Bryan on The Late Late...
Well what a lineup Pat Kenny had on last Friday night's Late Late Show - Bryan McFadden, Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch and more all clearing up various press initiated rumours...
Last Friday's Late Late Show was any Pop fanatic's dream Show (apart from that serious bit in the middle with the Harry Potter look-a-like Anarchist!) with big hitters like Ronan Keating and Bryan McFadden putting rumours to rest while sharing the stage with LeAnn Rimes, Natasha Bedingfield and Franklin...
Bryan McFadden assured Westlife fans that he didn't leave the band because of deteriorating personal relationships but rather because family commitments and artistic differences - although their seems to be more this according to comments he's made on other TV shows.
Bryan also introduced the South African band Franklin to the nation. Apparently himself and Kerry have been putting the lads up for the past two years after discovering them on their honeymoon.
But apart from that ShowBiz Ireland has little or no information on Franklin - after their performance on the show we can only recommend you to go and see these guys live - and if you have any information about their upcoming shows please send it in.
Source - showbizireland.com
28th April
THE mothers of Westlife stars Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily are set to spill the beans on their sons secrets. Mae Filan, Patricia Egan and Marie Feehily will be interviewed as part of a Late Late Show-style concert in aid of People In Need.
The famous mums are part of a star-studded line-up which will appear at the Hawkswell Theatre in Sligo on Thursday.
source - Irish People
27th April
Bryan's Bored
Is Bryan having a bit of trouble and strife with the wife? That's what the Daily Star implies, with a story that he only quit the band because Kerry pressured him to spend more time with the kids. And now, the tab claims, he's wishing he'd never left the band at all!
The paper quotes an unnamed source: "[Bryan's] told several people he's beginning to wish he'd never left. He's a party animal who likes a drink. Being away from the bright lights doesn't suit his personality and he's getting itchy feet. He's admitted to them he wasn't ready to leave, but there was pressure from Kerry to walk away."
So will he end up walking back to Westlife, or will he remain a homebody? Bryan will rejoin the lads to sing 'Unbreakable' in Dublin next month, but when asked about a possible full time return, Kian says: "We never close doors. I can't imagine he would want to come back though. I can't see it happening."
Source- www.bbc.co.uk/totp
27th April
It's fastlife
A concert by Irish boyband Westlife at Edinburgh Castle on July 24 sold out within hours yesterday. All 8300 tickets were gone by lunchtime the fastest- selling show ever at the castle.
Source: www.dailyrecord.co.uk
27th April
Westlife star's love of football
Westlife singer Nicky Byrne was always destined for stardom - but not necessarily as a pop star.Before joining the band, Nicky spent two years at Leeds United and dreamed of making it as a top-flight 'keeper.
His talent was never in doubt, but Leeds thought he was too short to make the grade and released him from his contract. But Nicky still loves the game and plays whenever he can.
The Academy caught up with him at the recent Soccer Six tournament to get his football chat.Sport Academy: What's better - playing for Leeds or being in Westlife?
Leeds' number one Paul Robinson Nicky Byrne: I love them both, but as I made it big with Westlife Iguess that's been the best experience. Looking back, I don't think I'd change anything, but if it was possible to be a footballer and a pop star, I'd happily do them both.It would be great to live the footballer's life - even if it wasjust for a day!
SA: Do you like to get stuck in at events like Soccer Six? Howfierce is the competition between Westlife and the other bands?
NB: It's competitive, but always fair. Hard tackles do go in andsometimes they can be mis-timed, but that's why the referee's there.
Nicky gets stuck in during Soccer Six There's never anything malicious, after all we're all here for the same reason - to enjoy ourselves and make money for charity.
SA: What would be your top tips for anyone who wants to make it as a pro?
NB: For me, it's all about mental toughness. Managers will always try and test you to see how tough you are. The best advice I could give is work your socks off and prove youhave the right attitude to go with your talent. It doesn't matter how much talent you have - you're nothing until you've proved yourself
Source - http://news.bbc.co.uk
27th April
Westlife Singer Shane Filan turned chauffeur yesterday - and got sister Denise to church almost on time. The Bride arrived in a gleaming blacks BMW at St John's Church, Sligo, just seven minutes late. Shane,who flew home from Britain for the wedding,drove the car from the family home,120 yards away. Denise married hometown sweetheart Rowan O'Callaghan,29.It was the second recent Filan wedding - Shane married Gillian Walsh, last December.
source - Ireland on Sunday credit - Shanes irish lassie *offic board*
25th April
Westlife's long night
Westlife ditched their smart suits for kilts for their final concert in Glasgow last night but obviously forgot to take a look in the mirror before taking to the stage. The chart-toppers paid tribute to their Scottish fans after a sell-out run at the SECC by donning the national outfits, complete with sporrans.
