AUGUST
Westlife's first single from their new retro album will be Moon River
Westlife's first single from their new retro album will be Moon River, the Henry Mancini classic made famous by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany's. Nicky Byrne revealed to the Diary that the new CD will also feature Clementine and Ain't That A Kick In The Head.
It's the latest step in the band's strategy to stay at the top of the charts by gradually changing their sound to appeal to a more mature audience. Already, they are one of the biggest-selling acts in the history of their label, BMG - amazingly, in just six years, they have shifted one-third as many albums as Elvies Presley sold in half-a-century (and, indeed, at one stage, it seemed as if ex-Lifer Brian McFadden had eaten one-third of the King's legendary deep-fried peanut-butter sandwiches, too).
Up to 2003, Elvis had sold 60 million records. Westlife have sold 20 million. The band has already equalled the Beatles' record of 12 No.1 singles in Britain.
This week, the boys have been putting the finishing touches to their version of Moon River, a chart hit in 1961 for Dany Williams and, later, for Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams and others. With Westlife's massive chart power, the song looks set to return to the top of the charts 43 years after it was first released.
The boys will also adopt a stylish new look, eschewing their recent rather grungy image and bringing in impeccably tailored Rat Pack-style outfits.
'We have done the most amazing photo shoots for the album,' Nicky revealed, 'and we even got tailors to hand-make our suits so they would look as original as possible.'
The band and their record label are hoping to follow Robbie Williams, who sold five million copies of his retro album, Swing When You're Winning, and newcomer Michael Buble, known as the new Sinatra, who sold three million copies of his debut album. Bubble, ironically, was briefly linked romantically to Nicky's sister-in-law, Cecilia Ahern.
source - Ireland on Sunday
posted 29th August 2004
Westlife; McFadden looks better without us! 25/08/2004 09:01
Irish pop group WESTLIFE have congratulated their former bandmate BRIAN McFADDEN on his new look.The father-of-two lost weight on the controversial Atkins diet following his shock decision to quit the band in March (04), in a bid to change his image for his new solo career.
Ex-bandmate NICKY BYRNE explains, "We are stronger than ever. Brian was just going through the motions and you can't go on like that.
"He didn't want to be in Westlife and we wanted him to go. He now looks physically better than ever."SHANE FILAN was quick to assure fans they are still friends with McFadden.Filan says, "He's still one of our best mates. We phone him up for a chat. I think his music is really good. We wish him the best of luck."
source - contactmusic.com
posted 28th August 2004
Brian 'hated' Westlife's music
Brian McFadden admits his growing hatred of Westlife's music was partly behind his decision to quit the band. He also says his former band mates suggested he might need therapy when he announced his plan to go solo, reports the Daily Mirror. He said: "They thought it might be a head thing." McFadden says his "impulsive, last minute" decision to walk out came about due to his depression about being in the band.
He said: "A lot of the stuff annoyed me - covers and cabaret songs." The star tells Weekend magazine denies he is trying to be another Robbie Williams. He said: "I don't want to be like anybody. I want to be me. I want to do commercial rock."
source - ananova.com
posted 28th August 2004
Westlife 'happier' without Brian
Irish band Westlife says they're much happier since Brian McFadden left.The foursome say his heart had gone out of the band and they are now better than ever.Nicky Byrne said: "We are stronger than ever. Brian was just going through the motions and you can't go on like that. He didn't want to be in Westlife and we wanted him to go. He now looks physically better and as a foursome we're better than ever."
Shane Filan insists there are no hard feelings. "He's still one of our best mates. We phone him up for a chat.I think his music is really good. We wish him the best of luck," he said.
The band also insist their next album, which will have a Rat Pack theme, won't be their last, says The Sun.Mark Feehily said: "We will keep going until we are not having fun - and right now we are having a great time."
source - ananova.com
posted 26th August 2004
Westlife need you Last updated 23 August 2004
Westlife are auditioning for Bryan McFadden's replacement in Manchester today (Monday). The auditions are being filmed for a TV special called 'You're the One' and the winner will sing on their new album. No word yet if Bryan will be a surprise entrant, he sent them a demo tape for a joke.
source - bbc radio 1 news
posted 26th August
Lying Without Wings
Bryan - sorry, Brian - McFadden left Westlife in March, and the boys are STILL banging on about whether it has been a good thing for them or not. Nicky is adamant the changeover has been all good, telling the Sun: "We are stronger than ever. Brian was just going through the motions and you can't go on like that. He didn't want to be in Westlife and we wanted him to go. He now looks physically better and as a foursome we're better than ever."
