Westlife

Westlife

Westlife in a concert performing in 2009
Background information
Origin Sligo and Dublin, Ireland
Genres Pop, teen pop, ballad, dance, jazz, big band, adult contemporary, pop rock
Years active 1998–present
Labels Sony Music, RCA, Syco Music
Associated acts (See Collaborations)
Website www.westlife.com
Members
Nicky Byrne
Kian Egan
Mark Feehily
Shane Filan
Past members
Brian McFadden

Westlife is an Irish pop group formed on 3 July 1998. The group's original lineup comprised Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan and Brian McFadden (departed from the band in 2004). The group is the only act in UK history to have their first seven singles go straight to Number 1, and they have gone on to sell over 44 million records worldwide[1] which includes their studio, single, video, and compilation albums.[2][3] Despite the group's worldwide success, they've only had one U.S. hit on the Billboard Hot 100 charts: "Swear It Again," which made it to #20 in 2000.

Westlife were originally signed by Simon Cowell and are currently managed by Louis Walsh. They garnered 14 number one singles in the United Kingdom, the third-highest in UK history, tying with Cliff Richard and trailing behind only Elvis Presley and The Beatles. The group has also broken a few top records, including "Music artist with most consecutive number 1's in the UK". It was officially announced by the Official Charts Company that they are the "2nd biggest selling artist" (trailing behind Robbie Williams) and "Biggest selling band of the decade" (beating Coldplay) in UK with 11 million album sales.[4] At the same time, their very own song "Evergreen" was hailed as the top selling single in the UK of the decade (2000–2010). (See Westlife records)

On 1 June 2008, Westlife marked their 10th anniversary with a concert in Croke Park, Dublin which saw more than 83,000 fans attending the special occasion. Music Week revealed on their website that Westlife is the official third top touring act within the years 2005–2008, while they were 7th top touring act of 2008.[5] Also in 2008, they were declared as Ireland's ninth-richest celebrities under 30 years old and 13th in general with 36 million euros as a group.[6] In 2009, they dropped as 16th richest Irish with estimated 8 million euros each.[7]

Contents

History

Formation (1998-1999)

Prior to becoming successful, Egan, Feehily and Filan along with fellow Sligonians Derrick Lacey, Graham Keighron and Michael Garrett, were part of a six-member pop vocal group called Six as One and was later changed to IOYOU. Managed by choreographer Mary McDonagh along with two other informal managers, they released a single titled "Together Girl Forever". Walsh, the manager of the 1990s boy-band Boyzone, was contacted by Filan's mother and came to know about the group. However, IOYOU did not meet Cowell's approval for a record deal with BMG, and thus changes were needed. Three members of IOYOU were told they would not be part of the new group, and auditions were held in Dublin where Byrne and McFadden were recruited. The new group, formed on 3 July 1998, was re-named Westside but as the name was already taken by another band, it was later changed to Westlife. In Westlife - Our Story, Byrne revealed he was keen to change the name to West High but the others wanted Westlife. Brian also changed the spelling of his name to Bryan to make it easier to sign autographs. Boyzone singer Ronan Keating was brought in to co-manage the group with Walsh. The band then released an EP titled Swear It Again, though only in Asia.

Dreams Come True - World Of Our Own (1999-2002)

Westlife's first big break came in 1998 when they opened for the Boyzone and Backstreet Boys' concerts in Dublin. Later that year, they won the 'Best New Tour Act' award at the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party.[8] In March 1999, the group released their first single, "Swear It Again" which immediately topped the charts in Ireland and in UK for two weeks.[8] Their second single, "If I Let You Go", released in August 1999 along with the highly acclaimed "Flying Without Wings" (their first 'Record of the Year'), released in October the same year, also followed suit. "Flying Without Wings" was also included on the soundtrack of the Warner Brothers film, Pokémon: The Movie 2000. The first album, simply titled Westlife, was released in November 1999 and peaked at #2 in the UK. Ironically, the album was the biggest chart dropper in the music history of UK, falling from #3 to #37. In December 1999, the double a side fourth single was released,"I Have A Dream"/"Seasons In The Sun", knocked Cliff Richard's "The Millennium Prayer" off the top spot and earning them the 1999 UK Christmas number-one single.[9][10] The fifth and last single from the album, "Fool Again", also peaked at #1.[11] Then, the group went on a short UK, US[12] and Asian tour in support of their debut album before releasing a second album.

