New Video Shoot
Exciting news - Westlife are shooting the video for their next single tomorrow!
It's all very hush-hush at the moment, but rest assured we'll be bringing you
more details, including the name of the new single, very soon.
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Added: 3rd December 2007, source: Westlife.com
Westlife Update
It's been a super-busy few weeks for the boys, who've had their hands full with
lots of international TV, radio and press interviews, taking place both in
Europe and in London. Last week they also did two fab photoshoots for Christmas
editions of the Sunday Mirror and Tesco magazine - keep an eye out for those,
coming soon.
On Saturday they appeared on the X Factor and gave their first ever performance
of ‘I'm Already There', which they were all really pleased with. The boys then
had a few days off, except for Mark who did an interview and photoshoot with
his boyfriend Kevin for the front cover of Attitude magazine.
Tomorrow the guys have an interview for Australian TV with presenter Molly
Meldrum, and on Friday they will start rehearsals for their ITV special, and
will continue rehearsing almost every day until the show on 15th December.
They will, however, be taking some time out for a live appearance on This
Morning on Monday!
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Added: 2nd December 2007, source: Westlife.com
See In The New Year With Westlife
Westlife will be making an appearance on Graham Norton's New Year's Eve show,
The Big Finish. The guys will be recording their performance on Sunday 16th
December for broadcast on 31st December. It'll be the perfect way to see in
2008!
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Added: 2nd December 2007, source: Westlife.com
Late Late Show Westlife Special
Great news for fans in the Republic of Ireland: there will be a special
Westlife edition of the Late Late Show next month!
The boys are filming it in Dublin on 21st December for broadcast on 28th
December. It's set to be a fantastic programme, so mark the date in your
diary now.
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Added: 2nd December 2007, source: Westlife.com
Caitlin chosen as Westlifes child of courage nominee
Caitlin Murphy is a little girl of immense bravery and courage and these
obvious attributes have been acknowledged by Westlife Star Nicky Byrne who
has nominated her for a Woman's Own Children of Courage award.
Caitlin is confined to a wheelchair following a car accident in 2006. Since
then, with the help of her amazing family and friends, she has shown tremendous
courage in dealing with the trauma she has suffered at such a young age.
"I'm so excited about the award because I love Westlife," says Caitlin.
"Nicky is my favourite because he came to see me in hospital and I'm getting
their new CD for Christmas."
While Caitlin was attending Temple Street Hospital she received a visit from
the Westlife singer and won his heart. She came to national attention when
John Aldridge serenaded her during the RTÉ Celebrity You're a Star competition
with the song The Most Beautiful Girl.
"The way Caitlin deals with her injuries has been an inspiration and she
always has a smile on her face," Nicky Byrne said.
Caitlin's mother, Sabrina, says that she was "shocked when I was contacted
about the nomination. The fact that Nicky took the time to nominate Caitlin
was really, really nice".
Sabrina recounted a story of when Caitlin was invited backstage after a recent
Westlife gig.
"The band heard that Caitlin was in the crowd so they invited her backstage and
Caitlin said to Nicky: 'How's the twins?' to which a slightly surprised Nicky
replied 'grand missie, you're more chatty this time than the first time I
met you'.
"Another thing I thought was wonderful was the fact that Nicky spoke to
Caitlin on her own level. Sometimes people don't see the person in the
wheelchair, but they are there."
----------------------------------------------
Added: 24th November 2007, source: Carlow Nationalist
Win Tickets For The Westlife ITV Special
Fancy being in the audience for the ITV Westlife Special next month? We've got
100 pairs of priority tickets reserved for Westlife fans to give away - here's
how to be in with a chance of winning!
Email thewestlifeshow@itv.com with your name, age, address and a contact
telephone number. Make sure you put THE WESTLIFE SHOW COMPETITION in the subject
header*.
BR>
The 100 lucky people will be picked at random and notified by email the week
before the show with a follow-up phone call.
Because it's Westlife's own show we need winners to come dressed in your best
'Westlife' attire. We're looking for banners, flags, posters, hats, scarves,
T-shirts etc. The more effort made, the nearer to the front you are likely to
be placed. Anyone under 16 will be refused entry. ID may be required.
*Terms & conditions: The competition is only open to those aged 16 years and
older. ID may be required. You'll need to make your own way to and from the
London Studios, arriving by 3.45pm on show day. Show is due to finish at
6.30pm and you won't be allowed to leave the studio until filming is complete.
The competition closes at midnight on Friday 30th November 2007.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 24th November 2007, source: Westlife.com
Westlife Win Best Recording Artist
Westlife snapped up the prestigious Best Recording Artist gong at last night's
Variety Club Showbiz Awards.
Not only were the boys there to pick up their award in person, but they also
performed to the star-studded audience.
The show will be broadcast in full on Sky Three on 24th November at 8pm and
again on Sky One 25th November at 3pm. To see some pictures from the evening,
click
here.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 24th November 2007, source: Westlife.com
This Morning
Here's another date for your diary - the Westlife boys will be appearing on
This Morning next month.
Tune in on Monday 3rd December to see them in action.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 24th November 2007, source: Westlife.com
G-A-Y Performance On World Aids Day
Westlife will be performing at London's legendary G-A-Y nightclub on Saturday
1st December at a very special night to mark the 20th Anniversary of World Aids
Day.
Joining the boys for the evening's entertainment will be a host of top acts
including Girls Aloud, Sugababes and Sophie Ellis Bextor. A donation of £10
will be made to the Elton John Aids Foundation for every ticket sold - find out
more by clicking
here.
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Added: 24th November 2007, source: Westlife.com
Nicky talks About Home
Today's video clip sees Nicky spill the beans on his home and why it's so
important to him.
Check it out
here.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 24th November 2007, source: Westlife.com
Westlife On X Factor
There's an extra-special treat to look forward to on this weekend's X Factor -
Westlife will be giving an exclusive performance!
The boys will be joining Simon, Louis & co on Saturday night (24th November)
to perform on the results show.
