it and I don't regret it. Everyman would live the dream given the chance and i did. but by the end it became horrible

Westlife have ALL grown up dramatically in the past few months. The launch party for the unbreakable greatest hits last year was a booze fuelled celebrity bash. But for new album turnaround: out November 24th, they're going all civilised. Jodie Marsh, Jordan and any pop idol people are banned. Kian explained " were hiring the Irish embassy in London for a full on black tie posh formal dinner. It takes us away from just going out and getting pissed"

On Monday Westlife hold a fans press conference in London and I have 45 tickets to give away. So if you want to be there in London at 2 pm , to throw questions at the band, e-mail me the name of Westlife's new single out on Monday to: hot@dailystar.co.uk

WESTLIFE STAY AN EXTRA DAY

Boy band Westlife have added an extra date to their appearance in Brighton.
The band will be at the Brighton centre on Saturday, April 10 2004, at 7.30pm as well as the night before.
Tickets went on sale today.
Those for the Friday performance went on sale to fan clubs and have already sold out. The Brighton centre's Wendy Walton said "We have added a second date because of demand.
"it is the first time they have headlined at the Brighton Centre.
"They have been playing huge arenas so we are thrilled they are playing here"
Westlife, then called Westside, supported Boyzone at the Brighton Centre on their tour in October 1998.
After five years, Bryan McFadden and the other four have produced their fifth studio album turnaround, and sold 30 million.
Tickets are available from the Brighton Centre.

Westlife announce 2004 Tour

Contrary to rumours of an imminent split and flagging fortunes, Westlife have announced details of a massive arena tour for 2004. The Turnaround Tour will begin in Nottingham on April 6, 2004 and includes three nights at The Point theatre in their hometown - Dublin.

Full tour dates are as follows: Nottingham Arena April 6, Brighton Centre(9),Cardiff (12) International Arena, Glasgow SECC (16 & 17), Newcastle Arena 23, Sheffield Arena (29), Manchester MEN Arena (May 3), London, Wembley Arena (7), Dublin, The Point (11, 12, 13), Birmingham NEC (23).

You'll notice a few large gaps between certain dates which indicates the boys might be adding further shows nearer the time.
Tickets go on sale from Friday, November 14.

Two tracks from Westlife's forthcoming album Turnaround will receive exclusive plays on November 17th, on Simon Mayo's Album Chart Radio 2 show. The show runs from 7-8pm, and will feature plays of both 'Heal' and 'Lost In You'. The following week, when the album is released (Nov 24th) the show will again feature tracks from Turnaround, and possibly an interview with the band as well.

Source - http://www.westlife.com
[You can listen to the radio station online at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/

Royal Variety Show & Children In Need

PUDSEY BUSTED
ITV bosses ban Royal Variety show stars from Children In Need
By Cara Page

BOSSES at ITV have banned pop stars from singing on Children In Need if they are also due to appear at the Royal Variety Performance.

Managers at Granada claim near-identical performances would spoil
viewers' enjoyment. Last year, the quality of the royal gala event was criticised after Gareth Gates and Liberty X sang on both shows. Now stars who want to appear on the Royal Variety Performance on November 24 will not be allowed to go on Children In Need on November 21.

This year's decision effectively bans stars such as Busted and Westlife from performing for the marathon BBC event whose mascot is Pudsey Bear They, along with Daniel Bedingfield, Gloria Estefan and Donny Osmond, are lined up to appear at the royal event, which this year comes from Edinburgh. It is recorded on November 24 but broadcast a day or so later the exact date is still to be confirmed so the gap between shows could be up to five days.

But ITV believe that people will switch off if the performances in front of the Queen are the same as those in front of Children In Need host Terry Wogan days earlier. A Granada spokeswoman told trade journal Broadcast: ``We have asked people to make a choice either do us or Children in Need. It would look totally ridiculous if they did each show. Last year, when some of the acts did both, the Royal Variety Performance got slated.''

Both events raise money for charity but the BBC rely heavily on A-list celebrities to appear, as it helps persuade the public to pledge donations. Rod Stewart and Will Young have agreed to be on the BBC fundraiser, as has Shane Richie, who is making the Children in Need single this year, a reworking of the Wham! hit I'm Your Man.

