THE LOVE TOUR REVIEWS MARCH 2007

Bournemouth Review – 30 March 2007

25 March 2007

Thanks for all of your reviews of Westlife's 25th March Bournemouth show. Here's one of our favourites - click here to read some more!

Wow! What an amazing show! LOL, couldn't believe that they would be able to do that big in Bournemouth! It was my 7th show I've seen and every bit was perfect. Every other year I had been up to London to see them, but for once they came to my home town! It seems hard to think that they're actually here!

LOL, well I couldnt believe they were up in the heavens at the beginning in Total Eclipse Of The Heart! Just never though that would hav been possible to do in Bournemouth! How wrong was I! LOL even the podiums that go up and down on stage I though were never possible but it's amazing what you can do!

Well after Total Eclipse Of The Heart, When You're Looking Like That broke out and the party had started! Next part was the acoustic piano part and what amazing voices Shane and Mark have.

They sang Love Takes Two which is one of my favourite songs, and it really did send shivers down my spine, Mark's voice just blew me away!

Then the Medley.... What can I say!?!?!? Boybandiratious! The moves were slick as! Nobody can dance like those Westlife boys!

And then the night had to come to the end with The Rose. Truly spectacular!

lucylamb

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Wonderful Westlife Wowing The Fans – 26 March 2007

Bringing boy bands back to Brum.

Review - Westlife Birmingham NEC

By Lindsey Hunt

They may be cheesy to some but I loved Westlife last night at Birmingham’s NEC.

My favorite bit of the 90-minute show was a boy band medley, a tribute to the Irish quartet’s favorite fellow boy popsters.

They paid homage to New Kids On The Block, with The Right Stuff, performed Boyzone’s Picture Of You, covered Backstreet Boys’ Backstreet’s Back, gave a nod to Bros, and sung my personal favorite, Take That’s Everything Changes before slipping seamlessly into their own hit, a cover of Billie Joel’s Uptown Girl. And even better than the songs were the dances.

Shane, Mark, Kian and Nicky borrowed the dance moves from their 1980s and 1990s predecessors to accompany the hits and together this looked and sounded great.

Clothes-wise the boys had four or five costume changes. I loved them in the smart sharp suits but wasn’t so keen on the shiny shirt and slacks combo or the white/silver ensembles they wore for the encore. There wasn’t much more dancing to speak of but the boys of Westlife have the songs, the voices and the irresistible Irish charm to fall back on.

Shane and Mark performed lead vocals and the two have very different but complimentary and equally enjoyable voices.

Their performance was slick and professional – which as it is their seventh consecutive annual tour it should be – but fresh and warm enough for it to thrill fans.

The setlist spanned their successful career, which boasts 14 number one hits and included World Of Our Own, Flying Without Wings, Mandy, Turn Around (Bright Eyes), Fool Again and many more.

What a great night.

Credit/Source: Thanx Anita for the scan

Birmingham Review – 26 March 2007

24 March 2007

Thanks for all of your reviews of Westlife's 24th March Birmingham show. Here's one of our favourites - click here to read some more!

Well I'm speechless...literally! I had seen the tour set list before hand and to be honest I wasn't expecting what I got tonight! With so many ballads being sung I thought it was going to be a more mellow show but boy was I wrong! It was truly fantastic and the boys didn't disappoint!

The beginning was very clever, with them tucked away in that circle (Yeah I didn't actually realise till after that it was meant to be an eclipse!!Haha) But every song was pitch perfect as usual. The crowd were amazing, singing along with the guys. The uptempo numbers were fun, full of energy and uplifting.

The medley was again not what I was expecting but was fantastic! The dance moves were well choreographed and was just really good to watch. The songs were a good choice and I really enjoyed it! All the songs they sang were just right for the love tour! I'm really really really impressed as usual!

The whole show was lively, fun, vibrant and thouroughly enjoyable! Well done guys! bring on next year!

Michelle Cox xxxx

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Birmingham Review – 26 March 2007

23 March 2007

Thanks for all of your reviews of Westlife's 23rd March Birmingham show. Here's one of our favourites - click here to read some more!

I have awoken this morning with concert blues! I had such a fantastic night last night!

This is my seventh year of Westlife concerts! (Loyalty points boys! lol) and I have to say it was the best by far! The concert was simple, original and very impressive. The set was futuristic and although they didn't perform their usual tricks, like flying over the crowd, stages in the middle of the hall or even walking through us, it was amazing.

The songs performed were brilliant, mixing old with new and it was extremely effective. It is disappointing that they can not perform everyone's favourites but they would be on stage for days! Maybe that wouldn't be a bad idea guys? Lol

The boyband idea was fantastic (although reminded me how old I am!!) and I wanted to thank you for singing Picture of You, that song has a very personal meaning to me and you couldn't have sang it at a better time!! I needed it.

To hear Love Takes Two was super and Mark your voice still manages to send sparks down my spine.

As usual the guys put 100% in and it really paid off! To see the crowd alight when they sang You Raise Me Up was unbelievable from where I was standing, so it must have looked fantastic to them on stage!

I wanted to thank the guys for such an awsome performance, and with the exception of Althorpe, (when I was at the front) this concert was the BEST by far!

I am 100% impressed! Guys you are NEVER allowed to split up! You must stay together, I want to drag my Grandchildren to concerts like these. You are like a fine wine you've got better with age, and I can not wait till next year!!

emeraldchick84

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Best Of The West – 26 March 2007

By Hilary Porter

Westlife, The Love Tour, BIC

IT was quite literally an explosive entrance descending from the roof of the BIC in a luminous ball as if from some solar or meteoroid explosion.

And yet the highly charged level of excitement, anticipation and sheer bedazzlement created in this pyrotechnically enhanced opening did not waver for the next 90 minutes.

This was an electric show!

Westlife - even to their own disbelief, were performing their first official Bournemouth concert ever - not counting when they supported Boyzone here nine years ago.

