Westlife World Column

Sunday World Newspaper January 21st 2001

What a night it'll be!

Hi Westlife here,

AFTER the last couple of weeks creating and rehearsing our first major live show at a secret venue in Dublin, we're itching to get back out on stage and show everyone what we have to offer.

Before the Westlife tour kicks off, however, we do get to do a mini-show in Ireland when we take part in next Saturday's big pop extravaganza at the Point Depot.

It's the Childline Concert, of course, which will be hosted by our pals Samantha Mumba and Keith Duffy. And what a night it's going to be!

If you haven't got a ticket don't worry - it will be broadcast live on Network 2 between 7.3Opm and 1020pm. Last year's event was watched by a staggering 180,000 TV viewers.

So get the popcorn in and book your place in front of the telly for a night of non-stop pop action.

IN addition to ourselves, other acts performing on the night include Samantha Mumba, the co-host who will be flying in from the States that day to appear on the show. Now there's dedication!

Keith and Shane from Boyzone will be performing their recent single, Girl You Know It's True. Put your hands over your ears for that bit about Westlife.

And speaking of Boyzone, Stephen Gately will be making a welcome return to Ireland for Childline as well. He's now based in Amsterdam, of course, and working on his pop career from there.

Steve recently got the fantastic news that he's to perform at the Oscars in Hollywood this year. He sings the track I Believe on the soundtrack of the movie everyone s talking about - Billy Elliot. He's got a new single, Stay, due out in March, so I'm sure he'll be singing it live on stage at The Point next Saturday night.

And there's more...Atomic Kitten are flying in to perform at the event. Sporty Spice Mel C will be there - and, yes, we're still friends. She phoned up Bryan and said all the nasty things she was rumoured to have said about us weren't true.

Billie Piper is also making the trip and, who knows, you may even catch sight of a big fella with red hair and glasses wandering around the Point. Louise will also be there, as will those mad girls in Girl Thing.

Our friends in A1 have been doing really well in the charts in recent times and they can turn on a really energetic live performance, so make sure you are not out making the tea when they come on. They're certain to be performing their next single, No More, which will be released next month.

And I'm sure that one of the biggest cheers on the night will go to new Irish pop band, Reel, who recently won a Smash Hits Award for best new act on the tour. We got to know the lads really well in recent times and, apart from being great musicians and singers, they're dead on fellas as well.

With all of that lot hitting the town next Saturday night you can expect one hell of a party. I'm sure there willl be a story or two to be told afterwards. You may even find one or two popping up here the following week.

Anyway, it's going to be a great night and a fantastic show and it's in aid of a very worthy cause - Childline.

It's been great having some time at home in Ireland, even though we haven't been idle.Every week day has been a work day, just like everyone as our chorographer Priscilla put us through our paces.

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WRITE to Westlife Column. P0 Box 1263, 18 Rathfarnham Road, Dublin

I WOULD just Like to say, Bryan, I'm really happy for you and Kerry and hope you will be really happy together. Good luck. I also love your new album. My favourite song is, When You're Looking Like that. I am your biggest fan ever, but you probably get that all the time. Lots of hugs and kisses.
Deirdre Hibbits, Callan, Co Kilkenny.

I LOVE Westlife so much, especially Shane, Nicky and Bryan. You're just all so gorgeous and I love your music. I'm looking forward to your concert in March. I would also love to dance in one of your videos -hint, hint! Good luck, boys.
Katie Delaney, Co Dublin.

WESTLIFE, I love you all. I never stop talking about you to my friends. When you were staying in the Clare Inn Hotel I went up there and met you. My brother was your waiter. My mother loves you as well and she says the song, My Girl, is the best ever. Your biggest fan.
Emma O'Leary, Co Clare.

MARK, I met your mum and dad on my holidays in Kerry. Bryan, congratulations on getting engaged and going to become a dad. I can't wait to see you in March.
Orla Delaney, Co Kilkenny.

ALL you lads make me proud to be Irish because you really are talented and giving us a great image around the world.
Derek Doughty, Co Gavan.

HI WESTLIFE, I just want to let you know that I will be going to your concert and looking forward to every minute of it. I have all your albums, videos and books and, Nicky, you're my favourite.
Niamh Kieman, Raheny, Dublin 5.