WestlifeDomain

Westlife's Nicky Byrne has scoffed at rumours that band mate Bryan McFadden could be writing a tell-all book about his life in the million-selling Irish group.

McFadden quit the band last month to spend more time with wife Kerry and children, Molly, three, and Lily, one. Nicky said: 'There's no bitterness between Bryan and us and I can't see him writing a tell-all book.'

source - www.dailyrecord.co.uk
31st March

Westlife Turn Around in Belfast...

All you hard-core Westlife fans around the globe fear not; the boys may now be a four-piece but their stage show is as good as ever... perhaps even better! Ever since Bryan McFadden departed Westlife recently their die-hard fans have been lamenting his leaving on ShowBiz Ireland's message boards - their biggest fear is that the band would suffer without him.

So ShowBiz Ireland got up off its Dublin-bound ass last night and followed the boys up to Belfast to check-out the opening show of their Turn Around World Tour to see if there was any need for fans to worry...

And we are happy to report that the boys are as strong as ever and we'd even go as far to say that this latest blow has pushed them that little bit further to put more into their individual performances. Although Bryan will be dearly missed it looks like Westlife are here to stay... Expect another 12 number one singles before they finally hang-up their hats!

source - showbiz Ireland
31st March

WESTLIFE last night did their first live gig without BRYAN McFADDEN.

The quartet went down a storm in an emotionally-charged show at Belfast Odyssey Arena - and their charismatic ex-singing partner never even got a mention. The nearest they came was when the band appealed to the 8,000 crowd: "We need your support more than ever."

The boys, KIAN EGAN, SHANE FILAN, MARK FEEHILY and NICKY BYRNE, appeared dressed in mobster-style white suits. Kian said: "Thank you very much for coming on such an important night for us. We could not have picked a better place to start our world tour." But any disappointment disappeared as the lads belted out 20 songs, including the hits World Of Our Own, Flying Without Wings and Mandy.

Bryan had called the band to wish them well and to say he would be seeing them at the venue on Friday. Judging by the reception his former band mates received, he might regret his decision to quit.

source - the sun
31st March

TONIGHT’S the big one for WESTLIFE — their first show as a four-piece following BRYAN McFADDEN’s decision to quit.I caught up with SHANE, MARK, NICKY and KIAN as they put the finishing touches to rehearsals in Dublin before they headed north to Belfast for the opening date of their massive world tour.

Nicky told me: “We’re really excited and can’t wait to get out there to see all our fans. Of course we’re really nervous. But we can’t wait for the after show party.”

The boys are bound to miss Bryan’s fooling around on stage — but they are sounding a lot tighter as a quartet. And their stage set is amazing, it features lots of glittering walkways. his tour will be the band’s biggest to date. It includes 70 dates around the globe.

Bryan has promised to catch the show later this week — and has put in a ticket request. But if I was him I wouldn’t be holding my breath while I waited to get one.

Phwoarsome Foursome

After the sad, sad (no, honest, we're heartbroken) news of Bryan's departure from Westlife, tonight marks the boys' return to the stage as a quartet.The lads take centre stage at the Belfast Odyssey this evening and are positively giddy with anticipation. "We're really excited and can't wait to get out there to see all our fans," they told the Sun.

The band are touring the UK for the next few months, taking in venues in Cardiff, Glasgow and ending at Exeter in the beginning of August. But despite being seasoned performers, they've still got the jitters.
"Of course we're really nervous," said the band. "But we can't wait for the aftershow party." Presumably because with Bryan missing, there'll be considerably more to eat and drink?

KERRY MAKES SURE BRIAN WON'T STRAY

The real reason Bryan McFadden left Westlife was because his wife Kerry feared he would cheat on her if he went on tour.
Heart-throb Bryan 24, quit the band just weeks before they were due to head out on a money-spinning world tour.
Kerry 23, feared he would stray following his fling with lap-dancer Amy Barker in 2001. An insider told me : "Kerry made her mind up that Bryan would not go on the tour. She wears the trousers".

Sunday Mirror, March 28 2004

Westlife promise to make next week's Belfast shows their best ever Despite the departure of Bryan McFadden, Westlife promise to make next week's Belfast shows their best ever. Maureen Coleman reports:

All eyes will be on the Odyssey Arena in Belfast this Monday night when Westlife play their first-ever concert as a foursome.
The boys have been locked away from the world over the past few weeks, rehearsing madly for their Turnaround Tour, which, of course, will not feature Bryan McFadden. Performances and dance routines were quickly adapted following Bryan's shock revelation a fortnight ago that he was quitting the band to focus on family life.

Since his announcement there have been numerous reports of rifts within the band, with some sources claiming the young father- of-two may even have been pushed. It's also been reported that Bryan called it a day to concentrate on South African band Franklin, whom he's been looking after since hearing them on honeymoon with wife Kerry.

For all his faults - his childish behaviour, much publicised partying and increasing lack of commitment - Bryan was a key singer and songwriter in the band and his absence will be noticed. In addition to being a strong vocalist, the Dubliner was also the joker of the pack and one of the best all-round performers. Nicky Byrne admitted: "It will be hard for us getting up there as a foursome for the first time, but we're determined to do it."

Already many Westlife fans have expressed disappointment that Bryan chose not to use this tour as a chance to say goodbye. Having said that, only 24 people inquired about getting a refund on tickets for this tour - that's out of 480,000 ticket sales. Plus Bryan will be there to offer support to the lads, from the comfort of an Odyssey VIP box.
Kian said: "We're going to make this the best show ever and that's a promise."

How the four carry off next week's concerts will be crucial for their future as a band. The voices of doom have already written them off, saying Bryan's exit is the beginning of the end, but if they can pull off this tour as stylishly and successfully as they have in the past, Westlife may be around for some time. Once the tour is over, they're heading back to the studio to record their next album, a compilation of duets with some of the music world's leading lights. Names like Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Rod Stewart and Donna Summer have already been confirmed, and they're still in talks with Elton John.
"We've been dealing with the splitting up questions for the last two years," said Kian. "But the one thing we love doing is proving people wrong."

Source - www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
27th March

Westlife Determined To Please The Fans

You may have thought that after a recordbreaking batch of Number One singles Westlife pretty much have the singing business sown up. But the lads have been working overtime on singing lessons as they prepare for life without Bryan when they kick-off their world tour in the Odyssey Arena, Belfast on Monday night.

I caught up with the lads yesterday in Dublin and was given an exclusive sneak preview of the concert.Behind closed doors, the band treated me to the full show and fans can expect a spectacular night out at the Odyssey.But it hasn't all been plain sailing. Nicky Byrne told me: "This is the hardest we have ever worked for a tour. We need to pull out all the stops.

"We have had to hire top voice coaches to help us replace Bryan's parts in our songs.
"We are splitting up his lines between us and we are determined to get it right so the fans get the best possible experience."

It was clear that life at Westlife rehearsals is frantic and highly charged.They have been practicing flat-out for 14 hours a day over the past two weeks.Yesterday, there were some technical problems and the odd mistake but the boys are confident they will have it all ironed out by show time on Monday.

"You have to go through every mistake before you can get the perfect result," said Shane.
"Visually, this is one of the most spectacular things we have ever done. "Bryan might be gone but Westlife are stronger than ever."

Source: icnorthernireland.icnetwork.co.uk
27th March

CHEEKY devils Little Ant and Dec have auditioned for Bryan McFadden’s job in Irish band Westlife. The little lads, from Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, joined the band on stage to sing World Of Our Own.

They got the band to admit to kissing "about 20 girls between us" in an interview for Saturday’s ITV1 show. Little Dec probed Kian Egan, asking: "A girl in the papers said you were an animal in bed. What animal do you pretend to be in bed?" Kian laughed: "A lion!"

And when Nicky Byrne said he didn’t wear pants in bed, Little Dec asked: "Don’t you get cold?" Nicky and Kian added: "They were better than Bryan!"

Source - www.thesun.co.uk 26th March

RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong) has just announced the nominees for the 15th International Pop Poll. Westlife are nominated for two awards, i.e. Top Ten International Gold Songs - Mandy and Top Group/Band.

Here is the full list of the other nominees for the awards:

-Top Ten International Gold Songs:
1. Pink - Family Portrait
2. John Mayer - Your Body Is A Wonderland
3. Macy Gray - When I see you
4. The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army
5. Blur - Out Of Time
6. Dido - White Flag
7. Evanescence - Going Under
8. Beyonce - Crazy In Love
9. Madonna - Hollywood
10. Robbie Williams - Beyond The Sea
11. The Black Eyed Peas - Where Is The Love
12. A Korean Song
13. Dido - White Flag
14. Sting - Send Your Love
15. Craig David - World Filled With Love
16. Britney Spears feat. Madonna - Me Against The Music
17. Kylie Minogue - Slow
18. Westlife - Mandy
19. Alicia Keys - You Don't Know My Name
20. Air - Cherry Blossom Girl
21. Norah Jones - Sunrise

-Top Group/Band:
1. Coldplay
2. Linkin' Park
3. The White Stripes
4. Westlfie
5. Outkast

From today (22nd March) to 31st March, you can go to RTHK to vote for Westlife. You may also call your friends to vote for the lads as well.

The results will be announced on 14th April through a small music festival as a ceremony. All the winners will be invited to attend the ceremony, so GO VOTE FOR WESTLIFE NOW TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THEM!

source - RTHK 26th March

look out for westlife on this week's edition of Ant and Dec's Saturday
night takeaway (Maech 27th)

Pint-Sized show-regulars Little Ant and Dec will be visting the band in
Dublin to interview the band and also to - aham - 'help' with the
rehearsals.

the show goes out at 7pm on itv1

from www.westlife.com
26th March

Irish crooners buy a luxury airplane. Their hectic touring schedule has kept them globe-hopping for years, but Westlife now have more cred as jet-setters they've bought their very own plane!

The impressive Gulfstream 3 comes with state of the art DVD, Playstation and plasma screens. It even has a small studio in the back, in case inspiration strikes the wandering warblers midair.

Unfortunately, it arrived a bit late for Bryan McFadden, who last week announced he was quitting the band to spend more time with his family. All five band members were said to have chipped in R10 million each week for the sleek aircraft, so hell be expecting a bumper refund from his ex-bandmates.

Given the amount of flying Westlife do when they are working, the purchase begins to make sound financial sense. On one 2002 promotional tour alone, the Irish heartthrobs spent more than R1,5 million hiring a private jet to whisk them around the UK. It sounds like a lavish gesture, a source close to the band said.

But it makes sense. Even when they're not working, they tend to be flying somewhere every week.

At the time of going to press, Nicky, Shane, Kian and Mark were due to hold a press conference in Dublin to confirm that, following Bryans departure, they will carry on as a foursome.

source - Heat Magazine
26th March

The Westlife Four Get Ant & Dec'd...