Fourteen number one hit records later, now with families and even pet dogs on tour to lend moral support, and the extended Windsor Hall was full to the rafters with fans from teens to grannies clearly delighted to have a seat at the first of two consecutive sold out Bournemouth shows.

Total Eclipse of the Heart certainly lit the torch paper as the Irish pop sensations instantly impressed with their immaculate vocal delivery and impeccable stage presence.

But when you have performed to millions of fans, toured everywhere from Australia to South Africa and sold 35 million records globally, you would be pretty well rehearsed wouldn't you?

Slick doesn't even begin to describe these boys whose live vocals were stunning from starts to finish- despite high energy dance routines and repeated costume changes.

Accompanied by four superb musicians they performed tracks from the new Love Album and other hits: If I Let you Go, Mandy, What Makes A Man, Fool Again, You Raise Me Up... every one was a show-stopper.

There was even a boy band tribute as they covered songs by Boyzone, Take That and Back Street Boys.

Flying Without Wings and The Rose wrapped up the encore and a night that had been worth all the wait.

Credit/Source: Bournemouth Echo / Thanx Joanne for finding

Cardiff Review – 21 March 2007

20 March 2007

Thanks for all of your reviews of Westlife's 20th March Cardiff show. Here's one of our favourites - click here to read some more!

Westlife - you never fail to satistfy or please me!!! Last night was Immense with a capital 'I' for Ireland!!!! It was the best night ever - I had such a wicked night!!! Shane - you are truly amazing!!! They sang with so much passion in their voices (still so much after 9 years )it was unbelievable!!!! Shane was smiling from ear-to-ear during the medley - it was fab!! It makes so much of a difference when you see how much they're still appreciating being up on the stage!!!

Cazzy2k2

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Cardiff Review – 21 March 2007

19 March 2007

Thanks for all of your reviews of Westlife's 19th March Cardiff show. Here's one of our favourites - click here to read some more!

Oh my word!!!!!!! I've just come in from tonight's show, what can I say, it was absolutely fantastic!!! I was completely blown away, the lads were brilliant, they took the roof off Cardiff Arena tonight, the atmosphere was electric and the crowd just couldn't get enough of them!! The lads were in very high spirits, laughing and clearly having a good time and it always helps when they tell us how much they love coming to Wales!! The whole show was brilliant, I loved the opening with Total Eclipse Of The Heart, wow! The medley was fantastic and the lads' dancing was amazing. I can't stop smiling right now and just want to be back at the show, watching it all over again, oh well, I can tomorrow and I can't wait!!  Thank you Westlife, for such an amazing evening, you always put on a fabulous show and you make me feel on top of the world. Thanks again and roll on tomorrow night!!

Angelia

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Review: Westlife – 20 March 2007

Gavin Allen, South Wales Ech

Westlife fan Sarah Moles 21, of Abercwmboi, was due to travel to Ireland next month with her family and friends to watch Westlife perform live.

But the collapse of ticket firm Ticket Tout Ltd deprived them of the chance.

With the group's Cardiff concerts sold out Sarah, who suffers from a rare and debilitating form of epilepsy, looked set to miss her first-ever Westlife tour ... until the Echo came to the rescue by giving her and her sister Ann a pair of tickets for the concert at Cardiff International Arena last night.

Here's what she thought...

'HAVING never missed a Westlife tour since they first hit the road, I thought last night's concert was the best I have ever seen them perform.

Typical of their shows, they performed across a range of styles of music but the highlight for me was a new medley of music from other boybands that covered songs by Take That, Boyzone, New Kids On The Block and Backstreet Boys.

They chose not to play the Rat Pack songs that were so successful last time they toured here and instead played a lot of new songs from their latest record The Love Album.

The only thing that went wrong with the performance was when Shane totally missed his cue for one song because he was laughing so much at something the boys had said on stage.

You couldn't fail to notice it but the audience all laughed, especially my sister Ann, because Shane is her favourite. She found it very funny.

After the disappointment of not going to Ireland with the family to see Westlife, it was a lovely surprise to get the chance to see them in Cardiff and keep up my record of seeing every tour.

As ever, the boys didn't disappoint me or the rest of their fans.'

Credit/Source: http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk / Thanx Joanne for finding

Manchester Review – 20 March 2007

17 March 2007

Thanks for all of your reviews of Westlife's 17th March Manchester show. Here's one of our favourites - click here to read some more!

Well what a fantastic night that was!  Even before the lads came on, there were little teasers on the Screens with the first 2 bars or so of YRMU and a picture of the lads and the crowd went nuts.

The lights go out, and the crowd cheers so loud that the roof is heading down the Manchester Ship Canal. The stage looks fantastic and the back screen just shows the eclipse. A piece of stage moves from above then tips down and before you know it the lads appear in this moving part which becomes a circle all lit up. Shane sings the first line of Total Eclipse Of The Heart and the crowd go so loud I can't hear the singing back at Block E. The crowd settles down and the whole arena sings along with them. What a cracking start.

After the song they jump out of the circle and run down to the front of the stage to belt out When You're Looking Like That which gets the crowd jumping up and down with excitement followed by If I Let You Go.

When the song ends, Nicky welcomes everyone in Manchester and informs us that as its St Patrick's day we are all invited to the party after which Shane will tell us about after. He wishes all the mums a Happy Mother's Day and mentions Gina who will get her 1st Mother's Day next year. Ahhhhh. He introduces the next song “which if you are called Mandy, you will know it better than others”.

First outfit change of the night and Shane appears on one side of the stage with 2 spotlights on him and as he starts singing You Are So Beautiful, a piano appears centre stage and the crowd are fairly quiet just wanting to hear the sound of Shane & the piano fill the arena. Mark joins in on his parts and together they do a great job together. Fantastic.

Kian & Nicky join the stage up near the piano for a couple more of the classics. Kian then does his bit in thanking the crowd and then he points to one of the VIP boxes and thanks his “Baby” (which I think is adorable) and the Hollyoaks cast who have come to watch. Another Westlife classic and it’s a costume change again.

