Westlife

"> Saturday, July 31, 2004

"My_£20,000_autograph"

Mystery buyer pays huge price after schoolgirl's tale of courage Brave Kirsteen Lupton became an instant superstar when she asked celebrity guests at a ball to help the hospital which saved her. Guests at the £500-a-head Silverstone Grand Prix ball gave Scots schoolgirl Kirsteen, 10, a standing ovation after she moved many of them to tears. Then dad Martin suggested she donate her own autograph to the ball's charity auction - and it raised £20,000.

Kirsteen, of Milngavie, near Glasgow, was born with her bladder outside her body and has had a series of operations at Great Ormond Street Hospital. She has since worked tirelessly to raise money for the London hospital and went to the ball in Buckinghamshire to persuade the stars of F1 to dig deep. She met celebrity couple Kerry and Bryan McFadden, formerly of Atomic Kitten and Westlife, as well as racing boss Eddie Jordan and a host of F1 stars. Kirsteen said: 'It was amazing to meet all these famous people, but the best part of the day was raising all that money for my signature.'

Kirsteen,a pupil at Craigdhu Primary, travelled to the ball on Friday with her dad. She told the 1400 guests how the hospital helped her have a normal life and how she saw it as a second home. Her condition affects just one in 40,000 newborns.Doctors do not know what causes it and it must be treated in a series of complex operations. Bryan McFadden said he and Kerry were overwhelmed by Kirsteen.

He said: 'The fact she raised so much money is absolutely wonderful. 'She's an amazing girl and the way she spoke brought a tear to my eye. She's got such courage, you can't help but be touched by her.' Kirsteen told the guests: 'I had to stay in hospital for five weeks and during this stay I hadmy seventh birthday.

'All the staff of the Louise Ward held as good a party for me as I could ever imagine. I was only just over one-and-a-half stone in weight at the time. I think of Great Ormond Street not as a hospital but as a second home.' She said later:

'I thought my dad had gone mad when he said to put my signature up for auction but I did it anyway. I never thought we'd get more than £500 for it. 'When the bidding went up to £10,000, I was really shocked, so I was amazed when it finished at £20,000.'

Kirsteen wrote the buyer, identified only as David, a personal note with her thanks and added her signature. Clare Cook, head of fundraising publicity at Great Ormond Street, said: 'Kirsteen moved people to tears. 'It was her dad's inspired idea to put forward her autograph for auction and we thought it would do well,but we were gobsmacked when it went for £20,000.'

source: www.dailyrecord.co.uk
credit: [westlifes_castle]

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No deal for McFadden yet

Former Westlife member Bryan McFadden has yet to sign a major record deal, according to the singer's manager Richard Griffiths who denies contrary reports in the UK press this weekend. Saturday's edition of The Mirror reported that McFadden has signed a ? million deal with Sony Music. However, Griffiths says the only deal McFadden has been part of is the set up of his own independent production company, Pig. McFadden is also reported to be working with a number of high-profile songwriters. Griffiths says, "We are talking to lots of labels at the moment. Bryan has been writing with Paul Barry, Guy Chambers and Phil Thornalley but he hasn't signed a major deal yet".

Source: Music Weekly
Credit: [westlifes_castle]

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Bryan's Westlife move shocked Kerry

Kerry McFadden says she had no idea that husband Bryan wanted to leave Westlife, until five days before he quit. The singer left thousands of Westlife fans devastated when he sensationally quit one of the world's most successful boy-bands in March this year, "I swear I didn't know he was leaving until five days before it was announced," says Kerry. "When he told me I thought, 'Oh my God, what on earth are you doing?' but Bryan is one of these people who, once he's made up his mind up - that's it. "He'd mentioned it six months before but I never really thought anything of it. When he told me for real I was heartbroken - it has been our whole life. I reckon I was more upset than Bryan was!" The straight-talking 23-year-old admits that although Bryan's shock departure from Westlife bought back painful memories of the day she left Atomic Kitten for good, she's ecstatic that he'll have more time for his young family "Now he can make his own decisions about having time off which he couldn't do before - funnily enough at the minute he's really busy with writing his solo album but it'll all calm down again soon," she smiles. "I wouldn't rule out us working together again, but it's nice that I have my job and he has his job. We can both come home at night and tell each other what we've been up to - it keeps things more interesting," she adds. And as the nation's favourite jungle celebrity, it's not just 23-year-old Bryan who has faced a life-changing career move of late. In August, Kerry will get her first taste of acting when she starts work on an Irish film called Showbands. "Acting's my ideal job. I'm really excited about Showbands - as well as being a bit nervous. "But they wouldn't ask me be in the film if I couldn't do it I'm sure," she says confidently.

Source: Press Association
Credit: [westlifes_castle]

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McFaddens to renew wedding vows

Bryan McFadden and his wife Kerry are renewing their wedding vows to prove they're still in love - less than two years after tying the knot.The former Westlife singer and the I'm a celebrity…Get me out of here!

Reality TV star plan to marry for a second time in a declaration of love. McFadden says: "We're going to go away somewhere, most likely Italy -as Kerry will want Venice. We'll underline our vows and the commitment we made two years ago, because that is what marriage is. "We'll have a laugh and get along well - but since I left Westlife we've both been so busy. We hope we'll get away together in September - certainly before the end of the year."

Kerry was devastated when she discovered Bryan had cheated on her with lapdancer Amy Barker at his stag night in October 2001. The former Atomic Kitten singer found out through newspaper revelations six months later. Kerry said: "What matters to me is that my family - Bryan, me and the kids - are all safe. And you know what? I can't remember being so content with my lot."

Source: breaking.examiner.ie
Credit: [westlifes_castle]

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Westlife performing at Butlins

Click here for info

credit: [legranickybyrne]

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Vote for Westlife

Click here!

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Bryan signs solo deal

Bryan McFadden, who quit Westlife in March to spend more time with his family, is set to launch a solo career.

The 23-year-old singer has just signed a £2million solo record deal, according to the Daily Mirror.

He has been signed up to a new label headed by music veteran Richard Griffiths. The marketing and distribution will be handled by Sony.

Bryan is already busy working on material with fellow former boyband member Gary Barlow, the ex-Take That star.

The Mirror quotes an insider: "Bryan has thought long and hard about signing the deal.

"He knows that people will wonder why he's so keen to get back into the gruelling life of a pop star after saying he wanted to take a step back and spend time with his wife Kerry and daughters Molly and Lily-Sue.

"But Kerry's had so much success in her own right after winning I'm A Celebrity... that he's felt a little bit in the shade. He's realised how much music
means to him."

credit: [mrnickybyrne]

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Kian's Sunday World Column: " 'Idol' A Big Fan Of Ours"

HI, KIAN HERE. HE'S become one of the biggest stars himself in the showbiz world today, but Pop Idol judge Simon Cowell is still playing a major role here in Westlife.Simon is the man who signed us up and set us on the road to fame and fortune along with Louis.He's the guy who has had a big say in what we've recorded through the years. And he's the guy who backed us when Bryan left the group.We still laugh with him over the story of Shane. Fans might remember how he didn't like the original line-up of Westlife when Louis first enticed him to Dublin to check us out.Although he recognised that we had potential, Simon insisted that there should be some changes. At that time, we wasn't jumping up and down with excitement about Shane.Louis, however, thought Shane was an amazing singer and insisted on keeping him.The line-up was changed, but Shane stayed.And when Simon returned to see the group he loved us - including the blond singer. Shane had dyed his hair! We never let him forget that.Now Simon is teaming up with us to plan our next album.We're set to have meetings with him in the next couple of weeks. And we're determined to make the new album our best ever.

