Westlife

"> Saturday, November 29, 2003

Nicky & Bryan comment on Simon Cowell

Oh dear. It looks like Bryan McFadden might have gone one step too far with his Simon Cowell-bashing, by comparing the Pop Idol judge to Adolf Hitler.

Talking to the Sun, Nicky 'Life had actually been praising Cowell for pushing them to record their cover of 'Mandy' - which shot to No.1 yesterday.

He said: "Simon said our album was missing that one big song, the one that will reach out to both housewives and teenagers. He recommended 'Mandy' and we went back into the studio and did it. Hands up, though - it worked out brilliantly, Simon was right."

Nicky then levelled his comments by adding: "He has got a nasty streak to him though and I don't think he likes the word compromise." And then Bryan bowls in with all the tact of Kelly Osbourne at an X-Tina gig, saying: "Simon's like, erm, Hitler."

Given the choice, Bry, we're betting he'd prefer the word "compromise".

Source: unknown
Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/groups/nickymylove

~*~ posted by amanda @ 3:18 PM

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'President' Bryan from Westlife

Westlife singer Bryan McFadden says he wants to be the president of the Republic of Ireland.

He says he'd like the job when he quits show business, but the 23-year-old star is still too young.

McFadden said: "I'm deadly serious. When the time comes I'll run for president. I think I'd be very good."

Candidates for the presidency, which isn't a political job, have to be over the age of 35 and elections are held every seven years.

McFadden thought it would be a good job because "you get a huge house, a private jet and about 15 security guards".

But he's not the first singer who has wanted the job.

Dana, who won the Eurovision song contest in 1970, ran in the 1997 election and came third

Source: unknown
Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/groups/nickymylove

~*~ posted by amanda @ 3:13 PM

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Fact/fiction-Westlife's Kian Heading Up The Aisle?

Westlife star Kian Egan is about to join his bandmates in married life, by proposing to actress girlfriend Jodi Albert.

The star is planning a Christmas proposal for his Hollyoaks star belle, according to British magazine New!.

Kian told a friend, "She is the one and I know the time is right. Thing is, I don't want to lose her."

If he did get married, Kian would join fellow Westlife star Bryan McFadden, who is married to former Atomic Kitten star Kerry Katona, and Nicky Byrne, who wed Irish Prime Minister Bertie Aherne's daughter Georgina this summer. (WENN)

Source:unknown
Taken from: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/nickymylove

~*~ posted by amanda @ 3:11 PM

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Irish Embassy throws lavish reception for Westlife

Pop group Westlife have been presented with a Guinness World Record
for the most singles to debut at number one on the UK chart.

The Irish Embassy in London has thrown a lavish reception in honour
of the chart-topping boyband.

The red carpet was replaced with a green one especially for the
occasion.

Since they formed in 1998, Westlife have had 12 UK No 1 singles.

All four of their albums have gone multi-platinum and they have
combined record sales of more than 31 million copies.

Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/groups/nickymylove

~*~ posted by amanda @ 3:05 PM

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SHANE'S SONG OF LOVE
Westlife hunk reveals his wedding plans shattering fans' hopes on the band's latest album

WESTLIFE star Shane Filan has announced his marriage to fiancee Gillian Welsh on the band's latest album Turnaround.

The Irish superstar broke his silence on the rumoured Christmas nuptials by promising Gillian it will be the ''happiest day of our lives'' in the sleevenote.

Romantic at heart, Shane writes: ''To my wife to be Gillian, I can't wait until the 28th of December. It will be the happiest day of our lives. I love you so much sweetheart.''

Shane, who battled an ear infection and flu this week to perform with the group at the Royal Variety Performance in Edinburgh, plans to wed Gillian at Ireland's Ashfield Castle. He'll be the third member of the chart-topping group to tie the knot when the couple exchange their vows in front of 450 guests including bandmates Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, Bryan McFadden and Mark Feehily.

Bryan is married to former Atomic Kitten singer Kerry with whom he has two kids, and Nicky Byrne married Georgina Aherne earlier this year.

Kian joked: ''This band has grown into a huge family and it won't be long before the grandkids are roaming around. All the wivesand sister-in-laws and children come together on the tours and that's probably the one thing that has really kept us close as a band.

''If we didn't have all that to go home to and the end of it all, it wouldn't be the same.

''We are adults and have grown up very fast in this mad industry to survive. Families have been very important when it comes to us keeping our feet on the ground. Without them and the girlfriends, it would be a very sad existence.

''I truly think that's why we are still here today. Everybody has to go home to an everyday life away from the glamour.

He added: ''Shane's wedding is going to be great. And the band are all going to be there to make sure it is a fantastic day.

''Shane is going to be happy as Larry and everyone is going to enjoy themselves and that's the most important thing as far as we're concerned.

''Shane's happiness on the day is what is important to us and we'll be making sure that our bandmate has a great wedding day.''

While Shane gets ready for the marital handcuffs, Kian denies he is going to be the next Westlife star to walk down the aisle.

The singer, who has previously dated Atomic Kitten's Liz McLarnon and glamour model Jodi Marsh, is in love with Hollyoaks babe Jodi Albert. He said: ''I've only beengoing out with her for six months. I wouldn't rush into getting married.

''I'd want to be with someone five years before getting married.''

Westlife, enjoying their 12th No 1 this week with Mandy, launched their fifth album on Monday, at Edinburgh's Ocean Terminal.

The single outsold Girls Aloud's version of Jump by two-to-one to reach the top.

MARK FEEHILY said: ''It has only dawned on us just in the last couple days that we are No 1 and that we've outsold the Girls Aloud single by two to one.

''But we're concentrating on the future and determined not to believe in the hype. For us, you can't ignore the competition and the bands that are around.

''But we focus on ourselves and what we are doing rather than getting caught worrying about the other acts.

''Of course, we are aware of all those new acts and shows like Pop Idol. But we don't worry about any other band because no band can come in and take away from us what have achieved so far.''

Westlife admit most boy bands have split up by this stage in their careers, but insist their phenomenal success is only the beginning. The remarkable string of chart-toppers puts them among the all-time greats including the original Bachelor Boy.

Nicky remarked: ''Getting to No 1 feels just as much an achievement as it ever was. Apparently we're on the same number of No 1s as Cliff Richard, though we haven't been on the go nearly as long as he has.''

They are determined they will remain together long enough to release a Greatest Hits II album and can't wait to return to Scotland for their next tour in April.

Nicky said: ''To be honest, it's not always the band's fault that someone wants to leave or egos get out of control. You get a lot of people trying to get in your ear when you are in a band like this, whether it is members of the record company or in some cases, people in management.

''Even friends sometimes say things like 'you've had a good career, will you not go it alone, try it. It'll be good for you.' ''It's a weird business to be in but from day one, we've always said there is nothing more powerful than having one another.

''We have confidence in the knowledge that no one member of Westlife is going to walk out that door without sitting down and having a long talk.

''God knows what is down the road, but hand on heart I don't think Westlife will end for a long time yet. And when it does end itwon't bea drastic thing, it'll be amicable. As far as we are concerned, we are starting to work on Greatest Hits II. America is still in the pipeline. Who knows what will happen? We could outlive the big American rock thing that is going on just now there.

''In two years time, pop might be the new big thing over there and what better than being the biggest boy band in the world when you go to break America.

''There is nothing happening day to day but in our heads and in our manager Louis Walsh's head, we're not through with America just yet.''

KIAN continued: ''If American record labels turn round and say they feel the American public are willing to accept a band like us, then we'll all jump on it straight away.''

Nicky is so determined to make sure Westlife take every opportunity that comes their way, he has told wife Georgina kids will have to wait.

He said: ''I think we're being a little bit selfish at the moment and taking our time.

''There are no plans for kids in the immediate future and I've always said if it happens, but not for a couple of years.''

Last weekend, the boys wandered throughthe streets of Edinburghbeforeenjoyingameal at the city's Witchery restaurant.

Nicky said: ''We went to see Hearts on Sunday because I used to be Alan Maybury's room-mate when I played for Leeds United.

''We supported Hearts and it was an enjoyable to see them win 2-0. It was a good atmosphere and a good win.

''I'm sure all the Hibs fans were looking at us, going, 'What are they doing supporting Hearts they're Irish and Hibs are traditionally the more Irish team out of the two clubs, but we had a great time and a great laugh.''

Their rest and recreation is short lived however, having flown to Sweden where they'll continue promotional work for the latest album. The group admit their success has forced them to contact police to intervene as stalkers plague their families.

Kian said: ''We've had stalkers and have had to get police called to certain girls to tell them to stop coming to our houses 24 hours of the day. These things seem part and parcel these days, but it won't stop us continuing to do what we love and that is performing as Westlife.

Taken from: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/nickymylove

''There's plenty of mileage in the band yet.''

~*~ posted by amanda @ 3:03 PM

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"MandY" TOTP performance d/l

http://194.19.42.59/Slaves_for_Westlife/totp_28_11_03.htm

~*~ posted by amanda @ 3:01 PM

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Friday, November 28, 2003

Westlife to work with Nara Jang

Next month, many international artists are going to
Korea for their performances or concerts. Besides
Britney Spears, Westlife will have a concert in Seoul
(Korea) on 14th December. Nara Jang was invited to be
the lads' supporting act in the concert.

Insiders revealed that Westlife will invite more or
less one hundred orphans to watch the show. In order
to offer warm and love to the children, Westlife hope
they can invite a angel like singer among the Korean
artists to appear in their concert. Under the
negotiation of the record company, the lucky singer is
Nara Jang. She will be the second Korean singer who
has the opportunity to collaborate with Westlife.
(The first one was BoA, singing Flying Without wings
with the lads)

Photo of Nara:
http://www.narajjang.com/sub/gallery/new/img/031115/DSC08584.jpg

Source: Ming Pao Daily (Hong Kong)
Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/groups/slavesforwestlife
Credit: Bonnie

~*~ posted by amanda @ 3:51 PM

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Interview

Is there any competition between boybands in UK? Do
you guys worry about one day you will be replaced by
the other bands such as Blue or Busted?

Westlife: We don't really worry about it at all.
We're friends with them, actually. There're loadsa
spaces for music industry to accept many different
kinda bands and music. Sometimes, you will find good
songs in Blue, sometimes, they are in Busted. Of
course, our songs are better, ha...ha... cos we've
been singing for a long time.

R&B is very popular nowadays and there're many fans in
Asia. Have you guys thought of changing your style to
a bit R&B?

Westlife: We may produce one or two R&B songs. And we
know R&B is very hot, but we're not a R&B band, so we
will still stick with pop songs. Maybe sometimes, we
have a little bit R&B style in our songs. Like B2K,
they don't dare to make this kinda fresh music, but we
dare to try!

How can you keep your position in the music industry?

Westlife: We always change our style in music. And our
songs have good melodies, good producers and our
strong vocals, so that's the reason why we can produce
many good songs. We have thought about making some
rock songs and dance music, but our main style is pop.
We still wanna change our music style but stick with
ballads as well, just like our new song, Mandy, which
is a classical cover from Barry Manilow.

Many boybands can't last for a long time. Have you
thought of you will be apart one day?

Westlife: We won't be apart and we will still be
doing our records, producing songs and concerts. We
still have loadsa time to do many stuff. We have a
clear way how to develope and change the image of
boybands in the history. We successfully produced 7
albums in a row. So we won't be apart forever. If we
really split up, it will be the saddest day of our
lives.

Do you wanna open the Asian market? It's said that you
have a flop in States?

Westlife: There aren't lotsa boybands in States apart
from N' Sync and Backstreet Boys. No boybands pop up
now, we think. And it seems that boybands don't
succeed in States, and no record company produce other
boybands for the market. We still have a big success
in the rest of the world. We sold 3 or 4 million
copies for each album. So it doesn't really matter if
we aren't successful in States. And we're satisfied
about what we've done and Asia is a big and important
market for us.

What's your future plan? Will you going to China for
the next tour?

Westlife: Many organization have invited us to China
for performances. And we got many messages from
Chinese fans in our official website, they hope us to
have a concert there. We have a world tour plan from
Febuary to May next year. Hopefully, we will head for
Beijing, Shang Hai and Guang Zhou for concerts.

Source: Nan Fang Daily (China)
Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/groups/slavesforwestlife
Credit: Bonnie

~*~ posted by amanda @ 3:47 PM

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Thursday, November 27, 2003

Westlife's Wonder Blunder
[International - 24 November 2003]

Irish chart-toppers Westlife accidentally blew a chance to make music with soul legend Stevie Wonder, after losing his telephone number.

The Mandy hitmakers bumped into Stevie at a Hollywood party during a recent trip to the States, and were stunned when the superstar - who recently collaborated with boyband rivals Blue - suggested they record a track together.

But bandmember Mark Feehily drunkenly jotted down his number wrong. Bandmate Bryan McFadden explains, "We were in LA and Stevie said we should hook up and I nearly fell over. Stevie gave Mark his phone number but he took it down wrong." (WENN)

Source: unknown
Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/nickymylove

~*~ posted by amanda @ 8:38 PM

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(I know this is abit outdated but yeah....)Mandy straight in at number 1!

Westlife's new single Mandy crashed straight into the top of the
charts yesterday, giving them an amazing 12th number 1.

The track knocked Busted from the top spot, and went in ahead of new
entries from Girls Aloud and Alex Parks.

The band worked very hard last week, with the Fan Conference, various
signings and lots of promo work, so they will no doubt be delightd
that it's all paid off.

The track is taken, of course, from the band's new album Turnaround,
which is released today...

Source:www.westlife.com
Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/groups/nickymylove

~*~ posted by amanda @ 8:36 PM

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Westlife celebrates 5th anniversary

Westlife will be celebrating the band's 5th anniversary, plus the
release of their 5th album Turnaround, with a glamourous champagne
reception at the Irish Embassy this Wednesday (November 26th).

The launch will begin at 5.55pm precisely, and promises to be a
star-studded affair, with celebrity guests arriving down a special
green carpet and Westlife due to perform 5 songs.

It's formal dress only, and being hosted by the Irish Ambassador
himself, His Eminence Daithi O'Ceallaigh.

The Irish Embassy is located on Grosvenor Place / Chapel Street, in
London's swanky SW1 area (the same postcode as the Queen!).

Turnaround was released today, and features the single Hey Whatever,
the current number 1 smash Mandy and 11 other gems...

Source: www.westlife.com
Taken from:http://uk.yahoo.groups.com/groups/nickymylove

~*~ posted by amanda @ 8:35 PM

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Westlife answer your questions

You can't keep a good boy band down. Westlife have been in the premier pop league for years and, despite the constant whispers, don't look like giving it all up soon - especially with the release of brand new studio album Turnaround. We grabbed time with the fellas to put across some of the questions you demanded they answer.

Do any of you have any talents we don't know about?

Shane: Kian is quite talented in everything he does, bar taking a penalty! I won't put my money on him taking a penalty. If he was playing a position in football he's the best central defender...

Mark: Because he hacks the legs off you.

Shane: He'll take the head, never mind the legs off you.

Kian: You just don't bother trying to get past me or I will kill you! Do you hear me?

Kian, who is the worst girl you have ever been out with and why?

I don't think there is anybody that I went out with who was really horrible or nasty. Most girls I went out with I've gotten on with but haven't stayed with them for whatever reasons. I've never disliked people while I've been with them. I do get really annoyed when you have a close relationship with someone and then when it's all over they totally slate you and make it out to be something it totally wasn't.

Would you tell your girlfriend if they looked rubbish in an outfit or would you lie?

Nicky: I'd tell them. I'd say something like I think those other white trousers you have look better.

