Bryan Quits
=> Puts Family First

Official Statement:

Westlife Announce The Departure Of Bryan McFadden

Westlife today announce that in the tradition of all great groups that they are
now a four piece. Nicky, Kian, Shane and Mark are currently rehearsing for
their massive sold out arena tour of Europe and South East Asia.

The band have taken time out from their rehearsals to announce the amicable departure of member Bryan McFadden. Beginning on the 29th of March at the Belfast Odessey the tour will see the band perform in excess of 70 shows across Europe and South East Asia in just over 4 months ending in August. Westlife have often rehearsed as a four piece so any adjustments needed are minor.

Nicky, Kian, Mark, Shane and Bryan McFadden have decided that this is the ideal moment for Bryan to leave Westlife. Bryan has come to a point in his life where he feels he can no longer give Westlife the100 % commitment needed. He will be spending time at home developing other aspects of his life.

Westlife are obviously devastated by this news but have come to terms with Bryan's decision. Since their launch in 1999 the band have had a very special close bond and are more like brothers than band-mates. Westlife are now united as four and are just confirming plans for their next studio album after their World Arena tour scheduled for release sometime this Autumn. The next album will be an album of duets with A-list global superstars, more details to follow shortly.

Westlife are the biggest pop band in the world right now and their success to
date are unrivalled. They are the only recording artists in the history of the awards to win the prestigious Record of the Year three times. They have performed to over 3 million fans on three sell-out arena tours to become the biggest selling arena tour act ever. They have sold over 32 million records globally; had five multi-platinum albums in the UK alone; scored a record breaking 12 UK number ones, picked up two BRIT Awards, an MTV Europe Award and 6 Irish Meteor Awards (Best Pop Act for 4 years consecutively).

'Turnaround', Westlife's fifth album (including last years Unbreakable  The Greatest Hits) went straight into the number one spot in its first week of release in the UK and has sold over 4 million copies globally in under6 months.

The group are naturally sorry to see Bryan go and these developments have come as a shock to them. Nicky, Kian, Shane and Mark will continue to give Westlife and their fans all their very best. Westlife would like to stress to all the fans that they need all their support at this time more than ever but not to worry, Westlife are here to stay. The band look forward to seeing them all again on tour very soon. Bryan added that he expects the group to continue their spectacular success and carry on for many years yet.

BMG Records are fully behind Westlife.

Westlife are Unbreakable.

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