As Westlife prepares to marked 25 years in music, the band has revealed exciting details about their upcoming album—set to drop in October 2025—featuring songwriting contributions from Ed Sheeran and Westlife’s very own Mark Feehily, who reportedly penned songs from his sick bed.
Despite their close musical connection, the band admitted they have yet to meet Sheeran in person. “We haven’t actually met Ed,” Shane Filan shared in an interview with Smooth Radio. “He’s been touring for the past few years, so our paths haven’t crossed. But he’s written five songs for our album, working alongside our longtime producer Steve Mac, who’s been with us from the beginning.”
Shane explained that when Westlife reunited, they were determined not to just ride the wave of nostalgia. “We didn’t just want to tour—we wanted to create something fresh, meaningful, and exciting for fans old and new,” he said. That dream unexpectedly aligned with Sheeran and Mac already working on songs suited to the band’s signature style. “It’s like the stars just aligned. We didn’t even know they were writing for us. It was meant to be.”
The upcoming album is expected to blend Westlife’s classic emotional ballads with a modern pop twist. Mark Feehily, known for his rich vocals and songwriting talent, also played a major role, contributing even while recovering from health issues—a testament to his dedication to the music and the fans.
The band will showcase their new music live at their massive 25th-anniversary concerts on October 27 and 28, 2025, at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The shows promise to be a celebration of Westlife’s journey, featuring a mix of their greatest hits and new material that fans are eagerly waiting to hear.
Nicky Byrne expressed his surprise and gratitude that Ed Sheeran had been a fan of the band growing up. “It’s amazing to think someone like Ed, who’s now one of the biggest names in music, used to listen to our songs. That makes this collaboration even more special,” he said.
