Westlife on 25 years, new music, and upcoming tour

Irish pop sensations Westlife are celebrating an incredible 25 years in the music business, treating fans to both new sounds and a highly anticipated world tour. The beloved group promises an experience that will walk audiences down memory lane while showcasing what they call their "best show" yet.

Formed in 1998 when its original five members were still teenagers, Westlife rapidly rose to stardom. Over their illustrious career, they've achieved staggering success, selling over 55 million records and landing 14 UK No. 1 hits with iconic tracks like "Swear It Again," "Flying Without Wings," and "Uptown Girl." After a brief hiatus from 2012 to 2018, the now four-piece, comprising Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, and Mark Feehily, reunited to the delight of their global fanbase.

Their latest offering, "25 – The Ultimate Collection," is set to release in February and includes four brand-new songs, one of which is the recently dropped single "Chariot." This album paves the way for their expansive "Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour," which doesn't just mark their two-and-a-half decades in music, but specifically celebrates 25 years since their inaugural world tour.

While Mark Feehily, who has been navigating health-related issues, is a vital part of the new album, he will unfortunately not be joining his bandmates on the upcoming tour. His fellow members confirmed in a recent interview that his vocals on the new tracks are exceptionally strong, eagerly anticipating his return to the stage when he is ready.

Speaking about what fans can expect, Shane Filan shared their ambition to deliver their most spectacular show to date, rich with all their classic hits and enhanced visual elements. The challenge, he admitted, lies in curating a setlist that resonates with every fan's cherished memories.

Reflecting on their journey, Nicky Byrne fondly recalled their recent performance at the Royal Albert Hall as a monumental "event," describing the band as being "on fire." The experience has fueled their ambitions, with dreams of playing legendary venues like Madison Square Garden or The Sphere, underscoring a belief that "there are no rules" for what they can achieve next.

Kian Egan thoughtfully added that none of them could have possibly imagined such sustained success when they first started out at 18. Despite their global fame and constant touring, the members consider themselves "normal guys" who return home to surprisingly ordinary lives, even taking out the bins the very next day.