Features
Westlife To Split
They may have an eye on how much money acts appear to be making from eventual comebacks, but the members of
The four Irish popsters, who are each believed to be worth more than £10 million, have decided to go their separate ways and pursue “new ventures.”
Shane Filan is hoping to pursue a solo career, while Mark Feehily is said to be keen to write songs for other artists.
According to The Sun, Nicky Byrne is hoping to become a radio DJ and Kian Egan will be looking for more television opportunities.
Their curtain call will be next summer’s farewell tour and the act’s second “Greatest Hits” offering is lined up for the Christmas market.
The Westlife website describes the combination as “the perfect way to celebrate our incredible career along with our fans.”
It says the decision to split is “entirely amicable” and – “after spending all of our adult life together so far” – the members want have a well-earned break and look at new ventures.
The band, which was at one time managed by “X Factor” judge Louis Walsh, had 14 UK number No. 1s in the course of its 14-year career. Global record sales were more than 44 million.
The most famous singles were ballads “Flying Without Wings” and “If I Let You Go,” as well as uptempo tracks such as their cover of Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl.”