Westlife World Column
Sunday World Newspaper Sunday 27th August 2000
Tralee came up roses for band
Homecoming was just fantastic for us
Hi Bryan here,
IT WAS certainly a case of everything coming up roses for Westlife this week
as we enjoyed the sweet smell of success on our homecoming to Tralee.
The demands of trying to build up a world career means that we don't get the
chance to perform in Ireland very often these days so it's hard for us to
judge how people at home are reacting to us.
This week Tralee left us in no doubt that we have such an enthusiastic and
loyal army of followers for our music.
We felt like real superstars as we flew into Kerry and travelled to Tralee
for our appearance at the Rose Of Tralee.
The excitement level was running high among the group as we made the trip,
but nothing prepared us for the wild reception we received upon our arrival.
There were 20,000 people lining the streets and it was an amazing sight. To
see that in an Irish town is amazing.
Mobbed
We've been to places like Bangkok where thousands of fans turn up at the
airport to meet us and it gets pretty wild. But I have to admit that the
scene in Tralee blew our minds.
We were mobbed and the poor old security guys had a tough time in the crush,
but we loved every moment of it and the crowd seemed to enjoy it as well.
There was a great atmosphere of fun around the place and we immediately got
into the swing of things. I looked at the faces of Kian, Shane, Mark and
Nicky and they all had a smile from ear to ear.
I instantly knew what they were thinking. I felt the same; it was like, "How
did we reach this position in pop so quickly." There are so many times when
we have to pinch ourselves to believe it. And Tralee this week was one of
those.
APPEARING on the actual Rose Of Tralee TV show was another highlight of that
event. We all grew up watching it on TV, so to be on the show was a real
honour for us. It doesn't matter what your do around the world, being a part
of the big occasions back home are always the ones that give you the biggest
buzz.
I remember how I used to sit in front of the telly watching Gay Byrne
interviewing the girls in the 'Rose' contest. Never once did I expect that
one day I'd be there as part of the entertainment.
Of course, Gay is no longer there. Marty Whelan is the man now and while we
were in our hotel before going on the show, we watched him introducing it on
the TV in our room.
He suddenly started talk-ing about five lads who would be coming on. "They
are the biggest band in the world...Westlife!" he said.
That sent shivers down my spine. It's only when you hear someone like Marty
say that, you think about it and it feels good.
WE enjoyed our trip to Tralee so much that we just wanted to stay all week
and party in the beautiful part of Ireland. Kerry is really amazing and it's
only when you travel around the country that you realise why visitors rave
about Ireland.
We'll certainly be telling people on our travels around the world to come
and visit.
Unfortunately, we had to return to London to continue work on the songs for
our next album. They are coming together really well now and week by week we
see the progress. It all takes time, which is a bit frustrating because you
just want to get your songs out there now, but we know they'll be worth the
wait.
AS I write this week's Westlife column for the Sunday World, I'm also in the
process of packing my bags because we're off on our travels again. This time
it's America calling us. We're going back to the States to appear on the
Miss Teen USA show.
That's exciting for us as there'll be lots of pretty girls there and we get
to perform in a really big TV show. There's also the promise of a party
afterwards. So we'll fill you in on all the gossip from that next week.
WESTLIFE, thanks for your brilliant concert at the Rose of Tralee on Sunday.
I was in the second row with a Kerry jersey and cream hat and I had Kerry
scarfs around my wrists. Shane, I put my thumbs up to you and you put your
thumbs up to me. Thanks babe!
Pam Brassil, Co Kerry.
SHANE and Kian you are my favourite guys in Westlife. You are so sexy. I am
your number one fan.
Deirdre Colgan, Tullamore, Co Offaly.
YOUR music lights up my life, Westlife. It's the soundtrack to my life and
makes me so happen. You make such beautiful music and I hope you never stop.
The fact that you are all gorgeous is a bonus.
Serene Butler Co Galway.
I AM your biggest fan in the world. I have all your CDs and my bedroom is
like a shrine in honour of Shane. I'm looking forward to your concert in
December.
Pauline Varley, Co Mayo
WESTLIFE, I love ye so much. Nicky and Shane ye are gorgeous! My favourite
song is Moments. I'll see ya in March. Keep on gettin' those number one
hits.
Sarah Flynn, Co Waterford.