As the new Westlife four-piece frantically prepared for their upcoming tour without Bryan McFadden the boys got rudely interrupted by celebrity nemeses' Little Ant and Dec! Sorry to all fans of the hit TV show Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway but at ShowBiz Ireland we feel it's our duty to let the cat out of the bag...

We all know that the two talented Geordie boys like to setup celebrities on their hit programme and it seems that Westlife are the latest victims for this weekend's show. Although we don't know what exactly the heist is - Little Ant and Dec were spotted leaving The Factory Studios with evil grins on their little faces as Westlife rehearsed there yesterday. But don't fear, all will be revealed on Saturday night...

Westlife kick off their tour next Monday, minus dear old Bryan, in Belfast's Odyssey Arena.

'I'm rubbish on TV' says Bryan

Bryan McFadden has played down reports of a future career in television by admitting he's rubbish at it The former Westlife star and his wife, Queen of the Jungle Kerry, have allegedly been in talks with TV bosses about becoming the next Richard and Judy but Bryan has told the Daily Star he doesn't rate his chances.

He said: "I can sing, I can dance, I can joke - but if you try to make me talk about something serious, I collapse.
"I don't know what happens, but when someone puts a camera in front of me, I just go: 'Blub, Sniffle, Waffle, Doh'.
"I just can't string a sentence together. I just can't think of anything."

Source: www.ananova.com
22nd March

Missing Bryan then, lads?

Westlife look like they're still enjoying the good life despite the loss of Bryan McFadden. The Irish band’s four remaining members laughed as they relaxed over beers.

The lads, Kian Egan, Shane Filan, Mark Feehily and Nicky Byrne, were taking a break from rehearsals in Dublin. Bryan, 23, left after a series of bust-ups to spend more time with his I’m A Celebrity winner wife Kerry and two kids.

Source - www.thesun.co.uk
22nd March

It has to be said that St Patrick's Day 2004 was the best Parade we've had in Dublin for many years as the sun beamed down on the thousands of people who lined the streets to watch the green carnival...

As far back as we can remember St Patrick's Day has always been an event best enjoyed from the inside of a packed pub but this year the crowds were out on the streets enjoying the carnival atmosphere as the rain held off for the entire day. And what with Dublin being a very cosmopolitan city the party started the night before with resident nationalities from around the globe celebrating the festival in their own style - African and Latino beats could be heard coming from city centre apartments along-side traditonal Irish music.

This year Miss World Rosanna Davison was Grand Marshall of the Dublin Parade but it was Queen of The Jungle Kerry McFadden who got the biggest cheer from young revellers. Rosanna's famous Dad Chris De Burgh had the biggest smile of the day when his stunning daughter passed by the VIP area where he sat with his wife Diane. The proud father rushed over to the open-top car to kiss his daughter as she passed by.

WILD BOY; Durans want Bryan on tour

BRYAN McFadden could be set for a pop comeback just weeks after quitting Westlife - to join Duran Duran on their European tour.Lead singer Simon Le Bon spoke exclusively to me this week and revealed he would love to have Bryan perform with them as he thinks he is the only wild star on the pop scene.The 80s group want Bryan to do a guest appearance during one of their shows which includes a sell-out performance at the Point on April 8.

Simon said: "Bryan is a complete legend and I have a lot of respect for him. The day I heard he tried to take on So Solid Crew single-handedly in a fight I thought he was one in a million.
"There are so many soft pop stars out there who run around trying to impress their 10-year-old female fans.
"But Bryan wears his heart on his sleeve and doesn't take any nonsense. He could beat up anybody in the pop world."

Simon is so impressed by Bryan that he wants him to resurrect his singing career with them.He added: "I'd love to have him on stage and even perform with us. Bryan is a great singer.
"People can make fun of me but I wouldn't have a word said against Westlife. Even if their songs are a bit melody-driven they do it really well.
"You can't help but sing along and find yourself enjoying their music. They are the best at what they do."

Simon has also put out a call to organisers of the Oxygen festival at Punchestown to invite them to perform. He said: "We'd love to do a big summer festival and get all the old hits going. We're enjoying a good comeback and it would be great to be invited.
"It's in the organisers hands I guess. If they give me a call then we can take it from there.
"Our gig at the Point sold out so it would be fantastic to do something really big in the summer."

source - Paul Martin's showbiz column:
20th March

DURAN DURAN star Simon Le Bon wants ex-Westlife hunk Bryan McFadden to join his group.

The band are playing at the Odyssey Arena on April 7 as part of their huge comeback.Simon spoke exclusively to me last week and revealed: "My biggest hero in music is Bryan McFadden.
"Anyone who takes on the whole of So Solid Crew in a fight is pretty tough.

source - Ic Northernireland
20th March

WESTLIFE look like they’re still enjoying the good life despite the loss of Bryan McFadden. The Irish band’s four remaining members laughed as they relaxed over beers.

The lads, Kian Egan, Shane Filan, Mark Feehily and Nicky Byrne, were taking a break from rehearsals in Dublin. Bryan, 23, left after a series of bust-ups to spend more time with his I’m A Celebrity winner wife Kerry and two kids.

Shane Filan will be next to quit Westlife according to his former manager Ronan Keating. Just a week ago, Bryan McFadden sensationally announced his departure from the band.

And now it looks like Filan 23 is set to do the same. Ronan, who launched a solo carer in 1999 when his Irish outfit Boyzone split up, said "I have always thought Shane would be the one to break out on his own, I think he would be a success. You need a lot of ambition and passion to make it as a solo star and Shane ahs got those qualities. He is the one in the group who has looked to me like succeeding,

"All of the boys are talented but he has always stood out as special - and he is incredibly ambitious."

Shane himself had hinted that he is about to go it alone. In the band"s last ever interview as a five some, he told Hot he was desperate to carve out a solo career:

"When we finish, all of us want to stay in the entertainment industry," he said, "I want to go off and do my own singing thing." Shane has often been compared to Ronan - the only ex-member of Boyzone to have had a huge impact on the charts. And now, with Westlife"s future in doubt, it could be ideal opportunity for him to get out.

The band and their fans were left shaken last week when Bryan dropped the biggest pop bombshell since Robbie Williams left Take That. Bry said he could spend more time with his wife and their daughters, Molly and Lily Sue. The band vowed to carry on without him. But if Ronan's prediction is correct and Shane departs chances are that Westlife will be no more.

Westlife get Hen-pecked in Dublin

As Westlife boys Shane and Nicky walked through the Burlington Hotel last Friday Night after appearing on The Late Late Show the two got caught-up in an Essex Girl's Hen Party... If you live in Dublin there's one thing you can be guaranteed to witness at least once every weekend and that's a group of English girls on a Hen's weekend dressed up like a band of drunk Christmas trees...

So when Shane and Nicky happened across of bunch of girls from Essex in the Burlington Hotel heading out on the town to celebrate their friend Karen Main's upcoming nuptials they took the whole thing in their stride. Well what with them being two married guys the whole thing was simply par for the course...

Both Shane and Nicky posed for photos with the girls and sent them off into the night gleaming smiles and a tale to tell their kids. Well done boys!

Source - www.showbizireland.com
16th March

Former Westlife star Bryan McFadden has been secretly managing a rock band for the past year and plans to launch them on to the music scene this summer.

Bryan, 24, talent spotted South African group Franklin while on honeymoon in Sun City in 2002.He was "blown away" by their music and signed them up. But he kept the deal under wraps because he didn't want to be seen working with a rival band. Bryan has been bankrolling them and has already shelled out more than £300,000 on wages, travel and recording costs. He said: "Franklin are a brilliant band with a great sound which is why I am backing them.
"It's a very exciting time for them at the moment and hopefully everything will go to plan. The music I want to do won't be in competition with Westlife either.
"Franklin do rock music which is different to Westlife and my own solo stuff will be different again."

He moved them from their Johannesburg home to Ireland early last year and hopes they will break into the Irish, UK and European music markets.
Bryan announced last week that he was quitting boy band Westlife to go solo and spend more time with I'm A Celebrity winner wife Kerry and daughters Molly and Lily Sue. He told distraught fans: "I just feel it's the right time to concentrate on my family and being at home as much as I can." But his new career move will mirror singer Ronan Keating's.

He announced in August 1999 that he was quitting Boyzone to go solo then went on to co-manage Westlife. Bryan has been busy writing and producing songs with Franklin. He has already showcased the band to family and friends including Westlife at Precious nightclub in Belfast. Major record companies including BMG, Universal and Polydor are interested and insiders are tipping Franklin for the big time.

Singer Bryan will co-manage them with best friend Mark Murphy. Mark said: "They are definitely up there in the league of play and will be huge. They love Ireland." A friend of the band said: "They can't believe their luck. They are on the brink of achieving what they have been dreaming about for years.
"Nobody imagined things would turn out how they have. Everyone has put a lot of hard work and time into the band and now it looks as if all that has finally paid off."

Westlife, who were on the eve of an American tour when Bryan, quit have vowed to go on. They have been one of the world's most successful boy bands. They topped the charts for the past five years with 12 number one hits and sold 320 million records worldwide.

source - Daily Mirror
16th March

IT WAS AN EMOTIONAL week for the Westlife boys as the band bid farewell to Bryan McFadden after six years together.

The lads invited me to their room at the Four Seasons hotel in Dublin following the Press conference to talk about the dramatic news. The remaining four - Shane, Nicky, Mark and Kian have vowed to keep going and they reckon their concert at the Odyssey Arena, on March 29, will be the most important show they have ever done.
"It's going to kick off the new tour and show the fans that we can still survive, even without Bryan," said Shane.
"It's going to be an emotional night. It will be our first concert without Bryan and he'll be up in a box watching us.
"It will be weird, but we need all the fans in Northern Ireland to get behind us now more than ever."

I was the first person to break the news about Bryan's departure when I went live on 2FM's Dave Fanning show on Monday. Within an hour, every media outlet in the UK and Ireland were following up my revelations. Some have complained that Westlife are short-changing their Belfast fans who bought tickets for concerts here over the coming weeks. But I say Bryan's departure is just part of the music business. If you buy a season ticket to watch a Premiership team in action and one of the star players is transferred half way through the year, you don't demand your money back.

Whether Westlife survive another six years remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure, the lads are determined to prove a point that life goes on without Bryan. Kian added: "The media won't decide how long Westlife last - the fans will."

source - ic NorthernIreland.co.uk
16th March

IT was hats in the air time for music lovers this week as the Westlife boy band line-up was reduced by one.Bryan McFadden is quitting to spend more time with his chicken suppers.

Mindful of the band's place in world history, McFadden declared: "We have shared laughter, tears, success, weddings and babies, but most of all we've shared our dreams."Apparently, big Brian may concentrate on song-writing from now on. Oh dear.

source - Belfast Telegraph
16th March

Westlife's Nicky Byrne says the Band will rush out a New Single to ease the fans fears after Bryan McFadden quit.
Thousands have speculated that the Band are ready to split, But Nicky told me yesterday that they now plan to record a new single to put a stop to the speculation, He said, We were planning to wait until October, but this will put minds at rest.

