AUGUST
See Westlife on Wednesday!
Fancy seeing Westlife in the flesh on Wednesday - maybe even meeting
them...as well as being on TV?!! The boys will be flying into a London
airport on Wednesday 31st August to film part of the Pepsi Max Downloaded
show and we're offering fans the chance to welcome them when they touch down!!
There will also be a TV crew on site to film the band's arrival.
We'll have full details on where and when it'll take place available here on the
site on Tuesday, so put the date in your diary right now!
source - www.westlife.com
posted - 28th August
The queen's English
Mark Feehily, one of the members of popular British boy band Westlife, came out
of the closet last week. Gay boy bands, lesbian princess, bi doctors and other
reasons Britannia rules
Boys and girls, Dish has always had a lot of respect for our gay counterparts
across the pond and it seems things are a whole lot more tolerant there for gay
folks these days. At least there's a handful of good entertainment news that
seems like a new, gay Camelot is dawning in the British Isles.
First up, there's MARK FEEHILY. We may not know who he is, but in the U.K., he's
like JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE and he just came out of the closet. Last week, Feehily,
25, a member of the super popular boy band Westlife told the London newspaper
the Mirror that he is gay.
"I want people to know the truth," he said. "I am gay and I'm very proud of who
I am. I'm not asking for sympathy, or to be a role model for someone else. I
simply felt it was the right time to tell the truth."
Not only is he out, but he's dragging another young, sexy male pop singer out
with him. Surprisingly, it's not CLAY AIKEN. Feehily is dating Kevin McDaid, 21,
a member of the boy band V.
"I'm sure Westlife fans will be pleased I'm happy," said Feehily, whose picture
has been a pin-up for girls across the land. "All the lads in Westlife have
settled down and are in relationships, so why can't I be?"
Feehily told the Mirror that his band mates, Kian Egan, Shane Filan and Nicky
Byrne, knew about his orientation, but didn't discuss it publicly before the
announcement and that they are all fine with it. The group has had 12 No. 1
singles in their native land and just finished a sold-out, 56-date world tour.
source- Washington Blade
posted - 28th August
Firm fined for Westlife fireworks horror
A PYROTECHNICS company has been ordered to pay £6,000 for a fireworks accident
at a sell-out pop concert. Music fans at boy band Westlife's concert in Chantry
Park, Ipswich, last July had to dive for cover when stray fireworks shot into
the crowd. The misfiring explosives caused minor injuries to one member of the
public and a security guard, and burst through a metal fence surrounding the
venue. Ipswich Borough Council launched an investigation into the incident, which came at the finale of the chart-topping Irish group's set.
Rocket Pyrotechnics Ltd, from Dartford, Kent, appeared before magistrates in
Ipswich this week and pleaded guilty to offences under the Health and Safety at
Work Act 1974. The council said the company had failed to secure two sets of
class four fireworks in place. This caused the explosives to topple over and
shoot out into the crowd. Rocket Pyrotechnics, which operates nationally, was
fined £6,000, including costs.
Karen Dunne, council environmental health officer, said: "Fireworks of this
nature at any fireworks display must be buried, staked or secured in place in
some way to prevent them from falling over, otherwise the consequences could be
fatal"
Westlife's visit to Ipswich created a wave of hysteria for thousands of
pop fans across the region. A huge stage was set up in Chantry Park for the
occasion and the show
included a cartoon introduction, a spectacular light show and the fireworks
finale.
Other performers who thrilled the crowds on the night included Blazin' Squad and
Peter Andre.
source - East Anglian Daily Times
posted - 28th August
New Photos Coming Soon
Westlife have been at the photoshoot for their new album artwork this week.
We'll have some of the brilliant new pictures on the site soon, but for a sneak
preview, head over to the WAP site now...
source - www.westlife.com
posted - 25th August
Stephen Gately backs Mark
Stephen Gately has backed Westlife's Mark Feehily for coming out. And the former
boyzone star said that admitting he was gay was 'the best decision I ever made'
Stephen offered mark his full support and said 'well done Mark. What he's done
will help thousands of other youngsters who fear the effect coming out will have
on their families. I was in a similar position when I was in boyzone, but coming
out was the best thing I ever did. I got so much support from my friends, family
and my fans. I was inundated with letters from people saying I had given them
the courage to do the same. I remember one of the letters was from a young guy
telling me he was suicidal until he read my interview and that had given him the
courage to come out. I got flowers and letters of support from Elton John George
Michael and the spice girls. everyone was so supportive and I'm sure mark will
experience the same'
Mark did an exclusive interview with me in yesterdays Sun and
revealed for the first time the truth about his sexuality he told me 'I'm gay
and very proud of who I am'
and sun readers have bombarded me with e mails offering their support to the
brave singer
RACHEL FROM WARWICKSHIRE said 'I want mark to know that all the fans are 100%
behind him, it wont effect the band either we are all united'
BARNEY FROM LONDON said 'this only makes me respect mark more I'm sure Westlife
fans like me will be behind the band all the way'
GAIL FROM SCOTLAND says 'Mark did the right thing, fans appreciate honesty, all
the best Mark'
and a fan who didn't give their name said 'Marks story is amazing its good that
the other guys in the band support him. I am in the same predicament but am
unable to tell anyone my full support goes out to Mark and I hope his
relationship goes well'
source - Sun Newspaper
posted - 20th August 2005
Mark ‘I’m gay and very proud of who I am’
He’s a heart-throb admired by millions of fans around the world… and today
Westlife star Mark Feehily has taken the brave decision to reveal that he is
gay.In an astonishingly frank and moving interview, the singer decided to tell
the truth about his love life for the first time.
