NEWS & UPDATES ~ MAY 2006

Kian Interview From Indian Newspaper – 31 May 2006

It’s older but still interesting to read. Thanx Esha for this interview.

Kian reveals all about the new Westlife album in an exclusive interview

They made the Backstreet Boys run for cover and stole quite a few of their faithful fans. After storming the international music charts in 1999 with their debut self-titled album, the U.K foursome, Westlife have been belting out hit albums. Just a week before the India release of Face To Face, Kian speaks to Metro Plus on his continuing faith on good ole' pop music, his appreciation of Indian music and future plans of Westlife. Read on.

MetroPlus: A recent trend internationally is that popular music is becoming increasingly influenced by Hip-hop and R&B. Is Westlife planning to follow the same route?

Kian: No, not at all! I agree with you that everybody seems to be doing Hip-hop and R& B. But, I am sick and tired of listening to the same thing, and would like to listen to some good old pop music. And Westlife makes pop music for all of you who feel the same way.

MetroPlus: Boybands are sometimes considered to cater to a childish, immature audience base. How does your music change this impression? Are you happy being called a boyband?

Kian: We don't care what you call us! As long as you like our songs and buy our albums, we will make more and more music. And gone are the days when boybands were meant for the teenyboppers. Attend any of our U.K concerts and you won't find kids screaming anymore. The average age group of people who attend our live acts is between the ages of 25 and 50!

Metro Plus: Since your last album, how has the music of Westlife changed and what should an international audience expect from your new album, Face To Face?

Kian: Westlife has made sure that its fans get to hear its new songs every year, and so the evolution of Face To Face had happened quite naturally. But personally I feel this is our best album till date. We were trying out different things in our first two albums, and with the new one we are settling down and becoming serious and passionate about our music. Once all the singles of the album are released, we are planning a massive world tour next year as a mark of appreciation to our faithful fans.

MetroPlus: Would that tour feature India as a destination?

Kian: We would surely like to visit India and perform there. In fact, we have shot one of our videos in India, and all of us have fallen in love with the place. And we respect the deep-rooted culture, and the international appeal of Indian music.

MetroPlus: What would be your message to fans, especially in India?

Kian: Thank you so much for your love. We are overwhelmed by your tremendous support. Do listen to our new album, and let us know how you liked it when we come down there.

Credit/Source: Esha

Nicky's Post-Tour Interview – 30 May 2006

From the Official Westlife site. To read it, go to the Tours Page and then News/Reviews.

Villy

Nicky In Heat Magazine - TV Picks – 30 May 2006

© Typed by Jadam

TV SHOWS: SOCCER AM - with its presenters Tim Lovejoy and Helen Chamberlain.
The two of them are really funny together. And also, the way I see it, a girl knowing that much about Football is very impressive.

PIN-UP: Scarlett Johansson is beautiful. There’s something different-looking about her.
I saw her in Lost In Translation and thought she was brilliant.

SNACKS: I'm a complete sucker for Cadbury's buttons. And I like to have a nice cup of tea with two-and-a-half sugars.

SWITCH OFF: I'm not a big fan of Reality TV and I really don't like Big Brother.
I think it's disgusting and I literally can't watch it.

Credit/Source: Jadam / Heat Magazine

Meike’s Pic With Gillian – 30 May 2006

Meike met Gillian in London when the lads were there for the Wembley concerts and got a lovely picture with her. Thank you Meike for letting me use it J

Credit/Source: Meike

New Captures – 30 May 2006

There are not many news right now in the Westlife world so I made some captures from the West Meets East showcase in Shanghai video. You can see the captures here.

Credit/Source: www.thecommitted.net for the video

Castle Rocked After Shortage Of Top Acts Forces Gigs To Be Axed – 29 May 2006

Westlife Related

MICHAEL BLACKLEY

THREE concerts scheduled to take place at Edinburgh Castle this summer have been axed - because organisers could not find any top acts to fit the bill.

Regular Music, promoters of the Castle Concerts, today complained that Historic Scotland took so long to give the go-ahead to stage the events that they could not get the world-class acts they were looking for.

But the heritage watchdog has hit back, saying that the promoters are responsible for the line-up and maintaining they were given plenty of time to attract top acts.

It was originally intended that six concerts would take place over two weekends in July, worth an estimated £9 million to the city's economy. Il Divo, Westlife and Robin Gibb were all confirmed in February, while a further three were to be announced at a later date.

But Gibb pulled out of the show when he discovered that brother Barry could not take part.

And it has now been revealed that the three other unconfirmed nights will not take place either, leaving the schedule in disarray.

Organisers insist that the programme of events has not been scaled down because of poor ticket sales. They say that only 1000 of the 8000 tickets available for both the Il Divo and Westlife concerts remain unsold, and are confident of them being sell-outs well in advance of the gigs.

The last concerts to take place at the Castle were in the summer of 2004, when Donny Osmond, pictured, Tom Jones, Cliff Richard, Westlife and James Taylor all played within one month of each other.

But in 2005, the summer concert series had to be scrapped because of new health and safety arrangements set up by Historic Scotland.

In December, an agreement was reached to overcome crowd-safety fears, including a new queuing system to allow visitors to enter and exit safely from the Esplanade, and it was announced that six concerts would take place this summer.

But Regular Music says that did not leave them time to get acts of the required international standing to fill all six slots.

Mark Mackie, of Edinburgh-based promoter Regular Music, said: "Both Westlife and Il Divo are still doing very well and we are delighted that they are selling very well.

"It took a while to get the clearance from the Castle this year. Some years you get good bands touring and some years you don't. There weren't enough quality acts about this year because we have to just have good things up there.

"It is difficult having it the week before the Tattoo and perhaps we didn't give people enough notice because we didn't get the final go-ahead until quite late.

"Hopefully we might get back up to six next year now that we are back on the map."

Historic Scotland today insisted it had given organisers enough time to secure acts of sufficient quality.

A spokeswoman said: "We had a number of issues to work through and we are happy as a partnership that the concerts are going ahead.

"We are happy working alongside Castle Concerts and Edinburgh Council on the project as a whole and we are happy that we have pulled it together. The issues on health and safety, traffic management and operational issues have been tackled very well. To get over all that was a big hurdle and we are very pleased we have done that and can go ahead this year.

"Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the promoter to secure the line-up of acts at the Castle. We gave the promoters enough time to line up acts for this summer. We only hope that this year goes well and we're happy with the acts.

"Bringing the concerts back is great because they are fantastic for the city as an iconic venue. We are looking forward to seeing how this year goes, then looking at 2007 and beyond."

Council leader Donald Anderson said he hoped the programme would grow in time for next year.

He said: "The important thing is to get the concerts back and get an agreement between all the people that this can go ahead every year. It is regrettable that there is not a full programme this year but in future I am confident that will take place."

mblackley@edinburghnews.com

Credit/Source: http://news.scotsman.com

You Raise Me Up In The FIFA World Cup CD – 28 May 2006

Voices From The FIFA World Cup

TRACK LIST

1 - Il divo and toni braxton - The time of our lives
2 - Whitney houston - One moment in time
3 - Kelly clarkson - Because of you
4 - Mariah carey - Hero
5 - Rod stewart - Everytime we say goodbye
6 - Shakira (feat.wyclef jean) - Hips dont lie-bamboo (feat.wyclef jean-2006 fifa world cup mix)
7 - Elvis presley - Always on my mind
8 - Barbra streisand - Woman in love
9 - George michael - Praying for time
10 - Savage garden - Truly madly deeply
11 - Oasis - Wonderwall
12 - Billy joel - Just the way you are
13 - Dido - Thank you

14 - Westlife - You raise me up

15 - Il divo and celine dion - I believe in you
16 - Herbert groemeyer - Celebrate the day (celebration 2006 fifa world cup anthem)
17 - Sweetbox - The winner takes it all
18 - Klazz bothers and cubapercussion - Oh victory korea

Credit/Source: www.muchmusic.net

Happy 26^th Birthday Mark!! – 28 May 2006

It’s Mark’s 26^th birthday today! I hope he will have a lovely day with Kev and people he loves around him! I wish him all the happiness of the world! J

Villy

Westlife.Gr Won Its First Award – 27 May 2006

…And I’m really proud of it! Thanx Josie at the WestlifeFanaticVIP.Com forum for picking Westlife.Gr as Site Of The Month May 2006.

