NEWS & UPDATES ~ JUNE 2006

New Nicky And Georgina Scans – 30 June 2006

Thanx Jenny for scanning and letting me use them J

Credit/Source: Jenny

Westlife Star Backs New Battle Against Drugs– 29 June 2006

Westlife star, Shane Filan, has backed a major new initiative to tackle the growth of drug abuse and underage drinking.

The strategic plan, which will be launched in Sligo today by the Northwest Regional Task Force, is the most concerted effort yet to counter the growing misuse of drugs and alcohol by young people in Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo.

Lending his support to the campaign, Westlife’s Shane sent out a blunt message on drugs to the region’s young people: “Stay away from them, they can ruin your life”, he warned.

With drugs becoming widely available in every town and city in the country, the Westlife star urged parents to teach their children about the pitfalls of drug abuse. And he also warned of the dangers of underage drinking.

The regional task force revealed their new stategic plan in Donegal and Leitrim earlier this week and today it’s the turn of Sligo with the launch of the campaign at the Radisson SAS Hotel in Ballincar.

The Chairperson of the Northwest Regional Drugs Task Force, Mr. Loman Conway, has called on community groups in Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo to rally behind the new strategic plan.

“This plan is a call to action, through partnership and co-operation,

for every person in the northwest to work together to reduce the impact on individuals, families and the communities of drugs misuse and underage drinking,” he said.

Special guest speaker at the event, Sligo Gaelic Football manager Mr. Tommy

Credit/Source: www.unison.ie

WestLife Coming? – 29 June 2006

By Nhlanhla Mathunjwa

SUPERSTARS in the mainstream music scene of the United Kingdom may hit the country.

Big Five Entertainment Company are working at bringing Westlife, arguably one of the European groups of the moment.

Information gathered yesterday is that the ‘massive show’ will be held at the Mavuso Exhibition and Trade Centre on September 30.

The five-member group consisting of Kian, Shane, Sligo

Mark and Nicky is expected to be in the country for three days before going back home.

Already, preparations are at an advanced stage and the launch has been confirmed for tomorrow at the Mavuso Trade Centre.

It could not be established yesterday whether or not the company cited above is the same ‘well-established’ Big Five Entertainment Company which is under the BMG Records.

Big Five Entertainment Company’s representative Gcina Mthethwa, confirmed the show, adding that more information about the company and the event will be delivered the launch.

“I can confirm that Westlife is coming to perform in the country on September 30. We have already booked the venue and I am looking forward to the launch where everything will be revealed.”

It was also gathered that major public enterprises in the country have been roped in to support the endeavour by means of sponsorship. Mthethwa said two of these were expected to be at the launch tomorrow.

“There are a number of companies that have been invited to come on board. We want local companies to play a major role in as far as the show is concerned,” said Mthethwa.

Mthethwa also pointed out that the entertainment company would be bringing international shows to the country at least once every three months.

When called yesterday, a company dealing with international travels said Mthethwa did approach them to ask if they could assist in facilitating the Westlife tour. A senior manager of the company said his office was still working on the issue. He could not divulge more information, save for saying theirs was to ascertain cost implications relating to air travels.

However, both mentioned public enterprises (names withheld) said to be involved have denied any knowledge of the intended show. A public relations officer in one of the companies said they had not heard anything about Westlife. The CEO of the other mentioned that music cannot be an area of interest for his company. He also stated that if the story was true he should have been amongst the first to know about any agreements were entered into with the entertainment company involved. The Swaziland Arts and Music Association Secretary General, Dan General, said they were officially invited by Big Five Entertainment to attend the press conference tomorrow.

Westlife History

After a brief interlude with their Rat Pack album of classic song sung in the style of Sinatra, ‘Face To Face’ is Westlife’s first collection of new songs since ‘Turnaround’ topped the charts in 2003.

A familiar blend of big ballads and mid-tempo tunes, balanced by the occasional up-tempo song, ‘Face To Face’ present Westlife playing to their strengths, passionate vocals and memorable tunes. It’s a straightforward formula that’s been winning hearts and ears since the dawn of popular music, from the doo-wop days of the Platters, through the timeless harmonies of the Drifters and Coasters, to the slick modern sounds of Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC, Take That and Boyzone. But no one's done it with so much success as Westlife - 34 million album sales are testament to that!

That freshness can be heard all over ‘Face To Face.’ The band have never sounded in better voice and they've rarely had a better choice of material on which to show it. "We know we have to raise the bar each time we make an album and be bigger and better," acknowledges Shane, who recently became a father for the first time. After seven years together, their seventh album finds them at the top of their game, and it's a big game they play in, with six multi-platinum albums in the UK alone. Add to that the Brit Awards, MTV Award, 12 UK number one's; Westlife are amazingly one of the biggest brands on the planet.

Songwriting and production duties are equally divided between long-term collaborator Steve Mac and Swedish hit-makers The Location, returning to the Westlife fold after working on their first two albums (and for Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC among many others), with recording done in Ireland, Sweden and London over the long hot summer.

Credit/Source: www.observer.org.sz

Sisters Set Up EBay Westlife Auction For Scanner Funds – 29 June 2006

By Helen Thomas

 Sisters Nicola, right, and Vanessa have set up a chance to meet popstars Westlife, above left

FANS of boy band Westlife have been given the chance to bid to meet their idols while raising money for charity.

Sisters Nicola Noble, 44, of Warminster, and Vanessa Kyte, 41, of Rudge, have organised an auction on eBay to raise money for the Forever Friends Appeal, which aims to generate £800,000 for a new CT scanner for the Royal United Hospital, Bath.

It is the latest in a long line of fundraising events organised by the sisters since Mrs Kyte was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000.

Last year she was diagnosed with secondary brain tumours spurring her sister to create fundraising operation Pink Positive.

Their last fundraising event was an 85-mile week-long walk around the RUH catchment area, which raised £25,000 for the appeal.

Mrs Noble said: "Vanessa and I sit down and throw some ideas around for fundraising things. We knew Forever Friends had arranged a Westlife concert and thought they'd appeal to our generation.

"We talked about it and came up with the idea of a meet and greet with them. "The organisers Live Nation spoke to them and they came up trumps so two lucky people will get to meet Westlife before the show. "We both enjoy their music and as we were finishing the 85-mile walk in Bath their song You Raise Me Up was playing which is very apt."

Mrs Kyte is due to go back into hospital next week for surgery on two brain tumours. She has also recently found out she has another tumour in her throat. Mrs Noble said: "She is as positive as always and is fighting back and will be at the concert in July. It's all about making a negative into a positive, which we are determined to do. She has so much zest for life."

The concert will be held on July 16 at The Rec, in Bath, as part of a series of Summer Nights Open Air charity concerts. Mrs Kyte said: "I would like to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to Westlife, their management and concert organisers, Live Nation, for making this amazing experience and fantastic fundraising opportunity possible, in support of such a worthwhile cause."