The X Factor starts at 6.40pm on ITV1, with the results show on at 8.40pm. Set
those video recorders!
----------------------------------------------
Added: 24th November 2007, source: Westlife.com
ITV Westlife Special
Westlife will be putting on a spectacular one-off musical extravaganza on ITV
next month!
The show will be a celebration of the band's massive hits over the past ten
years - and to make it that extra bit more special, YOU get to pick five of the
ten songs they'll perform!
To find out how to cast your votes, head over to www.itv.com/westlife, where
you can also watch a video interview with the boys.
The show will be presented by Holly Willoughby and will include some very
special guests. Check www.westlife.com next week for the chance to win a place
in the audience!
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Added: 24th November 2007, source: Westlife.com
X Factor bans Westlife hit
Westlife have been banned from performing their new single on this
week’s X Factor, The Sun can reveal.
Show stars Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh don’t want to be accused of using the
ITV1 programme to plug their talent.
So far this series, last year’s winner Leona Lewis appeared to sing her No1 hit
Bleeding Love. And 2005 winner Shayne Ward performed his new single Breathless.
Despite Westlife having recently released their cover of Michael Buble’s hit
Home, they will not sing it on the TV talent show on Saturday night.
A show source said: “Simon and Louis have come under fire for booking all their
artists on the show. But why shouldn’t they? It’s the same family and it’s the
biggest show on TV.
“However, Westlife will be mentoring the finalists — and will not sing Home.”
Westlife singer Mark Feehily said: “We’re going to perform a track off our
album. It’ll be an exclusive performance.”
The band also revealed their favourites to win the X Factor.
Mark added: “Beverley has the best chance out of Louis’ group and then Rhydian.”
Shane Filan said: “He (Rhydian) has got personality and character and that goes
a long way in the industry.”
----------------------------------------------
Added: 24th November 2007, source: The Sun
It will be ballad marvellous
It’s love week on the X Factor and the songs will give the remaining six
acts plenty to get their teeth into.
And who better to help them with a series of heartfelt ballads than the
massively popular Westlife?
The Irish heartthrobs will pop in to offer advice and guidance on performance.
And the songs on offer this week will certainly pose challenges.
Beverley Trotman - Without You
Niki Evans - The Power of Love
Same Difference - Nothing's Gonna To Stop Us Now
Rhydian Roberts – Somewhere
Leon Jackson - You Don't Know Me
Hope – Hurt
----------------------------------------------
Added: 24th November 2007, source: The Sun
Welcome back, Westlife!
By Mark Bonifacio
Manila, Philippines - The Philippines is full of great people. A lot of nurses
in Dublin are actually from the Philippines. Very nice and friendly people,”
Westlife member Nicky Byrne said when asked of his experience in the country
(the last time a year ago for a concert).
Inquirer 2bU! recently had a phone chat with one-fourth of one of the world’s
most successful boybands. What used to be a quintet (until Bryan McFadden left
the group in 2004) has been in the scene for nine years and still going strong.
“I think we share a bond. But we do have our arguments sometimes. We believe
in ourselves. We got this because of hard work. We believe we got something
good when we sing together. We’re very happy with that,” Byrne said.
In the United Kingdom alone, Westlife has scored eight multi-platinum albums
and a record-breaking 14 No. 1 hits (behind only Elvis and The Beatles), has
snagged Brit and MTV awards and holds the record for most concerts (23) at the
prestigious Wembley Arena.
This year, the group is back with its ninth album, “Back Home.”
Why the title? Byrne explained: “One was that we felt we were back home doing
great original pop songs.
Two, we had so much time off this year that we felt that we were all back home.
We planned to spend a lot of time this year back home touring. We usually
spend a lot of time abroad, but this year and until next year, we’ll plan for a
big concert in Dublin to mark our 10th anniversary together.”
The album is a throwback to the signature Westlife music their fans have loved
all these years.
“We wanted to get Westlife back. Back to where we were probably five or six
years ago. And that’s what we are doing. We said no to a lot of songs that our
record company wanted us to record, and we chose the songs that had to be
ourselves. We felt that we had to make an album that had lots of flavor and
tempo,” Byrne said.
“Back Home” was recorded in nine weeks with production credits going to names
like Quiz Larossi, Per Magnusson, and Rami and Arnthor, alongside longtime
friend and collaborator Steve Mac. It contains 12 tracks, nine of which are
originals and three covers including the Michael Bublé original “Home.”
“It was such a well written song that we just had to include it in our album.
Bublé is a jazz singer. He appeals to a different market. So you know, we
thought, there was no harm in doing it. It is a fantastic song and we were
never against doing a cover for the right reasons. We feel this song was for
the right reasons,” said Byrne.
As with past albums, Westlife producer (and “American Idol” judge) Simon
Cowell played a key factor in choosing the songs to include, like “Home.”
“He loved that song and he thought he would see Westilfe doing a pop version
of that song,” Byrne said.
“He chose a lot of the songs. But this year we really wanted an album that
would bring Westlife back to what we did best. We wouldn’t want too many
covers like what we did last year.”
The Westlife guys don’t see themselves experimenting or venturing into a new
sound in the future.
“This album has great pop songs?simple but not complicated. They’re easy-listening
music. I really appreciate jazz and rock, but for me I always want something
that you can just stick on. Of course, it has to have good lyrics and must be
catchy. I think we fulfilled that this year with this album. We’re back to the
basics and we worked with the same producers. The reason that Westlife is still
around is because of the songs,” Byrne said.
Though they have sold over 36 million records worldwide, the group hopes to
surpass the success of their previous albums. “We hope this becomes our
biggest-selling album. ‘The Love Album’ has been very successful. Before that
we got ‘Face To Face’ and ‘You Raise Me Up.’ So it is a goal, we have to say.
I just hope people will give it a chance,” Byrne said.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 24th November 2007, source: Inquirer.net
Tenth Fan Question
The tenth and final fan question we put to the boys was ‘Can You tell me, what
makes a man?', asked by LanAnh.
Unfortunately we're not able to show you their answer on video as...well, let's
just say it began with ‘Two apples and a banana!' We'll leave you to guess
the rest.
