So.... Westlife Are No More....
Well, after the release of their new single 'Lighthouse' on the 13th of November... and eh the release of their 'Greatest Hits' album on the 21st of November... oh and after their Farewell tour.... THEN Westlife will be no more.
Sigh.... I could easily give way to the many caustic, cynical remarks bubbling up inside me, but the truth of the matter is I dont really have any real basis for them as I have never been a fan, never seen them in concert and never bought a single. But I do recongise that, as four guys who sing on stage, they must be good entertainers to have kept going this long.
You see, growing up, I never felt anything for Take That. In fact, I was very much anti the boy band culture. However on attending their live show in Croker earlier this year, I found that it was one of the best atmospheres I'd ever experienced at a live gig. It was a turnaround for me - and momentarily, or for that couple of hours at least - I knew what all those Take That fans had been talking about for all those years. I didnt really talk about it too much afterwards. I had to grapple with my newfound respect - and so, going on that experience, and the fact that I have never been to a Westlife gig, I have decided I can't really comment on their entertainment skills. Hence the disappointing lack of caustic remarks.
The facts however are clear - they have, for 14 years, remained clean cut, polite, very well dressed and devoid of any major scandal. Also, one cannot deny their 26 top ten hits including 14 number one singles, 11 top 5 albums which have collectively sold over 44 million copies around the world and 10 sell out tours. They have certainly been a successful brand and as a result of this, there will be hoards of women feeling very despondent at the news of their parting of ways.
HOWEVER it has to be pointed out, to those of you who are crying into your coffees, to those of you who are pouring your heart out on facebook (please stop, no really, please ....) and especially, and perhaps more seriously, to those of you who are genuinely feeling very low about the situtaion - please remember - THEY HAVE NOT DIED!!!!! They are very much still in existence. They are merely taking a break until they feel the need to start earning again - at which time, probably some point in the not so distant future - they will probably do the same as most successful boybands before them i.e. try to squeeze a few more euro out of their faithful fans by staging a big comeback, re-union tour. They will also most likely release at least two more greatest hits albums after this next one and who knows, they might even all write books about their success....
Shoot! The 'caustic' came out despite my best efforts.
Liz Greehy.
Your Comments
If you were logged in you could add a comment to this article. If you are not yet a member why not join now...