Old News October/November
Live DVD Out Now
Westlife's fantastic new DVD Live At Wembley: Face To Face Tour 2006 is in the
shops now.
Revlie the memories, sing along to all the hits and enjoy the fantastic
bonus material, which includes behind-the-scenes footage from a recent
photoshoot, the videos for You Raise Me Up and Amazing and a unique jukebox
that lets you create your own setlist from the show.
To order your copy online, just
click here.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 28th November 2006, source: Westlife.com
Westlife Straight In At Number 1!
The Love Album went straight in to the UK chart at number one this weekend,
beating off stiff competition from the likes of U2, Oasis and The Beatles.
Congratulations to the boys and a massive thank you to everyone who showed
their support by buying the album. Kian has sent the following message:
'Hi guys, we've just got back from Australia and we wanted to say a huge thank
you to every single one of you for buying our new album. Your continued support
means so much to us and we do really appreciate everything you guys do for us.
We hope you like the album and we'll see you all soon!
Lots of love, Kian x'
----------------------------------------------
Added: 28th November 2006, source: Westlife.com
Westlife latest to criticise 'X Factor'
Westlife have criticised The X Factor, claiming that last year's contestants
had more talent.
Although the singers, who appeared as guest mentors on the show last weekend,
are backing Leona Lewis to win, they do not believe that any of the
participants can be compared to 2005's winner Shayne Ward.
"I've seen the odd show," band member Nicky Byrne told the Daily Record.
"Leona has a great voice but, all in all, X Factor doesn't have the talent
like last year when, from day one, Shayne Ward stood out as the star.
"He was good looking. He was a great singer and a good dancer. He had
everything. In terms of the X Factor, he had that. I don't think this year
has anyone like that."
Westlife are not the first stars to criticise X Factor after appearing on the
show. Last month Rod Stewart described the performances as "rubbish" in a
radio interview, while Tony Bennett complained that the series was motivated
by financial greed.
--------------------------------------------
added: 26th November 2006, Digital Spy
Westlife win battle of bands with "Love Album"
London (Reuters) - Irish boy band Westlife were the surprise winners of a high-
profile battle to top the album charts on Sunday, beating Oasis, the Beatles
and U2 to the top spot.
Westlife's collection of covers, "The Love Album", outsold greatest hits
albums from Oasis and U2 as well as the similarly named "Love", a medley of
remixed Beatles songs, the Official UK Charts Company said.
The four albums were all released this week in anticipation of strong sales
ahead of Christmas, with many industry observers expecting Oasis's "Stop The
Clocks" to top the pile.
In the end Oasis had to be content with second place, ahead of the Beatles at
number three and "U218 Singles" from U2 at number four.
--------------------------------------------
added: 26th November 2006, Reuters.co.uk
Westlife No.1!
Westlife entered the album chart on number 1!
UK:
Ireland:
--------------------------------------------
added: 26th November 2006, BBC Radio 1
Louis: Westlife are the best
A battle is raging in the album charts between pop heavyweights The Beatles,
Oasis and U2.
But four Irish lads are putting the legends to shame with an album of
rehashed covers.
Cheesy, bland, boring, predictable – all words used to describe Westlife
in the past.
And yesterday The Sun’s Bizarre column launched a campaign to stop them
getting to No1 with The Love Album.
But here their manager, X Factor judge Louis Walsh, explains why he thinks
Westlife are the world’s greatest band.
'Westlife truly are the people’s band — they appeal to ordinary people,
people like you and me.
The sort of people who pick up this paper every day. That is the key to their
success.
It’s people on the street up and down the country who buy their records —
not the trendy London types who are too snobby to think they are any good.
Look at the numbers and they speak for themselves. People go out and buy
Westlife records in the shops in their thousands. They’re not the type of fans
who will download them.
And the lads themselves are solid gold. Mark, Nicky, Shane and Kian keep their
feet firmly on the ground — they don’t try to be anything they are not.
They know they are just four guys from Ireland who got lucky and, at the end
of the day, they are nice people who don’t forget their roots.
Four normal lads in an extraordinary situation who are close, tight, good
friends. I think that comes across with people.
As a band, they are not in competition with anyone — there’s no one else out
there who compares.
Take That are similar in terms of being a successful boy band but it’s a
different kind of music.
In terms of other boybands, they have seen them all come and go. Westlife have
sold 32million records and they’re going to go on for ever. It’s all down to
hard work.
They put records out back to back and they just don’t stop. It means their
fans keep coming back for more.
They’ve had 14 No1 singles — and will try to get 20.
They never get good airplay, they cannot get played on Radio 1 for love nor
money . . . but it doesn’t matter. They’ve proved you don’t need Radio 1.
Westlife aren’t hip but I think that’s why many people like them.
Like the band, their fans don’t pretend to be something they are not either.
Westlife have a huge fanbase. They’ve sold 150,000 tickets for their tour.
I love Oasis — I’ve bought the new album — and I love The Beatles.
Westlife are No1 in Ireland this week — they’ve beaten U2 there, which has
never happened. This is going to be their biggest-selling album in Ireland.
They are set to do eight nights at The Point in Dublin next year — no one else
can do that.
As for the tunes, I pick them all — including the “cheesy” ones.
I pick them because I love them and it seems a whole load of people out
there love them too.'
--------------------------------------------
added: 24th November 2006, Source: The Sun
Westlife's Rose Continues To Flower At The Summit
We've never been a nation to embrace rap or R'n'B so it is no surprise that
Westlife have held off the might of Akon and Eminem.
The Irish lads' ballad The Rose stayed at the top of the Scottish charts for a
second week with Akon ft Eminem's Smack That (currently No.1 in the UK-wide
chart) only managing the highest new entry at No.2.
Robbie Williams did better in Scotland than the whole of the UK with his
Lovelight tune going to No.4 here, eight overall.
