Shane Filan, Nicky Bryne and Kian Egan are set to perform at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday and Tuesday night as part of their 25th anniversary celebrations
15:04, 27 Oct 2025Updated 15:05, 27 Oct 2025
This week Westlife will hit the stage at the Royal Albert Hall for two huge concerts celebrating a milestone anniversary.
The London gigs will mark 25 years of the band, coinciding with the release of four brand new songs and the launch of an upcoming world tour. While Shane Filan, Nicky Bryne and Kian Egan will be flying the flag for the Irish boyband, it's been confirmed Mark Feehily will be unable to perform live with the group.
It comes after a number of health setbacks the 45-year-old has faced in recent years - that began with a pneumonia diagnosis in 2022. While Mark might not be attending the tour, fans of the vocal powerhouse will be thrilled to know he will be part of the celebrations in voice.
Mark's distinct vocals can be heard on new track Chariot, penned by songwriting maestro Ed Sheeran, as well as several tracks on the band's new album.
In June, Mark's absence from the coming shows was announced as part of a length to announce their anniversary plans. The band said in a statement: "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 & Shane x."
Mark addresses illness in his own words
Last year, Mark announced a temporary departure from Westlife just days before first ever tour of America.
Taking to Instagram at the time, he wrote: '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.
'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.'
He added: '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.
'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.'
'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.'
Confirming his temporary hiatus from the band, he added: 'It is with the upmost level of regret that I must now temporarily stand down from all Westlife touring until a time ote: that I have had the chance to fully recover from the turbulent journey I have been through as an individual.
'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.
The band's response
Despite the vocal powerhouse's absence on the road, bandmate Shane fans would be thrilled to hear Mark on their new tracks including Chariot that was released on Friday
In an interview with Irish outlet RTE News, Shane delighted fans by giving an update on Mark, saying: 'He's unable to join the tour unfortunately as he's mentioned already but being on the new song is very important...
'He's still a member of this band obviously and he's sounding great on the new songs. We've got four new songs and an album coming out after Christmas...
'A greatest hits compilation with four new songs but the new song that's out next friday is a really upbeat tune and it's great to have him on there."