Source: Sunday World
Credit: [Westlifes_castle]

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Saturday, July 24, 2004

Unique Westlife exhibition

Westlife posters and magazine covers from as far away as Indonesia, Canada, Argentina and the Middle East will make up a unique exhibition running in Sligo during the month of August.The collection of around 200 items of Westlife memorabilia is only a fraction of the collection amassed by Sligo man Gavin Walsh over the past six years.The collector has sourced over 1,100 items relating to the Sligo band from around the world, but you will not find autographed pieces here, because this collection is even rarer than that."I'm not interested in autographs or material like that. There has to be a name, a date and a place associated with it," said Gavin."I have posters from their performances all over the world. If it has their name and the venue and date where they played then I'd get it."For example, they opened a radio station in Canada and I have one of the promotional posters put up by the station around the streets of Montreal."Although he admires the band's work, Gavin's love of collecting comes from Westlife's Sligo association, and the fact that some items would simply never be available again.The exhibition will be held in August at Sligo's newest gallery, Church Street Gallery and will include rare and foreign memorabilia.

~*~ posted by me @ 11:41 PM

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Westlife Turns to Swing

Boy band Westlife have decided to go for a swing approach for their upcoming Christmas album.

They will cover swing classics from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.

A TV special will be shown on December 18 in conjunction with the album's release .

"It's all Simon Cowell's idea. He reckons the album will be a huge hit. All those songs like Strangers in the Night, The Lady Is a Tramp, I've Got You Under My Skin and My Way are such classics that they just can't fail," an inside source said.

Credit: [upcloseandpersonalwithwestlife]

~*~ posted by me @ 11:39 PM

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Article about Georgina

Don't worry Georgina, we don't mean you - just the hobo Nicky gave a £20 note. Georgina Ahern steps out in her little black number - but for class and elegance, read tarty and trash. Leaving London's trendy Nobu restaurant on Friday, the Taoiseach's daughter showed off her fabulous figure in a strapless black top wit revealing cut-off panels and an itsy bitsy mini. Accompanied by her husband, Nicky Byrne, Georgina, 25, wobbled on her heels and tightened her grip on an exclusive €350 Dolce & Gabbana handbag.

Business graduate Georgina has yet to find a career but the millions her husband earns from Westlife ensure she has time and money for the finer life. It was almost as if Georgina and Nicky had swapped places with Brian and Kerry McFadden, also photographed on Friday at the Silverstone Grand Prix Ball.

Unlike Georgina, former lapdancer and topless model Kerry oozed restraint in a powerful-blue knee-length dress. Her usually scruffy husband wore a sober suit and tie and looked more like a westlifer than Nicky. His cleaned-up image, of course, may be subconscious atonement for his stag-night romp with stripper Amy Barker to whom, hours before, he had agreed to pay a settlement after calling her a liar.

Nicky and Georgina's marriage has never been tainted by scandal and there is another respect in which the couple differ from most celebrities. They may appear here like just another pair of spoilt party animals, but when Nicky, in full view of the waiting paparazzi, handed a stg£20 note to a homeless man, it became clear he had not lost his heart. And the destitute man, who nodded in gratitude as the teen idol and his half-dressed wife teetered into the distance, could only agree.

Credit: [westlifes_castle]

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McFadden turns down big-money nude offer

Former Atomic Kitten singer Kerry McFadden has turned down the chance to model nude for a raunchy calendar, despite being offered tens of thousands of dollars.The Whole Again star - who is married to ex-Westlife hunk Bryan McFadden - decided against revealing all for the sake of her two young children and husband.She says: "I can't do those sort of shots now I'm a married mother of two. It wouldn't seem right."

Source:iol.ie
Credit: [westlifes_castle]

~*~ posted by me @ 5:36 PM

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Kerry @ Miss Ireland Finals

The Miss Ireland ceremony has been turned into the party event of the year and one not to be missed - this year Bryan and Kerry McFadden joined other VIPs who just love to go crazy at the City West Hotel annual beauty pageant... If you were lucky enough to get your hands on a ticket to the Miss Ireland finals in City West Hotel over the weekend you may have noticed that the celebrity partying got more attention than the actual ceremony itself! With a big ShowBiz turnout, plush surroundings, lots of beautiful people, free booze, live music, and the McFaddens in attendance Miss Ireland 2004 was always going to be a crazy night. But after the winner was picked the real partying began with Bryan and Kerry McFadden at the fore grabbing their fellow VIP guests Ronan Keating and Samantha Mumba up onto the stage to dance

credit: [westlifes_castle]

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Westlife star is all Heart

WESTLIFE star Nicky Byrne is looking forward to meeting up with Hearts star Alan Maybury when his band play Edinburgh Castle. The chart-topping band are performing on the castle esplanade tomorrow night and former Leeds United junior footballer Byrne cant wait to meet up with his old teammate. The singer, who was spotted at Tynecastle in November, said: "I was at a game and Hearts won 2-0. Alan Maybury who plays for Hearts is a mate of mine."

Speaking to Forth One DJ Grant Stott, he added: "We were together at Leeds United in the youth team back in 95 before Westlife obviously. Alan's now with Hearts and is doing quite well. I always keep in touch with him."

Source: The Scotsman
Credit: [westlifes_castle]

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Bryan cuts a dash

Brace yourself Robbie Williams – there's a new contender spoiling for a race to the top of the charts. Former Westlife warbler Bryan McFadden has put his boy band days behind him and is about to burst back on to the pop scene solo. Or, judging by my pics, he looks like he could be wheezing back. My snapper spotted Bryan in London's Primrose Hill yesterday doing a lot of running around on the video shoot for debut single "Real To Me." The now slimline singer was looking dashing in a black suit. But he still needs to get fit. The girls chasing Bryan left him gasping for breath. It's a far cry from the gentle strolling with emotion he helped make famous in every Westlife video. And the good news is Bryan's music will be completely different to his old band's, too. A pal of Bryan's told me: "The new material is a lot more like Oasis than what he was used to with Westlife. "He's going all out to be the biggest male solo artist in the UK – Robbie had better be on his toes." I'm glad Bryan's kissed goodbye to the soppy ballad strategy. But I'm worried the video will look like a Benny Hill sketch. The single is due out in the autumn. Click the pictures fro bigger versions.

Source: www.thesun.co.uk
credit: [Westlifes_castle]

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Westlife ... the goss

WESTLIFE seem to have lost none of their appeal - even if they have lost one of their members.

The boy band - who are surely growing up into a man band by now - play two nights at Liverpool's Summer Pops on July 27 and 28.

They do it, of course, minus founder member Bryan McFadden. Bryan announced he was leaving the group in March, saying he wanted to spend more time with his wife Kerry McFadden and his two young daughters.