Other performances to raise money for the appeal will include Elaine Page and Michael Ball on July 15 while Simply Red will perform on July 14 to raise money for Dorothy House.

Tickets for the concerts are available on (0870) 4000688 or at www.summernightsonline.co.uk

 To bid in the Westlife auction visit www.eBay.co.uk by July 7 and enter item number 320000628618 into the search engine.

Credit/Source: www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk

Nicky In This Weeks Heat – Spotted – 29 June 2006

SPOTTED:

Nicky From Westlife Lying On Puro Beach In Majorca With His Wife Georgina, Who Was Readin Jordan's Autobiography.

Credit/Source: Heat Magazine

Tour News Added – 28 June 2006

I added some Tour News so head over to the Tour News/Reviews page to read them.

Villy

New Affiliate And Link Change – 28 June 2006

Visit my new affiliate Only Westlife

Also, I changed the link to the Byrning Desire site as it has its own domain name now: Nicky-Byrne.ORG

Villy

X Factor Coach Laudat To Host Singing Masterclass – 28 June 2006

X Factor coach David Laudat is to put aspiring singers through their paces at a special one-off class at the British Academy of New Music in Bromley by Bow.

The event, organised by Access to Music, is open to anyone over the age of 16 who is keen to enhance their vocal abilities, and costs £7.

Laudat has taught artists such as Jamelia, Spice Girls, Liberty X and Westlife and sung with Lionel Richie, Take That, George Michael and Beverley Knight.

He said: “In 20 years as a professional singer and vocal coach I’ve learnt a lot about the music industry and about singing, and I know what faces the young singers of today. I want to share some of this knowledge, help them to avoid some of the pitfalls and be the best artist they can be.”

Masterclasses are also taking place in Manchester on July 3 and Scarborough on July 4. For bookings and information telephone 0116 242 6873.

Credit/Source: www.thestage.co.uk

“Chance Of A Lifetime” Auction For Westlife Fans – 28 June 2006

Thousands of people have already snapped up tickets for Westlife's concert on The Rec this summer.

But now, die-hard fans are being given a golden opportunity to literally rub shoulders with the Irish chart-toppers. From 8pm today and for ten days, a charity auction will take place on the eBay website to give two people the chance to meet the band backstage after their concert on Sunday, July 16.

The auction is being organised by cancer sufferer Vanessa Kyte to raise money for the Forever Friends Appeal at the Royal United Hospital.

She is also hoping to meet the band on the night, which will come just 12 days after she undergoes her latest operation at the RUH.

She said: "With Westlife's worldwide popularity and a career spanning seven years, seven albums - six of which have become multi-platinum in the UK alone - and 12 UK number ones, I feel this really is a 'dream come true' prize.

"I would like to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to Westlife, their management and concert organisers, Live Nation, for making this amazing experience and fantastic fundraising opportunity possible, in support of such a worthwhile cause."

The Westlife auction is the latest in a series of fundraisers that Mrs Kyte and her sister, Nicola Noble, have undertaken since learning that her breast cancer, which was diagnosed in May 2000, had spread to her lungs.

In June 2005, she was also diagnosed with secondary brain tumours, spurring Nicola on to form a fundraising operation especially for her sister - Pink Positive.

To date, they have raised more than £65,000 for various charities, including nearly £30,000 towards for The Forever Friends Appeal's current CT Scanner Campaign.

"Having recently undertaken an 85-mile, week-long walk around the RUH catchment area, which has so far raised more than £25,000 towards the second CT Scanner, I was keen to keep fundraising," Mrs Kyte said.

"I was therefore delighted when I heard that Westlife were part of the line-up for the Summer Nights Open Air concerts series at the Rec - which also features Simply Red on Friday, July 14 and Elaine Page and Michael Ball the following evening - as the band have a special empathy with breast cancer charities and causes.

"Thanks to their generosity, the auction is now a reality, giving me a positive fundraising goal to focus my thoughts on and the winner the chance of a lifetime to meet their idols."

Ruth Wilkinson, community and events officer for the Forever Friends Appeal, said she hoped the auction would attract a lot of interest.

"This opportunity to meet Westlife on their first visit to The Rec is incredible for both the fans and the CT scanner campaign," she said.

"We sincerely appreciate Vanessa's continuously amazing fundraising efforts and would like to thank her and the band, their management and the concert organisers for providing such a desirable prize."

The Summer Nights concerts series is already set to give a boost to The Forever Friends Appeal, with a percentage of the ticket sales and other fund- raising opportunities from the Elaine Page and Michael Ball and Westlife concerts being kindly donated to the charity by organisers, Live Nation.

The Simply Red concert will also benefit a local charity, Dorothy House Hospice, in the same way.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.summernightsonline.co.uk or through the 24 hour credit card hotline 0870 400 0688.

To bid in the auction, log on to www.eBay.co.uk from 8pm today until Friday, July 7 and enter item number 320000628618 into the search engine.

a.williams@bathchron.co.uk

Credit/Source: www.bathchronicle.co.uk

I Won Webmaster Of The Month – 27 June 2006

Yeeep! I’m very happy! J Thanx Josie at the WestlifeFanaticVIP.Com forum for picking me as Webmaster Of The Month July 2006.

You can see the award here

Villy

Shane’s Drug Fear For Kids – 27 June 2006

Thanx Jo

SHANE Filan has told how he fears his children could fall prey to drug-pushers.

The Westlife star, who is doting dad to 11-monthold daughter Nicole, said: "Drugs are becoming more available in every town and city in Ireland.

"I would like my kids to grow up in a drug-free zone. That might never happen - it's such a massive industry.

"But we've got to hope for the best and look forward to rearing our children in a drug-free zone."

Shane, 26, said he and wife Gillian will teach Nicole and her future siblings to avoid drugs and alcohol abuse just like their parents taught them.

He was speaking as he gave his backing to a drugs initiative being launched across the North- West, including in his home town Sligo.

Credit/Soure: www.mirror.co.uk

Westlife To Tour Indonesia – 27 June 2006

Thanx Ribby for the info.

Westlife will hold a concert in Indonesia (Jakarta) on September 12 2006.

Credit/Source: Ribby

Westlife In Australia – 27 June 2006

Tickets are on sale now for a series of Westlife concerts in Australia this September.

Here’s where they’ll be playing:

17th September – Challenge Stadium, Perth
19th September – Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
20th September – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
22nd September – Entertainments Centre, Brisbane
23rd September – Acer Arena, Sydney

For more information and to book tickets for the Perth show, click here. For all other shows, click here.

