Westlife star pulls out of 25-year celebrations after serious health issues leaving fans concerned

Daily Record

a day ago

The band will continue on for their anniversary as a trio.
Westlife fans have been left gutted after it was revealed that band member Mark Feehily will not be able to perform at the band's big 25th anniversary gigs as he continues to battle health issues.
Mark was in the band with Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan and Kian Egan and the lads enjoyed huge success but in February 2024, he announced that he was taking a step back from the Irish boyband due to health issues.
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The last few years have been tough for Mark and in 2024, he underwent surgery to treat a hernia. A few years prior to that he was treated for sepsis during a Covid lockdown in August 2020. At the time of his operation last August, Mark was advised to recover and not go back on tour with Westlife as they headed off to Canada, the US, Mexico and Brazil, writes The Mirror.
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Many fans were hopeful that Mark would later be able to rejoin the group to mark their big anniversary, but he has now confirmed that he will be unable to attend. In a message shared on social media on Wednesday night, Westlife wrote: "To our amazing fans, We would like to take this opportunity to share some very important news with you all.
"We are thrilled to announce the launch of our 25th Anniversary celebrations... On the 9th February 2001 we kicked off our first ever world tour at the Newcastle Arena. Who would have thought we would still be here 25 years later?
"We have so many exciting plans to share with you very soon which will include new music, an album, special shows and many, many more surprises along the way.
"Sadly, Mark will be unable to join the celebrations. We hope he can join us back on stage when he is ready and able. He sends his love and positivity to you all as always.
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"The four of us can't quite believe its been 25 years. We could only have dreamt of the continued love and loyalty you have consistently shown us around the world. We are so lucky to have all of you with us and we can't wait to celebrate together! Happy 25th To Us All! Love, Kian, Mark, Nicky & Shane x."
In the comments sections of the post, fans had different opinions on the show doing on as a trio. One penned: "I don't know whether to cry with happiness that you're finally coming back for your 25th year anniv or sob at the fact that mark won't be joining you to celebrate it. I'm so overwhelmed…"
"Love you guys... BUT, Westlife isn't Westlife without Mark. 3 just don't cut it," another wrote, with a third pondering: "I wonder if Bryan McFadden will possibly join them for some shows?"
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Brian McFadden was also a member of Westlife but quit the band in March 2004.
Mark first opened up about his health struggles last year on Instagram, posting a statement on the band's official Instagram account, he wrote: "Hello and much love to you all! It's Mark here.. Most of you are aware that I have had some health challenges over the past while. It actually all started 3.5 years ago in August 2020 when I had surgery. Within a few days of this surgery I was in severe pain and was rushed into AandE."
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He continued: "I eventually ended that awful day in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) where I was informed that due to a complication with the surgery, I had developed severe "Sepsis", a life-threatening infection that would require immediate emergency surgery to rectify the problem and basically save my life. I spent the next few months in hospital. It was during lockdown. For months, due to strict Covid restrictions, I was not allowed any visitors including my fiance and my then 10-month-old daughter. It was physically and mentally a very difficult time, not to mention traumatic having to spend so long in ICU."
Mark revealed that he was discharged from hospital in December 2020 but has since grappled with chronic health issues. He elaborated: "In late 2021, I became very ill in Newcastle before a concert and ended up back in AandE, this time being told I had pneumonia. I was told I had to go straight home to recover and regrettably miss the rest of the concerts that December. I was referred to a consultant who told me I needed more surgery which I went ahead with in May 2022 meaning I was forced to miss more of The Wild Dreams tour.
"Three months after that surgery, I tried my best to soldier on for you guys and to go back on tour but unfortunately the physical demands of the concerts and extensive travel were proving too much for me. I developed a very large 'incisional hernia' and I was told that I needed further surgery to fix it. This would be my fourth major surgery since the start of it all, but I had no option."
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Fortunately, his most recent surgery was successful, however, Mark still needs time to recover.
"It is with the utmost level of regret that I must now temporarily stand down from all Westlife touring until a time that I have had the chance to fully recover from the turbulent journey I have been through as an individual," he confessed.
"Believe me, I wish things could be different! I would like to thank you so very much for your support and understanding of me and my health over the past few years."
He expressed his gratitude towards his family and medical team for their support during his health struggles. Mark went on: "To Shane, Kian and Nicky, I love you three and I know you'll knock it out of the park. I'll be there with you in spirit for each and every show whilst you continue to fly the Westlife flag around the world."
Openly acknowledging his current condition, he confided: "But for now, I have to make the right decision for my health and wellbeing, for my family, and for myself as a person. Please don't worry. Sending the most positive vibes in your direction, I will see you very soon beautiful people! WESTLIFE FOREVER! Love, Mark Feehily xx."
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