Coast to Coast was released a year after and was another #1 UK album beating the Spice Girls' Forever album. It became the country's 4th biggest selling album of 2000 and is Westlife's biggest selling album to date.[13][14] The album was preceded by a duet with Mariah Carey on the Phil Collins' classic "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" and the original song, "My Love" (the song that bagged their second 'Record of the Year' award). Both singles reached #1 on the UK charts.[15][16] With this, Westlife broke an unexpected record of having their first seven singles debut at the top of the UK charts, tying with The Beatles. However, in December 2000, they failed to secure their eighth chart-topper in a row with their UK and Ireland only single "What Makes A Man" when kid's favourite, Bob The Builder's "Can We Fix It", was crowned as the Christmas number-one single of that year.[17] Outside the UK/Ireland territories, they have released "I Lay My Love on You" and "When You're Looking Like That" and gained chart success. In 2001, the boys launched their first world tour, "Where Dreams Come True Tour", unofficially nicknamed "The No Stools Tour" due to the group's reputation of performing while perched on stools.[8][18]

Westlife released World Of Our Own, their third album, in November 2001. "Uptown Girl", "Queen of My Heart" and "World of Our Own" were released as singles, as of which all peaked at #1 in the UK.[19][20][21] "Bop Bop Baby" was also released as a single but it peaked at #5 in the UK Singles Chart. In 2002, Westlife went on their second world tour, the World Of Our Own Tour (In The Round).[8]

Unbreakable - Departure of Brian (2002-2004)

The group released their eleventh UK #1 single, "Unbreakable", in 2002.[22] Amidst rumours of a split, Westlife released their first greatest hits album in November that same year entitled, Unbreakable - The Greatest Hits Vol. 1 zoomed all the way to #1 in the UK. The release was followed by the double a side single, "Tonight/Miss You Nights", which debuted at #3 in the UK.[23] At this era, Because Films Inspire... made a TV Documentary titled as "Wild Westlife" directed by Iain MacDonald and starred by the group itself. It reveals how was their musical life on a daily basis and when on tour.[24] In 2003, Westlife went on to their third world tour, The Greatest Hits Tour, shrugging off rumours of a split.[25]

In September 2003, Westlife released "Hey Whatever", which peaked at #4 on the UK Charts.[26] Their fourth studio album, Turnaround, was then released in November, earning the group another UK #1 album. "Mandy", a cover of the Barry Manilow hit, was released in November 2003. Their version won them their third Record of the Year award in under five years.[27] Their version of Mandy is also considered as the highest single leaper to the top (from #200 to #1) in the UK music history.[28] "Obvious" was released as the final single from the album, charting at #3.[29] On 9 March 2004, just three weeks prior to embarking on their fourth world tour, Bryan McFadden left the group to spend more time with his family and work on solo projects. On that day, a press conference was held where all the group's members were present and gave emotional individual speeches. Bryan's final public performance as part of Westlife was at Newcastle Upon Tyne's Powerhouse nightclub on 27 February 2004.[30][31] He subsequently began a solo career, deciding to revert the spelling of his first name back to its original 'Brian', he released his first solo single, "Real To Me" which entered the UK chart at #1 and soon after, he released his first solo album, "Irish Son" under Sony Music.[32] He went on to release more singles with moderate success.

Quintet to quartet - 10 years (2004–2009)

Less than a month after McFadden's departure, the group kicked off their "Turnaround Tour". A live version from the said tour of "Flying Without Wings" was released as an official UK download, earning them the title of the very first UK Downloads #1. They then put out a Rat Pack-inspired album, Allow Us to Be Frank, peaking at #3. No singles were released in the UK from this album. "Ain't That A Kick In The Head", accompanied with a music video, was released as a physical single in other European countries. "Smile" and "Fly Me To The Moon", with music videos as well, were released as digital downloads only. Prior to the album release, Westlife scouted for "the perfect fan" to help promote their album from their one-season special show "She's The One", presented by Kate Thornton.[33] After X Factor-style auditions, they found Joanne Hindley, who recorded "The Way You Look Tonight" with the group.[8] To mark this special collaboration, a special programme was televised, showing auditions and live performances. Performers included Joanne, Westlife members' fathers and glamour model Katie Price, Il Divo and Kevin Spacey. Westlife continued to tour Europe as part of their "The Number Ones Tour", before taking a four-month break from work.[34] On 4 May 2005, Westlife lost their battle for European trademark from the German trademark "West".[35] In 2005, Westlife returned with their comeback single, "You Raise Me Up", which was taken from their Face To Face album. On 6 November 2005, both the album and the single were at #1 in the UK at the same time at the second week of the single. It was the first time that Westlife have held both top album and single position in the same week.[36][37] "You Raise Me Up" was awarded as their fourth Record Of The Year in UK for 2005. In December that year, the group released "When You Tell Me That You Love Me", a duet with Diana Ross, as the second single and it debuted at its peak position of #2.[38] Westlife then released a third single, "Amazing", which debuted at #4 and marked as the group's lowest-selling single yet.[39] After that, Westlife embarked on the "Face To Face Tour", travelling extensively to the UK, Ireland, Australia and Asia. This tour marked the first time that Westlife have travelled to mainland China for a concert.[40][41]

