[link: Dotmusic charts | Worldpop.com News]
Know any news/gossip that we don't have here?
Email it to the News Editor at
. Thanks!
|
> >24th December 2000 Westlife miss out on Xmas number 1 :o( |
|
|
Westlife entered the official UK charts this afternoon at number 2, narrowly beaten to the top spot by Bob the Builder...
[link: Dotmusic charts | Worldpop.com News] |
|
> >19th December 2000 Bob to beat Westlife?!?!?! |
|
|
Forget Westlife vs. the Spice Girls, the hottest chart battle of the year is here - and the main player is children's cartoon character Bob The Builder, whose single Can We Fix It is narrowly ahead of Westlife's What Makes a Man in the midweek race for No 1 according to UK retailers HMV. However Bob The Builder's sales also take into account Sunday sales while Westlife's figures are based on Monday sales only.
 vs. 
'It's too close to call at the moment although it's very likely that Westlife could overtake Bob later in the week,' says HMV chart expert Gennaro Castaldo. 'Both singles are on course to sell 250,000 copies this week alone.' If Westlife manage to beat Bob the Builder, they will go on to claim the Xmas number 1 single and break the Beatles' record of the most consecutive singles to reach number 1 in the charts. Even so, Castaldo comments 'Bob The Builder has already sold over 400,000 copies since its release and is on course to become the best-selling single of the year even if it doesn't get to No 1, Currently, the best selling single of the year is All Saints' Pure Shores (685,000 copies) but Bob is on course to beat that.' [source: worldpop.com] |
|
> >14th December 2000 What Makes a Man Tracklisting |
|
|
The tracklisting of the Christmas single, released on Monday December 18th, is as follows: CD1:
CD2:
|
|
> >14th December 2000 Westlife 'not worried' about Xmas Number 1 |
|
|
Westlife have been speaking out about the race for the coveted Christmas Number One.
Kian said, "We're not really that worried about getting to Number One or not. People seem to think we're obsessed with topping the charts with every single release, but that's just rubbish." Their forthcoming single What Makes A Man is the hot favourite for the Christmas top slot, which would give them their second consecutive festive chart-topper. The boys are also going for their eighth straight Number One. What Makes A Man is released on December 18. Meanwhile, Nicky has revealed who he'd most like a Christmas kiss from - model and actress Elizabeth Hurley. Nicky said, "I'm still waiting for her call, but obviously she's not up for it." [source: Dotmusic] |
|
> >10th December 2000 Smash Hits Awards Results |
|
|
Westlife won six awards at the Smash Hits Poll Winner's Party awards show, held at the London Arena at 3pm today!! They won:
[thanks to Becky for ths info!!!] |
|
> >10th December 2000 Westlife win again!!!!! |
|
|
Westlife won Record of the Year for My Love, in the show broadcast live on BBC in the UK last night, despite
stiff competition from Robbie Williams' Rock DJ. It's the second consecutive year Westlife have won the award, voted for by telephone by music fans; last year they won with Flying Without Wings. Well done guys!!!!!!! [source: BBC] |
|
> >5th December 2000 Forthcoming singles: What Makes a Man & I Lay My Love on You |
|
|
 However the next single after What Makes a Man will be I Lay My Love On You. The video to is is going to be a documentary styled video with performance elements. It's going to be directed by Stuart Gosling (whose credits include Backstreet Boy's videos) and sections of it were filmed last week on Westlife's Asian promotional tour! [source: Dotmusic, The Sun Newspaper, BMG Singapore] |
|
> >5th December 2000 Coast To Coast Video out now!! |
|
|
Westlife released their new album on November 6th - but unless you were abducted by aliens then you knew that already!
What you may not know is how they met 15,000 fans in 4 cities in just 36 hours...until NOW!!!
