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5/30/01

(unedited) THE ARRIVAL of the Irish pop group Westlife yesterday afternoon was marred by a scuffle between their overprotective bodyguards and members of the local media at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Members of the band, which has been making waves for their revival of "Uptown Girl," were mobbed by a bandful of photographers shortly after they flew in from Singapore at 1:10 p.m. on board a Philippine Airlines flight. Their two burly bodyguards, however, cursed and shoved the photographers who tried to get close and take pictures of the band members while the latter were on their way to the customs area of Naia terminal 2. Incensed by the rude treatment, some photographers and reporters engaged the bodyguards in a shoving match while the Westlife group was walking toward the exit of the terminal to a waiting van. An angry member of the media reportedly even kicked one of the bodyguards in the buttocks. Startled, the bodyguards tried to go after the media men but were stopped by customs police. "We nearly came to blows," one reporter said. "We would have beaten up the bodyguard if the customs police did not stop us." Unaware of the violent incident, fans waiting outside the terminal shrieked upon seeing the band members being escorted to a van. The group is scheduled to hold a concert at the Araneta Coliseum tonight.

5/28/01

This tidbit ran acoss a UK newspaper: "LOOK OUT, JORDAN" Glamour model Ebony shows a karate style which could earn Jordan a kick in the ivories. Ebony, 19, - on a champagne night out in London - fell out with her old pal amid claims the busty star assaulted her and was responsible for her split from Westlife's Mark Feehily.

5/25/01

Westlife's press conference in Malaysia

Chart-topping boy band Westlife pleaded with their fans on Friday to let them live normal lives. Shane said at a news conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, "We make good music and we're successful all over the world but when it comes to having a private life we got to have a private life. If one of us goes to a bar and is photographed coming out of it, that's not his fault." Earlier this month British papers splashed accounts of the millionaire band members' drinking sprees and hotel bust-ups. The five Irish lads, who have sold 10 million records and racked up eight British number ones since their 1999 debut album Westlife, said they don't consider themselves "squeaky-clean." Mark said, "I think we are just quite normal boys like people in this room today. We're not counselors -- we're just in a pop band and we're just singing music.

At the press conference, the boys appeared tired after arriving overnight from Indonesia. They were dressed in T-shirts and pullovers. Thursday's show in front of 15,000 frenzied fans in Jakarta ended in a brawl between police and private security officers. Even better news for the Asian fans: Westlife are looking to make music in "an Asian language" or with a certain Asian pop star -- sexy Hong Kong-born Coco Lee. Mark said, "She's a good artist, a very good looking girl too". Most recently, Coco Lee performs the theme song to the acclaimed movie, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". The band again squashed persistent rumors of a break-up, saying they have five more albums to make under the current contract. "That's just our deal with BMG. Westlife will have a lot more albums," Shane said.

More from Indonesia

As you all know, a security brawl tarnished Westlife's spectacular performance in unstable Indonesia. A spokesman for the Westlife entourage last night insisted that the concert was over at least an hour and a half before the brawl began. "That had nothing to do with Westlife. That's a political thing, it happens all the time here, we were not even aware of it" the spokesman said. He said the band members had left the stage immediately after the last song and had returned to their hotel. The stadium was also cleared of fans by the time the fighting erupted, the spokesman said. He insisted that all members of the public had gone home before the trouble started and that Westlife's technical crew had even finished dismantling the stage equipment. However, a photo from the Star newspaper disputed the spokesman's statement as it showed fans fleeing the violence.

5/24/01

Westlife in Jakarta, Indonesia

Irish boy band Westlife have rocked Indonesia's capital Jakarta in front of 15,000 screaming teenagers. Police had clamped tight security over the concert stadium in central Jakarta following the death of four fans in a stampede when a1, an UK boy band, toured Jakarta in March. [a1 subsequently cut short their promotional tour after that stampede at an autograph-signing in a Jakarta shopping mall last March.] Near the concert venue, police were busily setting up road blocks and manning entry points, although few fans had arrived. Local media have said thousands of fans went hysterical when Westlife performed in Jakarta last year, with dozens needing first aid after fainting.