Thanks to everyone who submitted a question. The boys had great fun answering
the ones we picked and we hope you enjoyed watching them. And next week, the
boys are turning the tables and asking YOU some questions! All will be revealed
soon...
----------------------------------------------
Added: 24th November 2007, source: Westlife.com
Ninth Fan Question
Today, the boys reveal what last made them smile! Find out by watching the video
here.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 24th November 2007, source: Westlife.com
Eighth Fan Question
Ever wondered what the Westlife boys would like to ask YOU? Then check out
their answer to the latest fan question by watching the video
here!
----------------------------------------------
Added: 24th November 2007, source: Westlife.com
Seventh Fan Question
In the next instalment of your questions, the boys reveal what they'd say
about themselves in a personal ad.
Watch their answers
here...
----------------------------------------------
Added: 24th November 2007, source: Westlife.com
Sixth Fan Question
Ever wondered which superhero the boys would secretly like to be? Then watch
the video
here
to find out their answer to the next fan question!
----------------------------------------------
Added: 24th November 2007, source: Westlife.com
Fifth Fan Question
Watch the guys answering another of your questions
here.
Kian tells us which animal he'd like to be reincarnated as.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 24th November 2007, source: Westlife.com
Fourth Fan Question
In today's video, Nicky tells us what his party trick is.
Discover his secret talent by watching the video
here!
----------------------------------------------
Added: 24th November 2007, source: Westlife.com
Third fan question
Today, find out what the boys would do if they had the chance to be God for a day...
Click
here.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 24th November 2007, source: Westlife.com
Second Fan Question
In the next installment of Westlife's answers to your questions, they tackle
the following tricky poser: If you had to describe your new album as a smell
or a taste, what would it be? Find out the answer by watching the video
here.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 11th November 2007, source: Westlife.com
Westlife Q and A
Westlife sat down to answer some of your questions that you posted on the Forum.
The first question we put to them was- If you weren't in Westlife who'd be your
favourite member?
A good question - what do you think the guys said? Watch their answer
here.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 11th November 2007, source: Westlife.com
'Simon's bigger than Brad'
They have sold 40million albums and this week are on course to notch up
their seventh No1 album with new release Back Home.
But Westlife heart-throb Nicky Byrne insists it is their boss who is the real
star — a certain Simon Cowell.
In an exclusive interview Nicky, 29, told me: “Simon is bigger than Brad Pitt
in America. Ever since he started American Idol he’s become a megastar.
“We met up with him in the States a couple of years ago but we couldn’t get
near him because he was so busy signing autographs.
“We take the mickey out of him. In his office he has a mirror that says,
‘Yes, Simon, you look terrific’.
“He wasn’t famous when we first met him but he hasn’t changed. How you see him
behave on The X Factor is how he has always been.”
Simon, the band’s record company boss, is responsible for creating one of the
most successful pop bands ever in Westlife.
Nicky and bandmates Shane Filan, 28, Kian Egan, 27, and Mark Feehily, 27, are
managed by Simon’s fellow X Factor judge Louis Walsh.
With 14 UK No1 singles, the boys are behind only Elvis and The Beatles for
chart-topping successes — a record they have every chance of beating.
And they are still going strong after ten years, an incredible achievement in
the fickle pop world.
Laugh
In the past I’ve made no secret of the fact I’m not a fan of the cheesy cover
songs they’ve put out.
Last year I launched a campaign to “Stop The Cocks” beating Oasis in the album
charts, in reference to Oasis’ greatest hits album Stop The Clocks.
Needless to say Westlife’s army of fans bought The Love Album by the bucketload,
beating Oasis hands down and forcing me to concede defeat.
So the Irish lads invited me to Dublin to make peace with them as they celebrate
a decade at the top with their Back Home album.
Dad-of-two Nicky — married to Irish PM Bertie Ahern’s daughter Georgina — and
the lads had the last laugh.
But here, in Day One of a special on the band, they admit they too are a bit
embarrassed about some of their music.
Nicky explained: “The Love Album was a bit soul-less and afterwards we decided
we needed to make a great pop album. The reason we are still around today is
because of good, original songs like Flying Without Wings and World Of Our Own.”
In person Nicky is charming, funny and self-deprecating. He said: “The public
see four stools and four guys sitting on their arses with no personality. But
we have loads.
“When we started out ten years ago we were falling out of clubs, Kian had a
different bird on his arm every night and he got into a fight. But we weren’t
into the showbiz scene and weren’t the types to shove cocaine up our noses.
“We’re more grown-up now. I met Georgina when I was young and got married and
had kids, so did Shane. Kian is settled with his girlfriend. But we were never
as squeaky clean as people thought.”
Having spent a night out on the lash with the band I can vouch for that.
The lads downed shots, pints, and pink champagne until the early hours.
The two dads in the band — Nicky and Shane — were taking advantage of a rare
night out.
But Nicky reckons, despite the knocking the lads sometimes take, he’d never
want to swap lives with Oasis’ wildman Liam Gallagher.
He explained: “I love Oasis, they are proper musicians and songwriters and I’m a
fan of their music.
“But I’d never want to be Liam — I could never be as obnoxious as him and I
couldn’t lead his lifestyle.
“I met him once. We’d only just started out and we assumed all pop and rock
stars would be nice to each other. We were naive.
"We were at the opening of a Tommy Hilfiger store in London and we saw Liam and
said, ‘We’re from Westlife, Ronan Keating’s new band’.
“He looked at us, and just went, ‘F*** off’. Nowadays I’d probably give
something back but I was just left speechless.”
But the lads could get one over on the likes of Liam by going on for years
to come.
Split
Midweek sales for Back Home are strong and there’s no sign of the appetite for
pop drying up.
It nearly all came crashing down in 2004, though, when Brian McFAdden, 27,
walked out on the band.
He quit just as they were about to go on tour — leaving them devastated at the
thought of a split. Nicky said: “We’ve been nearly four years without Brian so
we don’t want him back. If he asked we would say no — I thought we were
finished when he left.
