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| Westlife Story |
30 October 2009: Following his long-awaited comeback with the lads of Westlife, we had a candid chat with Nicky on the new album, their exciting year ahead and, of course, his stance on the twins that are the talk of the nation...
Congratulations on your incredible laser ladenperformance last weekend… How was it for you? It was great for us actually. We felt really, really confident going into the performance. Probably because we really feel and believe in the song. We’re proud of that song and the whole album. We’ve been on TheX Factor a few times before but with this song we just felt it was right for us and it was the best song to come back with and people would like it… and we were confident to nail it vocally. So, yeah, we loved the performance! It’s always great to get up there and sing on stage… and with that many viewers, you don’t get that every day. It was a win win situation.
It was your first performance after a year off. How is it to be back? Yep, we’ve definitely had enough time off now! We’re back with our brand new album our brand new single and it feels good, it feels better than it has a for a long, long time. So we’ll see what happens!
Your new album is out in November. What can your fans expect? Our fans have been great, you know, we’ve got such a bond with them and they’ve supported us through everything. I think with this album they’re going to love what we’re offering… I’ll have a shock if they don’t because there are no fillers. We set out to make the best pop album we could and we feel we have done.
If The X Factor had been about when you were trying to make it do you think you would have entered and how do you think you would have fared? I definitely would have gone for it, because if you’re at that age and you want something that badly, as soon as you build up the courage to do it, you just got for it. How I would have fared? God knows! I’d like to think I would have done ok, but you never know. It depends what year you get… I could have been up against Leona Lewis!
As a successful international pop star, do you have any top tips for our Finalists? Firstly, thank you for calling me an international pop star! I think just enjoy it. Embrace it. It doesn’t matter if it lasts10 years orfive minutes… I think you’ve got to enjoy it! During my year off, I look back and I was watching The X Factor thinking I’m usually involved in this kind of stuff. But because we were off we were out of the loop and it felt very strange. So I would say to everybody, it doesn’t always last very long. Thankfully it has for us, but I know lots of bands that it didn’t last for… so just enjoy it and take everyday and love it and work hard. Don’t waste this opportunity… give it your all and if you win it or you come close to winning it you never know what’s around the corner for you.
You guys have been around for over ten years now… you’re now more of a man band than a boy band! What’s the secretto your success? Truthfully I don’t know. There’s lots of ways you can look at it. We’ve had a great manager behind us. You can say we’ve got a great label behind us. Obviously with Simon he’s probably one of the most powerful men in music at the moment. So, all those factors are huge. But I think as well as that, you have to get on. You have to like each other as a band. You have to not want to be a solo star because that could be the beginning of the end. I would hate to do this on my own. We were recently shooting a video in Iceland and we were in the middle of nowhere freezing our… legs off and I’m thinking to myself it’s great fun because I’m having a laugh with the lads. I’d hate to be doing it on my own! I’d like to think that vocally we sound good together as well and we’re hard workers. All those factors come together.
What’s on the cards for Westlife over the next year? Will you be touring? We’ve got a meeting this week with our agent to see when the tour begins, and there should be one from Westlife next year. Maybe May, June or July. The reason it’s later in the year is because we feel that this album is the strongest we’ve ever had and we want to make sure that the singles get the light of day. We’ve never been spoiled for choice for singles before… and with this album we are!
So, we have to ask, do you have any favourites from our finalists?! Obviously it’s a strong year but I do believe Lucie, from the very first audition I saw her in, has an amazing talent. Danyl’s obviously really good, everyone’s talking about him. Jedward? Well, they’ve got something that nobody else has got! They’re quirky, they’re young, they’re enjoying it and Louis seems to know what he’s doing because the whole country is talking about them! Yeah, so I think they’re really cool and I hope they go far.
Westlife released their new single What About Now on Monday 26th October andthe album Where We Are is out on November 30th.
| Source: xfactor.itv.com
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| The wisdom of boybands |
30 October 2009: Something strange happened to pop in 2009: the boyband bounced back. Take That's summer tour became the fastest-selling ever, and last year's X Factor runners-up, JLS, became the first British male group in years to incite countrywide pre-teen rampages. New Kids On the Block and Blue reformed, while stalwarts like Westlife and the Backstreet Boys chose not to simply wallow in their riches and promoted new records instead. And there are rumours of new acts being launched next year.
But what's it like to be in a boyband? How do these young men cope with the adulation, the pressure, the temptations, the knocks? And what happens when the screaming teens move on to the next hot thing?
'Girls started turning up at my front door. I was nice to them'
Nicky Byrne, Westlife, launched in 1998
I was 18 and my girlfriend's auntie heard an advert on the radio for a boyband audition. I loved singing, but rarely did it – except on the karaoke after a few Guinnesses. But she badgered me about it, so I went, and there was Louis Walsh, who had put Boyzone together. After I sang, I thought he said: "You'd be good in a pub band." I was like, thanks, you cheeky sod! Then I realised he'd said: "You'd be good in a pop band." Iwasshocked.
People don't realise that Westlife didn't have a deal for ages. We went to Sligo to rehearse, then Louis got us a deal with Levi's to kit us out in jackets and jeans, and we'd go round local radio stations singing a capella. Girls started turning up at my front door. It was very strange, especially as I'd been with my girlfriend, Georgina, since I was 15. Still, I was nice to them, signing autographs and stuff, while Georgina kept me sane and stuck by me. We got married in 2003 and have twin boys.