Blackouts and then the back screen simply says “The Melody”. Most of the crowd knows what's coming and goes mad. This is a tribute to the Greatest Boybands in History. Pictures of Backstreet Boys, New Kids On The Block, Boyzone and Take That appear and Take That get the biggest screams. Oh that is until the pictures change to our lads and the boys rise up centre stage and start singing Backstreet's Back. Strutting down the stage like they own it (well they sure did ) they broke out into a fantastic dance routine which got the crowd dancing with them. They all had their little part to sing and who gets the naughty part? Our Nicky. Who else? He loved asking the crowd “Am I sexual?” whilst grabbing various parts of his body . Tell you what, anyone who thinks you aren’t needs slapping with a wet fish! I swear someone turned the heating up 100 degrees. Onto The Right Stuff which being a New Kids fan back in the day, I can tell you they got the dance routine right. Next up was Picture Of You which Nicky made a cracking job of and then Shane hit us with Everything Changes. The end of the melody came with them grouping together to ask “When will I, Will I Be Famous?” Erm couple of weeks yet lads you are not quite there yet! And bounced straight into Uptown Girl. The lads go offstage and the band play Swear It Again while the lads are changing. The whole crowd sings along and I would love to know the lads' reaction when they heard it. If they did.

Another change and they are back in suits (yummy) singing Unbreakable. The song ends and Shane does his speech thanking everyone and informing us that the party will be held at ………He taps his mic and says “Sorry That Went Off for a Second”. He does a dirty laugh and the crowd laughs with him . He thanks his family and his mates from Sligo and then dedicates the next song to his best mate whose Grandfather passed away the day before. Into You Raise Me Up and this song is so moving I don’t think there’s a dry eye in the house.

Mark says thank you to so many people he can't remember the list and they move into a very upbeat World Of Our Own. You can tell the lads love performing this one and the crowd love it too. They then slow things down with a classic Flying Without Wings before an amazing performance of The Rose to end the night. WOW!

Kirstielou1977

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Manchester Review – 20 March 2007

16 March 2007

Thanks for all of your reviews of Westlife's 16th March Manchester show. Here's one of our favourites - click here to read some more!

The Arena was buzzing in anticipation of a fantastic night and the 'boys' did not dissappoint. As the circle of light appeared over the stage and turned to reveal Westlife, the place erupted to an ear splitting noise. The circle descended to the stage as they sung 'Total Eclipse of the Heart'.

As they walked down the steps, there was a terrific bang as fireworks exploded and they went into their first upbeat number 'Looking Like That'. There was a great mix of ballads and dancey songs. Westlife always appear to enjoy doing the Manchester Arena and Shane remarked that it was the biggest arena in Britain.

The Boy Band section was just brilliant. A wonderful compliment to past and present boy bands and danced with such energy. Well done to them. After a quick costume change they toned things down and sung some ballads - I think they needed this after their amazing energy doing the dancing. During 'You Raise Me Up' they stood on a platforn which raised up and up above the stage. It was a great sight looking across the Arena at the masses of waving lights. Thank you to Westlife for a truly fantastic evening. Only wish I was going again tonight. For everyone who is......ENJOY!!

Older Fan

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Lisa’s Review From Sheffield – 19 March 2007

I was fortunate to go to both of the dates at Sheffield. And it just got better and better. The 1st night was really cool, I hadn’t looked at any of the spoilers so I didn’t no anything about the gig, I hadn’t got a clue what too expect. But once again the lads never cease to surprise me they are capable of absolutely anything.

There was such a good atmosphere on both nights, the lads said themselves that us Sheffield crew are always up for a good time. The pre-concert entertainment was good too, especially the songs they played like they did last year. One particular highlight will be belting out Bon Jovi – ‘Living on a Prayer’ I won’t forget that in a hurry. And watching this crazy man dancing everyone was laughing at him, can’t describe how funny it was, it was a sort of you had to be there moment lol!

Then the lights went off, I went crazy it felt like ages since I’d last seen them, I had such an adrenaline rush! I kind of figured out what they were going to sing from the pics on the screen but I didn’t know where the lads were! WHAT AN ENTRANCE! I didn’t see that one coming. I was like they’re there pointing up in the air! It was sooooo cool!

It just kept on getting better though, the medley was awesome I would have never imagined the lads doing the whole boyband theme. It just proves how well the lads can dance as well. Love one particular dance move in Backstreet Phwoar is all I can say......it’s very suggestive indeed but I like it lol!!!!!! Nix was really giving it some. Something I wont forget was when they sang “You Raise Me Up” they asked everyone to get a light out and wave it, it looked amazing when u turned round gave me goosebumps. Will never forget that performance, in the music part of it, I decided to put my Nicky banner up, to say we were 18 rows back I dint expect an acknowledgement, but he saw it and waved made my night!!

The 1st night flew by, but I knew I still got it all to come on the Wednesday from 3rd row too.
I left college at dinner so I could spend all afternoon getting ready lol! I’m crazy I know but was so worth it!

When I met the lads back in July, I bought Nix a prezzie, so I took exactly the same one with me last night. Didn’t think I’d get it too him but then I saw Dave I ran up to him and said “Please will you give this to Nicky” he turned round and said “He’s on a diet love” I didn’t give up though, I were proper begging him and in the end he gave up and took them to Nix. People sat round me were like cool, she’s just given a prezzie for Nicky. Sat in front of me, was a girl I thought I recognised. I don’t know if any of you guys saw it, it was on MTV the other week and its called “Obsession Session” there was this girl on it who was a huge fan pf the lads, and she ended up meeting them, and you saw the picture of her with the lads......anyway this girl sat in front of me had this same picture printed on the back of a T-Shirt and I’m like “sure I’ve seen that before” so I asked her......turns out it was her best friend! How cool is that! After that people started standing up and taking pics......someone was stood at the side of the stage. It was Gillian and Nicole, and Kian’s family. Everyone was taking pics but it was the other side of the stage furthest away from me, so I couldn’t see.