In late 2006, Westlife signed a brand new five-album deal with Sony BMG. Their eighth album, The Love Album, was a "love" concept album which consisted of popular love song covers. The album outsold other compilation albums by Oasis, The Beatles, and U2 in its first week of release and went straight to #1. The first single from The Love Album was a cover version of Bette Midler's classic, "The Rose", which became their 14th UK #1 single.[42] This made Westlife the third act (along with Cliff Richard) in the UK to have the most #1 singles, tailing behind Elvis Presley (21) and The Beatles (17). Westlife then kicked off their eighth world tour, "The Love Tour", in Perth, Australia.[43] The group then went on to other Australian cities before moving on to South Africa, the UK and Ireland. Westlife staged their last major concert of 2007 at Bitts Park in Carlisle, England.[44]

On 5 November 2007, Westlife released their ninth album, Back Home, which contained nine new original songs along with three cover songs. The album debuted at #1 on the UK Music Charts and it was also 2007's fifth biggest selling album in the UK.[45] The first single released from the album was a cover of Michael Bublé's "Home", which peaked at #3 in the UK.[46][47] "I'm Already There", not released as a single, managed to chart in the UK based on downloads alone following a performance on an The X Factor episode. On 15 December 2007, they had a two-hour show called The Westlife Show where they performed 10 of their songs, some voted by the fans through online and some from Back Home. It was hosted by Holly Willoughby.[48] This time, Westlife together with Tesco brought out "The Definitive Westlife Quiz" that asked about the whole history about the boys.[49] It was participated by thousands of fans worldwide. Months later, "Us Against The World" was announced and released as their second single in UK and Ireland. It peaked at #8 and is the group's lowest charting single to date. Before the release of the second single, they embarked on the Back Home Tour on 2008 February 25. This tour marked the first time that the group have traveled and performed to New Zealand, performing four sold-out shows in Auckland, Wellington, New Plymouth and Christchurch. Meanwhile, "Something Right" was released as the second single and "Us Against The World" became the third single in Europe and the Asia Pacific region. Both songs performed well on several music charts.

To mark their tenth year in music, Westlife staged a special 10 Years Of Westlife sold-out concert at the world's thirty-third and Europe's fourth biggest stadium,[50] Croke Park, on 1 June 2008.[51] With a capacity of 82 300, it was the boy's biggest show to date. Shayne Ward filled in as a support act for the concert,[52] which Kian described to be of a "pop extravaganza".[53] Shane confirmed that a corresponding live concert DVD will be released. The group announced that they will be on hiatus for a year after their Back Home Tour[54] and that there would not be an album release in 2008 as they would be spending more time on the production of their tenth album.[55] As promised, the group's official website confirmed on 27 September 2008 the release of a DVD on 24 November 2008 entitled 10 Years Of Westlife - Live at Croke Park Stadium which went straight to #1 on UK, Ireland, South African, Hong Kong and New Zealand Music DVD charts.

As the group ended their successful Back Home tour, Louis Walsh announced in the show Xpose that 1 July 2008 is the official start of the longest hiatus of the group so far. He said that it will be a one-year break, from that day up to 1 July 2009. On 13 December 2008, while on a break, Westlife made an unexpected appearance on X Factor Final Performance Night where they performed "Flying Without Wings" with JLS. After the presentation, Shane and Nicky were interviewed on Xtra Factor with Ronan Keating and Stephen Gately of Boyzone. As JLS performed also "I'm Already There", Westlife's version of the song re-entered the UK Singles Chart at #63 while a new entry on Ireland Singles Chart at #47 due to extensive downloads only.

On the last week of January 2009, a DVD entitled The Karaoke Collection was released. It contains some of their music video hits. In 27 February 2009 issue of Herald Ireland, Louis revealed that Simon already picked three new songs which he reckons to be instant hits. Nicky spread the word last 8 March 2009 that Westlife will come back to music charts when they start recording in June 2009 when he received his VIP Style Awards as the Most Stylish Man on X-pose, TV3. On 18 March 2009, they won the Best Irish Pop Act on 2009 Meteor Awards for the ninth consecutive time.