But the foursome looked more like little schoolboys in their dads' clothing, with the ill-fitting costumes almost touching their ankles. And anyone wondering what the lads were wearing under their kilts were none the wiser thanks to the oversized tartan. Still, the thousands of fans who flocked to the venue still roared their appreciation for the Irish band, who ended the night with a rendition of their cover of Barry Manilow's classic, Mandy.
Source - www.dailyrecord.co.uk
24th April
Westlife make sick kids' day
Stars' secret hospital visit
Westlife brought smiles to the faces of 100 sick children yesterday. The Irish boy-band, who finished their five-date stint in Glasgow last night, popped in to see the kids just before their final fling at the SECC. Kian Egan, Shane Filan, Mark Feehily and Nicky Byrne arrived at Glasgow's Sick Children's Hospital at Yorkhill just before 5pm. They swept into the physio gym and spent 20 minutes meeting young patients from around the hospital.
Kian said: 'It's always really nice to come to the hospital because there are so many sick kids that appreciate seeing us.
'It puts a bit of reality back into our lives.'
Shane and Mark posed with some of the children as parents took photographs. Shane said: 'We always do as much as we can and we usually have a lot of time during the day to see the place where we tour. 'The reaction today has been unbelievable.'
Among those who met the stars were sisters Caitlin and Megan McNally from Paisley. Cancer patient Caitlin, nine, said: 'I am so excited about meeting the band. It's been great.'
Chloe Robertson, 11, from Greenock, was also thrilled at meeting her idols. Having just had her appendix out, she said they made her feel a lot better. She revealed: 'They asked how I was. It was lovely to meet them.' Irene Kielty, corporate planning officer at the hospital, said: 'Both the staff and children were extremely excited about their visit and we weren't disappointed.'
Westlife are back in Scotland on July 24 when they play Edinburgh Castle.
Source - www.dailyrecord.co.uk
24th April
Bryan's a homeboy
He left Westlife claiming he wanted to spend more time with his young family. But it seems Bryan McFadden is still able to find a few hours for the company of other babes. He was seen indulging in some heavy-duty flirting in the VIP room of celeb haunt Chinawhite on Wednesday, with his pals Tim Kash and Steve Ellington. The 24-year-old singer - who launches his new band, Franklin, on Ireland's RTE1 show tonight - spent most of the evening chatting to two sexy girls.
An onlooker tells us, "Bryan was lapping up all the attention. These girls - one blonde and one brunette - were all over him, whispering, laughing and having a great time. He took a particular liking to the brunette who sat on his lap for almost 15 minutes." Luckily for his wife, Kerry, Bryan didn't go on to repeat the stag-night shenanigans in 2001 that nearly split them up, after he confessed to a dalliance with lapdancer Amy Barker.
"Bryan obviously knew when to call it a night," adds our spy. "He gave the girls a lingering kiss on the cheek then went at 2.45am, leaving the others to party on without him."
Wise move, Bry...
Source - www.mirror.co.uk
24th April
Last-Life?
It's a threat that most record label bosses hand out like sweets, but what's it all coming to when Westlife themselves claim they might call it a day if they don't get a No.1?
Yet according to the Daily Star, that's exactly what the boys think. The tab must have caught them on a glum day, with Nicky saying: "If the next record doesn't work then, yeah, it might be the end. But, if it does work out, it's definitely not the end, it's as simple as that." No kidding!
Shane wasn't any chirpier, he said: "We've had a fantastic career and we really want to continue it. But it's up to us four to make the effort. We love what we do but we know that our shelf-life will run out soon."
Well, that's not TOO much pressure on those fans out there, is it?
source - TOTP's website 21st April
Boys still best in the west
The boys were back in town as Westlife delighted more than 8000 fans at Glasgow's SECC last night. On the first evening of their five night sell-out tour, they showed the absence of Bryan McFadden hasn't lessened their pop power. Mark, Kian, Shane and Nicky arrived on stage to the strains of the Pink Panther theme, sporting gangster-style striped suits.
After some slick moves with their tour's title song, Turnaround, and My Girl, they swaggered into hits including Tell Me What Makes A Man and World Of Our Own. Slowing down the pace to a smoulder, they brought out the grand piano and clarinet for Flying Without Wings and Swear It All.
Moving back up a gear to pay tribute to their fans, they harmonised beautifully on Uptown Girl, neatly retitling it Glasgow Girl. The Irish lads paid tribute to The Beatles with a cover of Help, and by the time they sang Tonight My Love and Mandy, the crowd were screaming with delight.
Source: www.dailyrecord.co.uk
21st April
Westlife have admitted they could quit if their next record fails. The successful boy band has told the Daily Star that their future depends on a forthcoming single. If the single doesn't make a top spot in the British charts, they will go their own way.