Before I knew it the support acts were on, the boyband was ok, but as for the 2nd support act they are crap I’m warning you in advance the woman sounds like a stuck record. You’ll know what I mean if you seen it! I was crying with laughter. Everyone cheered when they went off lol!

I got to see the amazing entrance again, looked well good being up close. Nicky was looking down in our direction just before Shane started singing “Turnaround” and waved. I swear blind it was his way of letting me know he got his prezzie! The medley was fab up close, those dance moves I don’t know how they remembered it all. In “Fool Again” Shaney forgot his words at the start everyone started laughing......he said it was because he was looking for Nicole but she’d gone backstage. He said his mind wanders from time to time...to which everyone started cheering at!

I loved how Mark and Shaney were the only ones on stage for “You Are So Beautiful” when they sang that I got shivers.

For the last part of the concert we had Nix stood on our side for “Flying Without Wings” and “The Rose” He had a bit of a joke with us on our side, he was making out something was stuck in his zip. Was very funny and typical Nix. I managed to get a couple of grins off him, from my banners which were good to say that I had only made them at 1am that morning. Made it all worthwhile! It will be a night I will never forget and it’s added more to my collection of Westlife memories!!! Till we see it again in Dublin, plus I will be sharing that night with a very special friend of mine! I cannot wait this tour kicks ass!!!!

To those who haven’t seen it yet, you’re in for a very special treat!

Take care everyone and have fun which ever concerts you’re going to x x x

Credit/Source: Lisa / www.westlifefanaticvip.com

Westlife @ M.E.N. Arena – 17 March 2007

Sally Cook

17/ 3/2007

ENTERING the MEN’s auditorium, where the stage is set (tantalisingly, behind an austere blackout curtain) for Westlife’s ‘Love Tour’ concert, is a lot like being brought home by the mother-ship in some sci-fi blockbuster; the cavernous darkness broken by thousands of multicoloured lights, flashing and blinking from floor to ceiling and corner to corner of the arena’s behemoth confines.

Once the eyes have adjusted, however, the dancing lights reveal themselves not as extra-terrestrial star-ship console controls, but rather a chaotic collection of flashing pink fluffy bunny ears, glittery Stetsons, neon plastic glow-sticks, and a bewildering array of torch-like novelties in every sugary shade conceivable.

Ok, so it’s not quite Independence Day, but it’s certainly a lot like being on another planet; in skinny jeans and Converse trainers I feel as alien as a neon-green stalk-eyed martian.

The lights go down and the curtains are dropped, revealing a horse-shoe-shaped set of steps and staircases; the screens which flank the stage and provide its backdrop show a sweeping solar-system graphic.

The music which fills the arena is the dramatic intro to Total Eclipse of the Heart, and it would seem Westlife are performing Bonnie Tyler’s part, though they are nowhere to be seen.

Theatrical

Until the camera picks them out, side-by-side within a giant illuminated disc which is precariously lowered from a horizontal position in the ceiling to ‘eclipse’ the burning sun graphic behind; one can only assume this meant beginning the show flat on their backs.

This delightfully theatrical entrance sets the tone for an all-singing, all-dancing (literally – thanks to the addition of a choreographer to the Westlife entourage) concert, which comprises greatest hits, favourite album tracks, and some nicely-executed covers.

Instrumental segues allow for costume changes, of which there are several; pyrotechnic displays punctuate the more upbeat numbers.

The highlight, though, is undeniably a boyband medley which sees the Irish foursome tackle hits by the Backstreet Boys, New Kids on the Block, Boyzone and Take That, before finishing with their own cover of Uptown Girl.

Concentration

There is little doubt that they are singers, rather than dancers, but the routines are gamely executed – albeit with thin-lipped expressions of concentration at times – and add action and variety to what could otherwise be a straightforward balladeering display.

Vocally, they are difficult to fault; each gives an assured performance that clearly delights their equally vocal audience.

The upbeat World of Our Own ends the set, the first in a two-night run here at the MEN.

Leaving the arena, I catch myself humming You Raise Me Up and wondering how I would look in a pink cowboy hat.

Let’s hope I snap out of it.

Credit/Source: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Sheffield Review – 15 March 2007

Thanks for all of your reviews of Westlife's 14th March Sheffield show. Here's one of our favourites - click here to read some more!

I have got to say a big thank you to the lads for definitely one of the best concerts! Something happened last night that I have been waiting 8 years for...Mark dancing, definitely the stuff of dreams, well it certainly will be mine for the next couple of weeks! The medley was by far the best bit, probably because of that! LOL. But of course the rest of the tour was just as good. The beginning was amazing because I totally love Total Eclipse Of The Heart, but the way they came on the stage from the roof was really good and daring. I know I wouldn't be able to do it myself. All of the outfits were lovely, quite simple but very effective, especially the outfits they were wearing for the section starting with You Are So Beautiful, which before this concert I wasn't too fussed about as a song but seeing it performed like it was last night, it’s now one of my favourite songs. Really liked the fact that they included Love Takes Two, it was nice to hear a different song. Bless Shane, when he sang the wrong words for What Makes A Man, but it was a cute excuse! It was great to hear the concert end with two of my favourite songs, Flying Without Wings and The Rose. I seriously didn't want it to end. The night was made even better because as we came out of the arena the tour bus literally drove past us, and me and my mum saw Nicky and Shane! So thanks again to the lads for making my year, it was really special! xx

Lovin_Mark

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Sheffield Review – 14 March 2007

Thanks for all of your reviews of Westlife's 13th March Sheffield show. Here's one of our favourites - click here to read some more!

Oh my god just home!!! Was sooo amazing tonight, the medley was fab and oh my god the dancing was amazing...so proud of the boys, this tour was the best yet for dancing!! On a high, we sang all the way home but now on a total post tour night depressive haha!! Great show though, anyone who's heading to the tour soon enjoy!! Ooh yeah the opening is absolutely fab aswell and Love Takes Two, wow!!!xxxxx

Sonya91078

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Westlife's UK Tour Kicks Off In Style! – 13 March 2007

Westlife’s amazing new tour has finally arrived in the UK, with their first gig, performed last night at Nottingham Arena, receiving an amazing reaction.