Third highest entry went to Justin Timberlake ft Ti's My Love with Christina
Aguilera's ballad Hurt just behind at No.8.
The only other new entry in the Scottish top 20 is at No.15 - a disappointing
placing for Snow Patrol and Martha Wainwright and their song Set The Fire To
The Third Bar.
But UK-wide it only made it to No.18.
1 (1) Westlife The Rose
2 (-) Akon ft Eminem Smack That
3 (2) U2 & Green Day The Saints Are Coming
--------------------------------------------
added: 24th November 2006, Source: The Daily Record
Westlife DVD Competition
Westlife’s amazing new DVD Live At Wembley: Face To Face Tour 2006 is out on
Monday, and to celebrate, we’re running a great competition that could see you
meeting the boys at one of their 2007 shows!
To enter, tell us, in 50 words or less, which is your favourite track that
you’ve ever seen Westlife perform and why. We’ll choose our favourites to post
on the website, and the best entry will win a meet and greet with the band next
year.
Send your entry to
westlife@warwickworldwide.com
along with your full name and phone number. Please put DVD Competition in the
subject header. Entries must be received by Wednesday 29th November.
As well as performances of all your favourite tracks, the DVD also includes
exclusive behind-the-scenes footage at a photoshoot for the new album, the
videos for You Raise Me Up and Amazing, plus a Westlife jukebox, where you can
create your very own set-list from the concert.
To pre-order online, just
click here.
--------------------------------------------
added: 24th November 2006, Source: Westlife.com
We'll Never Take Brian Back
Veteran boy band Westlife refuse to consider a return for McFadden after his
solo career hits the skids.
Westlife have ruled out any chance of any future reconciliation with former
bandmate Brian McFadden, despite the fact they have recorded and performed a
track with his girlfriend.
The Irish lads are on course to bag their sixth No.1 long player on Sunday,
with The Love Album outselling competition from Oasis and U2.
In stark contrast, dad-of-two McFadden's solo career has faltered since he quit
the million-selling group in 2004.
At the time, he claimed he wanted to spend more time with his family, but his
marriage to Kerry Katona crumbled, and McFadden fell into the arms of Aussie
singer Delta Goodrem, who sang with the lads on Saturday night's X Factor.
Nicky Byrne says McFadden has no chance of ever being allowed back into
Britain's most successful boy band, regardless of how badly his solo career
is going.
He said: "I still keep in touch with Brian, and he is keeping well, under the
circumstances.
"At the time when Brian left, deep down in my heart, even though I didn't say
it publicly, I couldn't understand it.
"When Brian told us he wanted to leave and be a family man and look after his
children, I agreed with the sentiment but, knowing Brian, I couldn't really
believe he wanted to give music up and not sing again.
"In fairness, he did go home for a while but, all of a sudden, his new album
was out. And that's when I started to worry if it was pre-planned.
"So, no, I can't see Brian getting back in the band. We are a different band
now and we've moved on. It's a difficult situation.
"He has never said he wanted to come back but, if we were asked, we would
say, 'absolutely not'.
"Maybe at the time of the split, we might have considered having the five of
us back but, the longer we go on, the more of a band we are without Brian.
"It's not like the Take That situation. They split after Robbie Williams left.
We've already done three tours and three albums without Brian.
"If we go on like this, in time, people won't remember Brian was in the band.
"Even a reunion in years to come is most unlikely."
Nicky also revealed he used to fight constantly with his former bandmate,
accusing him of being unprofessional and failing to turn up on time for
engagements.
He said: "I've had a few conversations with Brian about him leaving, and I'm
probably better mates with him now because, at the time, it was all about being
on time and being professional and getting the job done. I felt he was coming
up short, and me and Brian would have a go at each other at times.
"Now I realise Brian was having problems in his marriage, which was something
we didn't have the slightest clue about. And he just needed to be at home to
try to sort that out. Unfortunately, it didn't work out for him, for whatever
reason.
"The Press were on his side when he left, and they wrote Westlife off. The
general feeling was that Brian had done a Robbie, and was going to be the
next big thing.
"It was important to us, as a band, not to get the doubters get to us."
Nicky, 28, has advised McFadden he should "disappear" until he can get himself
some decent songs. He believes it's his old bandmate's only chance of making
a comeback.
"Unfortunately for Brian, it was too much too soon," Nicky explained.
"He left us, his marriage broke up and it was too much. He suffered because of
that. He's a decent bloke, a quiet bloke. And I've said to him he needs to be
quiet, not make any comments, bury his head in the sand and make a really
great album.
"If he can't write a great one himself, he should record some and make a
comeback."
On Sunday, Westlife's The Love Album is set to top the charts, outselling new
collections by Oasis, U2, The Beatles and George Michael.
Westlife's latest album has sold 102,600 copies since Monday, compared to to
just 88,700 for Oasis's Stop The Clocks.
The compilations by The Beatles, U2 and George Michael have sold 69,600,
35,700 and 28,600 respectively.
Nicky beamed: "We have had eight albums in eight years, and we are still at the
top of our game."
To promote the record, the group turned up on X Factor at the weekend,
performing an unlikely duet with McFadden's girlfriend Goodrem.
But the band say the show, run by their long-time mentors Simon Cowell and
Louis Walsh, is unlikely to provide them with any competition.
Nicky said: "I've seen the odd show.
"Leona has a great voice but, all in all, X Factor doesn't have the talent
like last year when, from day one, Shayne Ward stood out as the star.
"He was good looking. He was a great singer and a good dancer. He had
everything. In terms of the X Factor, he had that. I don't think this year
has anyone like that."
Nicky believes their label boss Cowell and manager Walsh have the golden touch
when it comes to masterminding Westlife's career.
"I don't think we'd be here and as successful as we are without Louis Walsh
and Simon Cowell," Nicky confessed.