Unfortunately, Westlife's concert was marred by an all-out brawl between police and security personnel from the concert organizers. But witnesses said that not long after the concert finished, scores of police and security personnel supplied by the organisers got involved in a fight that left a several people injured. Teenagers still left in the stadium screamed in panic, although none were hurt in the melee, witnesses said. The cause of the brawl was unclear. Punches were exchanged and some police used their canes, witnesses added.

Despite concerns about safety, the concert itself went off largely without a hitch, although some 20 teenaged girls needed medical treatment after fainting. Organisers had said 2,000 security personnel, including police, would guard the stadium. Around 200 paramedics backed up by a number of ambulances and fire engines were also on standby for the late afternoon event that finished before dark.

Bands such as the chart-topping Westlife are hugely popular with Indonesian teenagers, but visits have become less common since the country sank into crisis in the late 1990s. Organizers had said Westlife would finish playing before nightfall to minimise the threat of fans getting out of control. Adrie Soebono, from concert promoter Java Musikindo, said: "Westlife wanted a night concert but I said we wanted it all finished before dark. We don't want anything bad happening."

Earlier, 200 teenaged girls tried to catch a glimpse of their young Irish heroes, staking out the Hilton Hotel where the band is staying. "We want Westlife. Let us in or let them out," they screamed in the hotel grounds. One fan, Virda, 15, said she was desperate to catch a glimpse of Westlife. "I just want to see them in person. They are so cute and they are not as arrogant as they other boybands." Security guards prevented them from entering the hotel building.

Westlife's local distributor said the band's latest album -- Coast to Coast -- had sold more than a million copies in Indonesia, making it the top selling record ever by an international pop group in the country. Among their hit singles is a remake of Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl". In an effort to keep the concert under control from the crowd, promoters had issued tips. One was: "Do not try to chase the boys to their hotel or the airport."

Westlife helps out the Make a Wish Foundation

Westlife and JK Rowling have helped raise more than £2,000 for terminally ill children after donating their pillowcases for auction. Rowling's pillowcase, decorated with hand-drawn stars and a moon, proved to be top attraction, raising £751 in the online auction which ran for 10 days. The writer's pillowcase also featured a message which read: "Night night, sleep tight, mind the bedbugs don't bite ... never mind the blast-ended skrewts, dementors, acromantulas, basilisks, werewolves, dragons or Fluffy." The Westlife pillow case fetched £311 of the £2,431 raised through the internet auction for the Make a Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. And a pillowcase signed by Hear'Say went for £146, while the S Club 7 pillowcase fetched £131. The pillowcase Billie Piper used to rest her head on before marrying DJ Chris Evans, which had "Sweet dreams peeps" written on it, surrounded by "Zzzzzzz", fetched £81, the same amount as the Steps pillowcase. Colin Firth's pillowcase went for £101, while Graham Norton's, which had a dotted outline drawn on the white cover and the message, "This area is good for head", raised £71. Anyone who missed out on the auction, organised by bed linen company Bedeck, has the chance to snap up pillowcases belonging to the likes of Geri Halliwell, Helen Mirren, John Travolta and Sir Anthony Hopkins later this month. The linen will be auctioned in Smollensky's restaurant in Finchley, London on May 31.

5/21/01

Dane Bowers has written a song that is intended to help Westlife break America. Dane revealed that he was approached by the group to write an upbeat song more appropriate to the tastes of the US market. "I was asked to write a song for Westlife for the States which I did. It's something with a bit more attitude. They've heard it and they like so they might be doing it. [The song] is pop with attitude. It's called 'The Answer's No' and it's got the line, 'What part of no don't you understand?' in it. It's more up-tempo. They asked for an up-tempo song so it's more like my last single 'Shut Up And Forget About It' than their ballads." Dane is also in the process of pitching a song he has written to 'N Sync.