"If the next record doesn't work then, yeah, it might be the end," band member Nicky Byrne said. "But, if it does work out, it's definitely not the end, it's as simple as that. We'll get the record out and, hopefully, it will be very successful. But we're not trying to fool anybody.We've had a fantastic career and we really want to continue it. But it's up to us four to make the effort." Lead singer Shane Filan said: "We love what we do but we know that our shelf-life will run out soon. We'd like to carry on forever but that's not really up to us, it's up the fans."
source - Daily Star
20th April
We're Set Four New Album
Hi, Kian here...
This week we went back to the drawing board to talk about plans for our next album. Some time ago you may have seen media reports that our next big release is going to be a duets album with lots of singing legends like, Diana Ross and Lionel Richie, teaming up with us. But we may shelve that project now that Bryan has left us. There's a feeling here in the Westlife camp that the fans might prefer the four of us to do a new album on our own. I think it's important for ourselves, as well, to go into the studio as a four-piece and create a new batch of songs. It's the next big step together after the live concerts, which, incidentally, have been a great success.
We had some drama last week when Nicky went down sick with a painful kidney infection. With just the three of us left standing, it was impossible to go on with the show, so we were forced to cancel two concerts, Friday and Saturday. Nicky went home to Georgina for some tender loving care and made a great recovery. We had Sunday off anyway, and by Monday, he was back on stage with Westlife. It just goes to show that we're all only human. We're working our way back to Ireland and looking forward to taking the show home next month.
There was a hilarious incident in the UK last week, when we picked a girl out of the audience to sing on stage with us. We do it at every show and Shane holds the girl's hand during the song. But the fan, who was Asian, pulled away from Shane and insisted that she wanted Mark. "Go away" she said. We were falling around the stage laughing. Poor old Shane didn't know where to look. Eventually, Mark came over and held her hand - I don't know how we got through the song for laughing.
source - Sunday World
20th April
SO CLOSE TO FAME
Book reveals how young trio lost out on Westlife dream
The romantic origins of Westlife are about to be blown out of the water in a startling new tell-all book by the band's first manager. The tale that six Sligo raw pop wannabes were spotted by talent scout and showbiz impresario Louis Walsh in 1998 and transformed into the world's most successful boyband overnight could be in tatters. Fans are going to be amazed at revelations by the band's original management that Walsh took on all six members but coldly dumped half the band and the people who had given them their start.
Helped
Kian Egan, Shane Filan and Mark Feehily turned their backs on the band and three friends of IOYou who had helped thrust them into the spotlight in 1996. Dumped by the wayside, the three Sligo lads were left to watch as their former friends raced to international stardom and untold riches. At the core of 'Karaoke No More' is the sad split of two friends who dreamed of becoming popstars together - but only one of them would make it. It's author, Padraig Meehan (47) has revealed the poignant saga to the Sunday World ahead of the book's release in 12 days time.
"The story of Derek Lacey, Graham Keighron and Michael Garrett is at the core of the book," explains the Sligo man,
"It was Michael and Shane who had always had the dream of being in a boyband. It must be terribly painful for Michael. I can't speak for Michael, of course, and I wouldn't dare do so but I've been in bands myself and I know what it's like to be chucked out." Walsh drafted in Dubliners Bryan McFadden and Nicky Byrne and Westlife and the popstar lifestyle was theirs. No looking back.
source - Sunday world
20th April
Simon's Precious pals whoop it up in Belfast.
Precious lived up to its reputation this week as the preferred party spot in Ulster for the rich and famous. Saturday night saw Westlife arrive in force for an after show knees-up at the Belfast venue.Hollyoaks star and girlfriend of Kian Egan, Jodie Albert, took time out from her hectic filming schedule to spend some time with her man. Looking stunning, as usual, she raised eyebrows and temperatures as she strutted her stuff on the dance floor with a blonde friend. Georgina Byrne and Gillian Filan were also there for their gorgeous men.But the sensation of the week was Simon Le Bon, who booked the private club for a lavish after-tour party following the group's concert at the Odyssey. It is believed the Duran Duran star forked out a massive £20,000 entertaining his crew, who took full advantage of the free bar.
source - Sunday world
20th April
Bellefire say Westlife can't party IRISH girl-band Bellefire say Westlife can't keep up with their wild partying.The band, who are supporting Westlife on tour, reckon the boys have slowed down since they originally went on tour with them in 2001.
Kaira, Cath and Kelly who were in Edinburgh's HMV store at Ocean Terminal to promote their single Say Something Anyway said: 'Our
first tour with Westlife was a bit mad as the guys made the most of going out. They were burning the candle at both ends and we hardly
slept.
'But nowadays the boys have slowed down and find it hard to keep our pace. Once you hit 23 it's all downhill from there.'
Source - Daily Record
19th April
Exclusive: Westlife promise best ever shows at Scots gig tonight
Westlife's Nicky Byrne has promised fans will see them at their best ever when they hit Glasgow's SECC tonight despite Bryan McFadden's recent departure. The Irish superstars who are performing a week-long stint at the arena believe their current show will be a five-star affair, even though they have been trimmed down to a four-piece since Bryan's decision to quit. And Nicky says Westlife will carry on performing for as long as fans want them to.