Bryan's departure is so unfortunate

HI. KIAN HERE
TODAY I'm making a personal appeal to you, the fans, for your support on behalf of Westlife, following this week's shock departure of Bryan.
I appreciate that many of you will be disappointed that Westlife has changed. But I promise you that, if you stick by us, we are going to have the time of our lives again.

Firstly me just say that Shane, Mark, Nicky and myself totally support Bryan in his decision to quit. Bryan just found it impossible to keep up with the pressure of being in Westlife, touring the world, and trying to have a happy family life, particularly as he has two gorgeous little kids, Molly and Lily Sue. Anyone who has children will appreciate how hard it is to leave them behind for weeks or months, while you're working on the other side of the world. All the lads in Westlife know that Bryan made the right decision for himself and his family. He got his priorities right by putting Kerry and the children before the band. He just needs to be with his family.

Successful

We wish him the best of luck and every success with whatever career he decides to pursue in the months or years ahead. He is still our friend and we appreciate everything he has done to make Westlife so successful.
Bryan is gone, but Westlife are still here and we promise you that we are on the way back with the biggest show of our career, plus a brand new album later in the year. The four of us are coming back with even more passion and enthusiasm, because we're determined to make Westlife even more successful. There have been comparisons to the Spice Girls and Take That when Geri Halliwell left and Robbie Williams was sacked. We're not the Spice Girls. Neither are we Take That. There is no bad blood in Westlife and we will go on.

It's going to be hard for us and it's going to be weird for the first few weeks and months. That's why we need your support all the more now.
Our only fear is that people will start making something negative out of the split, and try to create friction between Bryan and the rest of us.
There have already been stories in some of the papers claiming that Bryan was at the centre of rows in the band, and that's why he left. Those reports are UNTRUE. We love Bryan and when we kick off our tour at the Odyssey, in Belfast on March 29, he will be there in the AUDIENCE. Bryan has heard the new album we're recording and he loves the songs. He will be our biggest supporter. We are going to prove that we can continue to make Westlife the best pop band on the scene today, with four people. We are going to go out on stage and show the audience a very, very good time. But, at the end of the day, the decision on the future of Westlife is not down to us. It's up to you, the fans. You will decide how good or how bad we are with the new line up. You will decide our future success.

Posters of Bryan, Kian, Shane, Mark and Nicky have been smiling down from our bedroom walls for the past five years. Now Bryan's gone and Westlife will never be the same again. It's not the first time a prominent band member has flown the nest, and it won't be the last.

Those of us with really long memories will remember when Robbie announced he was leaving Take That. Robbie Mark, Howard, Jason and Gary carried on as a four-piece, with limited success, while Robbie went on to achieve superstardom. Mark made a bit of a comeback after winning Celeb Big Bro, and Gary is a big cheese behind-the-scenes in the music biz. Who knows what happened to Howard and Jason.

Steps cast a shadow on Christmas 2001 when they broke up. H and Claire relaunched themselves as a duo, had a go at TV presenting, then faded into the background. Fay made a record with opera singer Russell Watson and Lee went into musicals. Lisa had a go at managing her brothers' ill-fated band, 3SL, and returned with a raunchy new image.

Steps - Like Take That, S Club lost one member before splitting up for good. Paul left first, intending to pursue a nu-metal career, then the rest of them went their separate ways. Jon, like Lee Steps, turned to musicals. Hannah decided she liked acting best. Rachel launched a successful solo career. We're still waiting for Bradley and Tina to make their
comebacks.

Some groups have survived losing a member, and have even gone from strength to strength. Bryan Westlife's wife, Kerry, was in Atomic Kitten when they first hit the big time. Kerry - She left to have a baby. Jenny was recruited to take her place, and the group went on to enjoy massive success - although they've since announced that they're taking a break.

Does that mean they're splitting up? Who knows... Keisha, Mutya and Siobhan made up the Sugababes when they first achieved chart success. Then Siobhan went. In a strange twist of fate, Heidi - who once sang with Atomic Kitten - joined the group. They've never looked back, although they've recently been dogged by split rumours too.

So who will be next to break up? Well, some people say the easy money is on Busted. Life without James, Charlie and Matt? It doesn't bear thinking about...

13 March 2004, 09.32

Bryan might have left the band, but you guys are 100% behind the new-look Westlife. You've voted them into your pop chart.

BRYAN MCFADDEN quits Westlife and the knives are out for the end of the boyband. The four will carry on with the ballads which have given them too many number ones. But the words Bryan used to say goodbye were the top performance. He said: 'We have shared laughter, tears, success, weddings and babies, but most of all we've shared dreams.' Pass the sick bag.

BOYBAND singer Owen Griffin is fighting for his life in a Scottish hospital following a horrific road crash which claimed two lives. By Anne Palmer

The 21-year-old singer, a member of Idolize, remains in a critical condition on a life support machine in Ayr hospital. Owen lives in Co Fermanagh along with the other band members, although he is originally from Waterford. To date, he has proved a big hit with fans and was described by manager Neil Wylie as a "wonderful person with a big heart and a huge presence".
"Fans across the Province and further afield will be praying for his recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of all those involved
"We wish Owen and all those at Idolize a speedy recovery and hope to see them back in action as soon as possible," he said.His fellow boyband singer Coln Baker also suffered broken ribs in the crash. He is originally from Ballynahinch, Co Down.

The accident also claimed the life of four-year-old James Michael Hayes from Plumbridge, Tyrone, a nephew of Mr Baker. Motorcyclist David Thompson, 28, from Girvan, also died at the scene. The accident happened on Monday at lunchtime as the group of friends returned to Stranraer to catch the ferry home following a weekend break. Driver Michael Hayes suffered minor injuries and, along with his three-year old son, also named Michael, was hospitalised for a short time.

Idolize were set to support Westlife on their forthcoming tour and were in the main line-up for the St Patrick's Day celebrations in Belfast, but will be unable to perform. The band's management company has apologised to disappointed fans.Idolize have gained recognition as one of the most promising and hottest new bands around. They recently performed at the Millennium Forum in Londonderry, at the Marketplace Theatre in Armagh and at the Island Arts Centre in Lisburn.

It had been hoped Bryan that would at least join Mark, Kian, Shane and Nicky on stage for the Irish dates on Westlife's forthcoming tour. However Louis Walsh (Westlife's manager) said that would not be happening: "Bryan won't be appearing on the album at all and he won't be appearing at any of the gigs."

Westlife have however promised fans that they would put on a spectacular show without Bryan. Kian states: "It will be hard for us to stand on stage as four instead of five, but we will get up there and prove that we can do this. It will be the best tour yet."

Kian also admitted Bryan's decision to leave had hurt the rest of the band. He said: "Last Thursday we held our first tour rehearsal meeting and it was then that Bryan said he wanted to go. He said it was either now or after our world tour. We thought he was joking at first. It came like a bombshell. I even suggested going for counselling as being in a band is like being in a marriage. For the last five days we've met up every single day until three in the morning and we are totally drained."

Nicky added: "It would have been worse if he had come on the tour and something happened and he left then. "Westlife now have three weeks of rehearsals until they embark on a 70-date tour across Europe and South-East Asia beginning on March 29.They are also due in the studio shortly to begin work on their new duets album - collaborating with artists like Lionel Richie, Diana Ross and Donna Summer.

KERRY QUEEN OF THE MUMS

JUNGLE queen Kerry McFadden has been named as Britain's favourite celebrity mum.Mother-of-two Kerry, 23, who won I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, topped a survey of more than 1000 commissioned by satellite network UKTV.

The good news for Kerry mum to one-year-old Lily Sue and Molly, three comes just a day after husband Bryan quit chart-toppers Westlife to spend more time with her and the kids.

Posh Spice came second in the poll and Madonna was third.

source - Daily Star
13th March

Car crash girl,12 hails her heroes By Kevin Turner

BOYBAND Westlife are helping a fan to cope after she survived a car crash which killed her dad. Twelve-year-old Stacy Lyle suffered serious head injuries and was in a coma following the accident. Now she has received a personalised message of support from her heroes.And signing the photo was one of the last acts Bryan McFadden carried out as a member before quitting earlier this week.

Last night, Stacy's aunt, Catherine, said: 'She hasn't stopped smiling since she got the picture.
'Stacy's a massive Westlife fan so this and the message they sent her in hospital have really cheered her up.
'Stacy has to take it easy but cannot wait to see the band when they tour.We have to thank the boys from Westlife for everything they've done.'

Stacy first stirred in hospital when she heard her family talking about the group. She was given a further boost when band member Nicky Byrne sent their love to the schoolgirl. The message read: 'Our thoughts are with Stacy and her family.
'Please send them our love, we're hoping and praying for them all.'
Stacy's dad, Stephen, 37, died in hospital shortly after his car hit a tree near their home in Drybridge, Ayrshire.

She left intensive care three days after the crash last month and was allowed home last week. She'll spend a few weeks recuperating at home. Catherine added: 'Stacy has stitches in her face and a gash above her eye.
'She tires easily but the main thing is she's still with us.'
Stacy's mother, Margaret, 35, lost her partner of 15 years. The couple also have a son Stephen, aged six.

13th March

Official audio clip from Shane Filan @ Westlife .com

"Hi Guys, Shane here. Obviously you've heard the news today and we hope you're all ok. We just want to say as Westlife the four of us are going no-where. We're really really excited about the new tour and new album that's coming up in November and we can't wait to see all of you on tour. As far as we're concerned Westlife are here to stay."

Kerry denies Brits bust-up with Bryan

Kerry McFadden has rubbished reports she had a row with hubby Bryan at the Brit Awards after he was flirting with another girl. She supposedly stormed out of the after show party and went home alone without saying a word to Bryan.

Kerry told OK! magazine that she did leave early - but only because she was tired, and says she left her husband there because she wanted him to enjoy the night. She said: "The room was crowded and I was loving everyone coming up to me and congratulating me but I was so knackered.
"It's been non-stop since I got off the plane from Australia. I just got to the point where I couldn't say one more: 'Oh, thank you very much'.
"I didn't actually tell Bryan I was going home...It was his record company's party anyway. I just didn't want to drag Bryan away from all that."

Kerry also says the slanging match between her and her ex-Atomic Kitten bandmates was down to "crossed wires". Kerry had claimed her vocals were on the trio's first No 1, Whole Again, and Jenny Frost mimed the song but then Jenny was reported as saying it was obviously her vocals on the single as it was "in tune". But, Kerry told OK!: "I really don't think Jenny would have said that. I think it's just crossed wires completely. I'm friends with all the girls.
"We haven't been in touch lately as we've all been so busy. It's not because we don't want to. Tash and I have been trying to get in touch since I came out of the jungle. We keep missing each other's calls."