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Brian & Nicky Pitch Battle... – 27 June 2006

Despite the fact that singer Brian McFadden walked out on Westlife and his fellow Dubliner bandmate Nicky Byrne the two remain firm-friends and still enjoy a kick-about together...

As the Irish media were in a Pamela Anderson frenzy last weekend ShowBiz Ireland side-stepped the chaos and instead caught up with two of our old favourites Brian McFadden and Nicky Byrne.

When we heard the two North Dublin singers were about to take part in a local 5-a-side charity football match in Portmarnock we made our way along only to see Nicky with a genuine Kenny Dalglish Liverpool shirt in a frame and show it off to Brian, his wife Georgina and a few of his old mates as we pulled up...

We don't know whether the jersey was a prize for the winners of the soccer tournament or Nicky just showing off how much great stuff he has - either way all assembled seemed really impressed!

Brian & Nicky grabbed their aptly named team-mates "The Triple Barrellers" together and got ShowBiz Ireland to take the traditional team photo before the soccer started (well it's about time we pulled our weight!)...

Then on cue they all spun around to reveal "Hot Like Aido" written on the backs of their shirts, all except team member Aido who had "Don't Cha Wish Your Boyfriend Was Hot Like Me" written on his jersey - obviously an in-house joke!

Apart from a few of their old friends and a few Portmarnock locals the two world famous singers were pretty much treated as normal players on the pitch - unusually no hoards of screaming girls for Brian & Nicky here...

All except for Nicky's sexy wife Georgina and his Dad Nicky Senior who both encouraged him and the rest of the Barrellers from the side-lines.

We don't know who ended up winning the mini tournament as we got the call that Pamela Anderson was on the move again on the other side of town and we had to speed off. That, plus we've learned from experience that it's better for us paparazzi types to beat a hasty retreat before night falls out in the suburbs as sometimes the locals get restless!

Credit/Source: www.showbizireland.com

More Shanghai Concert Pictures – 26 June 2006

I added more pictures from Westlife’s concert in Shanghai.

Some of them are High Quality Pictures (17) and others are normal size pictures (10). You can see them at the Official Tour Pictures page by clicking Shanghai and Shanghai ~ High Quality.

Credit/Source: www.newscom.com / www.gettyimages.com / www.sohu.com / Thanx Yaara for the HQ ones

Shanghai Concert High Quality Pictures – 26 June 2006

You can see 3 new High Quality pictures of Westlife’s concert that took place in Shanghai yesterday. To see them go to the Tours Page and then Official Pictures.

Thanx Yaara for these pictures.

Credit/Source: www.newscom.com / Yaara

New Affiliate Added – 25 June 2006

Visit my new affiliate Mark Feehily.ORG.UK

Villy

New Link Added – 25 June 2006

I added a new link: Born To Try

Villy

New Fanpictures Of Westlife In China – 24 June 2006

Thank you very much Roddick777 from China for letting me use your pictures of meeting the lads! Also, thanx emotions for helping me J

Credit/Source: Roddick777

Westlife Are In China – 24 June 2006

Hiya everyone J

Westlife are in China so hopefully we’ll have some new pictures tonight or tomorrow. If anyone of you met them in China and want to share your pictures with us email me.

Villy

A Ticket To Ride – 24 June 2006

Westlife related

RACEGOERS rocked to the sound of the Bootleg Beatles as the popular summer series of Newmarket Nights got under way last night.

The songs of the "Fab Four" were belted out by the tribute band, which has been following in their footsteps for more than 25 years.

Their performance, after the first summer evening race meeting at Newmarket's July Racecourse, was watched by thousands of race fans.

It was the first of seven nights at the racecourse where pop music concerts follow the racing.

The nights started in 1987 and have grown in popularity.

This year's line-up has been hailed as the best ever, with capacity crowds of 19,000 expected at a number of them.

All the initial allocation of public tickets for chart-toppers Westlife, who will conclude the series of nights on August 18, have already been sold.

Other acts include Status Quo, who will perform at the racecourse next Friday, June 30, McFly, Ronan Keating, Texas and Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.

Credit/Source: www.cambridge-news.co.uk

New Nicky, Georgina And Nicky’s Dad Pictures – 23 June 2006

Westlife's Nicky Byrne & his former bandmate Brian McFadden and their soccer squad "The Triple Barrellers" take part in in a charity 5-a-side football match watched by Nicky's wife Georgina & his Dad Nicky Senior at at Portmarnock Sport & Leisure Centre, Dublin, Ireland - 22.06.06. BYLINE: VIPIRELAND.COM

Westlife's Nicky Byrne shows his ex-band mate Brian McFadden, his wife Georgina and some friends a valuable framed genuine Kenny Dalglish No 7 Liverpool Jersey before their 5-a-side football match at Portmarnock Sport & Leisure Centre, Dublin, Ireland - 22.06.06. BYLINE: VIPIRELAND.COM

Credit/Source: www.vipireland.com

Meet Westlife At The Summer Nights Open Air Concert Series – 21 June 2006

Live Nation is delighted to announce that Westlife will perform eight dates as part of the Summer Nights Open Air Concert Series; other performers in the series include Bryan Adams, Status Quo, Simply Red, Il Divo and Luciano Pavarotti. 

Tickets for Westlife are on sale now and can be purchased on the 24 hour credit card hotline 0870 400 0688 or online at www.summernightsonline.co.uk.

Tickets are priced at £35 - £37.50 (plus booking fee).

JUNE 30  Blenheim Palace*, Oxfordshire
JULY 1  Harewood House, Leeds
JULY 8   Leeds Castle, Kent
JULY 9   Chatsworth*, Derbyshire
JULY 14  Coopers Field, Cardiff
JULY 16  The Rec, Bath
JULY 22  Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
JULY 23  Althorp, Northamptonshire

* concerts in a specially designed fully seated arena near to property

Relaxed, refreshed and bursting with energy, Westlife are the quiet superstars of the mainstream UK music scene. 

Their current album 'Face To Face' shows how they have dominated for seven years and features all the hallmarks of that reign - a collection of classic songs and future standards.

The Summer Nights Open Air Concert Series is a great chance to hear classic tracks from a truly great British Pop act.  Don't miss out.

Enter the competition here

Competition closes 25 June 2006 at 11:59 PM

Credit/Source: www.gm.tv

Do You Want To See Westlife Live? – 21 June 2006

Well, now you can...

Westlife truly are one of the biggest bands the UK has ever seen.

The Irish boy band have surpassed all expectation; years after they kicked off their pop careers they are still spewing out hits and have racked up a record breaking 13 number ones in the single charts.

The boys have recently revamped their style and will be performing a greatest hits package when they wow crowds at this year’s Summer Pops.

Westlife will be singing their hearts out at a one off gig on July 17; tickets cost from £32.50 and promise to be worth every penny.

