WESTLIFE are considering performing an emotional tribute at the funeral of Nicky Byrne's father this weekend.
Nikki Byrne Snr (60) died suddenly on Tuesday and will be laid to rest in his hometown of Seagrange in Baldoyle, north Dublin on Saturday.
The father of three, who was well-known on Ireland's cabaret circuit and even had his own band called 'Nikki and Studz', is believed to have died of a heart attack while at work.
Westlife star Nicky is helping his mother Yvonne and his siblings Gillian and Adam with the funeral arrangements.
Mr Byrne's body was taken to the family home yesterday and will repose there until Saturday.
The funeral will be held at St Laurence O'Toole's Church in Seagrange and he will be buried in Fingal Cemetery in Balgriffin.
A number of showbiz personalities will perform at Mr Byrne's funeral. But the Irish Independent has learned that Westlife are leaving it up to Nicky (31) as to whether the group will perform or not.
- Stephen O'Farrell
Source:Irish Independent
Credit:Dazzling Westlife
Friday, November 6, 2009
WE'LL SING AT NICKY DAD'S FUNERAL
WESTLIFE IN TRIBUTE OFFER TO BANDMATE
By Paul Martin
NICKY Byrne's Westlife bandmates have told the grief-stricken star they will sing at his tragic father's funeral service.
Grieving Nicky spoke with Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily yesterday as he came to terms with his father's sudden death after he collapsed and died of a heart attack on Tuesday morning.
As his distraught family began making funeral plans yesterday a source close to the star told how his three Westlife pals offered to give Nicky Snr their personal send-off.
He said: "Nicky has been really comforted by the support he has received from his mates. They have told him they will sing for his dad if he wants them to.
"They all rallied together and they sang at Kian's father's funeral in the summer and they want to do the same for Nicky.
"He's going to take his time and think it over but it would certainly be a touching tribute and it just shows how close all the lads are."
Yesterday Nicky's mother-in-law Miriam Ahern was among those lending her support to the Byrne family.
She said: "He was truly well respected by everybody and will definitely be missed by many people.
"He was just a lovely, lovely man. Nicky and Georgina are understandably very upset. We're still in shock. It's very difficult."
Westlife manager Louis Walsh added he was stunned by the death, just three weeks after Boyzone's Stephen Gately passed away.
He said: "It's crazy, it just seems to be bad news on top of more bad news. We are devastated and our thoughts and prayers are with Nicky and his family at this time."
Westlife were due to embark on a promotional tour of Glasgow yesterday but have cancelled all their engagements for the coming days.
Yesterday Nicky's former bandmate Brian McFadden added his tributes. He said: "I'm devastated by this. Nicky was an amazing man. He was always great fun and had a smile on his face. This year has been full of death - it's been the worst year of my life."
RTE's Gerry Ryan also joined the tributes. The DJ told listeners: "Nicky Byrne was a lovely man. A very friendly, down-to-earth man. My thoughts are with the family."
Source: Irish Daily Mirror
Credit:Dazzling Westlife
By Paul Martin
NICKY Byrne's Westlife bandmates have told the grief-stricken star they will sing at his tragic father's funeral service.
Grieving Nicky spoke with Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily yesterday as he came to terms with his father's sudden death after he collapsed and died of a heart attack on Tuesday morning.
As his distraught family began making funeral plans yesterday a source close to the star told how his three Westlife pals offered to give Nicky Snr their personal send-off.
He said: "Nicky has been really comforted by the support he has received from his mates. They have told him they will sing for his dad if he wants them to.
"They all rallied together and they sang at Kian's father's funeral in the summer and they want to do the same for Nicky.
"He's going to take his time and think it over but it would certainly be a touching tribute and it just shows how close all the lads are."
Yesterday Nicky's mother-in-law Miriam Ahern was among those lending her support to the Byrne family.
She said: "He was truly well respected by everybody and will definitely be missed by many people.
"He was just a lovely, lovely man. Nicky and Georgina are understandably very upset. We're still in shock. It's very difficult."