OK! is out this week and features pictures and an interview with Kerry and Bryan. The interview was made before Bryan left Westlife.

Source - www.ananova.com
12th March

Nicky, Kian, Shane and Mark are currently rehearsing for their massive sold out arena tour of Europe and South East Asia. Yesterday, the band took time out from their rehearsals to announce the amicable departure of member Bryan McFadden.

Beginning on March 29 at the Belfast Odyssey, the tour will see the band perform in excess of 70 shows across Europe and South East Asia in just over four months ending in August. Westlife have often rehearsed as a four piece so any adjustments needed are minor.

According to the press release, the group are naturally sorry to see Bryan go and these developments have come as a shock to them. Nicky, Kian, Shane and Mark will continue to give Westlife and their fans all their very best. Westlife would like to stress to all the fans that they need all their support at this time more than ever but not to worry, Westlife are here to stay. The band look forward to seeing them all again on tour very soon. Bryan added that he expects the group to continue their spectacular success and carry on for many years yet.

Since their launch in 1999, the band has had a very special bond and are more like brothers than band-mates. Westlife are confirming plans for their next studio album after their World Arena tour scheduled for release sometime this Autumn. The next album will apparently be an album of duets with A-list global superstars.

source - MTVAsia
12th March

DISAPPOINTED Westlife fans today said Bryan McFadden was wrong to quit the band before the forthcoming tour.

Bryan (23), who announced his departure during a tearful Press conference yesterday, will not be with the rest of the group when they kick off their European and South East Asia tour in Belfast later this month. However, it is expected that the father-of-two will accompany the band to the Odyssey Arena to watch them play.
Bryan said he was leaving to spend more time with Jungle Queen wife Kerry and daughters Molly and Lily-Sue and described his six years with the group as "amazing".

The remaining members of Westlife broke down and cried yesterday as the Dubliner bid them an emotional farewell.
But angry fans said they felt the singer had let them down and should have used the tour as an opportunity to say goodbye to them. One Scottish fan who contacted the Belfast Telegraph said she was planning to travel to Belfast for the concert on March 29.

The 36-year-old fan, called Morag, said she had followed Westlife all over Ireland and the UK for the past six years.
"When I heard the news I was gobsmacked and full of disbelief that this could be happening," she said.
"I feel that if Bryan McFadden had any loyalty towards his fans he would make this his farewell tour.
"I am coming all the way from Scotland on March 28 and as much as I like the other guys, I have to say that Bryan made the band and now I am not looking forward to this concert any more.
"I also think Louis Walsh should make Bryan stay just till the end of this tour."
However, the band promised fans that they would put on a spectacular show without Bryan.

Kian Egan said: "It will be hard for us to stand on stage as four instead of five, but we will get up there and prove that we can do this.
"It will be the best tour yet."

A spokeswoman for Aiken Promotions, who are bringing Westlife back to the Odyssey Arena this month, said that while it was sad news that Bryan had left the band, the shows would go on as usual.
"Aiken Promotions are obviously disappointed that Bryan has decided to leave, but in the true spirit of showbiz, the shows must and will go on."

The strain of being separated from his family had been taking its toll on the young father for some time now and for the last month he had been unhappy in the band. It is understood that, unlike the rest of the band, Bryan had not been planning to stay in the Culloden Hotel in Co Down during the band's stay in Belfast, but was planning to drive back to Dublin to be with Kerry and his children.

Source - Belfast Telegraph
12th March

Boyband pals defend Bryan

Phixx rushed to defend their pal Bryan McFadden after rumours surrounding his split from Westlife. The band are mates with the Irishmen who announced his departure from the group yesterday. He said he wants to spend more time with his family, but there have been claims the band were ripped apart after Bryan's dalliance with a lap dancer on his stag night. But Phixx's Peter Smith, below right, paid tribute to his pal and said the group would be backing him all the way in his decision.

The Irishman told the Razz: 'Bryan is a smashing guy and I'm sure the separation is more than amicable. To be honest, with the kind of lads they are, they will be encouraging him and helping him.
'I would like to pay tribute to all of them and encourage the other four to carry on as long as they see fit. They have always been very supportive of Phixx and we would like to support them now.'

Some bands may have seen the split as their chance to move in on the boyband market, but Phixx refuse to capitalise on their friend's loss. Peter said: 'I don't believe the destruction of another band would help. Bryan is a personal friend of mine and I don't take any joy at the fact he has decided to leave his band.
'It is for the best in his mind and as long as he is a happy then people should respect that and encourage him in what he wants to do.'

Source- www.dailyrecord.co.uk
12th March

Westlife's summer concert at Powderham Castle will go ahead in August, despite the decision of band member Bryan McFadden to quit the group. But it could be their final concert. Bryan has decided he needs to spend more time with his wife,former Atomic Kitten and I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here! winner Kerry, and their two young daughters.

There were fears among the thousands of Devon fans that the split could mean an end to the much heralded concert due to take place in the castle grounds on August 2.But today, Tim Faulkner, the estate manager, said: "The show will go on," - and he was backed up by John Hessenthaler, the man who is promoting Westlife's block-busting UK tour.

Mr Hessenthaler said: "I have spoken to the band's management and Westlife will not be splitting up as a band but are continuing. The positive news is that the group will release a new single in May.
"Take That toured without Robbie Williams, and the Spice Girls toured after Geri Halliwell left.
"Historically, when this tends to happen, bands later call it a day. It may be that Westlife will call it a day after Powderham. They tend to finish on a high."

The news that the concert will go ahead was welcomed with excited delight by the group's many fans.Topsham Westlife fan Clair Drew, 23, said: "I'm very sad to hear the news today that Bryan McFadden is leaving the band. However, I still will be going to see the concert in August at Powderham Castle. "Obviously, having a wife and children, he wants to spend more time with them, and there's nothing wrong with that."
Melissa Kelly, 19, of Newton Abbot, said: "I have been a Westlife fan since the beginning and I've got all their albums. Bryan leaving won't make a difference, I'll still like their music. I wish him all the best with his new life."

Westlife are confirming plans for their next studio album, scheduled for release this autumn, which includes duets with other artists. The news of Bryan's departure was broken at a special conference called in Dublin yesterday, where the group confirmed they would be continuing as a four-piece.

A spokesman for the band's record label said: "Nicky, Kian, Mark, Shane and Bryan McFadden have decided that this is the ideal moment for Bryan to leave Westlife. Bryan has come to a point in his life where he feels he can no longer give Westlife the 100 per cent commitment needed. He will be spending time at home developing other aspects of his life."

Tickets are still available for Westlife's Powderham Castle performance on 08700 722169.

source - Exeter Express 12th March

HIS shock departure left Westlife fans sobbing their hearts out. And when Bryan McFadden said his goodbyes to the rest of the band yesterday it was just as emotional. As Bryan revealed why he had decided to quit the chart-topping boyband, tears rolled down his cheeks. His wife Kerry was in floods, fellow Westlifer Kian Egan was also crying, while Shane Filan, Mark Feehily and Nicky Byrne clearly struggled to keep it together.

The band, who have had 12 No 1 singles, told 3am about the painful split at the plush Four Seasons hotel in Dublin. They said losing Bryan was "like splitting up from a girlfriend after five wonderful years together" and revealed they had even considered counselling in an attempt to make him stay. Meanwhile, a visibly shaken Bryan revealed, "It's absolutely nothing to do with the other four guys.

"It's hard juggling two lives. And for the past year, especially after my daughter Lilly-Sue was born, I haven't been able to commit 100 per cent to my family or Westlife. I felt it was the right time to stand back and concentrate on my family." The father-of-two dropped his bombshell following the Meteor Awards in Dublin on March 2.

"It's been weighing on my mind for the past six months," admitted Bryan, 23. "After the Meteor Awards we talked things through and the decision was made in the past couple of days.

"The group understand that family is very important to me. They know there is no point me being in the band if I'm not happy and they respect my decision." He insisted that it was his decision and he wasn't influenced by wife Kerry, the I'm A Celebrity... winner.

"There's no TV or music work lined up, I just want to have a break and be with my family," said Bryan. "Yes, I'll be a house-husband for a bit, but I'm cr*p at housework." He claimed his departure bears no similarity to Robbie Williams quitting Take That. "Robbie left because he didn't like the other people in the band and they didn't like him," he said.

"I'm leaving because I have a wife and two children. I need to spend more time with them."The others remain optimistic about their future as a four-piece. Nicky told us, "It was such a shock. I said, 'Let's go to a counsellor so we can sort this out and get to the bottom of what was making Bryan unhappy'.

"We were prepared to do anything to stop him leaving. But in the end he was adamant and there was nothing we could say or do to change him mind."

Mark Feehily added, "It's better he leaves before we hit the road. It would have been a disaster if he'd pulled out halfway through the tour, or if his heart wasn't in it. Maybe that would have damaged our friendship and we didn't want that to happen."

Westlife are now working on an album of duets which will feature the likes of Lionel Richie, Diana Ross and Donna Summer. And they say their 70-date world tour, which kicks off in Belfast on March 29, will be their "best ever". Shane added: "We have defied the odds so many times and we hope we will continue to do so for many years to come." So do we lads, so do we.

Sad news came for music fans today when Westlife announced the amicable departure of Bryan McFadden from the band, but the boys have no plans to split and will continue as a four-piece.

As Bryan McFadden departs Westlife the remaining boys intend to solider on and confirmed plans for the next studio album. They appealed to fans for their support, "We want Westlife to last. It's in the hands of our fans. We need their support right now and so does Bryan."At the packed press conference in the Four Seasons Hotel, Bryan announced "it's got absolutely nothing to do with the four boys. They're my four best friends. They understand".

The news came as a shock to the band who are sorry to see him go. Kian Egan read a tearful tribute, "We understand and respect your decision. From the bottom of our hearts, we love you". Bryan added "It's been very difficult to juggle two lives and especially since Lily was born, I haven't been able to commit 100 percent to Westlife or to my family. I felt it was the right time to leave. Now I want to concentrate on my family".

Bryan dismissed rumours that he's planning to work with Kerry and announced he's gonna be a house husband for the time being! There are no plans to replace Bryan in the band. Westlife have often rehearsed as a four-piece so any adjustments needed are minor. Shane Filan is adamant "We're gonna go on. It's gonna be hard, but we've a job to do".

Devastated fans gathered outside the Four Seasons hoping to say goodbye to Bryan. Grace Moore (16) is Westlife's self-proclaimed number one fan. She said "it's over now. It's just such a shock. I'll continue to support them, but it won't be the same". Aisling O'Leary added "I think they'll break up after one more album".

