One Westlife member to be absent from 25th anniversary celebrations

Extra.ie​

a day ago

Westlife star Mark Feehily has been confirmed as not taking part in the celebrations as the band prepares to mark their 25th anniversary.
The band, comprised of Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily, were formed in 1998, with singer Brian McFadden also a member for the first few years.
On February 9, 2001, the band kick off their first ever world tour at the Newcastle Arena, with the band members this week admitting they 'can't quite believe it's been 25 years.' The band, comprised of Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily, were formed in 1998, with singer Brian McFadden also a member for the first few years. Pic: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
McFadden dramatically departed Westlife in March 2004, three weeks before they were set to head on their fourth world tour.
Despite devastation among fans at the time, Westlife went from strength to strength up until 2011 when they announced they were splitting up, performing their final concert at Croke Park in 2012.
Six years later, Nicky, Shane, Kian and Mark reunited and released their first single since 2011 in 2019. The band, comprised of Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily, were formed in 1998, with singer Brian McFadden also a member for the first few years. Pic: Sipa/REX/Shutterstock
They released an album in 2019 and another in 2021, with a third album since their reunion set to be released to mark their 25th anniversary.
Making the announcement on Wednesday, the band shared: '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.'
The statement added that Mark will not be able to join in on the celebrations, adding: '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.' View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Westlife (@westlife)
They added that they 'can't quite believe it's been 25 years.'
'We could only have dreamt of the continued love and loyalty you have consistently shown us around the world.'
Last year, Mark stepped back from band commitments due to a lengthy health battle, which included hospitalisation with pneumonia. Last year, Mark stepped back from band commitments due to a lengthy health battle which included hospitalisation with pneumonia. Pic: ITV.
At the time, he announced he would be taking a step back from touring until he recovers from a fourth surgery in recent months.
Initially telling fans about his 'health challenges' in a candid social media post in February, Mark said that while he wished 'things could be different', he had 'no option' but to take a step back.
Elsewhere, as preparation for the anniversary celebrations gets underway, speculation is rife that the band may be lining up a coveted Irish destination for the celebrations. No gig is taking place at the famed Meath location this year, with Harry Styles the last to headline a gig there in June 2023. Pic: Joseph Okpako/WireImage
Ladbrokes currently have odds that the band could headline Slane Castle next year at 2/1.
No gig is taking place at the famed Meath location this year, with Harry Styles the last to headline a gig there in June 2023.
Slane Festival returned after a four-year hiatus with Inhaler, Wet Leg, Annie Mac and Mitch Rowland all performing before the former One Direction star took to the stage.
While there was a four year gap between Styles and Metallica at Slane in 2019, gigs took place every other year previously, with high hopes that an event will take place next year.
Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes said: 'We are unlucky to not have a Slane concert this year, but it could be the ideal location for Westlife to emerge from their hiatus.
'They have such a massive following there is no doubt that Slane would pack out to see them looking like that.'