> >21st May 2000
U.S. Fans - Westlife online Chat on Monday!
APRIL 2000 NEWS
NEW
WESTLIFE IN MEMPHIS, TN, JUNE 17 NEW
1st Nov: Westlife Release their self titled debt Album through RCA.
Nicky has been hiding his pain of a hernia and has now had an operation and is now on the road to recovery.
Kian had a cigrette burned out on his face and understandably lost his cool temprement. He's ok now though!
The guys will be doing a video chat at GetMusic.com on Monday, May 22 at
8:00 p.m. (EST)!
Plus, more good news for U.S. fans - the Arista 25th Anniversary CD is now on sale Target in the USA for $7.99, featuring Westlife singing Swear It Again live, plus tracks from many other Arista artists.
> >21st May 2000
Kian number 10 in the Bliss top 50 Boy Poll!
May's Issue of Bliss Magazine in the UK has a Top 50 Boy Poll - voted
for by readers of the magazine. All of Westlife feature in the top 50, their positions
were as follows:
10. Kian
11. Shane
15. Nicky
18. Mark
36. Bryan
the pic of Kian from Bliss
> >21st May 2000
News on Westlife's duet with Mariah
After scoring a hit by duetting with 98 Degrees on "Thank God I Found You,"
Mariah Carey looks to be dipping back into the boy band pool.
U.S. spokespeople for the Irish outfit Westlife told MTV News that the boys
will be in a recording studio in Italy next week recording their
contribution to a duet with Mariah on a cover of the Phil Collins song
"Against All Odds." The track should be familiar to Mariah's fans, as the
singer recorded a solo cover of it and released it on her "Rainbow" album.
There's no release date yet for the duet, and U.S. spokespeople for Carey
were unavailable for comment at press time.
[source:MTV news - http://www.mtv.com 18th May 2000]
> >21st May 2000
Two Bodyguards Each(?!)
Pop sensations Westlife have been forced to hire two
bodyguards each to protect them during their current
tour of South East Asia.
The "Fool Again" hitmakers were prepared for the
frantic fans, after being mobbed when they toured
there last year.
Singer Bryan McFadden says, "It's not that the fans
are nasty, they just get over-excited. It was a bit
frightening at first, but you soon get used to it.
It's just a different reaction to what we get in
Europe.
"It was mental whenever we stepped outside to go
somewhere. It was like a swarm of bees descending on
us. I got a lump of hair pulled out of my head and
runners stolen out of my bag. It was mayhem."
[source:MTV ASIA - http://www.mtv.com 15th May 2000]
> >3rd May 2000
Westlife Song Featured in New Animated Movie!
Westlife's song 'We Are One' (from their debut album, 'Westlife') is
featured in the new animated movie 'A Monkey’s Tale'.
The song plays over the credits of the film, which boasts voiceovers from top
British actors including the brilliant Rik Mayall, the legendary John Hurt and Michael York
from Austin Powers. The movie apparently follows the story of two rival monkey families and has
been described as 'Romeo and Juliet with monkeys' (?!).
The film is out in cinemas in England and Wales on May 26th and in Scotland and Northern Ireland
on 7 July 2000. The movie premiere is in Leicester Square, London on May 21st, and Westlife are *rumoured* to be turning up for it!
In the meantime,
you can learn more about the film, play the game, win prizes, view clips, hear the
Westlife song and much more at:
> >3rd May 2000
Disney Channel Kids Awards 2000
Westlife are the official spokespeople for the Disney Channel Kids Awards 2000!
Vote for Westlife in the awards at the following website:
http://www.disney.co.uk/DisneyChannel/kids/vote.html
> >26th March 2000
New Westlife album due October 2000
Westlife's second album will be released on 31 October, as their next single,
Fool Again, looks likely to be the last release from their multi-platinum debut album.
Songs are being gathered at present for the follow up, which will mark the group's first foray into songwriting. 'We've written loads of songs ourselves for this album. It's early days yet but we'll definitely have a few of our own tracks on there,' says Shane.