"Individually, they are both an encyclopedia of music and that includes all
different genres.
"What has happened with Westlife is that we can't compare ourselves to any
other band. There's been no rock band, vocal band or pop band that has lasted
in the charts as long as we have, who have had albums back to back.
"If you look at other bands in the UK, some might be happy to sell 400,000
albums.
"But, if we were selling that amount of records, we'd probably knock it on
the head.
"We're just delighted to be having this level of success because, if the
sales dropped, we wouldn't do it.
"I'm not being arrogant. I'm just telling you the harsh reality of our
situation, and we couldn't have done it without them.
"We are just looking at facts. What our secret is that we have that other
people don't, well, I can't put my finger on it."
--------------------------------------------
added: 23rd November 2006, Source: The Daily Record
Westlife: Closing in on Elvis and The Beatles
IRISH boyband Westlife can count themselves amongst the most highlyregarded
musical artists in he world — and that includes The Beatles and Elvis Presley.
Well that’s according to the amount of No. 1 singles they have had. The quartet
has this week found themselves top of the British singles charts for the 14th
time with their rendition of the Bette Midler classic The Rose.
The group is now ranked joint-third — alongside Cliff Richard — in the list
of artists with the most number one singles in Britain, behind The Beatles and
Elvis Presley.
But should the Irish boyband really be ranked in the same league as such
global greats?
An Elvis fan thinks not. “It’s like the worst insult to Elvis and The Beatles.
I mean they are legendary and original.
They can sing to be fair but on the most part Westlife have capitalised on
other artists’ success. Most of their hits have been covers.”
But this number one is just the latest milestone for Westlife who have now
sold 35million records worldwide since their 1999 debut.
Westlife are also the only band in British chart history to have entered
straight at No. 1 with their first seven singles and they are also the only
artist/group to win Record Of The Year in Britain four times. But again despite
this success the band has struggled to gain the respect of music critics.
Their recordings have been labelled banal and they have faced severe criticism
for their lack of original output. Their latest single is the sixth time the
band have reached number one with a cover version.
And Irish film star Pierce Brosnan even joined the debate when he attacked the
band for their album of Rat Pack covers.
The former James Bond star claimed Westlife shouldn’t try to copy the music of
Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis JR. His statement garnered a fierce
rebuke from band member Shane Filan.
“It’s not up to Pierce Brosnan what we do,” he said. “We decided to cover the
Rat Pack because it is a little bit different and exciting for the fans.”
In 2004 the band were given the ignominious honour of winning the Outstandingly
Bad Contribution to Music at the Naomi awards. The awards were voted for by
music industry experts who also gave Westlife gongs for Worst International
Album and Worst International Group.
Their impressive number of number ones is also said to be tempered by one large
caveat — sales figures. In the past, an artist needed to sell 100,000 singles
to reach number one. But with today’s dwindling singles market most artists
can attain the top spot with sales of just over 20,000 singles.
But despite any criticism Westlife’s devoted fan base remains intensely loyal.
One Westlife fan said: “Kian, Mark, Shane and Nicky are a credit to Ireland.
They should be applauded for their efforts not disparaged. Their latest No.
1 proves the band are still getting it right musically.
“They are fantastic and completely deserve to be up there with the best of
them, Elvis included. The records speak for themselves.”
--------------------------------------------
added: 23rd November 2006, Source: The Irish Post
Thank You For The Music
A TRIBUTE to some of the biggest names in pop will hit the Winter Gardens on
December 15.
Thank You For The Music is a journey through the history of pop music from the
1950s through to the present day.
The show features hits from Elvis, The Beatles and ABBA, and current favourites
like Kylie,
Westlife, Elton John and Robbie Williams.
A fast paced tribute to the changing face of pop music, starting in the 1950s,
songs include Great Balls Of Fire, Good Golly Miss Molly, Blue Suede Shoes and
Johnny B Goode.
Hits from the 60s include favourites such as I Saw Her Standing There, Soul
Bossa Nova and Shout, while the 70s features popular songs such as Ain't No
Mountain High Enough and Crocodile Rock, as well as disco anthems Boogie Nights
and Disco Inferno.
The 80s and 90s are represented with well-known hits such as Thriller,
Ghostbusters and Angels, and the latest numbers include Kylie's Can't Get You
Out Of My Head and
Westlife's You Raise Me Up.
In addition to the tunes from each decade, a presenter will introduce the
musical eras with a snapshot about the artistes and their music.
The show also includes festive favourites such as When A Child Is Born,
Winter Wonderland and Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree to get everyone into
the seasonal spirit.
Tickets, priced £8-8.50, are avail-able from the box office on 01934 645544.
--------------------------------------------
added: 23rd November 2006, Source: The Weston Mercury
Westlife Play Two Shows In One Day!
Westlife proved they will do anything to not let their fans down last
weekend as they played show after show in Butlin’s Minehead resort.
Following extreme weather, an erected structure built to house gigs for
5,000 Westlife fans was damaged so badly that it was unfit for the planned
gigs.
However, such a setback failed to daunt Westlife, who rather then playing one
huge concert instead played two in one day at a smaller venue in the Somerset
resort.
It was the first time the band of Irish crooners had ever played back to back
shows and Butlins staff are now full of praise for the band.
Now that’s what you call dedication!
--------------------------------------------
added: 23rd November 2006, Source: Entertainmentwise
Elton John Needs A Westlife
CAN anyone remember what Elton John was like before his gig at Princess
Diana’s funeral?
Elton’s performance that day transformed him into the nation’s favourite
therapist, the Godhead of requiem rock. As Diana’s candle flickered and died
in the wind, Elton’s own flames burned brightly. The Princess was dead, long
live the Princess.
And here is Elton on the front page of the Sun. When Elton speaks, the press
listen, and today he tells us that he is “so glad” Westlife are ahead of Oasis.
