AS we set off on our world tour this week-end, our manager Louis Walsh has
asked me to spread the word about his next big band.
It's going to be totally different to Boyzone and Westlife - and YOU could
be in it.
Louis is going to hold auditions in the POD on Saturday week, February 24,
to select five guys to make up a new rock band.
If you're between the ages of 18 and 24, this is your chance to make it into
the super league.
Based
A major album deal is already in place for the group, which is going to be
loosely based around groups such as Savage Garden, INXS and Duran Duran.
Louis is looking for five guys with strong voices, but you also have to be
able to play either drums, bass guitar, lead guitar or keyboards.
It's a fantastic opportunity for any good singer or musician because the
band is guaranteed the type of backing and exposure that often takes years
to achieve.
Sweden's Murlynn, who are the biggest songwriting team in music today, have
been contracted to co-write with the band. This guarantees the type of songs
that some of the biggest names in the business would die for.
After the first day of auditions, Louis and his team which includes record
producer Dennis Woods, Q magazine editor John McKee, Paul Little from Music
Maker and Melanie Morris from D-side, will call back the best of the bunch
on March 3.
If it looks like a version of the TV series Popstars, well that's exactly
the way it goes in this business. I had to go for those auditions myself one
time.
Once the band is chosen, the five lads will be on the first fligbt to Sweden
where the intensive songwriting and honing of the group will get underway.
So when will we see the band in action? Louis tells me that by next
September it will be all stations go for Ireland's next supergroup.
ON Friday night in Newcastle Arena our drearns finally came true. The big
stage show we always dreamed of appearing in blasted into action and it's
going to take us around the world - not to mention the ELEVEN magic nights
at the Point next month.
It's going to be the biggest arena tour ever- 57 shows in 12 weeks,
including Europe, Asia and Australia. No expense has been spared - it's
costing £2.5 million to stage - and I just know you're going to be blown
away when you see it.
Apart from the fact that you'll see a new side to Westlife as we show off
our new dance moves - choreographer Priscilla who did the Spice Girls and
Tina Turner tours trained us - there's lots of really cool surpnses.
Who are those guys flying through the air over the heads of the audience?
You've guessed it. There is so much happening every night that you should
try not to blink in case you miss the action.
We're thrilled with the stage that's been created for this show. All the top
technical guys in the business were signed up to work on the production
because we wanted to give you a concert you'll never forget.
I shed a few tears on opening night. It was such an emotional experience to
see how far Westlife have come. I'd seen Take That and we supported Boyzone
in the early days. Some day we'll have a show like that, I thought.
I knew that if we put in the hours and kept up the hard work this day would
eventually arrive. Now it has and I am going to make sure that I enjoy every
second of it. See you in the Point.
I HAD a picture with you in Dubai at Planet Hollywood. It was so great to
meet you. All my dreams came true. Thank you. Your music makes my life so
great.
Jemma Gardne, Dubai
"A SUNNY day/A trembling heart/A hope inside my heart/I've waited so long
for this magical moment." Dearest Shane, that's exactly how I felt about
meeting you personally in Singapore last November. Please come back.
Amanda Zhao, Taiwan.
I QUEUED all night to for a ticket to see Westlife because you are the best
group in the whole wide world.
Stephanie McGrane, Dublin 1.
WESTLIFE, you did a brilliant performance during the Childline concert. I
was so happy when I saw you on stage. You all make me laugh, especially you,
Kian. I think you Kian are the funniest and most gorgeous man on earth.
Mane Kevane, Tralee, Co Kerry
I WOULD like to congratulate Bryan for finding such a pretty girl - a Kerry
kitten! Mark, your hair is absolutely fabulous. I hope the tour goes well -
the only thing I don't have is a ticket to see you in concert.
Laeanne Keely, Naas, Co Kildare.
MY favourite Westlife boy are Mark, Shane and Nickv. My dad is a big fan and
I am too. My friend Roy in school has a tape of you and he always listens to
it, so boys are in to Westlife as well.
Aisling Moyles, Co Mayo.
I WANT to wish you lads well on your tour. You have done us proud and I'm
proud to be Irish right now.
Bryan and Kerry all the best with the baby and I hope you have a great life
together.
Deirdre Diviney,Co Limerick.