We’ll be picking one of our favourite reviews of each of the shows from the forum and posting it right here on the homepage. Here’s one of the best from last night – click here to read more, and if you’re lucky enough to be at one of their upcoming gigs, don’t forget to let us know what you thought!

All I need to say is aarrrrrrgggggggghhhhh!!

The stage is really different, and the opening is AMAZING! They come on stage from the roof above the stage in a huge half sphere singing TEOTH!! I was almost in tears!! The added a song too! Can’t quite remember where as it's still all a blur but it was Love Takes Two! An awesome song in its self! The medley...well what can I say... it was way way way better than I expected! And for You Raise Me Up they had a platform which lifted to 'raise them up'. The stage is awesome it has 3 stair cases one @ each side leading to a platform above!! and one down the middle!!

Sorry for not being 100% but arrrrgggggghhh! Oh My God! In my opinion it was the best gig 2 date! an absolutely terrific night! I got some fab pics and I can’t wait for the rest of the tour!!

Finally all I have to say is to Nicky, Kian, Mark and Shane THANKYOU, from the bottom of my heart you did the fans proud!!

xx chelseax xx

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Review: Westlife, Nottingham Arena – 13 March 2007

You could be forgiven for thinking that Westlife had hung up their white suits and microphone stands a long time ago.

But nine years and many many millions of pounds later, Kian, Nicky, Shane and Mark are still playing to sell-out crowds.

I nearly cried with laughter at my first glimpse of them on stage. They were almost halfway through Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse of the Heart when I spotted them - suspended 20ft in the air in a circle of lights. Dressed all in black (except for Shane's sparkling silver shoes) the boys were lowered to the stage where they were surrounded by mock flames.

It was what should be expected of a Westlife concert, and proof that the boys have become a parody of themselves.

Westlife have the cheese market well and truly nailed. They don't play instruments (apart from Shane's embarrassing air guitar). They just sing power ballad after power ballad, cover after cover. And brilliantly. Their voices are fantastic, their well-choreographed dance moves slightly less so. But it's a formula that works.

As sceptical as I was, I sang every song at the top of my voice. I squealed when Nicky looked in my direction. I did everything short of wave a glowstick.

A medley of boyband songs from New Kids On The Block, Boyzone, Take That, Backstreet Boys and Bros... were they making a point at how well they'd done compared to their rivals or just giving a tongue-in-cheek nod to their shameless propensity for covers?

Every few songs there was a change of clothes, a new method of arriving on stage. All this, often with a backdrop of still photos of the band "growing up".

After a while it all got a bit nauseating, like eating too much jelly and ice cream. Even they seemed a bit tired of it at times. But the audience loved it.

The show ended with fireworks and a final change into the trademark white suits for Flying Without Wings. If they had soared above the stage again on strings. I would still be laughing now.

by Jacqui Walls

Credit/Source: Evening Post / Thanx Joanne for finding

Alison’s Review Of The Nottingham Concert – 13 March 2007

The Love Tour Nottingham 12th March 2007

We travelled from the midlands to see the lads on their 2007 tour, we always travel in a threesome, myself, Bec and Ann, we had been to 11 concerts last year together from Dublin, and right down the country and then the summer nights and Butlins. Where ever we travel we know we are going to have a brilliant time, while getting there and sitting in the dark arenas, anxiously waiting for our boys to thrill us. My boy is Mark, who when ever he comes on stage, I scream, he sings I scream, he moves I scream… get the picture, Bec loves Nicky, again the same, and Ann loves Kian, and she is the same, and we cant leave Shane out so we all scream for him as well!!, yes it was us who deafened you last year! We had looked at the tour pictures and tour videos, but nothing prepared us for the real event.

The show started with the warm up acts, and they were ok to be fair, but I was just anxious for the lights to go down and the lads to appear, there was a stiring in the audience, and a lot of people started to stand up, when I stood up, there on the side seats were, Kevin, Gillian with little Nicole, (who is beautiful), Jodi and Georgina, all waiting like us to see the lads come up on stage.

The lights went out and everyone was on there feet, screaming, a huge burning sun appeared on the screen, and the song Total Eclipse Of The Heart started, there was a big circle which was all lit up, and this started to tilt and when it got a little lower our lads were in it, again the roof nearly lifted off the arena, they finished the song with this big lit circle eclipsing the sun, truly fantastic!!

They all looked so happy and very trim, was absolutely fab, then came when You’re Looking Like That!! Well my hormones went through the roof, was performed to the absolute perfection, moves, music and the lads all looked great, then What Makes A Man, personally I don’t think it would be the same without that song, as the opening words are "this isn't goodbye....even as I watch you leave".

Then the costume change for the song "So Beautiful", just Shane and Mark did this on opposite sides of the stage, I had tears in my eyes, so deep and beautifully sang.

Then I don’t think I can write this without paying homage to the medley, 3 words OH MY GOD!! The dances!!, it laughs in the faces of anybody who says Westlife are just bar stool singers!!, just fantastic, every year, I always say, there is no way they will top this concert and every year they up the anti, and leave me screaming (yes I have lost my voice again!) for more, and more whooped up than ever before, Nicky was in a cheeky mood, and interacting with the audience, waving, smiling, and thrusting!! I must admit I was a bit worried about mark last year he seemed a bit lost, with the eye liner, and not looking very happy, but what ever has happened has done him the world of good, he looks trim, new hair cut, which is perfect, and he was smiling and waving at the audience all last night and those eyes were shining again!!

They all looked so trim, and sexy, and so up for this tour, and one word left, in the song back streets back, Nicky has a line that says "Am I sexual" while rubbing a hand down his body, and writhing.... Hell Yes!!! You all are!!, roll on sat for St Patrick day were are going to Manchester, then Monday at Cardiff, then sat at Birmingham, then Wembley,!! But we don’t want it to end, long live Westlife, and all the TRUE FANS!!

Credit/Source: Alison

Cape Town Review – 12 March 2007

Thanks for all of your reviews of Westlife's Cape Town show. Here's one of our favourites - click here to read some more!