Just for you and only 21 days after it was filmed, Westlife release the official feature-length video diary of this spectacular event. This V.I.P. access-all-areas video follows Mark, Bryan, Nicky, Kian and Shane, on board their private jet, inside their limos and even into their hotel rooms as they tour the length and breadth of the country! There's comedy - Bryan running through a life jacket safety demonstration and Kian being an air-hostess. There's emotion - the lads discovering they had secured themselves another number one single with 'My Love' and even romance - are you one of the lucky girls who appears KISSING the lads on the video??? Frankly, it's got it ALL and much, much more!! Check out the exclusive performance of tracks from the new album in addition to a gorgeous medley of No. 1's and watch out for a great cover track with Kian on guitar! Special Performance includes: MEDLEY OF NUMBER 1'S WHAT MAKES A MAN MORE THAN WORDS I LAY MY LOVE ON YOU ANGEL'S WINGS YOU MAKE ME FEEL FRAGILE HEART MY LOVE It doesn't end there - there's also FIVE stunning music videos for you to keep: SEASONS IN THE SUN I HAVE A DREAM FOOL AGAIN AGAINST ALL ODDS (With Mariah Carey) MY LOVE Get closer to Westlife than you've ever been before... get the Coast To Coast video this Christmas...! [source: BMG] |
|
> >18th November 2000 More awards for Westlife :o) |
|
|
Westlife won yet another award to add to their collection at the MTV EMA's, held in Stockholm on Thursday 16th. They won the award for "Best Local UK and Ireland Act"!
Meanwhile you can catch the last performance the boys gave before going straight to number one with their new album in the show The One & Only: Westlife which is shown on Sunday 19 November at 8pm on Sky One in the UK. Fresh from their success at the recent TV Hits Awards 2000, where they picked up the award for Best Band and Shane was voted the Best Looking Pop Star, WL performed some of their greatest hits to an audience of devoted fans. This special TV show will feature the guys not only a selection of their biggest hits but also showcases some new tunes from their hot new album. The programme includes Westlife's backstage antics & there's also a look at how the band reached the giddy heights of fame and an exclusive and personal insight into each band member as revealed by those who are closest to them - the other Westlifers! Don't miss it! [source: mtv.co.uk, BSkyB] |
|
> >12th November 2000 Coast to Coast number 1! |
|
|
Westlife's new album, Coast to Cast is officially number 1 in the UK album charts with total sales of 234,767 albums! Nicky's reaction to the figures was to exclaim "Jesus, I'm gobsmacked!". Westlife's album outsold the Spice Girl's latest release, Forever, at number 2 in the charts, by 3:1. Nicky said "Deep down we didn't think it'd happen so thanks to the fans".
Meanwhile, Shane Lynch has hit out at Westlife, calling them 'very wrong' for slagging off the Spice Girls. Speaking to worldpop.com at The International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at Birmingham's NEC, Lynch described this week's battle for the No 1 album as 'a load of rubbish'. "The Spice Girls wound Westlife up and the boys started to bite back," he said, adding, "I think they are very wrong to do so because they are a very good band, a credible band, and they don't need to bitch back against anyone." The Backstreet Boys also had their comments to share on the situation: "This whole Spice v Westlife thing," said Brian "it's disappointing that they're trading insults in the media. Ten years ago, bands were friendly and keen to see each other succeed. The media's to blame for the competitive and bitchy nature, but the bands should not get involved. Its unprofessional and childish to criticise other bands." However, while they don't approve of Westlife v Spice, Kevin was delighted the 'Life call BSB 'Legends'. "We ain't legends, there's a long way to go yet," Kevin insisted. Nick added, "I admire Westlife, if they want to break America, all they should so do is be true to themselves, do songs they're happy with. Most vital is to remain friends. If they do that, they can take on the world. We did!" [source: worldpop.com] |
|
> >9th November 2000 Against All Odds to be released in the US? |
|
|