Westlife manager Louis Walsh added he was stunned by the death, just three weeks after Boyzone's Stephen Gately passed away.
He said: "It's crazy, it just seems to be bad news on top of more bad news. We are devastated and our thoughts and prayers are with Nicky and his family at this time."
Westlife were due to embark on a promotional tour of Glasgow yesterday but have cancelled all their engagements for the coming days.
Yesterday Nicky's former bandmate Brian McFadden added his tributes. He said: "I'm devastated by this. Nicky was an amazing man. He was always great fun and had a smile on his face. This year has been full of death - it's been the worst year of my life."
RTE's Gerry Ryan also joined the tributes. The DJ told listeners: "Nicky Byrne was a lovely man. A very friendly, down-to-earth man. My thoughts are with the family."
Source: Irish Daily Mirror
Credit:Dazzling Westlife
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The Inside Track On Where We Are
ith Westlife's first new album in two years - the incredible Where We Are - hitting stores on 30th November, we wanted to give you some extra information on what's shaping up to be one of the most exciting releases of their career...
- Where We Are features work from some of the most admired behind-the-scenes names in pop, including Grammy-nominated Ryan Tedder (Leona Lewis, Beyonce), Steve Robson (James Morrison, Take That), Steve Booker (Duffy), Louis Biancaniello and Sam Watters (Whitney Houston, Anastacia)
- Mark co-wrote the amazing ‘Reach Out' with Shaznay Lewis
- ‘Shadows' was co-written by Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean. It's a classic Westlife anthem with a twist - it features a futuristic military drum roll
- Westlife explore their rockier side on singalong number ‘The Difference'
- ‘Another World' is set to be a favourite for Mark fans, as it sees his amazing vocals soar into gospel territory
- ‘I'll See You Again' is a beautifully poignant song about the loss of a loved one, set to a backdrop of piano, synths and acoustic guitar.
Shane says: "We've been experimenting with a fresh vibe on this record, working with new producers and writing songs for the album ourselves. After eleven years we see this as phase two of the Westlife story."
Album track listing:
1) What About Now
2) How To Break A Heart
3) Leaving
4) Shadows
5) Talk Me Down
6) Where We Are
7) The Difference
8) As Love Is My Witness
9) Another World
10) No More Heroes
11) Sound Of A Broken Heart
12) Reach Out
13) I'll See You Again
Source:Westlife.com
- Where We Are features work from some of the most admired behind-the-scenes names in pop, including Grammy-nominated Ryan Tedder (Leona Lewis, Beyonce), Steve Robson (James Morrison, Take That), Steve Booker (Duffy), Louis Biancaniello and Sam Watters (Whitney Houston, Anastacia)
- Mark co-wrote the amazing ‘Reach Out' with Shaznay Lewis
- ‘Shadows' was co-written by Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean. It's a classic Westlife anthem with a twist - it features a futuristic military drum roll
- Westlife explore their rockier side on singalong number ‘The Difference'
- ‘Another World' is set to be a favourite for Mark fans, as it sees his amazing vocals soar into gospel territory
- ‘I'll See You Again' is a beautifully poignant song about the loss of a loved one, set to a backdrop of piano, synths and acoustic guitar.
Shane says: "We've been experimenting with a fresh vibe on this record, working with new producers and writing songs for the album ourselves. After eleven years we see this as phase two of the Westlife story."
Album track listing:
1) What About Now
2) How To Break A Heart
3) Leaving
4) Shadows
5) Talk Me Down
6) Where We Are
7) The Difference
8) As Love Is My Witness
9) Another World
10) No More Heroes
11) Sound Of A Broken Heart
12) Reach Out
13) I'll See You Again
Source:Westlife.com
New album for Westlife
*Includes 'Where We Are' album spoilers*
Pop's most enduring group, Westlife, have finally emerged from the studio after a year-long break to present their brand new album, 'Where We Are'.
