Westlife happy without Delta's boyfriend

7th February 2007, 15:41 WST

 

Irish boy band Westlife believe they are better off without Delta Goodrem's boyfriend Brian McFadden.

 

McFadden, who has been dating the Australian singer since 2005, quit Westlife in 2004 just before the group was due to embark on a world tour.

 

Band member Kian Egan says there were no hard feelings, but that the group gelled better when McFadden departed.

 

"When we did our first concerts the reaction was massive ... fans were saying we were better than ever. They were saying they didn't miss Brian and it was fantastic," the 26-year-old told AAP from Ireland ahead of a visit to Australia this month.

 

Westlife will touch down in Australia for the third time in a year, launching a national tour in Perth on February 21 before playing in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

 

"We always thought a five piece was the perfect band, until we got the four of us," said Egan.

 

"I think it was also probably a part of the growing up process as well. We changed from the typical boy band to singing powerful ballads and love songs."

 

Westlife, comprising Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne and Egan, formed in 1998 with McFadden, and since inception have had 14 number one singles in the United Kingdom.

 

Their tally of number ones is the third highest in British history, behind Elvis Presley and The Beatles.

 

They are also the only band in the British Isles to have entered the charts at number one with their first seven singles, including Swear Again, Flying Without Wings and Fool Again.

 

It's only been in the last 12 months that Westlife has cracked the Australian market, helped by their cover of Secret Garden song You Raise Me Up.

 

Egan says while the band began in the era of "the boy band" they have found a more mature style now.

 

"When we first started off we were your typical run of the mill boy band and there was an awful lot of us - Boyzone, Backstreet Boys, Take That, N'Sync," he said.

 

"But since then we have separated ourselves from the bunch, in my opinion, because what we are doing now is a bit more adult and it's a lot more about the songs and the singing rather than your typical boy bands on stage doing your typical dance routines."

 

Westlife have sold more than 45 million albums in over 40 countries.

 

AAP

 

maybe one day delta will think she is better off without mcfadden too :ph34r:

 

I'd sooner hear theren earlier immature pop like Swear it again and If I let you go over awful covers like The Rose and Mandy...

Grrrrr I hate Westlife :( So sickening!! :puke2: Arrogant fools!! <_<

 

Love,

Kirsty xx

I liked WL when they first came out...but then they just got worse with each album (they just never progressed musically...stuck with the same formula, and got very boring)...by the time of their 3rd album I had given up with them. I don't like anything they have done this side of the greatest hits, and OMG 'The Rose' must have been like the most boring cover version in the history of the world??!! I have heard it several times, but could never tell you how the song goes - not memorable, or in the slightest bit catchy at all.

Edited February 8, 200718 yr by Delta Fan Mel

Hmm that is very arrogant.

Now Brian's not there there is no one to complain about the endless cover versions etc... it makes life easier for the rest of Westlife I suppose :lol:. The other four obviously just want to do a job, earn some money - don't really care what they're singing if it sells. I don't think Brian could have ever fitted into WL how they are now.

Edited February 8, 200718 yr by Delta Fan Mel

i have always found westlife dull and boring. i must admit i did like you raise me up....

Jeez, their very harsh on Brian...i don't like westlife, singing other peoples songs just doesn't do it for me!

I find it amusing

that when Brian left

they started doing covers...