NOVEMBER 2006
Westlife DVD Competition
Westlife’s amazing new DVD Live At Wembley: Face To Face Tour 2006 is out on
Monday, and to celebrate, we’re running a great competition that could see you
meeting the boys at one of their 2007 shows! To enter, tell us, in 50 words or
less, which is your favourite track that you’ve ever seen Westlife perform and
why. We’ll choose our favourites to post on the website, and the best entry will
win a meet and greet with the band next year.
Send your entry to westlife@warwickworldwide.com along with your full name and
phone number. Please put DVD Competition in the subject header. Entries must be
received by Wednesday 29th November. As well as performances of all your
favourite tracks, the DVD also includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage at a
photoshoot for the new album, the videos for You Raise Me Up and Amazing, plus a
Westlife jukebox, where you can create your very own set-list from the concert.
source - www.westlife.com
posted - 25th November 2006
Westlife set to win chart race
TOMORROW will be remembered as The Day The Music Died. William Hill have now
stopped taking bets on whether PESTLIFE will beat OASIS to No1 when this
Sunday’s album chart is revealed. The latest midweek figures show the Oirish
crooners have shifted 159,000 copies of their dreadful release The Love Album,
while Oasis’ Stop The Clocks has sold 139,000. There’s still time for Oasis fans
to prevent this grave miscarriage of musical justice if they mount a giant
stampede on record stores up and down the country.
But I’d say it is less likely to happen than MICHAEL JACKSON taking over from
KONNIE HUQ as the new Blue Peter presenter. This week I risked a barrage of
abuse from Westlife fans when I called on Bizarre’s loyal army of readers to
help thwart the boy band. hitting No1 with my Stop The C*cks campaign. And while
you put up a brave fight, I fear the end is nigh.Tomorrow, barring divine
intervention, I’m afraid De Loife will be crowned No1 — thereby sounding the
death knell for British music as we know it.
They saw off rock’s Holy Trinity of THE BEATLES, U2 and Oasis in what will go
down in pop history as Black Sunday — or should that be Sunday Bloody Sunday?
Perhaps it is now time for LIAM GALLAGHER to show his mettle and prove he really
IS God and the saviour of rock ’n’ roll. Above I’ve conjured up a frightening
image of how the future might look should the likes of Westlife and G4 conquer
our once great nation. Stools, cheesy covers and plastic grins will become
obligatory for any budding rock star hoping to crack the British charts. I've
got my design wizards to mock up how BONO, PAUL McCARTNEY, Liam and NOEL
GALLAGHER would look if they were forced to adopt the Westlife way.I’m sure
Britain’s stool manufacturers are rubbing their hands with glee.
source - sun newspaper
posted - 25th November
Louis: Westlife are the best
Westlife ... 'four normal lads in an extraordinary situation'
A BATTLE is raging in the album charts between pop heavyweights The Beatles,
Oasis and U2. But four Irish lads are putting the legends to shame with an album
of rehashed covers. Cheesy, bland, boring, predictable – all words used to
describe Westlife in the past. And yesterday The Sun’s Bizarre column launched a
campaign to stop them getting to No1 with The Love Album. But here their
manager, X Factor judge Louis Walsh, explains why he thinks Westlife are the
world’s greatest band.
"WESTLIFE truly are the people’s band — they appeal to ordinary people, people
like you and me. The sort of people who pick up this paper every day. That is
the key to their success. It’s people on the street up and down the country who
buy their records — not the trendy London types who are too snobby to think they
are any good. Look at the numbers and they speak for themselves. People go out
and buy Westlife records in the shops in their thousands. They’re not the type
of fans who will download them.
*
And the lads themselves are solid gold. Mark, Nicky, Shane and Kian keep their
feet firmly on the ground — they don’t try to be anything they are not. They
know they are just four guys from Ireland who got lucky and, at the end of the
day, they are nice people who don’t forget their roots. Four normal lads in an
extraordinary situation who are close, tight, good friends. I think that comes
across with people. As a band, they are not in competition with anyone — there’s
no one else out there who compares. Take That are similar in terms of being a
successful boy band but it’s a different kind of music. In terms of other
boybands, they have seen them all come and go. Westlife have sold 32million
records and they’re going to go on for ever. It’s all down to hard work.
