Westlife have confirmed that Mark Feehily will not be re-joining the band for their 25th anniversary celebrations, with fans saying the group is not the same without him
Westlife fans are gutted as the band announced Mark Feehily won’t be joining them for their 25th anniversary gigs due to ongoing health struggles. Mark, who shot to fame with Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan and Kian Egan, stepped back from Westlife in February 2024 citing health reasons. Last year, he had surgery for a hernia and battled sepsis during a Covid lockdown in August 2020.
After his operation last August, doctors advised him against rejoining Westlife’s tour to Canada, the US, Mexico and Brazil.
Fans were clinging to hope that Mark would make it back for the group’s big 25-year bash, but he’s confirmed that’s not on the cards. Westlife broke the news to fans on social media Wednesday night, saying: “To our amazing fans, we would like to take this opportunity to share some very important news with you all.
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of our 25th Anniversary celebrations… On the 9th February 2001 we kicked off our first ever world tour at the Newcastle Arena. Who would have thought we would still be here 25 years later?”
“We have so many exciting plans to share with you very soon which will include new music, an album, special shows and many, many more surprises along the way.
“Sadly, Mark will be unable to join the celebrations. We hope he can join us back on stage when he is ready and able. He sends his love and positivity to you all as always.
“The four of us can’t quite believe its been 25 years. We could only have dreamt of the continued love and loyalty you have consistently shown us around the world. We are so lucky to have all of you with us and we can’t wait to celebrate together! Happy 25th To Us All! Love, Kian, Mark, Nicky and Shane x.”
Westlife’s loyal fanbase showed mixed reactions in the comments. One fan expressed their emotional turmoil: “I don’t know whether to cry with happiness that you’re finally coming back for your 25th year anniversary or sob at the fact that Mark won’t be joining you to celebrate it. I’m so overwhelmed.”
Another fan insisted on the group’s unity: “Love you guys… but, Westlife isn’t Westlife without Mark. Three just don’t cut it,” while a third speculated: “I wonder if Brian McFadden will possibly join them for some shows?” Brian McFadden was part of the original lineup until his departure in March 2004.
Mark previously shared about his health issues last year when he stepped back from Westlife. In an emotional post on the band’s official Instagram, he said: “Hello and much love to you all! It’s Mark here. Most of you are aware that I have had some health challenges over the past while. It actually all started 3.5 years ago in August 2020 when I had surgery. Within a few days of this surgery I was in severe pain and was rushed into A&E.”
He went on to say: “I eventually ended that awful day in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) where I was informed that due to a complication with the surgery, I had developed severe sepsis, a life-threatening infection that would require immediate emergency surgery to rectify the problem and basically save my life. I spent the next few months in hospital. It was during lockdown. For months, due to strict Covid restrictions, I was not allowed any visitors including my fiance and my then 10-month-old daughter. It was physically and mentally a very difficult time, not to mention traumatic having to spend so long in ICU.”
Mark disclosed that he was discharged from hospital in December 2020 but has since been dealing with ongoing health problems. He further explained: “In late 2021, I became very ill in Newcastle before a concert and ended up back in A&E, this time being told I had pneumonia. I was told I had to go straight home to recover and regrettably miss the rest of the concerts that December. I was referred to a consultant who told me I needed more surgery which I went ahead with in May 2022 meaning I was forced to miss more of The Wild Dreams tour.
“Three months after that surgery, I tried my best to soldier on for you guys and to go back on tour but unfortunately the physical demands of the concerts and extensive travel were proving too much for me. I developed a very large ‘incisional hernia’ and I was told that I needed further surgery to fix it. This would be my fourth major surgery since the start of it all, but I had no option.”
Thankfully, his latest operation was a success, but Mark has realised he needs to take time out to heal properly. “It is with the utmost level of regret that I must now temporarily stand down from all Westlife touring until a time that I have had the chance to fully recover from the turbulent journey I have been through as an individual,” he admitted, reports the Mirror.
“Believe me, I wish things could be different! I would like to thank you so very much for your support and understanding of me and my health over the past few years.”
He also expressed his heartfelt thanks to his family and medical team for their unwavering support during his health battles. Mark continued: “To Shane, Kian and Nicky, I love you three and I know you’ll knock it out of the park. I’ll be there with you in spirit for each and every show whilst you continue to fly the Westlife flag around the world.”
In a candid admission about his current state, he shared: “But for now, I have to make the right decision for my health and wellbeing, for my family, and for myself as a person. Please don’t worry. Sending the most positive vibes in your direction, I will see you very soon beautiful people! WESTLIFE FOREVER! Love, Mark Feehily xx.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