Mark Feehily said of the gig "We can't wait to return to Liverpool where the crowd was up for it big time last time."

We have a pair of tickets up for grabs. To win just answer the following question…

Who left Westlife to launch a solo career? Was it…

1. Robbie Williams
2. Brian McFadden
3. Axl Rose

Enter the competition here

Credit/Source: www.entertainmentwise.com

New Affiliate Added – 21 June 2006

Visit my new affiliate The Filans.net

Villy

More High Quality Pictures Added – 20 June 2006

I added 8 more High Quality Westlife pictures. Thanx Anne for getting them from Getty Images and App images.

To see them go to the Westlife Pictures page and then High Quality Pictures.

Credit/Source: Anne / www.gettyimages.com / App images

High Quality Pictures – 19 June 2006

I added 20 Westlife High Quality pictures that I’ve scanned from various magazines. To see them go to the Westlife Pictures page and then High Quality Pictures.

More pictures of the lads, the couples and their partners will be added in the next days as there are not many news right now because Westlife are on a well deserved holiday.

Villy

New Affiliates Added – 19 June 2006

Visit my new affiliates The Byrnes and Shnicky

Villy

Download The “You Raise Me Up” Remixes – 18 June 2006

Westlife - You Raise Me Up (Chameleon remix)

Westlife - You Raise Me Up (Reactor remix)

Taken from the You Raise Me Up: Remixes single released in Australia.

Pictures Update – 17 June 2006

Hi everyone!

I added some older official pictures that I didn’t have in the galleries…

Shane & Gillian ( 1 picture )

Jodi ( 26 pictures )

Kevin ( 26 pictures ) Thanx Nasje for getting 24 of them from LFI

Georgina’s Family ( 21 pictures )

Credit/Source: Nasje / www.lfi.co.uk / www.isifa.com / www.wenn.com / www.gettyimages.com / www.vipireland.com / www.hollyoaks.com / Zoo magazine

I found some of these pictures on the net, if you have scanned any of them and you don’t want me to use them on my site email me and I will remove them J

Westlife On Biography Channel – 17 June 2006

Thanx Joanne for the info J

Westlife are on the Biography Channel (Sky 161) on Saturday 17th June at 12.30pm, then the show will be repeated at 5.30pm. Just in case you haven’t seen it before.

Credit/Source: Joanne

Come Face To Face With Westlife; September Oz Tour Confirmed! – 16 June 2006

(And Amazing single release in Australia)

Renowned for their big ballads, moving melodies and heartfelt harmonies, Westlife are bringing their tunes to life for their army of Australian fans! After winning over plenty of hearts during a promo tour earlier this year (which sent their latest album 'Face To Face' straight to #1), Westlife have confirmed they will return for a national arena tour this September, with Young Divas on board as special guests.

Arguably the most successful pop group to come out of Ireland, Westlife have achieved worldwide album sales in excess of 35 million, and won a multitude of accolades, including two Brit Awards since the release of their 1999 debut single 'Swear It Again'. They've reached the top of the UK singles chart an incredible 13 times, and their five sell-out UK arena tours have seen them performing to a combined audience of over four million, making them the biggest selling arena act in the UK.

Oz fans were told if they wanted to see the guys down under to let it be known, and they did, sending their new album 'Face To Face' straight to the #1 spot on the ARIA charts here, where it has remained as a Top 10 staple ever since.

While the guys dropped hints that they wanted to make it back to our shores as quickly as possible while in the country several months ago on a promotional tour, Australian fans will be thrilled to know they seriously did put us at the top of their tour list and are really excited about finally making it here for their first-ever shows in September.

More big news is that Westlife's second single from the album 'Amazing' will be released on July 15 in conjunction with their forthcoming tour, hot on the heels of the chart-storming 'You Raise Me Up'.

Joining the four lovely Irish lads of Westlife on the tour are four of Australia's finest femme vocalists, in the guise of Young Divas. This all star line up of Kate DeAraugo, Paulini, Emily Williams and Ricki-Lee have ruled the airwaves with the #2 charting hit single of their pop/disco reworking of Donna Summer's classic 'This Time I Know It's For Real'.

Tickets on sale Monday, June 26.

Westlife Australian Tour 2006:

Sunday, September 17 - Challenge Stadium, Perth
Tix from Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au
Tuesday, September 19 - Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
Tix from Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au
Wednesday, September 20 - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Tix from Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au
Friday, September 22 - Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
Tix from Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.auSaturday, September 23 - Acer Arena, Sydney
Tix from Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au

Credit/Source: www.sonybmg.com.au

Lou’s Touchy On Feehily – 16 June 2006

Kiki King, Eva Simpson & Caroline Hedley

HE'S managed the campest bands around but Louis Walsh claims he had no idea Westlife's Mark Feehily was gay.

The Boyzone and Girls Aloud mastermind says the Irish cutie totally slipped under his gaydar.

"I didn't know he was gay at all. I swear to God. I had no idea Stephen Gately was gay either. Mark told me he liked Eurovision and Mariah Carey so that was the biggest giveaway ever."

The X Factor judge added that it's his dream to live Madonna's life for a day.

"I'd love to know what really goes on inside her head."

So would we, Louis.

Credit/Source: www.mirror.co.uk/3am

Coast To Coast Come Face To Face With Westlife! – 15 June 2006

Presented by Michael Coppel

Tickets on sale Mon 26 Jun, 9am

Renowned for their big ballads, moving melodies and heartfelt harmonies, Westlife are bringing their fine way with a tune to life for their multitude of Australian fans. After winning over more Australian hearts during a promotional tour earlier this year, which sent their seventh album Face To Face straight to number 1, Westlife returns for a national arena tour this September!

Joining the 4 lovely Irish lads of Westlife on tour are 4 of Australia’s finest femme vocalists in the guise of YOUNG DIVAS.

This all star line up of Kate DeAraugo, Paulini, Emily Williams and Ricki-Lee have ruled the airwaves with the #2 charting hit single of their pop/disco reworking of Donna Summer’s classic “This Time I Know It’s For Real”.

Don't miss Westlife with Young Divas live.

TOUR DATES*:
Tue 19 Sep - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Wed 20 Sep - Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne Park
Fri 22 Sep - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Sat 23 Sep - Acer Arena (formerly Sydney SuperDome)
* Ticketek is only selling for the above venues.

www.westlife.com
www.coppel.com.au

Credit/Source: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/

Westlife Heading South – 15 June 2006

BOY band Westlife have announced their first Australian tour.

The Irish band, of which Delta Goodrem's beau Brian McFadden was formerly a member, will play at Rod Laver Arena on September 20.

Tickets to the show go on sale on Monday, June 26, through Ticketek.

One-time Westlife member Ronan Keating will be in Melbourne in the first week of July to coincide with the release of his album Bring You Home.