Bryan: That's the exact opposite of me and Kerry. If we wore something and didn't say, we'd be in trouble with each other.

Shane: I'd say that just doesn't suit you, get it off!

Do any of you do impressions?

Nicky: Nope. I have to say none of us are any good at that.

Would you wear nail varnish, have facials or use moisturiser? How girlie are you?

Kian: We all use moisturiser and stuff when we've had make-up on. We don't wear nail varnish and don't get facials.

Shane: Actually I did get a facial and my face was an absolute state afterwards.

Mark: I have shaving gel, razors, toothpaste and toothbrush and deodorant and that's all I have in my wash bag.

Kian: And that's quite an average bloke's wash bag, Mark.

When you go to clubs do you dance or just sit around?

Mark: Everyone here dances when they're drunk. They do not dance when they're not drunk.

Kian: It's very rare we dance.

Mark: When I'm drunk I love going out on the dance floor but I need to be drunk to do it. I'm not setting an example to everybody but for me, personally, I need to have a drink.

Nicky: I danced at my wedding.

Does it scare you how much some people love you?

Shane: Yeah, it does scare me because I just can't get my head around it. It's quite a funny position to be in and sometimes we wonder why.

Justin Timberlake said he doesn't wear underwear very often. Do any of you like to go commando?

Mark: When you go out it's nice to be a bit loose. It's very comfortable.

Kian: I think its horrible not wearing underwear.

Shane: I only do it if I'm wearing shorts or tracksuits bottoms, but not in jeans.

Nicky: It's very uncomfortable if you're doing sport and things.

Bryan: I only go commando at bedtime.

What song, if any, makes you cry?

Nicky: "On My Shoulder" which will hopefully be one of our forthcoming singles.

Bryan: "White Christmas" because I wish I'd written it!

Source: www.popworld.com
Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/slavesforwestlife

~*~ posted by amanda @ 8:31 PM

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Life of Bryan Interview

Bryan McFadden is looking very relaxed in distressed jeans and wooly hat, his “bling bling” wedding band the only clue to his star status. He’s ordering his “usual” (ham and cheese omelette) as U Magazine arrives for a chat. Not a speck of pretension in sight, its hard to believe this is one-fifth of the biggest selling tour act of 2003 with 11 UK Number Ones, four multi platinum albums and over 31 million in record sales under their collective belts. But can they really be as down to earth as they appear? Well Bryans instinctual reply that he’ll “get us one back” when we offer him a cigarette certainly seems to suggest so…

Q- We met up with you around five years ago when you were first hitting the big time. Apart from the little matter of massive global success, how have things changed for the band since then?
A- Well, we were all around 18 at that stage with no marriage or babies! The main thing is that we’re adults now rather than being the kids we were back then.

Q- Looking back, what would you say to those kids if you could?
A- God! Obviously the mistakes we’ve made along the way youd kinda say “Watch out for that!” or “Don’t release that as a single!” Everything else I’d probably want to do the same.

Q- In terms of maturity, do you think you still have a long way to go?
A- Well, I dunno, because its hard to tell when we’re gonna peak. We are what we are. We’re not like a rock group whos trying to develop their own sound or anyhting.

Q- So youre perfectly happy “just” to be a pop band?
A- Yes, that’s what we do. We could try to be a rock band but we'd probably be the worst in Ireland! Might as well be a pop group and be one of the best in the world.

Q- What are the worst aspects of that level of fame on a day to day level?
A- It’s okay in Ireland. I can go home and close the door and no one bothers me. But you do have to open the papers. You need to know what you’ve supposedly done now.

Q- You’ve had to defend yourself to the press concerning your love life. Tell us exactly how being famous affects your personal relationships?
A- Well it’s strenuous on any relationship. When youre sitting at home on the sofa, the 2 of you reading the newspapers, even though both of you know the truth about the other, you still have to keep your mind on the fact that everyone else around you doesn’t. The amount of times Ive seen silly stories… It plays with your head a bit.

Q- But you always know the truth? You’ve never had a night out and forgotten what you did? And perhaps the papers were the ones to tell you?
A- No definitely not. Im not that kind of drunk. Ive never been out and forgotten what I’ve done.

Q- I suppose you have the rest of the band to rely on on nights out?
A- Its very rare that the five of us would go out together- not because we wouldn’t want to- its just like normal mates; sometimes some fo you are in the modd and the others arent. Its quite often that there’d be at least one or two out though!

Q- You’re not the only one whos been grilled lately. Do you think the Irish media were too tough on Nicky concerning his wedding?
A- Well, it was such a big day for Nicky and for the press to turn it into such a circus: It was very unfair. He didn’t ask for anyone to come over to France and try to destroy his wedding. They just wanted to go over, get married, come home and be happy.

Q- Was he upset?
A- Of course he was. He tried to forget about it on the day but the build up was very tough. I don’t think people understand they just reckon “Oh big deal, hes got loads of money, hes just over there getting married who cares?” But he had feelings too y’know? Its still his big day, its nothing to do with Westlife, its nothing to do with his celebrity, its just got to do with Nicky and Georgina- all of a sudden its turned into something horrible. That scars you.
Q- You really feel people were unjustified in their criticism?
A- I think the English press are just always that little bit more forgiving. The Irish media always put their own twist on it. Theyre more begrudging, always sarcastic in their comments. That kinda pissed us off a but. Weve always been so good to them. Even when we became big all over the world and kinda had to devote our time to the countries that are obviously bigger, we still always made sure that Ireland is number one. And they don’t pay us the same respect back.

Q- you new albums Turnaound is just out. Tell us about it- whats different?
A- Weve kina been going on a strange path. I think from the first album through to the second we were changing, trying to become a little bit too cool as regards sounds and production. I think Turnaround is like going back to the start. I know we always say it, but this album is definitely our best.

Q- There no doubting youre a good looking bunch of lads who can sing but why do you think you’ve done so incredibly well when, well say Boyzone for example couldn’t get quite so far?
A- I don’t want to sound arrogant but I think were more talented than Boyzone were. Also their average age was around 26 when they peaked and were still arouns 33, 23, I think we’ve had better songs than them too.

Q- Speaking of age, how do you feel about growing older, do you worry about losing your looks?
A- It doesn’t bother us at all. If I go bald, I go bald!

Q- So youre pretty grounded about your image?
A- All weve ever had is people slagging us about our weight going up and down but we don’t care. Id always been slagged as a kid about being fat but then I got into a band. Its funny because were so successful, our fans obviously done care what we look like. So who cares what anyone else says?

Q- Who were you a fan of as a teenager?
A- My first ever concert was Kylie Minogue and next was Guns’N’Roses! Then Metallica, Nirvand… I got big into the Beach Boys when I was about 15.

Q- And now youre song writing yourself…
A- I write songs every other day if I get the chance but it would be very unfair of me to start writing for the band. Say if Mark was and Shane were at it too, how do you get an album out of that? You can easily end up with a collage of sounds rather than a pure, polished album.

Q- Tell us what you think of reality TV shows like Pop Idol?
A- The main thing is that it gives kids a chance. The one question Im asked every day is; “Im a singer. What can I do to get successful?” All I can say is I don’t know! If we didn’t meet Louis Walsh and the five of us aid okay, we re gonna start a band, I wouldn’t know where to go, where to look, what to do. So Pop Idol is like everything in the world today; it’s an easier way. The rewards at the end are instant, but they don’t last very long. Take David Sneddon: his last press release announced his official “retirement from pop music”. That’s only 12 months after Fame Academy! Its great if youre just looking for five minutes of fame but try looking at it from a record companys point of view. Why would you bother starting a new band, when you can get then from a TV show, sell a million records and then just get rid of them.

Q- So everyone becomes recyclable?
A- Yeah, it has turned into a machine. It’s unfortunate because theres only a handful of “real” popbands left: Atomic Kitten, Blue, Busted, Sugababes and us. Were probably gonna be the last five ever. Why put people on the conver of magazines and work away at a marketing strategy when theres the instantaneous appeal of the telly?

Q- Some manugactured acts can go the distance, however, like our cover girl Kylie. I take it you’ve bumped into her along the way?
A- I have met Kylie a couple of times. I didn’t want to tell her when id seen her in concert because I didn’t want to make her feel old! We have the same stylist so there is that connection there. I prefer her sister though.

Q- You’re a Dannii man? That’s unusual….
A- God yeah! ... Either her or Charlize Theron. Dannii is extremely sexy whereas Charlize is just beautiful.

With that, “Wardrobe”, arrives, leaving Bryan to think Minogue thoughts, chosse his underpants and enjoy that ham and cheese brekkie. He owes U Magazine a total of 2 cigarettes, and funnily enough, we reckon hes good for them.

Source: U Magazine (Ireland)
Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/slavesforwestlife

~*~ posted by amanda @ 8:26 PM

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How to access the Fan Conference content

A massive thanks to everyone who's already bought Westlife's new
Turnaround album - copies are fair flying off the shelves...

So, once you own the CD, you will be able to view the exclusive Fan
Conference content online. When you load up www.westlife.com, you
should see a small window pop-up in the top left corner. Click on
this, and you will then be given instructions on how to access the
content; you will need the album to be in your PC's CD-Rom drive.

If for any reason the pop-up doesn't appear for you, you should go to
www.westlife.com/fanconference instead.

If you submitted a question for the fan conference, even if you
didn't win you should still have your name displayed in the 'Fan
List' section.

Then there's a video piece for those of you who were there to
remember the event by, and for those of you who weren't, it's the
next best thing!

Finally there's a transcript of the questions asked and answered on
the day - although we did pick and invite 50 winners, unfortunately
some were not able to attend, which is why there are not 50 questions
listed in the transcript.

Finally, just to confirm to all the worldwide Westlife fans - all of
the above should work with your versions of the album as well.

Source:www.westlife.com
Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/nickymylove/

~*~ posted by amanda @ 8:09 PM

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Westlife the ManUtd of Pop

Westlife secured their 12th No. 1 single on Sunday with a cover of
Barry Manilow's Mandy, but after so many chart toppers do the boys
still get akick out of being Top Of The Pops?

"If we don't get a No.1 album or single - we want to know why," says
Nicky,

while beefy Bryan compares Westlife to a championship winning
football team in the News Of The World's Sunday magazine. "We're like
Manchester United. Just because we won the treble, it doesn't mean
we're going to sit back."

The boys held off stiff competition from Girls Aloud who entered the
chart at No. 2 with Jump, and Fame Academy winner Alex Parks who
could only managea No. 3 entry with her debut single, That's What It
Takes.

Source: Yahoo! Music Launch
Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/slavesforwestlife

~*~ posted by amanda @ 8:00 PM

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Next Single: Obvious!

Breaking news: 'Obvious' will be Westlife's next single! It'll be released sometime in February 2004, and will be the third taken from their latest album 'Turnaround'.

Source: http://www.westlifeweb.com/

~*~ posted by amanda @ 7:55 PM

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Wednesday, November 26, 2003

WESTLIFE TOTP INTERVIEW

Fan: When you're on tour and homesick, what helps you relax?

Kian: [Laughs] Ah, I don't really get too homesick anymore. I have a
place in London now, so it feels like my home too. Apart from that I
think we just get out and do things, and not stay in and look at the walls. We'll go down to the pub, the cinema or just everyday things,
then you feel more at home.

Fan: You said you wanted to go in a new direction with 'Hey Whatever', so why back to ballads with 'Mandy'?

Mark: It's funny, because I can't remember what we actually said at
the time. What we meant was that we wanted to try out a different style of song, to carry us into the new album. We certainly would never feel right trying to change our style by trying to become an r&b or rock group. We'll always be a pop group, with strong vocals.

Kian: Variety's the spice of life too!

Mark: That's it! And, the third single will be something a little different too, just to spice things up a bit. The beauty of pop music is that you can experiment a bit more. We just want to showcase the variety of pop songs on our albums, so that's why we released something different.

Fan: If someone was to make a cartoon based on Westlife, what kind of
characters would you be?
Kian: I'm thinking South Park meets Homer Simpson. We do an awful lot of silly, crazy things, so I think that would be an accurate mixture.

Mark: [Laughs] Yeah, Bryan would have to be Nelson.

Kian: ...and Shane could be Lisa!

Fan: Are you going to be touring next year?

Kian: Yes, we are. Tickets are going on sale in a week or so and it's going to be a huge tour again next year. We're all very much looking forward to it. Touring is probably one of the best parts of being in Westlife. Make sure you come and see us, it'll be a great show!

Fan: Do you sing the type of music you want to sing, or do you have to think about what's going to sell?

Mark: Good question! I think it'd be very selfish of us to just do what we want, like a rock song one minute and tomorrow whatever we fancy. You have to have some sort of consistency in a group and we're lucky enough to be famous across the world. We just respect our fans and respect that they like us because of what we've done in the past.

We can change within reason and add a bit of ourselves to each track, but it's strong melodies and good pop songs that people expect from us. At the end of the day, if we want to play around and write songs that are a little different, then we can do that back in our hotel rooms or at home.

Kian: I think we all have different individual tastes and it does come through our music. Certainly, if you look at the 'Turn Around' album, there's definitely something from each of us on that.

Fan: If you could have a body part from another member of the band, what would you have?

Mark: Erm...I'd have Bryan's jaw bone, definitely!

Kian: I don't really think I could take anyone's body parts. I'm pretty happy with myself.

Fan: Who's changed the most and the least since the beginning of the band?

Kian: I think we've all changed an awful lot. It's natural to change. I mean Mark and I were 17 when we started out and we're 23 now. We've had to change in a lot of different ways, but I don't think any of us have changed for the worse. I think we've all kept our feet firmly on the ground and we're still just normal guys. We feel very lucky to be making the music that we enjoy and touring the world and we remind ourselves of that a lot.

Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/groups/slavesforwestlife

~*~ posted by amanda @ 6:19 PM

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crazie fans in asia

WESTLIFES Mark Feehily has revealed how he hates getting groped by
deranged fans during hysterical scenes on tour.
The band were left shaken after a trip to Asia when screaming fans
stole jewellry and clothes literally off their back.
The Sligo star said fans can sometimes step over the line and grab at
the band when they make public appearances.
He said: Sometimes they'll grope you and it is disgusting. Ive made
sure our security finds out who did it and remember their face and
never lets them near us again. If one of us had done it we'd have a
lawsuit on our hands. I just want people to understand that Im not a
big lump of meat.
During one trip to Asia, Bryan had one of his trainers stolen off his
foot, Kians ring was taken off his finger and Nicky's chain was
ripped of his neck.
But the pin-up singer said he loves getting mail from fans in the
post.
My mum leaves it out on the bed. When I go home I flake out on my
bedroom and read all the post. I separate them into 2 piles and throw
all the bills into the cupboard and I read the fan mail. Its a nice
thought that someone bothered to write. We've made friends with loads
of fans.