Its 36 degrees Friday 9th March in the beautiful city of Cape Town. There is a bit of hustle in the office.....Sonja is going to see Westlife tonight. I’m so excited; I can just about get myself not to scream with profound joy and excitement. I drop my car off at the golf course as I work very close to it. It’s just after 2pm and the queue has already started. People are sitting in row to see the boys, of course! At 4:10pm I arrive back at the River club, now in such a crazy queue. Eventually after a long wait, the queue starts moving and before you know it, the golden circle is divided from the general tickets.

The excitement has officially started. The blue tag is put on my and my two buddies arms and off we go to the golden circle. We run to the front, getting a clear view of the stage on the side. Its perfect, not heavy crowding, and a perfect view. First its NKD, then Jascha Richter and then Michael Bolton……”and now ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for WESTLIFE” and the crowd goes ballistic, wild, crazy and totally in awe of the talent that has just entered the stage.

The boys enter wearing their black leather outfits, looking as snazzy as ever. “Turnaround……., every now and then I get a little bit lonely and you're never coming round….” and the crowd screams, the boys can’t even be heard all that well. Its evident who the crowd came to see….WESTLIFE. Kian is standing on our side, as they progress to the front of the stage, I remove my “I love Kian” t-shirt and wave it in the air……..o my word………the boy sees it…..a smile….he actually smiled at me….not once, not twice…it was amazing. Then Shane was in our corner, he also was smiling at us and Nicky……also smiling and waving at us. What a friendly group they are, so pleasant to see them. They have a costume change, and the boy band medley begins, absolutely a stunner….quite admirable of them. Geez, they sound even better than the original singers…..of course they do . Costume change again and it’s almost the end of the show. The boys leave in style after mesmerizing the crowd for about +- 1 hour.

Westlife has been nothing but super entertaining whenever they’ve been in Cape Town. They have only displayed pure appreciation to their fans. They look beautiful, they sing beautifully and they are absolutely a pleasure to watch live and on screen. They are so entertaining, you forget there are lights on stage, because they light up the stage just by being there. They are magnificent, and they are so loved here in Cape Town. Well done boys, well done, you are WONDERFUL artists…….we CANT wait to see you again……hopefully it will be sooooooooooooon…..

Enjoy the rest of the tour….Kian, Shane, Nicky and Mark, you all ROCK!!

Sonja Lietch

Cape Town

South Africa

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Shounees’s Review From Cape Town – 12 March 2007

I woke up at 4am scheduled to go to the radio station Kfm94.5 to get a glimpse of the lads. My alarm went off and I said ok just another 5 minutes!!! I woke up again at 5:30am, and the breakfast show starts at 6am.I thought no way what am I doing??? I made the hard decision of not going to the station because I was already so upset for oversleeping, so I went back to bed heavy-hearted.

I awoke AGAIN at 9am, tidied up the house and ate a muffin I couldn’t stomach anything more, I was too nervous and excited. So, I turned the radio on and what ya know Total Eclipse Of The Heart is on, I went mental. By 10am I was in the shower, then I packed in my supplies for the long day ahead. My purse, tissues, magazines for the long lines, lip gloss, sun hat it was 36 degrees!!!! And of the CAMERA, which I checked a million times to see if the battery's still full.

Friends and family were phoning and texting me to have a great time and to 'hug Nicky', 'kiss Shane', 'grab Kian', 'pinch Mark', I of course was just hoping they'd notice me, lol. By 12pm I was all ready for action in the freaking heat. The River Club, the venue, is like 5 minutes away from me, lol, but it’s along the highway. The person who took me had a few errands to run before dropping me off, so we only got to the venue at 1pm.There were like 10 or 15 people there including me.

There were girls with Westlife t-shirts on and three other ones with 'Shane', 'Mrs.Filan' and 'Westlife Babe' on, I was soooo jealous lol. Ok so I sat on a concrete slab for like an hour in the burning sun and turned extremely red.Then at 15:30 people starting moving into a line, I was about 13 people behind. We stood for another 3 hours in this line then they eventually let us in the Golden Circle (the best place) to take our places. Me, being alone had an advantage as I had no one or baggage holding me back. I moved rather cunningly to a place right in front of the stage, a girl separated me and the stage only.

The show started on time at 7pm, First up was an SA girlband, then Jascha Richter, then Michael Bolton, who BTW is a total primadonna, he demanded we be seated or else he won't start the show!!! As if we were there for him!! Oh, we were screaming Westlife since 7pm, through all the other acts, I felt bad for them shame, but we were there for Westlife not them. So, we sat so Michael could sing and we shouted Westlife the whole time, he was annoyed I think, we just wanted him to get off stage.

Finally at 9:30pm, Michael was gone, thank goodness!! I am not lying at all, but there was not one person there for any of the other acts, everyone was there for Westlife, all 9000 of us. We love them here to bits. We waited for like an hour as they set up the stage for the lads, it was sooo long, so we started singing When You’re Looking Like That. We also started chanting Westlife, Westlife, Westlife.

Then at around 10:30pm, the lights went off and every little movement made I hysterical. Then the spotlight fell on the stage, and 4 shadows emerged, I spotted Shane's quiff!!! Naturally, I looked for him first. Then Markie, Kian and Nixxxxxxxxxxx!!!!!!!! Then, I heard 'Turrrrrrrnaround' and we went crackers!!!!!!! I screamed the whole song, I was soooo excited I took pics right away and they came out so blurry because I was jumping!!!!!!!! Then they moved to the front of the stage and I think they sang When You’re Looking Like That!! I can’t remember the exact song order coz I was so hyper, I just screamed the whole time. Markie was standing right in front of me and all I could think was Villy, Lisa, Mel ahahhh!! Kian was to my right, and I'm thinking Rose!!!!!!!! Nicky was to my left and I thought Jo and Sara wish u all were here. My baby Shane, was to my extreme left and I was dying to see him. He came to my side for the next song, If I Let You Go, I think. I was soooo in awe of him, I thought heaven here I come!!! He is absolutely gorgeous in the flesh all of them are. They have never looked any hotter or healthier than they did on Friday night.

