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Fire at Westlife concert
6 March
Exclusive By Matt Westcott
POP heart-throbs Westlife raised the temperature in more ways than one tonight after part of their stage set at the MetroRadio Arena in Newcastle caught fire.
The incident came part way through their Back Home gig in front of a packed audience.
A spokeswoman for the Arena said the incident was dealt with quickly and the concert continued without the need for any evacuation. The fire brigade were not needed.
"A pyro went off and caused a small fire," the spokeswoman said. "But within 30 seconds it was extinguished by the venue's fire stewards."
The incident happened around 9.30pm, 45 minutes into the concert by the Irish combo.
"Westlife actually mentioned it themselves while on stage to let the audience know that there was something happening," she said.
"We have trained fire stewards and they dealt with it quickly."
The spokeswoman said the matter would be followed up later.
"There's always a follow-up investigation of any incident that happens at an event," she said.
From: this is the north east
Westlife add second Ulster date
5 March
Westlife have added a second date at the Odyssey this May after the first show sold out.
The Irish boy band will now be performing at the venue on May 28, after tickets for the May 27 show were snapped up within days of going on sale.
The band recently performed three sold-out dates in Ulster and are celebrating their tenth anniversary this year.
They have always been a favourite with audiences in the Province.
With 14 number one singles and nine albums, the four-piece are one of the most successful pop bands ever.
And, with a decade in the music business, their longevity in the often fickle world of pop has made them a musical phenomenon.
They have made Belfast's Odyssey Arena their own in recent years with a string of sell-out shows at the venue.
The band's return to the Odyssey comes days before a mammoth tenth birthday celebration in Dublin's Croke Park on June 1.
But the band have made no secret of their love for Northern Ireland audiences, and said on numerous occasions that the Province is one of their favourite places to perform.
From: newsletter.co.uk
More tour news!
5 March
Westlife were bowled over by the phenomenal response to ticket sales for their newly-announced Belfast gig on 27th May.
The new date sold out almost immediately; as such, the band added another new date on Wednesday 28th May. This will mark their fiftieth show in Belfast!
To book tickets for this historic show at the Belfast Odyssey Arena, HEAD here.
From: westlife.com
WESTLIFE sets sales record
5 March
One of the world's most popular bands Westlife has set a record in Wellington, selling out in just three hours of going on sale at Ticketek on Saturday morning.
Over 4000 tickets were sold before lunchtime.
The promoter, Ian Magan from Pacific Entertainment, says he is thrilled that Wellington has responded in such a way.
"This is a reaction befitting the a band of this calibre," says Magan.
Magan advises that very good seats are still available in Auckland, New Plymouth and Christchurch.
Tickets for the Auckland concert at Vector Arena can be purchased through TicketMaster while tickets for the concert at New Plymouth's TSB Stadium and Christchurch's TSB Arena can be purchased through Ticketek.
From: scoop.co.nz
New tour date
2 March
Westlife have announced another new date for their Back Home tour.
They are very excited to be performing another show at Sheffield Arena on 25th May. Tickets are on sale now, and you can book online
here.
While this is very exciting news for UK fans, Westlife understand that their European fans are very disappointed that they have had to cancel their tour dates in Germany, Holland, Denmark and Norway. This was due to complicated production reasons, and the band are very sorry that they won't get to visit these countries on this tour, but they hope to return very soon. If you've already bought tickets for any of these cancelled shows, please contact your ticket provider for details of a refund.
From: westlife.com
Tour update
2 March
Westlife's Back Home Tour has got off to a sensational start in Belfast, and they were delighted to announce at their show on Tuesday night that they would be returning to Belfast for a fourth date in May!
They will be appearing at the Odyssey Arena once again on 27th May, and tickets go on sale on Saturday 1st March, at 9am. Call the Odyssey Arena Box Offfice on 028 9073 9074, or the Ticketmaster Booking Line on 0845 243 4455. Or you can book online
here.
The band are also very sad to announce that they have had to cancel their European tour dates this May. Westlife were very keen to perform this tour in Europe, but due to complicated production reasons beyond their control, they have been forced to cancel dates in Germany, Denmark, Holland and Norway. They hope to return to Europe very soon, and thank you for your kind understanding.