Thanks to Agnes for sending in this piece of news =)

25,000 people filled up the park on the day of the concert that 5ive and Westlife gave. You already read about the fans and the screams and the worried mothers. But now after the lads had left and after tens of cleaners were left behind to clean the park up it's time for some evil gossip and explicit details of what happened behind the scenes and in the early hours of the morning after the concert 5ive, Westlife and Atomic Kitten landed in Israel with over forty people in their staff including soundmen, patrolers, security, dancers, make-up, stylists and representatives of record companies.

5ive's appearance in Didi Harari's radio show, just before the concert became a bit of an incident. The five went into a lift that can only hold up to six people and they were acompanied by five security men and therefore got stuck in the lift for twenty minutes before they were taken out safely. After that in the studio they went a bit wild, threw 'borekas' on each other and mainly fooling around.

The crutial hours before the beginning of the concert the fabulous ten enjoyed a match of football including all the yelling, hitting and pushing. The girls from Atomic Kitten on the other hand decided to lay out in the sun and get a tan. Their last rehersals they did was in their plane. After that, like good girls they sang with full playback.

The two boybands filled themselves with South American pizza including 5ive's slim dancers. After the concert all the boys, acompanied by Atomic Kitten and a fleet of security guards went to an After Party in Tel Aviv's fashionable Setzin night club. They mixed with the local party goers, they got surrounded by chicks and hotties and drank an endless amount of alcohol and got completely drunk.

The british and Irish bladder is pretty strong in holding in but not strong enough. Every few minutes the boys made their way to the bathroom acompanied by a security man from each side. They's stop on their way to beat on the drums that was situated in the middle of the dancing floor and drummed on them mercilessly while totally ignoring the music that was in the background. And it didn't even end there: Bryan McFadden, Westlife's hero, decided to replace Sahar Zenglvitz, the D.J. Drunk as anything he began turning the records at the wrong speed according to the crowd and he left after five minutes. A few minutes later he threw up.At six in the morning, exhusted but satisfied the group left the place after paying the full bill. Young pretty girls they didn't take back to the hotel with them.

5/19/01 update 2

Kudos to Westlife for becoming the first modern-day "boy band" to play in South Africa. Although the Backstreet Boys made a stop during their "Black and Blue" promotion last year, they did not perform. Friday night was the first of 3 South African concerts. On Friday, Westlife performed in front of 7,000 fans in Cape Town's Bellville Velodrome. Unconfirmed reports say temperatures were high in the arena (despite the fact that it's one month to winter in South Africa) - so high that at one point during the show the boys turned their backs to fans and dropped their pants, and one of them even dropped his underpants mooning the audience.

Also dotmusic has a clip from Westlife in Israel.

5/19/01

Westlife isn't exactly as clean cut as their image makers have portrayed them. The five Irish lads admit to drink binges and trashing hotel rooms. And the band - whose manager Louis Walsh was forced to deny split rumours this week - say they dumped their previous manager, Boyzone front man Ronan Keating, because he was doing nothing for his share of their money. Kian, Shane, Mark, Nicky, and Bryan became millionaires 18 months after forming the band. They have sold 10 million albums and had eight UK #1s. Much of their success is down to their clean-living image, but they have now revealed it is far from the truth. Kian said: "I could drink 10 vodka and Red Bulls, which leaves me wired to the moon. Too often, they make me go mad so I've stopped drinking them now. I drink vodka and cranberry juice." Bryan also remembers when he tried to throw a TV out of a hotel window after three days without sleep and a mini-bar binge as the group tried to crack America. The boys are fiercely anti-drugs, though. Kian said: "I've seen people really messed up on cocaine. Whoever brings coke into this band will be gone the next day." The group also admitted that Ronan is no longer involved with them. Kian said: "For the first three singles he was always there, came on the tour bus when we toured Europe and so on. But after a while that faded away. "It wasn't fair. We hadn't seen him for over two and a half months and we were still paying him 10 per cent management commission. "So he doesn't get anything any more." [thanks to Ashley for the heads up]

