London: Chart-topping Irish boyband Westlife, who have been delighting fans for the past 14 years, have announced they are splitting next year.
Following a greatest hits album and a farewell tour, the Irish foursome – Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan – have announced they will part ways amicably, reported Daily Mail online.
“After 14 years, 26 top ten hits including 14 number one singles, 11 top 5 albums, seven of which hit the top spot and have collectively sold over 44 million copies around the world, 10 sell-out tours and countless memories that we will forever cherish, we today announce our plan to go our separate ways after a greatest hits collection this Christmas and a farewell tour next year,” read a statement released by the band.
“The decision is entirely amicable and after spending all of our adult life together so far, we want to have a well-earned break and look at new ventures. We see the greatest hits collection and the farewell tour as the perfect way to celebrate our incredible career along with our fans. We are really looking forward to getting out on the tour and seeing our fans one last time,” it added.
Westlife, who had a total of 14 number one hit singles, including ‘Swear it Again’ and ‘Flying Without Wings’ – thanked their fans for supporting them over the years and revealed their time together has been a dream come true.
The band launched as a five-piece in 1998 but Irish singer Brian McFadden quit the group in 2004 to spend more time with his family and work on solo projects. (PTI)