Contact your ticket outlet for details of a refund.
From: westlife.com
Presale opens today
25 February
The presale for Westlife's New Zealand tour dates begins today!
Head for www.visaentertainment.co.nz to ensure your tickets for the following dates:
Wed 7th May - Christchurch Westpac Arena
Fri 9th May - Wellington TSB Arena
Sat 10th May - Auckland Vector Arena
Tue 13th May - New Plymouth Stadium
Tickets go on general sale on Saturday 1st March.
From: westlife.com
To The Belfast Fans From Westlife
25 February
SHANE FILAN:
“To all the Belfast fans, thanks for all your support all the time in Northern Ireland.
"This is going to be our 10th anniversary tour and it’s a very special tour with a very good set list.
"This is the best set list we have ever done, without a doubt. The show is about 20 minutes longer than it usually is.
“Don’t leave before the encore, the encore is worth waiting for."
AND NICKY BYRNE WARNS: To the fans: "Don’t book your taxi too early. Don’t leave before the end."
To the parents: "Don’t be trying to pick them up early - make sure they see the best bit. Don’t worry about the traffic."
From: Thanks to Jacqueline and Joanne
Brand new tour dates!
25 February
>Westlife are thrilled to announce a string of tour dates in New Zealand.
Here's where they'll be:
Wed 7th May - Christchurch Westpac Arena
Fri 9th May - Wellington TSB Arena
Sat 10th May - Auckland Vector Arena
Tue 13th May - New Plymouth Stadium
There will be a presale for these dates starting on Monday 25th
February. You won't need a password for the presale, but you will need the web address, which we'll be sending out to the mailing list this weekend. (So if you're not already signed up, do it here!) We'll also be posting the website details on this site on Monday morning.
Tickets go on general sale on Saturday 1st March.
From: westlife.com
Tour Pre Sale On Wednesday
29 January
Exciting news – the boys have added an incredible six new dates to their 2008 tour!
Tickets for the additional shows in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Nottingham,
Cardiff, Birmingham and Manchester will be available for Westlife.com members to buy in an exclusive pre-sale on
Wednesday 30th January from 9am.
Head right back here then for further info – you’ll also need the pre-sale password which is being emailed to everyone who’s signed up to the newsletter.
Tickets will be available to the general public on Friday 1st February.
From: westlife.com
Second European Date Confirmed
21 December
Westlife have added a show in Germany to their 2008 Back Home tour. They will be playing the Oberhausen Arena on Wednesday 28th May, and tickets will be available on Wednesday 19th December at 9am (German time) from
www.eventim.de
From: westlife.com
European Tour Date Announced
21 December
Westlife have added a date in Europe to their 2008 Back Home tour.
They'll be playing Denmark's Messecenter Hal on 25th May and tickets are availble now by clicking
here.
From: westlife.com
Croke Park Pre-Sale This Wednesday!
19 November
As you probably know, 2008 will be a very special year for Westlife - it marks the tenth anniversary of their incredible career!
The boys will be celebrating their amazing decade at the top in spectacular style with a concert at Croke Park in Dublin on Sunday 1st June.
Tickets for the show will be available to fans in a pre-sale taking place on Wednesday 21st November from 9am. Prices start from 59.50 euros including booking fee.
Check back here on Wednesday morning for the link to the pre-sale. The password will be sent in a mailout to everyone on the mailing list, so keep an eye on your inboxes. Save time on the day by registering with Ticketmaster in advance by clicking
here.
Tickets go on general sale on Friday 23rd November from 8am from the following places:
In person: from 100 Ticketmaster outlets nationwide (ROI)
Phone: 24 hour hotlines - (NI & UK) 0870 243 4455 (ROI) 0818 719 300
Online: www.ticketmaster.ie
It's set to be one of the highlights of Westlife's career so far - don't miss it!
From: westlife.com
Fourth Glasgow Date Announced: Pre Sale On Thursday
14 November
Due to massive demand, Westlife will be playing a fourth date at Glasgow's SECC on 18 March 2008.