And the boys are keen to put to rest the rumours that they are about to call it a day. Mark said: "We will keep going until we are not having fun ° and right now we are having a great time."
Incredibly, Mark seems to have missed the sharp tone in Brian's first solo single 'Real To Me', which describes the Westlife showbiz lifestyle as meaningless. He said: "He's still one of our best mates. We phone him up for a chat. I think his music is really good." Are you sure you've actually listened to any of it, Mark?
source -TOTPs website
posted 25th August 2004
My hopes went west By Kim Dawson
When Westlife announced auditions for a girl to duet on their rat pack album, I knew that despite being tone-deaf I had to jump at the chance, In order to make a lasting impression I decided to trill the B-side to their No1 Fool Again, a cheesy piece of Swedish pop called Tunnel Of Love.
I’ve warbled it plenty with my best mate Shona during boozy girls nights in – alas it’s the tune Westlife cringe most about since they recorded it. Nicky Byrne started it off and I joined in. Shaking his head Mark laughed: “I can’t believe you actually like that song.”
“She’s not bad y’know lads” Lovely Nicky declared. “You could be the one.” Added Shane. “…… but you’re probably not,” decided Kian.
Alas Westlife think they found the best singer in Manchester on Monday. Shane confided. “We know deep down we’ve found someone who is The One." Well, you’ve got my number………………”
source - daily star
posted - 25th August 2004
Get a life, girls
Westlife veto 3am's pop career
We arrived at the audition dreaming of showbiz stardom but all those celebs who love to hate us can rest easy... it looks like we won't be competing with them after all. The judges - Westlife - told us in no uncertain terms to forget it.
From more than 10,000 hopefuls who sang down the phone hoping to impress the band for their She's The One competition, we joined 40 finalists at the Marriott hotel in County Hall, London, for a live audition. The lucky winner will get to record a duet for the foursome's Rat Pack-style album and appear on a prime-time ITV1 special with them. Alas, none of us will be that lady. Now there's a surprise!
While the lads - Kian Egan, 24, Shane Filan, 25, Nicky Byrne, 26, and 24-year-old Mark Feehily - stopped short of any caustic Simon Cowell-style put-downs, when we launched into our rendition of Uptown Girl they made it clear that we weren't quite what they were looking for. And the marks reflected their lack of enthusiasm. Mark awarded us 10 out of 10 but only for effort. Honest Nicky gave us zero. Shane plumped for five points between us and Kian gave us another 10 - but only because he wanted to keep on our good side...
Sitting down for a chat with the boys, they described their selection process. Kian said: "You were very good but whoever wins has to be an amazing singer and really want it.
"We're not just choosing someone on looks. And we're working with Simon Cowell so you never know - he may sign up the winning girl." Well, that made us feel a bit better - especially when we heard about some of the other hopefuls. Shane told us: "Me and Kian burst out laughing over one girl. I don't know why... Another was a little 'stage-schooly'. She was a bit of a tosser actually!"
And it gets worse...
"We had a pair of 42-year-old twins who sounded like a barbershop quartet. Very odd," laughed Shane.
"And there was one 10-year-old who turned up in a really short skirt singing Big Spender. We didn't know where to look. Her mum was really encouraging her but we were just thinking: 'Go home and dress like a 10-year-old'." Luckily, most wannabes can expect a more polite response. "Some of these girls are fans so we're not going to tell them that they're crap," said Shane.
Another person the lads have nothing but kind words for is former bandmate Brian McFadden. "He looks great and is much happier. He just wasn't happy before," said Shane.
"He's writing about what he wants now - and if that's about how much he didn't like being in the band, then fair enough. But we will always be friends with him - we were all like a family." Sadly, it's a family we won't be joining... just yet.
source - www.mirror.co.uk
posted- 25th August 2004
Better Life with no Brian
Westlife are much happier since Brian McFadden left. The lads reckon his heart had gone out of the band and they are better than ever as a foursome. Nicky Byrne said: "We are stronger than ever. Brian was just going through the motions and you can’t go on like that.
"He didn’t want to be in Westlife and we wanted him to go. He now looks physically better and as a foursome we’re better than ever."
Shane Filan insists there are no hard feelings. He said: "He’s still one of our best mates. We phone him up for a chat.
"I think his music is really good. We wish him the best of luck."
The boys also insist their next album, which will have a Rat Pack theme, won’t be their last. Mark Feehily said: "We will keep going until we are not having fun — and right now we are having a great time."