Louis always said he wanted hard workers rather than heart-throbs (or even talented singers). He even sacked us twice for messing around; once, very early on, forthrowing bread rolls ateach other, while strolling in late for meetings. I remember himlosing it, shouting: "You've let it all go to your heads. I don't work with people like that." Thankfully, he listened when we begged him to take us back.
Boybands have really changed in the last 10 years. It's less about girls' fantasies and getting your top off than about fans coming together, looking out for you, singing along. When Mark [Feehily, Byrne's bandmate] came out in 2001, the fans were supportive, which meant the world to us. I remember Louis laughing and saying: "Well, you know, in boybands there's always one."
If it all ended tomorrow, I'd miss being on stage the most. It doesn't matter if the NME say your music is farcical or rubbish – that's just life. These are songs that lots of people love. When you're up there and you know what song's coming next, and you hear the fans scream when they recognise it – that's the best feeling in the world.
| Source: Guardian
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| 'Boyzone will never get over Stephen Gately’s death', says Westlife's Shane Filan |
30 October 2009: Pop group Boyzone will never get over Stephen Gately's death, Westlife singer Shane Filan said.
Filan, 30, who is close friends with fellow Irish boy-band Boyzone, said he was lost for words when he tried to console Ronan Keating at Gately's Dublin funeral.
He said: "I said to Ronan at the funeral 'I just don't know what to say, man. I honestly don't know how you're going to deal with this' and he said he doesn't know either."
He added: "They're just so upset about it at the moment and they will be for a long time.
"They will probably never get over it. It's hard to put into perspective what's happened to them as a band."
Filan, who was speaking at the launch of Westlife's new single What About Now, hinted that Boyzone are planning to produce a tribute to Gately once they recover from the shock of his death.
He said: "I don't know where their heads are at, I just know that as a band they definitely want to do something and keep it going. When that will happen I don't know.
"He was such a lovely guy... the lads were always looking after him like a little baby brother."
And Filan is concerned for his manager Louis Walsh, who returned to work last weekend in his role as X Factor judge and mentor.
He said: "Louis is absolutely devastated over the whole thing. Again he kind of shuts things out when they bother him, I think that's what he's doing now going back to work.
"But I think when he goes back home over Christmas time that's when it will really happen. When he's just chilling out for a few weeks on his Christmas holidays, that's when it will hit Louis a lot."
| Source: mirror.co.uk
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| Lifers Footie Tactics |
30 October 2009: WESTLIFE are aiming to combine their love of football with touring next summer.
The Irish heart-throbs hope a visit to the World Cup will be on the cards during their six-month road trip.
“We will tour more next year and go places we haven’t been much like South Africa,” said Shane Filan, 30.
“That way we can cheer on Ireland at the World Cup.”
But that’s only if the Irish beat France to qualify.
Kian Egan, 29, added: “We play better against good teams so I’m sure we’ll get through.”
Keep the faith lads.
| Source: Daily Star
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| A Catch Up With Nicky |
30 October 2009: Hey guys, this last week has been absolutely incredible for us four... we have gone from our lengthy break and downtime into the buzz and chaos that only the music world can bring!
X Factor performance to an early GMTV slot and what a laugh we had doing the webchat having had only four hours sleep! We've also started our press campaign this week with numerous phone interviews and photo shoots with Heat and Cosmopolitan magazines all coming out soon..
Our radio promo has begun too with lots of interviews around UK and Ireland and we head off on a radio tour next week to some major UK cities, all will be revealed!
Us four lads back on our tour bus now, that's gonna be funny! Final video edit is coming soon and album artwork is looking amazing too… so as you can see we are most definitely back with a bang and it feels great…
Hope you are enjoying "What About Now" and looking forward to "Where We Are" the album which I promise, you'll love.Oct
Don't forget to catch us on The One Show on BBC1 on Friday !!!
Le Gra Nicky....
| Source: westlife.com
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| Westlife On The Radio |
30 October 2009: Tune in to the following stations to hear interviews with the boys!
Lincs Group – 30th Oct
The Wave – 30th Oct
BRMB – 30th Oct
Global Radio – Entertainment News Clips 29th – 31st Oct
| Source: westlife.com
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| Midweek Sales |
29 October 2009: Westlife are holding on to number two with their new single What About Now on Thursday's update for the UK singles chart.
| Source: Haven
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| Nicky Interview on 2FM |
28 October 2009: On Friday Nicky gave a radio interview on 2FM - part one.
For the second part of the interview - click here.
| Source: youtube. Credits: Rabe3WeStLiFeBoY
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| Shane pics from X Factor |
28 October 2009: Thanks to Alfee for finding the pictures of Shane from Sunday’s X-Factor performance.
| Source: contactmusic.com. Credits: Alfee
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| Westlife At Michael Jackson Premiere |
28 October 2009: (published yesterday). The boys will be heading to the West End tonight to attend the premiere of the new Michael Jackson movie This Is It.
They'll head to the Odeon Leicester Square after doors open at 11.30pm, with the film starting at 1am, so head on down if you want to get a sneak peek of the boys! The screening will take place at the same time as other global premieres across 15 different countries, with the LA footage shown on screens in the gardens alongside celebrity interviews and a performance by Diversity.
| Source: Westlife.com
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| Georgina’s So Proud As Blooming Cecelia ‘Never Looked Better’ |
28 October 2009: Westwife Georgina Ahern has spoken about her family's excitement at Cecelia's forthcoming new arrival.
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And the married mum, who is very close to her sister, said that the best-selling author is blooming in her maternal state.
The PS I Love You star is due her first baby with partner David Keoghan in early December, and her proud older sister Georgina reckons she has never looked better.