Spending much of 2009 hidden away in studios across Europe and the US, Westlife have been quietly creating their most exciting album to date. 'Where We Are' features work from pop's finest craftsmen, including grammy nominated Ryan Tedder (Leona Lewis, Beyonce) Steve Robson (James Morrison, Take That) Steve Booker (Duffy) Louis Biancaniello and Sam Watters (Whitney Houston, Anastacia.) and Shaznay Lewis, who co-writes a track with band member Mark Feehily.
These stellar production teams have helped the boys create a new and contemporary sound, whilst retaining those classic Westlife soaring melodies and rousing lyrics. Featuring the already massive hit single 'What About Now' it's a collection bound to excite fans and pop enthusiasts alike.
Perhaps best showcasing this new sound is 'Shadows', co-written by Backstreet Boy A. J. Mclean. A classic Westlife choral anthem, peppered with a futuristic military drum roll fashioned by urban-pop maestro Ryan Tedder. The song sets the benchmark for the sound which brings Westlife bang up-to-date on the eve of the new decade.
Elsewhere 'The Difference' visits rockier terrain, while 'Another World' allows Mark Feehily's exquisite vocal to escalate to gospel territory, a moment sure to thrill live. 'I'll See You Again' laments the passing of a loved one, set to a haunting landscape of piano, synths and acoustic guitar, a moment surely relatable.
Shane Filan of the band says "We've been experimenting with a fresh vibe on this record, working with new producers and writing songs for the album ourselves. After eleven years we see this as phase two of the Westlife story."
Westlife's new material is the first since 2007's 'Back Home', which became the band's seventh number one album, spending two months in the Top Ten and selling over 1 million copies in the UK alone.
No pop band can compare to Westlife's extraordinary success. During their 11 years at the top of pop's hierarchy, the band has sold over 40 million records globally. In the UK alone they have scored nine multi-platinum albums and a record breaking 14 No.1 hits (behind only Elvis and The Beatles). They have also picked up innumerable awards and appeared on hundreds of magazine covers around the world. They are the only recording artists to win the prestigious 'Record Of The Year' an incredible four times (other top awards include two BRITS and an MTV Europe Award). Westlife are also the biggest selling Arena act ever, holding the record for the most concerts held at Wembley Arena, an incredible 23.
Source: entertainment.iafrica.com
Pop's most enduring group, Westlife, have finally emerged from the studio after a year-long break to present their brand new album, 'Where We Are'.
Spending much of 2009 hidden away in studios across Europe and the US, Westlife have been quietly creating their most exciting album to date. 'Where We Are' features work from pop's finest craftsmen, including grammy nominated Ryan Tedder (Leona Lewis, Beyonce) Steve Robson (James Morrison, Take That) Steve Booker (Duffy) Louis Biancaniello and Sam Watters (Whitney Houston, Anastacia.) and Shaznay Lewis, who co-writes a track with band member Mark Feehily.
These stellar production teams have helped the boys create a new and contemporary sound, whilst retaining those classic Westlife soaring melodies and rousing lyrics. Featuring the already massive hit single 'What About Now' it's a collection bound to excite fans and pop enthusiasts alike.
Perhaps best showcasing this new sound is 'Shadows', co-written by Backstreet Boy A. J. Mclean. A classic Westlife choral anthem, peppered with a futuristic military drum roll fashioned by urban-pop maestro Ryan Tedder. The song sets the benchmark for the sound which brings Westlife bang up-to-date on the eve of the new decade.
Elsewhere 'The Difference' visits rockier terrain, while 'Another World' allows Mark Feehily's exquisite vocal to escalate to gospel territory, a moment sure to thrill live. 'I'll See You Again' laments the passing of a loved one, set to a haunting landscape of piano, synths and acoustic guitar, a moment surely relatable.
Shane Filan of the band says "We've been experimenting with a fresh vibe on this record, working with new producers and writing songs for the album ourselves. After eleven years we see this as phase two of the Westlife story."
Westlife's new material is the first since 2007's 'Back Home', which became the band's seventh number one album, spending two months in the Top Ten and selling over 1 million copies in the UK alone.