5/17/01

According to The Sun (UK) newspaper, Shane was seen with (dating) Cat Deeley from SMTV. They were spotted kissing and cuddling in a bar and a spokesman for Cat Deeley said "they are seeing each other and are very happy". [Thanks to Sharon]

A moment of peace in an unstable region...that was Westlife's concert yesterday in Tel Aviv. The Atomic Kittens opened up the concert and performed "Whole Again" - their UK #1 smash. Five also performed at the same concert. I decided to post the article in its entirety to allow you to get the mood in Israel.

Westlife and 5ive have made a Palestinian uprising seem very far away for tens of thousands of Israeli youngsters at an open-air concert in a Tel Aviv park. While the bands sang their top hits at the concert late on Wednesday, the sounds of warfare echoed in the West Bank and Gaza Strip as Israeli helicopters launched missile strikes on Palestinian security targets. For the free-wheeling youth of Tel Aviv, Israel's entertainment capital, the concert was also a show of defiance in the face of violence that has clouded the national mood and led to the death of more than 500 people, mainly Palestinians. "Life goes on," said Anat Avraham, 18, as she jostled for position near the open- air stage. "We can't let them (the Palestinians) control our lives."

Security at Yarkon Park was tight, with Israel on alert for weeks for feared Palestinian suicide bombings. Hours before the concert, an explosion shut down the train line between Tel Aviv and the northern city of Haifa. Guards at the park examined bags, and a local radio station that broadcast the event advised parents at home "not to worry -- everything is proceeding just fine".

It was the second trip to Israel for the two boybands, whose hits in Britain, including Westlife's cover of the Billy Joel hit "Uptown Girl" and 5ive's "Everybody Get Up", have been favourites among Israeli teens. Girl band Atomic Kitten, whose hit "Whole Again" recently topped the British charts, opened the concert. The bands' on-stage banter avoided any mention of Middle East politics. 5ive's Jason Brown, known to fans as "J", wrapped himself in an Israeli flag. Tel Aviv has rocked to a different beat during a week in which Palestinians stood in mournful silence for three minutes in the West Bank and Gaza to mark the 53rd anniversary of their exile after Israel's birth in 1948.

Tens of thousands of Israelis held a two-night-long street party in Tel Aviv's main square after the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball team captured the European league championship in Paris. But for some Israelis, there is no escape from reality. One concert-goer, an 18-year-old soldier stationed near Palestinian-ruled Ramallah in the West Bank, said she had travelled back to Israel in a bulletproof bus. "The situation will never change," she said. "But we can't put our lives on hold."

5/16/01 update 2

How news changes so rapidly. Yes, Westlife have not broken up, but today at a press conference in Tel Aviv, Israel, Bryan reiterated what he said to dotmusic about the group breaking up. Bryan said, "Because in five years time we're going to be 25, 26, 27... I can't see the band lasting more than that. This is my career and this is my life at the moment, but we also have our private lives." About Kerry and his child, "I've got a baby coming now and I'm getting married... and that's very important to me right now." he said.

Like Ronan Keating from Boyzone before him, it looks like Bryan will be the first to make the jump as a solo singer. "There were rumors that I was going to go solo. Someone put in the papers that [the song I co-wrote with Canadian rock singer Bryan Adams] was a duet and it kind of fuelled from that," said Bryan about the song that appears on the group's third album, set to be released in November. "It is an ambition to have a solo career, but not now because we're making too much money from Westlife."

The rest of the group were not pleased that the majority of the questions were directed at Bryan. At one point Kian jokingly got up and said he was leaving. Moments later, Mark really did get up and stopped the conference, even though the band arrived 1 1/2 hours late and had only answered a few questions.

Journalists were warned not to ask the boys their feelings on Israel or the security situation. Of the concert last May, Nicky said: "We had a great show in Israel last year. It was our first live show... We really enjoyed it and the fans were amazing. We hope it will be as much fun [tonight]."

