Tour Reviews Added

*The following links contain TOUR SPOILERS*We have updated the TOUR NEWS/REVIEWS PAGE at the BACK HOME TOUR MINISITE and Nat has also added some tour fan picturesTOUR FAN FICTURES from Glasgow and Manchester while I was away so check them out

Meeting Kevin In Glasgow - Pictures And Story

Aaaaaah I still can't believe I met Kev and gave him the fan-book!! I hope he loved it and knows hows much 'Mark & Kevin Lovers' adore him haha! The story and mine and Kim's pictures with him follow:*Note that the quotes are not obviously exactly how things were said as I don't remember the exact words 'It all happened on 20 March which was meant to be my lucky day haha! First I went to the lads' hotel which was quite far out of Glasgow center to try my luck. I saw Nicky, Georgina and the twins who were sooo cute but no sign of Mark and Kev. Apparently they were not staying there.Then I started thinking that if I see Kev at the arena I would give him the book there. When I arrived at SECC and saw how huge the arena was I was like, 'ok that's it I don't think I can spot Kev here nevermind manage to get to him'. But my luck didn't leave me lol and the lovely Dutch girls held a surprise for me! I was trying to find my seat which was 4th row and I hear Kim callling my name and she told me that I could sit at the front row with them as a Dutch girl has cancelled! I was like OMG!!! I couldn't believe I was front row haha as I've never been front row before!I sat with them and we were getting ready for the concert, all excited and cheery hehe, I met Jo with Amy and we had a great chat hihi, then the Support Acts started so I went in my seat. THEEEEN... I see Kim walking quickly! She has spotted Kev!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG I started trembling and I run behind her taking the fan-book quickly off my bag! Kev was going backstage at the moment so Kim called his name and he turned around. AAAAAAARH he was standing there looking at us and looking soooo gorgeous *melts*..........Kim gave him his cookies hihi and he said to her he'd give them backstage cause he thought they were not for him bless! Kim told him they were for him and he thanked her and was so sweet!! Then, trying not to faint lol, I told him giving him the book 'This is a birthday book for you' and he was like 'Oooh a birthday book! Thank you!' and I said 'I know your birthday was a few weeks ago but we've made it with all our love at our site for you and Mark, Mark & Kevin Lovers!' and then he said 'Ooooh Mark & Kevin Lovers! I go there alot, there is everything that happens, always put right away and first!'... by that moment I was totally shaking and frozzen so honestly I don't remember if he said anything else I was looking at him, touching him on his shoulder going 'Oh My God, do you!!!'...Then Kim asked Kev if she could have a picture with him and he said yep and she asked me if I can take the pic and of course I did but errrrm ok I have to say my hands were totally shaking and I was messing things with my camera lol. I bet Kev might thinks I have no idea of cameras lol it was funny, I had the camera settings turned on ISO to be ready for the concert as that setting takes good concert pix and I took the pic with ISO lmao and that has no flash so Kev and Kim were standing there looking at my camera and I was like 'Emmm I didn't put flash on...' and Kev went 'Yeah, I figured out.' So I changed the setting while Kev and Kim were still standing there posing And I finally took a second pic of them with hands shaking of course, not to forget that Once I took the pic I started asking Kev 'Can I have one too please?' but awwwwwwww I didn't even need to finish my setnence, almost didn't even start it because Kev has already put his hand out for me to go and have pic with him so I didn't continue with the question lol and went 'Awww thank youuuuu!' and he was smiling bleeeeess... So I went in his hug and was feeling like in heaven for these seconds while Kim was taking the pic Aaaah then we said bye to him and he said to us and thanked us and walked backstage, and me and Kim hugged each other and started screaming to eachother I was feeling so happy having met Kev and giving him the book too. Before that, I have almost lost hope I would meet him and was trying to think in what other way we could give him the book too...xxx Villy'

I'm Back Home!