Where We Are (2009-2010)

Walsh has revealed that after a year's break with their friends and family Westlife will return to hit the charts once more in June when they work on their tenth studio album. Walsh also said that while he met up with Cowell they jointly managed to mastermind Westlife's comeback. At the time three songs had already been chosen which he believes will be big hits when they are released. Filan told the Irish Mirror that they want to make the next album one of their best.[56]

The new album, Where We Are, was released on 30 November 2009 in the UK and peaked at #2 on both Irish and UK Albums Chart. The new single "What About Now", was released a few weeks earlier on 23 October 2009, with digital downloads being available the day before. The said single peaked at# 2 on both Irish and UK Singles Chart. Daughtry's original version of the song gained exposure on the audition rounds of The X Factor prior to Westlife's release. The tour in support of this album is called "The Where We Are Tour". They were also part of the Haiti charity single in early 2010, "Everybody Hurts", an R.E.M. cover which was organized by Cowell.[57]

Next Album and Tour (2010-present)

Various reports are spreading that the band and their management have decided not to release a second single from Where We Are. According to these reports, a new album will be released in the last quarter of 2010 and the group saying they wanted it to be a sexy album.[58] Egan confirmed on their arena tour that there will indeed be a new album in 2010. Feehily, Byrne and Egan hinted on their Twitter accounts that a new recording will be done on August 2010 and a music video on September 2010.

US Market

Despite their success in some parts of the world, Westlife have been unable to break into the US market. Their debut single and music video "Swear It Again", released in the US in 2000, was a hit on mainstream radio and the band even made an appearance on MTV's Total Request Live. The song was #75 on the Billboard Hot 100 year end chart of 2000. A US edition of their debut album, Westlife was also released. In 2002, an attempt was made to promote and release a US version of World Of Our Own but was scaled back as the band decided to concentrate promotions in other foreign markets where they had a larger fan base. This was a surprising decision as the band did not maximize the potential and opportunity available when the two most prominent boy bands in the US, the Backstreet Boys and N' Sync, went on hiatus that year.

The Westlife hit song "Flying Without Wings" peaked at #2 in the US when American Idol Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard recorded and released it as his debut single. The band was disappointed when they heard of the news as they were planning on bringing that song to the American audiences in the near future. In 2003, Westlife went to Nashville to film a TV documentary. While they were there, they gave a live performance of the song "Daytime Friends", originally by country music legend Kenny Rogers, which won them much critical praise.

Collaborations

Westlife is signed to the management of major record label Sony Music. Louis Walsh, Simon Cowell, Sonny Takhar, Tim Byrne comprise some of Westlife's management and production team.

Aside from Steve Mac and Wayne Hector, the group has the opportunities to work for their original songs with many well-known songwriters/producers including Savan Kotecha, Rami Yacoub, Per Magnusson, David Kreuger, Max Martin, Anders Johansson, Josef Larossi, Jorgen Elofsson, Andreas Carlsson, Arnthor Birgisson, Kristian Lundin, Jake Schulze, Diane Warren and most recently Ryan Tedder, Chris Braide, Sam Watters, Louis Biancaniello, Steve Anderson, and John Shanks.

Long-time collaborator Wayne Hector has defined the essence of Westlife songwriting:

"If you want to write a song for Westlife, you’ve got to have a lyric that connects on a basic level. We’ve always thought the reason Westlife songs have been so successful is because it’s about situations that everybody goes through. We weren’t trying to be too clever about it, we were trying to be emotional."[59]

For their remixed songs, Rokstone, Orphanz, Ashanti Boyz, Wideboys, Soul Seekerz, and Jim Steinman have already worked for the group on some of their single releases.

The group had studio recorded and live collaborations in some of the most renowned music acts such as Mariah Carey ("Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)"), Lulu ("Back at One"), Joanne Hindley ("The Way You Look Tonight"), Diana Ross ("When You Tell Me That You Love Me"), Donna Summer ("No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)"), Delta Goodrem ("All Out of Love"), and "If I Had Words" with The Vards. "I Have A Dream", with Indonesian childstar Sherina and "My Love" with Amr Diab. These songs were also recorded and included on the various albums. In 2002, Westlife re-recorded their hit song "Flying Without Wings" with Cristian Castro and Korean singer BoA as two separate duets.

Westlife have performed live duets with some of the biggest names in the music industry including Sinéad O'Connor ("Silent Night"), Donny Osmond ("Crazy Horses"), Mariah Carey ("Never Too Far/Hero Medley"), Secret Garden ("You Raise Me Up"), Lionel Richie ("Easy"), Ronan Keating ("The Dance"), Dolores O'Riordan of The Cranberries ("Little Drummer Boy"), Roy Orbison ("Pretty Woman"), Delta Goodrem ("All Out Of Love"), Raymond Quinn ("That's Life"), Leehom Wang ("You Raise Me Up"), Mary Black ("Walking In The Air"), Kevin Spacey ("Fly Me to the Moon"), Do ("Heaven"), JLS ("Flying Without Wings"), Boyzone ("No Matter What"), Various artists "All-Stars" ("That's What Friends Are For"; "Merry Christmas Everybody"; "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday") and even their fathers ("That's Life").