You can see the award here

Villy

Westlife Pop Into Char Coal Grill – 26 May 2006

Pop superstars Westlife and former Hollyoaks actress Jodi Albert popped into the Charcoal Grill, Watergate, Grantham, in the early hours of Sunday.

They ordered food for their journey back to London after a concert in Lincoln.

Kit Andersen was eating a kebab outside the takeaway when the tour bus pulled up.

Kit, 35, from Navenby, said: "They signed autographs and we had photos taken with them and just had a laugh with them. My wife Sharon really likes them. She picked me up just as the tour bus pulled away so she was gutted."

Jane Blake, of Cliffe Road, Grantham, and partner Simon Cole stopped off for a bag of chips. She said: "By the time I got there, only two of Westlife were there. They were ever so nice."

Emrah Ozer, who works at Charcoal Grill, said: "I had never heard of Westlife. One had burger and chips, one had chips with curry sauce, another had pizza, and another had sausage and chips. The girl had a chicken doner kebab."

Credit/Source: www.granthamtoday.co.uk

New Affiliate Added – 26 May 2006

Visit my new affiliate Fans Of Westlife

Villy

Acute Enteritis Delays Westlife's Concert – 25 May 2006

Michelle Zhang

WESTILFE is postponing their Shanghai concert on June 3 because one of the band members, Nicky Byrne, caught acute enteritis and his doctor suggested that he postpone the long haul flight until June 9.

The new concert date has not yet been confirmed. The local organizer, CPPA Entertainment Ltd, said the concert will most likely be held on June 25.

So far, more than 60 percent of the tickets for the June 3 concert have been sold. The organizer said these tickets can still be used for the postponed concert. However, ticket refunds are available at East Asia Ticket Gate 6, Shanghai Stadium, 666 Tianyaoqiao Road, before June 3.

Westlife was supposed to arrive in Shanghai on May 23. They planned to visit other parts of the country including Henan, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces to record a documentary before the concert.

The organizer said the documentary recording schedule will also be postponed.

The Shanghai performance is the Irish boy band's only concert stop in China on their world tour this year. Westlife is one of the most popular foreign musical acts among Chinese audiences.

Credit/Source: www.shanghaidaily.com

New Mark And Kevin Pictures – 25 May 2006

Louis Walsh, Mark Feehily and boyfriend Kevin McDaid & Stephen Gately with boyfriend Andy Cowles all pictured leaving the Smokey Robinson 50th Anniversary All Star Salute held at the Grosvenor House, London, UK - 24.05.06. BYLINE: VIPIRELAND.COM

Credit/Source: www.vipireland.com

Anatomy Of A Boy Band – 25 May 2006

Written by Thomas Podvin, Monday, 01 May 2006

Westlife goes east

If more travel agents were to promote the Shaolin monastery as a major tourist spot, the current figure of 120 million annual visitors to China might double. That is, if those tourists believe, like the Irish lads from Westlife, that Shaolin monks are the one local attraction not to be missed. On their recent visit to Shanghai, the boys from the internationally-famous boy band said Shaolin was one of the reasons they came to China. In addition to seeing the Great Wall, trying their hand at calligraphy, experiencing acupuncture and “all these crazy things”. Of course, there was another small matter to attend to: promoting their act.

Like them or not, there’s more to a boy bands than just a band of boys (in this case Irish boys from Dublin and Sligo). One also needs an opportunistic music mogul and a goodly number of saccharine tunes with catch hooks, if one is to get anywhere at all. Not to mention a well-formulated plan to reassure parents and at the same time excite millions of prepubescent girls. That means a carefully designed, pristine public image, from hair styles to mannerisms, for media and fan consumption. No rock‘n’roll attitude here, no grabbing of crotches or groupies. Lastly, there’s stamina. The boys must stick together through thick and thin. Otherwise, as in the case of so many prefabricated bands, success is soon followed by disaster, which is to say, the band splits.

Not all of the above description applies to Westlife, a twenty-something foursome with white teeth and polished smiles. No, Kian Egan, Shane Filan, Mark Feehily and Nicky Byrne (Bryan McFadden left the band in 2004) are not quite your typical boy band. For one thing, they’ve managed to sustain their success for a remarkably long time – seven years. And their chart success is equally long-lived with multiple top ten hits such as “Seasons in the Sun”, “Uptown Girl” and “Flying Without Wings”. Indeed, the boys seem bigger than ever and are ready to face new challenges.

This year Westlife aims to conquer the world’s biggest market (China) with a flurry of audio-video products, high-profile promotions, and, not least, a major concert tour. Based, in part, on Face To Face, which sold 100,000 copies and went double platinum in the first week of its release in February.

The ‘West Meets East’ Tour is more than just a series of musical concerts. The boys want to meet, and be filmed, with ‘real‘ Chinese people, and not just big city Chinese people either; they plan to visit the hinterland as well. The result will be offered to the West on DVD, which will include a documentary and footage of their China gigs with local artists.

In the meantime, Egan, Filan, Feehily and Byrne, under the collective term Westlife, offered that’s their thoughts on life, motivation and success.

that’s: What has Westlife come to represent?

Westlife: Westlife has become more than just a boy band in the past seven years. We’ve become like a cult. For boy bands, everyone starts off at the same level. We’ve managed to go beyond that and become a pop version of a rock band, because most rock bands stay together for a lot longer than boy bands. We [all] share the same goal; we want to be as big as we can. We like to look at ourselves as a pop version of U2 or the Rolling Stones.

that’s: Before Westlife, you performed in Irish clubs such as “IOU.” What is the difference between now and then?

WL: Back then, we were just together for fun, playing like kids and not making money. We didn’t have the industry to work with; there were no lawyers and no producers. Now we’re living the dream we were only dreaming of then. We make a living, and we deal with the politics and the bad side of the [music] industry. Back then it was just good days and no worries.

that’s: Boyzone’s Ronan Keating is your co-manager. Has his boy band experience benefited your act?

WL: Yes. He was only involved at the very start, maybe for the first six to eight months. He helped us make some decisions and taught us about the music industry and how things work. But he didn’t do an awful lot; for us, the point was to get a lot of attention with his name.

that’s: It’s very common for boy bands to disband. What’s the story behind the departure of Bryan McFadden?

WL: Bryan wasn’t very happy in Westlife. He got to a point where he just didn’t want it anymore. It was a very big shock for us and we thought it was the end of Westlife. It was a very challenging time. Luckily enough, we came up very strong; we did a Wales tour after he left and most fans thought it was [sic] the best concerts we ever did. At the same time, it was important for Bryan to make this decision; he’s a happier person now.

We realized then, that what we had could be taken away very fast. We became stronger after that. We are a happier band. We work hard together and make things happen. We have a lot more ambition [like] breaking into the China and Australia [markets]. The most important thing for us is definitively to maintain our success; we don’t want to continue unless we are very successful.

that’s: With four people, making decisions must be difficult. Is Westlife democratic, anarchic, or dictatorial?

WL: It’s more democratic to be honest. You can’t always get everybody totally happy. There can be someone who’s not fully happy, but is willing to go with the decision. You can’t decide if there is no majority. If three of us are willing, but one is really against something, then we’ve got to take that person into consideration and work out something.

that’s: Despite the competition, you stand out from the pack with 34 million in album sales. How do you explain your success?

WL: It’s quite difficult; a lot of bands are similar to us, yet they don’t have the same success. We were lucky; we came out at a good time. We have good vocals and good quality pop music; it’s very important in pop music to have very good standard pop songs. In pop music there are A-shelf songs, B-shelf songs and C-shelf songs; most of our songs are A-shelf songs. We’ve got the top producers to write us the best songs they could ever write. Besides, our record company and our manager really understand what is best [for us]. They see what needs to be done, and do it.