Hellooo people! I'm back in Greece after what was a wooonderful few days in Glasgow! What can I say, it was absolutely fantastic! My heart and mind are still in Glasgow! I missed you all and the site so much though Westlife were incredible and the tour fantastic! I was in tears on the last of the three concerts because all these days were like a dream and during the last concert I knew I had to keep the memories and go back home I met maaany lovely fans, it was so great to meet you all sweeties!! And I was very very lucky to meet Kevin, chat and get a picture with him and give him the birthday book we've made at Mark & Kevin Lovers for him!! If any visitor of Westlife.GR has entered, I'm happy to let you know that Kev now has the book!! I will post the full story and pictures next.I also met Marky and got a picture with him, I'm waiting for Gift to send me the picture of me and him, thanks so much for taking it hun! And I also got videos of Nicky and Shane signing for fans!I have loads of tour pictures of course from the three concerts and some videos too! I will need my time to sort everything xxx Villy

Westlife Boys Hit The Town

Beverley Lyons And Laura Sutherland Exclusive WESTLIFE celebrated their four-night stint in Glasgow by going out to an Irish bar. Kian, Shane, Nicky and Mark played a blinding set at the city's SECC last week culminating with their final night on Saturday. While Shane and Kian stayed at the exclusive Mar Hall Hotel, Mark and Nicky decided to stay in separate accommodation in the city centre, preferring the hustle and bustle. But the boys hadn't really let their hair down until Friday night when they decided to hit the town. Shane said: "Me and the boys are going out tonight to an Irish bar. We haven't really been out yet in Glasgow as we've been hanging out with family and friends, but we decided it was time to thank our crew by giving them a good night out." The boys spent the majority of their time at Waxy O'Connor's bar in the city in a private area and left in the small hours of Saturday morning. Shane also revealed he is delighted that he'll be a father for the second time. He said: "I am thrilled at the news and I am looking forward to the birth of my new child. "We'll be having a few drinks to celebrate that tonight as well."

Could this Bramles Farm octogenarian be Westlife’s oldest fan?

Sprightly 80-year-old Marjorie Whiteford gave exuberant young concert-goers a run for their money when she saw her favourite pop group play at Newcastle’s Metro Arena.
Click here to view a slideshow of Marjorie
"It was so good, I was Flying Without Wings,” she joked, making reference to one of her favourite Westlife hits. “I’ve liked the band for years and always sing along to their songs. I love all kinds of music. “I might be the big 8-0 but I felt like I was 21 again at the concert. “Being this age is absolutely wonderful.”Widow Marjorie, of Pallister Avenue, Brambles Farm, Middlesbrough, is also the longest-standing member of St Thomas’ Church. She’d barely caught her breath after seeing her favourite boy band when the next day friends, family and members of the clergy threw her a surprise party at the church - a chapel within Brambles Primary School. Marjorie started attending the church opposite her house when it opened 72 years ago and was devastated when it was razed to the ground last June. The building fell foul of vandals and general decay, and the church moved to the school. But the relocation hit church numbers hard and existing members are trying to encourage more support from the community. Marjorie and her late husband, Michael, were the first couple to be married at the church in August 1948, and her three children Ann, Irene and Michael, were all christened there. In her teens, Marjorie was an “M&S girl”. She lived in Park End for a few years after she and Michael were married, before moving to Brambles Farm.Fellow church member and warden Joyce Collighan, pictured with Marjorie and Marjorie's son and daughter, Michael and Ann, arranged the surprise party to celebrate Marjorie’s 80th birthday milestone, joined by rural dean Eric Wilson and Father Terry Leithley.Joyce said: “Marjorie is St Thomas’ rock. “She has stood by this church through thick and thin, even ill health. “Other members went to new churches when it was pulled down but not her. “She’s been part of the church since she was a toddler and she’s one of our most faithful members.“She cried for a week when they pulled the church down and has never missed a service.“She’s really remarkable, a lovely person. “She’s very well liked wherever she goes. “People think the world of her.”

