Westlife’s members are Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily, with Brian McFadden as the only former member. The Irish pop group formed in Sligo in 1998, disbanded in 2012 and reunited in 2018. Feehily is still a member but has been temporarily away from the group since February 2024 because of health issues, so Filan, Byrne and Egan have performed as a trio.
Before settling on the name Westlife, the group was known as 6as1 and I.O.YOU, with several other members. Here is every member of the official line-up, with the years given in the band’s history.
Shane Filan (1998–2012, 2018–present)
Shane Filan has been part of Westlife for its whole history, from the 1998 formation through the split in 2012 and the 2018 reunion.
Nicky Byrne (1998–2012, 2018–present)
Nicky Byrne joined at the start in 1998 and returned for the reunion in 2018. He is one of the three members who carried on touring as a trio when Feehily stepped back.
Kian Egan (1998–2012, 2018–present)
Kian Egan is a founding member from Sligo. Like Filan and Byrne, he has been in every Westlife line-up.
Mark Feehily (1998–2012, 2018–present, on hiatus)
Mark Feehily is a founding member. On 28 February 2024 he announced a temporary departure because of ongoing health issues, just before an American tour. Westlife lists him as a current member who is temporarily away.
Brian McFadden (1998–2004)
Brian McFadden was part of the original five-piece. He left in March 2004 to pursue a solo career, and Westlife continued as a four-piece from then on. He did not take part in the 2018 reunion.
Westlife Line-Ups at a Glance
- Five-piece (1998–2004): Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Brian McFadden
- Four-piece (2004–2012, 2018–present): Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily
- Touring as a trio (since 2024): Filan, Byrne and Egan while Feehily is on health leave
Westlife’s albums and chart record
Westlife has released twelve studio albums: four as a five-piece with McFadden and eight as a four-piece. In Ireland and the United Kingdom the group has 11 number-one albums and 16 number-one singles, and it has sold over 55 million records. Its accolades include two Brit Awards and four MTV Awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many members are in Westlife? Four: Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily. Feehily is temporarily away for health reasons.
- Who left Westlife? Brian McFadden, who left in March 2004 to go solo.
- When did Westlife split and reunite? The group disbanded in 2012 and reunited in 2018.
- Where is Westlife from? The group was formed in Sligo, Ireland, in 1998; its origin is given as Sligo and Dublin.
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