Westlife perform tonight in Tel Aviv at Yarkon Park, along with Five and Atomic Kittens. Holding homemade signs and heart-shaped balloons declaring their love, dozens of teenage girls congregated in the lobby of Tel Aviv's Dan Hotel yesterday afternoon hoping to get a glimpse of the Irish boy band Westlife.

5/16/01

Ah yes, a statement issued by Westlife (and their record company) denied rumors that they were splitting up! Of course, that is the obvious thing to do. But just as you shouldn't read too much into gossip and rumors, you shouldn't read too much into these press releases either. Bands break up eventually, even if they deny it day and night. Boyzone technically haven't broken up, but they certainly aren't about to have a new album release. Take That denied their break up for months, and then abruptly broke up. That said, the press statement said, "Westlife are currently abroad in the middle of a 100-date world tour and will return to the UK this summer to begin recording their third album, which will be released this autumn. They are at the pinnacle of their career and they're not going to give up. They still have a long way to go."

Louis Walsh (Westlife's manager) is furious at Ireland's failure in the 2001 Eurovision Song Contest. He insists that Bryan could have won it, as Bryan has already written a song "which would have been perfect". Louis has already managed two of Eurovision's winners (Johnny Logan, and Linda Martin). But now, Bryan (and Ireland) will have to wait until 2003 to enter. New rules for this year's contest stated that the bottom eight countries would have to sit out the following year's event - with the exception of the UK, France, Germany and Spain, who contribute most to the organisers, the European Broadcasting Union. Louis also blasted RTE, Ireland's national broadcaster...saying that RTE seemed to have lost interest in the competition despite the event having 100 million viewers in 30 countries, "since they allow people to enter who have had no previous television exposure" (ireland was represented by a bus driver).

Louis said, "Bryan McFadden of Westlife had written a song which would have been perfect. It could have won it. RTE don't appear to have any interest in it any more. They allow people to enter who have had no previous television exposure. Ireland's poor showing was not Mr O'Shaughnessy's fault, but there is no place for amateurs at this level."

5/14/01 update 2

Did Bryan really say this? I have my doubts, but it is in print.

Bryan doesn't expect the band to last more than 5 years together (it is now their 3rd year). He said, "This band won't last more than five years. That's why I am starting now to plan my future. Westlife is the best thing that ever happened to me but it isn't my future. It is none of our futures. I've already started planning. I have my own life set-up. I don't rely on this band any more. This band is everything to some people. It isn't to me. I've got a baby and a wife on the way so the world does not revolve around Westlife." [thanks to Katie for the heads up]

5/14/01

Hopefully, I can slide another update in later today. I have pics from Big Brother thanks to Stephan and a few concert experiences to post. Unfortunately, I also have 4 exams (including 2 finals) in the next 10 days.

In it's second week on the MTV Asia charts, "Uptown Girl" rises 5 spots to #11.

Westlife manager Louis Walsh hopes that the Bryan will submit a song for Ireland's Eurosong contest next year. The winner of the Eurosong goes on to represent the country at the annual Eurovision Song Contest. Walsh says, "Bryan has been writing material for a while now and it sounds very good. I'm sure he would be interested in submitting a song for it. There are so many talented songwriters in Ireland, but they're just not coming forward to enter it. I can't understand the way things have gone. It's a real shame considering all the talent we have here." This year's Eurosong winner was Estonia, followed by Denmark.

A Westlife fan sent us this petition that they hope to send to BMG and Arista Records. As it is North America directed, it definitely peaked my interest...even if I didn't agree with the alcohol bit =) Click here to sign the petition! Everyone is welcome to sign the petition. There are 75 signatures thus far.