They put records out back to back and they just don’t stop. It means their fans
keep coming back for more. They’ve had 14 No1 singles — and will try to get 20.
They never get good airplay, they cannot get played on Radio 1 for love nor
money . . . but it doesn’t matter. They’ve proved you don’t need Radio 1.
Westlife aren’t hip but I think that’s why many people like them. Like the band,
their fans don’t pretend to be something they are not either. Westlife have a
huge fanbase. They’ve sold 150,000 tickets for their tour. I love Oasis — I’ve
bought the new album — and I love The Beatles.
Westlife are No1 in Ireland this week — they’ve beaten U2 there, which has never
happened. This is going to be their biggest-selling album in Ireland. They are
set to do eight nights at The Point in Dublin next year — no one else can do
that. As for the tunes, I pick them all — including the “cheesy” ones. I pick
them because I love them and it seems a whole load of people out there love them
too."
source - Irish Sun
posted - 23rd November
Elton Backs Westlife
SIR ELTON JOHN has stormed into the WESTLIFE v OASIS chart debate, branding NOEL
GALLAGHER “a tosser.” Elt rang me yesterday to back Westlife in their battle for
top spot in the album chart on Sunday. The pop king was in a fury after Noel
berated him for being too precious to go out for a pint of milk. He raged: “I’m
so glad Westlife are ahead of Oasis.
“After what f****** Noel Gallagher said about me I couldn’t give a s*** about
Oasis. I go into f****** shops all the time myself, he’s just such a tosser.
He’s an absolute tosser and he looks like Parker from Thunderbirds. They don’t
deserve to be No1. It’s not a greatest hits album because they’ve left three of
their biggest hits off it.”
But while Elton’s comments made me chuckle — see what you think about Noel
looking like Parker — I reckon he’s wrong to back Westlife. I think Sunday,
November 26, is shaping up to be the darkest day in chart history. British music
is in serious danger of having the ’Loife sucked right out of it in a travesty
of music justice. Yesterday I revealed the shopping trolley brigade marching
through supermarket checkouts across the country are sweeping Irish warblers
Westlife to the top of the charts — ahead of rock ’n’ roll legends Oasis. I
called for Bizarre readers to Stop The C*cks and buy the Oasis best-of with the
more polite title. But sales figures to date show the Manc rockers are being
mown down in a middle-of-the-road music onslaught. The battle is being won in
supermarkets where housewives are picking up albums with their loo roll. The
advantage at the close of play yesterday between KIAN EGAN, MARK FEEHILY, NICKY
BYRNE and SHANE FILAN and their Manc rivals stood at 14,000 copies.
Sales battle ... race for No1
Westlife have topped 100,000 and Oasis are not far off, leaving the mighty
BEATLES and U2 third and fourth. Even a huge Saturday sale from loyal Oasis fans
will struggle to help them make up the lost ground. Last night X Factor judge
SIMON COWELL, who signed Westlife, added his tuppence worth. He said: “Westlife
are smart — they know and respect their audience.
“It doesn’t matter that some of their songs are covers. I’d rather have a cover
version of a good song than a crap song. This week is good for the industry
because both bands are selling a ton of albums — it doesn’t matter who is No1.”
Source - Sun Newspaper
posted - 23rd November
Westlife likely to beat both U2 and Oasis to album chart top spot Westlife
look likely to romp to the top of the album chart come Sunday with their The
Love Album collection, according to industry insider predictions. DiS has heard
on the proverbial grapevine that the Irish boyband's latest is looking certain
to outsell newly released best-ofs from U2 and Oasis - 18 and Stop The Clocks
respectively - as well as the new Beatles album, Love. It was previously assumed
that this week's number one position would be contested between the Manchester
outfit and the Bono-led rock four-piece.