The BBC are understood to be furious about ITV's decision as they feel it hits their show harder. They claim pop acts regularly perform on a host of TV programmes across the network, often on the same day. The Royal Variety Performance does not rely on public donations but the proceeds of the event go towards a collection of showbiz-backed causes.

We're Finished If Our New Album Flops

Westlife singer Shane Filan last night admitted that the future of the band all hangs on their next make-or break album. He says if Turnaround flops then the band will CRASH AND BURN with it. But if it is a huge hit then the heart-throbs intend to keep going for another TEN YEARS. Hunky Shane admitted: "You never know how things are going to go. It could totally flop but I can't see that happening. It's so good." Its all depends on this album. If it is very successful we can go on. We will just go on as long as we are successful." It could be five years, it could be ten. It could be in two years. In a way we have reached our peak- it's staying there that is the difficult part." But Shane reckons Turnaround is there next album yet. He said:" On other albums there have been a few fillers but I just think that there are no bad songs on this album. It's all quality" If we can sustain our popularity with our new album then the world is our oyster." There us a good buzz about the album, we're really excited about it. It's our best album"

Shane also has something else in the pipeline which he's excited about. He walks down the aisle with stunning blonde sweetheart Gillian Walsh at a glitzy wedding at Ashford Castle in Mayo on December 28.Gillian has been doing most of the organising and Shane insists he's not nervous about his wedding-yet. He added: "All the plans are more or less set now so it's down to the final details." My brother will be my best man and my band mates Mark Feehily and Kian Egan will be my groomsmen so it will be one big party. I'll probably get nervous in the week running up to it-not now. In the days before hand is when it will sink in." If he does need advice on pre-wedding jitters, he could always ask married band mates Bryan McFadden and Nicky Byrne. He said: "They are a lot happier because with their personal lives they are settled now. They are happier with the way their lives are." It's a part of our lives that we don't involve Westlife in. If you have a happy personal life then your working life will be a lot easier." Shane also revealed his hopes to go back to his native Sligo for a second massive homecoming gig. He said:" It's the one place where I never get any hassle." You never get a slagging from a Sligonian. It just doesn't happen. So that's why I'm building a house there and some day I hope to bring up kids there."

If all goes according to plan with the new album Westlife will embark on their biggest tour yet in April. And Shane said: "We had a great gig in Sligo last year so we definitely want to be back over the next year." He's obviously Filan confident that Turnaround won't be a flop then...

Irish singer Ronan Keating showed just how much ShowBiz clout he has when a who's who of the pop industry came out in force for the Marie Keating Pink Ribbon Ball over the weekend.

It's great to see that pop singer Ronan Keating has turned the tragic death of his mother Marie to cancer into a positive and built a foundation around her memory.

And instead of being a sad occasion the annual Marie Keating Foundation Pink Ribbon Ball has become a celebration of her life and a way of raising funds for cancer charities.

On the night in the Burlington Hotel Sotheby's put a Bang and Olufsen plasma TV, a Terry Bradley painting, a Paul Sheeran diamond necklace, a dress by Synan O'Mahony, originally penned lyrics to The Town I Loved So Well by Phil Coulter, and sold out concert tickets from Aiken Promotions under the hammer.

And there was no shortage of bidders with top guests like Jasmine Guinness, Westlife, Louis Walsh, Pat Kenny, Samantha Mumba, and many more in attendance. Entertainment was provided by Girls Aloud, Bellefire, Phixx, Keedie and Simon Casey on the night. The party spilled over from the Burlington Hotel to Lillies Bordello later on where Ronan's VIPs mixed with the regular VIPs who frequent the club.

ShowBiz Ireland caught up with the now three strong Bellefire in Lillies where the stunning girls assured us that they are far from quitting the music industry and have a new song coming out in the coming months.

Westlife kick off their amazing 2004 Turnaround Tour on the 16th April in Nottingham and you can buy tickets to see your favourite Irish lads now.............From today ( Monday 10th) to Friday 14th November, Westlife.com users can order tickets for selected shows before they go on general sale.