Elton speaks not of some race to see who will support him on any forthcoming
tour of funeral parlours and embalmists but of the “battle” to be top of the
album chart this Sunday.
Be in no doubt that this is the race that could shape the future of British
music. Will Westlife and their musical version of denture fudge take the top
spot, or will the plaudits go to Oasis, who gamely continue to make music long
after John Lennon’s death?
“I’m so glad Westlife are ahead of Oasis,” says Elton. “After what f****** Noel
Gallagher said about me I couldn’t give a s*** about Oasis. I go into f******
shops all the time myself, he’s just such a tosser.”
And: “He’s an absolute tosser and he looks like Parker from the Thunderbirds.”
This much we know, and it is undeniable. The elder Gallagher does have the same
slack jaw, blank expression and google-eyed demeanour of the 1960s TV puppet.
But the tosser position demands more consideration. And it is rooted in a
comment made by Noel that Elton is too precious to go out for a pint of milk.
It might be argued that this slight on Elton’s dairy-buying capabilities has
touched a raw nerve. But Elton will not truly refute the claim until he is seen
at large buying milk or, say, a yoghurt at a shop or record store...
--------------------------------------------
added: 23rd November 2006, Source: Anorak.co.uk
Nicky: I can't wait to be a Father
Last month Nicky Byrne got a phone call that’s set to change his life.
As relaxed alone a London Apartment during a day off from his westlife duty,
Nicky answered this call and heard Georgina screaming with joy.
The News they’d anticipated had been confirmed; his wife was expecting their
first child.
Reliving the moment during an excusive interview with SWM, Nicky face is ablaze
with happiness.
‘It’s a cliché, but all the number one hits with Westlife are nothing compared
to this,’ he says ‘the baby was planned and I knew Georgina going for the test
she phoned me, I was hoping the news would be positive’.
After Georgina call, Nicky was on the next fight to Dublin- ‘like a light’-
and within in a couple hours were breaking the news to there respective
families.
‘We told Georgina’s mum first, then my mam and dad, and then we told Georgina’s
dad. All within two hours of each other’ reveals Nicky.
Sometime next June- Nicky is coy about the exact date- they will make
Taoiseach’s Bertie Ahern a granddad.
So how did Bertie React?
‘He had a laugh about it (being a granddad)’ Nicky says.
'He smiled from ear to ear you could see he was proud. It’s the First grandchild
in both families and that has created more excitement.’
Devoted couple Nicky and Georgina have been living a charmed life-one that just
seems to get better and better.
They are school sweethearts who’ve been together since 16. And through Nicky’s
success with Westlife they enjoy a life style that is the stuff of dreams.
‘We are together 12 years and we’ve had a lot of fun. Through Westlife we’ve
seen the world together and now this is the icing on the cake” Nicky says ‘it’s
the next step in our lives together, We always said that when we feel ready the
time will be right, we didn’t want to have children during the early days of
Westlife. We saw the heartache Brian had because he was so young and he had the
pressure of constant touring, We knew we weren’t ready at that stage. But when
Shane and Gillian had their little daughter Nicole, last year we began to get
broody and we felt the time was right for us as well. There is no sign of
Westlife success slowing down and we’ve just signed a brand new contract
for the next four or five years, so they’re no pointing in waiting. Of course
I realise that we are blessed because nit everyone can have kids and my heart
goes out to people who cant. Life works in mysterious ways; we are lucky enough
for Georgina to be pregnant.’
Nicky will have a couple of months off around the time his child is due. ‘Being
due in early summer, makes it great for us’ he says. ‘We finish our tour the
first week of may, so it gives us a couple months, to take it all on board and
start changing nappies. We haven’t designated a baby room in our house yet, so
we are going to have got somebody in to turn it around. One thing I’ve learnt
from Shane and Gillian is just how much stuff goes with a baby! I think were
going have to get a separate tour bus for Shane and myself and our families.
That will be the baby tour bus. Kian usually travels with Jodi and his little
per dog, and Mark obviously has Kevin. We’re a proper Adams Family on the
road now.’
Since the couple announced their good news to the public, Nicky has been
getting a mixed reaction.
‘The guy down in my local in malahide said ‘you’ve done a lot of things in your
life, but your blessed with your own child is very special’ that was touching.
Then I got the lads going “Ah it’s a 25 year life sentence. Your life isn’t
yours anymore!'
Nicky and Georgina have no Preference for the sex of their child.
‘Whatever comes along we’ll take it’ He laughs. ‘That what everybody says and
it only hits you once you’re in the position. Once they are healthy it doesn’t
bother me. But the bookies are already offering odds on the names. I have pals
asking me what I will call him or her. They want to make a few bob on it.
Although she fainted while out shopping recently and has bouts of nausea,
Georgina is in good form.
‘Pregnant women’s blood pressure drops sometimes dramatically and that caused
her to faint’ He explains ‘But compared to the experience of some of her
friends, she pretty good. She’s just delighted. Every morning there’s a smile
from ear to ear on both our faces. We cant believe how lucky we are with cards
that have been dealt.’
--------------------------------------------
added: 20th November 2006, Source: The Sunday World Magazine, Typed by
Amy
Beatles Leading Oasis, U2 and Westlife
HMV reports that early morning and lunchtime sales at its 230 stores around
the country and online at hmv.co.uk show that The Beatles 'Love' album is
just out selling the greatest hits release from Oasis, 'Stop The Clocks' -
there are only 200 sales between them, ahead of U2's '18 Songs' and
Westlife's 'Love Album'. Today is the biggest release day of the year -
dubbed 'Super Monday' by HMV - and the new albums from Oasis, U2, The Beatles
and Westlife are expected to sell well over a million copies between them
during the next few weeks as they battle it outto be the best-selling album
of the Christmas period. Take That, whose great new single 'Patience' is also
in the shops today and likely to rise to No.1 in the singles charts this week
as an early contender for the Christmas No.1, will throw their hat into the
ring next week (27 Nov) with the release of their comeback album, 'Beautiful
World'. HMV's Gennaro Castaldo comments: "Based on initial sales, it looks like
first day honours may just go to The Beatles, which comes as no surprise given
the nature of their fanbase, but it may be that Oasis will sell more over the
week to go to No.1, while U2 and Westlife will aim to shift more copies over
the Christmas period as a whole. Watch out for Take That, though, who might
trump them all with their comeback album next week, to make it a'Take That
Christmas'."