So far, we’ve made good decisions and chosen really good songs and that’s why we are still there. We love what we do and we want to continue as long as possible. We’d like to stay together for a minimum of two or three more years anyway.

that’s: Westlife’s one of the most downloaded bands in China. What are your thoughts on fighting piracy?

WL: Every market is so different, so it’s very difficult to get involved. For us it’s not all about money; it’s about our fans and our music. If they can afford to buy our record, then they buy it. If they can’t, let them [buy bootlegs]. We are not going to go after them. The record company might; they are there to make money. The record company has to come up with the best ideas to stop piracy.

that’s: What challenges did you face during the production of Face to Face?

WL: We had a big challenge in picking top quality songs. It took a year and a half looking for all these songs. Last year, the “Rat Pack” project [Allow Us to Be Frank: a cover compilation of Frank Sinatra standards] gave us more time to find songs. With previous albums we had great songs and some that never really had an impact. We didn’t want to repeat that, but to make sure that every fan had a favorite. There’s a lot more variety [here] than before. The quality of “You Raise Me Up” or the duet with Diana Ross, and songs like that, are above standard. It’s proven to be the most successful album we’ve had in the last four years. It’s just a great pop album.

that’s: Steve Mac and Swedish hit maker ‘The Location’ are important collaborators, especially on this seventh release. Describe your working relationship.

WL: When it comes to picking the songs for the album, it doesn’t really matter where they come from, who writes them or anything like that. We’re more interested in how good the song is. Since the very beginning we’ve been working with the best [songwriters] in the world. And that’s the main reason why we’re still here seven years later. We’ve four or five fantastic songs for this album. Steven Mac and ‘The Location’ are amazing producers. They gave us some top, world-class songs.

We also feel it’s good to stay with the same people because you get their best songs. Take the Backstreet Boys; they have Max Martin [to write their songs]. He would never give us a song before [offering it] to them.

that’s: The cut “She’s Back” sounds like Michael Jackson at his best. Are you fans of Jackson?

WL: Yes. It’s a complete rip off of “Billie Jean” [from Thriller]. Just listen to the backing track. Even the songwriter will tell you that. He wanted to create a song with the essence of “Billie Jean” without being “Billie Jean”. It’s not even half as good as the original, but it’s good disco/funk. It’s not a tribute to Jackson though; it’s actually a tribute to the backing track. “Billie Jean” has one of the most famous backing tracks in the world; so many acts have used it.

Credit/Source: www.thatssh.com / I first saw the article on Shane Filan NL and then searched online and found the site and the interview to post it here. So thanx Shane Filan NL too for it.

Shanghai Concert Date Changed! – 25 May 2006

New Date: June. 25th 2006 - 19:30 (Sunday)

For more information and tickets click here

Credit/Source: www.culture.sh.cn/english/

Westlife's Curry Run Grounded – 25 May 2006

A HELICOPTER ferrying curries to boy band Westlife has been stopped after complaints.

The lads hired the aircraft to bring meals from their favourite curry house - Chilli 'n' Spice in the village of Swannington, Leics - to their Manchester base.

But the restaurant's Abu Miah said yesterday: "The parish council had received complaints.

"People were concerned a helicopter may hit trees or power lines. It's left a bad taste in my mouth."

The food order, for 30 people at a cost of £4,200 a time, will now be prepared at a sister restaurant in Birmingham and flown from there.

CURRY fan Steve O'Neill is paying £83 to have a bulk order flown 220 miles from his favourite restaurant in Newquay, Cornwall, to Chobham, Surrey.

Credit/Source: www.mirror.co.uk

Tour Reviews – 24 May 2006

To read some reviews taken from the Official Westlife Site go to the Tours Page and then News/Reviews.

Villy

New Tour Fanpictures And Review – 23 May 2006

Meike took some of the best fanpictures of this year’s tour so make sure you will check them out! They are from the DVD night at London’s Wembley Arena (18 May 2006) and they are great! Thanx Meike!

Go to the Tours Page and then Fan Pictures to see Meike’s pictures and News/Reviews to read a new review from the concert in Lincoln.

Credit/Source: Meike for the Tour Fanpictures / www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk for the review

New Kevin Fanpictures – 23 May 2006

Thanx Amanda for letting me use your pictures of meeting Kevin in Glasgow J

Credit/Source: Amanda

One More New Affiliate – 23 May 2006

Visit my new affiliate MrEganWorld

Villy

New Affiliate Added – 22 May 2006

Visit my new affiliate Sparkling Beauty

Villy

Westlife – Questions And Answers – 22 May 2006

From Lincoln Live’s Program

© Typed up by Nicky

1. Do you have any surprises planned for your audience at Lincoln live with Lincs FM? ( Carole Dowling for Leeds, 21)
Nicky: if we tell you, it wouldn't be a surprise!

2. What questions do you get tired of answering? (Miriam Terriquez)
Shane: It's nice to answer everyone’s questions, but it's good to be asked new and interesting questions

3. What do you see yourselves doing in ten years time? ( Chun-Xie Zhang from Paris, 19)
Mark: Still making music, I think that we all want that.

4. Do you ever visit your fans sites on the internet, and what do you think of them? (Siu Lien Tjoa from Holland. 15)
Kian: we're always blown away by the dedication of our fans, and their loyalty to us is really amazing, it's hard to find words sometimes, but we recognise faces and appreciate every fan.

5. As an older fan, we all have our dreams and fantasies, but what are yours? (Helen Swain from Lincoln)
Mark: We're living ours and everyday we have to pinch ourselves to make sure it's real.

6. What are the good and bad things about being in Westlife? (Bonnie from China, 22)
Kian: I don't think that there is anything bad about being in Westlife. that probably sounds strange, but honestly, we really love being in the band, good things? I guess the one great thing about being in Westlife is the fans.

7. Do you guys ever fancy trying out different genre of music like rock or RnB? (Toni)
the latest album features a rock song believe it or not, we're all big fans of the Eagles and really enjoyed re-working Desperado

8. Outside the UK which country is your favourite place to tour and why? (Emery from Manila)
Shane: Playing our home in Eire is always a great gig and it's a short drive home!

9. Where is your favourite place to visit in Ireland? (Lyn Stocks from Boston, 42)
Mark: Home

10. Why did you choose Lincoln as a venue to play? (Diane Eastham from Lincoln, 48)
Nicky: Lincoln chose us really it's a city and venue that we've never played and one of the only places that we haven't visited as yet so it's a real treat for all of us.

Credit/Source: Nicky / Lincoln Live Program

Life In That Rivalry – 22 May 2006

Kiki King, Eva Simpson & Caroline Hedley

WESTLIFE don't fear Take That's comeback - they're pleased to have a some proper rivals in the battle to be Britain's top boyband.

Speaking after their Wembley Arena gig last Thursday - a venue they'd like to remind TT they've sold out more than any other band - Nicky Byrne told us: "Bring it on. It's about time there was some decent competition."

Meanwhile, Kian Egan's girlfriend Jodi Albert is being lined up to star in Celebrity X Factor.

"Jodi's got my vote," Shane told us. "And Kian will give her tips on how to succeed."

Let battle commence...

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

Behind The Scenes At Lincoln Live! – 21 May 2006

Pop superstars Westlife have proved they are simple Irish boys at heart - by making no diva-like demands when they visit Lincoln.

Today the Echo has taken a behind-the-scenes look at preparations for this weekend's Lincoln Live! concert - and we found out what the stars will tuck into before they perform.

But far from the diva-like demands of some high-profile pop stars, Westlife will enjoy chicken, beer and good old chocolate fudge cake.

The group are expected to fly into the ground by helicopter 90 minutes before they perform. They will be taken to the makeshift green room, which is being set up in the Bank's Sweeney Todd executive lounge.

Shane, Kian, Mark and Nicky will then relax with the other performers where they will be offered melon fan with fruit coulis followed by supreme of chicken with rice, salmon and prawn pasta or stuffed peppers, cold meats and salads. For dessert they will be given chocolate fudge cake and a cheese board.

Venue manager Wayne Banks said preparing food for the stars, guests and crew will be an exciting experience.

"Many of the staff will not have done anything like this before and the atmosphere's electric," he said.