Source: Sunday World
Taken from: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/slavesforwestlife

~*~ posted by amanda @ 6:12 PM

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Jodi tormented by jealous Kian fans

Crazed fans of the Westlife hunk keep getting hold
> of the Hollyoaks
> actress's number and tormenting her over her romance
> with the Irish
> singer.
>
> Her best mate Michelle Barber, who sang in Jodi's
> former band GIRL
> THING, told me: "Jodi is a complete nightmare to get
> in touch with on
> the phone because she is always changing her mobile
> number.
>
> "She's changed it eight times lately because she
> feels really scared
> about it getting into the hands of the wrong people.
>
> "She's had terrible trouble with a series of
> stalkers who just
> wouldn't leave her alone.
>
> "They would keep calling her and it totally freaked
> her out.
>
> "She found that the only way to get rid of them was
> to change her
> phone number. But this has now become a bit of a
> habit."
>
> Westlife's army of fans obsess about the boy band
> and often go to
> extreme lengths to to try and get near them.
>
> Last week two girls hid all day in a cramped
> cupboard at London
> nightclub 10 Room in a bid to spring out on their
> idols but were
> rumbled before their dream came true.
>
> Despite the pressures of fame, though, Kian and Jodi
> remain besotted.
>
> Jodi's pal Michelle adds: "They flirted with each
> other for years
> before they got together.
>
> "There has always been a real spark between them.
>
> "And now they are together, they make a really
> fantastic couple.
>
> "Kian is absolutely committed to Jodi and I know
> that Jodi has never
> been happier than she is now that she is with him."
>
Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/groups/slavesforwestlife

~*~ posted by amanda @ 5:38 PM

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Monday, November 24, 2003

MTV has roped in Westlife as a star international act for the Immies

MUMBAI: MTV Immies are all set to heat up the music scene with some international sensations. Latest news is that the youth channel has roped in Westlife, Safari Duo, Outlandish, Rishi Rich and Panjabi MC for the international acts.
The first ever music awards from the Viacom's Indian music arm, establish to coincide with 100 years of recording music.

One of the popular boy bands of the international music scene, Westlife have sold 18 million albums and seven million singles The five member team is set to woo MTV viewers at their first ever performance in India when they perform at the Indian Music Excellence Awards - MTV IMMIES presented by AirTel, on 12 December, 2003, says a company release.
Besides Westlife, the Immies boasts of international acts comprising percussion pop duo Safri Duo, the popular Danish group - Outlandish, Asian music sensation - Rishi Rich and international king of Bhangra - Panjabi MC.

While the channel has unveiled its international acts, the local acts are still kept under the wraps but the release hints that the Immies will bring together a galaxy of international and local acts sprinkled liberally with performances from Bollywood.

Presented by AirTel, the MTV Immies is exclusively supported by the Indian Music Industry (IMI) and is brought in association with LG Electronics India Pvt. Ltd, Kinetic Zing and Maruti - for the brand Alto. The hospitality partner is J W Marriott while the radio partner is Radio Mirchi.

The stars of the evening Nicky, Shane, Bryan, Kian and Mark have sold over 250,000 units of their albums in India alone. The popular Irish boy band is creating waves across the globe with 'Mandy' and 'Hey Whatever' from their forthcoming album 'Turnaround'.

The Safri Duo comprising Morten Friis and Uffe Savery are said to be poised to get the crowd in action with performance. The bongo banging duo has won a pile of awards and was the first ever Danish act to win an MTV Award. Next in the line is the 'not regular hip-hop band' Outlandish. With their recent release Aicha making rounds of the music channels, the dynamic trio is raring to deliver a superb performance for the first time in India, says the release.

While Rishi Rich, whose claim to fame is not just Asian fusion tracks, but pure hip-hop beats for the likes of Fallacy and Estelle is amongst the star line line up for the d-day. Currently, Rishi Rich is working on productions for Britney Spears, Ricky Martin and Mary J Blige.

Last in the line is the International king of Bhangra, Panjabi MC. Having established himself as a household name on the UK and international Bhangra scene, Panjabi MC has
gaining huge recognition and popularity with his hip hop and real 'desi' mix in India too.

Credit: Shamira
Taken from: http://gorups.yahoo.com/groups/nickymylove

~*~ posted by amanda @ 8:22 PM

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Friday, November 21, 2003

Kerry Is Presenting Sm:TV Live

Our special SM:TV friend this Saturday afternoon is KERRY McFADDEN.
As Stephen Mulhern is away filming a new series of CiTV's "Globo Loco",
Mrs. Bryan from Westlife will be lending our very own Des a hand all
afternoon.

Part of her job will include telling you guys how you can get your
hands on one of 10 signed copies of BLAZIN' SQUAD's brand new album.
We've an exclusive Ring To Win for you this week and you could get your
hands on a signed copy of the Squad's latest CD. Don't miss out - make sure
you're switched on to SM:TV Gold this Saturday at 2pm on CiTV

Taken from: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/slavesforwestlife
Credit : SAMANTHA

~*~ posted by amanda @ 1:45 PM

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Normal day in Mark's life

Did you sleep well last night?
Very well. I had to be up at 5am yesterday to fly from Dublin to
London for a t.v. show, so I was really tired and fell asleep as soon
as I got to the hotel at 7pm. I woke up at 10pm and had a chat with
Bryan, watched a film then went back to sleep around 1am. With the
new album coming out, things are getting really busy, so I need all
the sleep I can get.

Who were you with at midnight?
I was on my own in my hotel room, watching the film Anger Management.
It was very funny.

Who was the first person you spoke to this morning?
Our tour manager, Jake. He probably called me about 50 times before
he finally woke me up. I'm not very good in the mornings and it takes
an awful lot of phone calls to wake me up. I'm a really deep sleeper.

What was the best meal you had today?
I had a chicken, bacon and salad baguette for lunch. We're flying to
Germany tonight so I wont get a proper meal. I'll try to grab
something at the airport or eat on the plane. I prefer a proper home-
cooked meal, but I would never complain about aeroplane food. I have
to credit it for feeding me many times over the years.

What was the most expensive thing you bought today?
Just that sandwich for £2.80.

What made you laugh most today?
We were doing a photo shoot this morning in an Italian restaurant.
The inspiration for the shoot was the sopranos, and they brought out
the biggest bowl of pasta I've ever seen. You probably had to be
there, but it struck us a very funny. We always end up laughing
whenever we get together – there's lots of banter and messing about.
That makes it easier to get through long working days.

What do you regret most about today?
Nothing. Ive been working all day so I haven't had a chance to do
anything I might regret – at least not yet.

What are you most proud of today?
An interviewer praised our music, which is always nice. We've been
working hard on the new album for the last few months. Although we
love the sort of music that's got us where we are today, its nice to
experiment a little bit with our sound. There are still some typical
Westlife songs on there though.

What's the most annoying thing anyone has said to you today?
When Jake told me to get out of bed. He was right to do it, but it
was very annoying.

What song can you not get out of your head at the moment?
We've done a cover version of Mandy by Barry Manilow for the new
album. I'm not just saying this to plug the album, but its one of
those songs that once you hear it you can't get the melody out of
your mind.

What appointments did you write in your diary today?
None, but I should make an appointment to see the doctor. We had last
week off and it was fairly heavy socially. By the end of it I'd come
down with a cold that I can't shift. I'm probably just a bit run
down, but I ought to see a doctor. You have to be fit and healthy
when you're doing this job.

Did you meet anyone interesting today?
The guy who ran the Italian restaurant where we did the photo shoot
earlier. Italians express themselves in a big, loud way, so it was
like stepping into a different culture.

How long did you spend getting ready this morning?
About 20 minutes. My usual routine is to get into the shower first. I
begin with hot water, then I like a blast of cold for a couple of
seconds to give my day a jump-start. Then I brush my teeth, have a
shave and get dressed.

What time do you think you'll be in bed tonight?
We probably won't get to the hotel in Germany until midnight, so I
guess I'll be in bed by 12.30am. Some of the lads are talking about
heading out on the town when we get there, but if we've got an early
start the next day I won't bother. As I say, I'm still wrecked from
last week.

Was it a bad hair day or a good hair day?
Every day is a bad hair day. My hair is wild. It grows in every
direction and has to be dragged into place. I just sit in the chair
and let the stylist do whatever he wants with it.

Source:Sunday Express
Taken from: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/nickymylove

~*~ posted by amanda @ 1:43 PM

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Sad Case...why does BMG hafta control WL???

It appears that record company politics have gotten in the way of
Westlife's favourite songs making the grade on to the new album,
Turnaround.

The track 'All That You Know' was a big hit with the Westlife lads
but was sensationally removed from the album after their record
company, BMG, would not consider it to be released as a single.

Mark Feehily said the boys were terribly disappointed that the song
hadn't made the grade.

He said: "'All That You Know' isn't on the new album because the
record company would never consider it as a single.

"That song was totally different for us - a real departure, really
rocky and Shane did an unbelievable vocal on it - something
Bonowould be proud of.

"But because the record company said they wouldn't make it a single,
the producer decided to take it back and make it a single for
someone else.

"And I don't blame him because it's a brilliant song. But it would
have been great if we could have done it."

Mark said it was part and parcel of being signed to a major record
label.

"It's hard to explain but in our situation you either have to do
what the record company want or sacrifice their support on the
record.

"That's what we've learned and there's no point in kidding ourselves.

"It's not like we have no respect for ourselves and our opinions but
it's just a case of business and politics and we have learned to go
with the flow."

On Thursday the band will be having a huge bash for family, friends
and industry personnel in Dublin.

Taken From: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/nickymylove

~*~ posted by amanda @ 1:34 PM

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The Lads on Reuben Studdard doing their cover...

Westlife may have recorded their fair share of covers over the
years, including their current Barry Manilow penned No. 1 - Mandy,
but it turns out they're not so keen on others covering their own
work.

We are of course talking about American Idol winner Reuben, who
released Westlife's hit, Flying Without Wings in the States, but
what did the boys actually think of it?

"I heard it and it was sh*te," says Nicky in Popworld magazine ,
while Shane was equally callous. "I saw it live on the final on TV
10 and it was absolute muck. He's a great singer, but he ruined that
song."

"That just goes to show how big Westlife songs in America could have
been," rounded off Nicky, who's obviously still reeling from failing
to break the US charts. Oh well lads, at least good ole Blighty
still loves ya.

~*~ posted by amanda @ 1:32 PM

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Westlife heading for the No.1 Spot on the UK charts. *crosses fingers*

Westlife & Girls Aloud Soar To The Top Of The Chart

Westlife and Girls Aloud are soaring to the top of the UK charts- as
Ronan Keating looks set to suffer a major flop.

Westlife and Girls Aloud are putting chmapagne on ice as they look
set to go in at No1 and No2 in the British Charts this weekend.

The boyband have gone staright in at No1 with their new single,
Mandy, according to the mid-week charts.

The group is on track to sell a massive 100,000 copies of the single,
which is a cover of the Barry Manilow hit.

Girls Aloud who are also managed by Louis Walsh, have shot staright
to No2 with their single Jump

Keating's new album is a disapointing No18 according to the mid-week
UK charts

Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/slavesforwestlife

~*~ posted by amanda @ 1:23 PM

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Boyband shaken by fans in cupboard

It seems that the more popular the band, the more deranged the fans - just ask Westlife.

The Irish crooners - currently at the top of the midweek chart with their version of Barry Manilow's Mandy - were left "stunned and shaken" after being ambushed by two besotted admirers on Monday.

The incident happened after Bryan McFadden, Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan and Kian Egan had held a fans' conference in London's 10 Rooms.

A couple of girls decided they wanted to see more of their idols so they hid in a cupboard hoping to snare the lads later on.

But the plan backfired. The girls jumped out hours later but before they could get to the band they were spotted by bouncers who showed them the door.

An insider tells us: "The boys are stunned - they can't believe the lengths some of their fans will go to. All sorts could have happened - they could have even suffocated in there.

"Apparently, because the girls had heard Westlife would be popping back that evening for a drink, they decided to stow themselves away.

"It was a ridiculous thing to do and the lads were really shaken up by it."

Bryan and Mark, both 23, were far more relaxed when we caught up with them in Leicester Square's Yates's Wine Lodge earlier in the evening. As the pair celebrated their chart success with a few vodka and diet cokes, hunky Bry revealed that he's now an Atkins Diet addict.

"It's the best thing ever - I've lost a stone in two weeks," he beamed.

"I can have a big fry-up with loads of sausages and rashers of bacon in the morning and a Burger King in the evenings - just without the bread. It's great."

But while his body is now top notch, Bryan's memory isn't quite up to scratch.

"I've just had to come back from the cashpoint because I can't remember my Pin number," he whined. "It's so annoying, I've got thousands in there, too."

No doubt there will be a lot more cash in his account when the group's album, Turnaround, is released on Monday.

Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/slavesforwestlife

~*~ posted by amanda @ 1:21 PM

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Star Mag Article

We're not flash, we're stupid

The 5 WL lads open their hearts about shopping, bar bills and forgetting megastars' phone numbers...

The guys from WL are sitting around a table scattered with bottles of water, plates of
roast chicken and packets of Malboro Lights.

The 5 millionaire twentysomethings are eating with their fingers, sipping water and
chatting about their latest album Turnaround, out on Monday, and their single, Mandy, which has just been released.

Surprizingly, it's all pretty normal stuff, considering these lads
can boast an amazing 30 million record sales worldwide and a career lifespan longer than most boy bands put together.

Shane Filan, 24, Nicky Bryne, 25, Bryan McFadden, 23, Mark Feehily, 23 and Kian Egan, 23, have come a long way in the past 5 years, personally as well as
professionally. They have had 10 No 1s, 4 big-selling albums, 2 weddings, an engagement and 2 babies. Bryan is a dad, with 2 beautiful daughters with wife ex-Atomic Kitten Kerry Katona. Nicky married childhood sweetheart Georgina (daughter of Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern) earlier this year, while Shane is due to wed long-term girlfriend Gillian Walsh next month. Kian is dating actress Jodi Albert (Hollyoaks' Debbie Dean) and Mark, bless, is single.

The guys are in fine form: boisterous, talkative and sometimes difficult to control, but
refreshingly down to earth as they banter about who was the last to buy a round.

But has success made them flash with their cash, or do they watch their wallets? You'd be surprised...

You've got your 5th album coming out - did you ever think you'd get this far?
Bryan: If someone told us 5 years ago that we would have a 5th album, we'd never have beleived it.

Kian: When we started out, we wanted to really make it and not be a typical boy band who just released 3 albums and a greatest hits album. We've done that now and we're proud. We've worked hard.

Shane: No other boy band has gone on to do a 5th album in the past 10 years. And this isn't our last album, either - we want to do 3 or 4 more.

So are there still screaming teenagers at the concerts?

Mark: Not exactly, but there are what we call "Mums in leather trousers". There are lots of women who want to go out and have a laugh. They choose a WL
concert and give it the whole wobble-their-boobs bit. It's all a bit cheeky. They go for a laugh and we have a laugh too.

Bryan: They just like the idea of a young man. And there are 5 of us they can ogle at!

Shane: We still have a young fanbase, but usually half our audience is over 30.

Simon Cowell said you're relelasing Mandy because: "I told them to! I've been doing this for 25 years, they've been doing it for 3. Sometimes you have to
give people a reality check".

Bryan: The words 'reality check' are something he needs to think about. He needs a reality check himself!

Nicky: We made the album ourselves without Simon, but we recorded Mandy as the last track because he told us to, and in his opinion it was the second single.

Mark: It's important to have our record company behind us. Now and
again it's a good idea to do what they want.

Shane: Simon Cowell is very cool. He's not Mr Nasty.

Kian: But when he makes comments like "I told them to.." and '3 years'..we've been doing this 5 years.

Nicky: But that's just how he is.

How, if at all, has success changed you?

Nicky: Some of us are married, some of us are getting married. All of us have a lot more money than when we started out, and we own houses, but we still
count ourselves very lucky lads. Every day we think how lucky we are.

So, with all this cash, do you bother checking the price tags when you go shopping?

All: Yes!

Kian: I always check the price beforehand. If it's daft money then I
won't buy it. I wouldn't spend £2,000 on a leather jacket now, for example. Three
years ago I had 6 leather jackets sitting in my wardrobe.

Shane: I'll spend a few grand on a beautiful jacket if I think I'll get wear out of it.

Did you go shopping-crazy when you first started making money?