The band is now made up of Shane Filan, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Nicky Byrne - who have pledged to carry on without Bryan as long as they are happy, and as long as the fans still want them. They went on tour just a couple of months after Bryan's departure.

Kian says: "It was quite strange. The first few days of tour rehearsals were probably the strangest but the attitude we have is that we just need to just get on with things.

"To be honest we've not thought about it too much because it's just a slightly different process of what we normally do. We're just working away and it's going extremely well actually. We still believe we have what it takes 100% even though Bryan isn't here."

They've had to make some changes. Bryan was one of the band's more prominent vocalists and so singing arrangements have had to be reorganised to make up for his absence.

And while Westlife are better known for sitting on stools than doing dance routines, those they do perform while on tour have also had to be choreographed once again.

But on the whole, Bryan's departure doesn't seem to have made much of a difference to the self-proclaimed "unbreakable" band. A mere 24 people enquired about getting a refund for their tickets to the last tour. That's out of 480,000 ticket sales.

"That's not bad is it?" laughs Kian, "Proving to the audience that we're well-capable as a four is the most important thing to us right now. That will then transfer into the record sales. If we get out there and do a good show I think the fans will be just as much behind us as they ever were.

"As far as we're concerned we don't feel like we're in the same position as Take That or the Spice Girls. The attitude we have is that it doesn't feel like the right time for this band to break up. The fact that we grew up together has an awful lot to do with that, and we're all extremely passionate about what we do."
"We've been dealing with the splitting up questions for that last two years anyway so we're used to it. Bryan leaving has been great in one way because it's given us a new lease of life in the sense that the one thing we love doing is
proving people wrong."

source: liverpool echo
credit: [slavesforwestlife]

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Win a one in a life-time chance to record with Westlife

Are you the woman for Westlife? Have you ever dreamed of selling over 32 million records globally; having five multi-platinum albums in the UK alone; scoring a record breaking 12 UK number ones and picking up an array of prestigious awards along the way? Well Westlife have achieved those dreams and now they are set to give millions of aspiring female vocalists the chance to achieve theirs!

Westlife, S Records and Syco TV have come up with a unique and unprecedented talent competition, which offers the ultimate first prizerecording a duet with Westlife.In a one-off Westlife TV special, 'You're The One', which will air later this year, the winner will be revealed live on TV and will perform the duet with Westlife on the show. The winner will also record a duet, which will appear on the band's forthcoming new album, due for release later this year.

The entry process is simply this:The Westlife Hotline will open around the country on the morning of Monday 26th July. The Westlife Hotline number is: 0905 998 8888. All you have to do is call the hotline, leave your details and sing your favourite song. After this the successful singers will be asked to audition in front of pop experts Mark, Kian, Nicky and Shane. These auditions will take place in London and Manchester on the 24th and 25th of August. The band will then have the difficult job of selecting the winner who will appear on 'You're The One' Westlife's Saturday night prime-time TV special.Nicky said "It seems like a great opportunity to not only bond with our fans around the country but also to thank them for their support and to give someone the amazing opportunity that we were given. We really can't wait to meet somebody with an amazing voice and we'll know... 'You're The One'!"

Simon Cowell added, "This is the ultimate search for a star. The winner gets to sing with Westlife on national television. It may even be a launch pad for a successful career." Nigel Hall, director of programmes for Syco TV said, "This is the first time multi-platinum award winning stars have given the chance to an unknown female singer to appear on such an important album.

The results will be amazing."Westlife Hotline opens 9am Monday 26th July : 0905 998 8888Westlife wish you good luck and look forward to working with you.Click the links below to hear more on the event from Mark...Full terms and conditions can be found at www.westlife.com/terms. Calls to the hotline will cost 50p per minute, and calls will last no longer than 2 minutes. Callers should always have the bill payer's permission.

source: www.westlife.com
credit: [the_best_of_westlife]

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Bobby dazzles charity

CELEBRITIES who took part in the Bobby Davro Celebrity Golf Challenge 2004 at La Cala golf resort in Spain helped raise £20,000 for the Epping-based Rhys Daniels Trust, The weekend, sponsored by Rushcliffe International property developers, was hosted by comedian Bobby Davro and attended by guests including ex-Westlife singer Brian McFadden, Spandau Ballet bass player-turned actor Martin Kemp, former EastEnder Michael Greco, former England, Chelsea and Spurs manager Glenn Hoddle, comedian Kenny Lynch, former Coronation Street actor Kevin Kennedy and Princess Diana's former lover James Hewitt.The golf was followed by La Fiesta de la Mariposa Butterfly Ball which began with a welcome from trust vice-patron and PR guru Max Clifford, followed by the awards ceremony and prizegiving hosted by Bobby Davro.The winning team, which received the first ever Rhys and Charly trophy named after the Daniels children who died from the rare Batten's disease was led by Brian McFadden and included the children's father Barry, who founded the charity and is now chairman. The best overall celebrity score trophy was won by Glenn Hoddle.Entertainment included Brian McFadden and Bobby Davro's rendition of Elvis' The Wonder of You.The money raised will go towards the Home from Home project in support of the new Children's Hospital for Wales currently being built in Cardiff.The David Platt Golf Challenge at the Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, is being held on September 12.Team places are still available.

For more details call 01992 570550 or visit www.rhysdanielstrust.org 1:40am today

Source: Epping Forest Guardian
Credit: [Westlifes_Castle]

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Wednesday, July 21, 2004

busy

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Saturday, July 10, 2004

Westlife new album

Louis walsh has been revealed Westlife brand new album will be out
at the end of october.

This New Album will be with love songs ,will be include a few covers
like "im not in love " of 10cc ,too will be include the duet with
donna summer.

Lyrics for I'm not in love
I'm Not In Love:

I'm not in love
So don't forget
It's just a silly phase I'm going through
And just because I call you up
Don't get me wrong
Don't think you've got it made
I'm not in love
Oh no
It's because

I'd like to see you
But then again
It doesn't mean you mean that much to me
So if I call you
Don't make a fuss
Don't tell your friends about the two of us
I'm in love
Oh no
It's because

(Be quiet...big boys don't cry...)

I keep your picture
Upon the wall
It hides a nasty stain that's lying there
So don't you ask me
To give it back
I know you know it doesn't mean that much to me
I'm not in love
No no
It's because

Ooh, you'll wait a long time for me
Ooh, you'll wait a long time
(repeat)

I'm not in love
So don't forget
It's just a silly phase I'm going through
And just because I call you up
Don't get me wrong
Don't think you've got it made
I'm not in love
I'm not in love

credit: [Westlifes_castle]

~*~ posted by me @ 7:06 PM

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EGAN KIAN ON MISS-ING SHOW

KIAN Egan's excuse for missing this weekend's Miss Ireland
competition was because he has a "TV thing going on in Germany".
Well, that's a bit different from sunning himself in the Bahamas,
where he is at the moment, lapping up the rays with gorgeous
Hollyoaks babe Jodi Albert.

Westlife star Kian and Jodi are in the Caribbean, enjoying the
Bahamas. This is their second time in that part of the world within
a year.

Kian has lately moaned: "They (female fans) push their breasts in
our faces. It's so degrading. We feel like sex objects."

The only singleton among the group, Mark Feehily, has gone off to
New York with mates.