Yes, That's right "We Love Them, When Their Looking Like That!" We all know Ronan had to get his teeth fixed just to please some fat headed US Record Executive's. After 8 years looking at Ronan I must say the new teeth scare the hell out of me. And I am American. I happened to like his smile just the way it was and many people in North America agree with me. Now we are worried that Record Exec's will do the same to Westlife. We happen to like them as is!! And we want them to stay as is!! We don't care about straight teeth, we are not that superficial here. Now if they had black rotting teeth that may be a different story. But the fact is they have talent and that is all that counts. Each one of them has a lead voice, how many other "Boybands" can claim that? I am furious that Ronan was made to change his physical appearance before coming here, that should be his choice and only his choice. I don't want to see Nicky showing up on US shores with perfect pearly whites, His smile is part of his personality. I don't want to see Mark flash his dimples and see his teeth pointing straight down, they add character to his crooked smile. I don't want to see them clean shaven to perfection just because facial hair means they are adults. I happen to think Nicky and Mark are both quite sexy with the stubble. I wouldn't mind seeing a little more stubble on Shane either. Lastly they are Irish, Irish do drink. They are of age and will all be 21; the legal drinking age; before they return to the US. So who cares if they throw back a few every now and then or every night. They are adults and should be allowed to make their own minds up to the matter. It's not like they are alcoholics!! OK, I think I should get to my point. I have created an online petition. You can go to the URL provided below and sign the petition, that way it will not be sent to the lists over and over with 20 different names in spot #2. Please sign it no matter where you are from, if you feel as strongly about leaving them be then voice your opinion. I will make sure that the petition is sent to Louis, Arista and BMG. (By the way Karina I need to take you up on that offer) So please go and sign this petition and please do leave your full name. In the US the signatures that do not have both first and last names are not counted. I know some may not like that, but nobody signing the petition will have access to your info, but me and then Louis, Arista and BMG when I forward it on. I promise you I will not be using your name for any reason other than this petitions purposes. Thanks in advance for signing and standing by our lads. Please send this to any other Westlife fans you think will feel just as strongly about this matter.

5/09/01

Westlife's "Uptown Girl" seems to be their smash hit around the world...breaking them back into countries where their popularity had faded a bit. Australia has fallen in love with Westlife again, as the song is ranked #11 currently.

The "Coast to Coast 2001 Asian Tour" is a 13 day tour that will span 7 nations! As you already know, Westlife will be in Manila, Philippines on May 29. They were last there on May 9, 2000. Tickets are available at SM Ticketnet outlets and the Araneta Coliseum. Prices are as follows: Center -- P2,850 (US$56), Ring -- P2,480 (US$49), Others -- P1,350.00 ($27), P825.00 (US$17), P365.00 (US$7). That certainly is quite a range of prices.

Bryan has put down rumors (which we never heard before) that he will miss the birth of his first child because of tour duties. He said, "It's rubbish. We've got a month off when the baby is born. The record company has been great in sorting out our schedules. I'll definitely be there. I'm not squeamish about anything like that at all." As for the baby's room? It's all ready to go. Bryan added, "The house has a baby's room waiting to go. The walls are covered in Jungle Book characters."

5/07/01

Westlife's international success is unquestioned! "Coast to Coast" has now been certified certified 4x Platinum in Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines and a amazing 12x Platinum in Indonesia. I believe that in each of those countries, platinum represents sales of 100,000 albums...but don't quote me on that. In the United States, each platinum would represent 1 million album sales.

I've gotten quite a few e-mails regarding the planned Christmas concerts. The only reply I can give all of you is the following: everything I know has been placed on the web site. Any future info I may have will be under the news section and the tv/concerts section. If I'm missing some info that you might know above, let me know =) Westlife are set to break their own record of 11 nights at the Point Theatre with a run of 15 nights over Christmas. One music source stated, "They had no problem selling out 11 shows there in March, they were sold out nearly a year in advance. There seems to be no end to the demand for Westlife tickets here. Their fan base is massive and is growing all the time."

5/03/01

Great news for Irish fans! Westlife will be in Dublin for a record 15 nights at the Point Theatre. The concert dates span the Christmas period and will include 2 shows on New Year's Day.