"As for the stars the only thing we're having difficulty with is getting some San Pellegrino mineral water for Lee Ryan. On Saturday the staff get in at 7am and will stay until 4am the following morning - it'll be hard work but everyone's up for it."

The stadium may still look very much like it's geared up for football but in four days' time it will be transformed into a top music venue.

Around 20 workers are already building the stage, which will have a 70-tonne roof lifted on by a crane.

Once that's finished the sound and lighting engineers will install the 200 lights and 3km of wiring. When the performers arrive on Saturday, they will check sound before retiring to the green room.

"They'll need their privacy and will need time to relax," said Lincoln Live! press officer Kelly Saxton.

"Audioline, the local group that won the Lincs FM competition to play here, will be in the green room - they'll be given the star treatment too."

Safety officer and stadium manager, Nigel Dennis, has also been hard at work making sure everything runs smoothly.

"I've been liaising with everyone to make sure the safety in the ground is fine," he said.

"We've had six months of hard work - I'll be glad to see Saturday come and hopefully everyone will go away thinking it was a cracking event."

Credit/Source: www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk

Saying A Thank-You To Special Girls – Westlife Related – 21 May 2006

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When pop idols Westlife come to Lincoln they could help one woman say a special thank-you to her 'fantastic' young neighbours.

Youngsters Emma and Jessica Blow have 'adopted' Heather Woodlock (48) and her mum Olive (80) who live in a neighbouring street.

Miss Woodlock said that without the two girls - who call her Aunty Heather and her mum Granny - life would have been very difficult over the past few months.

So to show her gratitude, she nominated the two girls for an Echo contest which aimed to reward deserving people with a trip to see the Irish band.

"I just want them and everyone to know how grateful I am and how fantastic I think they are," said Miss Woodlock.

"Someone has to be here to look after my mum all the time and they care for her when I go to church coffee mornings on Wednesdays.

"The girls walk the dog for me each day and Neil, their father, drives me everywhere.

"When I had an emergency operation eight weeks ago I was in hospital for 17 days and my sister looked after my mother.

"But they were there to drive my sister to hospital so she could see me and to look after my mother when she was away."

Miss Woodlock, of Outer Circle Drive, Lincoln, cares for her mother full-time after she suffered a brain stem stroke four years ago.

Miss Woodlock and Sarah Blow (16) had already bought tickets for the concert - both are big fans of Westlife. But Miss Woodlock wanted to bring the other two daughters, Emma (17) and Jessica (12).

Emma, who lives with her two sisters and parents Neil and Rosemarie in Browning Drive, St Giles, Lincoln, said she can't wait to see the concert.

"I've never been to a big concert before and I'm excited about seeing the bands," said Emma.

The help given by every member of the Blow family hasn't gone unnoticed by Olive.

"They help a lot with everything we need," said the 80-year-old.

"I see them as my family and I'm so pleased they can see Westlife - they talk about them a lot."

Credit/Source: www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk

Official Tour Pictures From Wembley – 20 May 2006

I added more Official Pictures from DVD shooting night At London’s Wembley Arena. To see them go to the Tours Page and then Official Pictures.

Also, some pictures of Westlife receiving the Award for most performances at Wembley and the after party.

Credit/Source: www.rexfeatures.com / Yaara

Westlife and wine – 20 May 2006

Win a pair of Westlife concert tickets plus a hamper of luxury goodies courtesy of Val Duna wines.

Competition closes 04 June 2006 at 11:59 PM

Enter the competition here

Credit/Source: www.gm.tv

New Affiliate Added – 19 May 2006

Visit my new affiliate Westlife Bomb’s Awards

Villy

New Pictures – 19 May 2006

I added new Official Tour Pictures from yesterday’s concert at London’s Wembley Arena and one of the concerts in Sheffield. To see them go to the Tours Page and then Official Pictures.

Also, one more picture from yesterday’s award receiving ceremony at Wembley:

Credit/Source: www.wireimage.com / AAP Pictures / www.brunopress.nl / www.filmmagic.com / Yaara

Mark's On-Tour Interview – 19 May 2006

To read the interview go to the Tours Page and then News/Reviews.

Villy

New Westlife Pictures Receiving Award At Wembley Arena – 19 May 2006

Irish boyband Westlife get award for performing at Wembley Arena more than any other band, 23 times all in all. Their boy band predecesors Take That are closest rivals who will have played 21 times when they appear soon in their comeback gigs, London, UK - 18.05.06. BYLINE: VIPIRELAND.COM

To see the group pictures Click here

Individual ones:

Credit/Source: www.vipireland.com / www.wireimage.com / www.gettyimages.com / www.brunopress.nl / www.filmmagic.com / Yaara

Pictures From Irish Autism Action – 18 May 2006

Kian and Jodi’s dog, Prince lol

Credit/Source: Xposure / Yaara

Kerry’s Meeting Pictures From Cardiff – 18 May 2006

Thanx Kerry for your lovely Kian, Mark and Nicky & Georgina pictures! J Kerry gave Mark his birthday present as the lads will be in China when Mark has his birthday in ten days. She saw Shane aswell but didn’t take any pictures of him because he had little Nicole.

Credit/Source: Kerry

More Official Tour Pictures From Cardiff – 17 May 2006

Go to the Tours Page and then Official Pictures to see them. I added 13 new pictures.

Credit/Source: www.rexfeatures.com

Ireland Legends V Celebrity XI Charity Match – 16 May 2006

SUPPORTING CHILDREN’S CHARITIES/PROJECTS IN IRELAND
Soccer aid is committed to helping children worldwide through a series of football fundraising events. Tsunami Soccer Aid held at Anfield on 27 March 2005 raised in excess of £500,000 for the beneficiaries Save the Children and Merlin and helped rebuild the lives of people affected by the Asian Tsunami. Now Soccer Aid comes to Ireland and you can play your part in a unique fundraising event. At least one third of all funds raised from ‘Soccer Aid Ireland’ stays in Ireland to support local children’s charities and projects – so now you can enjoy the match and help benefit local kids! Beneficiaries include Crumlin Hospital, ISPCC, Cork University Hospital Paediatric Unit and the Neonatal Unit of St.Munchins Regional Maternity Hospital in Limerick.

A FANTASY FOOTBALL LINE-UP OF REPUBLIC STARS!
Imagine Jason McAteer threading the perfect pass through the defence for Ronnie Whelan to score, or John Aldridge heading a goal from a Denis Irwin cross?
This is a unique opportunity to enjoy the cream of the republic’s finest players spanning three decades collectively on the famous Lansdowne Road turf - including John Aldridge, Denis Irwin, Niall Quinn, Ronnie Whelan, Ray Houghton, Jason McAteer to name a few. The legendary Jack Charlton will coach the legends for one last time, as they attempt to defeat a celebrity squad from the world of show business.
The day will be packed with competitions and lots of extra entertainment for all ages to ensure a special atmosphere and make the experience a day to remember.
Show your support for this special event and see Irish legends together for the first time to help raise much-needed funds for Ireland’s sick children.
We look forward to seeing you at Lansdowne Road!

CONFIRMED LEGENDS
Jack Charlton
Jason McAteer
John Aldridge
Denis Irwin
Ronnie Whelan
Niall Quinn
Packie Bonner
Ray Houghton
Mick McCarthy
Mark Lawrenson

CONFIRMED CELEBRITIES
Midge Ure
Nicky Byrne
Ralph Little
Tim Lovejoy
Patrick McGuiness
Steve McManaman
Robbie Fowler
Bruce Grobbelaar
D J Spooney
Danny Jones

Credit/Source: www.socceraid.org

New Fanpictures – 16 May 2006

Thanx Kim for letting me use your meeting pictures J

Credit/Source: Kim

New Official Tour Pictures Added – 15 May 2006

There are a few new official tour pictures from Westlife’s concert in Cardiff. To see them go to the Tours Page and then Official Pictures.