"She looks so radiant, she's glowing and is taking the whole pregnancy in her stride, which is typical Cecelia," she said. "She's doing great and is really excited about everything."
Looking super-slim herself, the fitness trainer said she is in London for a few days supporting hubbie Nicky Byrne as he embarks on his band's comeback.
He and his three chart-topping bandmates flew over to the UK at the weekend to debut their new single What About Now on The X Factor, as the stars prepare for a return to the limelight following a year-long absence.
The band, who have clocked up record sales of more than 40 million, opted to take a break for a year to spend time with their families -- but have decided it is time to get back to work.
And while Georgina, who has twins boys Rocco and Jay (2) with the star, admitted that she will miss having her other half around full-time, she said she has had him for long enough.
"It was great having him take the year off and I don't mind too much," she said.
"I'm chuffed for the guys, as I know that they really want to get back there and they're doing what they love."
She also managed to bring the family to England and combine some business with pleasure.
"I have the twins over with me, so we'll spend a few days here," she added. "I'm going to do some shopping and stuff."
Her other half recently joined his fellow Westlife stars at Stephen Gately's funeral. Georgina said his sad passing had hit them all for six. "It was really sad and it came as such a shock," she said. "He was a lovely guy. "I didn't go to the funeral because I had to go to a wedding on the same day, but the rest of the guys went."
It is now business as usual for the Irish music stars, who flew over to Iceland to record the video for their new single.
Nicky admitted that he and co-stars Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan enjoyed it a lot, but were frozen solid the whole time.
"It was freezing," he said. "Two days in the middle of nowhere but a lot of fun."
And he refuted claims that the band had ever planned on splitting up, but admitted the lads did want a change from their usual sound.
"We were never going to call it quits, but there were conversations about when we did come back that we had to change things.
"We sat down with Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell, who signed us, and discussed where we wanted to go as a band.
"We wanted to get better and become a bit edgier."
| Source: Herald
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| Where We Are Tracklisting |
28 October 2009: The tracklisting for the new album is as follows: 1. What About Now 2. How To Break A Heart 3. Leaving 4. Shadows 5. Talk Me Down 6. Where We Are 7. The Difference 8. As Love Is My Witness 9. Another World 10. No More Heroes 11. Sound Of A Broken Heart 12. Reach Out 13. I'll See You Again
| Source: HMV
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| Westlife Performances |
28 October 2009: Watch Westlife on X Factor and GMTV.
X-Factor. Click here.
GMTV Webcast. Click here.
GMTV Performance. Click here.
| Source: Youtube
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| I Am Back |
27 October 2009: I am back from my hols today. I will update last week’s news to the media section and will let you know via the summary when it is done. It is great to hear that Westlife are number 1 in the Irish charts and currently number 2 in the UK charts. Lets hope they hit the top spot.
| You can now download What About Now from HMV at 0.49p. Click here to download.
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| Westife To Perform On XFactor |
19 October 2009: Nicky, Kian, Mark and Shane will be taking to the X Factor stage next weekend for the first ever performance of their brand new single.
Tune in to the results show on Sunday 25th October to watch the world debut of ‘What About Now' - and then come right back here and let us know what you think!
‘What About Now' will be available to download on the Sunday of the X Factor performance, with the CD in shops the following day.
| Source: westlife.com
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| News Updates |
18 October 2009: I will be on holiday from next week so there won’t be any updates until the 28th October.
I will update any major news via my twitter page. To follow then click here.
Don’t forget Westlife will be performing on X Factor next weekend. The single will be available to download on the 25 October and to buy in the shops from the 26th. I have already pre-ordered mine and will download the single when I get back. Lets hope Westlife make it their 15th number one.
| Shazzy xx
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| Mourners will miss wedding of Bertie niece |
18 October 2009 (published 16 October): Bertie Ahern's niece, Amy Ahern, will walk down the aisle tomorrow without many of her loved ones present when she swaps vows with her long term love Colm D'Arcy.
The bride-to-be has decided to go ahead with her nuptials to long-term love Colm D'Arcy, even though the ceremony will clash with Stephen Gately's funeral.
A number of Amy's high profile guests, who were close to Stephen, will have to pull out of the wedding. Among those who were due to attend were Westlife star, Nicky Byrne and his wife, Georgina Ahern, Cecelia Ahern and her actor boyfriend, David Keoghan, Bertie Ahern and Ronan Keating and his wife, Yvonne, to name but a few.
A family insider explained how Ronan has since pulled out of attending the wedding, while Nicky, the husband of Amy's first cousin Georgina, may make it to the reception but more than likely won't be at the church.
"It's very unfortunate that the wedding was pre-booked for that day but there's no way of changing it now," the source said.
"The hotel and the church were booked months ago and they would have to postpone until next year if they went down that route.
"Obviously Amy and Colm completely understand why some of the better known guests might not make it and they have expressed their deepest sympathies to the Gately family.
"Bertie will still be attending but he will also be making an appearance at the funeral, probably on Friday night," they added.
Amy and her other half have been going out for almost 10 years and have two 13-month-old twin boys, Pierce and Thomas. Afterwards the bridal party will decamp to Barberstown Castle to continue the celebrations in style. Proud dad and former Lord Mayor Maurice Ahern said: "They've been going out a long time so we've all been waiting for the day out."
| Source: Herald.ie
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| Stephen Gately |
17 October 2009: Out of respect for Stephen and his family, I will not be publishing any articles surrounding his funeral. I will not be posting any pictures of Westlife attending the funeral.