How The Macdonald Brothers Out-Partied Westlife

Beverley Lyons And Laura SutherlandYOU know you're getting past it when the Macdonald Brothers outdrink you.But that is exactly what has happened on Westlife's latest tour.The Ayrshire brothers are two of the nicest people in showbiz but they don't exactly have a big reputation for partying.But Craig and Brian, who played Glasgow with the Irish heart-throbs last night, have been showing the Westlife boys how it's done.Craig said: "We are a bit more up for a drink than Westlife. After each show we've been kicking about with the crew and are quite keen to stay up late. Westlife, on the other hand, have gone back to the hotel after pretty much every gig."Shane takes his family with him wherever he goes and his newly pregnant wife has been by his side at every moment of the tour, as well as his wee daughter."They are a lovely family and Shane's wife told us she was expecting a baby."Nicky's partner has also been with him, although Kian and Mark haven't brought their partners yet."I suppose we are them eight years ago." The Macs, who recently released their third album, With Love For Mother's Day, claim they are still happy being single. Brian said: "It's the best time in our lives and we are loving it."The guys are thrilled to have secured a deal with a label in Asia and Australia.Craig said: "Our manager Gordon Campbell and his business partner Stuart 'Woody' Wood have done a deal with a company called Big Jo-Ke, Destra and Sony BMG over there and we will have a full tour lined up later in the year."Brian and Craig have been only too happy to take some guidance from Wood, who experienced life Down Under with the Bay City Rollers. Brian said: "The Rollers were massive in China and Hong Kong and Stuart has been through a lot and is able to tell us things about the place. I'm not sure whether we'll be singing Shanghai-a-lang but we'll do our best."

Unbreakable: 2008 NZ Tour Edition At No.2 Again

Yay! 'Unbreakable: 2008 NZ Tour Edition' remains at No.2 in the New Zealand albums chart this week and it has also gone platinum!

New Poll!

Thanks to everyone who voted in our last poll to let us know where in the world you'd most like Westlife to take you. A trip to Disney World in Florida was the most popular choice, followed by a tropical beach in the Maldives and sightseeing in Rome.
Now, with Easter on the way, we want to know which seasonal gift you'd most like to receive from the boys. Head to the poll at the bottom of the homepage or click here to have your say!

You Interview... Westlife (Mark & Nicky)

FIFGABOR ASKS: How do you feel about doing covers all the time?
Mark: It’s not the ideal situation, but I’m more proud of our albums than our singles.
ANGELEYES1404 ASKS: Will you every reunite with Brian [McFadden]?
Mark: Not for now, but who knows what the far-off future holds?
CLOUD9 ASKS: Would you ever hold auditions for another Westlife member?
Mark: No, they wouldn’t stand a chance!
FILANZGIRL ASKS: What’s better: A Number One or selling out an arena?
Nicky: A Number One, then you can sell out the arenas.
ANGIE25 ASKS: Nicky, if you were the Spice Girls, which one would you be?
Nicky: Posh - she has the most money!
FILANZGIRL ASKS: Who’s the funniest drunk?
Nicky: Kian and Shane are the funniest drunks. If we’re talking vodka, it’s me, or on the Beers it’s Shane.
344EEVANS ASKS: Will you still be spending time together during your year out?
Nicky: We’ll probably get together for a pint of Guinness.
EASBEES ASKS: Do you still get the same buzz on stage, even after ten years?
Mark: Yes, most of the time, as it’s not something with an on/off switch - you really can’t help buy enjoy it!
MSWELSH ASKS: Do you wanna crack America?
Mark: Yes please, but things would need to change first.
MISSHOLLIE ASKS: If you had the chance to be another person for the day, who would you be and why?
Mark: Missy Elliot. Just to see what that crazy house is like inside - her episode of Cribs was insane!