Nicky: Yeah. We went shopping and bought stuff we didn't need. I bought some leather trousers which got ruined the first time I wore them.

Shane: I bought a Gucci jacket for £2,500 and wore it twice. That's just utter madness.

Bryan: I bought a catsuit. A black catsuit! I looked like the lead singer from The Darkness" [The boys all laugh]

Shane: I have at least 8 wardrobes full of clothes and at least 150 leather jackets.

So are you big shoppers?

Bryan: I don't go shopping very much - or ever even.

Kian: I go shopping every 6 months to stock up.

Mark: I shop occassionally, but not as much as Nicky.

Nicky: I'm not the most fashion-conscious, but I go shopping every few weeks. A few years ago, I spent about £3,000 on a long Gucci leather jacket, and
it's the best buy I've ever invested in.

Shane: I don't care about labels at all. Gillian shops for me and comes back with some jeans for £50, a shirt for £20 and a jacket for £200. She's good at
shopping - she buys me loads of total bargains.

So if you're saving money on clothes, what do you spend your hard-earned cash on?

Bryan: I'm flash with my cash when it comes to sport - I play a lot of golf.

Shane: We're flash when it comes to getting the drinks in.

Nicky: We're not flash - we're just stupid!

Mark: I'm not flash enough to go and buy drinks for everyone in a bar when I don't even know them. It annoys me when everyone there expects it. They think, 'He's loaded, he can get the drinks in'.

Nicky: If you put your credit card behind the bar, total strangers out their drinks on it. That's why I've never out my card behind the bar. I't that simple.

Shane: One night we went to the bar just for a few beers, and when
we picked up the bill a few hours later, it was £900 because people had been putting their drinks on our tab.

Cheeky so and sos! So what's the biggest bar bill you boyshave ever had?

Shane: £2,600

Bryan: £4,000

Who's the stingiest member of the group?

All: Kian!

Kian: [not looking happy] I don't get that. I'm just careful with my money. Mark doesn't spend much more than I do.

Nicky: If the bar bill comes, Kian's off!

Shane: Actually, I think Mark could be the stingiest - he's more likely to keep his head down and his wallet in his pocket.

Nicky: Once we wer in a restaurant with some friends and we out our
credit cards in a pile to pull one out to see who'd pay. We were all hoping it would
be Kian's - and it was!

Kian: [Looking out out] I felt we were doing it to impress certain people at the table. Shane paid the last time we did that. But he felt it was unfair, so
everyone else gave their share.

If you're invited to a party, who's the most likely to go?

Bryan: Nicky probably goes to the most functions, because his father-
in-law is the Irish prime minister, Bertie Ahern.

Shane: Mark. He likes going to parties.

Mark: I only go if I feel like going out that night anyway.

Nicky: We get invited to so many parties we don't tend to go.

Kian: Our press officer wanted us to go to the premiere of The Italian Job. We said 'If we go, will we get photographed?' He said 'Yes', and we said 'that's
why we don't want to go.'

What the best feebie you've ever had?

Kian: We used to get loads of Addidas stuff, which was great. Dolce & Gabbana give us a lot of clothes, which is fantastic. But we don't get as much any
more.

Bryan: I got given a watch. And I'm suppose to be getting a Smart Car soon.

Is there anything you don't do because you're famous?

Kian: I've never used London public transport, apart from taxis. And 3 weeks ago, there were no cabs around so I got a bus from Putney to Fulham in west
London. I just got on the bus and it took me down the road.

Mark: Sometimes I use the Tube with no problem.

Do you get recognised a lot?

Kian: After one photo shoot, the 5 of us decided to go to the cinema in Fulham together, with no security or anything. I drove us in my car and everyone was
shocked to see us out doing something normal. The guy at the ticket booth just stared at us.

Shane: It felt like we were filming a video. As we passed people on the escalator, they stared at us, and we said hello and nodded at them. We never usually go to the cinema together.

Who are your celeb freinds?

Shane: Ronan Keating - that's about it. Bryan has the most.

Bryan: I tend to swap numbers with other celebrities, but never get around to calling them! The funniest time was when Stevie Wonder gave Mark his mobile
number...

Mark: .. and I took it down wrong! I was so drunk I wrote it down wrong. That was so stupid, I can't believe I did that.

Bryan: We were in LA and Stevie said we should hook up and I nearly fell over. And Mark didn't get the number.

Source: Star mag
Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/slavesforwestlife

~*~ posted by amanda @ 1:18 PM

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Simon Cowell on Westlife Hits

SWEAR IT AGAIN

This was their first ever single and I was really nervous about how well it would do.
I'd put my life and soul into this band - there was a lot at stake. I believed it would work but I thought"If it doesnt work then my instincts are all over the place". ts always risky to kick off with a ballad but I had this feeling that this song was going to be big.
When I first heard them do it, every hair on the back of my neck stood up and I thought, "This is going to be huge." Thankfully I was right.

MORE THAN WORDS - WESTLIFE

Extremes original single of this song is one of my favourite records of all times. I think Westlife's version showed just how strong they were vocally, too.
When it was suggested they cover this I was slightly dubious, but they did a great job and I think on the back of this they changed from a boy band to a vocal harmony group. Westlife have been phenomenally successful. With the right records, they could be
around alot longer.

Source:THE NEWS OF THE WORLD 16/11/03
Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/slavesforwestlife

~*~ posted by amanda @ 12:48 PM

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A RuMoUr?

Last Thursday Nicky Byrne of the Irish pop band phenomenon Westlife
> > told
> > us he was going to be releasing a solo album sometime in the next
>year.
> >
> > "I've always wanted to do a solo project and the lads are really
> > supportive and backing me up 100 per cent. I think this will be a
> > great experience for me."
> >
> > The Dubliner told us from Birmingham this morning that he had
>already
> > done
> > a couple of tracks and was planning on writing a couple himself.
> >
> > He has already written one by himself and co-wrote the title track,
> > Helpless Surrender, with singer-songwriter Steve Mac (Flying
>without
> > Wings,
> > Tonight.)
> >
> > "I think this album will be very soul-bearing. Most of the songs
>are a
> > little more edgy than what I do with Westlife.
> >
> > But of course I am sticking with the pop roots and there will be
>some
> > songs
> > that will have the Westlife sound. There is one song called
>Confession
> > and
> > it's got a kind of "Written in the Stars" feel to it- it's a
>definite
> > contender as a single at the moment!"
> >
> > We were lucky enough to hear a couple of rough cuts from the album.
> >
> > Far From Here is a haunting ballad that is about being away from a
> > loved one. Distant Skies is a popular favorite here in the office
>at
> > the
> > moment- "It's about a life that is out of reach. I guess you can
>say
> > it's a
> > bit tongue in cheek," He told us. "I love what I do but
> > there are days where I wish I could just work a 9-5 job then go
>home
> > to Gina."
> >
> > He's even done a cover of Ronan Keating's When the World Was
> > Mine. "Ronan was thrilled when I asked him if I could cover his
>song.
> >
> > Hopefully I did it justice!" He laughed.
> >
> > "What I want people to get out of this album is not Nicky Westlife,
> > but Nicky Byrne. I know that I'm not considered lead singer
>material
> > but so far I'm ecstatic about what I've done. I don't even care if
>I
> > get a number one- as long as I am satisfied with what I've
> > accomplished and the people I love are happy with it as well-
>that's
> > all I need."
> >
> > Eight of the thirteen tracks have been completed and he hopes to
> > finish up production sometime before Westlife go on tour next year.
> >
> > He then plans to release the album in August and there are also
>talks
> > of a small club tour. "I'm recording a track at the moment called
>All
> > I Ever Need- Bryan actually helped me write this one and he is also
> > producing it- then after that I have four more to go and hopefully
>it
> > will all be done by January. I don't want to release it right away,
> > though. Westlife has got a lot of promotion ahead, including
>touring-
> > and it wouldn't be fair to the lads- so I'll put off releasing it
>as
> > long as I need to."
> >
> > We asked Kian Egan how he felt about Nicky's solo move: "I think
>it's
> > brilliant. We all know Nicky has talent- though I was surprised
>he was
> > the
> > first to say he wanted to put out a solo album!
> >
> > Nonetheless we're all very proud of him and of the album and I
>can't
> > wait
> > for it to hit stores- it's going to be a blast."
> >
> > Nicky Byrne's Helpless Surrender will be out later next year.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >

~*~ posted by amanda @ 12:36 PM

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Thursday, November 20, 2003

Mandy at no.1 from Monday Sales

Singles are:

1 NEW WESTLIFE
2 NEW GIRLS ALOUD
3 NEW ALEX PARKS
4 1 BUSTED
5 2 BRITNEY SPEARS FT MADONNA
6 NEW LEMAR
7 NEW PET SHOP BOYS
8 3 KEVIN LYTTLE
9 5 FATMAN SCOOP/CROOKLYN CLAN
10 6 OUTKAST
11 4 KYLIE MINOGUE
12 NEW ENRIQUE IGLESIAS
13 NEW RADIOHEAD
14 7 BLAZIN' SQUAD
15 NEW MIS-TEEQ
16 10 MISSY ELLIOTT
17 8 BLACK EYED PEAS
18 12 PINK
19 NEW WHITE STRIPES
20 11 RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS

~*~ posted by amanda @ 11:10 AM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kian on Jodi

Westlife's Kian Egan has totally turned his back on the party
lifestyle. And its all thanks to new girlfriend Jodi Albert. in his
most honest interview to date Kian told hot that Hollyoaks actress,
21, is the love of his life. Earlier this year he lost the plot and
was out on the town every night until 2 am with band mate mark
Feehily. but meeting Jodi has forced Kian to hang up his wild
partying boots. he confessed , its the best relationship I've ever
had. Its going well. she certainly the most superb person ive ever
known. we've been going out for 5 months now. we are very happy. "
But Kian's in no hurry to become the 4th Westlife husband after
Bryan Nicky and Shane - who's marrying long term girlfriend Gillian
Walsh over Christmas. Kian, who has dated Liz McClarnon and been
linked to Jodie marsh, added anyone who knows me knows i would never
get married after 5 months . Everyone goes through a stage of going
a bit wild. I did it and I don't regret it. Everyman would live the
dream given the chance and i did. but by the end it became horrible

Booze.

Westlife have ALL grown up dramatically in the past few months. The
launch party for the unbreakable greatest hits last year was a booze
fuelled celebrity bash. But for new album turnaround: out November
24th, they're going all civilised. Jodie Marsh, Jordan and any pop
idol people are banned. Kian explained " were hiring the Irish
embassy in London for a full on black tie posh formal dinner. It
takes us away from just going out and getting pissed"

Source: the daily star
Taken From: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/nickymylove/

~*~ posted by amanda @ 11:07 AM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Wednesday, November 12, 2003

Bryan & Kez's Interview from OK!

The couple reveal their marriage `hiccup' and their dream to adopt!! Westlife may be one of the countries most successful groups, with a string of number one hits and sell out tours to their name, but for one member of the famous five, Bryan McFadden, the true measure of success and happiness is his stable home life. Together with his stunning wife Kerry, 23 year old Bryan has brushed aside the fickle world of celebrity in favour of a loving family environment.

The couple, together with their children, Molly, 2, and Lilly-Sue, 8 months have recently moved into a palatial 6 bedroom home in County Dublin where they've created a cosy family unit. Because of their hectic work schedules, both Bryan and Kerry, also 23, crave the refuge that their new home offers. Bryan has been busy
touring with Westlife and working on their new album, while Kerry has a number of TV commitments - including ITV1 hit show Loose Women. However, away from the spotlight, the pair relish parenthood and spending time with their close knit circle of family and friends. Both Bryan and Kerry seem well deserved of the happiness that fame and success has brought them. It's widely known that Kerry suffered a
hugely traumatic childhood, which meant that she was fostered at a young age. And, like most celebrities the couple have been the subject of tabloid stories, including and incident of infidelity during Bryan's stag weekend which threatened to destroy their marriage.

However, the couple are understandably keen to move on and, as they sit cuddling and laughing throughout the interview, it's obvious that their marriage is as strong as ever. Sitting in the conservatory of their luxurious home, Bryan and Kerry
talk with total honesty about how they've retained the romance in their relationship, the difficult periods in their marriage and why they want to adopt a child...

You've recently moved in to your dream home in County Dublin. How
does it feel to be in such a cosy family environment?

Kerry: We used to live in an apartment just around the corner, but this place is much better, especially for the kids because Molly can run amuck! We love living here, it's our dream house. It's great living in Ireland, and I never want to leave, the people are so friendly - although we haven't got to know our neighbours yet and have kept ourselves to ourselves. If you get to know the neighbours too much they'll start popping round when you're trying to have your tea!

Both of you are from relatively modest backgrounds. It must be
bizarre to be living in such luxury...

Kerry: It's really, really strange for me. Sometimes I walk around the house and I have to pinch myself cos I can't believe this is ours. I just think I'm going to wake up from this dream. It's also weird for my friends and family when they come over from England to see me living here. I used to live in a one-bedroom council flat with
my Mum, which was probably smaller than our conservatory. It's just really surreal.

Bryan: It's similar for me cos I lived in a normal house on a housing estate. Before, Kerry and I lived in a nice apartment, but it's nothing like this place. Kerry, the story about your unstable family background has been very well-documented. Has it always been your dream to settle down and have children?

Kerry: Yes, it's lovely to have a proper family with two children, but we are putting them up for adoption next week. Only joking! It's really great when Bryan comes home from work and there's just the four of us, though the house always looks like a tornado has hit it cos Molly's so messy - as is Bryan! It means the world to me that the kids and Bryan are here. All that matters is that I've got a husband
and the two most beautiful kids and I've no intention of letting that go.Bryan, as part of Westlife you're adored by millions of fans. It must be a big transformation to go from being a pop idol on stage to being a dad at home changing nappies?

Bryan: Definitely, but I think it's great. Obviously Westlife is a major part of my life but as soon as I walk through the front door I switch off. It's almost like I'm living two completely different lives cos at home I'm a father and a husband and it's a down to earth lifestyle.With two very young children demanding your attention, is it
difficult making time purely for each other?

Bryan: It is hard, I suppose, cos when we're not working we're looking after the kids. We get so little time off and, cos of this, we feel it'd be unfair to offload the kids onto one of our mothers to spend time together. We do love to go out, though. If we're in Dublin we love to go to Lillie's Bordello and we also like going to a karaoke bar nearer home. We always get up and sing and nobody bothers us. At the start of the evening we have no intention of singing, then we go and get drunk and you can't get us off the stage!

Kerry: We love being together as a family but it's so important that you spend time just together cos otherwise you can become unhappy with each other and the kids will sense that.You're regarded as having one of the most stable relationships in the industry.

How have you retained the romance in your marriage?

Kerry: Bryan can be romantic, can't you darling? But Bryan's kind of romance is cuddling and kissing....

Bryan: ...while you want expensive presents.

Kerry: No I don't, that's an awful thing to say! We do go out for meals but it can be difficult cos of the kids. When I was five months pregnant with Lilly, Bryan called me and ordered me to get dressed cos we were going out. He came round to the apartment with a bunch of red roses and he took me out for dinner, then we stayed in a hotel. In the morning he sent me another dozen red roses - so he can be romantic!

Does it ever feel strange that you're both still in your early twenties and have two children....

Kerry: I've always been older than my years, probably cos of my background. Having a family feels so natural and I'm loving it. None of my pregnancies were planned but it was never like `oh no.' It happens and you just have to get on with it. We've done more in our short lives than most people do in an entire lifetime, such as travelling the world.