The boys have also recently recorded a Spanish language track for "I Lay My Love on You" - or - "en ti deje mi amor". This release comes after a few halts on the project. Bryan said, "We've tried to record a song in Spanish for the last two years. We were supposed to record our first album in Spanish. Still, there hasn't been any date set. We don't speak Spanish so I don't think it will be the same because we're not giving it the same emotion. We speak English so we know what we're singing and we can feel it more."

MTVasia is giving away 5 pairs of tickets for Westlife's concerts in Indonesia, Malasia, Singapore and the Phillipines. And 2 out of the 5 will get to meet Westlife up close and personal. Only residents of those 4 countries are eligible to enter. The closing dates for the contest are Jakarta: May 22, Kuala Lumpur: May 24, Singapore: May 25, Manila: May 27. The simple question: Name us the supermodel and the new Westlife video that she appeared in. If you don't know it, the answer is somewhere in our news archives.

And updated info from Asia:

50% of the tickets for the Singapore have been sold already. And, a new special edition "Coast to Coast" CD was released in Asia on April 26. The new tour edition features new artwork and comes with an 8 track-bonus CD! The bonus tracks are the following:

Uptown Girl, Uptown Girl (Extended Version), What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted, I'll Be There, My Girl, I Lay My Love On You (Single Remix), When You're Looking Like That (New Version), Westlife Megamix featuring "Against All Odds," "Swear It Again," "Flying Without Wings," "[OE]Fool Again," "If I Let You Go," "I Have A Dream," and "My Love."

5/01/01

Westlife have definitely got the Atomic touch. As you know Bryan is marrying Kerry (a former Atomic Kitten). As it turns out, Natasha (another member of Atomic Kitten) is getting married to Fran Cosgrave. Who's he, you ask? A full-time security guard for Westlife. Natasha and Fran met 5 months ago at one of Westlife's concerts. A friend of Natasha said, "She is absolutely delighted but was desperate to keep it quiet for the time being."

Louis Walsh (Westlife's manager) had a few words about boy bands...

Walsh said that each member is picked to appeal to a different type of girl. The greater the difference in band members, the wider the audience they attract, he insists. "The girls must believe in the back of their minds that one day they'll go out with [every band member]. It doesn't help the fanbase if one of the boys is in a relationship or having a baby, but I can't control their lives as much as I'd like to. When you see facial hair, earrings and tattoos and they start to talk about being individuals, it's time to go to the conveyor belt and get a new set." And Walsh believes 5 is the magic number for a group. "It gives people just enough to look at. BBMak and 911 have three, and it doesn't look right." And about Boyzone: "I was tempted to have four [members] because it would have been much easier to fit them in a Taxi."

4/30/01

As you know, Westlife will be in Malaysia on May 26 with special guest Christian Wunderlich. The concert starts at 8pm local time at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil. You can purchase tickets from Sg Wang Plaza Concourse, Sunway Pyramid Concourse and Music Valley Outlets. You can also call Axcess Hotline - 03 705 3000 for more ticket outlets. Ticket Pricing are as follows : RM160 (US$42) for numbered seating, RM130 (US $34) for free seating/standing, RM90 (US$24) for free seating, and RM50 (US$13) for free seating. Here's another number that you can call for ticket info: MK Hotline: 03 2166 6655

Fans in Malaysia can also call there local radio stations to request "Uptown Girl" =)

So how much does it cost to get Westlife to appear for a promotion? Coca-Cola paid each member of the group £6,000 (US$8500) each for a Coca-Cola promotion in January. That's some pocket change there!

And lastly, as a digression, Tamara has kindly let me know that there is another Popstars group in Holland, Starmaker, which already scored a #1 hit in that country. That makes 8 Popstars groups around the world.

click here for all the Westlife news from April 2001

click here for all the Westlife news from March 2001

click here for all the Westlife news from February 2001

click here for all the Westlife news from January 2001