Westlife are planning a new album and some ‘special shows’ to mark their 25th anniversary, but member Mark Feehily is missing from the celebrations following his health complications.
The Flying Without Wings boy band – made up of Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan and Mark – have teased some exciting projects in honour of the milestone, but they have confirmed Mark, 45, isn’t able to be part of the plans.
In a statement on X, they wrote: ‘To our amazing fans, we would like to take this opportunity to share some very important news with you all.
‘We are thrilled to announce the launch of our 25th Anniversary celebrations…
‘On the 9th February 2001 we kicked off our first ever world tour at the Newcastle Arena. Who would have thought we would still be here 25 years later?
‘We have so many exciting plans to share with you very soon which will include new music, an album, special shows and many, many more surprises along the way.’
The band continued: ‘Sadly, Mark will be unable to join the celebrations.
‘We hope we can join us back on stage when he is ready and able. He sends his love and positivity to you all as always.’
Mark stepped back from the group in February 2024 mid-tour due to health issues. He’s been out of the public eye and appears to have been off social media for a year now, almost to the day.
Explaining his health problems in a lengthy post as he bowed out of the tour last year, Mark said that his ‘challenges’ began in August 2020 while having surgery, which led to needing intensive care treatment.
In the middle of Westlife’s Wild Dreams worldwide tour, due to complications Mark ended up back in hospital and was told he had pneumonia. He had surgery again in May 2022.
Mark detailed his 2020 hospital experience on Instagram: ‘I spent the next few months in hospital. It was during lockdown. For months, due to strict Covid restrictions, I was not allowed any visitors including my fiancée [Cailean O’Neill] and my then 10-month-old daughter [Layla].’
‘It was physically and mentally a very difficult time, not to mention traumatic having to spend so long in ICU.’
He announced at the time: ‘It is with the utmost level of regret that I must now temporarily stand down from all Westlife touring until a time that I have had the chance to fully recover from the turbulent journey I have been through as an individual.
‘I wish things could be different!’
The band added in their own statement: ‘We would like to take this opportunity to send our brother, best friend and fellow band-mate, Mark so many well wishes as he takes the necessary time he needs to recover.’
Mark was seemingly last active on social media on June 11, 2024, when he wished his Instagram followers a happy pride month, and he hasn’t posted on his grid since.
Fans noticed this absence as the big Westlife 25-years announcement came, with many taking to his social media to wish him well.
kellzbellz29 wrote: ‘Just realised it’s been a year since this last post. We hope you are ok.’
bramhaldrowena commented: ‘We miss you, Mark. I’m hoping you’re feeling OK and we can see you on stage as soon as you’re feeling ready.’
d_for_duls said: ‘It’s been a year since we last heard from you. Hope you’re keeping well. Get well soon. Sending blessings and good vibes your way.’
All four members of Westlife – which originally featured Brian McFadden before he left after six years in 2004 – ‘can’t quite believe’ their longevity.
The statement announcing the 25-years celebrations continued: ‘The four of us can’t quite believe it’s been 25 years.
‘We could only have dreamt of the continued love and loyalty you have consistently shown us around the world.
‘We are so lucky to have all of you with us and we can’t wait to celebrate together!
‘Happy 25th To Us All!’
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