NEW TOUR PICTURES

*The following links contains tour SPOILERS*
I have added loads of new tour pictures! Fan pictures and official pictures too from Westlife's concerts in Birmingham and Manchester.
Let's start with the fan pictures, thank you very much Jo and Tracey for sharing with us your gorgeous and funny pictures from the Manchester concerts!
15 MARCH - MANCHESTER - MEN ARENA - JO'S PICTURES
16 MARCH - MANCHESTER - MEN ARENA - TRACEY'S PICTURES
For the official pictures, a big thank you to Alfee for getting them. They are pictures from Westlife's concerts in Birmingham and Manchester!
12 MARCH - BIRMINGHAM - NEC ARENA16 MARCH - MANCHESTER - MEN ARENA
Enjoy everyone

Charts Update

In the UK Singles chart Westlife's single 'Us Against The World' is down at No.18 this week from last week's No.8.
In the UK albums chart 'Back Home' is at No.45 down from last week's No.31.
In the Irish Singles chart 'Us Against The World' is down at No.11 from last week's No.6.
In the Irish albums chart 'Unbreakable: The Greatest Hits Vol.1' is down at No.27 from last week's No.15 and 'Back Home' is down at No.31 from last week's No.18.

Review From Manchester

*The following link contains tour SPOILERS*
Sorry for the late updates, I was working till now, phew
I added one REVIEW from Westlife's concert in Manchester.

Shane and Gillian ready to bop with new baby

By Barry Egan
IT'S OFFICIAL. Irish weather obviously doesn't have the X Factor. Louis Walsh jetted out to Miami on Thursday afternoon for three weeks of r'n'r. No, I don't know what r'n'r stands for either. The X-Factor judge has, of course, a second home in the Florida hot spot of South Beach (or should that be a third home, as he also has a place in St John's Wood in London?) Meanwhile, his charge in Westlife, Shane Filan, has good news. His gorgeous wife Gillian is three months pregnant with their second child (they already have a daughter, Nicole). "It wasn't exactly a surprise to my friends and family," Shane told me, "because we are taking a year off after our big gig at Croke Park. So you could say we timed it perfectly, managing to coordinate having a baby when the band are taking a year off." Shane and Gillian will have a choice of where to raise the new baby when he or she arrives in the summer: They have a seven-bedroom mansion in Surrey and a six-bedroom stately pile in Sligo. Speaking of model mums, Irish supermodel Ali MacDowell recently did a Benetton show with her six-year-old son, Alex. "He stole the show. At the finale, the crowd was clapping and he was still on the ramp. Instead of getting shy, he started jumping up and down with his arms out," Ali told me, adding that Alex and his four-year-old sister Sara have a show together next week. "They get more work than most models in Ireland!" A Cavalli-clad Ali was seen holding court on the Friday of last weekend in Peploe's with her dad Michael and other absolutely fabulous John Compton models Valerie Phelan, Lauren Bannon and Faith. Still on the subject of Irish fashion, Brown Thomas had its Cork Spring Summer season launch on Wednesday at its newly refurbished store (it has recently had a €4m facelift). Among the 350 guests who attended were Marie Chawke, manager of Aghadoe Heights hotel, Mary Purcell of Aer Lingus, Claire Nash, president of the Cork Business Association, and Ronan O'Gara's wife Jessica O'Gara with her sister Katie (presumably they both went to London yesterday to roar on Ronan at Twickenham when he captained Ireland against England? Intriguingly, England rugby legend Johnny Wilkinson -- on the bench yesterday -- will be in Dublin on April 10 to open up the Hackett menswear store on South Anne Street.). The models on the night included reigning Miss Ireland, Blathnaid McKenna (stunning in a Missoni M pink and coral multi-knit striped dress), Kelly O'Byrne (in a black and neon pink butterfly print tunic dress by Matthew Williamson), Aoife Cogan (in a Diane von Furstenberg green parachute silk dress) and Lizanna Kirwan in multi-coloured silkfloral dress by Chloe.
- Barry Egan

Emma's Mark, Kian And Kevin Pictures In Newcastle

Emma got pictures of Mark, Kian and Kevin while Westlife were in Newcastle for last week's concerts. Thank you for sharing Emma.

Watch Westlife On BBC1's Sports Relief

Westlife wee on BBC1 last night performing 'Us Against The World' live helping to raise money. Lovely Jo recorded the video, thank you hun!

