Twenty-five years ago, four young men dared to dream of pop stardom. Now, Westlife isn’t just surviving – they’re experiencing a resurgence, a wave of adoration that feels, according to the band, “bigger than ever.” Their recent sold-out performances at the Royal Albert Hall, a venue steeped in history, are testament to a legacy that refuses to fade.
Shane Filan remembers those early days, the raw ambition of four 17-year-olds. “We wanted to become pop stars,” he reflects, “but we never thought it would lead to *this*.” The “this” is a quarter-century of chart-topping hits – fourteen number one singles to be exact – and a devoted fanbase that spans generations. The band is already charting a course for a massive anniversary tour, a celebration of their incredible journey.
The Royal Albert Hall shows were particularly poignant, as Mark Feehily was unable to perform due to health concerns. In his place, Westlife welcomed the extraordinary vocal talents of Loren Allred and Katherine Jenkins, a collaboration Shane boldly declares “the best show ever.” The energy in the room, he says, was palpable – a shared love between the band and their audience.
It’s a feeling of genuine gratitude that permeates their conversations. “We’re hitting all these milestones and we feel genuinely honoured,” Shane shares. “We’re doing stuff that we never thought we’d physically do.” The performances, complete with a full orchestra, were even filmed for a cinematic release, bringing the magic to a wider audience.
Some might dismiss Westlife as a nostalgia act, but the band isn’t concerned. They’ve recently released a new single, “Chariot,” and are already looking ahead to 2026 with ambitious plans. Nicky Byrne believes the “legacy act” label isn’t a hindrance, but an opportunity. It’s a recognition of their enduring appeal, and a foundation for future endeavors.
“We look ahead and we go, what else can we do?” Nicky asks, hinting at possibilities beyond the current tour. Shane emphasizes their commitment to quality: “At the moment, with Westlife, everything has to be important. If we’re going to do something, we do it right.” They feel a deep responsibility to deliver performances that their fans will cherish.
Even perfection isn’t always guaranteed. Shane recounts a humorous mishap during the first live performance of “Chariot,” momentarily forgetting the lyrics during Mark’s verse. He playfully recreated the fumble, then delivered the song’s deeply emotional core: “I don’t want a tearful sombre last goodbye/The memories of my final moment should be golden.”
The new track, “Chariot,” benefited from an unexpected champion: Ed Sheeran. Kian Egan revealed that Sheeran, a lifelong Westlife fan, has been quietly writing songs for the band even before their 2018 reunion. He considers “Flying Without Wings” one of the greatest songs ever written, and his support feels like a true endorsement.
Sheeran isn’t alone in his admiration. Niall Horan, of One Direction fame, was spotted in the audience at the Royal Albert Hall, even jokingly expressing his desire to join Westlife. The band playfully suggested he might need to revisit his blonde hair days first.
Kian believes the cycle of boy bands will continue. “Boy bands are never going to go away,” he asserts. “Young girls want to get into that type of music.” He notes the cyclical nature of music trends, and anticipates a resurgence of the genre. The band’s enduring popularity proves his point – their music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, even in a Bali rice field where Mark was once recognized as “Mr. Westlife.”
With a European tour already announced and plans for America and Asia in the works, Westlife is poised for another massive year. They’re determined to surpass the magic of the Royal Albert Hall shows, particularly the breathtaking duets with Loren Allred and Katherine Jenkins. “They elevated the songs to another level,” Shane admits, acknowledging the power of their voices.
Nicky echoes the sentiment, praising their vocal prowess. Kian jokingly warns Shane not to be tempted to retire just yet, while Shane marvels at the sheer range of the guest vocalists. Westlife may not be attempting to match those high notes, but they are undoubtedly reaching new career heights, with no sign of slowing down.
