| Westlife |
“After 14 years, 26 top 10 hits including 14 number one singles, 11 top five 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,” the band said in a statement.
Long time readers of the Irish Voice know that this reporter believes Westlife’s reign has gone on about 13 years longer than it should have. Then again, credit must be given to them for sticking it out that long, when bands like Boyzone and Take That have broken up AND staged reunions in that same timeframe.
According to wire reports, all is friendly among the aging heart throbs.
“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,” the band said.
“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. Westlife has been a dream come true for all of us.”
Well, you know what they say. One man’s dream is another’s nightmare, and this reviewer is waking up to a brand new morning of sunshine!
On the same week we had news of this break up comes word of a possible make up. Liam Gallagher tells Rolling Stone that he would consider reconciling with his brother Noel to reunite Oasis for the 20th anniversary of the release of (What's the Story) Morning Glory.
"In 2015, if we can put our s*** aside, we can tour and play the album in its entirety for the 20th anniversary," he says. "I'd be up for that, if it's on our terms. There's got to be two-way respect."
Could these boys be on the same hymn book in their church pew at long last? During a radio interview in August, Noel Gallagher said that breaking up Oasis was a rash decision.
"We could maybe have all gone off and done other things for a few years," he said. "In my own head the 2015, 20-year anniversary of Morning Glory is looming and we could have maybe come back, made a new album and played that album in its entirety and gone and been the greatest thing ever, but there you go."
The two brothers no longer speak, but Liam tells Rolling Stone that Noel's public comments got him thinking about the anniversary tour.
"He's the one that keeps mentioning it," says Liam. "I want to put him out of his misery. But I think he needs to do his solo thing first and realize he's not that good without his brother. He's got to find out for himself.
“I'm up for it – I'm not desperate for it. If it doesn't work out, I don't give a s***, I'm quite happy with (current band) Beady Eye."
He should be happy with Beady Eye because they rock like the world is coming to an end tomorrow on their Different Gear, Still Speeding release.
Rolling Stone interviewed Noel last month about the possibility and he said, "Liam has said that the idea makes him vomit and it would never happen. So I don't need to add anything to that. I don't need the f*** money, but I think it's a shame that songs like 'Champagne Supernova’ and 'Rock and Roll Star' 'will never be played again."
He continued, "There's bands that say, 'We don't want to get back together. We'd have to make a new record.' Why? F*** a new record. No one gives a s*** about your new record. "
Okay then! Noel does have a point. The band’s output has been spotty (you caught me in a generous mood, what can I say?) since What’s the Story, so he all but confirms that Oasis has been an oldies band for more years than we all care to admit.
So, count on the deluxe, remastered version of the Oasis classic, no doubt complete with commemorative booklet and DVD of the brothers slagging one another, available in three years. I might not buy it, but I would stand in line to see it live!
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