No pop band can compare to Westlife's extraordinary success. During their 11 years at the top of pop's hierarchy, the band has sold over 40 million records globally. In the UK alone they have scored nine multi-platinum albums and a record breaking 14 No.1 hits (behind only Elvis and The Beatles). They have also picked up innumerable awards and appeared on hundreds of magazine covers around the world. They are the only recording artists to win the prestigious 'Record Of The Year' an incredible four times (other top awards include two BRITS and an MTV Europe Award). Westlife are also the biggest selling Arena act ever, holding the record for the most concerts held at Wembley Arena, an incredible 23.
Source: entertainment.iafrica.com
'Where We Are' Album snippents
Amazon.co.uk has added snippets of all the songs in Westlife's new album 'Where We Are':
Listten to them:HERE
Source:Amazon.co.uk
Listten to them:HERE
Source:Amazon.co.uk
Westlife's Nicky in shock at sudden death of father
By Allison Bray and Denise Clarke
TRIBUTES were last night paid to the father of Westlife star Nicky Byrne, who died suddenly yesterday.
Nicky Byrne Snr died yesterday in Dublin and it is believed he died of a heart attack in his workplace. It's understood he was in his early 60s.
The tragic news came after the Westlife singer paid tribute to Fifth Avenue's Beverly O'Sullivan (28) who was killed in a car crash in India on Monday.
On his Twitter page, Nicky (31) wrote that he was "in shock" about the "horrible news". However, hours later, he himself was grieving the loss of his father.
Westlife were due to begin a regional radio tour in the UK today but following the untimely death it has been cancelled. Fellow bandmate Kian Egan, who lost his own father to cancer in July, said he and the rest of the band were devastated to hear the shocking news.
Inconsolable
"It's been such a shock. Everyone feels so sad. It was just so sudden and unexpected," he told the Irish Independent last night. He said he spoke briefly with Nicky Byrne yesterday to offer his condolences but he said the young singer was inconsolable.
"He was very broken up. I never expected to be talking to the boys about another death of our parents so soon after my own father died," he said.
The band's manager and 'X Factor' judge Louis Walsh said he was also shocked by the news.
"Westlife are all devastated. They can't believe a second father is dead," he said. He said Nicky was extremely close to his namesake who was also a singer on the Dublin pub circuit.
The famous star used to sing karaoke with his dad who had his own band called 'Nicky and the Studz'.
Meanwhile, family members and others close to Mr Byrne and his family last night appealed for privacy in order to grieve.
A statement issued on behalf of his family last night read: "The family would like to confirm the sad news of the very sudden loss of a husband, dad and grandad today.
"A wonderful man who will be sadly missed by everyone whose life he touched. The Byrne family would like to ask that you respect their privacy at this time."
A spokesman for former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern -- who is Nicky Jnr's father-in-law -- said: "It is a huge shock to the whole family. His thoughts and sympathies are with Yvonne, Nicko, Gillian, Adam and his beloved grandchildren, Jay and Rocco."
Westlife were due to hit the road today until Friday for a regional radio tour to visit local stations in Glasgow, Manchester, Yorkshire, Leeds and Birmingham but it has been cancelled.
A statement on the band's website last night read: "We apologise that due to unforeseen circumstances the Westlife radio tour has been cancelled. We're sorry for the disappointment this will cause and will bring you further updates soon."
Source:Independent.ie
TRIBUTES were last night paid to the father of Westlife star Nicky Byrne, who died suddenly yesterday.
Nicky Byrne Snr died yesterday in Dublin and it is believed he died of a heart attack in his workplace. It's understood he was in his early 60s.
The tragic news came after the Westlife singer paid tribute to Fifth Avenue's Beverly O'Sullivan (28) who was killed in a car crash in India on Monday.
On his Twitter page, Nicky (31) wrote that he was "in shock" about the "horrible news". However, hours later, he himself was grieving the loss of his father.
Westlife were due to begin a regional radio tour in the UK today but following the untimely death it has been cancelled. Fellow bandmate Kian Egan, who lost his own father to cancer in July, said he and the rest of the band were devastated to hear the shocking news.