Tickets for the show will be available to fans at a pre-sale on Thursday 15th November from 9am - check
www.westlife.com on the morning to find the link (the password will be the same as for previous pre-sales). Make sure you register at
www.livenation.co.uk first to ensure you can buy tickets.
The general sale will start at 9am on Friday 16th November.
From: westlife.com
Westlife And Times
2 November
by Jade Wright, Liverpool Echo
Jade Wright talks to the platinum-selling band who kick off their nationwide tour at the ECHO Arena
ANOTHER year, another Westlife album. Since their debut in 1999, the Irish quartet have released an album a year, and every one has gone at least double platinum.
After the success of last year’s The Love Album, which beat Oasis, The Beatles' compilation album Love, and the U2 singles compilation to the top of the charts, the lads barely had time to draw breath before they were back in the studio working on new material.
A cynical view might be that this is conveyor belt pop at its most efficient, but the boys don’t feel that way.
“I think if we weren’t coming back with something a bit different it would feel like a conveyor belt for us,” says 27-year-old Kian Egan. “But because we’ve played a major part ourselves - choosing the singles, choosing what songs go on the album - it makes us excited about it again.”
Now the lads - Kian, Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne and Shane Filan - are on their way to start their spectacular national tour at the new ECHO Arena.
“We’re made up to be starting our tour in Liverpool,” grins Kian. “We’ve spent a lot of time in the city over the years, so we feel quite at home. I love the docks area - it’s absolutely stunning, so to be playing the new arena by the water will be fantastic.
“Playing in a brand new arena is going to be a double bonus and we couldn’t think of a better way to kick off our tour than in Liverpool.”
For the boys’ last performance here - at the Summer Pops in 2004 - they spent the day in Knowsley safari park with the Earl of Derby.
“It was lovely - we had tea with the family and then they showed us round the park,” says Kian.
“I didn’t realise that Liverpool had anything like that. There were lions and tigers running round. It was great.
“I spent a lot of time in Liverpool with my girlfriend (Jodi Albert, who played Debbie Dean in Hollyoaks) but we’d never been anywhere like that before.”
Jodi and Kian have been together for four years, although have been friends since they were teenagers, before Westlife released their first single or Jodi was spotted as an actress. They were on the same record label and kept in touch, getting together after bumping into each other at a Westlife gig.
“It’s all good, we’re very happy,” laughs Kian. “She’s great. We’ve got a place together in London, and the house in Ireland, so we get to spend a lot of time together.
“We get about four months a year off. I spend a lot of time surfing. I got really into it about five years ago. I’ve tried to teach Jodi, but she’s scared of sharks so she sunbathes on the beach while I surf.”
Is that wedding bells I hear?
“Yes, we’d love to get married and have a big family, but not for a few years yet,” says Kian. “We’re happy as we are for now, very happy.”
Kian has always been close to his family. He has three brothers and three sisters, and the first thing he bought when he got a record deal was a house for his mum and dad.
“There were seven kids in our house and it was a semi-detached so I bought them a six-bedroom house,” he explains.
“We’re very close. They’re proud of what I’ve done, but I don’t get any special treatment at home.”
In the last few weeks the lads have busy promoting their new album, joining the media circus of interviews, TV appearances and photoshoots.
“I don’t always like the promotional side, but it was great to be on Strictly Come Dancing,” says Kian.
Kian also took part in the show’s primetime rival, X Factor, mentoring his acts and helping his manager Louis Walsh to choose which hopefuls would take part in the live shows.
“We chose the final three to go onto the live finals. I knew as soon as I saw them who he had to choose - the top three really stood out.”
No modern band can compare to Westlife’s extraordinary success. In nine years they have sold over 36 million records globally and been awarded 28 platinum discs, including a record-breaking 14 number one hits, beaten only by Elvis and The Beatles.
“Touring is still the best part of it,” adds Kian. “I don’t always like the travelling, running around cities, doing interviews day after day, but the satisfaction of playing the dates, looking into the eyes of people who enjoy your music and seeing them mouth the words, that makes it the best thing I could ever do.
“You fall in love with certain songs, so it’s great to be able to sing them night after night. We have a lot of creative input for the tour, from the costumes to the sets to what we sing.