My thoughts are with Stephen, his family, Andy and his closest friends.
| Shazzy xx
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| What About Now |
15 October 2009: To hear a snippet of Westlife’s new single then click here.
| Source: Amazon
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| Westlife Calendar |
15 October 2009: Don’t forget to pre-order your calendar from Amazon or Play. Click on image to enlarge.
To order from Amazon then click here.
To order from Play then click here.
| Source: Amazon/Play
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| What About Now Artwork |
15 October 2009: Amazon have now added the artwork for What About Now.
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| Source: Amazon
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| Westlife on X-Factor |
15 October 2009: I have heard that Westlife are set to appear on next week’s X Factor. The single is available to download on Sunday 25 October.
| Source: Radio Times
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| Westlife return with new single |
15 October 2009: They've been gone a while... but Oirish crooners Westlife are back with a surprise new single.
What About Now is the lads' first new track since 2007 - and fans could be in for a mild shock.
Mark Feehily tells us: "We wanted the first single from our new album to be somewhere between the Westlife sound our fans know and love, and the new direction we're heading in.
We've been experimenting with a fresh vibe on this record. After 11 years we see this as phase two of the Westlife story."
Let's hope it's as good as phase one.
| Source: mirror.co.uk
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| Where We Are The New Album |
15 October 2009: We can exclusively reveal that Westlife’s upcoming album will be called Where We Are.
The album hits stores on 30th November and is available to pre-order right now from Play, Amazon and HMV.
As Mark confirmed, the album will be packed full of brand new original songs, as well as a couple of remakes, and ranges from poppy upbeat tracks to sublime ballads.
The band feel it’s one of the best albums of their career to-date and can’t wait for you to hear it. We know you’re excited to hear it too – leave your thoughts, hopes and expectations on the main site!
What’s more, you can order the upcoming single ‘What About Now’ (out on download on 25th October and CD on 26th October) from HMV and Amazon right now too.
| Source: westlife.com
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| Westlife ‘in shock’ at Gately death |
14 October 2009: WESTLIFE have expressed their shock and sadness at the death of Boyzone member Stephen Gately in Majorca.
Shane, Kian, Mark and Nicky announced via their website that they were in shock over the announcement of the 33-year-old’s passing at the weekend.
“We met Stephen Gately back in ‘98 when we first started out and since then have had the pleasure of meeting him many times. He and the Boyzone lads paved the way for us as a band.
“He was a friendly, positive spirit and a passionate performer. Our thoughts are with Andy and the rest of his family, his friends, his legions of fans and of course his bandmates Keith, Mikey, Shane and Ronan who will be devastated at the loss of a truly beautiful person.”
Westlife are expected to attend the funeral along with manager Louis Walsh. The cause of Stephen’s death has yet to be revealed.
| Source: Sligo Weekender
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| New Album |
13 October 2009: Yay, the name of Westlife’s new album is Where We Are. The album is out in the shops on the 30 November. Don’t forget to download their new single What About Now on 25 October. The single will out to buy on the 26 October.
| Source: Play.com
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| A Message From Mark |
13 October 2009: We brought you the exciting news last week that your favourite boys are back with a brand new single and album. Mark wanted to give you a bit more information, so read on to find out the latest news...
Hey guys,
More exciting news from us..What About Now is the name of our first single and it's out on the 25th October to download and the 26th October in stores! We worked with the amazing Steve Robson on the track and can''t wait for you guys to hear it! Just to let you know: the album is just about finished and will be released 30th November! It is full of new, original, modern pop, plus a couple of nice remakes...we feel it's the best album we've made in a long time, if not ever and because it's made for the fans we just can't wait to see how you like it!! Across the album there's uptempo, mid tempo and of course a few ballads, ya gotta have those! I know a lot of you are asking about upcoming concerts...!? Well just hold tight, meetings are happening as you read this and we will have loads of news in the coming weeks/months...for now prepare yourselves for the first new Westlife song in two years! WHAT ABOUT NOW!!
Mark x
We’ll have lots more exciting news and info about the band for you over the next few weeks, so stay tuned to the official website.
| Source: Westlife HQ
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| Cheerio Childline Concert |
13 October 2009: Mega stars line up for the Cheerios Childline concert Westlife, Jls, Taoi Cruz, Cascada, The Saturdays, The Boulevard and more.
Join mega stars Westlife, JLS, Taoi Cruz, Cascada, The Saturdays, The Boulevard and more when they play the Cheerios Childline Concert at The O2, Dublin 18th November 2009. The spectacular show will be the first live public appearance by Westlife since their sold out Croke Park show in 2008 where they played to an audience of more than 82,000.
The event, which is sponsored by Cheerios, is the hottest date in the pop calendar and will be hosted this year by Liam McKenna. Tickets €45 including booking fee go on sale this Friday 16th October at 9am. In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide. By Telephone (24 Hour): ROI - 0818 719 300, Northern Ireland - 0844 277 44 55. Buy Online: www.ticketmaster.ie
The Cheerios Childline Concert and MCD would also like to acknowledge the sudden and tragic loss of Stephen Gately who was a great supporter of the charity event. Stephen co-hosted the concert twice along with performing a total of 3 times over the past 11 years. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Andrew Cowels, the Gately Family, Boyzone and Louis Walsh on their tremendous loss.
Childline, which is Ireland’s No.1 children’s charity, hopes to receive over €400,000 from 2009’s concert. In 2008 the event raised €400,000 and, to date, Childline has benefited to the tune of €3 million from the previous concerts which have been held annually since 1997 and have featured such acts as Westlife, Boyzone, Robbie Williams, Girls Aloud, The Script, Shayne Ward, Stephen Gatley, Enrique Iglesias,, All Saints, Ronan Keating, Brian McFadden, Anastasia, Blue, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Five, Sugababes, Busted and many more.