Inconsolable
"It's been such a shock. Everyone feels so sad. It was just so sudden and unexpected," he told the Irish Independent last night. He said he spoke briefly with Nicky Byrne yesterday to offer his condolences but he said the young singer was inconsolable.
"He was very broken up. I never expected to be talking to the boys about another death of our parents so soon after my own father died," he said.
The band's manager and 'X Factor' judge Louis Walsh said he was also shocked by the news.
"Westlife are all devastated. They can't believe a second father is dead," he said. He said Nicky was extremely close to his namesake who was also a singer on the Dublin pub circuit.
The famous star used to sing karaoke with his dad who had his own band called 'Nicky and the Studz'.
Meanwhile, family members and others close to Mr Byrne and his family last night appealed for privacy in order to grieve.
A statement issued on behalf of his family last night read: "The family would like to confirm the sad news of the very sudden loss of a husband, dad and grandad today.
"A wonderful man who will be sadly missed by everyone whose life he touched. The Byrne family would like to ask that you respect their privacy at this time."
A spokesman for former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern -- who is Nicky Jnr's father-in-law -- said: "It is a huge shock to the whole family. His thoughts and sympathies are with Yvonne, Nicko, Gillian, Adam and his beloved grandchildren, Jay and Rocco."
Westlife were due to hit the road today until Friday for a regional radio tour to visit local stations in Glasgow, Manchester, Yorkshire, Leeds and Birmingham but it has been cancelled.
A statement on the band's website last night read: "We apologise that due to unforeseen circumstances the Westlife radio tour has been cancelled. We're sorry for the disappointment this will cause and will bring you further updates soon."
Source:Independent.ie
Westlife’s Nicky Byrne mourns death of father
Westlife star Nicky Byrne returns to Ireland after his father died on Tuesday
Westlife member Nicky Byrne has jetted back to Ireland on the news that his father - Nicky Sr - has passed away suddenly.
The pop star, 31, had been in London on Tuesday as the band prepared to embark on a TV and radio tour to promote their new album Where We Are and were due in Scotland to appear on STV programme The Hour.
In a statement tonight the Byrne family said: "The family would like to confirm the sad news of the very sudden loss of a husband, dad and granddad today."
They described Nicky Snr as "a wonderful man who will be sadly missed by everyone whose life he touched".
A statement from the band's management company SyCo Music confirmed that their promotional tour had been postponed. "We apologise that due to unforeseen circumstances the Westlife regional radio tour 4-6 November has been cancelled," read the statement. "We're very sorry for the disappointment that this will cause and will be bringing you further updates soon."
Nicky picked up his musical talent from his father, who was a well known singer and musician on the Ireland cabaret scene.
It was only last year in December that the Westlife star threw a birthday bash for his dad's 60th birthday, buying him a £16,000 Harley Davidson motorbike as a present.
His father's death is the third tragedy to hit 31-year-old Nicky in recent weeks. Only last month, the father-of-two returned to his native Dublin to pay his final respects to his friend, Boyzone's Stephen Gately, after he died suddenly in Majorca. Yesterday, another friend and fellow Dubliner, Beverley O'Sullivan, a former star with Irish pop group Fifth Avenue, died in a car crash in India.
Westlife have had global success with 14 number one hits and sold 40 million records worldwide and their new single What About Now came in at number two in Sunday's official chart show.
The band were formed in the 90s under the name IOYOU but their original line-up fell foul of music mogul Simon Cowell, with three members of the band axed.
Kian, Mark and Shane were then joined by Nicky and Bryan to form Westside in 1998, a name which was then changed to Westlife and have since been managed by X Factor judge Louis Walsh.
Nicky is married to Georgina Ahern, daughter of the former Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. They have twin sons, Rocco and Jay.
Source: Entertainment.stv.tv
Westlife member Nicky Byrne has jetted back to Ireland on the news that his father - Nicky Sr - has passed away suddenly.