Sales data from one leading supermarket is yet to be collected, meaning that
things could change, but considering Westlife's popularity with daytime-shopping
mothers (a shocking generalisation? Nah...), it's unlikely that either Oasis or
U2, or The Beatles, will beat them to the number one position before Sunday's
chart confirmation. Of course, everything can change. But it probably won't
source - drowned in music
posted - 23rd November
Westlife look set to win the battle of Super Monday
Midweek figures say the boys will beat The Beatles and Oasis to the top slot.
Whoever said that 'Super Monday' and everything it entailed was all about Oasis
vs the Beatles doesn't have a clue what they're talking about. In fact, they
probably deserve to be sacked. Forget that, executed. For the truth, the
complete unvarnished honest truth, is that Westlife will win the weeklong battle
of Super Monday, and everyone who's ever had even the remotest connection to the
music biz has known that all along. Including Victoria Newton.
"Lennon, McCartney, Gallagher, Bono, The Edge. Some of the greatest names to
ever hail from these fair isles", she writes this morning using a) the term
'fair isles' as loosely as she possibly can and b) the name The Edge as an
example of a great name, when it's not even a real one. Anyway, this is a
digression as there are important matters at hand: Vicky wants to derail the
Westlife juggernaut.
"The battle for superiority in the Supergroups Showdown, the biggest
head-to-head of musical greats in chart history looks like it's going to be won
by Westlife. While early official midweek chart figures show Oasis just leading
the pack, the news is grim for people who like their music with guitars, drums,
bass and musical talent. do NOT take into account the massive
amount of Tesco sales, which will weigh heavily in Westlife's favour. Experts
predict that with housewife supermarket purchasing [an officially recognised
industry term], Oasis will be pushed aside and de 'Loife will breeze into the
No1 spot by an easy 5,000 sales". The column then descends into a plea to buy
the Oasis album. Obviously readers should be left to make up their own minds as
to what to buy
source - Guardian Newspaper
posted - 22nd November
"Oasis needs YOU for a No1
LENNON, McCARTNEY, GALLAGHER, BONO, THE EDGE. Some of the greatest names in
music to ever hail from these fair isles. EGAN, FEEHILY, BYRNE, FILAN. Some of
the not-so-great names in music to hail from these fair isles. Yet I have some
tragic news, readers. The battle for superiority in the Supergroups Showdown,
the biggest head-to-head of musical greats in chart history, looks like it’s
going to be won by . . . WESTLIFE.
Forget OASIS, THE BEATLES and U2, it is the four Oirish, stool-loving balladeers
who look like unravelling everything we hold sacred in this country’s musical
heritage and claiming Sunday’s top album. While early official midweek chart
figures show Oasis just leading the pack, the news is grim for people who like
their music with guitars, bass, drums and genuine talent. The numbers show Oasis
at No1 on 52,000, Westlife at No2 on 51,000, The Beatles at No3 on 31,000 and U2
at No4 with 18,000. But these do NOT take into account the massive amount of
Tesco sales, which will weigh heavily in Westlife’s favour. Experts predict that
with housewife supermarket purchasing, Oasis will be pushed aside and de ’Loife
will breeze into the No1 spot by an easy 5,000 sales."
But fear not, comrades, it is not too late to stop this tragedy. With people
power and a swell of support from Bizarre readers it is possible to overturn
this catastrophe. My artists have mocked up a LIAM GALLAGHER version of Lord
Kitchener’s World War One recruitment poster to inspire you to put your hands in
your pockets and prevent disaster. If every man, woman and child among you gets
behind Oasis’s Stop The Clocks, The Beatles’ album Love or U2’s singles
collection 18 then we can perhaps hold our heads high when the charts are
announced on Sunday.