If you're a fan of Westlife you don't want to miss this opportunity to get really close to the boys. The lads will be signing copies of their new single 'Mandy' at the HMV store, Trocedero, Coventry Street at 10am on Monday 17th November. Entrance to the store is strictly limited but we've managed to get three sets of special wristbands so you and your mates can go. For your chance to win, answer the question at capitalfm. website

Westlife have confirmed that they will be appearing at HMV in London's Trocadero centre on the morning of their Mandy single release, on November 17th. In a slight alteration to the details we gave last week, you should note that attendance will be limited to 500 fans. The store will be giving out wristbands from 8:00am on Friday 14th November, on a first-come-first-served basis.

GIRLS WANNA HAVE FUN

Bombshell babes Jordan, Jennifer Ellison and Kerry Katona let their hair down for a girlie night on the town at the launch of the record label Ayaash.
Cheeky Jordan, who was wearing a vest emblazoned with a very rude message, chatted with former Brookside babe Jennifer before hitting the dance floor at the exclusive nightspot Aura. Former Atomic Kitten Kerry was also
enjoying a night out with the girls – leaving hubby Bryan to look after the kids!
The urban fusion label aims to blend Eastern and Western music. Other star guests included ex-Eastenders stars Michael Greco and Dean Gaffney, So Solid Crew and Jordan’s ex Dane Bowers.

Source: OK magazine 9th Nov.

Westlife have confirmed that they will be appearing at HMV in London's Trocadero centre on the morning of their Mandy single release, on November 17th. The signing will start at 10am, but you probably want to get down before then to get a place in the queue! The same afternoon, the band will be holding their Turnaround Fan Conference nearby at the 10 Rooms club - the entry form is now closed, and we're currently sitting through the thousands of questions submitted to pick the 50 winners... all of whom should be contacted early next week.

POP GOES PUDSEY!

Following on from the massive success of last year’s Big Gig, BBC Northern Ireland is once again taking over the Odyssey Arena, Belfast, to host a fantastic star-studded concert for its fundraisers and supporters of BBC Children In Need.

The biggest stars are always happy to support Pudsey and this year is no exception with chart toppers Westlife, Simply Red and Girls Aloud taking to the stage on Friday, 21 November!

Nelly Furtado - Folklore
Enrique Iglesias - Seven
Javine - Surrender
Lemar - Dedicated
Alex Parks - Introduction To Me
Pet Shop Boys - PopArt (1985-2003)
Westlife - Turn Around

Two tracks from Westlife's forthcoming album Turnaround will receive exclusive plays on November 17th, on Simon Mayo's Album Chart Radio 2 Show. The show runs from 7-8pm, and will feature plays of both 'Heal' and 'Lost In You'.

The following week, when the album is released (November 24th) the show will again feature tracks from Turnaround, and possibly at interview with the band as well.

Ireland Rich List

Media mogul Tony O'Reilly has been knocked from the top spot of Ireland's rich-list.
The 70-year-old BMW retailer Frank Keane earned €3m more than him last year at €48m. Ryanair's Michael O'Leary comes fifth on the Sunday Times rich-list netting €25m last year.
Also featuring in the top twenty earners last year are Roy Keane who made almost 8m, Westlife who brought in €7m and Actor Colin Farrell who pocketed €6.5m.

source - Online.ie
6th Nov.

Girls face Westlife in chart showdown

A year ago they easily saw off Popstars: The Rivals act One True Voice - but now Girls Aloud are mixing it with the big boys.
For Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh, Sarah Harding, Nicola Roberts and Cheryl Tweedy will go head to head with boyband Westlife on November 17 in what's set to be one of the biggest chart battles of the year.
In the red corner are Bryan McFadden, Kian Egan, Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne and Mark Feehily with their cover of the Barry Manilow weepy Mandy.
And in the blue corner are Girls Aloud with their version of the Pointer Sisters' 1984 hit Jump.

