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Westlife

One of the UK and Ireland's most successful boy bands — split, reunited, and still filling arenas today

Active — Westlife are an Irish pop band formed in 1998 and one of the most successful boy bands of the 2000s. After splitting in 2012 they reunited in 2018 and are still touring; the band now performs as a four-piece of Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne.

Westlife formed in 1998 with a lineup of Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne and Brian McFadden, put together in Ireland with the backing of Boyzone's Ronan Keating. They were quickly signed and became one of the biggest acts in the UK and Ireland, racking up a remarkable run of number-one singles including "Swear It Again", "Flying Without Wings", "My Love", "Uptown Girl" and "Mandy".

Brian McFadden left the group in 2004, and the remaining four continued for years as one of the world's most popular boy bands, with a large following in the UK, Ireland and across Asia. In 2012 the band split, with members pursuing solo careers, including Shane Filan's solo albums.

Westlife reunited in 2018 with a reunion tour and a new record deal, and they have been active ever since. In the mid-2020s they launched the "Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour" and released a greatest-hits collection, playing arena dates into 2026.

Quick facts

Formed

1998, Dublin, Ireland

Original lineup

Five members, incl. Brian McFadden

Biggest hits

"Flying Without Wings", "My Love", "Mandy"

Split

2012; reunited 2018

Current lineup

Shane, Mark, Kian, Nicky

Now

Anniversary world tour (2025-2026)

Sources

1. Westlife - Wikipedia — Wikipedia (2026-09-05)
2. Westlife confirm UK and European leg of 'Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour' — Renowned For Sound (2026-09-05)

Related: boyzone · mltr · black eyed peas