Totally impartial but closet Westlife fan Gennaro Castaldo, from HMV, said it
was the most exciting chart battle in ages and that Oasis fans should not give
up yet. He told me yesterday: “People might have thought the race for the No1
album this week would be between Oasis and The Beatles, and perhaps U2, but
Westlife are proving their enduring appeal.
“But Gallagher fans shouldn’t lose heart. While Westlife may be edging overall
figures, it’s no contest at HMV, where Stop The Clocks is currently outselling
The Love Album by nearly three to one. “If it came down to just HMV customers,
Oasis would swagger in to the top spot.” Do your bit, Bizarre readers — buy Stop
The Clocks and do your bit to Stop The C*cks. Let the hate mail commence.
source - Sun Newspaper
posted - 22nd November
hey hey! Its the Aherns
THE Aherns put on a powerful show of family unity at the weekend. And it was
all in a good cause. This time it was Miriam Ahern's turn to take centre-stage
at a glittering black-tie ball, in support of the CARI children's charity, which
took place in Jurys Hotel, Dublin.
Normally it's Bertie Ahern, his millionaire daughter Cecelia or her elder
sister, Westlife wife Georgina, who steals the spotlight. But Miriam is the
chair of the CARI Foundation, which supports child victims of sexual abuse. The
annual fund-raising ball which she helped organise is one of the biggest dates
of her busy social calendar. Wearing a beautiful Syan O'Mahony ballgown, the
slimmed-down wife of the Taoiseach shared a friendly kiss with her separated
spouse.
After his pre-dinner show of solidarity, busy Bertie quietly departed into the
night. Later Miriam posed for pictures with her partner, restaurateur Terry
McCoy. The silver-haired owner of the acclaimed Red Bank restaurant and
guesthouse in Skerries, Co Dublin has taken part in his fair share of 'photo
ops' with Miriam over the past year at a variety of social and charity outings
he has attended with her.
Saturday night was no exception as he joined her for the second year running at
the head table for the lavish €150-a-head party and happily posed alongside her
for official photographs.
It was also the first official public outing for fitness instructor Georgina
since she announced that she and her husband, Westlife singer Nicky Byrne, are
expecting a baby.
source - Irish Independent
posted - 21st November
Taoiseach Gets Set To Become A Granddad In Summer
FORGET the general election - Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has other things on his
mind now that he is set to become a grandfather for the first time next summer.
The Taoiseach's eldest daughter, Georgina 26 and her husband Nicky Byrne (2 , of
Westlife fame, announced yesterday they are expecting their first child.
"Nicky and Georgina Byrne are delighted to announce they are expecting their
first child next summer," said the brief statement issued by their spokesperson.
The couple, who are married three years, are said to be "over the moon" and
"absolutely delighted" by the news. They are keeping the exact month of the
baby's birth a secret for now, other than to say the child will be born next
summer. The young couple told their respective families their good news recently
and then announced it publicly yesterday.
Next summer looks set to be an exceptionally busy one for the Ahern household
between the new baby and the general election, in which Mr Ahern will be aiming
for a historic third term. In the past couple of days, Nicky hinted that a baby
could be on the cards or himself and Georgina, who is a fitness instructor and
business graduate.
"We have been together since we were about 16 and we always said that when we
feel the time is right, we'll start thinking about having kids and we think that
maybe we're at the stage now," said Nicky late last week. The couple attended
the Fianna Fail Ard Fheis in Dublin on Saturday night. They appeared briefly on
television as they hugged Mr Ahern before he made his keynote address. Speaking
on RTE radio yesterday, Mr Ahern said he was "delighted" that he was going to be
a grandfather. "I'm very happy for them," he added.
source - unknown
posted - 6th November
FROM Teflon Taoiseach to doting grandad.
Bertie Ahern, who’s kissed more than his fair share of babies on the campaign
trail, might be able to get a little hands-on practice in ahead of next year’s
election after his eldest daughter, Georgina, confirmed she and her husband,
Westlife’s Nicky Byrne, are expecting their first child next summer. A public
relations firm issued a one-line statement on behalf of the couple yesterday
morning stating: “Nicky and Georgina Byrne are delighted to announce that they
are expecting their first child next summer.”
