WESTLIFE have made an exciting announcement to celebrate a major anniversary.
The iconic Irish band kicked off their first ever world tour, Where Dreams Come True Tour, at the Newcastle Arena on February 9, 2001.
To mark the special milestone, the lads have launched their 25th anniversary celebrations.
Taking to Instagram yesterday on their joint account, they wrote: “Who would have thought we would still be here 25 years later?
“We have so many exciting plans to share with you very soon, which will include new music, an album, special shows, and many, many more surprises along the way.“
However, they “sadly” revealed that Mark Feehily will be “unable to join the celebrations” and therefore Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne and Shane Filan will be holding down the shop without him.
The band wrote: “We hope he can join us back on stage when he is ready and able. He sends his love and positivity to you all as always.
“The four of us can’t quite believe it’s been 25 years. We could only have dreamt of the continued love and loyalty you have consistently with shown us around the world.
“We are so lucky to have all of you with us and we can’t wait to celebrate together.”
In February 28, 2024, Mark announced he had to pull out of ALL shows to “fully recover” after undergoing surgery.
The dad-of-one opened up on his secret surgery hell, telling fans how he’s gone under the knife for the fourth time since 2020 after medics found a “very large incisional hernia”.
During those four years, the Sligo singer battled pneumonia as well as sepsis – a crippling infection that can be fatal.
The 45-year-old said the “physical demands” of the concerts and extensive travel proved “too much” for him and so he would “temporarily stand down from all Westlife touring”.
And although Westlife fans are delighted to hear about the celebration – they are devastated that Mark won’t be involved.
One fan wrote: “I don’t know whether to cry with happiness that you’re finally coming back for your 25th year anniversary or sob at the fact that mark won’t be joining you to celebrate it I’m so overwhelmed.”
FAN CONCERN
Ana asked: “What happened to Mark? I remember reading that he was going to have surgery, but that was about two years ago. I’ll be hoping and praying for his recovery!”
Amy commented: “I can’t deal with no Mark.”
Ally remarked: “I’ve got mixed emotions with this news. New music/album, special shows, surprises – awesome! But NO MARK!! New music without Mark?
“Will be any chance of Mark joining for the shows? I don’t want to feed false hopes.
“We’re concerned so we’d like to know how is his recovery process going.”