He is not expected to make any public appearances during his visit.

Credit/Source: www.heraldsun.news.com.au

Note: One-time Westlife member Ronan Keating lol?? I bet they meant One-time Westlife manager Ronan Keating…

New Affiliate Added – 15 June 2006

Visit my new affiliate Westlife Colombia

Villy

Irish Surfers Establish S.I.R.F To Raise Funds For Indo – 15 June 2006

Indonesian Earthquake

Two Young Surfers From Ireland Establish S.I.R.F to Raise Funds For Indonesia

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 14 June, 2006 : - -  Two young surfers from Strandhill are making a lot of effort in collecting money for the Indonesian Earthquake disaster. Both have given up their full time jobs to do it. They will not be using any of the money collected to fund their own trip.

Proposal
Over the next couple of months we aim to raise funds for the Indonesian earthquake tragedy through a variety of events staged in Strandhill, Co. Sligo.  The money gathered will be taken to Indonesia in August by Barry Mottershead and Allan Mulrooney.  They will be visiting the affected areas with the intention of delivering much-needed supplies to communities, rather than donating a cash sum (as corruption is unfortunately rife in Indonesia).

Background on earthquake
The May 27th earthquake on Indonesia's main island of Java (near Yogyakarta) killed more than 5,800 people and left thousands more injured and homeless. The active Mount Merapi volcano presents a further threat to the region.

Background Information on Allan & Barry
Allan Mulrooney is 20 years old and has grown up surfing in Strandhill. He has represented Ireland in surfing on a number of occasions. This has brought him to countries such as South Africa, France, Spain, Portugal, England, Morocco, Singapore, Canary Islands and Indonesia. He is currently studying a degree in Physical Education and Geography at the University of Limerick (UL).

Barry Mottershead is 22 years old and was born in Cape Town, South Africa. He has been living in Strandhill for the last 3 years, and is a well-liked surfer in the town. He has travelled extensively, visiting Mozambique, Morocco, Philippines, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Tanzania, Namibia and 3 trips to Indonesia.

Allan and Barry have a personal connection with Java, with both the waves and the people. Last year they travelled to Java in search of surf, and were grateful to experience the Indonesian culture, which is renowned for its welcoming and generous people. Both Allan and Barry feel that they not only gained many extrinsic rewards from their time in Indonesia, but also everlasting intrinsic rewards and so would like to give as much as they can back.

Details of fundraising to date
The organisation committee behind the funding has adopted the name– S.I.R.F. – Strandhill Indonesian Relief Fund. This is an idea which started small but is gaining momentum as new opportunities present themselves each day. With the help and assistance of the community, musicians and friends alike, they are anticipating to raise a sum in the region of  €10,000.

The first fundraising event was held on the June Bank Holiday weekend in a renowned local pub. This consisted of two barbeques, which were held on consecutive nights. This event rose over €1,000 and also enabled the committee the opportunity to create awareness about the earthquake. This fundraiser also received coverage in the local weekly newspaper and a local radio station.

Fundraising plans till August
On Friday 16th June there will be a larger-scale Open-Mic night at which will be hosted by the aforementioned pub, with a barbeque and raffle. Various surf companies and local businesses have donated the prizes for this raffle. This is expected to raise another large sum of money.

Kian Egan (a member of the band Westlife), a Sligo surfer and good friend of Barry and Allan’s, has offered to donate a variety of signed memorabilia to the cause.  He’s also eager to help in any other way that he can!!

Top local musician Seamie O’Dowd (who recently headlined at the Sligo Live music festival) is also keen to partake in future fundraising. Other fundraising events planned are an open-ocean surfboard paddle from Strandhill to Rosses’ Point (about 6km), a surf contest and a beach-soccer contest.  With a few more fundraising events in the pipeline over the next 2 months, the target of €10,000 should easily be achieved.

Delivering the money
At this point in time, the aid situation in Java is constantly changing and Mount Merapi is threatening further devastation. The departure date is set for 20th August, by when Allan and Barry will have a clear idea of how the money should be distributed.

They wish to deliver supplies/equipment to affected communities, rather than donate a cash sum to an aid organization. Corruption is a harsh reality in third-world Indonesia, as can be seen from this article about the previous earthquake on Sumatra taken from www.antikorupsi.org/:

“There is also the problem of aid misappropriation and corruption, which always haunts disaster management teams. From the outset, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed his concern about possible corruption and spelled out the need for all parties to prevent the huge amount of international aid given to Aceh and North Sumatra from being a target of project manipulation.

He said it would be acutely embarrassing if there was found to be any corruption in aid spending. Like other regions, Aceh and North Sumatra are unfortunately steeped in graft.” Therefore, they would prefer to give directly to the communities.

On their last trip to Indonesia, Barry and Allan met a Javanese man, Apek, during a stay in his local village of Cimaja. He will act as an interpreter (Barry and Allan have a basic grasp of the Indonesian language) and guide during their stay.

Camerawork
Barry’s brother, David Mottershead is 26 years old, and an experienced cameraman. He has been producing videos for the last 5 years, and a DVD of his more recent work is included. David is also well-travelled, and has spent time in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. He films with a Canon XM2 and has footage from the events in Strandhill and will be accompanying Allan and Barry throughout their mission in Indonesia.

Conclusion
Surfing is now Ireland’s fastest growing sport, and this is a great opportunity for the country to see how two surfers from West Ireland can make such a big difference to peoples’ lives on the other side of the globe. There are numerous human-interest elements in this project: surfing, reality television, disaster relief, corruption, poverty, relative living conditions and a true-life portrayal of Irish generosity.

Credit/Source: www.globalsurfnews.com

High Quality Pictures – 14 June 2006

Anne got three high quality pictures of Westlife taken in May when they won the award for most performances at Wembley. Thanx Anne!

I will add galleries with many High Qualities soon. I just need to find time and upload them all J

Credit/Source: www.gettyimages.com / Anne

“You Raise Me Up: Remixes” – 14 June 2006

Following on from the phenomenal success of the single comes this remix version of 'You Raise Me Up' from Irish megastars Westlife.

With two exclusive remixes from Ed Said and Laurence Alexander, these infectious beats are gonna get you onto that dance floor.

The single also includes two bonus acoustic tracks 'Fly Without Wings' and 'My Love'.

Something for the fans and for those yet to discover the soul-sweet vocals of these pop sensations, we know you guys will love it!

Credit/Source: www.sonybmg.com.au

“You Raise Me Up” Single Platinum In Australia – 13 June 2006

After 27 weeks in the Australian singles chart “You Raise Me Up” became platinum and still is No.15 in the chart. Well done Westlife! J

Credit/Source: www.ariacharts.com.au

My Mate Sells Tickets For Liverpool Summer Pop’s – 13 June 2006

If you are interested to see Westlife live at Summer Pop’s in Liverpool, my mate sells two tickets on E-bay for the 17 July 2006 summer concert.