--------------------------------------------
added: 20th November 2006, Source: allmediascotland.com
Westlife make appearance on X Factor
Irish boyband Westlife joined contestants on 'X Factor' this week, as they
celebrated another number one hit with their latest single, 'The Rose'.
The contestants on the ITV show were set the challenge of singing number one
hits from a range of artists.
Essex crooner Robert Allen was sent home by judge Simon Cowell.
Allen told the audience: "This show has given me a new lease of life and it
won't be the last that you see of me."
--------------------------------------------
added: 20th November 2006, Source: RTE.ie
Irish bands race for top chart slot
By Maureen Coleman
The race for this week's UK number one looks set to be a battle of the Irish
bands as three acts scrap it out for the coveted top spot.
Boyband Westlife is hoping to hang onto its position in the top slot with the
single The Rose, which saw the boys enter the Guinness Book of Records last
week after their 14th single debuted at number one.
Snapping at their heels are fellow Dubliners U2, who are currently number two
with their Green Day collaboration The Saints Are Coming.
But Northern Irish indie band Snow Patrol are catching up with both groups with
their new single Set The Fire To The Third Bar.
The track, a duet with Martha Wainwright, was released earlier this week and
was today the 14th biggest selling single in HMV stores across Northern
Ireland.
The single is the third to be taken from their chart-topping album Eyes Open.
Iain Joannides, manager of HMV Donegall Arcade, said: "There is bitter battle
this week for number one with chart toppers U2, Westlife and Snow Patrol
vying for the coveted position.
Snow Patrol's single 'Set The Fire To The Third Bar' has received excellent
reviews and, while it is defending its corner, both Westlife and U2 are tough
acts to beat."
U2 and Westlife have both notched up number one singles during their careers
but Snow Patrol are yet to reach the top of the charts.
Their second single from Eyes Open, the anthemic Chasing Cars, gave the band
its biggest hit to date, at number six.
The song entered the charts in the lower end of the top 40 but steadily climbed
to number six over a number of weeks.
The band are set to play a triumphant homecoming gig at the Odyssey Arena in
Belfast on December 21, capping off a successful year which saw them crack the
American market and go straight to number one with their fourth album.
--------------------------------------------
added: 17th November 2006, Source: Belfast Telegraph
Wind blamed for big top collapse
An investigation by health and safety officials has begun at Butlin's in
Minehead, Somerset, after high winds caused a big top to collapse.
The complex is due to host pop star boy bands McFly and Westlife at the
weekend, with 4,500 fans expected.
Butlin's management said the concerts would go ahead, but inside a smaller
part of the complex.
Westlife would now perform two shorter sets, the group said, so that ticket
holders would not be disappointed.
--------------------------------------------
added: 16th November 2006, Source: BBC News
How Georgie gave Nicky a faint idea about the baby
Westlife star Nicky Byrne found out he was going to be a dad, when his pregnant
wife fainted in posh shop Harrods.
The singers wife Georgina - Taoiseach Bertie Aherne - is expecting a baby in
the first week of June.
But Nicky revealed he only learned for sure he was going to be a father when
his wife collapsed in the luxury london store.
He said: "We have know for a little time.
But she surprised me a couple of weeks ago because she fainted in Harrod in
London and collapsed into my arms.
I was blessed I had a basecall cap on and nobody saw me.
It was pretty scary at the time but confirmed it".
The 28 years old Dubliner said Georgina is in good health apart from a bit
of morning sickness.
He said: "She's feeling a bit nauseated but she is doing absoutely brilliant.
We're together for 12 years and this is the real icing on the cake for us"
"It is like all our birthdays coming at once. We are really happy".
Nicky, joked he is hoping that the pregancy will not stop Georgina, 27, voting
for her father.
He said: "I would rather it was after the election - so then Georgina could get
her vote in. She would hate to miss that".
Nicky said the Taoisoeach was over the moon when he heard he was going to be a
grandad.
He added: "He was delighted- it is his first grandchild obviously.
And I cant leave my mam and dad out either - it is their first grandchild too".
--------------------------------------------
added: 13th November 2006, Source: Sunday Mail, Caroline
Westlife secure 14th number one in UK
Boyband Westlife have secured their 14th number one single in the UK, with a
version of the Bette Midler classic 'The Rose'.
The group is now ranked joint-third, alongside Cliff Richard, in the list of
artists with the most number one singles in the UK, behind the Beatles and
Elvis Presley.
According to their record label, Westlife have now sold 35 million records
worldwide since their 1999 debut.
Their new album, entitled 'The Love Album', is due to be released on 20
November.
--------------------------------------------
added: 13th November 2006, Source: RTE.ie
Exclusive Nicky Byrne Talks To Daily Mirror
ON BECOMING A DAD: 'I know the time is right .. I've seen the joy it brought
Shane and I know my Georgina will make a great mum, ON BRIAN'S RETURN: 'I don't
think he would ask to get back into Westlife, if he did we wouldn't take him
back anyway.
Westlife star Nicky Byrne has revealed his joy as he prepares to become a pop
papa.
The singer's wife Georgina - daughter of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern - announced at
the weekend she is expecting a baby in the summer.
