Scoreload

Irish boy band formed in 1998, known for record-breaking UK chart success and emotive pop ballads.Originally formed as Westside in Sligo, Ireland, the group rebranded as Westlife and signed with Simon Cowell. Comprising Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, and Brian McFadden (until 2004), they achieved 14 UK No.1 singles—third only to Elvis and The Beatles. They disbanded in 2012 after a farewell tour but reunited in 2018 without McFadden, continuing to release music and tour globally.

• Original member Brian McFadden abruptly left in 2004 mid-tour, citing personal struggles and a desire for solo work, causing media frenzy and fan backlash.
• The band holds the record for most consecutive UK No.1 debut singles (7) and most live appearances at London's Wembley Arena (23 sold-out shows).
• Despite announcing a 'permanent split' in 2012, they reunited six years later after secret talks, driven by nostalgia and fan demand.
• Simon Cowell personally financed their initial development, investing £1 million before their first album release—a gamble that yielded over 55 million record sales worldwide.
• In 2021, Mark Feehily underwent major surgery for severe sepsis, delaying their tour; he later revealed the near-fatal health crisis in a documentary.