Credit/Source: www.wenn.com

Still Top3 In The Australian Charts – 15 May 2006

Yaa! Both Face To Face and You Raise Me Up are still in the Top3 of the official Australian albums and singles chart! Face To Face is 11 weeks in the chart and You Raise Me Up 23 weeks!! Congratulations Westlife! J

Australian ARIA singles chart
1. S.O.S - Rihanna
2. Flaunt It - TV Rock
3. You Raise Me Up - Westlife
4. Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
5. So Sick - Ne-Yo


Australian ARIA albums chart
1. Reach Out: The Motown Record - Human Nature
2. Back To Bedlam - James Blunt
3. Face To Face - Westlife
4. 10,000 Days - Tool
5. Pearl Jam - Pearl Jam

Credit/Source: www.smh.com.au

Happy Birthday To Gillian! – 15 May 2006

The sweet Westlife mammy has her 27^th Birthday today! I’d like to wish Gillian all the best in her life and I hope she will have a lovely day with Shane and little Nicole!

Villy

New Fanpictures – 14 May 2006

Thanx to Angela and Michelle for letting me use their meeting pictures J

Anglela’s Mark, Nicky, Shane(with his dad in one of them), Georgina and Kevin(with his parents) pictures:

Michelle’s Kian, Nicky and Georgina pictures:

Credit/Source: Angela / Michelle

Unsigned Band Plays With Westlife – 14 May 2006

Two years ago rock band Audioline were playing to one man and his dog but in eight days they will perform in front of thousands.

The group won a Lincs FM competition to play alongside the likes of Westlife and Liberty X at Lincoln's Sincil Bank stadium.

The radio station played the group's latest song Shadow Falls, along with four others from unsigned county performers.

Listeners voted Audioline's song as the best and their prize is to play at the football ground. The band at first reacted with disbelief at the prospect of playing to such a huge crowd.

Bassist Ed Parkin (20), who joined Audioline three years ago, said: "We're so excited yet very nervous about playing with such big industry names. This sort of opportunity doesn't arise very often and it will give us a real chance to make ourselves known. We haven't done anything like this before - we've played on the back of trailers, in pubs and on one occasion we played to one man and his alsatian."

The group recorded Shadow Falls at Animal Farm recording studios, in London. Mr Parkin, from Metheringham, who also works as an electrical engineer at Lincoln County Hospital, said it was the right song to choose. "It represents the direction our band is travelling in," he said. The four-piece group consists of Mr Parkin on bass guitar, sisters Becca and Deb Hauser and Jonathan Lister on lead guitar.

Deb Hauser (26), from West Stockwith, near Gainsborough, co-founded the group with her sister six years ago. She plays drums while her sister sings.

Both went to King Edward VI High School in Retford. Now Deb works as a security guard at Gainsborough's John Coupland Hospital and Becca works for a printing company.

She said the moment they realised they had won was rather special.

"The band members, our families and friends were all sitting in Ed's living room holding hands," she said. "The wait was like torture but when they called our name out we were hysterical - we couldn't believe the number of people who voted."

In total around 10,000 people took part in the voting.

Lincs FM's Matt Hammerton said: "It was so close that Audioline were only certified the winners in the last hour of voting. Audioline's song is original and has a catchy tune."

Credit/Source: www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk

New Affiliate Added – 13 May 2006

Visit my new affiliate Byrning Desire

Villy

New Captures From Paul O’Grady’s Show – 13 May 2006

I made some captures of the lads from Thursday’s Paul O’Grady show. You can see them here

Credit/Source: www.thecommitted.net for the video

New Kevin Fanpictures – 13 May 2006

Thanx Franzi for letting me use your Kevin pictures from Dublin J

Credit/Source: Franzi

Liverpools Summer Pops' gets started – 13 May 2006

THE countdown to Liverpool's Summer Pops is now on after workmen started to erect the event's big top.

Teams moved into Central Docks this week to begin the month-long process of creating the waterfront venue.

This year, the festival will feature a double sell-out by rock legends the Who, together with shows by New Order, Bryan Adams, Pet Shop Boys, a-ha, James Brown and Westlife.

Site supervisor Martin Balmforth says concert-goers do not always realise how much work goes into preparing the site for the event.

He said: "Putting up the tent itself and the seats takes about 10 days, then we have all the fiddly bits like the floor, electrics, doors and staircases.

"People walk in and all they see are the tent and stage - but a lot of work goes into the big top. It takes days to put 5,000 seat covers on, for example."

Also booked this year are Jools Holland, Simple Minds, Simply Red, Whitesnake, Ronan Keating, Sugababes, Corinne Bailey Rae, Australian Pink Floyd, Il Divo and a double bill featuring Jeff Beck and Buddy Guy.

Credit/Source: www.icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk

Summer ball tickets going fast – 12 May 2006

TIME is running out to get your tickets for the Saint Michael's Hospice Summer Ball,
Around 400 glamorous guests will enjoy a Champagne Reception at the Majestic Hotel on Friday, June 9, with music from the Spa Quartet, followed by dinner and dancing to local band The NightJars.

There will also be fundraising activities, including the Tree of Life, in which every participant wins a prize worth £20 to £100, and an auction with the chance to bid for a private dinner for ten at the Hotel du Vin, a luxury weekend in London, Harewood tickets for James Blunt, Westlife and Simply Red and lease of a racehorse for six months.

Tickets costing £65 each can be obtained from the hospice’s fundraising department on 01423 878192.

Credit/Source: www.harrogatetoday.co.uk

Westlife concert set for June 3 – 12 May 2006

Michelle Zhang

WESTLIFE will hold their first Shanghai concert on June 3 at Shanghai Grand Stage.

The concert is the Irish band's sole performance in China on their world tour this year.

The boy band is one of the most popular foreign musical acts among Chinese audiences.

Tickets are now available at major booking offices and Websites. Prices range from 150 yuan (US$18) to 1,580 yuan.

Band members Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne and Kian Egan will arrive in Shanghai on May 23.

It was reported that they will visit other parts of the country including Henan, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces to record a documentary series.

Credit/Source: www.shanghaidaily.com

New Affiliates Added – 12 May 2006

Visit my new affiliates:

You Make Me Feel

He’s No Hero Fanlisting

Walking Disaster Fanlisting

Villy

Shane's On-tour Interview – 11 May 2006

Go to the Tours Page and then News/Reviews to read it!

Villy

Interview And Pictures From Greek Magazine – 11 May 2006

Westlife are on a Greek weekly magazine this week! I translated the interview in English and scanned the pictures too. Feel free to use them if you want.

WESTLIFE… Are these boys never going to grow up?

The lads we got to know as Westlife, some years ago were just talking about women, cars and football. Today… they are even talking about babies!

People know you as a group for more than seven years. Are there wives, partners and babies in your life or you are still the boyband we know?

Shane: To be honest we like it when people describe us like that. We are still four lads that still go on stage to perform though. So in this way, we are still the boyband you know.

Has the way you treat each other changed with the years?

Nicky: Our friendship is stronger than it used to be because we have gone through many things together. I and Shane got married, he became a dad and I lost my grand parents and my cousin.

Shane, have you calmed at all after your daughter’s birth?

Shane: A bit… (laughs) When I go out for a drink for example I take care to be drinking less than I did in the past. Maybe because I’m usually tired at nights.

You’re still flying with helicopters though…

Shane: Sure. I have my own helicopter and sometimes Mark and Kian are coming for company.

Nicky: I’m not going. I have my own F15, the battle plane! But it’s not a real one but a miniature! (laughs)

Shane, are you changing nappies to your daughter?

Shane: Of course! And I’m really good at that.

Nicky: It’s true. I’ll never forget the first time we saw him doing this. It was weird…

Shane: You find it funny huh? No, the baby was just seven days old then. She’s so sweet!

Mark, would you ever adopt a child?

Mark: I definitely want to have kids one day. It’s too early for me to become a dad though.

Let’s have a test now: How many perfumes has each of you?

Kian: I have just one.

Nicky: Me too. Armani’s Black Code.

Shane: I only wear Calvin Klein’s Eternity.

Mark: I mostly wear Hugo Boss’s Hugo but I have about ten other perfumes too. Perfumes remind me of things I lived in the past. One reminds me of a night that I was too drunk and I don’t wear it anymore.