Westlife today announce that in the tradition of all great groups that they are now a four piece. Nicky, Kian, Shane and Mark are currently rehearsing for their massive sold out arena tour of Europe and South East Asia.

The band have taken time out from their rehearsals to announce the amicable departure of member Bryan McFadden. Beginning on the 29th of March at the Belfast Odyssey the tour will see the band perform in excess of 70 shows across Europe and South East Asia in just over 4 months ending in August. Westlife have often rehearsed as a four piece so any adjustments needed are minor.

Nicky, Kian, Mark, Shane and Bryan McFadden have decided that this is the ideal moment for Bryan to leave Westlife. Bryan has come to a point in his life where he feels he can no longer give Westlife the 100% commitment needed. He will be spending time at home developing other aspects of his life.

Westlife are obviously devastated by this news but have come to terms with Bryan's decision. Since their launch in 1999 the band have had a very special close bond and are more like brothers than band-mates. Westlife are now united as four and are just confirming plans for their next studio album after their World Arena tour scheduled for release sometime this Autumn. The next album will be an album of duets with A-list global superstars, more details to follow shortly.

Westlife are the biggest pop band in the world right now and their success to date are unrivalled. They are the only recording artists in the history of the awards to win the prestigious Record of the Year three times. They have performed to over 3 million fans on three sell-out arena tours to become the biggest selling arena tour act ever. They have sold over 32 million records globally; had five multi-platinum albums in the UK alone; scored a record breaking 12 UK number ones, picked up two BRIT Awards, an MTV Europe Award and 6 Irish Meteor Awards (Best Pop Act for 4 years consecutively).

'Turnaround', Westlife's fifth album (including last years Unbreakable The Greatest Hits) went straight into the number one spot in its first week of release in the UK and has sold over 4 million copies globally in under 6 months.

The group are naturally sorry to see Bryan go and these developments have come as a shock to them. Nicky, Kian, Shane and Mark will continue to give Westlife and their fans all their very best. Westlife would like to stress to all the fans that they need all their support at this time more than ever but not to worry, Westlife are here to stay. The band look forward to seeing them all again on tour very soon. Bryan added that he expects the group to continue their spectacular success and carry on for many years yet.

BMG Records are fully behind Westlife. Westlife are Unbreakable.

The four remaining members of Westlife have choked back tears at an emotional farewell to band mate Bryan McFadden. McFadden, 24, has quit the band to spend more time with his wife Kerry, who won this year's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and their daughters Molly and Lily Sue. At a press conference to announce the move, McFadden described his former colleagues as his "four best friends in the world". A spokesman said the group is "devastated" and McFadden added: "It's got absolutely nothing to do with the guys".

He said: "I haven't really been able to commit 100% to Westlife and I haven't been able to commit to my family so I kind of felt it was unfair on both." He added: "I just felt it was the right time for me to concentrate on my family and other things in my life as well." The boys broke down in tears as singer Kian Egan read out a farewell and thank you statement for McFadden, telling him: "We understand your decision." Breaking down in tears, Kian added: "From the bottom of our hearts, we love you."

The band have been discussing the move and collectively agreed that it is the "ideal moment" for McFadden to leave, saying he can "no longer give the kind of commitment that is needed". Band mate Nicky Byrne said: "We just want Bryan to be happy... but we are still a band and we feel we have got a lot of unfinished business to do yet." The boys behind hits like Flying Without Wings, Queen Of My Heart and Uptown Girl, made an announcement in the Irish capital, Dublin, and insisted they will continue as a foursome.

Rumours circulated that McFadden could be planning to team up with Kerry for joint TV work instead of heading out on the road for major Westlife tour. But the singer told reporters: "To be honest with you, I have absolutely nothing lined up. I'm not even gonna think about what I'm gonna do for a long time."

Westlife have notched up 13 number ones but their new single - Obvious - is currently at number ten after it entered the charts at number three.The singers broke records after emerging on the scene in May 1999, when Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan and McFadden became the only act to reach number one with their first seven releases. A record-breaking 11 out of the band's first 13 singles entered the chart at number one. But this year they were beaten to the top spot by pop star Peter Andre, when his re-released song Mysterious Girl topped the singles charts.

A spokesman said the group is "devastated" and McFadden added: "It's got absolutely nothing to do with the guys".The boys broke down in tears as fellow singer Kian Egan read out a farewell and thank you statement for McFadden, telling him: "We understand your decision."And choking back tears, Kian added: "From the bottom of our hearts, we love you."

The band have been discussing the move and collectively agreed that it is the "ideal moment" for McFadden to leave, saying he can "no longer give the kind of committement that is needed".

Bandmate Nicky Byrne said: "We just want Bryan to be happy... but we are still a band and we feel we have got a lot of unfinished business to do yet."The boys behind hits like Flying Without Wings, Queen Of My Heart and Uptown Girl, made an announcement in the Irish capital, Dublin.

The band denied rumours they are splitting up, but McFadden, 24, who is married to I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! queen Kerry, has left.McFadden could be planning to team up with Kerry for joint TV work instead of heading out on the road for major Westlife tour. Westlife have notched up 13 number ones but their new single - Obvious - is currently at number ten after it entered the charts at number three. The singers broke records after emerging on the scene in May 1999, when Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan and McFadden became the only act to reach number one with their first seven releases.

A record-breaking 11 out of the band's first 13 singles entered the chart at number one.But this year they were beaten to the top spot by pop star Peter Andre, when his re-released song Mysterious Girl topped the singles charts.Some believe the future of the band could be in doubt now that heart-throb McFadden, who has two children with the former Atomic Kitten singer, has quit

Bryan Mcfadden today confirmed he would be leaving the band. The other members of the band Shane, Nicky, Mark and Kian will continue as a four piece. The tour will go ahead as scheduled and the boys promise it will be as good as the last few years. The boys also confirmed that they will be going into the studio at the end of the tour to record their new album. Bryan will not be appearing on the tour as he will be going off to persue solo projects.

As you may have heard Westlife will be holding a press conference at 1pm in Dublin on Tuesday In the meantime several press stories may run in Tuesdays newspapers. For the official statement from the band please check back to this website around lunchtime

Duet hope as McFadden quits Westlife

Bryan McFadden could pair up with his 'queen of the jungle' wife Kerry for joint television work after quitting the hit boyband Westlife. The chart-topping band was announcing the 23-year-old singer's departure at a press conference in the Irish capital Dublin.

The four remaining band members have vowed to press on without McFadden, but many believe his announcement could mark the end for the Irish band.

Max Clifford, who is public relations adviser for the McFaddens, said Bryan had told the band he was going to leave at the weekend because he wanted to spend more time with his family, including his two daughters Molly, two, and Lily-Sue, one.
He said: "Westlife are about to embark on a world tour and Bryan doesn't want to be away from Kerry and the children. He felt that this was the right time. This was the time to do his own thing - to concentrate on his own career and family."
"At the weekend he sat down and talked it through with the band. He's not doing the tour but he might do something in Ireland. That remains to be seen."

McFadden could team up with his wife of two years, the ex-Atomic Kitten singer, for television work. Pop Idol's Simon Cowell has already talked to Kerry about a project for the couple, but the singer is also considering solo work. Mr Clifford said: "I will be sitting down with Bryan and Kerry over the next few weeks, talking through all the various offers of music, TV etc. They are looking at projects together but it has to fit in with their family commitment. Both of them feel the same way."

McFadden, Kian Egan, 23, Mark Feehily, 23, Nicky Byrne, 25, and Shane Filan, 24, first emerged into the pop world five years ago and have dominated the charts ever since.
"At the weekend he sat down and talked it through with the band. He's not doing the tour but he might do something in Ireland. That remains to be seen."

source - ananova.com
9th March

Westlife To Split

Chart-topping Irish boyband WESTLIFE will split for good after their upcoming world tour – according to sources.

Bandmember BRYAN MCFADDEN will today (9MAR04) announce his departure from the band – and friends insist the remaining members, SHANE FILAN, NICKY BYRNE, KIAN EGAN and MARK FEEHILY, will go their own ways after wrapping their 2004 tour.

A source says , “They are putting a brave face – but this is the end of Westlife.”
McFadden is thought to be leaving to spend more time with his young family and concentrate on a career in songwriting and producing. Feehily and Egan will purse similar paths, while Filan is likely to embark on a solo career. Nicky Byrne, meanwhile, is thought to be planning a clean break from showbiz – the former soccer trainee has told pals he wants to move into fashion.

Westlife have sold more than 32 million albums worldwide, clocked up 12 British number one singles and earned $9 million (GBP 5 million) pounds each since the band formed in 1999.

source - ratethismusic.com
9th March

Westlife: The End

Split ... Bryan's decision to quit spells the end for pop heart-throbs WESTLIFE were in crisis last night after BRYAN McFADDEN told his bandmates he was leaving. It marks the end of an era for the UK’s biggest-selling boy band, who have enjoyed a spectacular five-year reign.

The news that will stun pop has come about because Bryan wants to spend more time at home with wife KERRY and their two young daughters, Molly and Lily Sue.

1999 ... group burst on to pop scene
Last night the remaining members of the band — NICKY BYRNE, MARK FEEHILY, KIAN EGAN and SHANE FILAN — vowed to carry on. But experts predict Westlife are doomed without their biggest character. Bryan has been the major driving force behind the multi-million selling act. He told his pals he will not join their world tour this year. The strain of travelling has taken its toll on life with Kerry, the Jungle Queen from the most recent series of I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here. Bryan married the ex-ATOMIC KITTEN singer in January 2002 but spent little time since then at their mansion home in Ireland.

THOSE NUMBER ONES
1 Swear It Again
2 If I Let You Go
3 Flying Without Wings
4 I Have A Dream/Seasons In The Sun
5 Fool Again
6 Against All Odds
7 My Love
8 Uptown Girl
9 Queen Of My Heart
10 World Of Our Own
11 Unbreakable
12 Mandy

Allegations of an affair with a lapdancer at his stag night also put pressure on the marriage. A pal of Bryan’s told me last night: “This is the toughest decision he has ever made.
“He sat down with Kerry and talked for hours.
“He then met with the boys and they hammered out all the details.
“He has decided he won’t be joining them on their world tour.
“But he hasn’t ruled out performing with them as a guest for some of the European dates and he will join them on stage for their homecoming gig in Ireland.
“They are putting on a brave face — but this is the end of Westlife.”

Bryan also wants to concentrate more on songwriting. His latest song, If My World Stops Turning, has just been selected as Ireland’s entry in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. The track will be performed by CHRIS DORAN and is an early favourite to win.

Westlife are the biggest pop band in years. They are all multi-millionaires, having sold more than 32million records worldwide.They have had 12 No1 singles and 16 hits. None of their single releases entered the chart below the top five. Their first seven singles went straight to No1, a record.

