The Sligo Champion

WESTLIFE ARE MAKING A COMEBACK WITH TOUR AND NEW ALBUM

SIX YEARS AFTER THEY CALLED IT QUITS - WESTLIFE REUNITE.

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WESTLIFE last week confirmed that they will reunite, following weeks of speculatio­n.

They shared a short video on their Facebook page where they all sat down beside each other and shook hands before turning to the camera and saying: “Hi, we’re Westlife.”

Writing appeared on the screen, reading: “Westlife. New music. New tour. Coming soon.”

An insider close to the group con- firmed the rumours that they will perform at Croke Park next year, with a performanc­e tentativel­y scheduled for July.

They are said to have already gotten to work on recording new music and have enlisted singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran to pen some of their upcoming songs.

“Westlife have millions of fans all over the world so it was really a no-brainer for the boys that they would get back together one day,” a source told independen­t.ie.

“They’ve kept quiet on the speculatio­n for the last few days but decided now was the right time to let their fans know they’re coming back.”

2FM issued a statement following the announceme­nt confirming that Nicky Byrne will be leaving his radio show, The Nicky Byrne Show with Jenny Greene.

“Nicky had made station management aware a number of months ago about a potential Westlife reunion and the announceme­nt on social media tonight,” it reads.

“This is a hugely exciting time for Nicky, the boys and the huge Westlife following.

“2FM will announce its plans in the new year,” it concluded, adding that it will be “business as usual” in the meantime.

Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily will all return while former bandmate Brian McFadden will not be part of the reunion after he quit the group in 2004.

Their final album, Gravity, was released in 2010.

There has been speculatio­n for years about a possible reunion for Westlife, with band members and Louis Walsh adding fuel to the fire by expressing their desire to see a reunion happen eventually.

Westlife were one of the most popular bands in the world, a fanbase that they have largely retained even since their split.

Nicky recently sent fans into a frenzy when they shared a picture together when Nicky visited Kian.

Dates for the release of new music and for their tour will be confirmed at a later date.

 ??  ?? Mayor, Rosaleen O’ Grady with Westlife at the town Hall, Sligo, in 2000
Mayor, Rosaleen O’ Grady with Westlife at the town Hall, Sligo, in 2000
 ??  ?? The boys meet Queen Elizabeth in 1999. PA Photo: David Jones
The boys meet Queen Elizabeth in 1999. PA Photo: David Jones
 ??  ?? Westlife are back.
Westlife are back.
 ??  ?? Band members Brian McFadden, Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan in 1999.Top left: Westlife in concert.
Band members Brian McFadden, Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan in 1999.Top left: Westlife in concert.
 ??  ?? Prior to the band’s split.
Prior to the band’s split.
 ??  ??

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