Bizarrely, both bands are managed by Louis Walsh. But the Popstars judge, who clearly has a conflict of interest on his hands, reckons the lads will win and dismissed his girls as mere "competition winners".
The outspoken pop bigwig reveals: "I only found out myself yesterday that they're both releasing singles on the same day. But I think it will be Westlife who get to No 1.
"The girls are competition winners, that's all they are. Now they've got to serve their apprenticeship to prove themselves. They've got to mature."
The chart battle will also reveal whether the band's popularity has waned since Cheryl, 20, was found guilty of assaulting toilet attendant Sophie Amogbokpa.
However, it could be that neither group will get to the top spot as Fame Academy winner Alex Parks is also set to release her single, Maybe That's What It Takes, on the same day.

Last night an insider revealed: "It's a big week for single releases with the country's biggest artists going hell for leather.
"But the real race will be between Westlife and Girls Aloud. Westlife haven't had a No 1 single for some time and they've got a huge fan base - so will be going all out to clinch the top spot."
But we think the girls are in with a good chance as their energetic track is the theme tune to Love Actually, starring Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon, which hits the big screen the same week.
And Louis insists the girls - who are playing Liverpool's A Bright Day gig tomorrow night - aren't worried about facing his other protégés head on.
"I don't think they've ever been happier," he tells us. "They all get on great and they're working hard. We're already planning their second album."

Source - www.mirror.co.uk
2nd Nov. 2003

BROSMANIA made a brief comeback last night when the lovely Matt Goss
opened for Mariah Carey at Wembley Arena.
"It's great to be back in London," Matt told us afterwards. "I'm a bit tired I've been working non-stop for my single I'm Coming With Ya, which is out on Monday. But touring is what I love most."
Mariah also clearly enjoys performing live. During her incredible
two-hour set, she even poked fun at her diva reputation by bringing on her hairdresser. "He's here so you all know what a diva I am, getting a primping on stage," she joked.
Other pop stars who saw the 33-year-old pop queen strut her amazing stuff included Will Young, and Westlifer's Mark Feehily and Nicky Byrne. Let's hope the boys were all taking notes...

source - www.mirror.co.uk

Magazine: East Week
Issue: 009 (29 Oct 2003)

WESTLIFE LOVE JOEY THE MOST
British (Irish, actually) pop boy group Westlife came to Hong Kong again. Apart from the Harbour Fest, they also promoted for their new album (Turnaround). Although the organization of the Harbour Fest is a mess, it didn't lessen their passion for Hong Kong. The sexiest member Shane confessed that he wanted to collaborate with the Hong Kong female singer Joey on stage.

Worrying about the ticket selling It's the third time Westlife came to Hong Kong. They claimed that the main aim for this visit is to promote Hong Kong to the world. Bryan said, "We know that Hong Kong has suffered from the torment of SARS, but now everything is fine. We are here is for cheering up and promoting Hong Kong." There are many international pop singers in the Harbour Fest, but the ticket selling is not good. Shane responded (but in a long face), "We don't really care if the ticket selling is good or not, cos this time it's not Westlife concert. We will be back for our own concert next July. I may feel worried that time if the ticket selling is bad."

Loving Joey the most Westlife aren't familiar with the showbiz and artists in Hong Kong except Jacky Chang and Bruce Lee. When we showed them the photos of Kelly, Sammi, Faye and Joey, Shane said immediately (pointing to Joey's photo), "Wow! She's very beautiful. I wanna collaborate with her". Will Joey feel excited when hearing what Shane said?

Track listings -- Mandy

CD1 (limited edition)
1. Mandy
2. Flying Without Wings – Live Version from ‘The Greatest Hits Live DVD’

CD2
1. Mandy
2. You See Friends ( I See Lovers )
3. Greased Lightnin’
4. Mandy – Video
5. Mandy – Making of the video

Source- www.amazon.co.uk
1st Nov. 2003

Westlife member Mark Feehily has accused the Pop Idol telly show of making it cool to be nasty. Condemning the programme over the way the hopefuls are treated, he fumed: "It's a total sell-out show to be honest with you.

"The TV ratings it gets are more important than the moral side of it. It's disgusting what they do to people on the show. People say it makes great television but I don't think that's an excuse for what they are doing to the kids. It also promotes the fact that you can be nasty to someone and that's OK. It's n

NOVEMBER 2003