If you are interested, click here for details.

Date: 17 July 2006

Venue City/ Town: Liverpool

Number of tickets: 2

Row: Row 7 from the stage (Block N Row GG)

Event Start Time: 19:00

Villy

Download The Westlife On A List Interview – 12 June 2006

Thanx Lesley for the interview J

Westlife-A List-11-06-06 PART1

Westlife-A List-11-06-06 PART2

Credit/Source: Lesley

Scripted Interview By Joanne – 11 June 2006

Thanx so much Joanne for typing the script of the interview that Westlife gave at The A List Show:

Melanie Sykes interviewed them at Wembley during their Face to Face Tour,

Kian was talking about the Summer tours they will be doing,. He said they are looking forward to them.

Melanie asked if they were enjoying it, and they said they were, but they get 3 weeks off after their trip to china, they are then visiting Australia etc later in the year.
Nicky says luckily they’ve managed to get really good songs within their career, and that they try and put an extravaganza of a show on and they love doing it, and their shows take them to a new level, plus they get to go through costume changes etc...

They then played Flying without wings

Melanie asked them before the start of a concert if they get nervous and they said they are especially in London as there are loads of journalists and record label executives down visiting, plus they were filming the DVD, they get anxious, but they are maybe playing playstation five minutes before they go on stage as they are used to going on stage and performing on stage after 7 years..

(Fool again as background music)… Kian saying that their audience is anything over 18, and the majority of their are fans are over 30 as their audience love their music, and not as fickle as the kids, they love them (all of us fans) so much, Nicky said they don’t get teddies anymore they get bras, and they are getting bigger, plus the banners are getting ruder.... Nicky said 36FF is probably the biggest bra size he picked up.

they played Uptown Girl

They’ve seen a lot of bands come and go , but they are still young so they see themselves going for a bit longer now plus they look up to all their idols still

Hey whatever playing now :: End of interview

Scripted interview by Joanne , as heard on www.hertbeat.com

Credit/Source: Joanne / www.hertbeat.com

Westlife Pictures Added – 11 June 2006

I added some pictures of a photoshoot Westlife did when they were in Australia:

You can see them here (the first 7 pictures are the new ones)

Credit/Source: www.wireimage.com

Don't Stop The Music! – 10 June 2006

Concert fans left confused by 'cancellation' posters

By Suzanne McTaggart

HUNDREDS of Westlife and Simply Red fans were left baffled after posters advertising July's Harewood House concerts were emblazoned with a "Cancelled" sign by Leeds City Council.

The sign, which has the words this poster site has been in tiny lettering preceding the word Cancelled, confused motorists on the A61 Harrogate Road in Alwoodley.

The council erected the sign because the posters, which have now been removed by concert promoters Live Nation, were in breach of fly-posting regulations.
However, Harewood House, which was not responsible for the error, has confirmed that both shows will go ahead as planned on Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2.

The posters originally put up by Live Nation are believed to have broken the regulations governing roadside hoardings..

Once the Council spotted the posters, they were covered with the cancelled signs and the promotions company was told to remove them within 48 hours.

Westlife and Simply Red are not the only chart stars lined up to entertain the people of Leeds at Harewood House this summer.

Singer-songwriter James Blunt will appear at the 18th century stately home on June 30 while popular musicians Sir Elton John, Will Young and Ronan Keating have performed open-air concerts there in the past.

Irish heartthrobs Westlife have clocked up no fewer than 12 UK number ones during their seven years at the top.
The group's ranks include Nicky Byrne, who had a spell as an apprentice goalkeeper with Leeds United in the mid-1990s.

Mick Hucknall's Simply Red, meanwhile, have scored huge worldwide success since their 1985 breakthrough hit Money's Too Tight (To Mention).
As has been the case in previous years, fans heading for this summer's open-air concerts can bring along a picnic and their own rugs and chairs so they can sit back and enjoy the entertainment in style.

Head of events Elaine Speight said: "It should be an absolutely fabulous weekend – we're really excited about it, and I'm sure everyone else will be too."
A comment from Leeds City Council could not be obtained at the time of going to press.

suzanne.mctaggart@ypn.co.uk

Credit/Source: www.leedstoday.net

Going Live Again – 10 June 2006

Rockers like Jon Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams could be next to perform at Lincoln Live! if organisers have their way.

More than 15,000 fans sang their hearts out to Westlife and Liberty X at this year's event.
Now Lincoln City Football Club wants to make it a two-day festival with one night devoted to rock and indie.

Pop will remain key to Sincil Bank's 2007 show on Saturday, May 19 with the extra night likely to be on Sunday, May 20, said Imps chairman Steff Wright.

Lincoln Live! promoter Liz Hobbs said: "We would certainly hope to have artists of the calibre of Jon Bon Jovi or Bryan Adams on the rock night. As for the pop night, we would hope to equal the acts we had at this year's Lincoln Live!
"Westlife have already said they want to come back but at the same time we have to move on."
Ms Hobbs said: "We'd love to have them again, they gave a fantastic performance, but we need to look for something different next year too."

Headliners Westlife and Liberty X were joined by Lee Ryan, Journey South and local band Audioline at this year's event. Westlife singer Shane Filan told the Echo the group hoped to play more venues like Lincoln.

"Now we are beginning our stadium tour we have lots of smaller venues like Lincoln planned," he said.

Lincoln City FC always hoped Lincoln Live! would become an annual event on the city's calendar.
Mr Wright said: "Lincoln Live! was a massive success and we've had tremendous feedback.

"We were successful in the bands we secured and we want to make sure we attract acts of a similar stature and appeal for the 2007 concert."

The club was busy planning next year's event as soon as Lincoln Live! finished, he said.

"We have begun the process of securing some top quality acts. "All being well we should be in a position to announce our headline acts in a few months time."

Despite the rain, the Lincoln Live! feedback was immense, said Lincoln FC's head of marketing, James Lazenby.
He said: "We are delighted with the response. We'd like to thank everyone who came along and we're sure next year's event is going to be even bigger and better."

Lincoln's rock and pop legacy

What do The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Tom Jones and Gene Pitney all have in common? They all played in Lincolnshire at some point in their careers.

So if Jon Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams do play Lincoln Live! they'll feel right at home. Lincoln's old ABC cinema in Saltergate hosted most of these famous names. Its 2,000 capacity made it Lincoln's biggest music venue in the 1960s.

One of its biggest concerts included the Everly Brothers, Don and Phil, headlining alongside Cilla Black and Billy J Kramer. It was quickly followed by a concert including Gene Pitney, Lulu and the Luvvers and the Rockin' Berries.