All five members of the band will announce Bryan’s departure at a hastily-organised press conference in Dublin today. They will insist they are NOT calling it quits and say the world tour is on. The final days of Westlife’s Irish predecessors BOYZONE were strikingly similar. They never released another single after RONAN KEATING announced he was taking a break.

ROBBIE WILLIAMS’ departure from TAKE THAT heralded the end and GERI HALLIWELL’s departure wrecked THE SPICE GIRLS. So it is hardly surprising that Bryan’s announcement is seen as the final nail in the coffin for Westlife.

Source - sun.co.uk
9th March

McFadden’s Tough Choice

WESTLIFE star Bryan McFadden agonized for hours before deciding to quit the chart-topping boyband.

The singer first announced his decision to bandmates SHANE FILAN, NICKY BYRNE, KIAN EGAN and MARK FEEHILY – and will reveal the news to heartbroken fans at a press conference in Dublin, Ireland, later today (9MAR04).

Bryan’s friends say stepping down from the group was “the toughest decision he has ever made.”A pal reveals, “He sat down with (his wife) KERRY and talked for hours.
“He then met with the boys and hammered out all the details.”

But fans haven’t quite seen the last of McFadden.The friend adds, “He has decided he won’t be joining them on their world tour. But he hasn’t rule out performing with them as guest for some of the European dates and he will join them on stage for their homecoming gig in Ireland.”

source - ratethismusic.com
9th March

THE RAZZ: IS THIS THE BEGINNING OF THE END? Mar 9 2004

Split talk as Bryan quits Westlife By John Dingwall

WESTLIFE'S future was thrown into turmoil last night after band member Bryan McFadden sensationally quit the group.The Irish hunk stunned his million-selling bandmates by telling them he wants to spend more time with his family in Dublin.The bombshell will rock the legion of fans who helped Westlife become Britain's biggest pop group with 12 No.1 singles and album sales of more than 30 million.

Last night, Westlife's label BMG tried to play down Bryan's departure and denied it constituted a full-blown Westlife split however the group's future is now in doubt.A hastily arranged press conference has been set for 1pm today at Dublin's Four Seasons hotel.

It will be attended by Westlife, BMG boss Simon Cowell and the group's manager Louis Walsh, where 'a major announcement will be made about the band's future'. They are expected to announce Bryan's departure, though Walsh is said to be involved in a desperate bid to get McFadden to change his mind.

McFadden's decision to walk out comes just weeks after his wife, Kerry, won I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.The couple have two daughters, Molly, three, and one-year-old Lily Sue. Last night an insider said: 'Bryan hasn't been as committed to Westlife recently and the writing has been on the wall for some time.
'It isn't a surprise to anyone in the know. It's topical what with Kerry being crowned Queen of the Jungle.
'He has a young family and has been missing them. He finds it hard travelling the world and missing out on the most important stages in his kids' lives.
'The official announcement isn't about the band splitting up it's that Bryan is leaving. At least, that's what we hope they'll say at the press conference and leave it at that.
'But the band have always prided themselves on being honest with their fans so it's anybody's guess what will happen.'

A source added: 'This could be the beginning of the end for Westlife whether they want to admit it or not. 'Bryan has been an integral part of the group and a decision like this fundamentally changes the dynamics within the band.
'He was the favourite of many fans and he will be missed, but the group will try to fulfil their commitments. They also haven't given up hope that he might find life at home a bit dull.' Westlife McFadden, Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Mark Feehily and Kian Egan failed to turn up for tour rehearsals on Saturday. McFadden and Byrne also snubbed a charity football match the following day in favour of crisis talks with Walsh. Quitting could cost the group millions and will put paid to an effort to crack the American market.

Meanwhile, the lads have insisted they are not concerned about BMG's efforts to create a Scottish version of Westlife to cash in on younger fans. Auditions took place throughout Scotland last month, with the label set to announce the line-up of the new group made up of five Scots lads. Byrne said: 'I heard on a radio station in Dublin that BMG were looking for a Scottish Westlife.'BMG are in business and I wouldn't knock them for trying to find someone to take our place.
'There are always going to be kids looking for another group to follow.
'Good luck to the Scottish lads who get picked.'

Bryan McFadden could be quitting the hit Irish boy band Westlife. The boys behind hits like Flying Without Wings, Queen of My Heart and Uptown Girl, are set to make an announcement in Dublin on Tuesday. The band has denied it is splitting up, but industry insiders believe that McFadden, 24, who is married to I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! queen Kerry, could be leaving.

Westlife have notched up 13 number ones but their new single - Obvious - is currently number at number 10 after it entered the charts at number three.The singers broke records after emerging on the scene in May 1999, when Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan and McFadden became the only act to reach number one with their first seven releases. A record-breaking 11 out of the band's first 13 singles entered the chart at number one. But this year they were beaten to the top spot by pop star Peter Andre, when his re-released song Mysterious Girl topped the singles

The band's manager Louis Walsh refused to comment, saying: "I can't say anything until the announcement." Some believe the future of the band could be in doubt if heartthrob McFadden, who has two children with the former Atomic Kitten singer, quits.

As some of you already know, we can confirm that Westlife will be holding a press conference in Dublin at 1pm tomorrow (Tuesday 9th).
After the conference has taken place, we will post any official statement that the band make up here.

Taken From: www.westlife.com

Chris Doran to sing for Ireland in Eurovision

Waterford's Chris Doran will represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Instabul in May, after beating James Kilbane in the 'You're a Star' final.
Doran won the right to represent his country at the annual contest after edging out Kilbane in a public phone poll that recieved just under 1million votes. The Waterford man, who is a keen martial artist, will sing 'If the World Stops Turning' a song written by Westlife star Bryan McFadden and Jonathan Shorten.

Source - www.rte.ie
8th March

Westlife wasted no time in asking Lionel Richie to perform with them on their new duets album. The boys got chatting to the soul singer, famous for hits such as Hello and Dancing On The Ceiling, at the Irish Meteor Awards last week.

Their manager Louis Walsh said: "The guys saw him backstage and talked him into recording a track.
"They can't wait to get into the studio together."

Richie probably can't wait either. Last week his wife Diane claimed ?50,000-a-month maintenance payments off him ahead of their divorce. So he will need to make some more money soon.

source - www.people.co.uk
8th March

Meanwhile, thousands of spectators who packed into the Odyssey to watch the biggest celebrity charity event held in Northern Ireland were left disappointed after two of the main stars pulled out.

But fans and organisers alike were disappointed when two of the star attractions - Westlife's Nicky Byrne and Bryan McFadden - pulled out of the event due to injury.

Nicky was said to have twisted an ankle while Bryan had a sore throat.

Speak up!

It's the old problem for pop and rock stars: how to protect your hearing when you're being screamed at by thousands of girls night after night. Oh, that we all had such problems. Anyway, Nicky Byrne of Westlife is starting to suffer a bit.

He told the Daily Star: "I've been getting ringing in my ears. I'll be walking in my kitchen and hear this whistling. How much can your eardrums take when 10,000 people are screaming at you?"

Kian then added: "You've probably lost 20% of your hearing since being in Westlife. The average concert goer loses 10% and you do how many concerts a year?" So many possible gags we could make about the effect of having to listen to Westlife every day, but we'll take the high road.

source - BBC website-TOTP's
9th March

WESTLIFE star Bryan McFadden yesterday appeared in court on a speeding charge. He arrived with wife Kerry, weeks after she was voted Queen of the Jungle on TV's I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!

Singer McFadden, 24, is charged with speeding, careless driving and driving without due care and attention on the M1 in the Irish Republic in September 2002. Prosecutors heard that the star was leaving today for a six-month tour with his band. The hearing was adjourned until October 28 at Balbriggan District Court, Co Dublin.

Kerry's still up for Kitten reunion

Jungle queen Kerry McFadden has had her hopes of a reunion with her Atomic Kitten band mates at their Odyssey Arena gig on Tuesday night dashed. The star wanted to perform with the female group that she founded during their last ever appearance in Belfast before they split. But when we met at the Meteor Awards on Monday night, Kerry revealed how the group had left her out in the cold.

"I really would have loved to have gone on stage with them for their last show in Belfast but it's not likely to happen," she explained.

"They didn't call me or anything and I can't just march on stage uninvited. had a lot of good times with Atomic Kitten in the early days but they don't really keep in touch anymore." Kerry was the founder member of the all-female Liverpool group who have topped the charts with hits like Whole Again and The Tide Is High.

But she was forced to quit the band when she became pregnant with her first child Molly. She left the pop business for good to settle down to family life with her Westlife husband Bryan McFadden. But now she's ready for a final stand with her old band mates in Belfast on Tuesday night if she gets the call.

"It's never too late, but they would need to ask me soon otherwise it will be impossible," she added.

"I think it would be a nice moment for us all because we worked really hard to make Atomic Kitten a big success." Kerry won't exactly be stuck for something to do if she doesn't get the invite from the Kittens.

"I've never been busier," she added. "For the first time ever I've actually got a tougher schedule than Bryan!"

Source - icnorthernireland.
6th March

Bush tucker tempts Nicky

Westlife's Nicky Byrne has revealed he would love to take part in I'm A Celebrity - but wouldn't want to leave wife Georgina. Nicky, who wed the Irish Prime Minister's daughter in a lavish Parisian ceremony last summer, said he would enjoy the challenge of the Bush tucker Trials.

"I really competitive and love the idea of a challenge," he said.
"I watched Kerry in the jungle and thought she did great and I'd love to do something like that. But I think Georgina would have something to say. Maybe I'll leave it a while, until after the band."

Nicky also said he didn't mind the fact that I'm A Celebrity finalist Peter Andre had beaten the boys to the number one spot in the charts with the release of Mysterious Girl.

"We got number three and we're happy with that," he said.
"Peter was always going to be number one after deciding to release his single and we're delighted for him. He's a great fella."

Source- www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
6th March

Westlife star Bryan McFadden appeared in an Irish court today charged with speeding and careless driving.The 24-year-old singer arrived at Balbriggan District Court, Co Dublin with his wife, Kerry.He faces three charges of speeding, careless driving and driving without due care and attention on the M1 in Co Dublin on September 23, 2002.

After an application by the prosecution to delay the hearing for two months, the court was told McFadden was leaving tomorrow for a six month tour.The hearing was adjourned until October 28.

source - Edinburgh Evening News
5th March

Top stars help SECC to best year ever for profits

SELL-out shows by Westlife, Elton John, S Club and Blue have helped Glasgow's biggest concert venue achieve record profits. New figures show the SECC sold more than 624,000 tickets last year, worth a total of 14million pounds.Around 1.4m visitors attended 230 events at the Finnieston venue, generating 92m pounds for the Glasgow economy.

Stars like Rod Stewart, S Club's Rachel Stevens, David Gray and Moby ensured box office sales rose by 17% last year. And the success of Bob the Builder, the Singing Kettle and the Pop Idol tours helped achieve a record profit of 1.3m pounds.New figures show internet sales now account for 20% of all tickets sold by the venue.