For years the Irish-born singer has avoided questions about his sexuality.
But today he feels the time is right to come out in an exclusive Sun interview.
Mark 25, says: ‘I want people to know the truth about my sexuality. I am gay and
I’m very proud of who I am. I’m not asking for any sympathy, or to be a role
model to anyone else.
‘ I simply felt it was the right time for me to let people know the truth. ‘I’ve
never tried to hide who I am from anyone, but I’m a very private person and in
the past I haven’t felt the need to say anything about my sexuality. But I want
people to know I’m very comfortable with who I am.
With Westlife Mark has had a staggering twelve No 1 singles, won two Brit
Awards, and MTV Europe Award and had five multi-platinum albums. He is also a
pin-up for teenage girls around the world who camp outside the band’s hotels
hoping to catch a glimpse of their heroes.
While his bandmates, Kian Egan 25, Shane Fian 26, and 26 year old Nicky Bryne
were all aware of Mark’s sexuality, it will perhaps come as a surprise to his
army of fans. Mark explains ‘I’m not worried about how people react because I’m
happy being who I am. My close friends and family – the people I love – have
been incredibly supportive to me and that’s what really matters.
‘I think the culture we live in today is different and that people’s attitudes
towards homosexuality have changed. I don’t think my life will change
dramatically as a result of me doing this interview today. I’m still the same
person I was the day before. I’m sure Westlife fans will be pleased that I’m
happy. I don’t think it changes anything.
Mark, from a tight-knit family in Sligo, north west Ireland, is currently in a
long-term relationship with singer Kevin McDaid. Kevin, 21 was in a boyband
called V and the pair met a few months back.
Mark explains: ‘I’m a very private person and I don’t think I owe it to anyone
to go into details about my relationship. But I would like to say that I’m
happy, and that I’ve found someone who is a real companion. It does get lonely
being on the road with the band sometimes and I’m very happy now I’m in a
relationship with someone who makes me laugh.
‘All the lads in Westlife have settled down and are in relationships, so why
can’t I be? I haven’t gone to great lengths to try and hide anything from
anyone. But now that I’m doing this interview today, perhaps it will be a bit
easier to get o with a normal life,. In a way I don’t see coming out in this
interview as a big deal. I told my parents a few years ago and they were
absolutely fantastic. They gave me a big hug and told me it didn’t matter – they
totally accepted it and I know that they love me. Their only concern was that I
might have been suffering trying to keep it a secret. Both my parents and two
younger brothers were amazing. ‘We’re a very close family and that’s been a
tremendous help to me.And the lads in the band are among my best friends in the
world – they have been there for me whenever I’ve needed to talk anything
through. ‘They are pleased I am comfortable with my life.
Westlife have sold an impressive 34million albums around the globe and are
planning to release a new album in October. Mark is convinced his announcement
will have no impact on the support the band enjoys from their incredible fan
base. He explains ‘What I’m really doing today isn’t really any different to
what lots of other people have to go through in their lives. Everyday there are
people worrying about how their families react when they tell them they are gay.
‘I’d like to tell everyone not to worry about that because in my experience
everyone has been supportive of me. My home town is so small and close-knit that
the people there are just proud of what we’ve achieved as a band. They still
treat me and the lads as they always have.
The way I’ve always seen it is that when I was a little boy I wanted to be a
singer. I didn’t want to be famous – I just wanted to sing.
‘And that’s the way I’ve always tried to live my life. I’m sure after this
interview those who didn’t know the truth about my personal life will move on
and see that’s I’m normal like them’
source - Sun Newspaper
Posted - 19th August 2005
The amazing new Westlife website is on its way!
Put a big circle around Monday 12th September in your diary...Because it's the
launch day of the fantastic new Westlife website! The site will go live at 18.00
hours and the first 500 people to log in or sign up to the VIP Area, will
receive an extra-special limited edition Westlife fanzine, packed full of brand
new photos, behind-the-scenes gossip, news from the band and some other great
features! We’ll also be revealing details of how one lucky fan can win an
incredible money-can't-buy prize, plus there’ll be a live webcast from Westlife
themselves!