Credit/Source: www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk

Chance Of Sought-after Westlife Tickets – 9 June 2006

PUBLIC tickets have sold out for top pop band Westlife's performance after racing at Newmarket.

But "a few hundred" tickets may still be available if those allocated for hospitality - for people associated with racing or sponsorship - are not taken up.The band, pictured left, will conclude this summer's series of concerts after racing at the town's July racecourse on Friday, August 18.

A new attraction for the Newmarket Nights, which get under way later this month with a performance by the Bootleg Beatles on Friday, June 23, is a best-dressed lady award for racegoers.

Leading fashion brand Planet is offering a £150 award for the best-dressed on each night. The overall winner will be chosen on the final night and will receive her £1,000 award from Westlife.

Among other acts appearing at Newmarket, Texas is proving the next-most popular after Westlife with tickets nearing a sell-out. To book tickets call (08707) 200201 or visit www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk

Credit/Source: www.cambridge-news.co.uk

Louis Walsh Loves His 'Babies' Westlife & Shayne Ward – 9 June 2006

‘X Factor' judge Louis Walsh spoke with Ann Montini of Sky News about loving his job. "Westlife and Shayne Ward are like my babies," the music manager said. "I truly love them, we all get along."

Credit/Source: www.popdirt.com

New Affiliate Added – 9 June 2006

Visit my new affiliate Westlife Fanatic VIP Awards site, nominate your site if you have one and I will let you all know when the voting opens.

Villy

Pre-Order The “You Raise Me Up: Remixes” Single – 8 June 2006

Australian Version

Description:
Following the phenomenal success of the single now comes the remixes, mixed locally here in Australia.

Track Listing:

1.	You Raise Me Up
2.	You Raise Me Up (Chameleon Remix)
3.	You Raise Me Up (Reactor Remix)
4.	Flying Without Wings (Acoustic)
5.	My Love (Acoustic)

Availability
Pre-order now for Mon 12 Jun 2006 release. Despatch to customer occurs at a minimum of 1 working day after release date (release dates are subject to change).

Pre-order from ( Australia ) heraldsunhit.com.au

You can also preorder the single from the UK from hmv or amazon

Pre-order from ( UK ) HMV.co.uk Pre-order from ( UK ) AMAZON.co.uk

Credit/Source: Shane Filan NL / www.heraldsunhit.com.au / www.hmv.co.uk / www.amazon.co.uk

Westlife In Madame Tussauds Petition – 8 June 2006

Joanne and Lorraine started a petition:

Hello, I was just wondering if you would like to see Westlife in Madame Tussauds./I thinks its only fair considering how popular the boys are that they should be added to the growing collection././ If you agree please sign and i will email it to Madame tussauds, and who knows we might just get to see westlife in the Waxworks Hall of Fame.

You can sign the petition here

Villy

Westlife on Radio on Sunday – 8 June 2006

Westlife will be exclusively on Melanie Syke’s and Nick Snaith's “The A List Chart Show” this Sunday at 4pm.

The A List is on air every Sunday 4pm - 7pm, Broadcasting on over 50 radio stations.so look at the list here and find your local radio station that broadcasts the show.

Credit/Source: HugeFan / www.heartfm.co.uk

Note & Older Nicky And Georgina Pictures – 7 June 2006

As you can see I changed the layout picture as I had the previous one for so long… I promise I’ll try to be changing it more often hehe. It’s just that I’m not very good at Web design as you can see lol.

I added three older Nicky & Georgina pictures that I haven’t seen before:

Nicky & Georgina ( the first 3 pictures )

Credit/Source: Matrix photo agency

Dream Comes True For Brave Beverley – 7 June 2006

A GLENROTHES woman was 'flying without wings' when she was granted a special wish to see her favourite boy band recently.
Beverley Donaldson was nominated by her mum, Gillian, to receive a prize through a local radio competition.

And last month the 23-year-old was selected to have her dream come true - to see Westlife live in concert.
On May 7, Gillian, Beverley and her sister Tracey all travelled through to the SECC in Glasgow to enjoy watching Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne perform.

Gillian told The Gazette she had put Beverley forward for the special wish to mark her miraculous recovery following a serious road accident in Glenrothes five-and-a-half years ago.
Beverley, who was then 17, had been getting off a bus in Cadham and was walking towards the town centre when she was hit by a car.

She sustained traumatic brain injury and was taken by ambulance to Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline before being transferred to the Intensive Care Unit in the Western General in Edinburgh, where she stayed for two weeks.
She was in a coma for six weeks overall before being taken to the High Dependency Unit in Queen Margaret Hospital in December 2000.

Later, she was transferred to the rehab unit at the Cameron Hospital, Windygates, where she remained for 13 months.
Gillian (49) said: "Two months after she arrived at the hospital, she regained consciousness but was very frightened as she didn't know what was going on and was unable to speak.
"Beverley had to have physiotherapy and intense speech therapy, using a machine with buttons - for yes and no - to help her communicate."

A few months later she continued to make progress - moving on to use a touch type computer so she could relay messages back and forth to her family.
Gillian said Beverley didn't talk until one evening in March 2001.
She explained: "Her dad, Andrew, sister and I went to visit her and she was waiting at the door for us.

"To my amazement she said 'Hi Mum' and I just burst into tears. This was the first time she had spoken for a year and it was so lovely to hear those words.
"The nursing staff were thrilled to bits and after that day she started to speak more."
Now Beverley walks with a zimmer frame and her physio has told her that if she continues progressing the way she is, it won't be long before she is walking with sticks.

Gillian continued: "She attends the Forward Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays and she also goes swimming at the Fife Institute on a Tuesday.
"She has her own private carer, Tracie, who takes her to the Adam Smith College, where she does computer and number work, and also to the pub where Beverley meets her friends."
Gillian praised the Fife Headway Group, which meets at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, for all their help and support.

She also said a big 'thank you' to the ambulance crew who were first on the scene at the accident as they had saved Beverley's life.
"I am so proud of her because she has continued to prove doctors wrong. She was not expected to survive the first 48 hours after the accident and doctors did not expect her to walk again."
She added: "Beverley is a little miracle!"

debbie.clarke@fifetoday.co.uk

Credit/Source: www.fifenow.co.uk

New Nicky And Georgina Picture – 6 June 2006

Nicky was at the Longford – Dublin match with Georgina and Bertie Ahern:

Credit/Source: www.longfordgaa.ie

Mark And Kevin Pictures – 6 June 2006

More Mark and Kev pictures from the Smokey Robinson 50th Anniversary All Star Salute held at the Grosvenor House, London, UK:

Credit/Source: Thanx Teri on http://www.markevin.one-breath.org/ for getting the pictures from the Matrix Agency

Pictures Added – 6 June 2006

Thanx Yuenkie for letting me use your pictures of Mark & Kevin and Kian in Dublin (April 2006)

I also added one Mark picture from the German Version of the “Amazing” single:

An older Kevin picture:

And a Mark & Nicky picture:

Credit/Source: Yuenkie for the fanpictures

Meet Pop Superstars Westlife – 6 June 2006

Summer Nights concerts at Chatsworth House

CHART topping Irish boyband Westlife will perform an outdoor concert at Chatsworth House on Sunday, July 9, 7.30pm. And we’re giving you a chance to make a dream date with the band - backstage.

