It's back with the Backstreet Boys
We were a struggling band last time
Hi Kian here,
TODAY is going to bring the memories flooding back when we team up with The
Backstreet Boys at the Party In The Park at London's Hyde Park.
The Backstreet Boys will always be a great memory for Westlife as we
performed with them in Dublin when we were a struggling Sligo band called
IOU.
Louis Walsh had taken an interest in us, but at that time he still wasn't
our manager. So he went along to his friend, top Irish promoter Peter Aiken,
and asked him to give us the support slot to The Backstreet Boys.
We couldn't believe it when we got the call. From playing to small, local
audiences we were suddenly catapulted into the big time, singing in front of
8,000 to 10,000 people.
It was a night of great excitement mixed with fierce nerves, but we
obviously did well as Louis decided that night he was going to manage us.
Of course, there have been many changes in the group since then, but that
will always be one of the big moments in our lives.
We haven't met the Backstreet Boys since that night, so today is going to
bring me way back.
Today will also be a reminder of just how far we have come since then, as an
audience of 100,000 is expected at Hyde Park.
It's going to be one hell of a party and the line up is like a who's who of
the pop world.
Our co-manager Ronan Keating will also be there, performing his brilliant
new single, Life Is A Rollercoaster. There are rumours that Britney Spears
is flying in for it. Christina Aguilera will be there for definite. The
Corrs are also to perform, as well as other acts like Elton John, Queen,
5ive and B*Witched.
If you can't make it along to the actual event, don't worry. It will be
going out live on Chanel Four this afternoon.
We've just had a couple of days off, but we did fly over to London on
Wednesday to open the Harrods sale and it was the first time I'd ever been
in the store. I knew it was big, but not THAT big.
I had never met the owner, Mr. Al Fayed, and I didn't even know what he
looked like. But he was good fun. Some girl fan outside held out a bra and
Mr Fayed took and tied it around my neck, so that got a good laugh.
There was a lot of excitement outside as loads of fans had come along to see
us arrive in a horse-drawn carriage to the posh store.
HARRODS was crazy on Wednesday, but not half as manic as the Freedom of the
Borough in Sligo last Saturday. That was just mental. We couldn't believe
the crowds...around 5,000 people turned out.
We were surprised at how formal the actual event was..we were brought in to
a council chamber where we sat around a big round table. A councillor had to
propose that we be given the freedom, while another had to second it, then
everyone had to sign the official book.
We all made our little speeches, Shane, Mark, myself and Bryan. Then it was
Nicky's turn and he stepped up, took out a piece of paper and surprised us
all by speaking in Irish. It was so brilliant I think he must have got one
of Bertie's speech writers to do it.
It was a great buzz, but I still don't know what the honour entitles us to.
I've been told that we can graze animals on common ground, park our cars
anywhere and we don't have to tax them.
YOU are the best group to come out of Ireland in a very long time. The first
time I saw you was on the 2FM Beat On The Street and I thought you were
brilliant then. ..but you're even better now. It is great that you are in my
life.
Sinead Kelly (12), Rialto, Dublin 8.
MY dream came true the day I was lucky enough to get the chance to hug and
kiss you all. That was at the signing you did in Tower Records. Mark, I gave
you a bear with a friendship band that I made...I hope you liked it. You
gave me a massive hug for it and I didn't want to let you go.
Hannah Capleton, Tottenham Rd, London, England.
I WOULD just like to say congratulations on all your number one hits. I
would love to meet you some day and I pray my wish comes true.
Michelle McGrath, Clan-dalkin, Dublin 22.
I am one of your biggest fans. I love all the songs you have out. I also
love your friend Samantha Mumba and I'm delighted that she is now a big
star. My uncle, Gareth Lawson, used to play football with you, Bryan, and I
have a group photo of you with him, which I kiss every night.
Estelle Lawson, Drimnagh, Dublin 12.
My friends, Gemma, Kyrsty, Danielle and I are totally made about you
gorgeous guys in Westlife. Your album is the best our bedrooms are totally
covered in posters and we have everything to do with you.
Lynne Melville (13), Sandyford, Dublin 18.