Bryan: I'm exactly the same. I'm only 23 but I feel more like 28. It's probably cos I've had so many amazing experiences.

Would you like to have more children?

Kerry: Don't get me wrong, I love my kids, but I want to wait at least another five years and I'd love to have a little boy. We'd also like to adopt cos it's such a nice thing to do. There are so many kids out there who have horrible lives and have been abused. I was in foster care so I understand their situation and would like to give something back. Despite the constant rumours of a Westlife split, the band continue to go from strength to strength.

Has being in a successful band put a strain on your relationship?

Bryan: If we were working to the extent that we were two years ago then I'm sure it would have affected our relationship in a bad way. Thankfully, Westlife are now at the stage where things are going really well and we don't have to work as hard. A few years ago we'd have never taken days off and there was no such thing as a weekend.

Kerry: People always assume that we never see each other but we're together most of the time. I also think it's great to have some space in a relationship as well cos it makes you appreciate each other - and it also gives me time to clean up after Bryan!

Kerry, you've been busy co-presenting shows such as Loose Women. Has this helped retain your own identity so you're not just perceived as being a Westlife wife?

Kerry: It wasn't the Westlife tag that I've wanted to get away from but the fact that I'm always known as once being in Atomic Kitten. Don't get me wrong, I'm very proud of being in the band, but it's been three years now and it'd be nice to be known as Kerry McFadden. I've got my own identity now but I still get called `that bird married to Bryan from Westlife.' I do have a name, you know! But it doesn't bother me cos I'm very proud to be married to Bryan.

There have been recent reports that the Atomic Kitten girls are under weight. Do you agree?

Kerry: Tash has lost a lot of weight, but I don't think she's done that deliberately. She's always been really thin - before she was pregnant she was size six. They do say that after you've had a baby it's easier to shed the weight so I guess it's a lot to do with Tash running around after Josh and her busy work schedule - I mean, she's bound to loose weight. Liz is also skinny but then I'm just jealous. They're all beautiful girls with great figures.

Bryan, are you still in touch with Natasha Hamilton's former fiancé Fran Cosgrove, who used to be a bodyguard for Westlife?

Bryan: I saw him a few weeks ago. It's awful when couples split up and you're friends with both of them and it's particularly difficult when there's a baby involved. Fran's seeing Jodie Marsh and we all went out three weeks ago. They have a genuine relationship and he seems very happy.

Kerry, your co presenters on Loose Women seem obsessed with your chest. Do you ever get fed up with people discussing your boobs and weight?

Kerry: Like the rest of the nation, they're obsessed by them. When I got offered Loose Women I'd never seen the show before and my agent thought it would be great for me cos I could show people what I was really like, rather than being seen as a blonde, big boobed, dizzy person.

You look like you've lost weight - is it true you've been taking
slimming pills?

Kerry: Yes. I've lost about 6lbs off my left boob! Seriously, I've actually managed to loose about half a stone in a perfectly healthy way. We were talking on Loose Women about me taking slimming pills. But the truth was, I was in a chemist and I bought some herbal slimming tablets. I thought I'd try them to see what they were like. I only remembered to take two cos I'm terrible when it comes to taking pills, hence the two babies. I don't even think they even work, to be honest!! I lost half a stone purely from running around after the kids, and as for eating, I've got into a healthy routine of making sure I eat breakfast and having smaller meals - and I've also been going to the gym.

As with all marriages, you've had your problems, most notably concerning an incident on Bryan's stag weekend involving a lapdancer which has once again reared it's head in the papers. How have you got over this difficult time?

Bryan: What happened was a hiccup in our life and we've got over it and that's the end of it. Tabloid newspapers just try and print the worst picture possible.

Kerry: I think that when you're married, whether you're a celebrity couple or not, you're bound to go through difficult times. I love Bryan so much and I believe our love is strong and I wouldn't throw our marriage away. The papers are always trying to make out there are problems, it's just like the stories about Victoria and David Beckham not getting on. Because the Beckhams come across as being perfect, the press are so eager to ruin their relationship which is so unfair on them. They've got kids like us and I don't want my kids reading rubbish about our relationship. I suppose the Beckhams have become a product, whereas I know Bryan loves me and he knows I love him but we don't need to prove that to anyone else and I guess that's what they kind of do. But I do feel really sorry for the Beckhams cos there's so much pressure on them.

Bryan: The media like to blow things up. I love Kerry and that's the end of it. Obviously there's been one hiccup which, despite it happening two years ago, the media keeps bringing up. It's getting boring as it's such old news. Kerry and I are married now with two children and we don't want to keep talking about how we got over this problem. We've got over it but no one else seems to have. We're happy and we don't want to talk about it anymore.

Westlife are one of the most successful bands to come out of Ireland, but there will come a day when the group splits. Will you continue in the music industry, Bryan?

Bryan: There are no plans to split. We're going to do the album and then the tour and decide where to go from there - we're just taking it album by album. Westlife are a family and there are no egos. When we do move on, I don't think it'll be like Boyzone, where there were disagreements cos the lads didn't know what was going on. We have a very close relationship and we'll all decide when it's over. At that point we'll move into doing our own thing. I've got no solid plans but it'll probably involve going solo or being a full time songwriter.

Source: OK! magazine
Taken from: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/westlife_bsb_group/

~*~ posted by amanda @ 10:42 PM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Now it's getting serious! There's much more than we think on the success of their next album. In YAM! Mark talk about missuccess, the development of the lads and of course the life expectancy of a boyband...

Since over a year there has been rumours about a split. Then - at the top of their success - they had been completely unfounded. Why should Westlife have split in 2002? Never since their beginning had the 5 irish lads been so successful - with alone 10 #1 hits ind UK and top 20 positions in Europe and Asia.

But still: After their GH-Album last year, Mark, Shane, Kian,Bryan and Nicky are releasing their 5th album on 24th Nov. in 5 years - and are causing speculations with the title "Turnaround".

Westlife are aware: They are standing at the crossroad, first of all they already crossed the expiry date of a boyband with 5 years.

And: The boys are now MEN! Bryan and Nicky are already married, Shane will be in december. The fans never amis the relationships, cos the 5 lads always been honest.Westlife never kept their girlfriends a secret, and their fondness of parties. That's why Mark spoke openly to YAM in London about the future of Westlife.

Mark:"After 5 years there's still Westlife. That's an achivement. And: We still get on well and don't hate each other, like in other bands. Humanwise there's no resaon for us to split. But everything is depending on the next album - it will decide whether Westlife will keep on going or not! The title already tells you that we have a musical development. On the new CD are a couple of songs that don't sound like Westlife. We need to wait for the fans' reactions."

Their latest single 'Hey Whatever' already sounds different. Although Westlife usually go straight to #1 this time it only reached #4. In germany the single was a flop - after 3 weeks #58!

Mark:"Many ppl say it is a setback for us. But that's rubbish! We experimented a lot and are very proud of this song! We grow older and we develop ourselves. If our fans want the old Westlife back, then we have a big problem..."
What will happend if 'Turnaround' won't take the fans fancy?

Mark: If the album flop, we will decide what we do about our future at the beginning of 2004. If the CD is doing great, we will continuing doing like we did before!"

Everything is depending on the fans - and Westlife have a trump with their next single 'Mandy' ( release date beginn of december)

Source: unknown
Taken from: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/westlife_bsb_group/

~*~ posted by amanda @ 10:15 PM

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The Point, Dublin – 5/6/7 May 2004

Westlife have confirmed three live concert’s at Dublin’s Point Theatre on 5, 6 and 7 May 2004 to co-inside with the release of their new album entitled Turnaround.
Tickets go on sale at 09.00 Friday 14 November. Fans under 16 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years. Adults with small children are recommended to purchase tickets in the balcony. Fans requiring special needs are requested to advise their outlet at time of ticket purchase.

2003 has been another fantastic year for Ireland's number one pop band. They've recorded their fifth album, played over 62 arena shows (including performing to over 90,000 Irish fans at their sold out Lansdowne Road & Markievicz Park stadium shows), released a live Greatest Hits Tour DVD and VHS, plus Nicky even found the time to get married.
Tickets go on sale at 09.00 Friday 14 November.

Source: http://www.ticketmaster.ie/latest_news/
Taken From: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/westlife_bsb_group/

~*~ posted by amanda @ 2:21 PM

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Shane: We're Finished If Our New Album Flops

Westlife singer Shane Filan last night admitted that the future of the band all hangs on their next make-or break album.He says if Turnaround flops then the band will CRASH AND BURN with it.

But if it is a huge hit then the heart-throbs intend to keep going for another TEN YEARS.

Hunky Shane admitted: "You never know how things are going to go. It
could totally flop but I can't see that happening. It's so good."Its all depends on this album. If it is very successful we can go on. We will just go on as long as we are successful.

"It could be five years,it could be ten. It could be in two years. In a way we have reached our peak- it's staying there that is the difficult part."

But Shane reckons Turnaround is there bext album yet.He said:" On other albums there have been a few fillers but I just think that there are no bad songs on this album. It's all quality"

"If we can sustain our popularity with our new album then the world is our oyster.
"There us a good buzz about the album, we're really excited about it. It's our best album"

Shane also has somethng else in the pipeline which he's excited about.

He walks down the aisle with stunning blonde sweetheart Gillian Walsh at a glitzy wedding at Ashford Castle in Mayo on December 28.Gillian has been doing most fo the organising and Shane insists he's not nervous about his wedding-yet.
He added: "All the plans are more or less set now so it's down to the final details.

"My brother will be my best man and my bandmates Mark Feehily and Kian Egan will be my groomsmen so it will be one big party. I'll probably get nervous in the week running up to it-not now. In the days before hand is when it will sink in."

If he does need advice on pre-wedding jitters, he could always ask married bandmates Bryan McFadden and Nicky Byrne.

He said: "They are a lot happier because with their personal lives they are settled now.They are happier with the way their lives are.

"It's a part of our lives that we don't involve Westlife in. If you have a happy personal life then your working life will be a lot easier."

Shane also revealed his hopes to go back to his native Sligo for a second massive homecoming gig.

He said:" It's the one place where I never get any hassle."You never get a slagging from a Sligonian. It just doesnt happen. So that's why I'm building a house there and some day I hope to bring up kids there."

If all goes according to plan with the new album Westlife will embark on their biggest tour yet in April.

And Shane said: "We had a great gig in Sligo last year so we definitely want to be back over the next year."He's obviously Filan confident that Turnaround won't be a flop then...

~*~ posted by amanda @ 2:16 PM

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BLiSS Interview
They might sing sweetly, but these boys are BAD!

Have you ever stood a girl up?

Shane: "I did when I was younger. I was set up with a girl by a mate and I was supposed to meet her at the cinema, but she was really fat so I didn’t turn up"

Nicky: "Yeah, I did it all the time when I was 15. You’d meet a girl at a disco, think she was lovely and arrange to meet them the next day. Then on the way home you’d spot her under a street lamp and think "Eeek!""

Kian: "I haven’t. I have no problem telling a girl I’m not interested, so I’ll only organize a date if I really want to see her"

Bryan: "I didn’t go out on many dates before I met Kerry, so I didn’t really have the chance"

Mark: "No way - it’s just not the sort of thing I’d do"

Have you ever kissed a girl for a dare?

Bryan: "Yep, in a nightclub when I was 17. My mates said they’d give me £50 if I snogged her, and she wasn’t that bad looking"

Kian: "We used to do that at camp. Someone would dare you to snog someone and you’d just have to do it - unless they were ugly of course"

Nicky: "I hung around in a gang of six girls and six lads. We played Spin the Bottle nearly every night and we’d just end up snogging each other"

Shane: "I’ve played Spin the Bottle loads - I was really lucky as I always used to get the real belters and no mingers"

Mark: "No - I never played that game - I’m too picky"

Have you ever said you’d call a girl and then not called her?

Mark: "Yep, I did it last Saturday night"

Kian: "Sometimes you just ask for the girl’s number out of politeness - they know you won’t call"

Bryan: "Of course - when you don’t know what to say you tell them "I’ll call ya". It’s just a way of saying "bye"."

Nicky: "Not intentionally - sometimes I just forget"

Shane: "I always liked all the girls I went out with, so if I said I’d call I would"

Have you ever tried it on with a girlfriend’s sister, mum or friend?

Kian: "Not the mum - but definitely sisters and friends! A few times I’ve gone out with one sister for a while, then dated the other sister"

Bryan: "Again, I never had the opportunity, as I didn’t have many girlfriends"

Shane: "Yes - I ended up going out with the five best mates of one girlfriend"

Mark: "I once fancied a friend’s mum. I never acted on it - but only cos I was too young!"

Nicky: "In our group everyone went out with everyone else - so I s’pose that’s a Yes"

Have you ever two-timed anyone?

Bryan: "No. Lying is too difficult and I could never be bothered"

Nicky: "I have snogged other people to break up with a girl"

Kian: "Everyone does when they’re younger - and anyone who says they don’t is lying"

Shane: "It would be so easy, as we get girls throwing themselves at us all the time, but all that’s so shallow and fake - so, no"

Mark: "No - I wouldn’t like it done to me, so I won’t do it to anyone else"

Have you every given out a fake number?

Bryan: "No - I’ve never given my number to anyone who I didn’t want to call me"

Kian: "I did it all time before I met J odi. Girls would ask for my number and I’d change one digit"

Mark: "I do that. People always want your number: I just want to say to people "Look, I have enough friends""

Shane: "I don’t give girls my number, but sometimes I’ll chat to blokes and I’ll feel a bit stupid saying "I don’t want to give you my number, so I’ll give them a fake number"

Nicky: "Even when I wasn’t in Westlife I’d never give my real number out. I would ask girls for theirs - and then not call"

Have any of you ever lied to a girl?

Nicky: "All the time. All boys lie"

Kian: "Any girl who thinks her boyfriend doesn’t lie is a sucker"

Bryan: "Nobody can ever be 100% truthful all the time"

Shane: "I used to lie, but I can’t to Gillian. She says I twitch when I lie, so I can never get away with it"

Mark: "Girls throw themselves at us all the time and we don’t want to upset them cos they’ll go to the press, so you just have to lie"

Source: Bliss magazine
Typed: Jen
Taken from: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/slavesforwestlife
Credit: Yaara Shalom Westlife_newsletter@yahoogroups.com, yaara_shalom@hotmail.com

~*~ posted by amanda @ 2:12 PM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PUDSEY BUSTED
ITV bosses ban Royal Variety show stars from Children In Need
By Cara Page

BOSSES at ITV have banned pop stars from singing on Children In Need if they are also due to appear at the Royal Variety Performance.

Managers at Granada claim near-identical performances would spoil viewers' enjoyment.

Last year, the quality of the royal gala event was criticised after Gareth Gates and Liberty X sang on both shows.

Now stars who want to appearon the Royal Variety Performance on November 24 will not be allowed to go on Children In Need on November 21.

This year's decision effectively bans stars such as Busted and Westlife from performing for the marathon BBC event whose mascot is Pudsey Bear .

They, along with Daniel Bedingfield, Gloria Estefan and Donny Osmond, are lined up to appear at the royal event, whichthis year comes from Edinburgh. It is recorded on November 24 but broadcast a day or so later the exact date is still to be confirmed so the gap between shows could be up to five days.

But ITV believe that people will switch off if the performances in front of the Queen are the same as those in front of Children In Need host Terry Wogan days earlier.

A Granada spokeswoman told trade journal Broadcast: ``Wehave asked people to make a choice either do us or Children in Need. It would look totally ridiculous if they did each show.

``Last year, when some of the acts did both, the Royal Variety Performance got slated.''

