westlifeweb.com - Interviews - 'A Taste of Westlife' 2000

A Taste Of Westlife

article taken from TeenTrends Vol.3 No.19 2000

thanks to Ethel for this article

They're not expecting that they'll get to the peak. but they've told themselves they're ready for it. they don't wanna count the chickens, but they're definitely doin' everything to get on the road fast.

As Westlife came on their East meets Westlife Asian Tour, fans went wild and frenzy. Tickets to the concert sold-out weeks before.
A while back, the lads were just ordinary boys who had their own dreams. Fact is, none of them ever thought of doing some major record sesh or something. But when Mark, Kian and Shane did the front act for the Backstreet Boys' tour in Dublin, followed by performances on TV they were seen croonin' at the hospital by Boyzone's manager, Louis Walsh. He knew they were hot. Nicky Byrne and Bryan McFadden completed the group and became answers to the missing keys. Between Bryan and Nicky however, it was another story. During the auditions, each was willing to accept the success of the other. And as friends, they both believed in the words 'may the best man win'. But the tides were both in their favour. They were meant to be in the same road. Amazingly, the five got along well, as if they've known each other for years. But whats fits to be described as amazing was how they're now among the planet's much sought-after-pop groups.
They don't mind the boyband bashers out there. They don't mind being compared to Boyzone and other boybands. As KIAN says, "We don't really try to be different, but when you hear our song, you'll know it's us." and they don't make a big deal out of it just because they're under the wing of Boyzone frontman Ronan Keating. Fact is the moment Ronan met them he knew he had a vital part to play with Westlife. As Ronan says, "As soon as I heard their raw vocal talent, I knew I had to be involved."
But there were moments the boys missed being home doing the things they used to. Mark once had plans of going to university. Nicky used to play professional soccer for Leeds United and Ireland. Kian had been in a rock band. Bryan shifted from acting prior to his former role in the Irish TV show series Finbarr's Class, while Shane missed horesback riding. Like anyone else, they longed for quiet moments with their families. But as Westlife, all they want is to make music - unmindful of what critics say.
From the name change from IOU to Westside, fans have come to love them, and these boys' dreams have come true. After Europe and Asia, the lads are making their invasion to the US and are set to make album number two after Fool Again, their fifth no.1 single.