Meanwhile, Shane Filan and wife Gillian and Nicky Byrne and wife
Georgina are currently staying in the luxury *hotel name* in Miami's
South Beach.

As well as enjoying American Independance dat today, Shane will have
a few extra drinks tomorrow as he turns 25.

Happy birthday mate!

Credit: [Westlifes_castle]

~*~ posted by me @ 7:04 PM

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McFly Disses Westlife

Room on the Third Floor (Island)

It used to be simple. Boy bands sang sickly ballads and came from Ireland; real bands wrote their own songs and lived in Camden. Busted have changed all that; today Westlife seem as outdated as eight-track cartridges. And now Busted’s friends McFly, comprising a bassist, guitarist and drummer, represent a further blurring of the line between teen-pop and credible rock. Despite their age (the oldest member is 18), McFly’s simple harmonies recall early Beach Boys, even Eddie Cochran.

While the subject matter is familiar — girls — the lyrics are more comically blunt than previous generations could get away with. That Girl features the charming couplet: “We spoke for hours/ she took off my trousers,” while Saturday Night concerns itself with a party where there’s “nobody here to check if you’re under-age”.

With barely a stop for breath Room on the Third Floor contains 13 songs that could all be hit singles. Could this put an end to five blokes sitting on stools singing Barry Manilow covers?

Credit: [slavesforwestlife]

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Bryan & Kerry: We are getting out of here

In an exclusive interview with Ireland on Sunday, Brian revealed the
decision was every bit as difficult to make as the one which saw him
quit Westlife.

'It's not something we decided lightly,' Brian explained. 'But it is
just more practical for both of us, our children and our careers.

'We are putting our home in Dublin up for sale and are expecting to
reach close to E2.5m and are looking at a new home in the centre of
London where we will be living full time.

'I hate leaving Ireland as it's my home but it's best for my family.
It's got to the stage now when I am over in London every few days
working on my solo album and Franklin are going to record their new
album there.

'As for Kerry she is spending five days a week doing TV in Britain
and both of us were flying home at the weekend spending as much time
with the kids and then flying back. So, moving over is the best
option.'

Brian wanted to dampen any speculation that might be prompted by the
news that they have put their house up for sale.

'I dont want people making up any rumours once they see the "for
sale" sign on the house. I left Westlife to spend more time with my
family and moving to London means we can spend more time with our
kids and that's the most important thing to us'.

Source: Ireland on Sunday
Credit: [Westlifes_castle]

~*~ posted by me @ 6:46 PM

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Bryan & Kerry Party Kings of Miss Ireland...

The Miss Ireland ceremony has been turned into the party event of the year and one not to be missed - this year Bryan and Kerry McFadden joined other VIPs who just love to go crazy at the City West Hotel annual beauty pageant...

If you were lucky enough to get your hands on a ticket to the Miss Ireland finals in City West Hotel over the weekend you may have noticed that the celebrity partying got more attention than the actual ceremony itself!

With a big ShowBiz turnout, plush surroundings, lots of beautiful people, free booze, live music, and the McFaddens in attendance Miss Ireland 2004 was always going to be a crazy night.

Miss Donegal Natasha Nigairbheith beat favourites Roz Lipsett and Robbie Keane's girlfriend Claudine Palmer to get the coveted Newbridge Silverware Crown, which was last worn by the current Miss World Rosanna Davison, to become Miss Ireland 2004.

The stunning 21 year old Gweedore native was chosen by celeb judges Samantha Mumba and Yvonne Keating to represent Ireland in the Miss World finals next year.

But after the winner was picked the real partying began with Bryan and Kerry McFadden at the fore grabbing their fellow VIP guests Ronan Keating and Samantha Mumba up onto the stage to dance.

At one stage Kerry even joined the live band The Divas with slightly drunken renditions of I Will Survive and It's Raining Men to the delight of the crowd.

After a very late and enjoyable night at the City West Hotel we're sure everyone to who attended had a sore head - not least when they looked at the photos in the Sunday papers!

Well, here's looking ahead to next year's Party ;-)

Pictures
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[pic07]

Source: showbiz ireland

~*~ posted by me @ 6:35 PM

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McFadden slams Spice Girl rumours

Former Atomic Kitten singer Kerry McFadden has slammed rumours she will replace Mel C in the reformed Spice Girls line-up.

The beauty - who is married to ex-Westlife hunk Bryan McFaden - was reportedly approached to take Sporty Spice's place on the all-conquering girlband's rumoured reunion tour.

But Kerry - who won the latest series of British reality show I'm a celebrity...get me out of here! - says she believes no-one could replace the singer.

Kerry says: "I haven't been asked, not by the Spice Girls. They could never replace Mel anyway."

And blonde Kerry, 23, also laughed off suggestions she's poised to star in British soap EastEnders.

She adds: "That's the first I've heard; I never watch it."

Credit: [N!cKy’s ~ G1rL ~ S@ys]

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Bryan McFadden's bonanza for lap dancer!

Pop star Bryan McFadden has reached an out of court of settlement
with Amy Barker, a lap dancer, to prevent her from spilling the
beans about their alleged 'sex rendezvous'.

According to The Sun, Amy was set to tell all in court about her
romp with the ex-Westlife star on his 2001 stag night.

But the case will now not go ahead after McFadden reportedly paid
Amy thousands of pounds as part of a bargain to keep her mouth shut.

The hearing was scheduled after McFadden branded Amy a liar by
denying that she gave him oral sex in a hotel just before his
wedding to ex-'Atomic Kitten' Kerry.

However, Amy was determined to take McFadden to court to prove her
story, which was also published in a newspaper.

McFadden then ordered his legal team to reach an out-of-court
settlement with Amy.

"She told the truth and now the world knows Bryan lied," said a
close friend of Amy.

"We are delighted," added Graham Atkins, Amy's lawyer.

Source: Webindia123.com
Credit: [Westlifes_castle]

~*~ posted by me @ 6:16 PM

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Westlife star admits stag night romp with dancer

BY ALISON BELLAMY

A WEST Yorkshire lapdancer has received an apology after it was establised that she DID have sex with a boy band star.

Westlife's Bryan McFadden had denied sex took place on his stag night.
A magazine which published an interview with the former Westlife
star has apologised to 29-year-old lapdancer Amy Barker, who was
made out to be a liar.

Mother-of-two Ms Barker, of Wakefield, who was working at a Leeds
lap dancing club at the time, claimed that her integrity was
questioned by the November 2002 article when Mr McFadden denied that
sex took place.

The lapdancer said she had full sex with Mr McFadden, 24, during a
cocaine-fuelled night in 2001.

Ms Barker was one of two lapdancers hired to entertain the band on a
coach trip during the singer's stag weekend in Ireland.

But Mr McFadden denied having sex with her, insisting in the Heat
article: "If it were true, the Westlife boys would never speak to me
again."

The apology by Heat said Mr McFadden and the magazine had
both "implicitly accused Ms Barker of lying."

It went on: "We and Mr McFadden accept that a sexual encounter did
take place on this occasion and it was not our intention to accuse
Ms Barker of lying."

