Westlife part ways with record label and announce HUGE 2021 plans

A new album and tour = INCOMING!

Author: Alex RossPublished 9th Feb 2021

Westlife have released a lengthy statement on social media confirming they've parted ways with their record label EMI Records.

The popular Irish group, made up of Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Markus Feehily, cleared up reports they had been 'dropped', by revealing it was actually due to a 'change of leadership and a breakdown of contractual negotiations'.

The boys wrote online, 'Hi everyone, we hope you are safe and well. We have some big news we'd like to share with you. Due to a change of leadership and a breakdown of contractual negotiations, we have parted company with EMI Records by mutual consent.

'We enjoyed our time with the label and are very proud of the huge success we achieved together, including our number one album Spectrum and we're humble to be the label's biggest selling UK signed artist of that year.'

However, this is no means BAD news for fans! 🙌

The popular group went on to announce some major plans for the next 18 months, including a brand new album this year, and a their 'biggest ever' world tour.

The statement continued, 'This change allows us to embark on a very exciting new chapter. The next 18-months is shaping up to be our biggest yet, including a groundbreaking global partnership which will be announcing imminently.

'We can also reveal we have started work on our brand new album due for release later this year.

'Lastly, the most exciting part of all, is that we get to see all of you again and it’s been a long time coming, as we embark on our biggest ever world tour.

'This will take us across 5 continents including a sold out Wembley Stadium and for the first time ever, we will be bringing our live shows to America.' (sic)

Check out Westlife's amazing career below:

Westlife - 1999


Westlife - 2000


Westlife - 2001


Westlife - 2001


Westlife with singer Lulu (2002)


Westlife in 2004

Westlife's Bryan McFadden and his ex band mates pose for the last time with Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne,Shane Filan and Kian Egan.

Westlife are presented with a special plaque - 2005


Westlife arrive at The Brit Awards (2006)


Westlife attend a book-signing at Waterstones (2008)


Westlife perform at Hampton Court Palace Festival (2011)


Westlife perform on stage during the band's farewell tour at O2 Arena (2012)


Following an amazing career, Westlife reunited back in 2018 without former member Brian McFadden.

Following six-years apart, Shane, Nicky, Kian and Markus announced their comeback to excited fans following months of speculation, and later announced their 'The Twenty Tour' to celebrate the band's 20th anniversary.

As well as the sold-out tour, Westlife also released a brand new album 'Spectrum', featuring their comeback single 'Hello My Love', which was written by the one and only Ed Sheeran.

It's understood Westlife will release more exciting details about their new album and tour in the coming weeks.

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