The Irish pop band Westlife rose to prominence around the world in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, and Nicky Byrne make up the band, which was first founded in 1998. Westlife, a boy band that quickly rose to fame due to their emotional melodies and beautiful voices, became one of the biggest hits of its day and, safe to say, maintains it’s legacy.
Brace to be enthralled by Westlife, the beloved pop wonder from Ireland, as they arrive in Mumbai in November and are set to enchant the lively metropolis. For the first time in history, the chart-topping band will perform on an Indian stage, winning over Mumbai’s music lovers with their timeless hits and contagious energy. Absolutely! Westlife’s iconic ‘The Wild Dreams’ Tour to India is produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live. Let’s dive into the excitement surrounding their historic Mumbai debut as passion nears fever pitch. The band’s lead singer, Shane Filan, shares all of this with News18.com in an exclusive interview.
Excerpts from the interview:
Given Westlife’s amazing 20-year trajectory, what’s it like to be member of such a legendary band and what has contributed to its success and longevity?
It’s truly been an incredible journey for us. If someone had asked us 20 years ago whether we’d still be here doing this, I would have probably said ‘not a chance.’ Yet, here we are, 23 years into this amazing ride. Being part of Westlife has given us an enjoyable and extraordinary life. We’ve had the privilege of playing concerts in cities and countries all over the world. It’s like living a dream, and we’re grateful for every moment.
When Westlife makes its debut in India, Mumbai is definitely in for a treat What is the experience of bringing your work to a new audience like, and are there any unique arrangements or surprises in store for the show?
We’re absolutely thrilled about our upcoming journey to India. It’s been a long time coming, as we’ve been talking about visiting ever since we had a chance to relax there two decades ago. Surprisingly, we’ve never had the opportunity to perform a concert in India, despite knowing we have a substantial fan base there.
Our goal has always been to broaden our horizons, explore new cities, and connect with our fans worldwide. India, being such a massive market, is a significant step for us. We’ve got a lot of fans there, and we’re eager to see them, sing for them, and create new memories together. This trip is about achieving new milestones as a band.
Arriving in India feels like checking off a massive box on our list, and it fills us with immense pride. The shows are going to be spectacular, featuring all our hits and cherished memories.
The universal language of music is enhanced by cultural nuances. Does Westlife’s music have any specific Indian influences, or should we expect nods to Indian music during the show?
On the show, we won’t be featuring any actual Indian music, but you know, there’s always room for surprises. Sometimes, we decide on things the day before or even the day of the show. Culture is a big deal for us, and both Ireland and India have rich histories.
We’re really looking forward to exploring the cities when we’re there. Ireland and India are both huge on culture, and it’s something we value a lot. Outside of the performances, we want to take in as much of the local culture as possible. There’s something special about experiencing things you haven’t seen before.
Everywhere we go, we try to immerse ourselves in the local experience. It’s not just about the night of the show; it’s about creating lasting memories for our fans. We want to make each performance the best night of their lives and give them a new and unforgettable experience.
Have you been following any Indian musicians, or do you draw any influences from India?
Recently, we’ve been discussing the idea of expanding our duets, especially in India. We’re eager to find the right collaborator for a duet in the country. This is part of a broader effort we’re making for other countries as well.
Finding the perfect person and the right song is crucial to us. It’s an important step in creating a unique experience for each country we visit. Given the vibrant music scene in India, particularly in Bollywood, and the immense scale of the movie industry, we’re excited about the possibilities. It could potentially be a Bollywood singer or a Bollywood star with singing talent.
We’re carefully exploring options to ensure that the collaboration aligns well with Westlife’s style and results in a great song. To make this happen, we’re looking into the possibility of visiting India, meeting people, and starting this journey of exploration and collaboration. We believe that by doing so, we can spread our wings and create something special.
The musical rise of Westlife encompasses various genres. What would you say it is like, and may fans expect new things or surprises in the Mumbai show?
It’s a fantastic and enjoyable show, filled with upbeat vibes and great memories for the audience. Whether you’re a fan of West Side music or pop, this show has something for everyone. We pride ourselves on delivering a visually stunning spectacle, ensuring a night out that’s both entertaining and memorable. On stage, we have a blast, and we invite you to join in the fun. So, if you’re looking for a good time, whether you’re into West Side or just a pop music enthusiast, this show is definitely for you. Come down, enjoy the experience, and who knows, you might just leave with new friends.