Source - www.thesun.co.uk
Posted - 25th August 2004
Westlife at No. 1
Westlife are at number one at the download chart at www.7digital.com followed by Blazin Squad and Oasis.
Source - www.7digital.com
Posted - 25th August 2004
Westlife search for a girl
Westlife were mobbed as they auditioned for a fifth member yesterday. No, the band weren't trying to replace Brian McFadden, but were looking for a female singer for their next album.
The Irish boys were in Manchester to hear 100 girls sing for the chance to perform with them in the studio and on a TV special. More than 250,000 girls applied, but only the lucky 100 were invited to sing in front of Kian, Shane, Nicky and Mark at the final. The winner will be announced live on air in a TV special in September. Auditions were also held in Dublin on Sunday.
The lucky girl will perform a duet with the band on their show, then join the boys in the recording studio to sing a track on their Christmas album. It will feature cover versions of songs by Hollywood's Rat Pack including Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.
Simon Cowell came up with the idea, which Nicky loves. He said: 'It's a great opportunity to bond with our fans and to give someone the amazing opportunity we were given.'
source - www.dailyrecord.co.uk
posted- 25th August 2004
Former Westlife member Brian McFadden could be on the same bill as his old colleagues in Ireland's biggest free concert if his schedule allows it. As Westlife were confirmed as the main headline act for the 02 in the Park concert in Phoenix Park, a spokeswoman for Brian McFadden said he had plenty of reasons to perform at the gig attended by 100,000 fans.
"It has been put out there but the question is if it can be slotted in," a spokesperson for Brian said. "With his band Franklin playing and his wife Kerry doing backstage interviews he has an added reason to make his way there."
Over 100,000 music lovers have already snapped up the tickets to watch around 20 acts perform in the gigantic open air gig. Some of the other acts, who will each take to the stage on September 4 for around 15 minutes each, include Girls Aloud, boy band Blue, Mark Geary, Belinda Cherry, Bellefire, Picturehouse, Aslan and Luke Thomas.
Twenty-four-year-old McFadden's first single Real To Me will hit the record shops on September 3 - the day before the concert. But his spokeswoman said: "He is working hard to make his first single as successful as he can.
"He is learning that being in a band you are one of five so if you are having an off day someone else can take up the slack but as a solo artist it is down to you. It is hard work."
Last March Brian quit the successful boy band, which had hit number one in the charts with their first seven singles, to spend more time with his family.
source - www.utvlive.com
posted - 18th August 2004
You'll find stream links in the news section of the official Westlife site where you can preview a clip of the special live version of FWW which Westlife will be releasing as a download only track next Monday (August 23rd).
The track was recorded in Stockholm at the end of May thi year, on the band's Turnaround Tour, and is a stripped down, piano and vocal led version of the song. The video of the live performance will be going on The Box next week.
The release coincides with the opening of the Official Download Chart, which will run alongside the singles chart, and be covered on Radio 1 on Wednesday evenings.
source - www.westlife.com
posted - 18th August 2004
Westlife to play at O2 In The Park
Westlife have been confirmed as one of the headlining acts for this year's O2 In The Park which will take place on Saturday 4 September in the Phoenix Park. Westlife's Shane Filan said: "Its always brilliant to come home to Ireland and play for our home crowd. Our fans never fail to give us a massive welcome when we manage to get home for a gig."
O2 In The Park is a free, ticketed concert but all tickets have now been allocated. To enter competitions for pit passes log on to www.O2.ie/O2inthepark or stay tuned to RTÉ 2FM. Artists confirmed to play at this years concert include Blue, Girls Aloud, Bellefire, Aslan, Picturehouse, Mickey Harte, George Murphy, Mark Geary, Mundy, Alphastates, Chris Doran and The Shades.
source - www.rte.ie
posted - 17th August 2004
"Never let it be said that those Westlife boys are lightweights. The Irish hunks stayed out drinking till the wee small hours on Saturday - with Mark Feehily putting in a particularly fine performance. The singer showed off some fancy footwork on the dance floor of swanky West End bar the Kingly Club - and stayed necking vodka shots with 3am's Caroline until 5am. We're impressed."
source - The Mirror newspaper 3am column
posted 17th August 2004
BRIAN McFADDEN has reapplied to join WESTLIFE.
When ex-member Brian (formerly Bryan) heard the remaining four lads were holding auditions for someone to sing on their new album, he saw an ideal chance for a wind-up.