He told The Razz: 'You've got to move on and, as much as we wish Bryan had stayed, the shows are going brilliant. The songs are sounding great, but it is difficult. We've dished out Bryan's vocals and we're confident everything will sound just as good.
'If the fans decide the records aren't good enough in the next year or so, then Westlife probably will fade.
'But if they like the music we will hang around for a long time because we are over a crossroads and can reach out to an older audience.
'We feel like a different band, of course. We have definitely lost a part of Westlife, but we will work even harder now to make sure the shows are special.'
Nicky admitted all the remaining members of Westlife himself, Shane Filan, Mark Feehily and Kian Egan have considered 'throwing in the towel'.
He added: 'Over the years, we've all managed to weather the thoughts of leaving. 'But Bryan does have two young children and wants to spend more time with his wife and two kids.
'He'd been away for six years so you have to respect any man who wants to spend more time with his family.
'It never crossed my mind to throw in the towel when Bryan quit and the four of us who were left all agreed we wanted to carry on.
'It's not a farewell tour. I can put my hand on my heart and say that.
'It's business as usual and the fans should know that. We are a four-piece as of now.
'There's always been battles with Westlife whether a chart battle or defending accusations of splitting up. Things happen everyday in Westlife. We have a mountain to climb, but we're halfway up it now.
'For example, it's total nonsense that there was a bust-up and that Bryan has a drink problem.'
Nicky says he is so sure of Westlife's future, he has put off plans of his own to start a family with wife Georgina. He said: 'The wives, children and girlfriends, along with the fans, are the people who matter to us. 'Those are the people we have a relationship with.
'Georgina and I sat down and talked about what our plans were regarding kids and whatever.
'I would rather the band was over before we had kids or, at least, we were less busy.
'Over the years, Westlife have been successful and we are enjoying it, so there is plenty of time for kids.'
Source - daily record
19th April
McFadden Remains Unemployed Former WESTLIFE star BRYAN McFADDEN is devastated by the lack of work offers he's received since leaving the Irish boy band last month (MAR04).
Bryan, 23, expected the offers to flood in after he announced his decision to leave the MANDY hitmakers in order to spend more time with his wife - former ATOMIC KITTEN singer KERRY McFADDEN - and two children.
He says, "I'm shocked, as yet there is nothing worth talking about."
So far Bryan's celebrity has only netted him an appearance on British reality TV show I'M A CELEBRITY...GET ME OUT OF HERE! - when his spouse was crowned its winner.
19th April
THE RAZZ: WIN TICKETS TO SEE WESTLIFE
WESTLIFE play the SECC in Glasgow this Saturday as part of a five-night run. Saturday's gig is a sell-out, but we've managed to get our hands on a pairof tickets.
For your chance to win, answer this simple question: Name the former bandmember who is married to Kerry McFadden? Call our hotline on 0901 562 8704and leave your answer, name, address and daytime telephone number. Or textDR8704 followed by a space, your answer followed by a space, your namefollowed by a space and send to 86600.
Contest closes at midnight tonight. Calls cost 60p per minute. Calls from a payphone or mobile may be more expensive. Text entries cost £1.50 plus standard text rate. Usual Daily Record rules apply. All entrants must
be 18 years of age or over.
source - www.dailyrecord
17th April
RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong) announced the results for the 15th International Pop Poll yesterday. Westlife got the two awards they had been nominated for, i.e. Top Group/Band (Gold) and Top Ten International Gold Songs - Mandy.
Here is the full list for the Top Ten International Gold Songs (not
in order) :
1. Beyonce - Crazy In Love
2. Robbie Williams - Beyond The Sea
3. The Black Eyed Peas - Where Is The Love
4. Dido - White Flag
5. Sting - Send Your Love
6. Britney Spears feat. Madonna - Me Against The Music
7. Kylie Minogue - Slow
8. Westlife - Mandy
9. Alicia Keys - You Don't Know My Name
10. Norah Jones - Sunrise
and for the Top Group/Band:
Gold: Westlife
Silver: Linkin' Park
Bronze: Outkast
source - www.rthk.org.hk
17th April
Tune in to ITV's CDUK show this Saturday morning (April 17th) for a special video report from Westlife's current Turnaround tour.Also look out for a competition which will be running from www.cduk.com, to win tickets to Westlife's Wembley Arena show on May 7th.
Our own Meet and Greet competitions will be closing shortly, so check out the News item from April 5th for details on how to enter - deadline is 9am on Monday April 19th!
source - westlife.com
17th April
Pop sensations Westlife will be back on stage tonight for the first time since band member Nicky Byrne fell ill last week. The band were forced to cancel two shows last Friday and Saturday in Brighton, England when Nicky suffered a painful kidney infection. However the Taoiseach's son-in-law has made a good recovery over the weekend and will join the band on stage in Cardiff in Wales tonight.