“Simon was great. He told us to pull ourselves together and gave us the
confidence to go out on the tour.
“We took a few months off and I went to New York to do an acting course just
in case it didn’t work out. I was preparing myself for the end.
“Then Louis came up with an idea to do You Raise Me Up as a comeback single
and it was huge. The label signed us to a new deal on the back of it.”
And with yet another No1 album on the way, the boys haven’t looked back.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 11th November 2007, source: The Sun
Back Home entered the Irish and UK album chart..
----------------------------------------------
Added: 11th November 2007, source: Irma
Win A Signed Copy Of Back Home!
Couldn't make it down to today's album signing at Harrods? Then help is at
hand - we've got ten hot-off-the-press signed copies of Back Home to give away!
Head over to Westlife's official Bebo site at www.bebo.com/westlife, where not
only can you enter this fab competition, but you can also check out every
track on the new album in full!
----------------------------------------------
Added: 6th November 2007, source: Westlife.com
Home at no.3
Westlife's single Home entered the UK chart at number 3.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 5th November 2007, source: Radio 1
Exclusive Album Previews
On day five of our exclusive Back Home preview, you can find out why Shane
thinks 'I Do' is the perfect wedding song and watch Nicky talk about 'The
Easy Way' plus hear clips of both tracks.
Click
here to watch.
Share your thoughts on all the tracks in the
forum.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 5th November 2007, source: Westlife.com
New Interview Online
Check out a new interview with the boys by clicking
here.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 5th November 2007, source: Westlife.com
Back Home DVD Preview
Click
here
to watch a preview of the Back Home DVD.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 30th October 2007, source: Westlife.com
New Interview On The Mirror Website 2
Part one (online since yesterday):
here
Part two (online since today):
here
----------------------------------------------
Added: 30th October 2007, source: Mirror.co.uk
Video: Westlife
After popping on their rat pack garb for Allow Us To Be Frank, messing about
with Diana Ross on Face To Face and stuffing The Love Album with more classic
love songs than the Magic 105.4 playlist, Westlife have returned to straight
up pop music. And about time too – that tally of 14 number one singles isn't
going to grow by itself. As they prepare to release Back Home, their eighth
studio album, we ask the Irish lads what's driving them in 2007. Do they
really want that chart battle with the Spice Girls? Do they ever argue with
Simon Cowell? And did they mind taking "a few jabs" from Take That last year?
Click
here
to find out.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 30th October 2007, source: Digital Spy
Win Tickets To Westlife's Harrods Performance!
There’s a brilliant opportunity to see Westlife in the flesh on the day the
album’s released! The boys will be signing copies of Back Home in London’s
ultra-glamorous Harrods department store – you NEED to be there!
The signing will take place from 10am (make sure you’re there earlier to see
the boys arrive in the famous horse drawn carriage at 9.30am), during which
time you’ll be handed an envelope. If yours contains a golden ticket,
congratulations – you’ve won the chance to watch an exclusive performance by
the boys straight afterwards, plus a goody bag!
If you want to increase your chances of seeing this exclusive gig then have we
got a competition for you! We’ve got 25 pairs of the tickets for you to win to
this special private gig after the signing - click
HERE
to answer a simple question and enter the draw. (Please note, the tickets only
allow you into the gig – you’ll need to queue for the signing if you want to
attend that too).
It looks set to be a completely unmissable event, so if you can make it down
you’re in for a treat!
----------------------------------------------
Added: 30th October 2007, source: Westlife.com
Exclusive Album Previews
Day two of our exclusive Back Home previews, and today you can see Kian
talking about 'Something Right' and Mark on 'I'm Already There'. Head over
here
to watch them - and let us know what you think
here!
----------------------------------------------
Added: 30th October 2007, source: Westlife.com
Signing In Dublin On Friday
Westlife will be heading to Dublin on Friday 2nd November to sign copies of
Back Home at HMV Grafton Street!
If you want to see the boys in the flesh, you’ll need to pick up a wristband
from the store, which will be available when it opens on Friday morning. Make
sure you’re there early as wristbands are on a first come, first served basis
and are limited to one per person. The signing starts at 5.30pm. For further
info, click
here.
After the signing, the boys will be hot-footing it over to The Late Late
Show studios, as they’re amongst the special guests appearing on the programme
that night. Don’t miss it!
----------------------------------------------
Added: 29th October 2007, source: Westlife.com
Home Previews & Interviews
Each day this week the guys will let us into the inside story behind each
track on Back Home, plus we'll be bringing you an exclusive preview of the song.
Today it's Nicky talking about brand new single 'Home', plus Shane reveals all
about 'Us Against The World'.
Click
here to watch.
Check back tomorrow for the next two tracks!
----------------------------------------------
Added: 29th October 2007, source: Westlife.com
New Interview On The Mirror Website 1
Check out the brand new video interview with the boys on The Mirror’s site!
Watch part one right now by clicking
here
– and head back over there tomorrow to watch the second instalment.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 29th October 2007, source: Westlife.com
The 5-minute Interview: Nicky Byrne, member of Westlife
'Non-fans just see four guys in black suits, they don't know us'
Nicky Byrne, 28, is a member of the Irish boy band Westlife. After 14 UK No 1
singles and 36 million records sold worldwide, Westlife return to the UK charts
today with their new single 'Home', to be followed by their new album
'Back Home' next month.
If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...
Holding my son Jay on my knee and winding him. Our twins both need feeding at
11am and Georgina's feeding them both at the moment. They're great little dotes.
A phrase I use far too often is...
"Numpty." It's from a really funny advert for car insurance on TV that
involves erratic drivers. A guy shouts "numpty" at another guy who rips the
door of his car off. It just totally describes all the numpties on the road!
I wish people would take more notice of...
Roundabouts. It freaks me out when people don't use them properly.
The most surprising thing that happened to me ...
In my professional life, the time when Westlife sang with Kevin Spacey after
the premiere of the film Beyond the Sea. Then for a Christmas special on ITV
Kevin did "Fly Me to the Moon" with us as well which was great. In my personal
life, I'd say the surprise of when the twins arrived eight weeks early!
