Westlife

"> Wednesday, March 31, 2004

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: www.showbizireland.com

~*~ posted by me @ 6:00 PM

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Sunday, March 28, 2004

Start of Westlife's turnaround world tour 2mr!!

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
credit: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/slavesforwestlife

~*~ posted by me @ 10:37 PM

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Vote for Westlife

Vote!!

~*~ posted by me @ 10:25 PM

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Friday, March 26, 2004

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!

Shane & Kian at rehearsals

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...

Nicky at rehearsals

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.

Mark at rehearsals

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.

Westlife fans at rehearsals

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.

source: www.showbizireland.com

~*~ posted by me @ 9:29 AM

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Bryan's Footie Dream Shattered...

Poor Bryan McFadden has had a rough couple of weeks - not only has he just left the biggest boyband on the globe but his Sunday football team the Beachcombers got beaten in the Loftus Cup final yesterday...

Bryan plays for Beachcombers FC

No one has really come up with a good reason yet as to why Bryan McFadden left Westlife - perhaps it was family pressures? perhaps it was to manage his new band Franklin? or perhaps it was so he could concentrate on his Sunday League football?

Bryan plays for Beachcombers FC

Whatever the reason an unshaven Bryan ran his heart out yesterday on The AFL Grounds as his team Beachcombers FC took on Clontarf Celtic.

Bryan plays for Beachcombers FC

But sadly for the father-of-two his team was beaten 1-0 by the Clontarf boys...

Bryan plays for Beachcombers FC

Bryan's new band Franklin were on the sidelines watching their manager strut his stuff and seemed impressed with his footie skills, lets hope he is more successful at getting them to the top of the charts.

Bryan's new band Franklin

Hard luck Bryan, better luck with the new band!

source: www.showbizireland.com

~*~ posted by me @ 9:27 AM

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Friday, March 19, 2004

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’s 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: www.showbizireland.com
Credit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/byrne_nicky_byrne

~*~ posted by me @ 11:15 PM

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Westlife Bryan's car raps

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.

Source: www.thesun.co.uk
Credit: Danni
: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/byrne_nicky_byrne

~*~ posted by me @ 11:11 PM

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Vote for Westlife

Vote!-click here-

~*~ posted by me @ 11:04 PM

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Bushtucker 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 Bushtucker 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: Belfast telegraph
credit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/westlife_apartment

~*~ posted by me @ 10:50 PM

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Nicky going deaf

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: www.bbc.co.uk/totp
credit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/westlife_apartment

~*~ posted by me @ 2:34 PM

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Kerry is Queen of St Paddy's Day...

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.

Rosanna Davison at St Patrick's Day Parade 2004

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 tradional Irish music.

Chris De Burgh at St Patrick's Day Parade 2004

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.

Mary McAleese at St Patrick's Day Parade 2004

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.

St Patrick's Day Parade 2004

The proud father rushed over to the open-top car to kiss his daughter as she passed by.

St Patrick's Day Parade 2004

Happy Paddy's Day!

source:
Showbiz Ireland
http://www.showbizireland.com/news/march04/18-westlife68.shtml

~*~ posted by me @ 2:30 PM

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Tuesday, March 16, 2004

News ---
comments on Bryan's departure

source: www.sky.com

~*~ posted by me @ 11:44 AM

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VOTE!

Vote for Westlife on TMF

vote for Mark Feehily

~*~ posted by me @ 11:40 AM

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Westlife ain't splitting up!
listen to Shane

Source: www.westlife.com

Bryan's departure

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.

Bryan McFadden leaves Westlife

As Bryan McFadden departs Westlife the remaining boys intend to solider on and confirmed plans for the next studio album.

Kian's tears for Bryan

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."

Kerry's tears for 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".

Bryan hugs Kian

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".

Westlife are now a four piece

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".

Louis Walsh at Bryan's departure

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".

Tearful Fans
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".

Credit: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/nickymylove

~*~ posted by me @ 11:27 AM

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Wednesday, March 10, 2004

Obvious at third spot on the UK charts currently

~*~ posted by me @ 9:59 PM

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Today's lead story
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(underline underline).

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 Odessey the tour will see the band pefrom 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 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 this time more than ever(yeah...fans out there! Please continue to support the lads!) 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 sucess and carry on for many years yet.

BMG Records are fully behind Westlife.

source: www.westlife.com.
date: 9th March 2004

~*~ posted by me @ 9:59 PM

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