Westlife have revealed their plans to crack the America market with Against All Odds. The duet with Mariah Carey, which gained a sixth No 1 for Westlife in the UK, could well be a winner across the Atlantic but the guys were divided as to when the single will be release. 'It's our choice,' stated Kian but Shane explained that their second stab to win over the US market will not take place at least until the summer when the guys have spent some time in the recording studio in preparation for their third album. 'We can't go over there to promote it with Mariah just yet,' he said. However Nicky was more optimistic about Westlife's assault on the States. 'I've a funny feeling we will release it in the future with a new video,' he confirmed laying down the gauntlet for a Spice v Westlife race to take over the American charts. On a lighter note Nicky joked that Mariah Carey has been pestering Westlife with regular phone calls. 'She rings us every Friday night but we don't take her calls.'  Meanwhile, Westlife are still streets ahead in the mid-week sales figures for the album charts with their album Coast To Coast selling 93,103 copies compared with the Spice Girls' album Forever with 31,500. [source: dotmusic.com] |
|
> >8th November 2000 Westlife vs. Spice Girls |
|
|
Westlife scored their record-breaking seventh consecutive No 1 on Sunday as My Love hit the top of the UK singles chart, outselling its nearest rival by more than three copies to one. However Westlife need 10 more No 1 singles to equal the UK record, currently held by The Beatles. They are aiming for another number 1 on Sunday with their new album, Coast to Coast, but face stiff competition from the Spice Girl's latest album, Forever, which is also released this week.
 Westlife at the Glasgow signing celebrating their 7th Number 1 single It's being called "the biggest chart battle of the year" and Westlife are taking no chances. In a bid to beat the Spice Girls to the top album spot they took on a gruelling tour of the UK on Sunday and Monday, traveling from coast to coast doing signings in Glasgow, Machester, Birmingham and London, and ending with an album launch party at the trendy St Martin’s Lane Hotel in London’s West End. Despite the lads only being able to grab 2 hours of sleep inbetween their promo and signings yesterday, their efforts seem to be paying off as yesterday Coast To Coast was outselling the Spice Girls' CD Forever by two to one. Bryan said of their chart battle: “We’re not scared of the Spice Girls. They’re over. They’re nothing without Geri. If she was still in the band we would worry. She WAS the Spice Girls. I’ve heard the Spice album and it’s not very good at all. I’m not just saying that. I think it’s rubbish. Oxygen and the No1 double A-side are good, but the rest are terrible.” Nicky also added: “Best of luck to the girls, but they’re gonna lose. There is no doubt that we will beat them and they will be No2 and that’s that. They know it’s over. The Spice Girls are gone. Only Mel C has been successful solo-wise. But I’d love Victoria to do well.” 
The Sun's report of "Coast to Coast Day" 06.11.00: 2:45am The sparkiest boy band in the world are losing some sparkle. Westlife have just left Glasgow airport on a schedule that will see them up for 38 hours non-stop. [source: The Sun, Tuesday 7th November] [links: Dotmusic.com | latest pictures] |
|
> >4th November 2000 Coast to Coast UK release on Monday! |
|
|
 Coast to Coast is released in the UK on Monday, but you can listen to some soundfiles from the album right here now! (All soundfiles in Windows Media Player format):
To celebrate the release of Coast to Coast Westlife will literally be travelling coast to coast: from the North to the South Coast of the UK from Sunday 5th to Monday 6th, singing copies of their album at various Virgin Megastores across the UK. Album signing times and details as follows: SUNDAY 5TH NOVEMBER: Glasgow - Virgin Megastore 5pm - 7pm MONDAY 6TH NOVEMBER: Manchester - Virgin Megastore 7.15am - 9.15am Birmingham - Virgin Megastore 1.15pm - 2.30pm London (Piccadilly)- Virgin Megastore 6.15pm - 7.45pm [source: bmg-backstage] |
|
> >28th October 2000 A Message from Westlife... |
|
|
 [link: Click here to see the signatures bigger] [source: BMG promotional postcard] |
|
> >19th October 2000 Dublin, Glasgow, Manchester and London...all in one day! |
|
|
Sarah Cox broke the news on Radio 1 this morning of Westlife's big stunt to launch their new CD. Their second album, 'Coast to Coast', will see the lads perform in Glasgow, Manchester, London and Dublin all in one day.