And he has now called the audition hotline to leave his details and give a demo of his singing talents in the hope they’ll recruit him. On Manchester’s Key 103FM radio he rang the number and left his details as “Brian McFadden, 24, from Dublin” then proceeded to sing.
posted - 17th August 2004
Westlife have been confirmed to headline the o2 in the park concert at phoenix park on September 4th.all free tickets have gone but you can win pit passes by going to www.o2.ie/o2inthepark.also appearing are blue and girls aloud
credit - touringagain
source - official boards
posted - 17th August 2004
Westwives legging it
Westlife singer Shane Filan and his ravishing wive Gillian leg it to dinner at a posh restaurant in London,to meet Nicky Byrne and his equally dishy wife Georgina.
The lads were hoping the menu was tasty-they worked up an appetite getting ready for their imminent pop battle with ex westlife Brian.
source-Daily Star
posted - 16th August
Manchester auditions/meet the band...
Westlife will be at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester on Monday August 23rd, for the Manchester leg of the You're The One auditions. Even if you're not going to the auditions, you should still head down, because the band will be around in the morning beforehand to say hello to fans, and sign autographs.
See www.thelowryhotel.com for more details on the hotel location.
source - www.westlife.co.uk
posted 12th August 2004
Download chart race hots up
Muse, Jet, Zero 7 and Westlife are all in the chase to be the first ever official download chart number one. They're aiming to release download only tracks in time for the first on air chart rundown which will be live on the Scott Mills show in September.
The chart will be broadcast every Wednesday at 6pm from September 1. Radio 1 will continue to broadcast the Official Chart Show with Wes on Sundays from 4-7pm.
The main online download stores will be represented in the chart, which will list single tracks, whether they are from albums, singles, or download only tunes.
source - www.bbc.co.uk/radio1
posted - 12th August 2004
We wanted you to be the first to know that Westlife are set to release a special live version of their massive Number 1 single Flying Without Wings on 23rd August, 2004. This special live stripped down version of Flying Without Wings was recorded in May of this year at The Globe, Stockholm on the massive sell-out Turnaround Arena tour. This is a unique opportunity for you to get an end of tour souvenir. This release is important for the boys as not only will it be their first release without Bryan but it’s also only available as a download and will be included in the first ever Official Download Chart. This chart will be compiled by the Official Chart Company, the same company that compile the official Top 40 each week.
How to Order : You will be able to legally download Flying Without Wings from www.westlife.com and all other legal download stores such as itunes.com, mycokemusic.com, msnmusicclub.com, freeserve.com, hmvonlinestore.com and napster.com. You'll also be able to order your Westlife download straight from your phone. We'll send you instructions soon, so keep an eye on your inbox.
Westlife are currently working on their 5th studio album. We'll keep you posted on how it's going soon. In the meantime the boys have launched a nationwide talent search to find someone special to duet with on their forthcoming album and on a Westlife primetime TV special You’re The One, which will air later this year. Please check www.westlife.com for further information. Thanks for reading, we'll be in touch again soon.
source- www.westlife.com
posted - 10th August 2004
I Kian wait 4 years to wed, Star reveals big date
The Mirror (London, England); 8/4/2004
Byline: Paul Martin
WESTLIFE star Kian Egan has finally named the big wedding date to his Hollyoaks lover Jodi Albert. But don't hold your breath folks - he isn't getting hitched for FOUR YEARS! The singer was shocked when a downmarket Sunday tabloid claimed he had got secretly engaged. He promptly announced that marriage was the last thing on his or Jodi's mind. But the millionaire Sligo boy hasn't ruled out a showbiz wedding completely.
"I think Jodi is the girl for me and I would love to get married one day," he told me this week. I think maybe in four years would be the perfect time. I would be 28 by then and hopefully have achieved most of my goals. Jodi is 21 so she would be 25 - so that would be pretty much the perfect ages in my opinion. Like any other guy I would love to settle down and have a happy marriage and start a family. I've seen Nicky, Shane and Bryan all do it while they were in the band. I don't think I'll do it while I'm in Westlife but marriage is for me - but in the future."
But despite their high-flying lifestyle Kian says his dream wedding venue would be at home in Sligo. He added: "It's such a gorgeous place and the scenery is stunning.
"I've been all over the world and there is nowhere like home. When I eventually get married I want it to be a real family affair and ideally it would be in Sligo. Jodi loves it there too and we have spent a lot of happy times around the area. But for now I'm busy planning our next Westlife album - not a big wedding bash. And I'm certainly not engaged yet!"
source - The Mirror (London, England); 8/4/2004
posted- 8th Aug 2004
Heart-throbs drop in to club for a pint, or two
Revellers at Club Brazilia, in Bury St Edmunds, got a shock on Saturday night when Irish boy band Westlife turned up for a few drinks. Kian, Shane, Mark and Nicky visited the Station Hill night spot after performing in front of 25,000 people at Christchurch Park, Ipswich, earlier in the day.