"We are delighted to be once again sponsoring the Cheerios Childline Concert which has over the past eleven years become a firm favourite to concert goers of all ages. We say Welcome Back Westlife and we look forward to another great night in The O2 on November 18th" said David Carter from Nestle Cereals.
The Cheerios Childline Concert will be televised on TV3 on Saturday 21st November at 6pm.
All parties involved with the Cheerios Childline Concert are providing their services free of charge on the night including artists, organisers and The O2, Dublin. Doors will open at 6.30pm and fans should note that no queuing will be permitted prior to 6.00pm.
Persons with small children are recommended to purchase balcony tickets. Persons under 18 must be accompanied by a person over 23 years of age.
| Source: mcd.ie
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| Bertie Ahern’s Memoirs |
12 October 2009: Sharon Tobin reports that former finance minister Charlie McCreevy helped launched Bertie Ahern’s book. You need real player to watch the clip. Click here to view.
| Source: rte.ie
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| A Message About Stephen Gately |
11 October 2009: We are, like everyone else, in shock today. We met Stephen Gately back in ‘98 when we first started out and since then have had the pleasure of meeting him many times. He and the Boyzone lads paved the way for us as a band. He was a friendly, positive spirit and a passionate performer. Our thoughts are with Andy and the rest of his family, his friends, his legions of fans and of course his bandmates Keith, Mikey, Shane and Ronan who will be devastated at the loss of a truly beautiful person.
Kian, Mark, Nicky & Shane x
| Source: westlife.com
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| Stephen Gately |
11 October 2009: Boyzone singer Stephen Gately has died suddenly.
The 33-year-old entertainer passed away while on holidays in Majorca.
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Boyzone manager Louis Walsh has said that he is 'devastated, and in complete shock' at the news.
A statement on Boyzone's official website confirmed the Irish singer's death.
It said: 'Stephen tragically died yesterday whilst on holiday with his partner Andrew in Majorca.
'The rest of the boyz will be flying out today.'
Originally from Sheriff Street, in the heart of Dublin city, Stephen Gately joined Boyzone in 1993 after answering a newspaper advertisement.
The group had worldwide success before splitting in 2000. Boyzone later reformed for a reunion tour in 2008.
Stephen also enjoyed a successful career in London's West End, playing the lead role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and the 'Child Catcher' in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has paid tribute to Mr Gately.
He said: 'The Gatelys are in my own constituency. I know the family, I know Stephen.
'Ronan Keating is a very good friend of my daughter's, my family.
'He (Mr Gately) was with us the other night with his boyfriend Andy, he came to my book launch.'
Mr Ahern, whose daughter Georgina married to Nicky Byrne of boyband Westlife, continued: 'It's just such a tragedy.
'Boyzone and Stephen, they've all been part of Irish life and far wider than that, the last 15 years, and so successful, so it's a huge, huge tragedy. It's so sad.
'He was 33 years of age, 15 years at the top, a fine musician, it's just a huge tragedy to Irish entertainment, Irish music and further afield as well.'
| Source: RTE.ie. Credits: stephengatelyfans.co.uk
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| RIP Stephen |
11 October 2009: I have woken to the tragic news of Stephen Gately. I have been a Boyzone fan since Love Me For A Reason and I am shocked and heartbroken at the news. My thoughts are with his family and the Boyzone lads. Rest In Peace.
| Love Shazzy xxx
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| Happy Birthday Nicky |
09 October 2009: A big ‘happy birthday’ to Nicky, who turns 31 today. You’ve been busy leaving messages on the site and in the official forum describing how you’ll be marking the occasion – here’s just a small selection of the things fans are getting up to.
Several fans have sent Nicky cards or presents, including LaurenLovesNicky, Westlife00, Steffy85 and Shaziyya Kara.
Many of you will be holding parties or sleepovers to celebrate Nicky’s birthday and share your memories of the band, such as Westlife_ismylife, Kezzie101, Lisam and XEnglish-RoseX.
Valerie D, Nickyisasexgod and Theresa Smith will all be having a drink to mark the occasion.
Lots of fans are celebrating with a cake, including Mrs Sarlife, Lisam and Emer_Loves_Nicky.
Some fans have put in an extra special creative effort, especially Zazu360, who made a “Nickivent calendar” to count down to Nicky’s birthday, and Nia Byrne, who has written the story of her love of Westlife over the years.
The Westlife Fan Club Hong Kong have made a special video for the occasion. The fan club in Nicaragua are also holding a special meeting for Nicky’s birthday. You can watch their video here.
| Source: Westlife.com
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| Bertie’s Book Launch |
09 October 2009: THE ROOM was heaving, the pints were flowing, the style would put your eye out and bouquets of balloons flared up from the tables in swaying spumes of green, white and orange.
And suddenly, in the excited throng luxuriating in the cheerful company of the charismatic Bertie, we were transported to the heady days of the Galway tent with backs to be slapped in a whirl of sweaty bonhomie and admirers bearing fistfuls of cash queuing up for the words of the Great One.
For this was the launch of Bertie Ahern’s autobiography, and last night in Dublin the former Taoiseach showed that he can still fill a hall when his name is top of the bill.
The usual book launch fare was on offer: pints, wine and cocktail sausages on fancy sticks. But the hundreds who crowded into the Mansion House were also treated to a large portion of tongue served firmly in cheek from EU commissioner Charlie McCreevy, who did the honours.
Rewriting history was the theme of the night – a verdict has yet to be delivered on the book.