Glasgow's position as the fastest growing conference destination in Europe is also confirmed in the SECC's figures for 2002/2003. A record number of 188,000 delegate days were achieved during the 12-month period and the conference sector had its best year yet.Overall, the venue's pre-tax profits rose by 51%, from 850,000 pounds to 1.3m pounds, and turnover increased by 7% to 12.4m pounds.

SECC bosses have already unveiled a future masterplan for the Finnieston site, which includes plans for a second 12,500-seater arena.A civic square 50% bigger than George Square and capable of hosting large outdoor events with a capacity of up to 25,000 is also planned.The open space would be used to host summer concerts and events like Hogmanay celebrations. SECC chairman Ian Grant said: "This has been a year of considerable achievement particularly for the box office and conference sector."The proposed new arena has been inspired by the likes of the Washington Arena.Bosses hope to attract top names like Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams and Eminem to the city.

Meanwhile, a report claims a new 45m pounds retail complex and Scotland's first national park will help generate 1billion pounds a year for Loch Lomond and Trossachs by 2008.Last summer's heatwave, strong exchange rates, budget air links and a new ferry route between Rosyth and Zeebrugge, pushed local tourism revenues to 714m pounds in 2003.

Experts predict the annual figure will soon break the € ¦£1bn barrier.Prestige new developments like Loch Lomond Shores, which includes shops, bars and restaurants, have helped the local industry recover from a post September 11 slump.And the opening of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, the second-biggest in Britain after the Lake District, has also attracted thousands of new visitors.

Billy Petrie, tourist board chairman, said: "Tourism locally has a bright future and will continue to be a major economic force when many other traditional and new industries have declined or disappeared altogether."Thousands of extra visitors have been flocking to Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull, over the past 12months to visit the set of children's TV show Balamory.

Marketing chiefs have cashed in on the success of the CBeebies programme, which has overtaken the Teletubbies and the Tweenies in the ratings.Mr Petrie added: "The runaway success of the children's Balamory TV series has provided a welcome publicity boost."

source -Glasgow Evening Times 5th March

Kerry & Rosanna Queens of the Meteors...

The Meteor Awards 2004 turned out to be a right royal affair altogether with the Queen of the Jungle and Miss World in attendance and looking very sexy.

ShowBiz Ireland hasn't been its usual punctual self over the past week due to an office move over to Temple Bar but don't worry we haven't forgotten about the Meteor Awards...

The 2004 Meteor Awards presented by comedian Dara O'Briain in the Point Theatre were yet again another huge succes seeing eighteen awards being handed out to homegrown and international stars.

Kerry Mc Fadden and Rosanna Davison joined a host of performers at the star studded music extravaganza including Lionel Richie, Counting Crows, The Corrs, Sugababes, Westlife, The Frames, Paddy Casey and Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club.

And celebrities flocked to Dublin to attend and present Meteor awards including hollywood actor Dominic West, who is currently co-starring with Julia Roberts in Mona Lisa Smiles; New Zealand hottest export, Bic Runga and MTVs Alex Zane and Emma Griffiths.

Irish actors George Mahon, Patrick Bergin, No Frontiers Katherine Thomas also presented awards alongside Keith Duffy, Niall Quinn, Deirdre O'Kane, Denis Hickey, Joe Elliot and Hector O hEochagain.

Winners on the Night included Westlife, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Beyonce, The Dubliners, Justin Timberlake, The Darkness, The White Stripes, Cara Dillon, many more...

source - Showbizireland
5th March

Bryan Sparks Up at After Party...

Bryan McFadden may be considered by most to be the most chilled-out member of Westlife but when he got out of the media frenzy at the Meteor Awards he needed a fag to get back to his mellow vibe.

It's been a rollercoaster couple of weeks for Bryan McFadden with his wife jetting off to Australia to compete in I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, promoting a new Westlife single, following Kerry to Australia when she won the game show, playing in the Dream Team football match, hosting Childline, numerous TV appearances, and on top of all that the Meteor Awards!

No wonder all he wanted to do was spark up a fag when it was all over and have a night on the town with his wife and friends in Lillies Bordello.

ShowBiz Ireland caught up with Bryan dressed in Saturday Night Fever gear outside the celebrity nightclub as he had a smoke - perhaps he was acclimatising himself before the smoking ban comes in this month?

Most of the big names from the Meteors turned up at Lillies for the annual aftershow party including The Sugar babes, D-Side, Keith Duffy, Joe Elliott, Rick Savage, Louis Walsh and many more...

source - Showbizireland
5th MArch

WESTLIFE STARS JOIN BELFAST'S CELEBRITY FOOTIE LINE-UP

Westlife's Nicky Byrne and Bryan McFadden are the latest additions to Coca-Cola SoccerMagic. Click here for details of their team: Best Westies

Over 80 celebrities will be donning their football boots and descending on Belfast for Northern Ireland's largest ever celebrity football match on Sunday 7th March 2004, in the Odyssey Arena.

Team members as follow:

Best Westies [Sponsored by Coca-Cola]

1.Bryan McFadden
2.Nicky Byrne
3.Paul 'Eddie' Irwin
4.Sean 'Skinner' O'Grady
5.Colm 'You're Not Going To Run My Life' Costello
6.Mark 'Roger Ramjet' Murphy
7.Petsey 'Long Legs' Byrne

Taken From: www.soccermagic.co.uk
5th March

Westlife WIN Best Pop at the Meteor Awards

The boys were joined by manager Louis Walsh after picking up their gong

Westlife have proven they are just at popular at home in Ireland as they are in the rest of the world, by winning best pop act at the Meteor Awards in Dublin. It is the fourth time in as many years that the hunky boy-band has received the honour.

"We are absolutely thrilled," said band member Shane. "We couldn't have wished for a better homecoming. This year is special because it's the fourth year in a row we've won the best pop award. It means so much."

The boys celebrated their victory with a live performance at the event followed by a glitzy after-show party. But theirs wasn't the only memorable performance, because The Corrs also came along to give their first live show in three years. And soul veteran Lionel Richie likewise made quite an impression by singing a selection of his greatest hits.

Other celebs turning heads at the bash included Hollyoaks star Jodi Albert, who is dating Westlife's Kian Egan, and Miss World Rosanna Davison, who hails from Dublin. Former Atomic Kitten Kerry McFadden meanwhile received a standing ovation when she turned out to present one of the gongs.

source - www.hellomagazine.com
5th March

QUEEN of the Jungle Kerry McFadden had fellas in a fever last night almost falling out of her gown at a music bash.
The busty I²m A Celebrity winner was in Dublin to see husband Bryan pick up a gong with his Westlife pals. Ex Atomic Kitten Kerry, 23, then hugged Ireland²s Miss World Rosanna Davison 19-year-old daughter of pop crooner Chris de Burgh.

But as they got to grips, busty beauty Kerry seemed to realise that something had come between them. She denied plans for a solo singing career, telling fans at the Meteor Ireland Music Awards: ³Who on earth would buy a single by me’´ Judging by that dress, Kerry is more likely to release her greatest hits.

source - www.thesun.co.uk By JULIE MOULT
4th March

2 MARCH 2004
Westlife have proven they are just at popular at home in Ireland as they are in the rest of the world, by winning best pop act at the Meteor Awards in Dublin. It is the fourth time in as many years that the hunky boy-band has
received the honour.

"We are absolutely thrilled," said band member Shane. "We couldn't have wished for a better homecoming. This year is special because it's the fourth year in a row we've won the best pop award. It means so much."

The boys celebrated their victory with a live performance at the event followed by a glitzy after-show party. But theirs wasn't the only memorable performance, because The Corrs also came along to give their first live
show in three years. And soul veteran Lionel Richie likewise made quite an impression by singing a selection of his greatest hits.

Other celebs turning heads at the bash included Hollyoaks star Jodi Albert, who is dating Westlife's Kian Egan, and Miss World Rosanna Davison, who hails from Dublin. Former Atomic Kitten Kerry McFadden meanwhile received a standing ovation when she turned out to present one of the gongs. The boys were joined by manager Louis Walsh after picking up their gong. Unfortunately one of the famous five, Bryan McFadden, was unable to make it to the prize giving in Dublin's Point Depot

Source - www.hellomagazine.com
4th March

Former ATOMIC KITTEN star KERRY McFADDEN was rendered speechless by her WESTLIFE husband BRYAN when she noticed his finger nails had been pedicured and varnished.

The winner of British reality TV show I'M A CELEBRITY... GET ME OUT OF HERE! was stunned to discover the singer and her fellow contestant on the hit jungle survival programme, soccer player NEIL 'RAZOR' RUDDOCK, had decorated their hands.

And Kerry admits it wasn't the first time Bryan had indulged his effeminate cravings.

She says, "I love facial products, and Bryan got hold of mine once. I walked into the bathroom and he was lying there with this pink mask all over his face. I said, 'What are you doing?' and he said, 'Well, you're always doing it, I just thought I'd see what it was like.'

"And I got out of the jungle to discover he'd had a pedicure and had pink nail varnish on! He and Razor Ruddock had their nails down for a laugh - I was starting to get a bit worried."

source - contactmusic.com
4th March

A surprise guest at the Meteor Awards tonight was Bob Geldof, who picked up a Lifetime Achievement Award.

After their eight awards at last year's ceremony, U2 had to be satisfied with just one on this occasion, walking away with the gong for Best Group. Bono, however, was singled out later when he was presented with the Humanitarian Award by Colin Farrell.

Phil Coulter, meanwhile, received the Industry Contribution Award. The Red Hot Chilli Peppers took awards for Best International Album and Best Visiting Live Performance. Other Irish acts to win Gongs were Westlife, Luke Thomas and Carly Hennessy.

Well-known faces who attended last night;s ceremony included actors Colm Meaney, Patrick Bergin and Stephen Rea, as well as footballers Phil Babb and Jason McAteer. Singers Tom Jones and Sinead O;Connor also made appearances.

Best Group: U2
Best Female Singer: Carly Hennessey.
Best Male Singer: Mundy.
Best Folk/Trad Act: John Spillane.
Best Album: Skylarking; - Mic Christopher.
Best Dance Act: Luke Thomas.
Best Pop Act: Westlife.
Best Radio DJ: Ian Dempsey.
Best Country-Roots Artist: Gerry Fish.
Best New Act: The Thrills.
Best International Group: Coldplay.
Best International Male: Eminem.
Best International Female: Avril Lavigne.
Best International Album; By The Way; - Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
Best Visiting Live Performance: Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
Hope For 2003 Award: Rubyhorse.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Bob Geldof.
Humanitarian Award: Bono.
Industry Contribution Award: Phil Coulter.

Bryan writes song for Eurovision

RTÉ and ShinAwil Productions have confirmed that the Irish final will take place over two nights, 6th and 7th March in the Helix Theatre, Dublin. The Irish final concludes the TV talent show You're a Star.