A common misperception of me is...
A lot of people who aren't fans just see four guys in black suits on stage.
They don't know our personalities or our characters, but that helps us take
the mickey out of ourselves, it keeps us grounded.
I am not a politician but...
If I was I'd make sure everyone could have Monday mornings off for that
extra lie-in after the weekend.
I'm good at...
Football. I always played as a kid although I don't get to play as much now.
Also, cooking. I'd love to do a chef's course, and I really enjoyed
watching Hell's Kitchen.
I'm very bad at...
Getting into small elevators. If they look ropey, even if the meeting's on the
30th floor, I just won't get in. I'll walk or I'll not go to the meeting.
The ideal night out is ...
If it's with my wife, a nice meal in Shanahan's restaurant in Dublin, or if
we're in London then somewhere like the Cipriani. Then, meeting up with the
rest of the lads and their partners to go to a club for a party.
In moments of weakness I...
Have a fry-up. Georgina's very into nutrition but nothing beats sausages and
eggs in the morning. I love chips too.
In a truer life I would have been...
A footballer. Football was my life when I was a kid – I played for the Ireland
16-18s and was signed by Leeds after that.
The best age to be is...
Well, I'm 29, so I'll say 29.
In a nutshell, my philosophy is this:
Live the dream.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 29th October 2007, source: The Independent
'Home' Out On CD Now!
Don't forget, 'Home' is now available on two great CD singles, one with a
brand new track and one with two great new remixes.
CD1
Home
Hard To Say I'm Sorry
Click
here to order
CD2
Home
Mega Eclipse Of The Heart (Jim Steinman remix)
Home Soul Seekerz remix (radio edit)
Click
here to order
----------------------------------------------
Added: 29th October 2007, source: Westlife.com
Download Home Now!
Westlife's amazing new single is now available to download ahead of it's
physical release tomorrow.
Don't forget there's a special mixes bundle with mixes from Soul Seekerz and
Ashanti Boyz that you can download exclusively from
TUNETRIBE for the special
price of £1.79.
You can also get the single version on it's own at
iTUNES
and all other good digital stores.
It's 'Home' Time!
From this Sunday, 28th October, ‘Home’ will be available on download,
followed by the two CD singles a day later.
And we’ve got a great special offer for you…
For just £1.79, you can download the single version of ‘Home’, plus the
Ashanti Boyz remix AND the Soul Seekerz remix!
To order this amazing value download package for £1.79, click here on Sunday.
And don’t forget, from this Monday, 29th October, you’ll be able to get your
hands on ‘Home’ on CD single.
There are two great formats to collect:
CD1:
Home
Hard To Say I’m Sorry (brand new track!)
Click
here to pre-order
CD2:
Home
Mega Eclipse Of The Heart (Jim Steinman remix)
Home Soul Seekerz remix (radio edit)
Click
here to pre-order
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Added: 29th October 2007, source: Westlife.com
A Message From The Boys
Hi everyone
Releasing the first single off a brand new album is always an incredibly
exciting time for us. We all agree that Back Home is one of the best albums
that we’ve ever made and ‘Home’ is a great track to introduce everyone to it.
It’s also our chance to get our 15th number one single! We’d be absolutely
over the moon if that happened, so we’ll be listening to the charts with our
fingers crossed next weekend. We know that lots of you have already ordered
your copies and we really, really appreciate your support. Hopefully you’ll
all enjoy the extra stuff on the CD singles and downloads. ‘Hard To Say I’m
Sorry’ is a brand new track that we’re really proud of, and all of the remixes
are just amazing.
We can’t thank you all enough for being such great fans – it’s because of you
that we’re about to release our ninth album.
Love
Kian, Nicky, Mark & Shane x
To watch a short video from the boys, click
here.
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Added: 29th October 2007, source: Westlife.com
Westlife at HMV Grafton Street
Westlife will be signing copies of their new album 'Back Home' at:
Friday 2nd November - 5:30pm - HMV Grafton Street, Dublin
Event will be a signing only.
Fans can pick up free wristbands at HMV which allow entry to the signing.
Wristbands will be available only from HMV Grafton Street from store opening
on Friday 2nd November onwards. One wristbands per customer, no reservations,
while stocks last, subject to availability, at participating store only.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 29th October 2007, source: HMV.co.uk
Harrods Signing Event
If you can make it to London on 5th November then you’re in for a real treat:
Westlife will be signing copies of Back Home at Harrods!
The boys will arrive at the ultra-swanky London department store on Brompton
Road, SW1, by horse-drawn carriage at 9.30am. They’ll then move to the HMV
area to begin the signing, which will be taking place from 10am – 11am on a
first come, first served basis.
Those who turn up will be handed a special Harrods black envelope containing
a Westlife card. Check very carefully inside, because if yours also has a
golden ticket, you’ve won a place at an exclusive performance afterwards!
Those lucky winners will then attend the special private gig, starting at
11am and finishing at 11.45am, after which they’ll receive a fantastic goody bag.
It promises to be a really incredible day – we look forward to seeing you there!
----------------------------------------------
Added: 29th October 2007, source: Westlife.com
Westlife Update
After a hectic few days on their regional radio tour, the boys took a few
well-earned days off and spent the weekend relaxing.
Yesterday they appeared on the Paul O’Grady Show, which they really enjoyed,
and would like to send a big thanks to everyone who turned up to show their
support. That evening they presented two awards at the Wellchild Awards, a
charity supported by Prince Harry that provides care and assistance to sick
children and their families.
Today, the guys are busy with international promotion and press interviews,
with tomorrow dedicated to regional ISDN and online interviews, plus a chat
with Heart FM (to be broadcast at a later date).
The boys will then have a few days to themselves, before performing at the
Emap Radio gig in Aberdeen (a special event for prize winners) on Sunday
28th October – the day before ‘Home’ is released! To pre-order your copy,
click
here.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 29th October 2007, source: Westlife.com
Westlife In Royal Mail Ad
The Westlife males have teamed up with the Royal Mail! Kian, Nicky, Mark and
Shane are the faces of a brand new TV ad, which you can check out by clicking
here.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 29th October 2007, source: Westlife.com
Win Tour Tickets & A Signed Disc!