"I believe he was in a lot of pain last week, but i think everything is fine now and the tour is going ahead as normal now" said band manager Louis Walsh yesterday. They have a busy week ahead of them but he says he's fine now"
Nicky spent the weekend recovering at home with his wife Georgina in Dublin. He fell ill shortly after the band completed a series of concerts in Nottingham in the UK last Wednesday night. He was still too unwell to perform with the band on Friday so the band pulled out of two shows. The band have apologised to fans and plan to reschedule the shows for June.
The chart-topping act will perform the first of three shows in Cardiff tonight as they continue on the UK tour, their first tour since Bryan McFadden quit the band. Westlife reach The Point in Dublin on May 11 where they will perform nine sell-out shows.
Source - Irish Star
14th April
Pop Gazing
Westlife have confirmed they are to perform alongside Ash on a floating stage on the river Lagan in Belfast as part of BBC Music Live. They have also added two more dates to their Turnaround Tour in Belfast - June 6th and June 7th
source - Belfast Telegraph
13th April
Bryan McFadden will return to Westlife- but only for a one-off reunion next month. The group plan to wow fans with their smash hi Unbreakable on their last Dublin concert. And Bryan, 24 today, will be the secret weapon at their final show on Friday, May 21.
A source close to the band revealed: "It's all very hush hush at the moment but Bryan is planning to sing on stage with them one last time.
"He will join them for the last number of the night, Unbreakable, and its going to bring the house down.
"The lads are all really looking forward to it. It will be an emotional time for them and the fans."
Bryan quit the band five weeks ago to spend more time with wife Kerry and their daughters Molly and Lily. The former clean-cut star is now sporting a scruffy beard amid speculation he is about to launch a solo career. But the Irish Mirror can reveal he is planning one last gig with his band mates of six years before he finally lays the ghost of Westlife to rest.
A close friend of the band said : " When he announced he was quitting it was at a press conference. He probably feels he needs to say goodbye to the fans properly before he quits for good.
"There are bound to be a few tears from all five of them as they walk off stage together for the last time"
source - Irish Mirror
13th April
IT'S POND-LIFE! by Jason Johnson
ITS amazing what a difference a fortnight makes for a one-time pop star. Bryan McFadden has gone from Westlife to pond life since walling out on the boyband. Messed up Bryan looked like TV lardy layabout Jim royle-played by Ricky Tomlinson-at a bash in Belfast on Friday night.Bryan 25, sported a ginger beard and dressed down in a messy Kurt Cobain T-shirt, jeans and baseball cap as he partied with wife Kerry. the pair enjoyed a competitive night, challenging all comers to games of pool - at 1,000 a go. Luckily the hunk pulled off victory and then handed his grand winnings to charity at Precious nightclub.
One onlooker at the bash chuckled: "Bryan looked like a hobo.
"The beard just made him look like he'd been sleeping rough for weeks, and put about 10 years on him. I don't know if he was trying to copy Justin Timberlake's look, but he should stick to what he knows. He did seem very happy to pose up and be the centre of attention - it was almost as if he never left Westlife. Westlife were invited along to the bash, but couldn't make it due to their hectic schedule." Bryan was due to meet up with his old pals - Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne and Kian Egan - last night for the first time since their break. This week Westlife laid into Bryan by declaring: "As far as we're concerned, he's dead and gone." Shane, Mark, Nicky and Kian continue their UK Turnaround Tour as a foursome.
source - Irish People
10th April
Not-Like-You. com reports Westlife's Mark Feehily mentions Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter in their current tour book.
Asked what he does to keep from getting bored while on tour, Feehily responded, "Sometimes you get very hyper if you're all sitting together in a dressing-room all day long. Every now and again we might start a mad food-fight, and the dressing-room is covered in squashed banana and bits of chicken! One time we had a food-fight with Nick Carter from the Backstreet Boys while we were on the same TV show in Germany. I don't know how it happened, but all of a sudden a cake came flying across the wall into our side of the dressing-room, and we were shouting, 'Where did that come from?' So we threw a cake back and suddenly the entire contents of both dressing-rooms were swapped around! Sometimes you need to let the energy out - mind you, we all had to have a quick scrub-down before we went on the show!"
source - www.popdirt.com 10th March
Oh no, Hollyoaks Jodi wants to sing
HERE we go again with yet another soap star launching a pop career. The latest is JODI ALBERT.
The Hollyoaks actress, who is dating WESTLIFE’s KIAN EGAN, has been in talks with record companies about an assault on the charts. Westlife manager LOUIS WALSH is first in line to snap her up. Jodi, who plays shop girl Debbie Dean, is leaving the Channel 4 show later this year after refusing to sign a new contract.