Some of the music video directors who have worked with Westlife are: Cameron Casey, Wayne Isham, Nigel Dick, Stuart Gosling, Phil Griffin, Antti Jokinen, David Mould, Alex Hemming, Philip Andelman, Max Giwa and Dania Pasquini.[60]

Shayne Ward, No Way Out, K-otic, Natural, Six, Totally Spies, D-Side and Lauren Waterworth, Bellefire, The Conway Sisters, V, Twen2y4se7en, Zoo, Kwest, Pop, No Way Out, Sub Bass 5, Traphic, Mark Dakriet, 4th Ba5e, Reel, Peter Andre, Girls Aloud, Eton Road, Gareth Gates, Roxanne, Alsou, The MacDonald Brothers, Billiam, Cushh, The Unconventionals, Dyyce, Lady Nada, Code 5, Annabel Fay, Hope, The Fuel, Wow, Jedward, JLS, and Wonderland have supported the boys on different tours.

Artistry

Vocal ability

The boyband is summoned to have different parts and roles. Filan, Feehily and McFadden (pre-depature) takes part of the main vocals while Byrne and Egan as backing vocals up to the recent date. They have classifications on vocal range: Filan has the popular tune and can do tenor and falsetto and Feehily has the soulful voice and can do both bass and tenor voice. Byrne has the husky voice while Egan has the bass, rock vocals.

Instruments

The band's main key instrument is their vocals. Some of them have been expertly playing musical instruments like Egan who knows how to play, piano, drums and guitar; and Feehily knows how to play piano. During their gigs and concert tours, they are accompanied by a playing band, acoustic and rock and not usually using their talent onstage.

Songwriting

Over years of their career, Westlife's music has evolved from teen pop to a pop sound, with an emphasis on ballads. Most of the group's hits have been composed by experienced songwriters, most notably Steve Mac and Wayne Hector. For the band's list of own songs composed, see Songs written.

Musical style, genre, image, content, and influences

The band classify themselves as a pop band recording pop songs which comprises ballads and love songs. Westlife has been known for their teen pop songs during their early days with slow, mid, and uptempo songs. Albums known for teen pop sound are Westlife, Coast to Coast, World of Our Own and Turnaround. As the years progressed they tried different genres like jazz and big band in 2004 with Allow Us to Be Frank album and pop-rock in 2009 with their album Where We Are. As they also mature, they verge into adult contemporary being evident on their cover album, The Love Album. Matured pop were also found with their LPs, Face to Face and Back Home.

Every Westlife album have always been a mixture of genres. R&B genre is evident as a sound of the band since the start where their voices were harmonizing and blending with each other. We can hear it on their songs "When I'm With You", "How to Break a Heart", and "Sound of a Broken Heart". Acoustic genre also took place as they have its versions with their songs "My Love", "Flying Without Wings", and "If I Let You Go". Club or electronic sounds were also heard from their remixes on each singles released. Dance music is also a genre of Westlife as heard on their songs "When You're Looking Like That", "Bad Girls", and "Uptown Girl". Live music has came to their way as they have officially released recorded live sounds such as "You Raise Me Up" (Live at Croke Park) and "To Be With You". They did country music too like their recording of "Daytime Friends, Nighttime Lovers". As a pop band they are also inspired to cover songs that were different and put into their own genre which is pop (With the likes of "Home" from jazz music, "I'm Already There" from country music).

During their starting days, the band's musical content was mostly about love and inspirational songs but as they grew older, they have given the chance the songs that were from an individual's everyday experience in life. As for their image, they publicly begun as boyband with wholesome and clean-cut image. Now, they call themselves a manband with a more broad and manly looking image as they grow older.[61]

The group's influences are Michael Jackson, Backstreet Boys, and Boyzone while pop is their main music influence. They are adored by many people even celebrities like Chris Martin of Coldplay.[62] The band have "tribute bands" performing their songs like Westlives,[63] That's Life,[64] and Westlike. On the other hand, Westlife also paid tribute to their co-boybands as one of the tour setlist.[65]

Popularity and criticisms

When Westlife got signed formally in 1998, their managers are already emerging them to be big superstars as they went to grandiose producers and songwriters. They released their debut album and single in the right time with the bandwagon peak of pop boybands and girlbands. They went well firstly on UK and Irish music charts and got an extensive popularity worldwide (except United States). It was notable nowadays that their popularity was always there with a huge and loyal fanbase everywhere. As a testament, their latest single "What About Now" peaked at #2 on both UK and Ireland and 11 million+ plus views on their music video of "Flying Without Wings" on YouTube.

Finding success worldwide was not an easy task for the band as they also passed through hard criticisms. As a boyband, they were compared to other co-boybands such as Backstreet Boys, Boyzone, Blue, A1, Take That, and Jonas Brothers and to other pop bands like S Club 7 and Spice Girls. They also gained criticisms as a stool band, gay band, bland band, no musical skills, copycats, and cover bands.