Both events raise money for charity but the BBC rely heavily on A-list celebrities to appear, as it helps persuade the public to pledge donations.

Rod Stewart and Will Young have agreed to be on the BBC fundraiser, as has Shane Richie, who is making theChildren in Need single this year, a reworking of the Wham! hit I'm Your Man.

The BBC are understood to be furious about ITV's decision as they feel it hits their show harder.

They claim pop acts regularly perform on a host of TV programmes across the network, often on the same day.

The Royal Variety Performance does not rely on public donations but the proceeds of the event go towards a collection of showbiz-backed causes.

Source: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/news/page.cfmobjectid=13598603&method=full&siteid=89488
Taken from: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/slavesforwestlife
Credit: Yaara Shalom yaara_shalom@hotmail.com

~*~ posted by amanda @ 1:56 PM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Westlife Tour Dates, dates

November
8: UK: CDUK, ITV 1, 11:30am
14: Ireland: "Mandy" single released
14: Ireland: Turnaround tour 2004 tickets go on sale - May 5th, 6th (tickets - http://www.ticketmaster.ie), 9am
15: Germany: Jahre Viva Party, VIVA channel, 8pm
16: UK: Popworld, T4, 9:30am
16: Germany: Official Westlife Day (premiere of new album & DVD + fans meeting with Westlife), Cologne in the Cinedom (tickets - call the hotline for 4Euros each 0221/95 195 195)
17: UK: "Mandy" single released
17: Holland: "Mandy" single released
17: UK: "Mandy" single signing, London HMV Trocadero, Picadilly Circus, 10am
17: UK: Turnaround Fan Conference, London 10 Rooms club
17: UK: "Heal" & "Lost In You" exclusive preview, Simon Mayo's Album Chart show, Radio 2, 7pm (listen online - http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/)
17: Ireland: A Question of Sport, Dublin City Football Club at the Burlington Hotel (Nicky only)
21: North of Ireland: Children In Need performance, BBC1
23: Germany: "Turnaround" album released
23: Germany: "Unbreakable - The Greatest Hits tour" DVD released
24: UK: "Turnaround" album released
24: Holland: "Turnaround" album released
24: UK: "Turnaround" album songs preview & possible interview with Westlife, Simon Mayo's Album Chart show, Radio 2, 7pm (listen online - http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/)
24: Scotland: Royal Variety Performance 2003, Edinburgh Festival Theatre
28: UK: TOTP, BBC1, 7:30pm
29: Europe: TOTP, BBC Prime, 5pm CET (re-run)
29: Sweden: Bingolotto [Unconfirmed]
30: UK: TOTP, BBC1, 2:50am (re-run)

December
1: Australia: "Turnaround" album released
2: UK: Christmas In Popworld concert at Wembley arena, 7pm
5: Denmark: Stjerne for en Aften, Forum, Copenhagen (tickets - http://www.e-billetter.dk)
6: Germany: VIVA Featuring, Viva, 4pm
8: Germany: "Mandy" single released
28: Ireland: Shane Filan & Gillian Walsh's wedding
31: Germany: Pop around the Clock, Channel 3 Sat, 4:15pm

January
??: Singapore: MTV Asia Awards 2004
5: Bryan & Kerry McFadden's Wedding Anniversary (2)
February
3: Lilly Sue's birthday! (1)
3: UK: "On My Shoulder" single released [Unconfirmed]
March
??: Asia: Turnaround world tour 2004
April
??: The Netherlands: Turnaround world tour 2004
6: UK: Turnaround world tour 2004, Nottingham Arena, 7:30pm (http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk / phone: 0870 4000 700 / international calls: 00 44 161 385 3500)
12: Bryan's birthday (24)
16: UK: Turnaround world tour 2004, Glasgow SECC Arena, 7:30pm (http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk / phone: 0870 4000 700 / international calls: 00 44 161 385 3500)
17: UK: Turnaround world tour 2004, Glasgow SECC Arena, 7:30pm (http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk / phone: 0870 4000 700 / international calls: 00 44 161 385 3500)
23: UK: Turnaround world tour 2004, Newcastle Telewest Arena, 7:30pm (http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk / phone: 0870 4000 700 / international calls: 00 44 161 385 3500)
29: Kian's birthday (24)
29: UK: Turnaround world tour 2004, Sheffield Hallam FM Arena, 7:30pm (http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk / phone: 0870 4000 700 / international calls: 00 44 161 385 3500)
May
3: UK: Turnaround world tour 2004, Manchester MEN Arena, 7:30pm (http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk / phone: 0870 4000 700 / international calls: 00 44 161 385 3500)
5: Ireland: Turnaround world tour 2004, Dublin Point Theatre, 7:30pm (tickets - http://www.ticketmaster.ie)
6: Ireland: Turnaround world tour 2004, Dublin Point Theatre, 7:30pm (tickets - http://www.ticketmaster.ie)
7: UK: Turnaround world tour 2004, London Wembley Arena, 7:30pm (http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk / phone: 0870 4000 700 / international calls: 00 44 161 385 3500)
23: UK: Turnaround world tour 2004, Birmingham NEC Arena, 7:30pm (http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk / phone: 0870 4000 700 / international calls: 00 44 161 385 3500)

Source: Unknown
Taken from: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/slavesforwestlife

~*~ posted by amanda @ 1:54 PM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tuesday, November 11, 2003

D'you think you'll have kids?
Nicky: "Oh yes! I want five but Georgina's not really into that! I
think she'd like about 2 or 3 we're both from small families but I
think it would great to have lots of people around me."

~*~ posted by amanda @ 9:51 PM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Irish Film and Television Awards...

There were some doubters in the Irish media to whether the Irish Film and Television Awards would be a success but with a massive celebrity turn out the night was a blast...

Both homegrown and international stars of the big and small screen descended on Dublin over the weekend to attend the first ever Irish Film and Television Awards. And it was Irish films Veronica Guerin and Intermission which won the major awards with Colin Farrell winning Best Actor - all voted for by the public.

Acclaimed Film director Neil Jordan was also given a lifetime achievement award for his work on such movies as A Company of Wolves, The Crying Game, Interview with the Vampire, The Butcher Boy, and many more.

The major theme amongst winner's speeches on the night was the impending budget - it is rumoured that the tax incentives that attract movie-makers here will be abolished. The only real disappointment on the night was the absence of Dubliner Colin Farrell, but he had a very good excuse - he is on set in Morocco filming Alexander The great and is seeing his newly born son James for the first time this weekend.

After the awards show many of the stars went on to The Clarence Hotel but the younger celebrities including Westlife and Samantha Mumba went to Renards nightclub.

Source: unknown
Taken from: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/slavesforwestlife/

~*~ posted by amanda @ 8:58 PM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Turnaround tour exclusive!
>----------------------------------------------------------
>
>Westlife kick off their amazing 2004 Turnaround tour on the 6th April in
>Nottingham and you can buy tickets to see your favourite Irish lads right
>now...
>
> From today (Monday 10th) to Friday 14th November, Westlife.com users can
>order tickets for selected shows before they go on general sale.
>
> To order, just go to www.cclive.co.uk/westlife
>
> Here are the official Westlife Turnaround tour dates:
>
> April 2004
>Tues 6th: Nottingham Arena
>Fri 9th: Brighton Centre
>Mon 12th: Cardiff Arena
>Fri 16th: Glasgow SECC
>Sat 17th: Glasgow SECC
>Fri 23rd: Newcastle Arena
>Thu 29th: Sheffield Arena
>
> May 2004
>Mon 3rd: Manchester MEN Arena
>Fri 7th: Wembley Arena
>Sun 23th: Birmingham NEC
>
>Tickets will not be on sale through normal outlets until 15th November so
>if
>you want a ticket before anyone else hop to www.cclive.co.uk/westlife now!

Source: www.westlife.com
Taken from: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/slavesforwestlife/

~*~ posted by amanda @ 8:51 PM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Saturday, November 08, 2003

Westlife Charts-071103

Westlife around the world: The numbers speak for themselves. Westlife is a true global pop phenomenon.

5 million copies of "Westlife" (1999) sold.
12 million copies of "Coast to Coast" (2000) sold.
5 million copies of "World of Our Own" (2001) sold thus far.

7 consecutive UK #1s (a record).
11 UK #1 smash hits, 1 UK #2 hit, 1 UK #3 hits, 1 UK #5 hit.

"Westlife"
4x platinum in the UK
12x platinum in Ireland
5x platinum in Malaysia
3x platinum in the Philippines
1x platinum in the Middle East
2x platinum in New Zealand, etc. You get the point.

"Coast to Coast"
7x platinum - 2 million copies sold in the UK
This success has been repeated in 25 countries with an astonishing total of 52 platinum awards .

"World of Our Own"
4x platinum in the UK
projected worldwide sales of 10 million.

Westlife in the US/Canada: Well, Westlife is a global pop group except for this part of one continent called North America, excluding Mexico. Unfortunately, this corner of the world also happens to be the biggest music market in the world.

Westlife made their first and only attempt to break the US market in the summer of 2000. And it was a fairly successful attempt. "Swear it Again" peaked at #20 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 charts. The debut album itself wasn't quite as successful as it didn't make it to the top 100 albums on Billboard. They did not follow up "Swear It Again" with another single release. Westlife have been off and on about plans to try America once again. US fans can only hope that they will give US listeners another shot.

They tried again in the summer of 2002 with "World of Our Own". It peaked at #41 on Radio and Records Pop/CHR airplay charts. However, it did not enter the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart. Westlife were to have released the album "World of Our Own" in early October, but have since delayed it twice. It now appears, the album will never be released in the US.

Westlife did travel to Nashville, Tennessee in January 2003 as part of a BBC special where they were transformed into a country music act. They performed an unreleased single "Daytime Friends, Nighttime Loves". Only a few lucky American fans were able to see their performance in Nashville.

Westlife's albums

Westlife: #2 UK Album
Coast to Coast: #1 UK Album
World of Our Own: #1 UK Album
Unbreakable - The Greatests Hits: #1 UK Album (Nov 2002)

Westlife's UK #1's (singles) in chronological order

"Westlife" (1999-2000)
1. Swear It Again
2. If I Let You Go
3. Flying Without Wings
4. Seasons in the Sun/I Have a Dream (Double A side single)
5. Fool Again

"Coast to Coast" (2000-2001)

6. Against All Odds
7. My Love
(Westlife's only #2 - What Makes a Man)
8. Uptown Girl

"World Of Our Own" (2001-2002)

9. Queen of My Heart (October 2001)
10. World of Our Own (Feb 2002)
(Westlife's only #5 - Bop Bop Baby: May 2002)
It is noteworthy to point out that a cover of Westlife's "Evergreen" performed by Will Young broke the UK singles sales record by selling over 1.1 million copies in a single week...and it obviously entered the charts as a UK #1 in Feb 2002.

"Unbreakable: The Greatest Hits" (2002-2003)
11. Unbreakable (Nov 2002)
(Westlife's only #3 - Tonight/Miss You Nights: March 2003)

Source: westlife.org
Taken from: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/slavesforwestlife/

~*~ posted by amanda @ 10:29 AM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When A Woman Loves A Man out now!
> ----------------------------------------------------------
>
> The digital download release of When A Woman Loves A Man, from Westlife's
forthcoming Turnaround album, is now live.
>
> Just go to www.westlife.com/wawlam to buy the song, either via SMS or by
credit card.
>
> To pay by SMS, just text WESTLIFE to 84133 and you will receive a PIN code
by return SMS - then just enter your PIN in the box at
www.westlife.com/wawlam and the track is yours to download, keep and
transfer to any portable players you might have. The SMS will cost #1.50
plus your standard text charge. Paying by credit card costs 99p.
>
> Hope you like the track - you can hear Kian talk about it elsewhere in the
News section, and also preview a streamed clip...

Source: www.westlife.com
Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/groups/slavesforwestlife/

~*~ posted by amanda @ 10:25 AM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

2 exclusive track plays on Radio2-071103
> ----------------------------------------------------------
>
> Two tracks from Westlife's forthcoming album Turnaround will receive
exclusive plays on November 17th, on Simon Mayo's Album Chart Radio 2 show.
>
> The show runs from 7-8pm, and will feature plays of both 'Heal' and 'Lost
In You'.
>
> The following week, when the album is released (Nov 24th) the show will
again feature tracks from Turnaround, and possibly an interview with the
band as well.
>
Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/slavesforwestlife/

~*~ posted by amanda @ 10:24 AM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

HMV signing confirmed before Fan Conference- 071103
----------------------------------------------------------

Westlife have confirmed that they we be appearing at HMV in London's
Trocadero centre on the morning of their Mandy single release, on November
17th.

The signing will start at 10am, but you probably want to get down before
then to get a place in the queue!

The same afternoon, the band will be holding their Turnaround Fan
Conference nearby at the 10 Rooms club - the entry form is now closed, and
we're currently sifting through the thousands of questions submitted to pick
the 50 winners... all of whom should be contacted early next week.

Taken From: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/slavesforwestlife/

~*~ posted by amanda @ 10:23 AM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Friday, November 07, 2003

Pavarotti And Westlife Top Royal Variety Bill

Luciano Pavarotti and Westlife will top the bill at this year's Royal Variety Performance.
The event at Edinburgh's Festival Theatre is expected to be attended by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh and will be the 75th Royal Variety Performance.

The show, presented by Cat Deeley, will be filmed for ITV1 and will be shown later this month.

Other stars expected to join Pavarotti, who will perform a selection of his favourite songs, include Busted, Daniel Bedingfield, New Zealand singer Hayley Westenra, jazz star Jamie Cullum, Gloria Estefan and Donny Osmond.

From London's West End the cast of the award-winning hit musical Thoroughly Modern Millie will create a special performance starring Amanda Holden and Maureen Lipman.

Granada's head of music programming and executive producer of the show, Jeff Thacker, said: "The world's greatest artistes in entertainment have always supported The Royal Variety Performance. This year, its diamond anniversary, is no exception.
"We are honoured to have such prestigious guests gather for this special event. There is something for everyone - a true Royal Variety Performance."

Laurie Mansfield, life president of the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund, the beneficiaries of the Royal Variety Performance, added: "This is a Royal Variety Show in the true sense of the word variety, with all areas of the entertainment business being represented. We hope to give Edinburgh a night to remember."

Source: Ananova
Taken From: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/slavesforwestlife/
Credit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Westlifers4ever/
Event: 6.11.2003

~*~ posted by amanda @ 4:34 PM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ireland Rich List

Media mogul Tony O'Reilly has been knocked from the top spot of Ireland's rich-list.
The 70-year-old BMW retailer Frank Keane earned €3m more than him last year at €48m.

Ryanair's Michael O'Leary comes fifth on the Sunday Times rich-list netting €25m last year.

Also featuring in the top twenty earners last year are Roy Keane who made almost €8m, Westlife who brought in €7m and Actor Colin Farrell who pocketed €6.5m.

Source: Online.ie
Event: 6. 11. 2003
Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/slavesforwestlife/
Credit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Westlifers4ever/

~*~ posted by amanda @ 4:31 PM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Business - AP
>
> Bertelsmann, Sony to Merge Music Cos.
>

Westlife's record company, BMG merging with SONY
By MELISSA EDDY, Associated Press Writer

FRANKFURT, Germany - Bertelsmann AG (news - web sites) and Sony Corp (NYSE:SNE - news) (news - web sites). announced a preliminary plan to merge their music businesses Thursday, setting the stage for a music company that would vie for world primacy with Universal Music Group.

A merger of Sony Music Entertainment and Bertelsmann's BMG, if it comes to pass, would bring together the world's No. 2 and No. 5 music companies as the industry struggles with losses blamed on music piracy.