There’s an illustrious list of soaperstars turned singers for Jodi to emulate. Who can forget JENNIFER ELLISON post Brookie and MICHELLE GAYLE’s dazzling efforts following EastEnders. But neither have hit the high spots like Corrie’s TRACY SHAW whose single It’s Happening All Over Again hit . . . No41. Still, Jodi, at least your man’s got some cash in the coffers when it all goes terribly wrong.
source - The Sun
10th April
The Brighton Centre - All areas
Westlife Concert 9th April 2004 - POSTPONED
Nicky Byrne is undergoing a procedure to rule out the possibility of a kidney stone. We are terribly sorry that the show scheduled for Friday 9th April 2004 has been postponed and will now be re-scheduled for a date in the future. We request that you hold onto your tickets until the re-scheduled date is announced as they will be valid for this date. We are hopeful that Saturday's two shows will be going ahead - please check the website for further updates. Seated tickets available only
source - Brighton website
9th April
Westlife splash out for music festival By Maureen Coleman 06 April 2004
WESTLIFE will be making a big splash when they return to Belfast later this month. For the band are to pre-record a special performance on a floating stage on the River Lagan as part of BBC Music Live. Shane, Kian, Nicky and Mark will return to the city to pre-record the gig on Wednesday, April 28, on the huge stage set up on the Lagan. The concert will be shown on Saturday, May 1, as part of Music Live's Beautiful Night. Ticket-holders only will be admitted to the Wednesday performance.
To apply for free tickets for the Westlife recording contact the BBC Music Live festival ticketline on 08700 100 125.Also performing on the floating stage during the festival will be Downpatrick's Ash as well as Canadian songstress Alanis Morissette.
BBC Music Live runs from April 23 to May 3
source - Belfast telegraph
7th April
Bryan McFadden didn't jump Westlife's ship - he was pushed, says a band source. According to the father of Kian Egan's girlfriend Jodie Albert, Bryan was thinking of quitting but wanted to tour one last time. But when he flew to Australia to support his I'm A Celebrity winner wife Kerry, the lads felt he'd left them in the lurch and should go immediately George Albert said: "They didn't feel want him cashing in on the success of a world tour. So when he told them he wanted to say a proper farewell to his fans, they ruled he had to go there and then. If he'd toured, there'd have been rifts. Technically, he was pushed."
Don't worry about Bryan - he's been so busy since leaving he hasn't had time to shave, as my pic from a Belfast charity bash shows.
source - people.co.uk
7th April
WESTLIFE have added a further two dates on to the Belfast leg of their Turnaround tour, it was confirmed today.The boys, who are in the city until tomorrow night, will return to the Oydssey Arena on Sunday, June 6 and Monday, June 7. The final two dates will mark the end of their current tour.
Last Monday Westlife, minus Bryan McFadden, kicked off the tour in Belfast. Peter Aiken of Aiken Promotions said the extra dates had been added due to phenomenal demand.
"The Odyssey shows have always been among the best for Westlife, which is why the boys decided to start their 2004 tour in Belfast," he said.
"Now a four-piece, the loyalty and encouragement that the Northern Irish fans have shown has helped prove that the band is as popular as ever."
Tickets, priced € £30, go on sale tomorrow at the Odyssey Box Office.
source - Belfast Telegraph
6th April
Jodi Albert quits 'Hollyoaks'
Hollyoaks actress Jodi Albert will quit the show later this year, the Daily Star reports today.
The 20-year-old, who plays downtrodden Debbie Dean, is the latest cast member to exit the show, following news at the weekend that a massive fourteen actors are to get the axe.
Albert's boyfriend, Westlife member Kian Egan, said that she was rejecting a deal to stay with the show in order to further her acting career.
"I want her to leave, I don't want her to get typecast," said Egan, 23.
"Her contract is up for renewal in October and she will give it up then. It's all very well being in Hollyoaks, it's a great programme, but she is not allowed to do anything else. Everything they do has to be passed through the soap's bosses and we are both a bit fed up with it."
Albert's character is currently involved in a storyline which will see her onscreen boyfriend Dan go on trial for the murder of serial killer Tony.
Source - www.digitalspy.co.uk
6th April
Westlife Experience O2 in Dublin...
The fabulous foursome Westlife broke with their hectic touring schedule on April Fools Day yesterday to officially open the plush new O2 Experience store on Grafton Street...
When ShowBiz Ireland got the call late yesterday evening stating that Westlife would be in town at 6pm to open the new O2 Experience Store we thought: "yeah right - pull the other one," what with it being April's Fools Day and all...But just in case we popped down anyway and low-and-behold there the four guys were ready to greet their public (and us of course!).
The Westlife guys openly chatted and joked with the partygoers at the opening and seemed overwhelmed with all the splendid technological gadgets and gizmos on display. Nicky Byrne even tried to smuggle a top-of-the-range digital camera out under his coat with his tongue planted firmly in his cheek... What a chancer!