In their speeches, both McCreevy and Ahern remarked that the great work they did for the economy has been forgotten by commentators more interested in blaming them for the nation’s current financial woes. “Our double act was a winning formula” said the EU commissioner of his former boss. “The country was in safe hands,” when the two of them “were looking after it,” declared Bertie. The crowd, mindful of the pinch in their bank balances, cheered. Brian Cowen, in the body of the hall, didn’t.
This was Bertie’s night, but the reporters who came to record the big names in attendance were a little disappointed. The turnout was composed largely of long-time supporters and friends, with many familiar faces from his time at the Mahon tribunal on hand for their pal’s big launch.
Distracted photographers at the entrance pleaded for help. “What does Paddy the Plaster look like?” “Do you recognise him in the suit with the grey hair?” “Is your man a member of the Drumcondra Mafia?”
Huge photographs of the author adorned the balcony in The Round Room. Bertie with Nelson Mandela, Bertie in a tux with his arm around his lovely daughters, an action shot of Bertie wearing a Dublin football strip, Bertie with Hilary Clinton and with Dubya and with Big Ian Paisley. The Bert and the Ma – a lovely picture. The man of the moment was, as ever, charming and self-deprecating. He sought out members of the media “they have their job to do” and said “thanks for coming”.
Senator Eoghan Harris was stationed at the door with his wife Gwen, a copy of the book under his oxter. “Look, I had to pay for it!” he cried. “Ah for God’s sake Eoghan, €16.99 for a seat in the Seanad is cheap at half the price,” we retorted, and right enough, he agreed. The former taoiseach sang his praises during his speech.
The Taoiseach arrived late so as not to steal Bertie’s limelight. As soon as he reached the hall, he was surrounded by a group of good looking young ones begging him to sign their copies of the book.
“It should be a great read, a cracking read, and I’m delighted for him and that he’s happy with it,” said Brian Cowen. And no, he insisted, he had no intention of putting pen to paper himself.
Bertie didn’t mention his successor during his speech, but he probably didn’t notice him coming in.
So what’s in the book then? “I think it answers the question that has been asked for years: Who is Bertie Ahern?” said the author, if we could excuse him being humble for a moment.
McCreevy told yarns and got in a few digs at the commentariat – “political strokes are always done by Fianna Fáil; other parties always do things in the national interest”. And he was delighted with the “freedom” Bertie gave him in the Department of Finance (cue snorts from the commentariat) and he was delighted when he let him go to Europe (more snorts) and there was “never a harsh word between the two” (apoplexy).
For a while, we wallowed in Bertie nostalgia. And he didn’t let us down. The Bert, who admits in the book that he often mangled his words on purpose for greater effect, had people yearning for the old days when he came out with a classic Bertism.
Describing the book, he remarked: “A famous American author, Sinder [sic] Poitier simply said: “My autobiography was simply the story of my life.” You’d miss him, sometimes.
| Photograph: Frank Miller. Source: Irish Times
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| Happy 31st Birthday to Nicky |
| 09 October 2009: A big happy birthday to Nicky as he turns 31 today. Hope he has a special day with Gina, Rocco and Jay. xxx
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| Hubby Nicky's dress dash for Simon's party |
08 October 2009: She boasts a bulging designer wardrobe most fashionistas would kill for, but not even red-carpet regular Georgina Ahern knew what to wear to the biggest VIP bash of the year.
The Dublin mum-of-two has revealed her famous hubbie Nicky Byrne came to her rescue when she faced the inevitable crisis of choosing the perfect ensemble for Simon Cowell's A-list birthday party.
The Westlife crooner narrowly saved his wife of six years from experiencing a Cinderella-like fashion disaster by hitting the shops to buy her a dress just two hours before the bash kicked off.
Gorgeous Georgina wowed onlookers at the X Factor judge's star-studded 50th birthday party by stepping out in a jewel-embellished silver dress, which was a last-minute present from Nicky
A friend of the couple, who are parents to two-year-old twins Rocco and Jay, told the Herald: "Nicky picked it up for her in a boutique in London about two hours before the party."
The short-sleeved designer frock is certain to have set the chart-topping star back a few bob, given that world-famous glamazons Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Cheryl Cole were just some of the other couture lovers contending for the unofficial title of best-dressed guest at the lavish event.
Georgina kept her long hair and diamond accessories simple and understated to let the glitzy frock stand out.
Westlife manager Louis Walsh claimed the group "stole the show" after performing at the party.
But it wasn't all work as the friend revealed the band, who were all accompanied by their wives and partners, had a great time.
"They had a really great time and Westlife performed two songs at the party," she added.
Georgina, who has not yet returned from Britain since last Saturday's party, is believed to have had a different ensemble ready for the event, but it seems she couldn't resist wearing the unexpected eye-catching gift from her husband.
The friend hinted it's not the first time Nicky has bagged his wife some crowd-pleasing clobber, so perhaps he deserves the credit for her fashionista status.
"He has good taste; he always has," the friend added.
Meanwhile, Georgina and Nicky are still recovering from the party by enjoying some downtime in Britain.
The friend said: "They are still over there because Westlife are doing a few bits and pieces in the studio."
| Source: Herald
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| Many Happy Returns, Simon |
08 October 2009: Simon Cowell's mother had just put the finishing touches to her make-up before gliding down the swirling staircase. It was Christmas Day, 1963 and she was feeling radiant in cropped suit and movie star white mink hat. "What do you think, darling? Does mummy look pretty?" she asked her four-year-old son as he played in the hallway with his new train set.
He looked up and his eyes quickly focused in on the furry hat. "Mum, you look like a poodle."
