Boyband Westlife delivered a shocking blow to fans by announcing they are to split ‘amicably’ after a farewell tour next year. The news comes after 14 years and 26 top ten hits.
Westlife had achieve 14 number one hits and most will be going onto “new ventures”, as mentioned during their announcement.
In a statement the group said: “Over the years Westlife has become so much more to us than just a band. Westlife are a family.”
Westlife hit top spots in the charts with hits like Swear It Again and Flying Without Wings. The band was left in doubt as one of its founding members made a swift departure, Bryan McFadden. But the band still carried on going strong as a four piece.
Singer Mark Feehily also won admiration for announcing he was gay when the boy band were at the peak of their success.
Many of their big hits over the years were cover versions and they capitalised on a swing revival by recording a Rat Pack-style album Allow Us To Be Frank.
Members Feehily, Kian Egan, Shane Filan and Nicky Byrne are due to release a greatest hits album shortly.
They said they had “countless memories that we will forever cherish” from their years together.