Media lawyer Graham Atkins of Campbell Hooper, which represented Ms
Barker, said: "We are delighted that the action has been settled and
the apology has been published. The content of the apology speaks
for itself."

Since the publication of the article, Mr McFadden has admitted
a "brief oral sex act" took place, but that it only lasted 30
seconds, adding: "I categorically state that I never had intercourse
with her and have never taken drugs."

Ms Barker claimed that she reluctantly had sex with McFadden on the
stag night to celebrate his wedding to I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out
of Here! star Kerry Katona, 23.

Source: Leeds Today
credit: [Westlifes_castle]

~*~ posted by me @ 6:13 PM

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Magazine apologises over McFadden lies

A British showbiz magazine has apologised to a lapdancer after
former Westlife singer Bryan McFadden denied he had sexual relations
with her.

Amy Barker claimed her integrity was questioned by a November 2002
article in the Heat magazine, in which McFadden attacked her claim
the pair had sex during his stag night before his wedding to former
Atomic Kitten singer Kerry McFadden.

McFadden said in the interview: "If it were true, the Westlife boys
would never speak to me again."

Heat's apology admitted they and McFadden had "implicitly accused Ms
Amy Barker of lying".

The statement says: "We and Mr McFadden accept that a sexual
encounter did take place on this occasion and it was not our
intention to accuse Ms Barker of lying.

"Since the publication of the Heat article, McFadden has admitted
a 'brief oral sex act' took place, but that it only lasted 30
seconds, adding: 'I categorically state that I never had intercourse
with her and have never taken drugs.'"

When the story first broke in a Sunday UK newspaper, Barker
said: "We started off having sex and after about a minute I pulled
away and performed a sex act on him. I didn't enjoy it and it was
over in three minutes.

"He was only concerned about his own needs. There was no feeling to
it. When he finished he got up, didn't look at me, didn't say a word
and walked out."

source: IrishExaminer.com
credit: [Westlifes_castle]

~*~ posted by me @ 6:11 PM

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Ex-Westlife singer will go solo

HE quit Westlife in March claiming he wanted to spend more time with
his family, but just four months on Bryan McFadden is hungry to be
back in the spotlight.

The 23-year-old singer has just signed a ?million solo record deal,
we can reveal.

And music execs are convinced Bryan has what it takes to enjoy
Robbie Williams-style success.

He has been signed up to a new label headed by music veteran Richard
Griffiths. The marketing and distribution will be handled by Sony,
who count George Michael and Anastacia among their artists.

Bryan is already busy working on material with fellow former boyband
member Gary Barlow, the ex-Take That star who has gone on to become
a successful songwriter.

"Bryan has thought long and hard about signing the deal," reveals an
insider.

"He knows that people will wonder why he's so keen to get back into
the gruelling life of a pop star after saying he wanted to take a
step back and spend time with his wife Kerry and daughters Molly and
Lily-Sue.

"But Kerry's had so much success in her own right after winning I'm
A Celebrity... that he's felt a little bit in the shade.

"He's realised how much music means to him."

The megabucks deal is sure to sweeten the blow of Bryan having to
pay thousands of pounds to lapdancer Amy Barker.

He was said to be "devastated" that the episode, which threatened to
wreck his marriage, had come back to haunt him again.

But we are assured that his past indiscretions will soon be
forgotten once Bryan's debut solo album hits the shelves in October.

"The style Bryan has gone for is very much the big ballads that his
old band are famous for," says our source.

"But it's not just run-of-the-mill stuff for housewives.

"There's one track in particular that industry execs are convinced
is a surefire No.1.

"It's got all the elements guaranteed to top the charts."

Talks with Westlife's label BMG, who had first option on Bryan's
solo career, stalled earlier this year when BMG bosses decided that
the label wasn't big enough to accommodate both Bryan and his former
bandmates.

But secret talks with Richard Griffiths have resulted in a deal far
bigger than many had predicted.

"It's rare for a former boyband member to be snapped up so quickly,"
adds our informer.

"And to be working with the likes of Gary Barlow is proof of how
much confidence Richard Griffiths and Sony have in him."

Looks like it's back to the high life for Bry.

Source: Mirror
Credit: [Westlifes_castle]

~*~ posted by me @ 6:00 PM

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Saturday, July 03, 2004

A MUST-READ! BRYAN AND KERRY MCFADDEN

THE HOLIDAYING COUPLE TALK ABOUT LIFE AFTER WESTLIFE, DRAMATIC
WEIGHT LOSS AND MARRIAGE STRAINS.

Bryan and Kerry McFadden arrive at the hotel in Istanbul laden with
bags and they look shattered. They manage smiles and hugs and get
ready for the photo shoot. Bryan, wearing a T-shirt and jeans,
orders an omelette, lights up a cigarette and proceeds to chat non-
stop for half an hour. Anecdotes, impressions and funny accents all
come tumbling out. Kerry, 23, laughs at her husband's stories and
she coos over rails of clothes.

The OK! stylist has already noticed that some of the clothes she's
brought for Bryan will be too big. That's down to Bryans dramatic
two-stone weight loss in recent months. He says it's partly down to
sensible eating but largely down to staying sober over the past five
weeks. The McFaddens were without their two children, Lilly Sue, one
and a half, and Molly, three in August, in Istanbul, but spoke to
them several times on the phone during the shoot. Bryan and Kerry
revealed that they'd like more children but not at the moment.

Bryan and Kerry spoke to OK! in between photographs. Kerry is
currently ridding high on the success of 'I'm A Celebrity - Get Me
Out Of Here!' and the former Atomic Kitten says she has a raft of
offers on the table and is taking her time to assess her next career
move. Bryan, now free from the creative shackles of Westlife after
quitting the band in March, spoke about the exiting prospect of his
solo career. They also talked about the pressures on their marriage
and offered advice to the Beckhams as the speculation about their
relationship continues to grow. They then revealed what makes their
marriage tick and Bryan lifted the lid on his weight loss secrets…

Bryan, why did you quit drinking?
Since I left Westlife I've had a lot of free time. It seemed like
every day was an opportunity to go out and have a drink. So, before
it turned into something that I couldn't turn back from, I stopped.
I haven't had a drink for five weeks now.

Were you worried that you might be developing a drink problem?
I'm not saying that I was going to have a problem. But I started to
realise that all my free time circled around drink. I was getting
conscious of it and I didn't want to get to the stage when it became
a problem. It's like the fags: I started off having a few a day and
it gradually turned into 40 a day. I don't want to be in that
situation with drink.

So how long do you think you'll stay on the wagon?
I plan to never drink again. When you're drinking it's all about
having a laugh but it's only when you stop drinking that you realise
how good it is to stop. I'm enjoying things much more now that I'm
sober. For instance, at the Eurovision Song Contest, if I'd have
been drunk I would probably have been annoyed at the result [Bryan's
song came second last], but because I was sober I enjoyed it. Going
to nightclubs and being sober is fine, I come home and I actually
remember the conversations I had with people. I have more energy, I
feel livelier, I feel healthier.

Kerry, are you off the Booze, too?
No, I am not. If I'm going out or doing an appearance at a club I
have to have a drink for my confidence. I don't drink that much but
I get really paranoid so I need a bit of Dutch courage. The blokes
can be rowdy, shouting: 'Get your baps out!' and I shout
back: 'Yeah, as soon as your balls drop, love!'