Thrilled Nicky said: "I know the time is right for this and it's something that
Georgina and I had been talking about for some time.
"It's a whole different level of responsibility bringing a child into the world.
"But I've seen what joy it brought Brian McFadden when he was in the group and
more recently Shane Filan with his daughter Nicole. I want to experience that
too and I know Georgina will make a great mum."
Nicky met the Daily Mirror in a plush suite in Dublin's Four Seasons hotel.
Despite having staged a day of interviews and promotions the 28-year-old is
energetic and bright, wearing a pair of designer jeans and a smart jumper.
He's been working frantically since dawn but even at 6pm he still has plenty
of his charm in reserve, flashing his trademark boy band smile as he leaps
up and offers to make tea.
The singer's soon reflecting on Westlife's amazing resurrection since Brian's
dramatic exit from the group three years ago.
He explains: "I don't think that Brian would ever ask to come back to the band.
But the honest answer would be that we wouldn't have him back in the group
anyway.
"We all get on great with Brian but we couldn't go back to having five in the
group because it was such an upheaval when he left.
"We had to re-build and start from scratch and we're a different group now.
We've moved on and Brian knows that as much as we do.
"If you are asking me if we would let him re-join the group then the answer
is no."
He concedes: "At the time I suppose we did all feel a bit hurt and abandoned
by the whole Brian thing because we were emotional about what was happening.
"We were taking a huge step into the unknown when Brian left. I think we all
felt a bit vulnerable and scared. That was probably the toughest thing we
ever went through as a band but it brought us closer together.
"I think a lot of people wrote us off and thought we would be finished - like
when Robbie Williams left Take That."
Far from folding, the stars bounced back within six months with a No1 album
and sell-out world tour.
Yet Nicky knows how unpredictable the fickle world of showbiz can be.
He cautiously accepts: "We have to be strong now because another member
leaving the group would be the end. We know that, yet we also know it won't
happen.
YES of course sometimes we'll have a really heated discussion, debate or even
row about what song to release or where we want to tour.
"These things are important to us and we all have different ideas on what
is right.
"But we argue it out and then reach a decision. It's a democracy and it works
well for us."
He adds with a grin: "And none of us have ever hit each other - that's not
bad for a group of lads who have been on the road together for eight years."
Meanwhile, all bets are on when it comes to what Nicky and Georgina, 27, will
name their baby.
Boylesports were offering odds yesterday on what Bertie's first grandchild
will be called.
Nicky is the favourite choice for a boy at 16/1 followed closely by Bertie,
after his famous grandfather at 20/1.
If it's a girl, Cecelia at 25/1, the name of Georgina's younger sister, is
joint favourite with Mary, the first name of the Republic's Minister for
Health.
As a tribute to the Taoiseach's other colleagues, Justice Minister Michael
McDowell and Finance Minister Brian Cowen, Michael is at 25/1 and Brian is
33/1.
If it's a bouncing little girl, Georgina may wish to give a special nod to her
mother by calling the new arrival Miriam.
Nicky may look to some of his own songs for inspiration when naming his first
born.
The band had a hit with Mandy and Boylesports are offering odds of 66/1 that it
comes out tops for the new parents.
At 150/1, Gertie is the rank outsider for Westlife's new arrival followed by
odds of 40/1 that it will be twins and 300/1 that Georgina will have triplets.
--------------------------------------------
added: 7th November 2006, Source: Daily Mirror
Westlife to get personal in video
Irish boyband Westlife are allowing fans to play a part in their latest
music video.
Visitors to the group's website can "star" in a custom version of the video
simply by submitting their name.
The name is then integrated into several scenes, appearing on a wedding
invitation and a text message sent by a member of the group.
The interactive video, which is for the band's twentieth single, The Rose,
was created by British firm 20:20 London.
They have used the technology before to put user's names in online adverts
for films and video games, but this is the first time it has been used in a
music video.
Westlife are one of the most successful pop acts of recent years, with a tally
of 13 number one singles in the UK.
Often derided for their reliance on cover versions and ballads, the quartet
have nonetheless sold more than 35 million records worldwide.
They have been together for eight years and survived the departure of
original member Bryan McFadden in 2004.
--------------------------------------------
added: 6th November 2006, Source: BBC News
Joy For Bertie As Georgina To Have Baby
Eoin English
Ffrom Teflon Taoiseach to doting grandad.
Bertie Ahern, who’s kissed more than his fair share of babies on the campaign
trail, might be able to get a little hands-on practice in ahead of next year’s
election after his eldest daughter, Georgina, confirmed she and her husband,
Westlife’s Nicky Byrne, are expecting their first child next summer.
A public relations firm issued a one-line statement on behalf of the couple
yesterday morning stating: “Nicky and Georgina Byrne are delighted to announce
that they are expecting their first child next summer.”
A spokesperson declined to give an exact due date but said the couple are
“over the moon”.
Mr Ahern, who confronted the worst personal crisis of his nine years as
Taoiseach last month, spoke of his joy at the good news yesterday.
“I thought they were going to make the announcement tomorrow. But I’m very
happy for them,” he said.
And referring to Westlife’s new deal with their record label, Sony/BMG,
reported to be worth up to e6 million, Mr Ahern said: “He’ll [Nicky]
need the money in the future to look after his children.”
Georgina, 27, will continue to work as a fitness instructor at the new Jurys
Hotel at Croke Park.
And while Nicky and the band have a number of sell-out concerts next March and
April as part of their Love Album Tour, the spokesperson said he will ensure
he has ample time in his diary next summer. The band’s schedule is clear from
May to July.
Paddy Power were offering bets last night on the baby’s name.
Nicky, after Nicky’s father, and Kelly, which is Georgina’s mother’s maiden
name, were the hot favourites at 10/1.
Bertie is further down the list at 33/1 while Celia and Enda are rank
outsiders at 250/1.