Products, sponsorship, and endorsements

Some of the products that Westlife officially released are books, calendars (from 2001–present), tour merchandise such as T-shirts, and fragrances. They have their own webpage for their official merchandises since 2008, available for men and women.[66] They also received sponsorship from Adidas on 2002.

To the list of their books, they have official and unofficial books released online. The lone book written by the members of Westlife was released on 16 June 2008 by HarperCollins UK Publishing entitled 'Westlife - Our Story', as part of their 10th year celebration.[67][68] The book was said to be written by each group member for three months. It contains the life they have for the past ten years in the business. It features also some of the private pictures from the lads. On 28 May 2009, they re-released the autobiography, adding their Croke Park experience and first time in a paperback edition. At that time also, the band released a 3-piece perfume set entitled "X". It leaked on December 2008 and was formally released on November 2009.[69] In September 2010, they will release their second fragrance entitled "With Love".[70]

Philanthropy

While each member of the group has had their own individual humanitarian advocacies and activities, Westlife has been supporting various projects for a charity cause from the start. One of which was when the group re-recorded "I Have A Dream" with Indonesian star Sherina for a UNICEF fund raising. Aside from that, the boys released their cover version of "Uptown Girl" as a Comic Relief single, which was one of their biggest selling singles to date. Apart from it, they have also helped the S.I.R.F. organization in aid of the South Asian tsunami victims.

On 4 November 2005, they performed together with Christina Aguilera and Diana Ross at Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg, South Africa for The “Unite of the Stars” Gala Banquet charity concert that supports four charities: the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Unite Against Hunger, St. Mary’s Hospital and the Topsy Foundation. They've also been actively helping both the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID), ChildLine and Children in Need, Cancer Research UK, Soccer Aid organizations. Most recently, they performed "Us Against the World" live on Sports Relief, of Bluebell Wood, London and participating in Galway's Irish Water Safety Campaign by doing an advertisement. They are also an official supporter of One World Beat. They are involved also on the Helping For Haiti charity single that was released 8 February 2010 on UK. They are promoting Who's Calling awareness campaign of Childline. They are also included as ambassadors of The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC).[71]

Aside from Soccer Aid, Nicky and Shane were among the list of international film and sports stars and amateur golfers who participated in the worlds greatest funraising golf Pro-Am, the JP McManus Pro-Am in Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort in Adare, Co Limerick, Ireland on the 5th and 6 July 2010. Westlife played for the 1100 invited guests at the Gala Dinner in Adare on the 6th of July after they had earlier that evening played to a sold out concert in Live at the Marquee in Cork.

Discography

Main Article: Westlife discography, Westlife songlist, Westlife videography, Westlife filmography

Westlife singles
Westlife (1999-2000)
"Swear It Again" · "If I Let You Go" · "Flying Without Wings" · "I Have a Dream"/"Seasons in the Sun" · "Fool Again"
Coast to Coast (2000-2001)
"Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" · "My Love" · "What Makes a Man" · "I Lay My Love on You" · "Uptown Girl" · "When You're Looking Like That"
World of Our Own (2001-2002)
"Queen of My Heart" · "World of Our Own" · "Bop Bop Baby"
Unbreakable - The Greatest Hits Vol. 1 (2002-2003)
"Unbreakable" · "Tonight/Miss You Nights"
Turnaround (2003-2004)
"Hey Whatever" · "Mandy" · "Obvious"
Allow Us to Be Frank (2004)
"Ain't That a Kick in the Head" · "Fly Me To The Moon" · "Smile"
Face to Face (2005-2006)
"You Raise Me Up" · "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" · "Amazing"
The Love Album (2006)
"The Rose"
Back Home (2007-2008)
"Home" · "Us Against the World" · "Something Right"
Where We Are (2009)
"What About Now"
Gravity (2010-2011)
"Safe" · "I Will Reach You"
Featuring artist (2010)
"Everybody Hurts"