Who drives the fastest car?

Nicky: It’s between my Ferrari 355 and Shane’s Porsche 911. But let’s face it; there is not a car that is faster that Ferrari is.

Nicky, is it true that you don’t get into lifts?

Nicky: I don’t like them at all. I avoid them since I was closed in one lift for 15 minutes. I’m not afraid of heights neither flying.

Shane: He’s a Rambo although he’s afraid of mousse! (laughs)

Last question: Who will win the Mudial this year?

Mark: Brazil!

Shane: England!

Kian: Argentine!

Nicky: Holland!

Credit/Source: Katerina Magazine

New Fanpictures – 11 May 2006

Thanx Kathleen, Kerry and Kirsty for letting me use your meeting pictures J

Kathleen’s Mark, Nicky, Shane and Georgina pictures:

Kerry’s Mark picture:

Kirsty’s Kevin picture:

Credit/Source: Kathleen / Kerry / Kirsty

New Tour Scans – 11 May 2006

Thanx Josie for scanning them J Go to the Tours Page and then Paper Scans to see it.

Credit/Source: Josie / Evening Express

Lincoln Live! 2006 To Be One Massive Night – 11 May 2006

With unparalleled interest in Lincoln Live 2006, which will see Westlife, Lee Ryan and Liberty X perform a stadium Concert on the 20th May in Lincoln; the organisers are focusing purely on the Saturday night and will then build upon the anticipated success of the event in 2007.

Music lovers had hoped that Lincoln Live! Would be a two night event this year, however as this is the first event of this scale to be held in the City for many years, the potential pressure on the emergency services has had to be taken into account. Consequently every one involved is pleased with the decision to concentrate on one huge night of music for Lincoln.

Held at Lincoln City Football Club’s Sincil Bank Stadium, up to 20,000 fans are expected to fill the stadium for what will be an amazing evening of music with the hottest atmosphere you’ll find anywhere in the region this summer. Westlife fans are assured of a full Wembley set from these multi-award winners.

Concert and Events Director Liz Hobbs said “We promise a great summer’s evening of music this year and look forward to building on that in 2007. It’s an event not to be missed!”

The event offers value for money with tickets priced just £28 standing and £30 seated. Give Ticketmaster a call to book your tickets NOW! 0870 602 1145 or visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Credit/Source: Zulma / Lincoln Live

Westlife Surprise On Tomorrow’s Paul O’Grady Show – 10 May 2006

Paul O’Grady said during his program that there will be a Westlife surprise tomorrow on his show so make sure you will watch it!

It is on Channel 4 at 5pm

Credit/Source: Emma

Tyson: 'I Want To Be In Westlife' – 10 May 2006

Hellraising boxer MIKE TYSON is desperate to record a song with Irish boy band WESTLIFE - and has already been in touch with their manager LOUIS WALSH to make it happen.

Tyson admits he is "no Pavarotti" but is happy to have his voice digitally enhanced if it means he can record with the YOU RAISE ME UP stars. And he is even volunteering to fill the space left by estranged member BRIAN MCFADDEN if they accept him.

Close pal and Irish boxing star JOE EGAN says, "He loves their music so much he wants to be part of it. "He's not a Pavarotti or Domingo - but neither are the members of Westlife.”

"Mike's asked me to make contact with Louis Walsh to set the wheels in motion. He'd be happy just to sing on the chorus of a track, but he could always replace Brian MCFadden."

A spokesman for the band says, "This sounds really interesting. The band are all fans of Tyson."

Credit/Source: www.contactmusic.com

New Tour Review Added – 10 May 2006

From Aberdeen! Thanx Josie for this review. Go to the Tours Page and then Tour News/Reviews to read it.

Villy

Wembley Gig - Exciting News! – 10 May 2006

If you're lucky enough to have tickets to see Westlife at Wembley on 18th May, make sure you give them your best reception ever, as the tour DVD will be filmed that night!

So cheer, scream, clap and bring your most creative banners, and who knows, you may get to see yourself on screen...

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

New Affiliate Added – 9 May 2006

Visit my new Affiliate Feehily Adoration

Villy

New Kevin Fanpicture – 9 May 2006

Thanx Amber for letting me use your Kevin pic from Glasgow J

Credit/Source: Amber

Scan Of The “Uptown Skirl For Westlife” Article – 9 May 2006

Thanx Josie for scanning it!

Credit/Source: Josie / www.sundaymail.co.uk

Fan Pictures Update – 8 May 2006

I wanted to add new fanpictures days ago but I was working for the last four days so wasn’t able to. A big thank you to Nicole, Kerry and Rachel for letting me use their fanpics! J

Nicole’s Pictures (December 2005)

Kian:

Mark:

Nicky

Shane:

Kerry’s Pictures (April 2006)

Kian & Jodi:

Mark & Kevin:

Nicky & Georgina:

Shane:

Rachel’s Meeting Mark And Shane Pictures on her 21^st Birthday (April 2006)

Credit/Source: Nicole / Kerry / Rachel

Shane And Finbarr Scan – 8 May 2006

Thanx to Rach for scanning a picture of Shane and his older brother Finbarr and letting me use it!

Credit/Source: Rachel

Uptown Skirl For Westlife – 7 May 2006

Boy band's joy at bagpipe gift

By Billy Sloan

WESTLIFE might be pop music's biggest box office attraction in Scotland - but they're the worst pipers in the country.

The Irish boy band were presented with a set of custom made bagpipes by the SECC to mark their record-breaking 25 sell-out nights at the Glasgow venue.

But the guys - Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Shane Filan and Mark Feehily -had fellow guests running for cover at the plush Mar Hall hotel in Bishopton as they tried to play them.

Nicky said: "It's always totally baffled me how you get a tune out of these things. We'll give it a go but I reckon our neighbours might have to move house judging by the racket we'll be making."

The bagpipes were specially made by McCallums of Kilmarnock, who provided similar sets for Madonna's Reinvention world tour.

Nicky added: "We've worn kilts on stage in Scotland before, so maybe if we get it together we can play a bagpipe version of our hit song Queen Of My Heart."

Last night, the Irish super-group - who have won millions of fans with hits such as Uptown Girl and I Have A Dream - chalked up a phenomenal 25 sold-out gigs at the SECC to a combined audience of 205,000 fans.

It makes them the biggest selling act in the arena's star-studded 21-year history.

Shane said: "There's no reason why we can't add to that total.

"We're making a new album this year and releasing a greatest hits in 2007.

"We want to keep doing this - we've got a great job."

Phil Mead, the SECC's deputy director of events, added: "It's an incredible achievement which we don't think will ever be surpassed.

"We've had some great acts at the SECC but none come close to 25 sell-outs."

Credit/Source: www.sundaymail.co.uk

Scan Of “My New Lisa Life” Article – 7 May 2006

Here is the scan on the article that was added yesterday. Thanx to Josie for that! It’s a picture of the lads with Lisa from The Daily Record.

Go to the Tours Page and then Paper Scans to see it.

Credit/Source: Josie / Daily Record

My New Lisa Life – 6 May 2006

By John Ferguson

Cancer girl meets her heroes

Cancer victim Lisa Norris’s dream came true when she met her heroes Westlife last night.

The 16 – year –old had been looking forward to the Irish boyband’s show since she got tickets four months ago.

And when they heard of Lisa’s battle to regain her health, they wanted to meet her before going on stage at Glasgow’s SECC.

Lisa said: “They are my favourite boy – band of all time. I could hardly speak, I was so nervous about meeting them. Looking forward to the show has really helped me through. They are all gorgeous and their music Is amazing. I would have been happy just to see the show. I can’t believe I got to actually hug them and talk to them. It was great.”

Lisa, of Girvan, Ayrshire, is battling a brain tumour and was given potentially fatal radiation over – doses at the Beatson Oncology Centre earlier this year.

Nicky from Westlife said: “When we heard Lisa’s story, we really wanted to meet her. She has been so brave. We are all hoping that she makes a full recovery. I am sure she will because she has shown such courage.”