The new company, to be called Sony BMG, would be equally owned by Sony and Bertelsmann and run by Andrew Lack, chairman and chief executive of Sony Music Entertainment. Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, the chairman and chief
executive of BMG, would serve as chairman of the board.

Bertelsmann didn't say whether the two companies had agreed on financial terms in their letter of intent or what issues remained to be worked out before a final agreement could be struck. Patrick Reilly, a spokesman for BMG, said the two companies had agreed to hold exclusive talks, but he did not say for how long.

In a letter to BMG employees obtained by The Associated Press, Schmidt-Holtz said the venture should be completed in the "coming weeks and months."

A spokesman for Sony said Lack was traveling and couldn't be reached.

The deal would put some of music's biggest stars under a common corporate roof. Sony Music Entertainment's labels include Columbia, Epic, and Sony Classical, and it is home to pop artists including Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce Knowles and Celine Dion (news - web sites).

Among the stars on BMG's various labels are Dido, the Dave Matthews Band, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Avril Lavigne and the late Elvis Presley.

Other major record companies also are seeking to merge as a way to shore up their strength in the face of declining album sales and rampant file-swapping on the Internet.

EMI Group PLC (news - web sites) of Britain is in talks about the possibility of buying Warner Music Group from Time Warner Inc., three years after European regulatory opposition ended their discussions about a possible joint venture.

Sony BMG would have a combined global market share of 25.2 percent, according to the market measurement firm IFPI, just behind the 25.9 percent share held by industry leader Universal Music Group, which is part of the French conglomerate Vivendi Universal.

In the U.S. music market, however, the combined company would edge out Universal as the largest, based on the most recent figures available from Nielsen SoundScan. Sony and BMG have a combined 28.3 share of U.S. sales, versus 27.8 percent for Universal, according to SoundScan.

If the deal goes through ??it still faces approval by U.S. and European regulators ??it would combine Sony and BMG's recorded music business but would exclude music publishing, physical distribution and manufacturing.

Antitrust lawyers said changes in the market could mean Sony and Bertelsmann would have an easier ride than Warner Music and EMI, which European Union (news - web sites) regulators feared would lead to an oligopoly of four firms controlling 80 percent of the European market.

"I'd imagine that it's a totally different market today than it was when the (European) Commission last reviewed it, particularly the advance in the ability to download music over the Internet," said Mark Powell of White and Case in Brussels.

Given declining sales and profits, Sony and Bertelsmann may try to argue they need to be bigger to survive, Powell said.

The board of the new company would be split, with an equal number of directors from each partner, and senior executives from both groups would join the venture.

Sony shares fell 78 cents to $35.99 in early afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange (news - web sites). Bertelsmann is privately held.

AP Business Writers Paul Geitner in Brussels and Seth Sutel in New York
contributed to this report.

Taken from: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/westlifestreetteam_usa_canada/

~*~ posted by amanda @ 4:19 PM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

harlow

~*~ posted by amanda @ 4:03 PM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Thursday, November 06, 2003

A question of sport for Dublin

ITV Sport stars Ally McCoist and Andy Townsend come to Dublin next month to star in an evening of sporting questions to be hosted by Dublin City Football Club at the Burlington Hotel on Monday November 17th 2003.

The team captains in the Dublin City "Question of Sport" evening will be joined by Ryder Cup golfer Christy O'Connor Jnr, and Nicky Byrne of Westlife.

Ally McCoist is one of the most popular members of the ITV team and his knowledge, sense of humour and charisma have made him a big hit with viewers. In 2001 he won the Television Radio Industry Club's Sports Presenter of the Year award. Ally was born in Bellshill, Scotland in 1962. He joined St Johnstone from Fir Park Boys Club and made his debut during the 1978/79 season. Ally's goal-scoring ability was evident from the start and he hit 22 league goals in the 1980/81 season. Ally went on to play for Sunderland, but stayed only two seasons before signing for Rangers.

A hat trick against Celtic in the 1984 League Cup Final secured his place in Glasgow football folklore and saw him pick up the first of nine winners' medals in the competition. Ally also scored the winning goal in his only Scottish Cup Final victory in 1992.

Ally played in a record ten Championship winning teams for Rangers. He scored a club record 250 league goals and, in total, netted 355 goals in 583 games for Rangers. In 1991/92 he won the European Golden Boot in 1991/92 after scoring 34 goals and was also voted Scotland's Player of the Year, and in the following season won the Golden Boot again.

Andy Townsend was signed from Chelsea for 2.1 million to strengthen the Irish connection at Villa Park during the summer of 1993. He joined his fellow International players Ray Houghton, Paul McGrath and Steve Staunton. Ron Atkinson's intent was to strengthen the team, after Villa had finished runner's up in the Premier League to Manchester United. Andy had an outstanding debut, playing his part in helping Villa to win 4-1 against QPR. He played in a 4-man midfield with Kevin Richardson, Garry Parker and fellow Irishman Ray Houghton. Under Andy's leadership, Aston Villa had their most successful season for more than a decade.

Andy subsequently left Aston Villa to sign a two-year contract at Middlesbrough for £500,000. During his Middlesbrough career he help the team to reach League Cup Final in 1998 which they lost to Chelsea and gain promotion to the premier league with a runner up position to Nottingham Forest in their first attempt of promotion since relegation in 1996-97 season.

A winner of 70 caps and captain of his country a record number of times, Andy lead the Republic into the knockout stages of the 1990 and 1994 World Cups in Italy and the US. He has captained every team he has played for, including Chelsea and Middlesbrough and during his time at Aston Villa they won the League Cup in both 1994 and '96.

The costs for the evening will be €125 or €1,200 per table. For further information & booking contact Ronan Seery, Dublin City Football Club – +353 (0) 1 837 77 80 or Rossa McDermott at optimum sports marketing, Tel +35312835414 info@optimum-sports.com.

Source: uk.news.yahoo.com
Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/slavesforwestlife
Event: 30 October 2003
Credit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Westlifers4ever/

~*~ posted by amanda @ 4:15 PM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

New Single: Mandy

CD1 (limited edition)
1. Mandy
2. Flying Without Wings – Live Version from ‘The Greatest Hits Live DVD’

CD2
1. Mandy
2. You See Friends (I See Lovers)
3. Greased Lightnin’
4. Mandy – Video
5. Mandy – Making of the video

CD2
1. Mandy
2. You See Friends (I See Lovers)
3. Greased Lightnin’
4. Mandy – Video
5. Mandy – Making of the video

Source: www.amazon.co.uk
Taken from: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/slavesforwestlife
Event: 31 October 2003
Credit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Westlifers4ever/

~*~ posted by amanda @ 4:08 PM

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Girls Aloud VS Westlife in chart showdown

A year ago they easily saw off Popstars: The Rivals act One True Voice - but now Girls Aloud are mixing it with the big boys.

For Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh, Sarah Harding, Nicola Roberts and Cheryl Tweedy will go head to head with boyband Westlife on November 17 in what's set to be one of the biggest chart battles of the year.

In the red corner are Bryan McFadden, Kian Egan, Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne and Mark Feehily with their cover of the Barry Manilow weepy Mandy.

And in the blue corner are Girls Aloud with their version of the Pointer Sisters' 1984 hit Jump.

Bizarrely, both bands are managed by Louis Walsh. But the Popstars judge, who clearly has a conflict of interest on his hands, reckons the lads will win and dismissed his girls as mere "competition winners".

The outspoken pop bigwig reveals: "I only found out myself yesterday that they're both releasing singles on the same day. But I think it will be Westlife who get to No 1.

"The girls are competition winners, that's all they are. Now they've got to serve their apprenticeship to prove themselves. They've got to mature."

The chart battle will also reveal whether the band's popularity has waned since Cheryl, 20, was found guilty of assaulting toilet attendant Sophie Amogbokpa.

However, it could be that neither group will get to the top spot as Fame Academy winner Alex Parks is also set to release her single, Maybe That's What It Takes, on the same day.

Last night an insider revealed: "It's a big week for single releases with the country's biggest artists going hell for leather.

"But the real race will be between Westlife and Girls Aloud. Westlife haven't had a No 1 single for some time and they've got a huge fanbase - so will be going all out to clinch the top spot."

But we think the girls are in with a good chance as their energetic track is the theme tune to Love Actually, starring Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon, which hits the big screen the same week.

And Louis insists the girls - who are playing Liverpool's A Bright Day gig tomorrow night - aren't worried about facing his other proteges head on.

"I don't think they've ever been happier," he tells us. "They all get on great and they're working hard. We're already planning their second album."

Source: www.mirror.co.uk
From: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/slavesforwestlife/
Event: 31 October 2003
Credit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Westlifers4ever/

~*~ posted by amanda @ 4:05 PM

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Westlife Back to the old ballads??

Westlife will be crooning to the stars at this weekend's IFTAs in Dublin. The band has confirmed it will be playing at the glitzy event in the Burlington Hotel on Saturday night.

Also signed up to attend the bash will be Conlig race ace Eddie Irvine, who will be presenting the sports award, and leading actress Samantha Morton.

Among those who will be entertained by Westlife are Colm Meaney, Anna Friel, Neil Jordan and Adrian Dunbar.

Westlife are expected to perform their next single, a reworking of the Barry Manilow track Mandy.

The band has been advised to go back to singing ballads after their last single, Hey Whatever, a rockier track than normal for the guys, failed to reach number one.

Source: www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
From: Slaves for Westlife (yahoo grp)
Event: 31 October 2003
Credit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Westlifers4ever/

~*~ posted by amanda @ 3:50 PM

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Bryan n Kerry cheer Blue

Westlife's Bryan and wife Kerry McFadden with Lee Ryan from Blue.

THE boys in Blue got a little help from their friends last night as they took to the stage at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast.

Westlife's Bryan McFadden and presenter wife, Kerry, drove from Dublin to wish the band the best of luck as they undertook their 2003 tour.

It was Blue's second time in the city in a year.

Thousands of screaming fans welcomed the boys on stage as they beltedout hit after hit, including All Rise, Too Close, One Love and Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word.

After the show, Duncan, Anthony, Simon and Lee met Bryan and Kerry,who gave the gig the thumbs up.

Bryan and Lee also took to the decks in Bar 7, entertaining the post-concert revellers with some tunes.

Westlife are back in Belfast on Friday, November 21, to headline the BBC's Children In Need concert.

Blue, who are good friends with Shane, Bryan, Kian, Mark and Nicky,had hoped to join them on the same night, but are playing a gig in Sheffield.

From: NICKY MY LOVE (yahoo grp)

~*~ posted by amanda @ 3:38 PM

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Wednesday, November 05, 2003

LIME (Sg) interview with Bryan

Lime: American idol judge and Westlife's A&R [Artist & Repertoire] man Simon Cowell hailed the band's new track 'Hey Whatever' as "the best single they've ever done". What's your opinion?

Bryan: It's different and a lot of people do think that, but it's not fair to say this is our best song ever. We've had a few good songs, and so many that mean different things to us.

What's Westlife's best track, then?

'Flying Without Wings'. it's the most beautiful of all our songs, lyrics and melody-wise. It's a song you can listen to everyday.

In the last five years you've joined a succesful band, made millions, gotten married and had two kids. What have you got planned for the next five years?

Um, I don't really know, I don't think any of us can predict that. We've been blessed to do this much, it'd be stupid of us to predict anything else beyond this. we'll just go with the flow, take every day as it come. We never predicted we'd be here five years ago, y'know?

That's right. In fact you said Westlife wouldn't last five years. Have you changed your mind?

(laughs)we're going into our sixth year, so yeah, I'll have to say i think we'll last another five years now!

Is it a good idea to give the band a shelflife?

We're going to go on as long as the fans want us to - and as long as we want to.
With hip-hop and rock dominating the scene now, is there a place for Westlife?
Westlife are Westlife, we have our own style. I think we still have lots of fans. I don't think it really matters where the music industry is going, people are still going to listen and love Westlife.

Do you mean Westlife are in a league of your own?

No, i don't mean that. Not like we're huge or whatever. I mean, even though the music industry has changed over the last five years, we still seeem to be the same. So, we do have our fans who accept us for who we are. They don't want us to be R&B or rock.

We notice that in almost every interview, you talk about giving fans the kind of music they want. But is it what you want?

Yes, of course it is. We won't do what we don't want to - not anymore. The fans have to be happy, but we have to be happy, too. I think the album is what we want. we made the whole album ourselves.(Proudly) We executive-produced it!

Are Westlife nervous about presenting your own material to the public?

No. Well, we didn't write the whole album, but we just went and got all the songs. We made all the decisions ourselves. I think people will be surprised, it's not going to be what you expected.

We read in an interview that Kian is worried there's no more interest in the band. What do you think?

(Gets agitated) I'll have to talk to Kian but i don't think that's true at all. He must have been misquoted. He does think different fans will like this album, he thinks our older fans will probalby appreciate it more than the younger ones. But everyone will like it.

Everyone thought Westlife were going to split up when you released your greatest hits album, Unbreakable. Looking back, was it a bad move?

No, I think it was a great move. We made a good decision and it sold very well. Everyone seemed to the like the new songs on it. It kinda closed the old chapter of Westlife, so we can start a new chapter with this album.

So we can assume there will be another album to come?
(Brusquely) Oh yeah, definitely.

You were recently voted Celebrity Dad of the year in England. Is that a bigger accolade than yet another UK No. 1 single?

(Softens) It's different. I was very, very proud to be given that award. But it's a bit strange, not as real as getting a No. 1.

You know what's strange? When you talk about your kids, you sound different.

(Embarrassed) Ah.....well, that's probably the dad in me.

What kind of dad are you?

I'm the fun kind. But i'll definitely be strict with my kids when they're naughty. I'm strict when i have to be.

You and your wife Kerry wne through a traumatic time recently. Looking back, what's the best thing that came out of this? [Bryan is sued by a lap dancer who accused him of forcing himself on her and taking drugs on his stag night.]

The only good thing that happened is that it didn't affect me and Kerry. We're happier than ever. No matter what people try to say about us, we're stronger now for it.

Describe Bryan at home with the family and Bryan at work.

Bryan at work is the guy you see on TV. Bryan at home is a private person, someone whom.....he doesn't really want people to know.

~*~ posted by amanda @ 7:57 PM

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Kerry calls for Donations-051103

Celebrity mum Kerry Mc Fadden has appealed for people to follow her example by donating money to the ISPCC.

The former Atomic Kitten told how she and Westlife hubby Bryan asked guests at their wedding to give cash to the charity in their daughter, Molly's name instead of presents.

She said "There are lots of people out there who have everything-more than they need.There's so much they could give, when I got married we had it all,We are really fortunate and asked everyone to donate money in Molly's name,I have always been a big fan of childrens charitys"

The former popstar told IRELAND AM that last year the ISPCC raised over 8364;100,000 on their anual breakfast morning.The charity hopes to double that this year and have already 7,000 people signed up.Kerry added "being a face that people recognoise I hope I can get them to reach into their pockets"

Source From: >WL & BSB< babes!!!

~*~ posted by amanda @ 7:46 PM

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Vote For Mandy

Please vote for "Mandy"...get them str8 2 No. 1...
http://www.mtv.co.uk/trl/vote.jhtml

~*~ posted by amanda @ 6:48 PM

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Tuesday, November 04, 2003

By East Week Mag-031103

Magazine: East Week
Issue: 009 (29 Oct 2003)

WESTLIFE LOVE JOEY THE MOST
British (Irish, actually) pop boygroup Westlife cameto Hong Kong again. Apart from the Harbour Fest, they also promoted for their new album (Turnaround).
Although the organization of the Harbour Fest is amess, it didn't lessen their passion for Hong Kong. The sexiest member Shane confessed that he wanted to
collaborate with the Hong Kong female singer Joey onstage.