Has seeing Bryan lose so much weight inspired you to keep trim?
I signed up with a personal trainer before Bryan did all this. I've
always loved Bryan no matter what he looks like. From day one I've
been madly in love with him. I think he'd be gorgeous if he was 50
stone.

Are you surprised he's still off the booze?
Yes, I am surprised to be honest with you. But now I think he will
stick to it.

Are you going to try and kick the fag's next Bryan?
Inside I do want to give up but it's hard. It doesn't affect my
voice - it hasn't changed - but the stamina of my voice has changed.
It doesn't last as long. On the last Westlife tour my voice was
really sore and strained in the last 20 minutes of every show.

You've lost a lot of weight recently…
Yes, I went to the gym for a couple of weeks to get ready for the
Soccer Six football tournament. I used to play football every week
but now the season's over I haven't been playing. So, the
combination of training and cutting out booze has obviously resulted
in weight coming off, but I think the drink has had more to do with
it.

Some newspaper reports said you lost two stone. How much weights
have you honestly lost?
To be honest I haven't a clue.

What are you doing at the gym?
I love kickboxing. I was doing a full session of cardio and weights
and then kickboxing after that and I enjoyed it. I am going to start
back on that soon.

Were you on the Atkins diet?
I do it on and off. I tend to do it through the week and then eat
whatever at the weekend. I have cut out chips and I never eat sweets
or chocolate

Newspaper reports took swipes at you for your weight. Did that play
a part in you hitting the gym?
No, I've had that from day one. It doesn't hurt my feelings. I had
it at school as well. After a while the insults bounce off me.
They'd slag me because I was fat and I'd slag them right back.

Now you're out of Westlife, do you have more time at home?
Funnily enough, at the moment I'm spending less time at home than
when I was in Westlife.

Did you quit Westlife because you were missing your kids?
Well, there were a lot of reasons, but that was one of the main
ones, yes. In Westlife I was living by someone else's schedules. If
I wanted to go home and see my kids I couldn't have made that
choice. Now I can because I decide when I work.

Kerry, is it easier now that Bryan's out of Westlife?
It's been a lot harder to be honest with you. It's funny but I saw a
lot more of him when he was in Westlife. We've not seen each other
properly in a while. I've been in New York all week and I missed him
loads. We've both been working hard. It's sad really; it'd be nice
to see more of each other. We seem to get on better on the phone.
We're like: 'Miss you babe, can't wait for you to come home.' We're
at a nice easy comfortable stage in out marriage. We're mates as
well and it's good to have that friendship too.
Bryan: I think that marriage will definitely be easier now that I've
left the band.

Why do you say that?
Now I've got my own schedule I can put my own life first. When I was
in Westlife I was working to someone else's schedule. Now, if I want
to take a day off I take a day off, I couldn't do that in Westlife.
It might sound small but it makes a massive difference.

Does your marriage come under pressure?
Kerry: There are strains on our marriage. We're human beings. No
matter how much we love each other we have to work at it. We have
little tiffs all the time about stupid little things like leaving
glasses on the worktop. Bryan's worst habit is leaving towels on the
floor.

What do you think about the furore surrounding David and Victoria
Beckham's marriage?
Kerry: I think it's disgusting the way Rebecca Loos has been turned
into a celebrity. Have a bit of respect, they've got kids, why do
something like that?

What would be your advice to Victoria?
Kerry: Hold your head up high, She annoys me but I still feel sorry
for her. I'd love to sit her down and tell her she's better than
that. Half the people blame Posh and no one's blaming David. It
shows that no one's perfect and I've learned that lesson. Theirs
isn't a perfect marriage or a perfect family. Every marriage has its
ups and downs.

Do you like being married?
Kerry: Yes, I love it. I really believe in the tradition of
marriage. We've been married two and a half years and it's gone
really fast, I still fancy Bryan, he's fit!

Is Bryan a good dad?
He's a fantastic dad. He winds them up more that anything,
especially Molly. Bryan's the fun one but he can be very strict. I'm
the same.

Who wears the trousers in your marriage?
Kerry: I think Bryan would say I do. But I think Bryan has this
controlling way of doing things, like a real man. He gets his own
way and knows how to win. It's so annoying.

Are you broody for another child?
Bryan: Not right now. We want a boy next, no more girls, there are
too many girls in the house! Imagine when they're 16 or 17, God, can
you imagine the bitching? I was talking to a guy last week who told
me once my daughters get to 14 they won't say another word to me
until they're 21.
Kerry: I definitely want one more, but it won't be for a while. I'm
only 23 and married with two kids and a huge mortgage. It's funny, I
was in New York and I was chatting to these policemen. I mentioned
that I had a husband and two kids and they said: 'What! You only
look 14!'

Where the lyrics of your Eurovision song about Kerry, Bryan?
Yes, I've written loads of songs about Kerry before, and the kids.
It's easy to write about her. I don't love anyone more than my wife
and my children. A lot of the songs on my new album are about the
kids.
Kerry: He's a corny git, isn't he? I'm his inspiration! He's not as
romantic as he used to be. He's working with his songwriting at the
moment and took time out for dinner two nights in a row. I said to
Bryan: 'When was the last time you took me out for dinner?'

What stage is your album at, Bryan?
About three-quarters finished. I'm very happy with it. It's
completely the opposite of big Westlife ballads. It doesn't sound
like anyone else. It's difficult to describe.

Can you dance to it?
You could if you were drunk!

When's it coming out?
I'm not sure. If it's ready soon it'll be out soon, if it's not
ready it'll be out later. There's no date that's been scheduled in.
for six years in Westlife we'd go on tours, finish in July and then
we had to have an album ready by September, with only four weeks to
record it. We never had time to write anything. This is my chance to
do things my way. So, it's got to be right.

You must be nervous about it's release…
Not at all. Everyone's expecting me to fail so if it does well it's
a bonus. I've accepted that the most successful time of my music
career is over. I'm trying something else which I've always wanted
to do. I'm starting from scratch. If it works, great. If it doesn't…

Is it liberating being a solo artist?
It's a lot more enjoyable. I used to write songs when I was in the
band that I knew weren't right for Westlife. Now I write a song and
I can use it. There are no rules or boundaries now and that's
exciting.

Do you think now that you never really fitted into Westlife?
No, not at all. I loved every minute. We toured the world and I had
a brilliant six years, I'll never regret Westlife. I didn't like
some of the music - I've said that before, that's no secret - but I
never felt like I didn't fit into that band. It was my job. It's a
bit like being in a football team when a centre forward is made to
play on the left wing. It's his job and he does it.

Kerry, would you record a duet with Bryan?
I would like to release a single again but I'm not sure anyone would
want to see me bouncing up and down on stage. Maybe we'd do a duet
for charity. But Bryan doesn't think I can sing.
Bryan: I didn't say she couldn't sing. I think she's actually a very
good singer, I told her that when she was on Top Of The Pops once.
Kerry: Yes, but you were trying to get me into bed then!