The new-look site will be packed full of once-in-a-lifetime competitions,
exclusive video interviews, fun quizzes, all the latest info and much, much
more. We are counting down the days until the launch right here on our special
Westlife countdown timer – and we're sure you will be too
source - westlife.com
posted - 15th August 2005
Shane found sweet inspiration
DOTING Westlife dad SHANE has found sweet inspiration from the birth of his
first child. The pop hunk has been so overjoyed at the birth of his daughter
Nicole that he's already finding inspiration from her for new songs. A source
close to the star said: ""Shane is mad about her and has got a new lease of life
from her birth.
""He's now desperate to get back into the studio and help write a great album.
His big ambition is for Nicole to see him live in Westlife when she is old
enough to understand what's going on. He's even been writing new material at
home while he enjoys his time off from the band."
source- The Irish Mirror
posted 8th August
Baby are FILAN fine!
WESTLIFE star Shane Filan burst into tears yesterday as his wife gave birth to
his own Bop Bop Baby. Singer Shane was at wife Gillian's hospital beside when
5lbs 7oz
Nicole arrived 10 days early by Caesarean section at exactly 8.27 in the
morning. And Shane, 26, told the Irish Sunday Mirror yesterday: "We both cried
it was the most emotional and amazing experience of my life." Delighted Shane added: "But both Gillian and Nicole are doing
well. We only realised yesterday that Gillian would have to have a Caesarean
section so it was quite dramatic but everyone is doing great." Proud Shane said new baby Nicole was definitely a chip of the
old block and a family friend said she weighed in the same as Shane did when he
was
born.
"The baby looks like me." He said. "She's got dark hair and is
absolutely gorgeous. "Gillian is fantastic, she's been resting a lot and will be
staying in hospital for a few days. But I can't wait to get her and Nicole back
home."
The couple discovered yesterday that Gillian would have to undergo a Caesarean
section as it was best for the baby. Shane thanked the staff ay Sligo General
for taking good care of his two Uptown Girls. "The staff at the hospital were unbelievable throughout the
whole thing."
The couple have been preparing for their new arrival for the
past nine months. But Gillian refused to let Shane decorate the nursery until
Nicole was born. A pal said: "Gillian was a bit superstitious about decorating
so Shane is going to be a very busy boy over the next few days. They had bought
all the stuff for the nursery but Gillian wouldn't
let Shane organise the room until Nicole arrived."
Shane and Gillian wed in December 2003. The couple were
childhood sweethearts and met through bandmate Kian Egan who is a cousin
of Gillian. Westlife are on a three-month summer break but last night Mark
Feehily , Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne sent messages to their pal to congratulate
him on his new arrival.
source: Irish Sunday Mirror
posted- 3rd August 2005
I'm a dad!
WESTLIFE hunk Shane Filan has a new woman in his life, a beautiful baby
daughter. Little Nicole Filan decided to give her famous father and proud mother
Gillian a surprise yesterday when she made a appearance 10 days ahead of
schedule. The couple's first child weighed in to Sligo General Hospital at a
healthy 5lbs 7oz, the exact same birth weight as her 26-year-old dad. Yesterday
afternoon an elated Shane arrived at the hospital armed with a massive bouquet
of flowers for his wife of 19 months and a pink teddy bear for the new queen of
his heart.
A family friend said: "They are delighted, the baby was born 10
days early. Mother and child are doing well. Gillian and Shane are on cloud
nine. It is a dream come true." Shane, who was at his wife's bedside for
the birth, has taken the next five weeks off from Westlife to spend time with
his new family at their seven-bedroom mansion in
Sligo. Gillian, 26, is expected to be released from hospital early next week,
which gives singer Shane a few days to do up the nursery for his new arrival.
The couple, who first heard of the pregnancy last Christmas, had
opted not to know the sex of the baby.And Nicole, who was conceived last
November on the first night Shane and Gillian moved into their dream home, will
not be gracing the pages of any glossy magazines. Her private millionaire
parents have already turned down lucrative
offers for the first pictures of the Filan family.
source - The People
posted - 3rd August
Win A Westlife Gig In Your Hometown!
Westlife and Pepsi Max Downloaded have teamed up to give you the chance to get
up close and personal with Westlife! You can Download the boys to your town
where they will play a gig for you, your friends and family & all you have to do
is help put on the show! You'll work closely with the crew to make sure
that everything is ready for the band's performance... and it will be screened
on Channel 4 & E4!
All you have to do to enter is get a unique code from special promotional packs
of Pepsi or check out www.pepsimax.com for more information. The closing date
for Westlife is 21st August so make sure you get your entries in as soon as
possible.
Kian said: "We're delighted to be involved with Pepsi Max Downloaded. We're
looking forward to going to someone's local town as it's a good chance for us to
give something back to the fans that are used to seeing as perform in big
arenas. It really is a unique opportunity as the winner will be working with us
closely behind the scenes but we're confident that our fans are up to the
challenge of putting on a Westlife show"
source - www.westlife.com
posted - 3rd August