Two days after announcing a series of May U.K. dates, the Irish boy band delivered the bad news to fans, saying the split is “entirely amicable” and that members want to “look at new ventures.”

But it’s not going to be a sudden departure from the limelight. Westlife will release a greatest hits package in time for Christmas and launch its farewell tour in May.

Dates announced this week include Newcastle Upon Tyne at Metro Radio Arena May 14; Liverpool Echo Arena May 15; Motorpoint Arena Cardiff May 17-18; Sheffield’s Motorpoint Arena May 19; Birmingham’s LG Arena May 20; The Capital FM Arena Nottingham May 22; The O2 – London May 23; Manchester Evening News Arena May 26; and Glasgow’s S.E.C.C. May 27.

Wanna talk to Westlife? The band will hold an online Q&A Oct. 28.

A fan club presale is going on now and the general onsale begins Friday. Visit Westlife.com for more information.