Kerry, we hear you've been auditioning for acting work - how have
they been going?
I had to do a crying scene at one audition. I took it as a
compliment that I made everyone cry. Maybe they were crying because
I was so awful! I really got carried away and I got the itch for it.
Acting is something I definitely want to do. It's going to be a big
year for me. I love working and being busy but I also love being a
mum and being at home.

Who's your dream co-star?
[Kerry whispers so Bryan can't hear] Colin Farrell! Like I stand a
chance! I'm not talking to film agents I'm sure Hollywood are
desperate to sign me up! I don't know, I doubt it will ever happen.
So many people try and get into Hollywood, especially with blond
hair and big boobs.

Bryan, do you feel that this is the start of a new chapter of your
life?
Hopefully it'll be the main part of my life. It might be the last
part of my career but I'm going to work my a**e off making sure it
isn't.

You've achieved a lot and you're only 24 years old: you're married
with two kids, you're a pop star…
Former pop star! I'm 24 years old and a retired pop star!

Do you wish you started in Westlife when you were a bit older?
What and be 30 years old now? No way. I've got lots of experience
and now I can start again. I think at 24 you start to become more of
a man and it's a good time for me.
Kerry: He's not grown up. Most of the time I feel like I've got
three kids in the house!

Source: Issure 422 OK Magazine
Credit: [Westlifes_castle]

~*~ posted by me @ 1:40 PM

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Kerry Lined Up to Replace Trisha

The 23-year-old has been approached to present the show when current
host Trisha quits to concentrate on her TV production company.

Kerry has been considering a range of TV offers since being crowned
Queen of the Jungle on the popular reality show, I'm A Celebrity...
Get Me Out Of Here! earlier this year.

She is currently a regular presenter on ITV1's lunchtime chat show,
Loose Women.

A TV insider told the Daily Star: "Not only is she attractive, she's
funny, witty and had a very difficult childhood.

"She will understand people's problems, which is a vital part of the
job."

Former Atomic Kitten Kerry's previous TV work includes a stint as a
presenter on This Morning - which she co-hosted with her husband,
Bryan McFadden.

Source: AOL News
Credit: [Westlifes_castle]

~*~ posted by me @ 1:26 PM

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Vote for Westlife

Click here!

~*~ posted by me @ 1:23 PM

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Westlife tour 2005

Found this on official boards..thanks to Byrnes *dirty* hiPPie for
typing it upPop sensations Westlife have allayed fears that they are planning to spiltup- by revealing their plans for a brand new tour. The chart-toppers, whohave just completed their most successful tour yet, are already making plans to set off on the road again in 2005. Mark,Shane,Kian and Nicky will embarkon their fifth major tour with a string of Irish dates in February."There'll be an announcement made about the new tour shortly," confirmed Westlife manager, Louis Walsh. "They love touring and the Turnaround Tour was such a big success that they're dying to get out there again. We're
talking about February." The band will begin recording a new album afterreturning from their summer holidays at the end of July. "It's going to be a themed album-but we're not going to reveal what it's about just yet," said Walsh. "It'll be released in October or November." The band kicked off their first ever concert as a foursome in Belfast on March 29-just weeks after Bryan McFadden left the band. They performed ten nights at The Point in Dublin as part of the 62-date world tour And Kian Egan said splitting up is the last thing on the minds of Westlife. "We've another album on the way,"
he said. "We've plenty of plans yet."

Source: Irish Star
Credit: [Westlifes_castle]

~*~ posted by me @ 1:17 PM

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Nicky's Sunday World Column

Board? Win a poster

Hi Nicky here...

This week we have a competition for our Westlife fans.
We're giving away a massive Westlife Turnaround posted board, signed
by the lads. There is also a Westlife presentation disc up for grabs.
To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following
question:

Q. What was the name of the lastest Westlife album?

If you think you know the answer, text Westlife, followed by your
answer to:69079. (Example: Westlife Turnaround to 69079). Bear - this is likely only for Irish peeps. UK peeps see same comp in news section on main Westlife.com page

The poster board is approx 2 x 3 metres, so please make sure that you will be able to accomodate it. But the special presentation disc is much smaller.

I spent some time this week with Simon Cowell, checking out songs
for our next album, and the new numbers are just amazing.
It's early days yet, but the new collection, set for release in the autumn,is shaping up to be our best album.

Simon is really enthusiastic, which is a very good sign. You all
know howhard it is to please the man they call 'Mr Nasty', although, to be honest,he's nothing like his TV image.People keep on asking me what he's like and I can honestly say that Simon's a really nice guy. He's great fun too. The thing about Simon is, that after all his years in the music biz, he still works to a high standard.

Source: Sunday World
Credit: [Westlifes_castle]

~*~ posted by me @ 1:12 PM

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Westlife slates Britney

They came, they saw, they played. And slated Britney.

Westlife's visit to Sweden left an eco far outside the sold out
arenas.

"Britney tries to be Madonna, but it only looks tragic," says Mark
Feehily.

It's Mark Feehily's birthday. He's turning 24 and he's on his sixth
year with Westlife. The birthdayboy is dressed in a black tracksuit
and has just arrived to Gothenburg after celebrations home in
Ireland.

Kian Egan congratulates Mark with a cake but doesn't sing for him.
He's too hung over. Together with the other two band members, Nicky
Byrne and Shane Filan, he made marks in the nightlife of Gothenburg
last night.

In an hour Westlife are due to sing at "Scandinavium" in front of
7000 screaming fans. Their Turnaround Tour has received quite good
reviews but with one objection - they are too well-behaved on stage.

Opposite to Britney you could say.

"I saw her concert it wasn't particulate good. She has gone too far
away from who she is. And that's unnecessary cos she's really a good
artist," says Kian Egan.

Both Kian and Mark agree with the critics - she is too sexy without
being able to deliver and she should sing live.

"She only tries to be Madonna. It's so tragic," says Mark.

To copy the Queen of Pop is really nothing that Westlife try to do.

"We're not as serious as Madonna with political messages in the
show. We do what we do, there's room for everyone," says Mark.

They claim that Britney on the other hand has become too much show
and less of an artist.

"All focus lays on her person and scandals, not on her as an artist.
But I guess that sex is what keeps her engines going."

In Sweden Westlife have a scandalous reputation spiced with sex. But
now that's over. The guys are settling down the only single in the
group is Mark Feehily. Popular Bryan McFadden left the band the 9th
of March earlier this year. The day before the rehearsals for the
upcoming world tour started.

"Of course we were shocked. We sat in a meeting with him for five
hours. There were many tears and hugs when he left us," says Kian.

Bryan broke up after six years with the band. He chose family-life
before tour-life. Now he's a full time dad with his daughters that
he has with his wife Kerry from Atomic Kitten.

"The departure came out of the blue. We could have reacted like
little kids and gone mad at him. But we took it as adults and
respects his decision," says Kian.

Kian has a girlfriend. Nicky has married the Irish Prime minister's
daughter. Shane Filan walked down the aisle last Christmas. But
their lifestyles can't get in the way of the band's success.
Westlife will last. At least a few more years.

"Then we'll see. Right now we have a lot to prove. But we actually
think that it's going to be better now, even without Bryan," says
Mark.

Westlife might last a bit longer than other boybands. We'll see. And
Britney has to look out.

Credit: [Westlifes_castle]

~*~ posted by me @ 1:10 PM

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:: Can Westlife finally crack the US market without Bryan McFadden?