A spokesperson declined to give an exact due date but said the couple are “over
the moon”. Mr Ahern, who confronted the worst personal crisis of his nine years
as Taoiseach last month, spoke of his joy at the good news yesterday.
“I thought they were going to make the announcement tomorrow. But I’m very happy
for them,” he said. And referring to Westlife’s new deal with their record
label, Sony/BMG, reported to be worth up to e6 million, Mr Ahern said: “He’ll
[Nicky] need the money in the future to look after his children.”
Georgina, 27, will continue to work as a fitness instructor at the new Jurys
Hotel at Croke Park. And while Nicky and the band have a number of sell-out
concerts next March and April as part of their Love Album Tour, the spokesperson
said he will ensure he has ample time in his diary next summer. The band’s
schedule is clear from May to July. Paddy Power were offering bets last night on
the baby’s name. Nicky, after Nicky’s father, and Kelly, which is Georgina’s
mother’s maiden name, were the hot favourites at 10/1. Bertie is further down
the list at 33/1 while Celia and Enda are rank outsiders at 250/1.
Georgina married her childhood sweetheart, Nicky, on August 5, 2003, at Wicklow
Registry Office. The civil ceremony was followed in September by a church
blessing at the church of St Pierre et St Paul in Gallardon, Eure-et-Loir,
France, and a lavish reception at the nearby 16th century Château d’Esclimont.
source - unknown
posted - 6th November
Nicky and Georgina are expecting
The Irish Taoiseach’s eldest daughter Georgina is expecting a baby with her
husband, Westlife singer Nicky Byrne, it was confirmed today. In a one-line
statement, a spokesperson said the new arrival is due next summer. It will the
first grandchild of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and his separated wife, Miriam Kelly.
Their youngest daughter Cecelia is a best-selling author. Today’s statement
said: “Nicky and Georgina Byrne are delighted to announce that they are
expecting their first child next summer.”
The couple wed at Wicklow Registry Office, Co Wicklow in August 2003 and their
union was blessed four days later at the Roman Catholic Church of St Pierre et
St Paul in Gallardon, Eure-et-Loir, France. The couple attended the Ard Fheis
(annual conference) of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s ruling Fianna Fail party in
Dublin last night. Georgina, 27 and Nicky, 28, appeared briefly on RTE
television as they hugged Mr Ahern at the back of the Citywest Hotel hall before
he made his televised address.
source - Sligo Weekender
posted - 5th November
A Free Westlife Media Player For Your Site!
Do you have your own website, Myspace page or blog? Would you like a brilliant Westlife media player for it, which plays the new video The Rose? Then all you need to do is click here and fill in your details. You’ll then receive a unique player code, which can be embedded into your pages.
source -
www.westlife.com
posted- 2nd November 2006
The Westlife Weekend
Saturday November 4th - 28 October
2006
RTÉ 2FM’s Westlife weekend is coming shortly with the guy's exclusively joining RTÉ 2FM for the full day. Join Michael Cahill as the lads present his show for a full 2 hours. You'll get to ask the guys a question live on-air and even win a copy of their new album before anyone else. Send us your name, age, address, phone number and most importantly the one question you'd ask the band to westlife@rte.ie. The best questions get to meet the band.
source -
www.rte.ie/2fm
posted - 2nd November
The Rose Ringtone
To get the official ringtone for The Rose, all you need to do is text WESTLIFE ROSE TONE to 82088. You'll be able to listen to a sneak preview of the ringtone before buying. The tone costs Ł3 and terms and conditions and standard operator charges apply. For more official Westlife tones and wallpapers and to enter exclusive competitions visit the bands' official free mobile site. Simply text WESTLIFE to 82088 and we will send you the link, or you can type the following address into your mobile phone’s browser: http://wap.westlife.com
source -
www.westlife.com
posted- 2nd November 2006