Worrying about the ticket selling
It's the third time Westlife came to Hong Kong. They claimed that the main aim for this visit is to promote Hong Kong to the world. Bryan said, "We know that
Hong Kong has suffered from the torment of SARS, but now everything is fine. We are here is for cheering up and promoting Hong Kong."There are many international pop singers in the Harbour Fest, but the ticket selling is not good.
Shane responded (but in a long face), "We don't reallycare if the ticket selling is good or not, cos this time it's not Westlife concert. We will be back forour own concert next July. I may feel worried that time if the ticket selling is bad."

Loving Joey the most
Westlife aren't familiar with the showbiz and artistsin Hong Kong except Jacky Chang and Bruce Lee. When we showed them the photos of Kelly, Sammi, Faye and Joey, Shane said immediately (pointing to Joey'sphoto), "Wow! She's very beautiful. I wanna collaborate with her". Will Joey feel excited when hearing what Shane said?

translated by:Bonnie
from Slaves for Westlife

~*~ posted by amanda @ 5:09 PM

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Westlife in HK Economics Daily -031103

Source: Hong Kong Economics Daily (31 Oct 2003)
Edited in Chinese: Amy
Translated to English: Bonnie

Last week, Westlife was invited to attend Harbour Festfor a concert and they also promoted for their new album Turnaround. They flew to Hong Kong from Tokyo
and gave 25 interviews a day. But Kian yawned, "It'sok, we get used to it." They gave us the impression of being famous but humble.

It's the third time Westlife came to Hong Kong. Theyare familiar with the fans and the way the journalistsask them in Hong Kong. They will answer you even you
didn't finish your questions and sometimes they willsay more in interviews. Shane said politely, "It'sthe third time we came to here. We will be back for a
tour concert in the mid 2004. And we will also go to other countries in Asia such as Japan, Malaysia and Singapore!!, etc." During the interview, Shane and Kian looked very tired but behaved politely. In the past 4 years, the five lads have become five super stars, andthey also grow up from teenagers to mature men,
husband and dad.

As far as Westlife breaking many records in musicindustry goes, Shane supposed that it's not difficult if you are determined to do something.

WESTLIFE DETERMINED TO DO THE BEST
Stepping in another stage of the life leads you to have different ideas of creating and the change of the career. For Westlife, it influenced them a lot totheir music career. Shane and Kian smiled, "The record we wanna break is to become a boygroup who getthe most No.1 albums and singles. We've got 11 No.1singles so far, so we have to do 9 more!" It's difficult to keep being a hit boygroup when the fansare always changing their tastes.

The rumour of their spliting up is spread for a long time. The lads said they get used to this rumour. Shane and Kian said in chorus, "We don't care about it
anymore and we won't be unhappy about that. What we really care about is our families and fans."

WE WON'T BE TOGETHER FOREVER
"Yeah, we will say goodbye to each other one day. Butwe hope that in the future people will still remember Westlife is the best group". In the interview, Shane
always said "the best". We can imagine that under thetraining of their manager Louis Walsh, Ronan Keating and their music producer Simon Cowell, the lads were
successfully instilled the idea of "doing the best!".

ETERNAL POWER OF POP IDOL
Talking about their album producing, Shane and Kianboth said they like the cover of Barry Manilow's "Mandy", and "Hey Whatever" from Relish. They triedto sing with the style of pop-rock. "Although wetried various things in our new album, but we won't change it suddenly, going for hip-hop or becoming a
dance group. We are always a pop band and want to make everybody happy."
When you attended the Harbour Fest concert last week,you would see that even 3 or 4 years old kids, they can sing along with Westlife. You will feel what the
power of pop idols.

From: Slaves for Westlife

~*~ posted by amanda @ 4:59 PM

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Magazine Milk (Hong Kong)-031103

Source: Magazine Milk
Edited in Chinese: Amy
Translated to English: Bonnie

People always say boybands will disappear quickly inthe music industry, but Westlife prove the saying iswrong. For these years, they have been to many
countries for tour concerts and appealed lots of fans.At the moment, Westlife is one of the best boybandsin the world. What's the difference between being on
stage and the private life?

The classical balland "Mandy" (from the new album"Turnaround) which is a cover of Barry Manilow,Westlife said, "If you say 'Hey Whatver' is a new try,'Mandy' is a song which brings us to the verybeginning of Westlife. Our manager and us thoughtthat song was classical and beautiful, so we sang it.Of course, many people say doing others' covers is not very good. But we think if there is no one to
remix or do the covers, these nice songs will beforgetten very soon."

Q: Apart from "Hey Whatever" and "Mandy", which
classical songs you want to do as covers?
Westife: We're planning to release a Christmas single, cos everyone likes Chritmas songs and many Christmassongs in the different coutries are beautiful and
worth keeping. Many bands have released Christmas singles such as Air Supply. The first song we want to record is "Let It Snow", it's really sweat and warm.

Q: In this meeting, we found that each one of you is
physically stronger than before. You are aware of
it's the time to take care of your body?

Westlife: Ha...ha... we are really stronger? Don'tkidding us! We have no time to have a work-out ingym. Maybe we were busy with our tour in the past half
year, it's really hard to dance on stage facing thelimelight. Our physical strength was consumed in thesetwo hours. It's like we do a work-out in gym for 5
hours. So sometimes we can build up our muscles.

Q: You've been world tour for these years, what necessities are packed in your suitcases?

Mark: The most important things are mobile phone andlap-top. And some CDs of Stevie Wonder, Prince and The Angelo.

Nicky: Toothbrush and a lot of CDs of Aerosmith, Boyzone, Take That and Gareth Gates.

Q: Does Hong Kong leave you any deep impression?

Westlife: When we were in car, on the way from theairport to the hotel, we saw a lot of new skycrapers.The style of each building is creative and special.
Every time we come to Hong Kong is only for work, we have no time to feel the Hong Kong local culture. Sowe feel curious whatever we see here. If we have a
chance, we must travel Hong Kong.

~*~ posted by amanda @ 4:49 PM

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Royal Variety Performance -031103

CAT Deeley is to host this year's Royal Variety Performance.

The CD:uk star will introduce musical stars including Luciano Pavarotti, Busted and Westlife.

Amanda Holden will perform with the cast of stage musical Thoroughly Modern Millie in front of the Queen and Prince Philip.

The show, to be recorded at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, will be shown on ITV1 later this year.

~*~ posted by amanda @ 4:41 PM

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Sunday, November 02, 2003

Children in need concert 011103

More than 8,000 tickets were snapped up in two days for this year's Children In Need concert at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast. Westlife will be joined by Simply Red for the special concert on Friday, November 21.

A host of other stars are expected to fly into Belfast to play for Pudsey. As soon as hotline numbers for the gig were broadcast on television earlier this week, phonelines were jammed with callers keen to attend the show. Last year's concert featured Lulu, Simply Red, Six and Robin Gibb.

During the day Radio Ulster will be geting into the party spirit with a special outside broadcast from the Odyssey Pavilion from 9am to noon, presented by John Bennett and Gerry Anderson. Hugo Duncan will be continuing the build-up to the big night, broadcasting his show from BBC Broadcasting House from 1.30pm to 3pm, followed by George Jones and his now annual on-air auction which runs from 3pm to 5pm.

Anna Carragher, controller of BBC Northern Ireland, said: "We are delighted with this wonderful line-up of stars joining us for what we know will be a great night out for all the family."

~*~ posted by amanda @ 4:44 PM

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This doesn't sound so good...011103
"1st review: Turnaround
Made by the Daily Record

We've had an exclusive first listen to Westlife's make-or-break album Turnaround, out on November 24. After dumping Simon Cowell, the boys chose the following 13 tracks themselves:

Mandy: Latest single, out on November 17, a cover of the Barry Manilow ballad. The fans will love it. 6/10

Hey Whatever: The ballad boys went rock it only got to No.5 [um...any fan would know that it went to #4...but that's still not #1, sigh]. Nuff said. 6/10

Heal: A Euro dance beat doesn't save a weak track. 6/10

Obvious: Another ballad in the Westlife style of epic, soaring vocals. Wellproduced and well-sung. 7/10

When A Woman Loves A Man: A Bonnie Tyler-style intro on piano but not as good as Percy Sledge's When A Man Loves A Woman. But for fans, it's what they do best. 8/10

On My Shoulder: Another ballad, with a slow hip beat adding an edge. 7/10

Turnaround: Westlife go dance. With those swirly synths, it could be The Thompson Twins. 8/10

I Did It For You: Back to the ballad-by-numbers that gave them 11 No.1 hits. 6/10

Thank You: More dance beats, crunchy guitars breathing new life into Westlife. The spaceship noises let it down. 6/10

To Be With You: Dreadful lyrics. This cover of Mr Big does them no favours. 5/10 [as someone who grew up in the early 90's, I don't think anyone could do a cover of this song any justice, but I have heard a live version, and it ain't bad enough to give them a pathetic 5/10]

Home: Westlife trying to be Seal without the tricks. Mid-tempo song with more spaceship-sounding synths. 5/10

Lost In You: ``Heaven knows I'm head over heels and it shows'' again bad lyrics and more ballad by numbers. 5/10 [except for the fact that the song is a Garth Brooks original song...thus it's another remake]

What Do They Know: Almost like a lul-laby with some nice Spanish guitar. 8/10"

~*~ posted by amanda @ 4:42 PM

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Westlife on "Turnaround" 011103

from Sunday Mail (10/12/03)

Westlife have sold more than 30 million records, notched up a record-breaking seven successive UK No 1s and are millionaires into the bargain. How does that make them feel? Happy? Confident? On top of the world?

No, the answer is dead nervous. Pop's biggest boy band are terrified their phenomenal five-year run of success could be about to end. The Irish lads Bryan McFadden, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne and Shane Filan release new album Turn Around on November 24.

As they gave the Sunday Mail an exclusive track-by-track preview, they admitted it could be the beginning of the end unless they take a few risks. Kian told me: ``This is a turning point. We've got to succeed with this record. After we released our greatest hits album, Unbreakable, last year, many people thought that was it for Westlife. They didn't think we were coming back. We know that if Turn Around isn't up to the standard of previous albums we're in trouble.''

Mark added: ``We've achieved record sales of more than 30 million. Nobody can take that away from us. The only pressure we have is to sustain that success. If we don't we'll be nothing more than a big lump of meat to a bunch of vultures. There are people who'd love to attack us. We're only human. Of course we worry about the day all this ends. We're hoping this album will keep Westlife going.''

Nicky said: ``We all share the same goals. We're never happy being No 2, we want to be No 1. We want to be headliners. The main attraction. The best. Bands have started to challenge ourposition. It's more difficult for us to get a No 1 record than it was three years ago.''

Westlife are locked away in a London recording studio putting the finishing touches to Turn Around. Last Monday, they broke cover to launch their latest DVD, The Greatest Hits Tour Live from MEN Arena. They talked to me frankly about fame, money and trying to sustain their amazing success.

Turn Around features a selection of new tracks including their next single, Mandy, a cover of the cheesy 1971 Barry Manilow hit. The idea came from their record label mentor, Simon Cowell of Pop Idol, and it's already being tipped as a Christmas No 1.

Other key tracks are I Did It For You, written by superstar songwriter Diane Warren, a U2-style track called Here and a version of Garth Brooks' Lost In You.

Nicky said: ``Our manager Louis Walsh and our record company BMG say we can become the next Bee Gees. I don't think so. We can only be a boy band for so long before our popularity fades. It's time we tried different songs and took a few big gambles. It's time to be more courageous. Robbie Williams is a perfect example of a pop artist who takes risks. We should do the same.''

Kian added: ``We've got to be careful if we make a change. It's when acts switch from what they do best that it can all go wrong. Look at Celine Dion or Mariah Carey. They both lost what they had when they tried to be a bit more credible and cool. We sold out 67 shows in the UK last year. You can't turn your back on what has made us successful. If another boy band comes along and improves on what we're doing that's when our popularity will fizzle out.''

It's hard to imagine Westlife's shelf-life coming to an end. At 25, Nicky is the oldest member of the group. But if the lads were forced into premature retirement, financially they'd be set up for life.

When I asked them: ``Are you rich?'' the answer was an unequivocal ``Yes.''

``We're rich beyond our wildest dreams, '' said Nicky. ``It's a brilliant feeling. When you're 17 and still atschoolyouthinkof all the things you could buy if you were a millionaire. Then when you're in this situation you don't feel rich. We couldn't buy a cheap house in some estate not because we're snobbish but because we'd constantly have 1000 kids camped outside. So we're forced to buy expensive houses with security. You have to spend twice as much on a place whether you want to or not.''

Kian added: ``We're all millionaires but it happened slowly. When the big cheques came rolling in we looked at them and thought: `Wow!' ``But we'd had seven UK No 1s before we began to see our first big money. Our biggest extravagance is cars. We've got Ferraris and BMW 4x 4s. We do live it up to that extent.''

But handling pots of cash took a bit of getting used to. Nicky told me: ``I remember goingtoseemybankmanagerin Sligoand got a loan of £16,000 to buy a Peugeot 306 and another £5000 on overdraft for insurance. I didn't make that much money with the band for another two years. We'd been told we'd signed a multi-million pound record deal. I thought we'd won the Irish Lotto. It just goes to show how naive we all were. In the end, I sold the car to cut my losses for £3000 less than I bought it.''

Westlife are planning a tour next year to perform the songs on Turn Around. Andthey can't wait to return to the SECC for a string of gigs. Their last visit to the Glasgow venue was certainly eventful.

``We'd just come off stage when two girls burst into our dressing room, '' recalled Shane. ``We were sitting in our boxer shorts, half naked, covered in sweat. We thought: `What the hell are they doing?' Our wardrobe mistress was screaming at them because they were trying to nick some of our clothes as souvenirs. It's great to have lots of women scream at you. But it's hard to take it seriously. We feel that if girls queue up, spend their money on a Westlife ticket we should give them what they want.''

But just how long can Westlife keep up this phenomenal level of success and adulation?

Kian said: ``We've learned our trade both on stage and off. But we're mature enough to realise that if any one of the five wanted to quit we wouldn't stand in his way. If anybody said: `I don't want to be in Westlife anymore, ' we wouldn't force them to go on. We'd shake each other's hands, walk away and in 10 years time still remain good friends.'

~*~ posted by amanda @ 4:40 PM

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Saturday, November 01, 2003

When A Woman Loves A Man exclusive preview -311003

We're counting down now to the digital release of When A Woman Loves A
Man, taken from Westlife's forthcoming Turnaround album.

The track will be available to buy in digital format from next Monday (November 3rd), from this site as well as several others.

The track will cost £1.50, and you'll be able to keep for as long as youlike, play as many times as you like and burn it to CD - you'll own thetrack just as if you'd bought it in a shop.

You'll be able to pay via SMS or credit card.

~*~ posted by amanda @ 9:35 AM

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Marie FEEHILY -311003
Mark's mother, Marie Feehily will be one of thejudges in Sligo Bachelor of the Year competition this Friday night. They will be looking for a lot from their Sligo bachelor, including a good sense of humour, an ability to present himself well and a considerate nature.

It also is a charity event for Marie Keating Fund, which aims to educate people, particularly women, about the dangers of cancer and the need to detect the disease early.

The unit will provide advice and information on cancer and self examination for women and will be set up in the car park of the Sligo Southern Hotel from 12 noon
to 4pm.

~*~ posted by amanda @ 9:28 AM

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