They famously teamed up with Mariah Carey for a version of a Phil Collins classic that never saw the light of day in the US.

Is there life after Brian?

So will it be any different with 70s disco diva Donna Summer?

The boys recently recorded a version of her classic track No More Tears - Enough Is Enough.

Donna hit the top spot with the track way back in 1979 with Barbra Streisand.

Donna is keen to include the new version on her latest album, which will be out in the US in October.

Good luck boys!

credit: [N!cKy’s ~ G1rL ~ ]

~*~ posted by me @ 1:03 PM

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An in tents experience

Mike Chapple looks at the stunning successes of the Summer Pops

YOU could say that in its 11 years of existence the Summer Pops tent
has earned its stripes.

What started in 1993 as a big top experience for all things
classical in the makeshift setting of the Kings Dock car park, has
now been transformed into a showcase for all forms of contemporary
music.

This year is set to be the most successful ever.

Well the organisers would say that, wouldn't they?

But promoter Chas Cole for CMP Entertainment says that the 2004
Pops - featuring 24 concerts over 28 days - will break last year's
100,000 total attendance figure.

This will make nearly all gigs staged in the intimate ambience of
the tent's womb-like interior a 4,500 sell-out - no mean feat
considering the tickets prices range from £17.50, to a whopping £150
for a VIP ticket.

This entitles you to a champagne reception with four course meal and
unlimited drinks before being able to park your bottom or shake your
booty - whichever you prefer - among the front row seats.

It may seem a million miles from the spirit of rock n roll - but
there is a market for luxury and the promoters are not ashamed to
say that is where the real money is made.

Some of the tickets - including those in the VIP sector - shifted
faster than others.

Will Young, idol to a nation of latterday teenyboppers and their
grannies, sold out within an hour.

Similarily the first of the two gigs by loveable popsters Busted,
the first to sign the dotted line for this year's Pop's, disappeared
in one morning.

Other sell-outs include the young jazz sensation Jamie Cullum,
covers band Australian Pink Floyd, Irish favourites The Corrs,
Donny "Puppy Love" Osmond, Westlife, aging sex bomb Tom Jones and James "You've Got A Friend" Taylor.

Taylor, who plays the Pops on July 20, first came to world wide
attention after becoming one of the first signings to the Beatles'
Apple record label. Yesterday he had a special message for the city
when he said: "Liverpool has always been very special to me. As you
may know I got my big break when four young men from Liverpool,
signed me. So I've got a big debt to repay."

Source: unknown
Credit: [Westlifes_castle]

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Vest Tops

IT'S amazing how a simple vest can cover up the dreaded belly
bulge as WESTLIFE's SHANE FILAN and NICKY BYRNE amply demonstrate on holiday in the States.

Over the years the boy band have made heaps of dough and most of it seems to have ended up around the lads¡¦ tums.

But you'd hardly know by looking at my picture of Nicky and Shane
as they enjoy a stroll along Miami's South Beach with wives
Georgina and Gillian.

Unfortunately the boys then spoil the effect by whipping off their
vests, releasing more solo material than perhaps they intended.

But then Nicky spotted my snapper and sucked in his belly for
all he was worth.

You don't fool us, boys. Whether or not Westlife's career has
gone pear- shaped, your bods certainly have.

*For Pictures, Click Here!, join the group, go to the photos section "Nicky with Georgina" or "Shane with Gillian"

source: The Sun
credit: [Westlifes_castle]

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Big Top time for rock legend Gabriel at 2004 Pops launch

THE BIGGEST ever Summer Pops festival kicked off at Kings Dock last
night with a performance by rock legend Peter Gabriel.

The former Genesis frontman (right) launched the month-long
extravaganza on Liverpool's waterfront which will feature 24
concerts over 28 days, including some of the biggest names in music.

Among the headliners are Tom Jones, Westlife, Will Young, The Corrs and Macy Gray.

Over the course of the next four weeks more than 100,000 people are
expected to pack the all-seater Big Top arena, which holds around
4,500 for each performance.

Speaking at the launch of the event last night, promoter Chas Cole
of CMP Entertainment said the festival kept getting bigger and
better.

"The Summer Pops is now firmly established, not just in Liverpool
but in the UK and much further afield," he said.

"We get people travelling from far and wide to attend the shows,
which are now attracting some of the biggest names in the business.

"I always thought of 2004 as a consolidation year. We really pulled
the stops out last year after the Capital of Culture announcement,
and this year we simply concentrated on getting some great acts
again.

"The Pops will be an integral part of Capital of Culture year, by
which time I hope we'll have a new arena. The Summer Pops will
expand with the venue"

Source: ic Liverpool
Credit: [Westlifes_castle]

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Press ball is a spellbinding success

A spellbinding press ball organised by the Evening Star in Ipswich
has raised a massive £31,000 for Suffolk charity Disability Care
Enterprise.

More than 300 guests gathered for the event at the Hotel Elizabeth
in Copdock, which this year had a magical Harry Potter theme.

And after a drinks reception guests were transported through the
enchanting platform nine and three-quarters tunnel to the banquet
hall, where they rubbed shoulders with lookalikes of Harry himself,
the loveable Hagrid and wise professor Dumbledore.

Host for the evening was Nigel Pickover, editor of the Archant-owned
Evening Star, who made his grand entrance on a broomstick, and
guests were kept entertained with a casino and music from Queen
tribute band Queen Bee and First Inversion.

The fundraising effort was also boosted by a grand auction, with
lots including a framed Harry Potter movie poster signed by the
cast.

Also up for grabs was a VIP backstage visit to boy band Westlife's Ipswich concert - which raised £2,000 - and the chance to play a match on the hallowed turf of Ipswich Town FC's Portman Road while captained by an Ipswich legend, which raised £3,300.

Editor Nigel said the original fundraising target for the evening
had been £20,000, but that total had been smashed with £31,000
raised on the night.

He said: "We are astonished we have gone so far above our total.

"We thought it would be a struggle to reach £20,000 but thanks to
the kindness of the people of Suffolk we have beaten £30,000. The
money will be spent on some very special people."

The charity, which helps people with disabilities, plans to use the
money raised to buy equipment such as specialist wheelchairs and
computers.

The Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball has become an annual occasion,
and over the past eight years has raised more than £190,000 for
Disability Care Enterprise.

source:HoldTheFrontPage.co.uk
credit: [Westlifes_castle]

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Jordan: Kerry is so McBad

This could get messy. Jungle buddies Jordan and Kerry McFadden have
fallen out.

Jordan is fuming at Kerry's suggestion that her relationship with
Peter Andre isn't real.

She says: "I'm not happy about what Kerry said about me on TV the
other day.

"She was saying me and Pete won't last and we're not for real.

"I don't know if it's jealousy, but every week she says things like
she wouldn't buy the toy dolls of us for her kids.

"I thought she and Bryan were our pals."

Peter added: "If Kerry and Bryan don't like the situation between me
and Jordan, that's their problem.

"We're happy so other people's comments don't mean anything."

Over to you, Kerry.

source: www.thesun.co.uk
credit: [Westlifes_castle]

~*~ posted by me @ 12:02 PM

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