Westlife will enter the record studio in June and plan a more American sound for the album, in keeping with their plans to break the US. 'We're hoping to do a couple of songs with Diane Warren,' Nicky Byrne said, adding that the songwriter had written with some of the band's all-time favourite acts, including Celine Dion and Gloria Estefan.
The lads have enjoyed unparalleled success over the past year, nabbing both the Christmas Number One and ITV's Record Of The Year for 1999. Their lucky streak looks set to continue as Fool Again could be their fifth Number One next week, breaking the record held by B*Witched for consecutive chart toppers from a debut album.
Westlife will be in Memphis June 17. They
will perform with Melissa Ethridge, Edwin McCain, and a bunch others. Tickets go on sale Sat. April 15. Go here
107.5 Kiss FM Concert Series for details.
NEW
"SIA" TO PREMIERE ON MTV IN AMERICA NEW
*taken from the 102.7 KIIS FM interview w/ Westlife
April 11 - Westlife said in an interview with 102.7 KIIS FM in Los Angeles that the American Version of "Swear It Again" will be premiering on MTV the next week (4/16 - 4/22). They did not say if it would premiere on TRL or not so just keep checking with mtv.com for any other information. They also explained that the video was set in a car wash with some girls.
NEW
MORE IRISH DATES NEW
*taken from The Official Westlife Website (BMG-Backstage)
The demand to see Westlife has reached fever pitch here and is threatening to go into critical mass! Hence the 'powers that be' have arranged more Irish dates.
There are now tickets available to see Westlife on the following dates in March 2001:
Wednesday 21st Dublin The Point Depot (003531 456 9569)
Friday 23rd (as above)
Saturday 24th (as above)
Sunday 25th (as above)
Tuesday 27th (as above)
Please hold onto your hats as we will update you on any further shows as and when we get the news in.
NEW
THE WINNER IS ANNOUNCED NEW
*taken from The Official Westlife Website (BMG-Backstage)
Yes, you can all stop fretting and emailing us in desperation to find out who has won the competition to meet the record-breaking, supertalented and downright gorgeous Westlife! Because we have chosen THAT winner... read on!
First all a massive thankyou to everyone for supporting the group and for sending us your emails with the answers to the competition. Unfortunately, we could only pick one winner out of the multitude of entries we received.
And, because we at BackStage are complete and utter softies, we have also decided that 5 runners up should receive a signed promo picture of the lads. Generous? Yes, we are!
Anyway- here we go TA RA! Big fanfare... The lucky winner who will go on to spend a whole day at a press shoot with their heroes, Westlife is:
Sue Ann Lee of Worthing in West Sussex - Congratulations! We will be in contact, shortly.
And the five runners up who will recieve pictures signed personally by the group are:
Fiona Warren from Chester; Barbara Giles from Co. Meath in Ireland; Natasha Baczewski from Cheshunt; Zoe Savin from Southampton; and Michelle Wharton from Crosby.
Again- thanks to everyone for writing in and commiserations to all!
NEW
RONAN WORKS W/ WESTLIFE WHO ARE VERY SUPERSTITIOUS NEW
*taken from Dublin's FM104
Entertainment Minute - Friday 7th April
Ronan Keating is against his Boyzone bandmates going head to head. Stephen Gately is releasing his solo single 'New Beginnings' on May 29th, the same day as Mikey Graham, who's putting out 'You're My Angel'. Ronan doesn't think they should be pitted against each other. As for his proteges Westlife, he's delighted with their current success and hints he might be singing with them soon. If Westlife fans have any spare four-leafed clovers or lucky rabbits feet, the boys would be extremely grateful for them. The popsters - who've just announced days for their first live world tour next year - are revealing they're all very superstitious. Nicky exclusively says they'll be going through their own little rituals before they take the stage on US television later this month. The boys want to recruit God's help to make sure everything goes well in the future. Bryan says their religious beliefs mean a lot to them.
WESTLIFE TOO YOUNG TO GO OUT FOR A NIGHT
It was supposed to be a night of fun for Westlife. The five guys
made up their minds to celebrate in New York, because their single "Fool Again" took the lead in the British charts, but it wasn't such a big celebration: After an evening of going out and
especially drinking a lot, the group could be facing a large fine because they have broken the alcohol law for minors of the state New York.