Westlife open O2 Experience
Located on Grafton Street the new O2 Experience store is really something to behold plus a great place to try out all of the latest mobile technology.Check it out!
source - showbiz Ireland
6th April
If you're in the Nottingham region, you may want to pick up this evening's edition of the Evening Post, because their Entertainment Guide features Westlife on the cover, and has an interview with Mark as the magazine's 'Main Event'.
If you're not able to pick up a copy but would like to order one, you can do so via the paper's website at www.thisisnottingham.co.uk
source - westlife.com
6th April
The band began their tour in Belfast with seven concerts
Chart-topping band Westlife who have just kicked off their Turnaround tour in Belfast have announced a further two dates in the city in June. Last month, the five piece band became a foursome when Bryan McFadden left to spend more time with his family. Westlife say things have been going better than they expected without Bryan.
The band are also due to play in the BBC's Music Live event in Belfast on 1 May.
They said Northern Ireland audiences were definitely their best so they just had to come back to Belfast before the end of the tour.
"At the minute, we didn't have plans to come back to Belfast," said Kian Egan. The group became a foursome when Bryan McFadden left
"But because of the demand, our agent and the promoters up here felt we could definitely put some more shows on sale and that everybody would want to come back to see the show.
"So we are delighted with it, it is brilliant news for us." The band were formed in 1999 and reached the top of the charts with their first single Swear it Again. They are the only act to reach the UK number one with their first seven singles. They have hit the top spot 12 times, placing them fourth on the all-time list behind Elvis, The Beatles and Sir Cliff Richard. They have sold more than 30 million copies of their four albums and consistently played to sell-out crowds throughout the UK. McFadden, 23, is now considering a solo career. His wife, former Atomic Kitten member Kerry, won this year's ITV1 reality adventure show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!
6th April
Kerry McFadden has slammed Sting's wife Trudie Styler for revealing all about the couple's sex life. The former Atomic Kitten star says she thinks it's disgusting when people talk about what they get up to in the bedroom. She said: 'Sting's wife Trudie Styler went on Howard Stern's radio show in America and revealed they're into swinging and sex clubs.
'I think it's ridiculous to tell the public something like that.
Things like that are personal. 'Trudie enjoys swinging? Well, I enjoy the slides she is talking about going down the park, isn't she? If Bryan said those things like that about us, I'd divorce him at once. Those things should be kept between you.
'I think it's disgusting. Once you've said something like that, every time you get interviewed you're going to be asked about it. Does Sting have a new single coming out and need publicity?'
Source - www.dailyrecord.co.uk
6th April 2004
WESTLIFE'S MARK FEEHILY has admitted he envies BLUE for recording with STEVIE WONDER. He said: "I was jealous. Stevie is a legend. We should have asked first. we would have been better."
source - the sun newspaper
2nd April
They were best mates and colleagues for years but it seems that the remaining Westlife lads are ready to forget about old pal Bryan, declaring: "As far as Westlife are concerned, Bryan's dead and gone."
The foursome kicked off their opening gig of their world tour at the Odyssey arena in Cardiff last night, without Bryan, and showed no signs of missing Mr McF on stage, in fact they made a deliberate effort not to mention him during the concert at all!
Nicky told The Sun's Bizarre: "If we keep mentioning him on stage it will only make our fans think we aren't moving on and that's what we have to do."
But 'Life fans shouldn't worry too much as the boys are still mates on a personal level and Nicky reckoned his departure gave the band the kick up the backside that they needed.
He added; "I wouldn't say we were getting complacent, but we did need to raise our game. Blue arrived on the scene and, although they haven't come close to competing with us, they did make us realise we will have competition."
Never mind Blue, guys, we reckon your eyes should be firmly fixed on McFly. Perhaps some guitar lessons would be an idea, Kian..?
taken from www.bbc.co.uk/totp
2nd April
While his former band mates kicked off their sell-out world tour, Bryan McFadden is already planning his comeback. But he's not of launching himself as a solo star quite yet.
We hear Bry is set to follow in his wife's footsteps - and join the cast of I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here. TV bosses have been very keen to get the 24-year-old to star in the next instalment of their smash-hit show which will go out on air in November.
And it seems Bry fancies himself as the next King of the Jungle.
"He thinks it'll be a great idea and after seeing how well Kerry did on the show then he's got a great chance to win it too," says a close source. Bryan quit Westlife three weeks ago after spending six years with Kian, Shane, Mark and Nicky.
source - daily mirror
2nd April
Ex-Westlife hunk is set to launch solo career
FORMER Westlife star Bryan McFadden is to launch a solo career and has signed a secret deal with his former boss. McFadden, who claimed he quit Westlife earlier this month to spend more time with his family, is being managed by the team who launched Fame Academy stars David Sneddon and Lemar.
He has signed to Modest Mgt, the company run by music mogul Richard Griffiths the former head of Westlife's label BMG Records. Insiders claim Bryan has already started work on a selection of songs and his solo career has been on the cards for months. The news will rock his former band-mates who were led to believe McFadden quit Westlife to become a house-husband to kids Molly, three, and Lily Sue, one, with wife Kerry.
