Westlife delivered a heartfelt tribute to bandmate Mark Feehily during their inaugural performance at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday evening. Shane Filan, Nicky Bryne, and Kian Egan, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, commenced their 25th-anniversary festivities in grandeur, albeit missing original member Mark.
Addressing the packed audience, Nicky Byrne reminisced about their humble beginnings as five Irish lads, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to grace the same stage as legendary acts like The Beatles and Frank Sinatra. The band’s families were also present, adding to the Irish spirit of the night.
The trio delighted fans with a repertoire of their classic hits such as “Queen of My Heart” and “I Have a Dream,” energizing the crowd from the onset with “World of Our Own.” Leveraging the orchestra, Westlife charmed the audience with swing renditions like “Ain’t That A Kick in the Head” and “Mack the Knife.”
Acknowledging Mark’s absence due to health challenges, Shane assured the audience of Mark’s continued involvement in their music, including the upcoming album release. Despite his physical absence, Mark’s vocals will resonate through new tracks like “Chariot,” crafted by renowned songwriter Ed Sheeran.
During the show, Shane dedicated a special performance of “Flying Without Wings” to Mark, highlighting its significance in their career. The night concluded with a sing-along of their debut hit “Swear It Again,” a nostalgic throwback to their chart-topping success.
Before bidding farewell, the band expressed gratitude to former manager Louis Walsh for his pivotal role in their journey to stardom. They extended appreciation to their supporters, friends, and families, promising more music and memories for years to come.
As the celebration wrapped up, Shane humorously mused about the band’s potential 50th anniversary, leaving the audience with a sense of anticipation for what the future holds.
*Tickets for Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour go on sale this Friday at 10 am, and the album “The Ultimate Collection” will be available on February 13, 2026.*