How do you fancy getting your hands on a signed Westlife platinum disc plus a
pair of tickets to their upcoming UK tour?
Head over
here
to watch a short message from the boys and find out how to be in with a chance
of winning this top prize.
And while you’re there, don’t forget to pre-order your copy of the new album!
----------------------------------------------
Added: 29th October 2007, source: Westlife.com
Nicky's Birthday Message
We were with Nicky on his birthday last week and he wanted to record a special
video clip to say thank you for all of your birthday wishes – click
here to watch it.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 29th October 2007, source: Westlife.com
GMTV Webchat
Check out the two Westlife webcasts over on the GMTV website right now by heading
over
here!
----------------------------------------------
Added: 29th October 2007, source: Westlife.com
A Statement From Kian
Kian has asked us to pass on the following message in response to rumours in
the press about the band splitting up:
“This was a quote taken totally out of context and we are definitely not
splitting, as we have said all along, we are going to spend next year
recording another album to be released the following year”.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 29th October 2007, source: Westlife.com
Two New Westlife Interviews
The boys have had a busy few days being interviewed by a whole bunch of online
magazines and blogs.
You can check out the first two right now – click
here
to watch a video interview with What’s On TV and
here
to see them chatting with New Woman.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 29th October 2007, source: Westlife.com
Take That slagged us off in Belfast: Big mistake
Westlife are back with a new single and album and are playing Belfast's
Odyssey Arena next February. Showbiz correspondent Maureen Coleman chats to
Nicky Byrne about their run-in with Take That, fatherhood - and reveals what
it was that made the boys cry.
Westlife are ready to take on comeback kings Take That to prove they are still
the princes of pop, Nicky Bryne said last night.
According to the father-of-two, the return of the Manchester four-piece has
spurred Westlife on and shown them that there are still plenty of years left to
keep making music.
And he had words of warning for Gary Barlow, who made fun of Westlife's dancing
skills while Take That were performing on stage at the Odyssey Arena last
week: "If you want to slag us off, just don't do it in Belfast".
"Up to two years ago, before Take That came back, we were being called the
grand-daddys of pop, so we're delighted that we're not the oldest boy band on
the go now," he laughed.
"And it's great for us because it means that we have a good 10 years left as well.
"The success of their album Beautiful World surprised everyone, especially Take
That, but we're not frightened of them. Without them, we mightn't be here,
they were the band that started it all off.
"They're like old boxing champs getting back in the ring again and if they
want to fight us, that's fine. There's plenty of room for all of us.
"We heard Gary Barlow had a go at us in Belfast last week, saying we couldn't
dance, but his comments didn't go down to well with the crowd.
"We laughed about that afterwards. I mean if Take That want to slag Westlife
of, go ahead and do it in Dublin or Manchester or wherever, just don't do it
in Belfast. We've very loyal fans there."
Nicky also welcomed the Spice Girls' reunion but said he didn't think this
should give the go-ahead to other bands to get back together.
"I think it's great for pop music that bands like Take That and the Spice Girls
are getting back together. For too long, it's been all about guitar music and
R 'n B, so it's nice to see some pop slipping back into the charts.
"Bands like Boyzone could get back together again, but I think you really
needed to have been at the top of your game first time round to make a
successful comeback. Those who weren't, shouldn't really bother."
Next month Westlife release their ninth album, Back Home, preceded by the single
Home, a cover of the Michael Buble song.
Already receiving much airplay and proving a big hit with the fans, Home looks
set to give the record-breaking Irish band their 15th number one single.
Nicky said the band had gone back to their pop roots with the new album,
giving it a modern, fresh twist, and that he was "extremely proud" of the
end product.
But he expressed disappointment that the Spice Girls had allegedly put back
their album date release by a week to avoid coinciding with the release of
Back Home.
"The girls claim they were always planning to release their Greatest Hits after
us but we were told it was originally going to be the same day," he said.
"The media loves a good chart battle, but I think it would have been good to
have two pop heavyweights going head to head.
"It wouldn't have worried us at all."
The new album, Nicky says, is "a great pop one" with tunes reminiscent of such
Westlife classics as Flying Without Wings and Swear It Again.
"Because of the success of the Love album it was suggested that we should do a
Westlife Goes to The Movies one," he said.
"While it wasn't a bad idea and we could see how marketable this was, we
decided that it was time to do some fresh material.
"It's not about the money, we don't need to pick up any cheques. We wanted to
do something we could be really proud of. When we're at our best, we're a
great pop band.
"We really needed to look at ourselves and what we were doing. People get fed
up with covers, so we agreed that we really needed to go back and make a great
pop album. But we also needed to move with the times."
A host of top producers were brought in including Steve Mac, Quiz Larossi,
Jorgen Elofsson and Maratone and Back Home came to life in a Swedish studio.
Although most of the songs are new, Nicky admits there are three covers on it,
including new single Home, as well as an old country song I'm Already There.
Nicky, who was missing his wife Georgina and six-month old twin sons Rocco and
Jay at the time, was able to relate to the song and fell in love with it the
minute he heard it.
"I was the first one to arrive at the studio and the producer played this
song for me," he said.
"It was all about a father being away from his kid and it just really touched
me. I thought he'd written the track, but he told me it was by an American
country band called Lonestar.
"I called Louis Walsh and asked him if he had heard it. He said he had. I
thought it was a fantastic song. Some of the best pop songs have been country
songs, like I Will Always Love You.
"When I got home I played it on the laptop for Georgina. She cried, I cried.
Then the next day Shane (Filan) told me he'd listened to it and cried too.
We're all very in touch with our emotions!"
Becoming a father has turned Nicky's life upside down - but he wouldn't have
it any other way.
The twins were born eight weeks premature and after a tough few weeks spent in
an intensive care unit in a Dublin hospital, the bouncing baby boys are now
doing very well.