Georgina married her childhood sweetheart, Nicky, on August 5, 2003, at
Wicklow Registry Office.
The civil ceremony was followed in September by a church blessing at the
church of St Pierre et St Paul in Gallardon, Eure-et-Loir, France, and a
lavish reception at the nearby 16th century Château d’Esclimont.
--------------------------------------------
added: 6th November 2006, Source: Irish Examiner.com
Byrne Baby Byrne
Westlife star Nicky & Bertie's girl pregnant
By Maeve Quigley
Nicky Byrne and his wife Georgina are expecting their first child - making
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern a grandad by the summer.
Westlife star Nicky, 28, and 27-year-old Georgina - who is the Bertie's eldest
daughter - announced yesterday she was pregnant.
A spokeswoman said: "Nicky and Georgina Byrne are delighted to announce they
are expecting their first child next summer."
The couple would not comment further but pals said they were overjoyed.
One friend added: "They are both over the moon - it's wellknown that Nicky and
Georgina have always wanted a family. So they are really delighted."
Yesterday Bertie said he was thrilled to learn he would soon have a grandchild.
He added: "Needless to say we are all delighted with the good news.
"Georgina and Nicky are very special people in our lives and our thoughts and
prayers will be with them in the coming months."
And when asked how he felt about becoming a grandad, Bertie gushed: "Well,
if it is half as good as being a father and brings me anywhere near the
pride and joy that fatherhood brought me then I am really looking forward to
it."
Bertie added the news that Westlife had got a new contract meant his
grandchild's future would be secure.
He said: "He'll probably need the money in the future to look after his
children.
"I think we all have to plan not just for our children, but for our children's
children and I suppose it shows that's not too far away."
Nicky and Georgina have been together for over a decade after they met at
school in Baldoyle.
The couple got married at Wicklow Registry Office in August 2003 and their
union was blessed four days later at the Church of St Pierre et St Paul in
Gallardon, Eure-et-Loir, France.
Both have spoken openly about their wish for children.
Nicky even admitted he became broody when bandmate Shane Filan and his wife
Gillian had baby Nicole in July last year.
Meanwhile, the proud couple attended a wedding in Sligo at the weekend before
giving Bertie moral support at the Fianna Fail Ard Fheis in the CityWest Hotel.
An onlooker said: "Georgina and Nicky turned up at the Ard Fheis on
Saturday night.
"They gave Bertie a hug before he went onstage to deliver his key address.
"Maybe they had just broken the news to him that he was going to be a grandad."
--------------------------------------------
added: 6th November 2006, Source: The Mirror
The Rose Out Today!
At last, 'The Rose' is out today and there are plenty of ways to get your hands
on the single, so what are you waiting for?
You can order it now via your mobile and receive exclusive access to a website
where you can watch behind-the-scenes footage of the boys at the video shoot.
All you need to do is
click here
and follow the simple instructions.
If you’re heading down to the shops to get your copy on CD, there are two great
formats to look out for. CD1 has gorgeous new track ‘Solitaire’ on the B-side,
while CD2 comes with ‘Nothing’s Going To Change My Love For You’, ‘If’, plus
the making of the photoshoot. You can also order the CDs online – just
click here
and enjoy!
--------------------------------------------
added: 6th November 2006, Source: Westlife.com
Georgina & Nicky to have first baby
The Irish Taoiseach’s eldest daughter Georgina is expecting a baby with her
husband, Westlife singer Nicky Byrne, it was confirmed today.
In a one-line statement, a spokesperson said the new arrival is due next
summer.
It will the first grandchild of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and his separated wife,
Miriam Kelly. Their youngest daughter Cecelia is a best-selling author.
Today’s statement said: “Nicky and Georgina Byrne are delighted to announce
that they are expecting their first child next summer.”
The couple wed at Wicklow Registry Office, Co Wicklow in August 2003 and their
union was blessed four days later at the Roman Catholic Church of St Pierre et
St Paul in Gallardon, Eure-et-Loir, France.
The couple attended the Ard Fheis (annual conference) of Taoiseach Bertie
Ahern’s ruling Fianna Fail party in Dublin last night.
Georgina, 27 and Nicky, 28, appeared briefly on RTE television as they hugged
Mr Ahern at the back of the Citywest Hotel hall before he made his televised
address.
--------------------------------------------
added: 5th November 2006, Source: RTE
Personalised Video
Just fill out your first name and last name
here
and get to see a personalised video of The Rose!
--------------------------------------------
added: 4th November 2006, Source: mywestlife.com
Westlife weekend
Westlife Weekend starts this Friday at 4 with Ruth Scott, with your chance to
win their brand new album first.
Saturday Morning the guys join Michael Cahill, as some of their biggest fans
get to ask the questions.
From 12midday Nicky, Shane, Kian and Mark play a special celebrity Family
Fortunes on the Saturday Show with Will, and then listen out for them all
weekend long giving you a chance to win their latest love album...
--------------------------------------------
added: 3rd November 2006, Source: RTÉ 2FM
Westlife On Popworld
Westlife will be performing The Rose on Popworld this Saturday (4th November).
And if you miss it on Saturday, you can tune in to the repeat on Sunday!
--------------------------------------------
added: 3rd November 2006, source: Westlife.com
Radio Interviews
Westlife did lots of radio interviews last week. I will post a couple of links
where you can listen to some of them (at least the ones with Nicky).
Hereward FM
Southern FM
Red Dragon
Heart FM
--------------------------------------------
added: 1st November 2006
Pre-Order The Rose On Your Mobile
As you know, Westlife’s gorgeous new single The Rose is out on Monday 6th
November – but did you know you can pre-order it for your PC in one easy step
via SMS now and receive some fantastic video footage!
All you need to do is text ROSE to 81330. You’ll then receive exclusive access
to a website where you can watch a behind-the-scenes video of The Rose
video shoot. Then, on 6th November, you’ll be able to download the single
from your computer.
