They party like rock stars, love remote control cars and stole sand from
Summer Bay. But will they rule planet pop in 2000? Find out as we go on the
road with WestLife...
"We love Australia!" yells Kian, as he bounds off the aeroplane at Sydney
airport where Smash are waiting. "It's like a better version of Ireland."
Like all of Westlife, Kian's totally excited about being back in Australia.
"The people are very down-to-earth and friendly here" adds Mark as we head
for the boys' hotel, the Sebel of Sydney. "You go to America or New York
and
as soon as you bump into someone it's like they're going to thump you."
"My fave places in the world are Sydney, New York and Stockholm," continues
Shane. "If we make a lot of money, I'll buy a house in Sydney and come here
when it's cold in Ireland."
Trying to keep track of the conversation when you're with these energetic
fellas is a tough job. All it takes is a siren and a cop car and they're in
a total spin. "...If I wasn't doing this I'd be a police officer," exclaims
Nicky. "And I'd be an accountant," bursts Shane. No offence boys, but that
sounds pretty boring compareed with what you're doing at the moment.
Everyone agrees before piling out of the cars.
JOKERS
Before the group have even begun settling into their rooms they're talking
about partying the night away, although they're totally aware there is work
to be done in the meantime. So how do they get through it? With lots of
laughing of course! "We're always drawing on each others' faces," admits
Kian. "Basically if someone falls asleep we draw on their face. One time it
was Mark and Shane, we drew on both of them. It was really funny cos when
they woke up they were laughing at each other. But neither of them knew
what
was going on. Everyone else was laughing at them." Bryan continues..."One
time one of the boys fell asleep and I drew a big red nose and tears coming
down his face. No one told him till we got off the plane where there were
fans and everything." Everybody falls about laughing before Bryan threatens
Kian with a pen that's lying on the table. Here a tip: if you want to hang
out with Westlife you better have a good sense of humour.
TOY BOYS
Or a love of cars! So when we find ourselves standing in the middle of a
remote control car shop, no one is surprised. Nicky is roaming the store
chasing cars all over the floor, Bryan is busy with the Ferraris and Mark
has his eye on the colorful Minis in the corner.
"I has a real Peugeot 306 convertible," reveals Nicky. "I sold it cos I'm
never there to drive it. I'm getting a new car soon, probably a Jeep."
After
what feels like days we are finally making our way from the store and the
boys are all over-the-moon with their purchases. "We all bought remote
control cars," explains Nicky. "Except me," corrects Shane. "I got a model
Mercedes." "I spent $710 on a car for my brother and Bryan bought a $832
Ferrari for himself," Nicky continues. "And Mark bought a purple Mini for
$700." Quite tame considering the last time Westlife were in Sydney Kian
got
a new tattoo.
AWAY WITH SUMMER BAY
After much begging and pleading we are finally taking the boys to Summer
Bay!
Although it's not the best day to go - the clouds are a little grey and
"...it's teaming rain," declares Shane.
When we finally settle our feet in the sand everyone looks impressed,
except
Nicky. "I'm a Neighbours fan," he secretly confides to Smash. "I had a
crush
on Kylie Minogue! When she got married I was like 'No, she can't do this'.
She married Scott Robinson!" he laughs as Shane interrupts. "Scott
Robinson?! That's like...Scott Five!" Everyone laughs at the thought!
"I've watched Home and Away for like six years," pipes Shane. "And it looks
exactly the same! I'm waiting for Alf to come around the corner!" After a
million photos we attempt to drag thje gang back to the cars. Only then do
we discover Shane has stolen a cup of Summer Bay sand. "There's a beach
four
miles from me at home so everyone will think I took it from there!" That's
alright Shane. We'll back you up!
BON VOYAGE
Before we can say Flying without wings our week with Westlife is coming to
an end. Back at the airport everyone is just as excited as the day they
arrived. And Bryan enters into stories about the Smash Hits tour, which the
group will begin when they get home! "We got into major trouble last year
so
this year we have to stay in a different hotel to the other bands. We
partied
so hard with Christian Fry - he's the biggest party animal!" he boasts.
"He's the best on the tour, then Stephen Boyzone and Steps are pretty cool!
It's just awesome."
As the boys board the plane, discussing their pop pals, it's time for us to
head back to Smash HQ. With a wave we bid the boys farewell, confident they
will rule planet pop in 2000!
article © Smash Hits, Australia