Biography of Westlife

Westlife were an Irish boy band formed in 1998. They disbanded in 2012 after almost 14 years together. Originally signed by Simon Cowell and managed by Louis Walsh, the group's final line-up consisted of Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne. Brian McFadden was the fifth member from 1998 until his departure in 2004.
Westlife sold over 45 million records worldwide, a total that includes studio albums, singles, video release, and compilation albums.^[1] The group had accumulated 14 number-one singles in the United Kingdom (the third-highest in UK history, tying with Cliff Richard and only behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley) and 26 top ten singles over their 14 year career.^[2] They are also the most frequent act to win The Record of the Year—the only music award in the UK based on public votes—with four awards. Despite their worldwide success, Westlife had been unable to break into the U.S. market, having only one hit single, "Swear It Again", which peaked in 2000.
In October 2011, Westlife announced that they would split in 2012 after finishing their Greatest Hits Tour following the release of Greatest Hits. Their last ever concert, on 23 June 2012 at Croke Park Stadium in Dublin, sold out to 85,000 people in just five minutes. Due to high demand, it was screened live in cinemas worldwide,^[3][4] and another date was added for 22 June at the same venue.