Nicky is 21, but Mark, Bryan, Kian and Shane are younger and as a result breaking the law. Bryan fully admitted the incident: "We had been drinking, like it was the end of the world. We also bought some visitors of the bar a drink."
"SIA" #66 ON US CHARTS
Westlife's 1st American single, "Swear It Again," is now at #66 moving up 16 spots.
WESTLIFE TO LIVEN UP
*taken from TOTP*
April 8 - We all love the fact that we can gently sway along to Westlife songs, but now their fans are demanding the boys rock their world with an uptempo dance track. Will the Westlife boys be able to pull it off? We'll soon be able to find out as Westlife's next album due out 31 October is guaranteed to have some fast stuff. It might be nerve-racking to break the winning formula, but Westlife have responded to the call and even admitted that danceable ditties was the one thing missing from their hugely-successful debut album. Westlife ballads were seen by some critics as a safe rehash of Boyzone's more melodic tunes, but the Westies claim it was simply because there weren't any decent fast tracks to choose from. We're sure the Westies will be great whatever they do - whether they sit on their stools or break into some funky dance steps on TOTP!
MSN CHAT WITH WESTLIFE
*taken from Arista Records*
On Wednesday, April 12, join MSN Live as we present a chat event with one of the UK's hottest bands - Westlife. In the history of music, only Westlife has had five of their singles premiere at #1.
The band is so hot that they have just exploded across the U.S. With their CD, Westlife, premiering on the charts on April 4, expect to see these guys everywhere, starting on MSN Live.
Meet Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily, Bryan Mcfadden, and Nicky Byrne, on Wed., April 12 at 7pm PT /10pm ET.
Who's Who in the Band?Shane is. . .a sensitive poet.Kian is. . .the charmer.Mark is. . .shy and quiet.Bryan is. . funny and known for his wacky sense of humor.Nicky is. . .level headed and is into football and parties.
Click here to find out more!
ARISTA RECORDS 25TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Westlife is set to appear at Arista Records 25th Anniversary Party (details on main page) on Monday April 10 in Los Angeles, and the party/concert is going to be taped and aired on May 15 on NBC in the USA.
WESTLIFE ON YTV AND AMERICAN VERSION OF "SWEAR IT AGAIN"
*taken from vikrecordings*
April 6 - Catch Westlife featured on YTV's Brit List April 14th & 16th! The new Westlife video (American version) for "Swear It Again" will be delivered to YTV and Much next week! Start requesting it now on both stations!
WESTLIFE WERE FOOLS AGAIN & AGAIN
*taken from dotmusic*
Those cheeky fellas from Westlife had the perfect excuse to celebrate in style at the weekend, following the news that they'd just secured their place in the pop annals! After hearing the joyous result from co-manager Ronan Keating, the boys hit the sauce on their flight to the states, egged on by fellow passengers. Once on the ground, the Westies carried on the party, invading every Irish, New York drinking hole they could find, buying locals drinks! The Westlife carnival continued its parade to their hotel rooms where champagne (and Guiness!) flowed freely, preceded by the customary rock 'n' roll behaviour of jumping all over the beds! When a truly hungover Westlife looked at their wallets, they realised they'd spent a whopping 10,000! Westlife are predicted to win over the competitive American music market and by the sounds of it they've already started!
WESTLIFE SELF-TITLED DEBUT CD OUT TOMORROW (4-4) IN US AND CANADA
Westlife will release their self-titled debut CD in both the States and Canada tomorrow. If you would like to listen to the entire US and Canadian release click here.
#82 THIS WEEK IN US CHARTS
Westilfe has moved up 14 places since their debut on the charts last week at #96, now a total of 2 weeks with their single "Swear It Again." Let's just hope that more Americans will discover this talented group of guys and they keep moving up in the charts!
WESTLIFE SET TO SLAY US
Westlife's slaying of the UK is to be followed-up by a similar onslaught in the US, with the band set to play before an audience of 40 million next week.
The band feature in the line-up for a 25th anniversary concert special for the BMG label in Los Angeles on April 10.