The group, who have had a string of number one hits, were staying at an undisclosed hotel in Bury. Chris Cornish, manager of Club Brazilia, said the boys' management called ahead to check if it was okay for the heart-throbs to pop in for a pint or two. After a quick security check of the premises by their minders, the chart-topping foursome were escorted into the club to enjoy the nightlife of Bury.
"I was a bit shocked when I got the call, but you take it in your stride," said Mr Cornish.
"I did think it was a wind up – I thought I'll believe it when I see it... and then they turned up. We roped off an area upstairs and they just sat up there, had a few drinks and chilled out. You couldn't wish to meet a group of more friendly down to earth lads – they really were a great bunch of guys."
Although the lads enjoyed a number of drinks, they didn't take to the dancefloor to show off any of the nifty moves featured in their music videos. Mr Cornish said the boys were more than happy to say hello to fans and sign autographs. He said: "They stayed afterwards and met all the staff. They had a chat to everyone and we had some photos done with them. They are still really high profile and for them to come here is not only good for the club but for the whole town."
Source- www.buryfreepress.co.uk
Posted - 6th August 2004
Reports of Kian and Jodi engagement rubbished
Patricia Egan, mum of Westlife star Kian, has rubbished reports that her son is engaged to his girlfriend, Hollyoaks actress, Jodi Albert.
"He is not engaged and I should know," said Patricia yesterday (Monday) when contacted at her home on the Strandhill Road.
The rumours surfaced after a report in a national newspaper said they had got engaged last month.
"The report is total rubbish. The ring is not an engagement ring. It was a present for her 21st birthday along with a Tiffany necklace and a crocodile-skin designer handbag." Kian bought Jodi a snake-type style Cartier ring.
"This is not an engagement ring. It’s not the style that you would give to someone if you were to propose. Kian rang me before he went shopping and he felt that these presents would be great."
Kian’s parents have met Jodi and she has been to the Egan family home on the Strandhill Road. Kian (24) recently bought a house in Strandhill worth E400,000.
"There have been lots of people ringing the couple to congratulate them but it’s not true. Both of them are interested in furthering their careers and are very young. Getting engaged is years down the road for Kian." Both families are meeting up for Jodi 21st birthday bash this weekend. Jodi turned 21 on July 22 last but the couple were too busy to celebrate it then.
"If they announce anything at the party then I’ll be the one suffering the biggest shock. Jodi is a lovely girl and she is very suited to Kian."
Source - www.sligoweekender.ie
Posted - 6th August 2004
Kian: I'm not ready for wed-life yet
Star slams engagement rumours as ridiculous. Westlife star Kian Egan yesterday laughed off reports he was getting hitched and revealed: I'm not ready for wed-life yet. The star was shocked by reports in a Sunday tabloid that he had secretly got engaged to Hollyoaks girlfriend Jodi Albert. The millionaire singer called the Irish Mirror to set the record straight and proclaimed: "I'm madly in love with Jodi but we're not engaged.
"That story was completely ridiculous and stupid. I don't know where they get them from. I bought Jodi a ring for her birthday. It was a pink band with diamond insets but nothing like you would expect an engagement ring to be. I just wanted to tell the Irish Mirror the truth and make sure the fans don't believe this kind of rubbish."
Kian, 24, has been dating Jodi for over a year. They are regulars at showbiz parties in London and often stay at Kian's EUR1.5million apartment in Chelsea. There have been a number of reports claiming the couple are planning to tie the knot. But Kian insisted they will do things in their own time, adding: "I'm only 24 and Jodi's 21 so we'd be mad to get married at this age. We still have so much to do with our careers and many goals to fulfil.
"We're very happy with the way things are."
Source - Mirror
Posted - 6th August 2004
You're The One phoneline now closed
We've had thousands of entries to the You're The One competition, in which Westlife are looking for a female vocalist to duet on their new album and TV special.
The phonelines have now closed - the standard of entries has been really high, and the scale of the auditions look likely to eclipse those of Pop Idol by some distance...
Auditions take place in Dublin on August 22nd, Manchester on the 23rd and London on 24th. Once all the entries have been listened to, fans selected for the audition will be contacted.
Source- www.westlife.co.uk
Posted- 6th August 2004