Awards, nominations, records and achievements

Main article: Westlife awards, Westlife records

Tours

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Westlife on Sky Box Office". contactmusic. 30 April 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtHiG-FHan8. Retrieved 3 May 2010. 
  2. ↑ Gordon Barr (29 February 2008). "Westlife breaking records". Evening Chronicle. http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on-newcastle/music-gigs/2008/02/29/westlife-breaking-records-72703-20541413/. 
  3. ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDXkvxMh_e8
  4. ↑ http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/WESTLIFE/
  5. ↑ http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1038004&c=1,
  6. ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubYvQth7Nfs
  7. ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvSl5Vz4UGM
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 "Westlife on GMTV". GMTV. http://www.gm.tv/index.cfm?articleid=27201%20Westlife%20announcement. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  9. ↑ "Westlife, Shania Top UK. Christmas Charts". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 20 December 1999. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=949719. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  10. ↑ Sexton, Paul (10 January 2000). "Westlife Tops UK Singles Chart For 4th Week". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=869373. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  11. ↑ Sexton, Paul (3 April 2000). "Westlife Go Five For Five On UK Singles Chart". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=867023. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  12. ↑ http://www.allbusiness.com/retail-trade/miscellaneous-retail-retail-stores-not/4636231-1.html
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  14. ↑ "Platinum Awards". British Phonographic Industry. http://bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=29350. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  15. ↑ "Westlife Defy The 'Odds' On UK Singles Chart". Billboard charts. 25 September 2000. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=876235. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  16. ↑ "Westlife Continues UK Singles Chart Monopoly". Billboard charts. 6 November 2000. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=875991. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  17. ↑ "Bob The Builder Ends Westlife's UK Chart Run". Billboard charts. 26 December 2000. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=874898. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  18. ↑ "Westlife - Where Dreams Come True [2001"]. Amazon UK. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Westlife-Where-Dreams-Come-True/dp/B00005Q5AE. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  19. ↑ Sexton, Paul (12 March 2001). "Westlife Return To Form On UK Singles Chart". Billboard charts. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1294808. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  20. ↑ Sexton, Paul (12 November 2001). "Westlife, Steps Top UK Charts". Billboard charts. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1100366. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  21. ↑ Sexton, Paul (19 November 2001). "Boy Bands Crowd UK Charts". Billboard charts. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1112974. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  22. ↑ Sexton, Paul (11 November 2002). "Westlife, Blue Top UK Charts". Billboard charts. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1759354. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  23. ↑ Sexton, Paul (31 March 2003). "Linkin Park, Room 5 Crash Into UK Charts". Billboard charts. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1852616. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  24. ↑ http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/737025
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  26. ↑ Sexton, Paul (22 September 2003). "Darkness, Black Eyed Peas Lead UK Charts". Billboard charts. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1983903. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  27. ↑ Sexton, Paul (1 December 2003). "Young, Westlife Top UK Charts". Billboard charts. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=2042726. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  28. ↑ "Record Breakers and Trivia : Singles : Individual Hits : Number 1s". EveryHit. http://www.everyhit.com/record5.html. Retrieved 21 March 2008. 
  29. ↑ Sexton, Paul (1 March 2004). "Peter Andre Returns To UK Chart Glory". Billboard charts. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000447618. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  30. ↑ "Boy-band Westlife become foursome". BBC News. 9 March 2004. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/3545399.stm. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  31. ↑ "Westlife - Greatest Hits Tour [2004"]. Amazon UK. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Westlife-Greatest-Hits-Tour/dp/B00009PACW/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_0_0. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  32. ↑ "Real To Me by Brian McFadden". Yahoo! UK. http://uk.music.yahoo.com/release/146232. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  33. ↑ http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/800132
  34. ↑ "Westlife - The No.1's Tour [2005"]. Amazon UK. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Westlife-No-1s-Tour/dp/B000BND08K. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  35. ↑ http://euobserver.com/?sid=9&aid=19002
  36. ↑ "Westlife celebrate chart double". BBC News. 7 November 2005. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4413466.stm. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  37. ↑ Sexton, Paul (31 October 2005). "Westlife, Robbie Williams Top UK Charts". Billboard charts. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001392548. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  38. ↑ Sexton, Paul (19 December 2005). "Obscure Duo Nizlopi Tops UK Singles Chart". Billboard charts. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001700449. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  39. ↑ Sexton, Paul (27 February 2006). "Madonna, Jack Johnson Take Lead On UK Charts". Billboard charts. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002075320. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  40. ↑ "China youth prefer Westlife to politics". NineMSN. 17 July 2006. http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=114727. Retrieved 23 December 2007. 
  41. ↑ "Live At Wembley: Face To Face Tour 2006". HMV. http://www.hmv.co.uk/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?ctx=12;5;34;61&sku=581342. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  42. ↑ Sexton, Paul (13 November 2006). "Westlife, Jamiroquai Assume Control Of UK Charts". Billboard charts. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003381359. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  43. ↑ "Love Westlife?". GMTV. http://www.gm.tv/index.cfm?articleid=23776. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  44. ↑ "Westlife headline at Carlisle in their only major gig this year". Whitehaven News. 14 June 2007. http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk/leisure/viewarticle.aspx?id=509724. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  45. ↑ Sexton, Paul (12 November 2007). "Leona Lewis, Westlife Lead UK Charts". Billboard charts. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003671194. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  46. ↑ "The UK Top 40 Singles". BBC Radio 1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/singles.shtml. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  47. ↑ Wemyss, Euan (12 November 2007). __Music__Westlife_video_interview_20071105 "Westlife: Pop's not dead!". STV. http://www.stv.tv/content/out/music/display?id=opencms:/out/music/new_interviews/stv __Music__Westlife_video_interview_20071105. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  48. ↑ http://www.tvthrong.co.uk/music/the-westlife-show-live-saturday-15-december
  49. ↑ http://www.westlife.com/news/2008/02/04/the_definitive_westlife_quiz
  50. ↑ "Croke Park Stadium Venue Information". Croke Park Stadium. http://www.crokepark.ie/page/venue_information.html. Retrieved 15 January 2008. 
  51. ↑ "10 Years Of Westlife Concert". Westlife.com. http://www.westlife.com/news/2007/11/02/10_years_of_westlife_concert. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  52. ↑ "Tickets for Westlife with special guest Shayne Ward in Croke Park on sale now". MCD.ie. http://www.mcd.ie/home/fn.php?c=3393310&ar=westlife. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  53. ↑ "60 SECONDS: Kian Egan". Metro (Associated Metro Limited). http://www.metro.co.uk/fame/interviews/article.html?in_article_id=73492&in_page_id=11. Retrieved 31 March 2008. 
  54. ↑ "Westlife 'Back Home' Tour 2008". Metro Radio. http://www.metroradioarena.co.uk/events/view.aspx?ev=1239&ef=1&kw=&st=1. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  55. ↑ Moss, Caz. "Exclusive Westlife Mark Feehily Interview". Female First. http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/interviews/Westlife-42732.html. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 
  56. ↑ Lucy (6 January 2009). "Euro10M To Raise Up Westlife". Westlife Headline. Daily Mirror. http://www.westlifeplanet.nl/index.php?start_from=30&ucat=&;archive=&subaction=&id=&themetype=modules&clamavconnector=0.94-2.0.4. Retrieved 4 April 2009. 
  57. ↑ http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/118204/Simon-Cowell-to-record-charity-single-for-Haiti/
  58. ↑ http://uk.news.yahoo.com/35/20100514/tmusic-westlife-to-make-sexy-album-716af92.html
  59. ↑ "Interview With Wayne Hector", HitQuarters, 1 Feb 2010.
  60. ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westlife_videography#Music_Videos
  61. ↑ We're a manband
  62. ↑ http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/article1225102.ece
  63. ↑ http://www.dansatak.com/artiste.asp?StageName=WESTLIVES%20%28Westlife%20Tribute%29
  64. ↑ http://www.dansatak.com/artiste.asp?StageName=THATS%20LIFE%20%28Westlife%20Tribute%29
  65. ↑ http://www.westlife.gr/tour07reviewsmarch.htm
  66. ↑ http://westlife.officialmerchshop.com/
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  69. ↑ http://www.factorme.co.uk/fragrance/westlife-perfume-3-piece-gift-set-edp-p-296.html
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  71. ↑ http://www.ispcc.ie/Media/Current-News/ISPCC-Ambassadors.aspx