The pop star, 31, had been in London on Tuesday as the band prepared to embark on a TV and radio tour to promote their new album Where We Are and were due in Scotland to appear on STV programme The Hour.
In a statement tonight the Byrne family said: "The family would like to confirm the sad news of the very sudden loss of a husband, dad and granddad today."
They described Nicky Snr as "a wonderful man who will be sadly missed by everyone whose life he touched".
A statement from the band's management company SyCo Music confirmed that their promotional tour had been postponed. "We apologise that due to unforeseen circumstances the Westlife regional radio tour 4-6 November has been cancelled," read the statement. "We're very sorry for the disappointment that this will cause and will be bringing you further updates soon."
Nicky picked up his musical talent from his father, who was a well known singer and musician on the Ireland cabaret scene.
It was only last year in December that the Westlife star threw a birthday bash for his dad's 60th birthday, buying him a £16,000 Harley Davidson motorbike as a present.
His father's death is the third tragedy to hit 31-year-old Nicky in recent weeks. Only last month, the father-of-two returned to his native Dublin to pay his final respects to his friend, Boyzone's Stephen Gately, after he died suddenly in Majorca. Yesterday, another friend and fellow Dubliner, Beverley O'Sullivan, a former star with Irish pop group Fifth Avenue, died in a car crash in India.
Westlife have had global success with 14 number one hits and sold 40 million records worldwide and their new single What About Now came in at number two in Sunday's official chart show.
The band were formed in the 90s under the name IOYOU but their original line-up fell foul of music mogul Simon Cowell, with three members of the band axed.
Kian, Mark and Shane were then joined by Nicky and Bryan to form Westside in 1998, a name which was then changed to Westlife and have since been managed by X Factor judge Louis Walsh.
Nicky is married to Georgina Ahern, daughter of the former Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. They have twin sons, Rocco and Jay.
Source: Entertainment.stv.tv
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Where We Are - The Tracklisting and Cover Artwork!
We can now reveal the names of all thirteen tracks on Westlife's brand new album Where We Are and unveil the new artwork.
Out at the end of the month the album sees the guys work with the cream of the crop of songwriting/producing talent.
Very soon we'll be bringing you clips of the guys talking about each song with a preview of each track, but for now, check out the gallery for the artwork and here is the track by track run down.
WHAT ABOUT NOW
HOW TO BREAK A HEART
LEAVING
SHADOWS
TALK ME DOWN
WHERE WE ARE
THE DIFFERENCE
AS LOVE IS MY WITNESS
ANOTHER WORLD
NO MORE HEROES
SOUND OF A BROKEN HEART
REACH OUT
I’LL SEE YOU AGAIN
Which track are you most excited about hearing? Let us know in Westlife's Official Forum.
Credit/Source: www.westlife.com
Out at the end of the month the album sees the guys work with the cream of the crop of songwriting/producing talent.
Very soon we'll be bringing you clips of the guys talking about each song with a preview of each track, but for now, check out the gallery for the artwork and here is the track by track run down.
WHAT ABOUT NOW
HOW TO BREAK A HEART
LEAVING
SHADOWS
TALK ME DOWN
WHERE WE ARE
THE DIFFERENCE
AS LOVE IS MY WITNESS
ANOTHER WORLD
NO MORE HEROES
SOUND OF A BROKEN HEART
REACH OUT
I’LL SEE YOU AGAIN
Which track are you most excited about hearing? Let us know in Westlife's Official Forum.
Credit/Source: www.westlife.com
Westlife are Number Two!!
The guys are really happy as their brand new single 'What About Now' has gone straight in at Number Two on the charts!
After a great performance on X Factor last weekend, the guys have been on a high ever since and now they are Number Two they are even happier!
If you haven't bought your copy yet, head over to iTunes now and stay tuned for more info on the brand new album Where We Are!
Source & Credit:Westlife.com
After a great performance on X Factor last weekend, the guys have been on a high ever since and now they are Number Two they are even happier!
If you haven't bought your copy yet, head over to iTunes now and stay tuned for more info on the brand new album Where We Are!
Source & Credit:Westlife.com
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