“People perceive us as sitting on stools all the time because that’s what we’ve done on TV. Fans who come to our concerts know that’s not all we do - we have exciting things in our shows that make them something much more.”
Westlife play the ECHO Arena, Liverpool on Friday, February 29. To book tickets, call the ECHO Arena box office on 0844 8000 400 or log on to
www.accliverpool.com.
From: liverpool echo
Glasgow Pre-Sale At 9am Tomorrow
31 October
Tickets for Westlife’s third date at Glasgow SECC will be available to fans in a special pre-sale tomorrow (Thursday 1st November).
Tickets go on sale at 9am and the password will be the same as for previous pre-sales (check in the VIP section if you’ve forgotten). Check back here tomorrow morning to find the pre-sale link.
You’ll need to be a member of Live Nation to buy tickets – if you’re not already a member, save yourself some time now by registering
here.
Tickets go on general sale from 9am on Friday 2nd November at www.livenation.co.uk
From: westlife.com
Wembley Pre-Sale On Wednesday
30 October
Westlife have added a show at Wembley Arena to their huge 2008 Back Home tour.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, but fans can take advantage of a dedicated pre-sale on Wednesday 31st October from 9am.
You’ll need to be a Live Nation member in order to take part in the pre-sale. Registration is quick and free, but sign up now to save time on Wednesday. Just go to
http://www.livenation.co.uk/members/signup and fill out your details.
Check back here on www.westlife.com at 9am on Wednesday to get the link to the pre-sale. The password will be the same as it was for the pre-sale on 16th October (if you can’t remember it, head over to the VIP section). Log in using your Live Nation username and password and you’ll then be able to access tickets.
From: westlife.com
Third Belfast Date Coming Soon
23 October
Westlife have added a third date at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena. Tickets for Wednesday 27th February will go on sale at 9am on Saturday 27th October from www.ticketmaster.ie, or call the venue on (028) 9073 9074
For a full rundown of their 2008 shows head to the Dates area.
From: westlife.com
We're So Crazy About The Fans
18 October
Westlife can’t wait to be back on stage!!
The crowds of North-east music fans who turn up at gigs are just crazy.
And that’s why chart toppers Westlife keep coming back . Band member Nicky Byrne says "It’s the northern craziness!"
The Granite City has made a good impression on the Irish charmers. They are about to hit the stage of the AECC for a third time in a little over a year.
Westlife headline the Asda Be Live gig at the AECC on Sunday 28th October 2007.
Fans going to the show can expect a taste of the past, present and future as the band performs six songs in the intimate set.
The band's new single HOME is due for release on Monday October 29th will be performed along with classic favourites Flying Without Wings and You Raise Me Up.
And Nicky cannot wait to get back on stage in Aberdeen. He says "Aberdeen is a great place. I remember we went out and played at the Royal Aberdeen Golf Course in between shows and everyone was so nice.”
With laughter in his Irish lilt, he speaks warmly of love for all things Scottish.
The boys feel at home when in North East, and never hesitate when it comes to making a return visit.
Nicky added "The fans are just nuts, must be the Celtic connection."
“Out of all the places, you can guarantee that rain, or snow outside hotels, arenas or radio stations you will always have a load of people waiting for you.”
“It’s just such a great place to be. We have so many memories and have great nights out.”
Another one of Nicky's memories of Aberdeen is the intimacy of the gigs the band have played up here.
He said playing a full arena show in a smaller hall rather than a stadium was a challenge but allowed the band to feel closer to the crowd.
And a week on Sunday, they will take to the stage after Pacific Avenue and the MacDonald Brothers, they’ll experience "the intimate gig" at a whole new level.
The band haven’t played a gig this small for many years, since before they had their first hit single, swear it again, in March 1999.
Nicky said the thought of playing to a smaller crowd was exciting but scary at the same time.
“To be honest with you, it does frighten the life out of me.”
“You can almost get away with making mistakes when you’re playing in front of 15.000 people, because more things can go unnoticed but when you’re playing to such a small number of people, the pressure is on a little bit because you’re closer to the crowd.”