The song list of the final is also close to completion. George Murphy will sing The moon going home, written by John Spillane. Chris Doran will sing If the world stops turning, written by Bryan McFadden, member of Westlife. James Kilbane's song title is unknown known, however it is written by Charlie McGettigan. Jean Elliot will possibly be singing a song entitled Summer rain, however this is only a working title. This uptempo song is a result of the shows producers inviting unknown composers to submit songs.

Despite receiving some harsh criticism from guest judge Ryan Tubridy after his performance at The Helix on Sunday, Chris Doran looks the hot favourite to represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Istanbul. He topped the last public phone poll on the talent show, knocking previous favourite George Murphy from the top spot.

Ireland is one of the Eurovision's most successful participants and their last victory came in 1996, following three other victories in the nineties. Ireland are straight through to the final on 15th May after a successful placing in 2003.

"Katona can't sing a note"

Atomic Kitten have launched a scathing attack on former bandmate Kerry Katona claiming she can't sing a note. Liz McLarnon, Natasha Hamilton and Jenny Frost haven't forgiven Kerry for claims she made while competing on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here.

Kerry, who later went on to be crowned Queen Of The Jungle, confided in other contestants that it was her vocals on the trio's first chart-topper Whole Again claiming Jenny mimed the song when she replaced Kerry days before it was released. But in their last interview as Britain's No.1 girl group, the trio have rounded on Kerry, saying it can't be her on the record because it is 'in tune'. Kerry now lives in Ireland with Westlife hubby Bryan McFadden and their two children.

Speaking exclusively to the Razz, Jenny said: 'It's obviously not true that I mimed but I really don't care if she feels the need to drag other people's names up to cause a bit of controversy.
'There were two versions of Whole Again one that Kerry recorded and one that I recorded. There were two videos, one with each of us. If she thinks the video I was in had me miming over her voice,that's impossible. I mean, just listen to it. It's in tune.'

Liz added: 'The petrifying thing for Jenny was that, the day after she joined the band, she had to sing live on the Pepsi Chart Show.
'We had to sing Whole Again live because we hadn't had time to get in the studio and re-record it. If you watch a recording, you can see us all looking at each other as the song finished because she had got the words right.'

Atomic Kitten insist they are simply taking a year out after Natasha's decision to spend more time with her baby son Josh. The move follows a string of No.1s and chart smashes such as It's OK, Ladies Night, Eternal Flame and The Tide Is High. The girls say there is no chance of a reconciliation with Kerry, who admits she misses being in the group.

Liz said:'It's not a split and Natasha is not leaving. Even if Tash was leaving, Atomic Kitten was about us three.
'Back then, when Kerry was in the band, it was about three fun girls but we have moved on. Kerry may say she regrets leaving. But when she left, she was stressed out with the travelling and everything. She would not have been happy if she had stayed. She is better off staying in Ireland where she is happy.'

Source - www.dailyrecord.co.uk
3rd March

The Meteor Ireland Music Awards are delighted to announce that Paddy Casey and Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club have been added to the line-up for this year’s prestigious awards which will be held in The Point Theatre on Monday, 1 March 2004.

Hosted by Dara O’Briain, Paddy Casey and Jerry Fish will perform alongside international acts including Counting Crows, The Corrs, Sugababes, Westlife and The Frames making the awards one of the exciting events in the Irish music calendar. Tickets to the Meteor Ireland Music Awards will go on sale on 23 January 2004 at 09:00am.

Nominations for the Meteor Ireland Music Awards 2004 were announced earlier in the week. The nominee's included The Frames, Westlife, Dido, Paddy Casey, Justin Timberlake, Brittany Spears, Damien Dempsey, The Darkness, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Bruce Springsteen, Cara Dillion and The White Stripes amongst others.

For a full list of the Meteor Ireland Music Awards nominee’s log on to www.meteor.ie. A limited number of Meteor Ireland Music Awards tickets will go on sale on 23 January 2004 at 09:00am.

Thousands of fans turned out to see two 'boy bands' poles apart.

At Powerhouse, the biggest boy band in the world, Westlife, wowed an ecstatic capacity crowd at their first ever club gig in the Toon. While at the City Hall, a bunch of wannabe Westlifes - six dads who once had aspirations to be pop stars - lived out their dream on the stage of arguably Newcastle's best-known venue. Haley's Comets, made up of six fathers from the Ponteland area, made the most of their hour and 20 minutes of fame as they thrashed out a succession of covers to raise money for various charities.

Show organiser David Haley booked the City Hall with high hopes of getting about a 1,000 music lovers to the show. In the end, after selling about 1,600 tickets, about 1,200 braved the wintry conditions to watch the thirtysomethings perform.
"Well beyond my wildest dreams," David, 37, said today. "Words can't describe how I feel. Who knows, maybe next year too - bigger and better." David, with band mates Alan Bohill, Peter Rea, Graeme Ash, Kev Simpson and Mark Harris, hope to have raised about £12,000 for charity from the event.

Powerhouse, in Times Square, achieved its biggest coup to date when Westlife played a half hour set at the city's only gay club. They didn't appear on stage until 12.45am today, but by 9.30pm last night queues were already forming outside the venue. Anticipation was running high before Kian, Mark, Shane, Nicky and Bryan took to the stage. This was Westlife up close and personal, and the Irish fivesome didn't disappoint.

Minutes before appearing, the lads, who have notched up 12 number ones since 1999, took time out to meet Chronicle reader James Craik, 28, a publican from Swalwell. He won the chance to meet them through a Chronicle competition, and said: "They're so down to earth. This has been great." Lead vocalist Shane Filan even autographed James' shirt as he chilled out in the Zinc bar, next to the Powerhouse. Girls Aloud went down a storm at the club last month, but the screams were nothing compared to those witnessed when Westlife took to the stage.

First up was World Of Our Own, followed by the ballad Flying Without Wings, and the Record of the Year 2003, Mandy.
The pace picked up for Uptown Girl, before the lads launched into their current single Obvious, which is battling for the number one spot tomorrow with Peter Andre's Mysterious Girl. The gig ended with Hey, Whatever, with the 1,500 capacity audience singing along to every word. Westlife then spent some time in Zinc, with Bryan McFadden and Mark Feehily staying back for about an hour to meet a number of fans who queued and waited patiently to take part in the after-show party.
"It's cold outside, but the reception we've had is hot, hot, hot," said Bryan, as he sipped a beer.
"Newcastle was our first ever concert and this is our way of giving something back to the city."

Powerhouse is fast gaining a reputation as one of the best clubs in the country. The only other club Westlife have played before is the famous G-A-Y venue in London. Now Powerhouse is hoping to host the likes of Sugababes and Jamelia, with more top-name acts to be announced.

source - Ic Newcastle
1st March

Obvious didn't make it to the number one spot on the Irish singles chart this week.

1. Kelis - Milkshake
2. Westlife - Obvious
3. Lmc Vs U2 - Take Me To The Clouds Above
4. Luther Vandross - Dance With My Father
5. Peter Andre - Mysterious Girl

source - uk.movies.yahoo.com/charts
1st March

Bookies are paying out on Peter Andre hitting number one this weekend. His single Mysterious Girl is storming to the top of the charts
and looks set to shift 100,000 copies by Sunday. The success comes on the back of Andre's recent appearance on TV's I'm A Celebrity.

Ladbrokes spokesman Warren Lush said: 'Our sources tell us that there is no way Mysterious Girl won't be No1, so we have started
paying out.'

The single originally got to number two in 1996, but interest in the song was sparked when Andre emerged from the telly jungle. Mysterious Girl is outselling its closest rival, Westlife single Obvious, by two-to-one.

Westlife and Diana Ross

Westlife are set to record an album with other singers. The lads, on track for a Top Five hit with their new single Obvious, are hoping to team up with stars including Diana Ross.

Source - www.thesun.co.uk
1st March

Sky News reports that the girls from Atomic Kitten have invited former member Kerry McFadden back on stage with the trio for the final time to sing their hit 'Whole Again'.

"It means a lot to me as I really missed performing," the 'I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here' winner said.
"And what a way to go out - on top and with my best friends!"

source - www.popdirt.com

Westlife recently revealed (in an interview on TV Show Celebrity Extra on Living TV) that they will start to record their next album during their current tour. The tour is due to end in August, and the album is penned for release in November 2004.

However... in an exciting new twist, it seems that the new album with be a Duets album, with the lads recording with several different new and old artists on various tracks.

Before the new album comes out, one further single from the album 'Turnaround' is set to be released sometime this summer. It could *possibly* be the title track Turnaround...but nothing is definite yet.

'Obvious', the lads' latest single, is set to smash into the UK charts this Sunday at number 2, behind Peter Andre's 'Mysterious Girl' - making it their 17th UK top five hit!

Taken From: www.westlifeweb.com
1st March

THE masters of ballads are back to stir emotions and tug at your heartstrings. While other boybands fail to last the course, Westlife have an uncanny ability to ride any musical storms and sound stronger and stronger with time Whether these Irish lads are your cup of tea or not, there's no denying that they are the champions of slushy songs and their latest single, Obvious is a good bet to hand the band another chart success.

One of the many outstanding tracks on their album Turnaround, Obvious isn'tperhaps as instantly catchy as some of their bigger hits but it has a slow burning appeal that only serves to make it all the more enjoyable. It's one
of those tracks which simply gets better the more you listen to it, muchlike the boys themselves.

CELEBRITY newly-weds Shane and Gillian Filan were today embroiled in a row with a hospice over wedding donations.

The Westlife star and his new bride have expressed surprise and shock that Sligo's North-West Hospice has gone public with details of cash donations to the charity from their wedding guests.

The couple yesterday accused the hospice of prompting disparaging descriptions of their guests, family, and friends.
The couple's Christmas wedding at Ashford Castle was plunged into the spotlight by North-West Hospice administrator Eugene McGloin, who expressed his huge disappointment that less than 10,000 euros was received from the estimated 380 wedding guests.

The Sligo-based hospice, which was nominated as the couple's chosen charity in lieu of wedding gifts, had been expecting to receive between 25,000 and 50,000 euros from the high profile event, he said.

Yesterday, the shocked couple hit back, saying their guests had been under no obligation to make a donation.
"We gave no guarantee to the North-West Hospice as to any minimum amount that they could expect," the couple said.
"Whatever their stated reason for seeking this publicity, their actions have embarrassed a lot of people. This may serve their purpose of generating further donations but we find the actions of the North-West Hospice far from charitable," they said.

However, Mr McGloin claimed that he had spoken in response to media queries and insisted that details of all donations were routinely published in the hospice newsletter. The perception had been widespread that the North-West Hospice had been rolling in money after the event, he said, but this was not the case.

Taken From:Belfast Telegraph
1st March