Then it was time for THAT medley, they looked so damn fine in those jeans, their asses were so fit!!! The dance for Everybody got us going crazy. When they say 'Am I sexual', their hands slide down to their privates and we were hyperventilating!!!!!!!!!! Then, the next song, can’t remember they did some dancing on the floor, but it was like dont' cha toned down!!! I was so busy taking pics. Then Uptown Girl, and we sang along the whole time to all the songs, we were bopping up and down all night. I loved the little door thingie they did with their hands for World Of Our Own. I still couldn’t believe they were in front of me so close. I found myself screaming for Mark most of the night, because he was so oblivious to us, he just looked straight ahead blankly, Kian waved at us, Nicky waved and Shane........ahhhhh, I finally managed to get his attention. When he was right in front of me, I screamt as loud as I could Shaneeeee, then he looked me straight in the eyes and smiled, I felt like the only girl alive. Thanx Shane u made my life!!!

Then, came My Love, You Raise Me Up (first time they performed in Cape Town) and The Rose. They didn’t sing any other songs, but the ones I mentioned and the medley, I felt ripped off but it was almost 12am.When The Rose started, I felt tears welling up in my eyes and I said no no u can’t cry now!!! I didn’t!!! I just stood there and gazed at them silently, I was emotionless. I was sad that it was over so quick. Shane moved around alot on stage he never stood still, Nicky smiled to himself the whole show, Kian was cool calm and collected and Mark well, I did say he was oblivious. They said that they love Cape Town and performing in South Africa and that they love playing golf here and thanked us for coming to see them.

The best news was that they said they'll definitely be back here next year or in the near future. I'm still floating on cloud nine and the week of Westlife madness is slowly but surely calming down. I still cant quite comprehend all the madness from Friday, I can't even remember the songs they sang, because I was screaming and taking pics. They are truly more better looking than on photos, Mark's lost weight, Shane's legs don't look so skinny, Nicky gave us a great show of his gorgeous abs and Kian's rippling muscles are to die for. They were done by 11:30pm and we chanted we want more for 15minutes,thinking they'd come out again, but realised it was over. So, I heavy-heartedly made my way out of the venue, not before buying some things. I bought the Love Tour T-shirt its cute and a signed pic of my Shaney Oh. when I asked the lady if I could please have A SHANE, she brought me a pic of Mark!!! I said, I asked for A SHANE, NOT A MARK!!! Then I realised how funny I sounded.

As bittersweet as the day was, Brian’s leaving played on my mind heavily, but seeing how much better and happier the lads were made me realise why they still so popular and why they still make my heart beat faster. I now have wonderful memories in my mind and on print, a permanent t-shirt and shorts on my skin (yeah that's how much I burnt, lol), but this night I'll remember and cherish all my life.

I look forward to them coming around again, but until then they'll always be the Kings of my heart.

Hope u enjoy reading it girls, tried my best to remember it all. Can’t wait for the DVD.

Credit/Source: Shounees / www.westlifefanaticvip.com

Bloemfontein Review – 9 March 2007

Thanks for all of your reviews of Westlife's Bloemfontein show. Here's one of our favourites - click here to read some more!

This is the second time that I have seen Westlife live and after the first time, I didn't think it could get any better. I WAS WRONG. They were incredible. From Total Eclipse Of The Heart, to the boy band medley and some of the old favourites, Westlife just seem to get better everytime they perform. Thank you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kiansno1fan

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Port Elizabeth Review – 8 March 2007

Thanks for all of your reviews of Westlife's Johannesburg show. Here's one of our favourites - click here to read some more!

When Westlife was in Port Elizabeth in 2005 I thought nothing can match their performance of that night, but I was obviously wrong. Their concert of this year was unbelievable. NKD, a group from SA, was up first followed by Joshua Richter from Michael Learns To Rock and then Michael Bolton .It was open air so during Michael Bolton's act it started to rain very hard and we all panicked about whether or not Westlife was going to perform because they were experiencing technical difficulties because of the rain. Not even the rain could stop us.

Then eventually after sometime which felt like forever they came on stage. I can’t explain the rush that I felt but I’m sure every Westlife fan experiences it at their concerts. It was electrifying, we went absolutely crazy. The boys really looked good on stage and I was lucky to get great seats this year, 7th row, golden circle.

They started with my favourite song of the Love album, Total Eclipse Of The Heart. Their dance moves was brilliant and they looked awesome. It really looked like the lads were enjoying themselves. Because of the rain they could only perform for an hour since it was late already. I was hoping on getting a smile or a wave from Mark but that’s okay, lol.

My cam batteries did not last but I managed to take some pics. I must say the lads have outdone themselves this year, they keep getting better and better every year.

It's my dream to meet them in person and although it did not happen this year there is always next time.

Great show guys and can’t wait for them to perform in PE again. And remember PE loves you always.

Lots of love

Soney

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Johannesburg Review – 6 March 2007

Thanks for all of your reviews of Westlife's Johannesburg show. Here's one of our favourites - click here to read some more!

It's been 9 years since I started supporting and loving Westlife but every single time they came out on tour I was unable to make it for some or other reason. Not this year, I booked my tickets well in advance, my flight was planned, I flew into Johannesburg on Friday spent time with friends and Sunday we headed to the concert.

Westlife did not disappoint, from the moment they stepped onto the stage, to the time they left I was in heaven.

I had gold circle front row seats so when we moved to the barrier it was the most amazing time of my life.

I was next to a girl who wanted Shane 4 President and a new formed Westlife Friend who held up the Irish Flag.

When Kian smiled at us we all freaked out Not minding my age of 30 suddenly decreased to 16.

But the moment it all changed for me, was when Shane looked over smiled and then waved it made everything in life that seemed to be weighing down on me, work pressures, relationships gone wrong, all worries disappeared and all that mattered was that Shane, Kian, Mark and Nicky were standing on a stage before me, singing and I kept taking picture after picture.