Fans maybe in for a little treat as Nicky believes that band will arrive on Saturday night, prior to the show on Sunday.
And the lads intend on heading out on the town for a few drinks refreshments.
Ever the professionals, however the band will make sure they’re on top form for the Sunday evening performance.
From: Evening Express
2008 General Sale Starts Friday 19th October
18 October
If you didn’t manage to snap up your tickets in the pre-sale earlier this week, you can buy them in the general sale from 9am on Friday 19th October.
Here’s a rundown of those dates and details...
Monday 25th February: Odyssey Arena, Belfast (028) 9073 9074
Tuesday 26th February: Odyssey Arena, Belfast (028) 9073 9074
Friday 29th February: Liverpool Arena 0844 8000 400
Saturday 1st March: The 02, London 0871 984 0002
Tuesday 4th March: Newcastle Arena 0870 707 8000
Saturday 8th March: Cardiff CIA 02920 224 488
Wednesday 12th March: Birmingham NEC 0870 909 4133
Saturday 15th March: Manchester Evening News Arena 0870 190 8000
Thursday 20th March: Glasgow SECC 0870 040 4000
Monday 24th March: Nottingham Arena 0870 121 0123
Tuesday 25th March: Sheffield Arena 0114 256 5656
Tickets are also available from the credit card hotline on 0870 243 4455 (Belfast dates) or 0870 400 0688 (all other dates).
Alternatively, book online from www.ticketmaster.ie (Belfast dates) or
www.livenation.co.uk (all other dates).
And if you fancy making your concert experience just that little bit more special, check out the special offers from Super Break.
Their Hot Ticket Package costs £110 per person and includes:
- Top price tickets in the first 15 rows
- Exclusive souvenir merchandise
- Tour programme
- Commemorative VIP laminate
They’re also offering ShowPlus Hotel offers, which include overnight accommodation. Details for all the packages will be available at
www.superbreak.com
From: westlife.com
Westlife To Begin National Tour At ECHO Arena
15 October
ONE of the music industry’s biggest names is heading to Merseyside to perform in the new ECHO Arena.
Today, the ECHO can exclusively announce that Westlife will begin their spectacular national tour at the new arena and the band could not be more delighted.
Singer Kian Egan said: “It’s great that we’re opening our arena tour in Liverpool as the fans there are always really up for it, and we get a great reaction.
“Playing in a brand new arena is going to be a double bonus and we couldn’t think of a better way to kick off our tour than in Liverpool.”
No modern band can compare to Westlife’s extraordinary success. In nine years they have sold over 36 million records globally and been awarded 28 platinum discs, including a record-breaking 14 number one hits, beaten only by Elvis and The Beatles.
Having spent the summer of 2007 in a recording studio, the boys are pleased to announce their return to arenas across the country for the Back Home tour 2008, kicking off at ECHO Arena, Liverpool on Friday, February 29, 2008.
Showcasing tracks from their new album, Back Home, the boys will also perform their biggest hits and favourite album tracks from their vast back catalogue.
ECHO editor Alastair Machray said: "This is a huge act for the ECHO Arena and further proof that we can now attract the big events that have previously gone elsewhere – particularly Manchester.
"No doubt the announcement will start a rush for tickets on Friday - so people had better be quick off the mark to avoid disappointment
"The city has been buzzing as the ECHO Arena has taken shape, and with announcements like this, the Premier League darts and others to come, we can see it coming to fruition and we can't wait for it to open."
Paul Ashton, arena sales manager at ECHO Arena Liverpool, added: “Westlife are one of the biggest bands around, and knowing that they are opening their tour at the ECHO Arena in Liverpool is fantastic.”
To book tickets, call the ECHO Arena box office on 0844 8000 400 or log on to www.accliverpool.com
From: liverpool echo
Tour Pre-Sale Starts Tomorrow!
15 October
Westlife will be announcing their 2008 UK tour dates tomorrow. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday 19th October, but Westlife fans will get the chance to buy theirs before anyone else via an exclusive pre-sale.
The sale will start at 9am tomorrow (Tuesday 16th October) so check back here at www.westlife.com then for more details, and if you’re on the mailing list, keep an eye on your inbox.
From: westlife.com
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