Reunited pop icons Westlife have toasted their manager Louis Walsh as being the secret to their success.
Speaking this week as the group announced a five-night residency at Dublin’s 3Arena next September, Nicky Byrne said: ‘We’re glad we have Louis – he picks great songs,’ before adding ‘Boyzlife lucked out,’ – a jocular jibe at the boyband pairing of former Westlifer Brian McFadden and Boyzone’s Keith Duffy, who have formed their own two-man musical act.
The great songs picked by Louis have given Westlife’s enduring success which has seen them notch up 36 number one albums worldwide and 14 UK number one singles, ranking only behind Elvis Presley and The Beatles.
Westlife members Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne. Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photos
The band has also sold more than 55 million records, racked up a billion YouTube views and sold concert tickets to more than six million people around the world.
Westlife will take over Dublin’s 3Arena from next September 22-26.
Sligo men Kian Egan and Shane Filan have not ruled out a special gig in their hometown someday.
Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy at the launch of the Boyzlife new live tour and their new single ‘I Would’ at Twenty Two in Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Shane said: ‘The [Sligo stadium] Showgrounds is going to be renovated into a super stadium so who knows, one day in the future we would love to play there.
‘The Showgrounds was one of the first times we all sang live together in the corner of the stands. We’re very proud of our Sligo roots, so who knows?’