External links

Westlife
Nicky Byrne • Kian Egan • Mark Feehily • Shane Filan
Discography • Videography • Filmography • Songs (Originals • Covers • Remixes • Miscellaneous) • Tours • Awards • Records • Timeline
Long plays (LPs)
Studio albums
Westlife (1999) • Coast to Coast (2000) • World of Our Own (2001) • Turnaround (2003) • Face to Face (2005) • Back Home (2007) • Where We Are (2009) • Gravity (2010)
Tribute and Cover albums
Allow Us to Be Frank (2004) • The Love Album (2006)
Greatest Hits album
Unbreakable - The Greatest Hits Vol. 1 (2002)
Compilation albums
No. 1 Hits and Rare Tracks (2000) • Released (2005)
Boxed sets
Coast to Coast/World of Our Own • Westlife/Turnaround
Extended plays (EPs)
Swear It Again • World of Our Own
Video albums
Concert albums
(with tour names)

Where Dreams Come True (with Live DVD) (2001) • World Of Our Own (2002) • The Greatest Hits
(with Live DVD) (2003) • Turnaround (with Live DVD) (2004) • The Number Ones (with Live DVD) (2005) • Face To Face (with Live DVD) (2006) • The Love (2007) • Back Home (with Live DVD) (2008) • Where We Are (with Live DVD and Blu-Ray) (2010) • Gravity (2011)
Music and
Documentary albums
The Westlife Story • Flying Without Wings Karaoke • Coast To Coast - Up, Close and Personal • Uptown Girl • World Of Our Own • Unbreakable - The Greatest Hits Vol. 1 • Westlife - The Complete Story • Back Home • The Karaoke Collection
Products
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Related Articles
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Georgina Ahern • Jodi Albert • Kevin McDaid • Gillian Walsh • Wonderland
Category Westlife