Last night, an insider said: 'Bryan is busier than ever. He is working with Richard Griffiths who used to be in charge at BMG and a solo career is on the cards.
'It's uncertain whether BMG will hold onto him or whether he will be able to get out of that deal and sign a new one with another label.But there are bound to be several companies desperate to sign him.He is also managing a band and fielding TV offers. Bryan may have said he was walking away from it all, but he is set up for life.Leaving Westlife when he did was a smart move. He could be the next Robbie Williams. People might scoff but Robbie wasn't taken seriously when he left Take That. Everyone thought he would sink without trace and Gary Barlow would be the big star. There's no reason why Bryan can't surprise people. He is outgoing and will enjoy the freedom of going solo.'
Last night, a BMG source said: 'So much for Bryan wanting to spend more time with his family. He is working with Richard Griffiths and going solo. But whether BMG will be releasing those songs is yet to be seen.' News of his solo move comes as Westlife begin their UK tour which kicks off with five dates in Belfast this week. Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily will then head to Glasgow's SECC for six dates, starting on April 16.
Byrne shrugged off McFadden's plans and hit back at his comment that being in Westlife was like serving a prison sentence. Nicky said: 'He's going to have to work hard as a solo artist if not harder so if that's the case he is going from one prison to another.
'I wouldn't describe Westlife as a prison. We've all felt under pressure at different points in our career. Everybody in the band has gone through a stage of wanting to be a solo artist and throwing in the towel
'We've all had bad days but Bryan went that step further and quit. 'We respect his decision but are looking to the future. The potential for Westlife is more albums and tours.' Griffiths has set up a new record label which is licensed to Sony.
source - daily record
1st April
HOLLYOAKS honey Jodi Albert is leaving the show for the love of her boyfriend, Westlife's Kian Egan. She has stunned TV bosses by rejecting a new mega-bucks deal. And the news won't go down well with her huge army of soap fans either.
They were in raptures last year when the 20-year old beauty dressed up in a kinky nurse's outfit for her on-screen man. But pop hunk Kian,23, insisted the decision to quit was to help her career. He said: "I want her to leave. I don't want her to get typecast.
"Her contract is up for renewal in October and she will give it up then. It's all very well being in Hollyoaks, it's a great programme. But she is not allowed to do anything else. Everything they do has to be passed through the soap's bosses and we are both a bit fed-up with it."
Writers are expected to pen a dramatic ending for Jodi, who plays downtrodden shop girl Debbie Dean. The London-born star is currently locked in a harrowing storyline with on-screen boyfriend Dan, played by Andy McNair. Next month, Dan goes on trial for the murder of sister Ellie Mills's serial killer fella Toby (Henry Luxemburg). But Kian wants the writers to let Debbie exit the soap quietly. He added: "When they axe people they tend to give them a big send off. I hope for Jodi's sake she does not get that." Pals believe Kian's intervention in his girlfriend's career could herald wedding bells. Kian and Mark Feehily are the only two unmarried Westlifer's
source - daily star
1st April
WESTLIFE have officially killed off former band member BRYAN McFADDEN by declaring: “As far as we’re concerned, he’s dead and gone.”
Singer NICKY BYRNE admitted he and the rest of the band were devastated by Bryan’s shock departure and have turned their backs on him to succeed as a foursome. In an exclusive, emotional interview in Belfast — after the group’s opening gig of their world tour without Bryan — a furious Nicky told me: “When he first told us, it was like a knife through the heart and I’ll never be able to explain that feeling.
“I spent so much time trying to talk him round you wouldn’t believe — but there was no way any of us could change his mind."
Nicky said he and the others — SHANE FILAN, MARK FEEHILY and KIAN EGAN — made a deliberate effort not to mention Bryan during the concert.
He said: “If we keep mentioning him on stage it will only make our fans think we aren’t moving on and that’s what we have to do.
“As far as Westlife are concerned, Bryan’s dead and gone.
“Personally we all still speak to him — I was texting him this morning. But he has made his decision and it’s a fresh start for us as a foursome.
“We’ve all been like brothers for the past five years and not having him around now is different — but there is no point dwelling on it.”
The show at the Odyssey Arena was a typical Westlife affair with costume changes, cover songs and fireworks. But there was no sign on stage that the band missed Bryan and the fans didn’t seem to be in mourning either. They loved it.The boys did mention the split during their gig, but only to thank their record label bosses, manager LOUIS WALSH and their families for their support. Bryan’s name was never uttered.
Nicky, who admits he’s found it hardest to cope since Bryan left earlier this month, also claimed it was the “kick in the a**e” the band needed to keep them at the top of the charts. He added: “I wouldn’t say we were getting complacent, but we did need to raise our game.
“BLUE arrived on the scene and, although they haven’t come close to competing with us, they did make us realise we will have competition.”
source - The Sun
1st April
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