Cowell, 50 today, has amassed an estimated £120m fortune being rude for a living since dishing out his first insult that fateful Christmas day. And now the highest-paid British star on US television is set to see his wealth soar after hammering out a £65m deal with Fox TV to bring The X Factor stateside.
So, how did someone who can't sing, can't play an instrument, doesn't produce records or write songs and can't even work a computer make a fortune in the music business? Well, it actually took some time before everything Mr Nasty touched turned to gold.
Cowell quickly cornered the market in shamelessly tacky novelty records and signed up the Teletubbies, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and World Wrestling Federation star the Undertaker. "If you can sell 82,000 stadium seats, chances are you're going to sell a few hundred thousand records alongside that," he said, when others in the industry questioned why anyone would sign a wrestler.
While he had fleeting success with more credible acts, such as Curiosity Killed the Cat and 5ive, it was the signing of Westlife - who went on to score more UK number one hits than anyone except Elvis Presley and the Beatles - that truly turned Cowell from mere man to mogul.
When he reluctantly agreed to judge a new talent show called Pop Idol in 2001, he did so purely for business reasons. "The only reason that I put myself through this pain is because my label gets the artist," Cowell, who has always considered himself an entrepreneur rather than a music man, openly admitted. "I'm interested only in making money, for myself and the people I work for," he revealed in an interview with Playboy. "I mean, that's absolutely the only criterion I attach. That's it."
To read the full article then click here.
| Source: Belfast Telegraph
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| Second Cousin To Shane |
07 October 2009: Cobra Starship, five collage pop rockers from New York still becoming known to UK audiences, have some impressive connections.
Not only are they best pals with US rockers Fall Out Boy and have Gossip Girl starlet Leighton Meester (who plays Blair Waldorf in the American TV series) on their most recent single Good Girls Go Bad, but they also have some high profile family members.
Guitarist Ryland Blackinton, much to the surprise of his own band mates, is second cousin of Westlife's Shane Filan.
When I was a kid my grandmother would give me his CDs," says Ryland. "We don't have Westlife over there really. We have American versions."
Indeed, whilst Ryland's band have yet to have the success Westlife enjoyed, they're making inroads.
"They're huge in the UK, we can't comprehend that," he says. "He [Shane] owns 50 horses.
"The first time I went to Ireland I was 17 and he was on tour - he knows I'm in a band but I don't think he's made the connection really."
| Source: bbc.co.uk
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| Stars hail Simon’s party |
07 October 2009: Billed as the showbiz event of the year, the guest list for Simon Cowell's 50th birthday party read like a who's who of the celebrity world.
Gordon Ramsay, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, David Hasselhoff and X Factor judges Louis Walsh, Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole were among those who turned up.
Inside the event at Wrotham Park in Hertfordshire the famous faces were treated to performances by talent show winners Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke as well as music legends Earth Wind And Fire.
But Louis Walsh claims "Westlife stole the show". The music mogul may be biased though. He currently manages the Irish group.
There were also images of the birthday boy decorating the venue, even on the wallpaper.
While Alexandra Burke admits she had a hangover after the million pound bash, Gordon Ramsay and Dermot O'Leary said they were "still recovering" nearly two days later.
Simon however seems to be in denial about turning the big 5-0.
He joked: "40 is a big year".
He added: "It was one of the best nights I've ever had. It was excessive, over the top, great fun. It was everything I wanted a party to be."
To listen the video clip of stars at the bash then click here.
| Source: itn.co.uk
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| Simon Cowell’s Bash |
| 07 October 2009: Picture of Nicky and Georgina leaving Simon Cowell’s 50th birthday party on Saturday.
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| Source: mirror.co.uk
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| Exciting News From Westlife |
04 October 2009: Dear Fans,
It’s been a while. We have much to tell you! Earlier this year there was a meeting in London. Not long after that meeting, the search for new songs began. We searched far and wide. Our search proved to be very successful and we can’t conceal our excitement any longer! It is our great pleasure to announce the following…there WILL be a new album this year. We are very happy with all the new songs and simply cannot wait to hear what you think of them! The first single and the video will be with you very soon. This will be followed swiftly by the new album! Regarding the website, it’s out with the old and in with the new so hold tight for brand new pictures and layout coming soon plus all the info on forthcoming promotional schedules…
We've missed you all very much and can’t wait to catch up!
For now watch this space,
Love from Kian, Mark, Nicky and Shane x
Westlife have been working with Grammy-nominated producer Ryan Tedder, the man behind such massive hits as Leona Lewis's Bleeding Love and Beyonce's Halo as well as the renowned Steve Robson and Walter A.
Keep an eye on westlife.com over the next few weeks for more exclusive Westlife updates!
| Source: Westlife HQ
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| Westlife v Take That |
04 October 2009: PREPARE for the biggest chart showdown of the year - as "manbands" WESTLIFE and TAKE THAT go head to head.
TT are in New York putting the finishing touches to new album Circus Live due out on November 30. Westlife have spent a year working on their surprise new venture.
A Westlife insider told me: "Instead of ballads there will be a rockier feel. They are confident they can beat Take That."
Last time the bands went head to head was in December 2006 when Westlife's The Love Album was knocked off No.1 by Take That's comeback album Beautiful World.
At the time TT's Gary Barlow said the Irish lads, including Kian Egan, right, wouldn't exist without them.
A music industry insider told me: "This could get
messy."
