It’s impossible to talk about the greatest pop stars without mentioning Westlife. A veritable musical phenomenon, this Irish band formed in 1998 enjoyed worldwide success in the 2000s, collecting platinum discs. Carried along by their catchy melodies and meticulously choreographed routines, the five boys with their model-like looks have captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. But behind the smooth image of boy bands lie accomplished artists and men with engaging personalities. A look back at the extraordinary destiny of Westlife!
It all began in 1998 at an audition in Dublin, where Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne and Brian McFadden met for the first time.
The alchemy works instantly! Signed to the RCA label, their first single was quickly released and reached number 1 on the sales charts… Just like the following 13 singles! Their compilation albums and concert DVDs also sell by the hundreds of thousands.
On stage, their meticulously choreographed routines and matching costumes have the audience on the edge of their seats. But behind the smooth image lie very different personalities, united by a sincere friendship.
In 2004, after 7 years of loyal service and no less than 29 million albums sold, Brian McFadden decided to leave Westlife and devote himself to his solo career. The 4 remaining members will continue the 4-man adventure, releasing 4 albums between 2005 and 2010. But in 2011, after a 13-year career and 32 million albums sold, they decided to put an end to the Westlife story and embark on a gigantic farewell tour. Their last concert took place in front of 82,500 people at Dublin’s Croke Park on June 23, 2012.
Although their love lives are scrutinized by the media, they all remain very discreet. Shane and Nicky end up marrying their long-time girlfriend in a sumptuous ceremony that’s chronicled down to the last detail!
This notoriety is difficult to live with on a daily basis, and explains their initial separation in 2012 to refocus on their family life.
But in 2018, after a 6-year hiatus, Westlife are creating a stir by announcing their big comeback! The boy band is even performing at the famous Wembley stadium for the first time in 2019. The same year they sign a new contract with Virgin and release the album “Spectrum”, which reaches number 1 in the UK sales charts.
Proof that even 20 years after their debut, Westlife is still thrilling audiences! With over 55 million albums sold, they are quite simply the 4th best-selling musical group in the world, behind the Beatles, Elvis and Michael Jackson. And at almost 50 years of age for some members, Shane, Mark and Kian promise that the Westlife adventure is not about to end!
With some fifteen studio albums and compilations to their credit, Westlife’s discography has patiently weaved its way through fashions. Marked by their bubblegum pop beginnings at the turn of the 2000s, their early hits such as “Swear It Again” and “If I Let You Go” are unstoppable disco-pop hits.
Gradually, the band adopted a more adult style, while retaining its catchy melodies, such as the romantic “You Raise Me Up” or “Us Against The World”. After their break in 2012, their 2019 album Spectrum marks a successful return to the roots of their bright, positive pop.
With over 55 million albums sold, Westlife has weathered the storms of fashion and remained invariably faithful to its recipe: catchy choruses carried by the unique alchemy of their five intertwined voices. Irish class and style!
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