article taken from TeenTrends Vol.3 No.19 2000
thanks to Ethel - kian-fanatic@Kian-Egan.zzn.com - 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.