Credit/Source: www.dailyrecord.co.uk

Westlife Shane, brother now property tycoons – 6 May 2006

THEY don’t look remotely like each other. One is a household name, instantly recognisable as a Westlife star.

But Shane Filan’s older brother Finbarr will be famous in his own right after their burgeoning joint property venture takes off.

The enterprising brothers set up the company Shafin and developed a complex of 91 new homes in a historical village in Co Leitrim.

The Stonebridge estate of three and four bedroomed semi-d’s was built in Dromahair, once the seat of the O’Rourkes of Breifne, and is one of Ireland’s few planned villages, based on a village in Somerset in England.

A multi-millionaire after six years with Westlife, Shane teamed up with Finbarr to built Stonebridge, dividing it into three areas, Castle Field, Hill Crest and Meadow View.

Built beside the river Bonnet, the Filans involved local schoolchildren by running a naming competition and youngsters came up with names for the houses which start at €235,000 .

When RTE’s Showhouse programme presented by Neville Knot arrived in town, Shane had very definite views about what he liked, and didn’t like.

Interior designers Anne Tuohy from Donegal and Lee O’Neill from Shrule, Co Galway were given the task of doing up two of the houses which will be seen on the show tonight.

Shane favoured the blue bedroom and declared it his favourite room in the makeover.

He built a massive, granite front mansion in Sligo for his wife Gillian and they have been joined by their baby daughter Nicole who was born last July.

Shane recently suffered bad luck when his helicopter was destroyed in a fire.

The pop star had splashed out on the aircraft two years ago to cut his commute from Dublin by hours.

The helicopter was being stored in a hanger on the premises of Executive Helicopters in Oranmore.

Credit/Source: Evening Herald

New Tour Date Tickets On Sale Today – 5 May 2006

Pendennis Castle in Falmouth will host a Bank Holiday extravaganza with Status Quo playing on Saturday August 26th and Westlife on Sunday August 27th.

Gates open at 5:30pm on the day of the show, with a support act on at 8:00pm and the headliners taking the stage at 9:00pm.

Tickets are on sale from 9:00am on Friday May 5th.

Credit/Source: www.ticketline.co.uk

Fans Keep Us Flying High – 4 May 2006

© Thanx Josie for typing it up J

Westlife love playing live and it's all thanks to their devoted following

Theres no such thing as the seven year itch according to Westlife


The Irish heart-throbs, who will play the AECC next week, have been together for seven years, yet they are hungry to tour as ever

"We still get the same thrill from performing live", said Kian Egan, who recently celebrated his 26th birthday. "Getting out on the road is what we love to do. It’s really important to us to give the fans a really good show. "The tour is going well so far and we’ve had really good feedback so we are all very pleased."

The tour is on the back of Face to Face, Westlife’s seventh album, and it sounds as though the foursome have got the process of writing and recording down to a fine art. Kian said “We all work together on the choices of the songs. It is always a very democratic decision. "Obviously Simon Cowell(the bands record producer)helps us with the choices too. "But at the end of the day it is the best songs that make the cut.

"We just feel so excited that we are still doing something that we all love smooch." When the boys strut onto stage next Tuesday and Wednesday, the fans can expect a live show full of hits form their latest release. But there will be a few trips down memory lane, too.

Kian said “You raise me up is a big favourite. It means a lot to us because it was the first single from the new album, and its success exceeded any of our expectations. “But there are so many favourites"

"I guess you cant beat Flying Without Wings though, because that is always such a favourite with the crowds."

So what does a day in the life of Westlife involve?...Kian said "an average day on tour is lots of rehearsals, sound checks, meeting the fans, lots of travelling of course, and taking every opportunity to rest."!

The schedule when on tour is every gruelling so any spare moments are very precious" Although their enthusiasm hasn’t diminished any over the years, there have been changes to affect the boyband.

Bryan Mcfadden left the original line-up in 2004 to launch a solo career. Nicky Byrne married his childhood sweetheart Georgina (daughter of Irish Premier Bertie Aherne. Shane Filan married Kian’s cousin Gillian,and they celebrated the birth of daughter Nicole last summer. And last year Mark Feehily announced he is gay and in a relationship with Kevin McDaid,of boyband V. So with Britain’s best-loved boy band swiftly becoming a man band, how do they cope with juggling family life with life on the road. "We miss our friends and family and the relaxed feelings of being in familiar surroundings," said Kanawha dates Hollyoaks actress Jodi Albert.
"But being away so much makes it all the more special when we do get to go home.

"We opened the tour with 12 dates in Ireland which was a great way to kick it all off" Beyond the tour, the band are looking forward to their seventh studio album, said Kian. He added "We alls till love what we do which gives us enthusiasm for the next album, the next tour, the next challenge.

"We, as a band, know what we do best and we stick to it. And we have always had such an amazing fan base which is so important".

"We are still so passionate about what we do and the fans are showing us that they still want us, so we are thrilled."

Credit/Source: Josie / Evening Express Aberdeen

New Affiliate Added – 4 May 2006

Visit my new affiliate WestlifePlanet.NL

Villy

Stars Set To Shine In Garden Concerts – 4 May 2006

BIG names have been lined up for the Music on a Summer Evening series of concerts in the grounds of Audley End House in July and August.

The sumptuous garden has provided a setting for five concerts each year for more than a decade, as part of the annual Picnic Concert season organised by English Heritage.

In 2005, more than 45,000 people were treated to a series of open-air performances from artists including Van Morrison and Jamie Cullum, with other performers playing hits from the musical Grease and Bjorn Again performing Abba classics.

This year the star-studded line-up features Irish pop foursome Westlife, eighties legends Simple Minds and concert maestro Jools Holland with his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.


Fireworks form the grande finale of each concert
The two other acts performing will be the Bootleg Beatles and Russell Watson, who will present the Last Night of the Audley End Proms.

The music will not be the only attraction however, as each show will climax in an awesome fireworks display.

On the last night, a spectacular choreographed aerobatic display from a classic Spitfire fighter plane will accompany the music, in a routine that is likely to take your breath away.

Guests are welcome to picnic during the performances. Food and drink can be ordered online from Your M&S, and collected on arrival at Audley End.

Simple Minds will open the series of concerts on Saturday July 22, followed by Bootleg Beatles exactly a week later.

On Sunday July 30, Westlife will perform, with Jools Holland the following Saturday and the Last Night of the Audley End Proms with Russell Watson will bring the series of shows to a close on Sunday August 6.

Tickets range from £23 for the Bootleg Beatles performance to £32.50 for Westlife and concessionary rates will be available.

For further information, to book tickets, or to pre-order Your M&S food and wine, call See Tickets on 08708 900146 or Ticketmaster on 08703 336206.

Alternatively, visit www.picnicconcerts.com.

Credit/Source: www.saffronwalden-reporter.co.uk

Rock Of All Ages – 4 May 2006

The easiest way to reduce a rock fan to spluttering outrage is to tell them that James Blunt is just as much a "rock" act as, say, the Arctic Monkeys. Nonetheless, Blunt is one of the reasons that rock has surged past pop to become Britain's biggest-selling musical genre.

Last year, it accounted for 36% of all album sales, versus 25% for pop. Blunt's Back to Bedlam was the UK's biggest-selling album of 2005, its success symbolising, in one chisel-jawed package, the re-emergence of guitar music after a decade of being pop and dance's unfashionable cousin.

Ironically, considering that rock is perpetually associated with youth, it's older people who are responsible for its rise. Thirty- and fortysomethings are buying downloads to replace or supplement their CD collections, but they're also enthusiastically investing in newer guitar bands like the sing-along-friendly Kaiser Chiefs and Hard-Fi. And over-50 women - the "passive massive" as they've been unflatteringly labelled - are a guitar loving force in their own right, though it tends to be the Keanes and Coldplays who twang their thang.

But rock acts can also thank the fact that banging about on guitar is now perceived as cool again. The last time this was the case, Blur and Oasis ruled the chart, but through the high profile of Pete Doherty and Jack White and the Arctic Monkeys, the public have rediscovered a taste for the kind of visceral music that is rock's forte.

