Exclusive:Pop superstars Westlife talk new album, Sheffield return and anniversary tour

The name Westlife has been synonymous with the pop music scene throughout the last quarter of a decade.

Whether you had their albums as a kid or not, everyone knows a large chunk of their songs and whether most would admit it or not, a lot of people will have belted out a chorus or two while they’ve been played on the radio.

The Star previously caught up with the members ahead of the release of the band’s album ‘Wild Dreams’, recorded during the global Covid pandemic.

This time around, the band are looking forward to getting back out on the road and releasing their new record, 25 - The Ultimate Collection.

“We’re very excited when the album is released,” Nicky Byrne says. “It’s always an exciting time.”

The Westlife trio (at least until Mark Feehily is well enough to return) have been incredibly busy, following a promotional run on radio, television and with the Irish press in Dublin, the boys (yes they are men, it’s an affectionate term) have just landed in the UK and they’re continuing their promotional efforts here.

After over 25 years of doing this, it must be hard to maintain this level of energy when approaching new tours and album releases. Not to be deterred, the boys seem remarkably perky, despite not being quite the young guns that burst onto the scene two-and-a-half decades ago.

“We got an opportunity that not many people get and I suppose we were worked to within an inch of our lives,” says Nicky.

“But we wanted it and there’s no shortcuts,” adds Shane Filan.

Despite the daunting task ahead of them, it’s not something that they take for granted. Every single moment is being cherished and they are always grateful for the good fortune that has come their way.

“It’s really 28-years since we’ve been together,” says Shane. “It’s 25-years since our first tour in 2001. So, when we were putting this collection together, some of these songs are actually not that old.

“25 was the magic round number and we’re celebrating the 25-years touring with an amazing collection of all these brilliant songs. We’re very lucky guys and we can’t wait to get out on tour now, for everybody to come along and enjoy the shows.”

Westlife recently released the singles ‘Chariot’, which is co-written with mega-star Ed Sheeran, and ‘Your Love Amazes Me’ and both feature on 25 – The Ultimate Collection.

“For this album, ‘Chariot’ was one that kind of just jumped out,” Nicky said. “We wanted something upbeat. To kind of feel like it was fun to perform.”

“Obviously it had an Irish twist in there as well,” adds Shane.

The hits have certainly kept coming over the band’s long and distinguished career. 14 UK No. 1 singles (behind only Elvis Presley and The Beatles), 36 No.1 albums worldwide.

Now with a 55-plus date tour coming up, about Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour marks a change in the pop industry landscape over the course of their careers and a period for reflection.

Shane said: “We've been very lucky. You know, we were of the time when record sales were at their biggest in the noughties of all time.

“We’re at the point in our career where it's all about the live concert and it's all about the the experience of going to a live concert. That's what people want.”

Speaking of live concerts, Westlife will be making a return to Sheffield’s Utilita Arena on October 7, 2026.

How does it feel to be returning for the first time in almost five-years?

“We feel very blessed and honoured to be coming back, it’s always a great time in Sheffield. We really cherish it and we hope to see you there.”

Westlife’s new album 25 – The Ultimate Collection is out now.

Tickets for Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour are on sale now at: https://www.livenation.co.uk/westlife-tickets-adp457