Nicky said: "It's just the most amazing feeling. I don't know what I'd do
without them now," he said.
"They're at that stage now when they're giggling and able to recognise me.
They know Georgina well because she's with them all the time.
"But it's been tough too. No-one can prepare you for the sleep deprivation.
They're starting to settle a bit more now. They're sleeping right through now
to maybe 5am, 6am, 7am, when they wake for their next feed.
"Before that they were up at 11pm for a feed and then 3am as well. There's no
break for Georgina at all, because when I'm feeding one, she's feeding the other.
"But we wouldn't have it any other way."
And the blond Dubliner said they had received great support from both their
families, including his father-in-law, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
"We've nothing against nannies, but we decided we didn't want one for ourselves.
We didn't want to leave them with a stranger.
"Were very lucky in that we've got wonderful families who have been a great help.
"Bertie loves being a grand-dad, he's very hands-on. We all had a family
holiday in Kerry and it was great to have so much help around. Every time we go
out, we have to think of everything in twos, two buggies, two nappies,
two car seats.
"I have so much respect for people who have triplets. I don't know how
they do it."
Nicky, a former footballer who played with Leeds United, said he had already
taken the boys abroad.
"We took them to Portugal a few months ago and they've been to Sweden and
London so they're already little travellers picking up their air miles," he said.
"When we got married in France we thought a baby would be the icing on the cake
but we never imagined twins.
"And it's lovely to have two little boys as well. Maybe they'll turn out
to be footballers. Who knows?"
----------------------------------------------
Added: 29th October 2007, source: Belfast Telegraph
Westlife plan to 'crack' America
They have had hits in most countries across the world - clocking up a
staggering 38 million album sales - but the one place Westlife haven't completely
cracked is the US market.
However, the boys still have that goal on their radar.
"We have nobody over there pushing for us but we also didn't have the songs
recently," Nicky confessed. "If there's ever an advantage of getting old in
Westlife, it's the America market. For us to go any earlier we are really just
a typical boy band to them. They don't know the history.
"If we went on Oprah Winfrey or Jay Leno with a cracking song that market can
easily open up."
Shane revealed that they are thinking that the time will be right when they
create their next album in two years' time.
"I think we would but not at the moment," he added. "Probably in a couple
of years when we've got a good enough album to it because of our plans for next
year to have a year off. After that year off we plan to come back and make the
best album we have ever made. Basically try and take on everyone."
----------------------------------------------
Added: 29th October 2007, source: This is North Scotland.co.uk
We're not clean cut, say Westlife
They are often painted as a clean cut band but Westlife insist they are like
any other group of young men and are "just normal".
While many famous faces are falling off the wagon and going to rehab, Westlife
are going from strength to strength and are soon to release their ninth album,
Back Home.
Shane Filan says their attitude is all down to their family life.
"We don't want to let our mums and dads down," he says. "It's the way we are
brought up. That's why I haven't fallen off the wagon."
"I don't think we look at ourselves as a pop band," Nicky adds. "We don't do
drugs, we don't go out every night of the week - we are just normal people -
as normal as any other bunch of lads. We have been painted as a bit more clean
cut. We've got good manners, but we're not angels by any means."
He adds: "A lot of people have a few drinks and they're in rehab. It's almost
cool to be in rehab."
----------------------------------------------
Added: 29th October 2007, source: Virgin Media
Win Tickets to See Westlife
Westlife and the MacDonald Brothers are among the line-up for a new music event.
Asda Be Live!, hosted by Emap Radio Events and the supermarket chain, will see
two big concerts take place in Aberdeen's AECC on Sunday, October 28, and
Glasgow's ABC on Sunday, December 9.
Westlife headline the first gig alongside the MacDonald Borthers, who have
released the Elton John track Runaway on i-Tunes, and new boy band Pacific Avenue.
Russell Graham, of Pacific Avenue, added: "We played in Aberdeen earlier in the
year and the fans were amazing.
"We're so excited about supporting Westlife. I'm the biggest Westlife fan and
I wouldn't be surprised if Alan and John have to stop me from running on stage
with Westlife to join in with their harmonies."
Tickets to both concerts (for 14-year-olds and over) will be given out in sets
of three and are completely free.
They can be won in the 42 Asda stores across Scotland, and on the websites of
Emap stations Clyde 1, Forth One, Northsound 1 and Tay FM.
And the Razz has three tickets to give away for the Aberdeen concert. You must
be 14 or over to take part in the contest.
To have a chance to win, simply tell us the name of the Elton John song the
MacDonald Brothers have recorded.
Then call our hotline on 0901 609 3204 and leave your answer, name, address,
and phone number.
Or text DR3204 followed by a space, your answer followed by a space, your name
followed by a space and send to 84080. The contest closes at noon on Friday
and the winner will be selected at random from the correct entries.
Calls cost 60p per minute. Calls from some networks, payphones or mobiles may
be more expensive. Text entries cost pounds 1.50 plus your standard text rate.
Please ask permission from the person who pays the phone charges before entering.
The Editor's decision is final. Usual Daily Record rules apply.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 3rd October 2007, source: Daily Record
Intimate Westlife Gig
Irish pop sensations Westlife are to play for 1,500 fans at the Exhibiton
Centre and conference center on October 28th, their second visit to the venue
this year.
Westlife latest concert is to kick off a new fun, family pop event,Asda Be
Live,which will see free gigs with big name stars at venues across Scotland.
Backed by Emap Radio Events, the gigs are billed as Asda as a thank you to
customers across the country.
The irish stars who have had had fourteen number one singles and 8 top 3
albums will perform a set packed with new material from their forthcoming
cd. That will included the latest single HOME a cover of Michael Buble classic.
Today the band said, They are delighted to be coming to Aberdeen on the day
before our new single is released, it will be great to catch up with our
scottish fans.
Performing in Scotland is always the real deal for us, its that great Celtic
connection between the scots and the Irish.
Supporting Westlife will be the ever popular McDonald Brothers adn Glasgow
three piece Pacific Avenue....