May the best band win . . .
| Source: newsoftheworld.co.uk
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| Simon’s Birthday Bash |
03 October 2009: X Factor judges Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell jetted back yesterday from holiday breaks in America for Simon's 50th birthday party tonight. The big bash is being held for the high-waisted one in the exclusive Wrotham House in Hertfordshire, England, which was used in the movie Gosford Park.
Louis was holidaying in his Miami apartment, while Simon was holed up in the penthouse of the Setai Hotel, also in Miami. Acts performing at the party will include Westlife, making their first live appearance in some time, Leona Lewis and Il Divo.
And the guest list is a veritable who's who of models, actors, socialites and singers. It includes Elton John and David Furnish, Kylie Minogue, Kate Moss and Kevin Spacey, as well of course as Simon's X Factor pals Louis, Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue. It's all being organised by Simon's multimillionaire businessman pal Philip Green of Topshop fame.
| Source: independent.ie
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| Nicky’s Birthday Coming Soon |
02 October 2009: It’s Nicky’s birthday on 9th October and we want to know what you’ll be doing to celebrate! Perhaps you’re making him a card, throwing a party in his honour or planning a day of watching Westlife videos!
Let us know what you’re up to in the comments section below or on the forum.
| Source: westlife.com
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| Newsletter |
02 October 2009: We know you've been patiently waiting for Westlife news for a while, well, the wait is nearly over!
We'll be bringing you a special announcement from the band themselves this weekend. Check in to www.westlife.com on Sunday morning (4th October) to find out what it is.
We'll have lots more exciting news and info about the band for you over the next few weeks, so stay tuned to the official website.
| Source: Westlife HQ
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| Exciting Announcement This Weekend! |
01 October 2009: Head here on Sunday morning (4th October) for a very special announcement straight from Westlife..!
| Source: westlife.com
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| Westlife To Perform At The Childline Concert |
01 October 2009: Exclusive by Paul Martin. Pop babe Cheryl Cole will stage her first solo performance in Ireland at the Childline concert, the Irish Daily Mirror can reveal.
The Girls Aloud star has signed up for the massive event and hopes to wow fans with tracks from her new album Three Words.
Organisers were planning to keep the news secret until next month but we can reveal she will be joined by girl band arch-rivals The Saturdays at the bash.
And Ireland's biggest pop act ever, Westlife, will make their stage comeback for their first show since they thrilled a sell-out crowd at Croke Park last Summer.
A show insider revealed last night: "It's going to be the biggest Childline ever with the best line-up of stars. It's a huge coup to get Cheryl Cole making her first solo appearance in Ireland - she will be a massive draw.
"And it goes without saying that Westlife making their comeback at the O2 is a massive thing too."
Cheryl will be desperate to steal the thunder from The Saturdays who have been locked in a chart battle with Girls Aloud for the past year. A source close to the singer revealed: "There is a bit of friction between the two bands to say the least.
"The Saturdays are clearly trying to go after Girls Aloud fans so Cheryl will be out there to really steal the spotlight from them.
"I'm sure there will be an awkward moment if they bump into each other backstage."
Westlife will mark their comeback by closing the show with a series of their biggest hits and new material.
They will perform six songs including two from a new album that they will release early next year.
The band are plotting a major comeback after taking a year off to concentrate on family life.
Singer Shane Filan told the Irish Daily Mirror: "We can't wait to get back on the stage. We feel we have our strongest material for years.
"It was fantastic to have a bit of normality for a year but now we're itching to get back. Our new album is going to be entirely new music - there will be no covers."
| Source: Irish Daily Mirror. Credits: Thanks to Sheyy Anandita for the article.
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| Cheryl to fight for love of Irish fans with solo performance at O2 charity concert |
01 October 2009: X factor queen Cheryl Cole will thrill Irish fans with a sizzling performance in Dublin. The Girls Aloud star is one of the big name acts performing at the Cheerios Childline Concert in the O2 in two months time.
Cheryl, who is the wife of soccer star Ashley Cole, will be taking to the stage in the Irish super-venue as she makes her solo debut.
The popular singer has made the most of her time in the X Factor limelight after releasing her first single without her girlband pals entitled Fight for this Love.
It's due to be released on October 19 followed by her new album Three Words, which will then see her embarking on a whirlwind promotional tour.
"Cheryl's very keen to make it on her own and prove she doesn't need the other girls to make it big in the charts. She loves Ireland and always has a great time over here and would naturally leap at the chance to perform at the charity concert as a solo star," said an insider.
She's now expected to be joining stars including Westlife and the new Sugababes on stage at the O2 when the annual Cheerios Childline concert takes place.
More big names will be confirmed over the coming weeks but its Cheryl Cole who all the attention will be focused on when music fans fill the venue.
The Newcastle native has unexpectedly become the new star of the X Factor since being signed up by Simon Cowell a year ago. Thanks to her sympathetic approach to contestants and straight-talking ways, she has become a massive hit with viewers. And even though she always looks immaculate in her edgy designer outfits, Cheryl insists she's still a down-to-earth girl at heart.
She describes her favourite way to relax as sitting at home, watching all the soaps. "I have this pair of grey lounge trousers with a satin waistband which are really unattractive, but so comfy," she said. "I sit on the sofa in fluffy slippers and a hoody with a nice cup of hot chocolate. I'm slightly obsessed with hot chocolate.
"My mother just got me some that has chunks of real chocolate in it. I do that squirty cream thing, too. I'm known for it at The X Factor!" it. I do that squirty cream thing, too. I'm known for it at The X Factor!"
In more good news for the star, she was also recently chosen as the face of global cosmetics brand L'Oreal Paris, following in the footsteps of stars like Eva Longoria and Penelope Cruz.
| Source: herald.ie.
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