An illustrious history dating back to 1998. Over a hundred awards and nominations and many, many times that number in admirers. Westlife is no pushover in the international music arena, and their works have dusted the world for all to hear.
The Irish boy band was formed in the town of Sligo just over 20 years ago, in an era thriving with western boy bands. Ireland itself had several notable male pop ensembles at that point, including Boyzone, Midtown and OTT. Westlife’s line-up has changed over the years of its existence, and the current one consists of Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, and Shane Filan.
Despite being one of the top boy bands around with hugely successful albums, massive international attention and major accolades, it wasn’t all smooth sailing as the boys battled internal disagreements. It ultimately led to the band breaking up in 2011. Somewhat ironically for fans in Malaysia, this weighty decision was supposedly finalised in a Kuala Lumpur hotel over a few pints of beer.
In their time apart, the members developed their solo careers, releasing songs and albums individually. However, they could not really shake off their Westlife past, with followers and music industry bigwigs alike earnestly expressing much hope for a reconciliation.
Reunion rumours flew about, most of which were shot down by the members or by their representatives – that is until late 2018, almost seven years to date of their split. The good news came from the horses’ mouth themselves. In a short video on their freshly created Instagram account, the lads greet each other cheerfully before collectively exclaiming, “Hi, we’re Westlife!” As the screen fades out, the words “Westlife, New Music, New Tour” briefly appear as an enticing teaser.
Wayfaring Westlife
Several countries have been included in this new tour, dubbed the Twenty Tour, which covers the UK, the Middle East and Asia. The first series of shows took place at SSE Arena in Belfast from 22 to 27 May this year, an unsurprising homeland start before moving on to the rest of the waiting world.
Once in the Asian region, the band zig zags the continent playing at various venues on its way to Malaysia for not one, but two consecutive nights of pure Westlife entertainment!
Westlife The Twenty Tour
WHERE Malawati Indoor Stadium, Selangor
WHEN 8.30pm (8 & 9 Aug)
ADMISSION RM273-RM693
TEL 011 3112 1222
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