Sorry guys for the constant flashing you were subjected to but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.

The show was amazing from the beginning of Total Eclipse of the heart to The Rose.

My night was complete and now I sit back and patiently wait for Thursday evening when I yet again go to another Westlife Concert.

Thank you guys for making this girls dreams come true may you be blessed and my the lord our god keep you safe and sound and doing what you love and we love for many years to come.

Now hurry up and get the DVD out. LOL

Marcelle

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Terry’s Review From Johannesburg – 5 March 2007

Hi everyone! It was AMAZING! We got to Helderfontien at about 5pm to find the arena was outdoors which was nice as it’s hot in SA at the moment! (and the temaprature can only rise when Westlifes arround! LOL)

The golden circle had been filling up since 12pm but we managed to get seats in the 7th row towards the left side of the stage. The stage was very similar to Australia with the one set of stairs in the centre, except we had two huge screens on each side of the stage.

The Merchandise - only the Tour dates T-shirt and the one with their faces in differenct colours on the front, and the pictures cards (of which they ran out of Kian ones!!)

Freshly Ground (SA Band) and Jascha Richter played and were both great! Then finally Westlife came on at about 8pm and blew us away!! They are all looking SO hot!!! The vocals were outstanding and the dancing in the medly... WOW!!!

Every song was awesome and the guys seemed to be having fun! Mark’s grins were causing serious damage to my sanity! Hehe.

The set list changed around a bit, after Mandy they played the begining of the talk over about boybands tribute then quickly cut it out and Shane walked on to sing You are so Beautiful. After Easy and My Love they then did the medly and added Uptown Girl onto the end of the Medley. The rest of the set list was the same.

Everyone was standing up, so I spent the entire time standing on my chair singing and screaming at the top of my voice!! Apolgies to those around me who had to put up with my flat loud singing… LOL and I am SURE I got a wave from Kian!!!

As they left the stage Shane said they love SA and will see us soon!

Well we love you Westlife and we holding you to that! COME BACK SOON!

Credit/Source: Terry

Fan Review Jacarda Fm - 5 March 2007

Thank you and congratulations Jacaranda!!

I attended the Sunday event as I am one of (very) many Westlife fans. The entire day was a rip-roaring success. The show was the bestest, including the supporting acts. There was plenty to eat and drink and everyone had a ball, young and old.

I have only 2 complaints. The toilet paper in the loos was finished before the show was half way through.
Secondly I paid for my tickets to watch the show and hundreds of people wthout tickets watched the show for free by standng around the perimeter of the Main Stage. They could see and hear as well as I could and it made me a bit resentful because I had paid so much of my hard-earned cash to attend the show.

But enough moaning and groaning because I feel so good and elated after seeing Westlife I musn't spoil it.

Once again - thank you and congratulations.

Dot

Credit/Source: Jacaranda fm / Shounees

Vivian’s Review From Brisbane – 4 March 2007

WOW what a magnificent night it was! I can’t believe that I was right there on my first ever Westlife concert standing at the front row with Kian smirking at me and Nicky winking and smirking at me during the show. The atmosphere during the show and all of the audience was absolutely astounding. I can’t believe how noisy and thunderous the crowd was that night and they even chanted WESTLIFE for a few minutes there while the lads were gone changing. Round of applause to you all!! It was an unforgettable night that I will remember for the rest of my life.

The lads were so great, they had all the right notes & pitch and the dance moves were awesome and of course they all look amazingly great that night with the costumes and they were all just so relax and enjoying the show and seem to be joking around and laughing from time to time. From the moment they came out, I was screaming my lung out and singing to every single word, jumping and dancing around. My dreams finally came true to be able to attend Westlife concert since being a fan from 1999.

My favourite songs for the night would have been When You’re Looking Like That, World Of Our Own, You Raise Me Up and the medleys. The Backstreet Back’s medley was really amazing. It was worth it to stay away form the set list and the spoilers for a week till the concert. Overall it was one of the greatest nights of my life and I can’t wait to go to every single concert in OZ when they come back next year *fingers crossed*.

To sum it all up from meeting the lads at the airport that early afternoon after waiting for 4 hours, getting pictures taken with them and the guys signing my Aussie Westlife Force shirt to the concerts that night was absolutely breath-taking.

Thank you guys for coming down to Australia to kick start the Love Tour. We absolutely can’t wait to see you guys again next year =)

Credit/Source: Vivian

Brisbane Review – 2 March 2007

Thanks for all of your reviews of Westlife's Brisbane show. Here's one of our favourites - click here to read some more!

Well Brisbane waited 8 years and it was worth it!

After a good warm up the already hyper crowd of 4000 rose with thunderous applause with the opening bars of Total Eclipse Of The Heart...vocally the guys were brilliant from start to finish and pitch perfect for the whole show…

After soaring through a lot of their number one hits we were treated with the what is now already becoming the 'infamous medley' proving to the crowd how diverse and talented these guys are with dancing as well as singing...it was a lot of fun and laughs for all including Westlife. With top quality sound and very creative lighting we then heard hits from the Love Album with only Shane and Mark on stage without Nicky and Kian (for the first time in Westlife touring history)

Then with more great hits and some chatting with the crowd the boys launched into Uptown Girl , World Of Our Own and more mega hits.

The guys obviously were enjoying the gig and the crowd. Plenty of eye contact was going on too, I somehow made Mark laugh and look at the floor shaking his head, funny moment!! Only 5 rows back I was able to really enjoy the experience knowing it would all be over soon.

Also impressing me was that they played songs of every album with exception to Frank!

After many costume changes and hits the guys closed the show with two of their biggest hits, keeping everyone on their feet for the whole show.

We loved it! They loved it! They promised they would be back next year so let’s hold them too it. 10 out of 10 for tonight Westlife WE LOVE YOU WESTLIFE

And thank you Brisbane you went off. Showing the band that they do have diehard fans here willing to support them at any cost. Good for you Brisbane

marksmark

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com