The NME's ludicrous Cool List encourages the iconisation of rock stars such as the Monkeys' Alex Turner, and fashion designers, too, have been "inspired" by the decadence they like to think rock embodies. Fashion shows last year were stuffed with male models in Doherty-style outfits that looked like they'd been rescued from an "everything must go" sale at a charity shop.

So where does that leave pop and dance music? The demise of dance has been predicted for several years, and while it hasn't happened, it's worth noting that Mixmag recently featured guitar-heavy Hard-Fi on the cover, and the best selling dance albums of 2005 were greatest hits compilations (by old hands like Basement Jaxx and Faithless) rather than new material.

As for pop, it's undeniably in a state - enfeebled to the point that Smash Hits has closed and the only boy bands who still sell records are McFly (who cleverly insist that they're really a guitar group) and Westlife. That said, however, Westlife still reach the Top 10 with every single and show every sign of outliving the rest of humanity. It's a national scandal, but the dumpy Irish crooners simply keep adding more and more hits to their already shocking tally. Rock will go in and out of fashion, as will dance, but it seems Westlife are here, literally, for life.

Credit/Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Happy Birthday Georgina – 4 May 2006

It’s Georgina’s 27^th birthday today!! I wish her all the best in her life and to enjoy this day with Nicky and people she lovesJ.

Villy

New Pictures Of The Lads In Newcastle – 3 May 2006

Official Tour Pictures from Newcastle at the Tours Page

Leaving their hotel in Newcastle:

Credit/Source: www.wenn.com

Toon aces are Shay dream believers – 3 May 2006

By Craig Hope, The Evening Chronicle

They're better known for their fancy footwork on the football pitch but Newcastle United stars have been strutting their stuff on the catwalk in aid of charity.

Thirteen players donned the latest in designer gear at a charity bash for Macmillan Cancer Relief organised by patron Shay Given.

Caring United ace Shay organised the charity evening at St James' Park after losing his mum to cancer when he was just five.

And he smashed his target of £100,000 with a fantastic total of £276,000 raised for the charity.

Boy band Westlife waited until the last minute to perform a private gig which raised £100,000.

Shay said: "It was a memorable night, not only because of the money raised but also because of the involvement of Westlife which made the night extra special.

"I'm delighted at the money we have raised and it is going to an excellent charity.

"I've experienced first-hand the devastating effects cancer can have upon families. I'm appealing to people for help in raising valuable funds to help make a difference to people with cancer and their families by supporting Macmillan Cancer Relief.

"I've seen the fantastic work Macmillan do and it really is a great cause."

Michael Owen showed no sign of the injury which is threatening his World Cup chances as he strolled effortlessly down the catwalk in front of watching teammate Alan Shearer and Irish boy band Westlife.

Lee Bowyer sported a biker's jacket and blue jeans and Robbie Elliot wowed the crowds in a swanky grey suit.

Shay Given swapped his goalkeeper's jersey for a T-shirt and open-shirt combo, while Michael Owen, the face of Burton's Menswear, made a reappearance kitted out in a suave black suit.

Westlife took time out from their tour and entertained the 500 guests with a half-hour performance of their hits.

Lucky bidders snapped up the charity auction prizes which included a round of golf with Shay and Alan Shearer and a signed guitar from Irish rock stars U2 which was snapped up by Kieron Dyer for £20,000.

Shay said: "We'll be taking a helicopter from Newcastle to the K-Club golf course in Ireland for a round of golf. It will be a full day and we'll be having bacon sarnies in the morning and dinner after the golf.

"The boys from U2 have been very kind and have donated another signed guitar.

"Cruise Clothing have been very good to us by providing the clothes for the fashion show and I'm grateful that the football boys agreed to help out." Also on offer was a private dinner with Shay at Jesmond Dene House, signed United shirts, two tickets for Alan Shearer's testimonial, breakfast with the players at the club's training ground and a Vauxhall car.

Shay is good friends with Ronan Keating and the Irish pop star agreed to help his pal.

He will be playing in South Africa in the New Year and bidders competed for a long weekend there to meet him and see him perform.

Shay said: "I quite fancied the weekend in South Africa myself but New Year is quite a busy time for us fixture-wise. But at least we get to see Westlife play. I've been to a few concerts and I'm good friends with Nicky Byrne from the band."

United chairman Freddy Shepherd said: "Our players work tirelessly to help local charities, and I am delighted to see the players supporting Shay once again."

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

New Affiliate Added – 2 May 2006

Visit my new affiliate Swiss Westlife Street Team

Villy

Nicola’s Tour & Meeting Pictures – 2 May 2006

Thank you Nicola for letting me use your pix J

For the tour pictures go to the Tours Page and then Fanpictures. Nicola’s pictures have been added to the Birmingham ones.

Kian, Nicky & Shane:

Mark & Kevin:

Kian & Jodi:

Credit/Source: Nicola

Westlife Raise Me Up – 2 May 2006

Beverley Lyons And Cath Bennett

Tough-guy boxer 'Iron' Mike has declared his love - for Westlife.

The infamous ex-world champion heavy weight - who was jailed for rape and once bit an opponents ear - loves the Irish crooners so much he sent the foursome his autographed gloves.

He also has six copies of any album they release bought and couriered to him. And he was even said to love You Raise Me Up so much only his management could talk him out of using it as his theme music.

Tyson's best pal, Joe Egan, said: "Of all the groups he knows, he regards Westlife best. He calls it anti-freeze music and uses it to chill out after a heavy gym session or a stressful day. And he's had many of those. He finds Westlife music therapeutic."

The band, currently on a national tour, last night said they were "overwhelmed". Nicky Byrne said: "Tyson's a legend... dynamite in satin shorts."

Credit/Source: www.dailyrecord.co.uk

New Affiliate Added– 1 May 2006

Visite my new affiliate Nicky-Byrne.Com

Villy

New Tour Pictures & Note – 1 May 2006

Thanx to Bex and Twirl for letting me use their lovely pix from Westlife’s concerts in Birmingham on the 29^th and 30^th of April! To see them go at the Tours Page and then Fan Pictures.

Credit/Source: Bex / Twirl

Still Plenty Of Life Left In Us Yet – 1 May 2006

By Gordon Barr, The Evening Chronice

When Westlife play their two gigs at Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena next week it will mean them having appeared at the venue an incredible 22 times!

And no-one is more surprised at their enduring appeal than group member Kian Egan. "Amazing, simply amazing," he states.

"We always get a fantastic reaction from the Geordie fans. All our shows there are memorable. But to think that more than five years on we would still be selling out there is incredible."

Westlife are, in fact, the group which has played the Arena most times. But with 13 chart-topping singles behind them, perhaps that isn't all that surprising.

Knocked relentlessly by their critics, yet adored unconditionally by their fans, you can't argue with the statistics.

Westlife obviously push the right buttons, and the departure of Bryan (he's now Brian) two years ago hasn't made any difference to their popularity.

"I know people mock us, but we do what we do," says Kian. "It is all about pop music and entertaining our fans. We don't pretend to be anything we are not, and while some may not like our music, there are plenty out there who do."

Since their debut single, Swear It Again in 1999, and their last chart-topper, You Raise Me Up, late last year, the lads have notched up two Brit Awards and four Record of the Year gongs - for Flying Without Wings, My Love, Mandy and You Raise Me Up.

Are they worthy successors to Take That? Certainly their shows are always memorable (though it would take something to beat Take That's gigs this week).

"We like to go big," laughs Kian. " Our concerts are shows, in the proper sense of the word. Without distracting from the music, we like to give a big production, entertain.

"They seem to get bigger by the year. We're always looking at new ideas."

Kian grimaces when it is suggested maybe Westlife will soon hang up their boy band boots and stash away those stools they are so famed for sitting on.

"We're happy with what we are doing," he says. "Who knows how long this will last? None of us could have foreseen us still being together this far in.

"Obviously Bryan leaving was a huge blow at the time, but we understood his reasons why and we are still good mates.

"Take each day as it comes, that is my motto. And to just enjoy life!"

As millions enjoy Westlife perhaps.

NWestlife are at the Arena, on Tuesday and Wednesday.

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