New Blog From Shane

Shane has a very special announcement that he'd like to personally share with all Westlife fans:
Announcement from Shane
'Hi everyone
You've probably all heard the news by now, but I wanted to let you know personally that Gillian and I are having another baby!
I can't even begin to describe how amazing we're both feeling right now - as you can image, we're completely over the moon and Nicole is very excited at the thought of having a little brother or sister to play with.
The baby is due in September, so quite a while to go yet, although I'm sure it'll fly by really quickly. Gillian's bump is growing by the day and she's extremely happy and healthy.
I look forward to introducing the new member of the Filan clan to you later in the year!
Love Shane.'

Unbreakable: 2008 NZ Tour Edition At No.2!

Go West

Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily are due here for four concerts in May and following on from their Close Up TV interview, an all-new tour edition of their Greatest Hits set Unbreakable rockets straight to #2 on this week’s Albums Chart. It's the second time that Westlife have debuted at #2 - which remains their highest placing to date, yet to break the barrier to #1. Previously as a five-piece Coast To Coast landed in the silver slot in December 2000, then in 2006 The Love Album made it to #2 as well. The original version of Unbreakable peaked at #4 six years back. The Irishmen have topped the Singles Chart just the once, staying one week with the gold-certified Swear It Again in 1999.

Westlife New Single Us Against The World

Fresh from the huge success of their massive album ‘Back Home’, the reigning kings of pop Westlife return with their brand new single ‘Us Against The World’, released March 3rd through Syco Music/SonyBMG.
'Us Against The World’ is a beautiful, haunting ballad that perfectly showcases the smooth vocal talents of the band. With lush strings, soaring harmonies and an indelible melody, the track has already proved to be a firm favourite with Westlife fans and was the standout performance on their recent ITV prime time special ‘The Westlife Show: Live’.
The track is the second single to be taken from Westlife’s new album ‘Back Home’, which entered the UK charts at No.1 last November, incredibly providing the band with their seventh UK No.1 album and spending eight weeks in the Top 10.
'Back Home’ is a confident collection of twelve brand new pop songs, recorded over the summer, with production credits including Quiz Larossi, Per Magnusson, and Rami and Arnthor alongside long time friend and collaborator Steve Mac. The album has to date sold an amazing 1 million copies in just eight weeks.
Nicky from the band says: “Us Against The World is our favourite track on the album and one of our best songs ever. It has a beautiful melody and as soon as we recorded it we knew it just had to be a single”
Mark adds: “This song is a symbol of Westlife recording the kind of songs we really believe in. Good quality well produced pop music, which is exactly what our loyal fans deserve. It’s a taste of what's to come in the future. In my eyes it’s also one of our best vocal performances ever."
No pop band can compare to Westlife’s remarkable success. In their nine and a half years on top they have sold over 40 million records globally. In the UK alone they have scored nine multi-platinum albums and a record breaking 14 No.1 hits (behind only Elvis and The Beatles). Westlife have also picked up innumerable awards and appeared on hundreds of magazine covers around the world. They are the only recording artists to win the prestigious ‘Record Of The Year’ an incredible four times (other top awards include two BRITS and an MTV Europe Award). Westlife are also the biggest selling Arena act ever, holding the record for the most concerts held at Wembley Arena, an incredible 23.
2008 is a very special year for Westlife as it marks the tenth anniversary of their incredible career. This spring will see the band return to arenas across the country for the ‘Back Home Tour 2008’. Promising evenings of seamless pop precision, the tour will travel across the UK in February and March, including stops at London’s O2 and the Manchester Evening News Arena. The band will then celebrate an amazing decade at the top in spectacular style with a huge concert at Dublin’s massive Croke Park on Sunday 1st June in front of over 80,000 fans.
Westlife

Sports Relief 2008

Make sure you tune in to Sports Relief Friday 14th March night! as the Westlife boys will be making an appearance to help raise as much money as possible for this fab cause. The fun kicks off at 7pm on BBC1!

Two Tour Reviews Added

I added two new concert reviews, the one from the concert in O2 and the other last night's Birmingham concert.*TOUR SPOILER PAGE*
CLICK HERE TO READ THEM