Kian told Radio 1: "It's not a stunt. It's our chance to go and meet the fans and say here's our new album. We haven't done something like this before. It's a launch - it's not a stunt." Shane agrees: "We don't even need a stunt, to be honest with you. We just want to enjoy the day and remember it. Plus we want to end up in Dublin." [source: www.bc.co.uk/radio1/] |
|
> >14th October 2000 Westlife attacked at charity bash... |
|
|
Westlife had to leave a charity event in London on Thrusday night (October 12th)
after being attacked by a drunken reveler. I was reported that the band were attending the Carlton Celebrity Auctions Awards but were rushed out of the building when a member of the public attempted to punch them after they'd just finished a television interview. An onlooker commented: "It was really horrible. One moment they were smiling for the cameras and doing interviews and everything was fine then the next minute this drunk guy runs straight for them and tried to knock them out. Security jumped on the guy and dragged him out and Westlife were forced to flee despite the fact that they had other interviews scheduled because they were so terrified." Westlife were making a rare appearance at the bash, which was raising money for British homeless charity organisations. Other celebrities in attendance were pop singer Louise, Jools Holland and a very heavily pregnant Ulrika Jonsson. However the incident was played down by the band's spokesperson and event organisers Carlton Television. A spokesperson for the Carlton Celebrity Auction confirmed there had been an incident, but said that Westlife were merely bystanders. "There was a slight disagreement to one side, not involving Westlife. They were in the vicinity, doing an interview, and it vaguely disturbed the interview. No-one had to leave early and no-one was thrown out," he said. A spokesperson for the band, meanwhile, said the incident occurred after a member of the audience, who appeared to have "had a little bit to drink" stood up and tripped over a TV cable. The spokesperson added: "One of the security guys went to catch him to help him regain his balance and that was basically what had happened. There was no kind of fight or anything." [link: www.dotmusic.com | www.nme.com] |
|
> >14th October 2000 Yet more album news! |
|
|
Westlife's forthcoming album, (which, if you've been paying attention to the latest news, you'll know
it's going to be called Coast To Coast!), will include a
mid-tempo rock song that was first considered by Bon Jovi. The song, What Makes A Man, is described by Kian as a 'real rock ballad. It's got big rock guitars on it. I love it! Bon Jovi wanted it, that's how rocky it is.' Mark admitted that the second album is to include several uptempo rock tracks following criticism of their ballad-heavy debut LP. 'I'd like to think we're original, but we're never gonna be original. Every note has been used before, so there's no originality left. Unless we turn around and do a heavy metal song, we're not gonna be so different from any other boy band.' However, Kian stopped short of agreeing that the group has to reinvent itself to equal the success of their debut album - five Number One singles. 'I don't think we're trying to come up with something unique, to be honest,' he argued. 'We do what we do and if it works it works. Our songs, there's nothing unique about them. They're great songs, but there's nothing to them that are so different to other bands songs. They're not. But people like them and that's what counts. If we try to be too unique it may not work.' [source: popworld.com, 20th September 2000] |
|
> >7th October 2000 The next single! |
|
|
The new Westlife single, My Love is to be released on October 30th. It is taken from the lads' 2nd studio album, entitled Coast to Coast ('cost to coast' is one of the lyrics in the song 'My Love' :o). The album is scheduled for release a week after the single. My Love looks set to take Westlife into the record books yet again, after their latest single, Against All Odds with Mariah Carey, shot to the top of the charts, putting Wesltife in the record books (yet again!) as they are now the *only* band in history to have their first 6 singles enter the charts at number 1. If My Love hits the top spot Westlife will set a new world record, again!!! Click here to see a video clip of My Love!! [source: worldpop.com] |