Texts cost £1 plus standard operator charges. This service is available in the
UK only and downloads are Windows compatible.
----------------------------------------------
added: 29th October 2006, Source: Westlife.com
Watch The Rose Video
The brand new video for The Rose is now here! You can watch it in full by
clicking
here.
It’s also being shown on The Box, The Hits and Smash Hits. You can support the
boys by voting for it with the following numbers:
For The Box, call 09056 52 52 52, selection number 104
For The Hits, call 09056 525 777, selection number 157
For Smash Hits, call 09056 525 333, selection number 106
----------------------------------------------
added: 29th October 2006, Source: Westlife.com
Irish pop act Westlife will star in the Woolworths Christmas advertising campaign.
Irish pop act Westlife will star in the Woolworths Christmas advertising
campaign.
The boy band appear alongside Woolies' own stars, sheep and sheepdog Wooly and
Worth, in the retailer's main Christmas ad and will release the song they sing
in the ad, Westlife's version of White Christmas, as an exclusive download.
The GBP25 million campaign is the retailer's biggest Christmas spend since it
de-merged from Kingfisher in 2001 and includes a five-fold increase in online
spend. The first ad airs on Wednesday 1st November in the Emmerdale break on
ITV1.
There are six TV executions, a main 'brand' 50-second ad, two 30-second
'offer' ads and three 20-second 'tactical deal' ads. The campaign also
features an in-store POS suite, press ads, flyers and a Christmas micro-site.
Westlife star in the main brand ad. The ad is a continuation of the
'More Great News' format and sees news anchorman Worth cross live to roving
reporter Wooly who is taking a magical journey on an express train touring a
Woolworths store.
The ad ends on the Big Red Book which opens to reveal a huge Christmas tree
with a giant bauble on top. The bauble falls, burying Worth in the snow.
The two 30-second 'offer' ads push two of Woolworths' biggest offers this
Christmas - 25% off big brand toys (featuring the giant present wrapping
machine again, this time Wooly ends up in being wrapped as a present) and the
'biggest ever 3 for 2' offer. The 'tactical deal' ads break in early December.
Stephen Robertson, Woolworths' marketing director, says: "This year, whether
you're in-store, on Woolworths.co.uk, shopping the Big Red Book or seeing us
on TV, it's all about the magic of Christmas. We've taken everything that is
magical about Christmas, wrapped it up and gone to town with it on everything
that is Woolies. It's a return to the Woolworths advertising of old, which
customers fondly remember as capturing the excitement of Christmas, but we've
brought it bang up to date and made it relevant to Woolworths today with
messages like online shopping, in-store ordering and tactical deals.
"Having Westlife star alongside Wooly and Worth is a coup for us. With 13
number one singles under their belt they are the one of the biggest bands
ever and they connect well with our customers."
----------------------------------------------
added: 29th October 2006, Source: The Retail Bulletin
Westlife mistaken for gang
Westlife were mistaken for a gang of hoodlums by the terrified owner of a fish
and chip restaurant in Birmingham, England recently.
Flying Without Wings singers Nicky Byrne and Shane Filan had walked into
eatery George And Helen's with a bouncer - and because they wrapped scarves
around their faces to avoid being recognised shop owner Kostas Georgiou
thought the worst.
He says: "They looked really intimidating and we were worried."
----------------------------------------------
added: 29th October 2006, Source: Breaking News.ie
Westlife would love duet with Take That
Irish pop group WESTLIFE are delighted by the return of British boy band TAKE
THAT, and would love to record a duet with the RELIGHT MY FIRE stars.
The FLYING WITHOUT WINGS singers are glad that so many 1990s pop bands are
reforming, and welcome the friendly competition from other British groups
including FIVE and ALL SAINTS.
Westlife's MARK FEEHILY says, "Take That were one of the bands that inspired
me to do this and All Saints were and extremely cool band too.
"I'm always up for a collaboration, maybe on a new uptempo kind of song with
Take That.
"In the past we've done duets with girls like DELTA GOODREM and DIANA ROSS,
but it'd be a nice change."
----------------------------------------------
added: 29th October 2006, Source: PR Inside
Westlife back boyband
Westlife have tipped boyband Upper Street to succeed as their make-or-break
single hits the shops.
Upper Street have been formed on MTV's reality TV show, Totally Boyband,
and consist of various members of old pop groups.
The band features Danny Wood of New Kids On The Block, Bradley McIntosh of S
Club 7, Dane Bowers from Another Level and Jimmy Constable of 911 and they
released their debut single 'The One' on Monday.
Critics have dismissed the group as a bad idea, but the boys have been backed
by the members of Westlife - one of the biggest selling boybands of all time.
Nicky Byrne told MTV: "It's brilliant that you have all these bands coming back.
"If I'd been out of the business for 10 years I'd really miss it and I'd be
dying to get back into it."
Mark Feehily added: "We know Bradley and Dane - they're really great guys."
Kian Egan said: "I'm really happy for Bradley. Ever since S Club ended he's
been really keen to keep the music going. Out of everyone in his old band he
was the one who seemed to really want it."
----------------------------------------------
added: 29th October 2006, Source: Virgin.net
Westlife competition!
We'll be sending one lucky Westlife fan and their friend or special someone for
an amazing day in the romance capital of the world, Paris. Whisked off first
class on Eurostar, you'll be picked up by your driver on arrival and chauffeured
to an über-glamorous hotel in the heart of the city. There you’ll enjoy
afternoon tea with Mark, Nicky, Kian and Shane, and ask them all the
questions you’ve ever wanted to!
To enter the competition, all you need to do is click
here
and fill in your details.
Bonne chance!
----------------------------------------------
added: 29th October 2006, Source: Westlife.com
«
Back
Members: 226