WHile the Asda Be LIve concert will be free, charity collectors will be out
in force to boost charity back by emap radio station including Northsound.
Lindsey Ford, marketing manager of ASDA in Scotland, this is a first for
ASDA not only in Scotland but in the UK, as a whole. After retailing in
Scotland for 30 years we wanted to give something back to our
dedicated customers.
Its a great money cant buy show, which will appeal to all the family.
Tickets are free but admission is strictly over 14s only. Tickets to be given
away, in sets of three, are expected to be snapped up quickly, at competitons
in asda stores, or Northsounds and in your local evening Express...
----------------------------------------------
Added: 3rd October 2007, source: Aberdeen Evening Express/Josiebyrne for typing
New-Look Myspace and Bebo Sites
Westlife’s official Myspace and Bebo sites have got a brand new look – check
them out over at
www.myspace.com/westlife
and
www.bebo.com/westlife.
Please remember that these are the only Myspace and Bebo pages that the band
have any involvement in. Any other profiles claiming to have been created by
Nicky, Kian, Shane or Mark individually, or as a group, are fake.
----------------------------------------------
Added: 3rd October 2007, source: Westlife.com
Westlife Update
The boys have got a very busy day today (Thursday), with interviews for Sunday
Express, Sunday Times, S Magazine, The Independent, Bliss and News Of The World!
Tomorrow will be spent in rehearsals for the evening’s Radio 2 gig, which the
guys are all very excited about. They’ll be singing ‘World Of Our Own’,
‘You Raise Me Up’ and ‘Home’ and will be accompanied by the Radio 2 Orchestra
and a gospel choir! The performance will be broadcast live from London’s
Mermaid Theatre on Radio 2 from 7.15pm.
As soon as the show ends, they’re racing off to the Grosvenor Hotel to perform
at a private charity event for Kidscape.
After that they’ve got a four day break to spend time with their families,
with Nicky and Shane staying in London and Mark and Kian heading back to Ireland.
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Added: 28th September 2007, source: Westlife.com
TV Update
Westlife have got several TV appearances lined up over the next few weeks –
here’s what’s in store:
Thursday 4th October – interviews for ITN Multimedia, The Fix, MTV and BBC News 24
Saturday 13th October – performance on Strictly Come Dancing
Monday 15th October – GMTV performance and chat and Sky News interview
Tuesday 16th October – It Takes Two interview and video play
Monday 22nd October – Paul O’Grady chat and video play
Monday 29th October – Loose Women
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Added: 26th September 2007, source: Westlife.com
Amazing Radio 2 Show
It’s Radio 2’s 40th birthday this year, and as part of the celebrations
Westlife have been invited to record a very special broadcast. They will be
performing three tracks with a live backing from the incredible Radio 2
Orchestra, which will be broadcast live this Friday, 28th October from
7.30pm until 9.15pm.
It’s set to be an amazing show – don’t miss it!
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Added: 26th September 2007, source: Westlife.com
Regional Radio Tour
Westlife will be heading to radio stations up and down the country next month
to promote their new single ‘Home’.
We’ll have more details closer to the time – watch this space.
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Added: 26th September 2007, source: Westlife.com
New Website Coming Soon!
We’ve got some exciting news for you – a brand spanking new website is on its
way very soon!
It’ll have an amazing new look and be packed full of top features, such as a
brilliant video player where you can watch every single one of Westlife’s
videos and embed them into your own web page: there’s a sneak preview of it by
clicking
here.
The band love how the site is coming along and will be sending in loads of
exclusive stuff. Stay tuned to find out when you’ll be able to see it in action!
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Added: 26th September 2007, source: Westlife.com
Loife going in for mail bonding
Westlife have given a first-class performance in their debut telly commercial.
The cheesy crooners are starring in a new ad campaign to plug the Post Office.
Kian Egan, Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne and Mark Feehily liven up a postmaster’s
day by popping in — probably to send a parcel to their mams in Ireland. I’m
surprised they didn’t get mobbed by their legions of fans there to pick up
their pensions.
The lads certainly played their roles to the letter.
You would think Westlife had a new album to promote . . . oh, they have.
The band have a new single and album out in time for Christmas. Can’t wait.
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Added: 25th September 2007, source: The Sun Online
Westlife Update
It’s been a busy time for the band recently, with lots of promotional
work for ‘Home’.
On Tuesday they recorded footage for a special DVD that will be availably
exclusively in Woolworths containing brand new unseen footage and interviews
(we’ll have more info on that soon). They also did an interview with the Mail
on Sunday’s You magazine – keep an eye out for that, coming soon.
The evening was spent rehearsing for yesterday’s ITV Gala, a special
un-televised show for top industry executives. The rehearsals were the first
time that the band have sung ‘Home’ outside of the recording studio, and they
were really pleased with the way it sounded.
Today the guys are recording their first TV performance of ‘Home’ for T4,
which will be broadcast on 20th October, before taking a well-earned break over
the weekend to spend some time with friends and families.
It’s back to work on Tuesday to shoot some more footage for the ‘Home’ video.
The bulk of it was recorded in LA a few weeks ago, with the final sections
being finished in the UK next week.
Stay tuned for more updates!
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Added: 22nd September 2007, source: Westlife.com
Fan Home Of The Week Competition
To celebrate the release of the new album Back Home on 12th November, we’ve got
a brand new competition.
We want to see pictures of you at home with your Westlife merchandise and
memorabilia! Upload as many photos as you like to the Flickr group here
http://www.flickr.com/groups/westlifefanhomes/
– we’ll be picking a Fan Home
of the Week every week until 12th November, and if you’re that lucky fan your
picture will be posted here on Westlife.com and you’ll receive a signed photo.
Haven’t used Flickr before? You’ll need to create an account first here
http://www.flickr.com/,
which is free and quick to do. Then upload your pictures to your account, then
join the Westlife Home Competition group. For help on how to add your photos to
the group page, click here.
Good luck – we look forward to seeing your pictures!
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Added: 22nd September 2007, source: Westlife.com
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