One lucky Star reader and a pal will meet fab four Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily and Kian Egan for a photo and signing session. The prize also includes tickets to see the band who will perform hit after hit, such as Flying Without Wings, Uptown Girl, Queen Of My Heart and World Of Our Own.

Created in 1998, they have sold nearly 40 million albums worldwide. Latest album Face To Face is their first collection of new songs since Turnaround topped the charts in 2003.

Despite the departure of popular member Brian McFadden, in 2004, they keep going strong.

For a chance to win our prize collect two tokens from The Star. Last token was printed Saturday, June 3. Attach them to the entry form which you can download here along with a bonus web token. Answer the question on the entry form, complete your details and get it to us by Friday, June 9, 2006, at 12 noon. No photocopies allowed. Our winner will be the first correct entry drawn at random after deadline.

* Tickets, may be subject to a booking fee, are £37.50. Call the Hallam FM Arena Box Office on Sheffield 0114 256 5656 or visit www.hallamfmarena.co.uk

Credit/Source: www.sheffieldtoday.net

Note & Promo Clip About The Documentary – 5 June 2006

Hiya everyone! Sorry for not updating yesterday… It’s my mate’s 20^th Birthday today and we celebrated it yesterday so I was away. Happy 20^th Birthday to my mate Sophia!! J

Caroline uploaded the promo clip about the Documentary Westlife will film in China. You can download it here

Credit/Source: Caroline

The Things They Say – 5 June 2006

Thanx Josie

WESTLIFE

"When we started out we had girls bringing their bras and chucking them on stage - now they bring their kids. It's scary." WESTLIFE are wary of their ageing fans.

Credit/Source: www.contactmusic.com

Uganda: TSBZ Group Is Tororo's Westlife – 5 June 2006

Jude Katende

Kampala

From Tororo is TSBZ (Totally Spiced Up Broz), a group of teenagers who grew up together and are now singing together.

Phillip Ochan (Philo), Deo Osike (Freaky), Emmanuel Kasubi (Yash), Romans Aperu (Roma) and Victor Oluka (Galdon Looks) are mimicking the British boy band, Westlife, and are getting attention for it.

The quintet's first claim to fame was their appearance at the recent North/Eastern Mbale PAM Awards launch in Mbale wearing black suits and white long-sleeved shirts with the cuffs folded on the sides. The boys whose ages range between 19 and 21 wowed the crowd with their R& B tinged voices. They have recorded two good songs.

Hurt No More is a song about a relationship gone sour. The song is a sweet soft melody that provides good listening for the brokenhearted. Sang in Swahili and English, the song is a good effort from the teenagers.

The other song is Dreams on which the young voices remind one of the 1980s American teenage sensations in ABC and New Edition. The boys are worth listening to no doubt, but one wonders if they would not sound better if they just tried to sound like themselves.

Credit/Source: All Africa

Irish Eyes To Smile At City's Music Line-up – 3 June 2006

By David Holmes , Chester Chronicle

TICKET sales are going well for the biggest pop concert Chester has ever seen.

Up to 16,000 music fans will rock The Roodee in August after Chester Race Company lined up Westlife and the legendary Van Morrison for its first large-scale music event, Chester Live.

A total of 8,000 tickets, priced from £28.50-£34.50, are on sale for each concert with chart-topping Irish boy band Westlife headlining on Saturday, August 19, and Belfast's Van Morrison on the previous evening.

Support acts are yet to be announced but they are said to be well-known names.

Events manager Shelley Lewis-Curry said: 'We are awaiting figures but ticket sales are going well. Westlife have proved more popular but Van will sell nearer the event.'

Between 300 and 600 VIP tickets are available for each night, priced £150 to include VIP seating, champagne reception, three course meal and access to the VIP hospitality area.

Westlife's Kian, Shane, Mark and Nicky promise a greatest hits package for the Chester gig drawing from their back catalogue including such classics as Flying Without Wings, You Raise Me Up, and their cover of Uptown Girl.

Van Morrison recently released critically acclaimed album Pay The Devil, an evocative collection of country-influenced songs.

Tickets are available from the Chester Live hotline on 0870 145 1100 and Chester Racecourse on 01244 304620.

david.holmes@cheshirenews.co.uk

Credit/Source: http://iccheshireonline.icnetwork.co.uk

“Amazing” Out Today In Germany – 2 June 2006

© Thanx Shane Filan NL for the info.

“Amazing” is released today in Germany so all the German fans make sure you will buy it to help Westlife and enjoy the single too.

Credit/Source: Shane Filan NL / www.sonybmg.de

Westlife.GR Awarded As Site Of The Month – 1 June 2006

Westlife.GR is Site Of The Month June 2006 at Nicky-Byrne.com J ! I’m so happy!! Thank you Dalinka for picking Westlife.GR!

You can see the award here

Villy

'We Will Rock You' Declares Choir – 1 June 2006

Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody first hit the charts in 1975

One of Wales' best known male voice choirs is aiming to reach new fans by introducing pop and rock songs to its repertoire.

Morriston Orpheus Choir has added the classic Queen hit Bohemian Rhapsody and Westlife's You Raise Me Up to its concert programme.

Musical director Sian Pearce said they would still perform traditional songs.

But she said that the 118-strong-choir also hoped to appeal to a younger and broader audience.

Queen's rock opera single Bohemian Rhapsody, first released in 1975 and voted the UK's favourite hit of all time in a poll of more than 30,000 people, more recently helped X-factor boy band G4 into the charts.

We wanted to try something a bit different this year

Sian Pearce, musical director

Ms Pearce said the song, with its many harmonies, was ideally suited to a large choir.

"Some pop songs don't translate across to choirs, let alone male voice choirs," she said.

"But Bohemian Rhapsody and songs by groups such as Westlife, who are male singers, are perfectly suited to a male choir."

The songs will be performed at the choir's anniversary concert in Swansea next month and are set to remain as part of its repertoire.

Ms Pearce added: "We wanted to try something a bit different this year. We have had some success at modern pieces before but this is the first time we've tried rock songs.

"Whilst it is very important that we perform the tradition pieces synonymous with the choir we hope these sorts of songs will appeal to a younger and broader audience too."

The choir's annual concert takes place at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall on 10 June.

Credit/Source: www.bbc.co.uk