Their performance coincides with Westlife's debut album being released in the US and Canada.
Whitney Houston, Annie Lennox and Santana will appear alongside them at the show, which will be part of Westlife's third visit to the US this year. A fourth is expected in May.
The band, who broke all records by taking their fifth Number One on Sunday, will begin the recording of their second album in June, with Diane Warren and Lulu amongst the writers scheduled to contribute.
It is also expected to feature the group's first foray into songwriting and will be released around October.
WESTLIFE MAKE HISTORY
Westlife debuted at #1 putting them in the record books for have the most #1 consecutive singles go to #1, a total of 5. Congratulations to them!
ARISTA RECORDS 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT IN LOS ANGELES
April 1, 2000 - Arista Records 25th Anniversary Concert
Here is some more information:
Arista Records 25th Anniversary Concert
Date: 04/10/2000
Time: 7:00 PM
Ticket Prices: $35.00 - $500.00
Ticket Info: (213) 749-5123
Location: Shrine Auditorium
Address: 665 West Jefferson Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007
MARCH 2000 NEWS
WESTLIFE AND EARLY MOTHER'S DAY SURPRISE
Irish boy band Westlife, who are flying off to America this weekend, had an early Mother's Day surprise today - on live television.
The clean-cut quintet, who will make chart history this weekend if their fifth single, Fool Again, also becomes their fifth number one, had a reunion with their proud mothers, arranged by GMTV without their knowledge.
After they had performed the single on the programme, presenter Lorraine Kelly announced a live studio link-up with the mums in a studio in Dublin.
But as a screen showed five chairs in an empty studio, the bemused boys got a double shock when their mothers walked on to the GMTV set instead.
The youngsters, Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, Bryan McFadden, Shane Filan and Mark Feehily, presented them with flowers and successfully answered a series of questions about their mothers.
The popsters also squirmed with embarrassment as pictures of themselves as babies and children were beamed to the nation.
Westlife are flying to New York on Sunday for a four-week tour, which will be swiftly followed by further concerts across Asia and another six-week stint in the US.
Kian, Nicky, Bryan, Shane and Mark's mothers are called, respectively, Patricia Egan, Yvonne Byrne, Mairead McFadden, May Filan and Marie Feehily.
TOTP CHAT WITH WESTLIFE THURSDAY MARCH 30, 2000
*taken from TOTP*
March 29, 2000 - Westlife will be chatting on TOTP Thurs. March 30 starting at 5pm (BST) following Moloko in studio M at 3:30pm.
To pre-register a question click here
WESTLIFE TO DO SIGNING IN LONDON
*taken from the Official Westlife Website*
March 29, 2000 - Unperturbed by their massive,hectic schedule- Westlife have decided to go and meet their fans at a big signing in London.
So all of you Westlife fans should get their skates on and get on down to TOWER RECORDS- Piccadilly Square at 4 o'clock on FRIDAY 31st March!!!! Yes, THIS Friday @ 4!! So get on down there pronto, like! Bring or buy what you want signing and meet the group that is poised to break a record if "Fool Again" goes straight in at Number One! YOU can help them do it!
WESTLIFE BATTLE IT OUT WITH MEL C. FOR TOP SPOT
March 29, 2000 - Westlife and Mel C. are fighting for the number one spot on the charts. Dotmusic reports that Westlife are ahead by 500 units whereas TOTP say that Mel C. is. We'll just have to see about that, but to be sure that Westlife sets a record be sure to pick up the new single "Fool Again."
WESTLIFE AND SWEET STOCK 3 CONCERT IN NEBRASKA
March 29, 2000 - On Saturday May 20, 2000, Westlife will be performing at the Sweet Stock 3 concert in Omaha, Nebraska, along with other such acts as My Town, Christina Aguilera, LFO, Mandy Moore, Smashmouth, Bosson, and many more amazing artists. For the full lineup check out
Sweet 98, the radio station putting on the concert. We hope that Westlife will continue to get promotions in the US such as this one.
Westlife will be releasing a double A side of Seasons in the Sun and I Had A Dream.
