Westlife fans have been left deeply moved after Mark Feehily shared an emotional and honest update about his ongoing health battles, explaining why he won’t be part of the band’s much-anticipated 25th anniversary concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall on October 27 and 28, 2025. In a heartfelt message, the singer expressed his regret at stepping away from the celebrations but emphasized that his health must come first after years of serious medical complications.
Mark’s health challenges began in August 2020 when a routine surgical procedure took a frightening turn. He was rushed to the hospital in extreme pain just days after surgery, where doctors discovered he had developed sepsis—a life-threatening infection. He required emergency surgery and spent time in intensive care during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The period was especially difficult, as strict hospital regulations kept him isolated from his partner and their young daughter, compounding the emotional toll.
Although he was eventually discharged from the hospital in December 2020, his struggles continued. In 2021, Mark fell ill again—this time with pneumonia—forcing him to miss several performances. Another surgery followed in May 2022, but his condition worsened shortly afterward with the appearance of a large incisional hernia. He was faced with yet another operation, his fourth major surgery in just a few years. Despite his efforts to remain part of Westlife’s tour schedule, his health made it impossible to continue without risking further complications.
Following his most recent operation, Mark confirmed the surgery had gone well, but the road to full recovery will require patience and rest. As a result, he has made the difficult decision to step away from all upcoming tour commitments until he is fully healed. In his message, he thanked his fans for their steadfast love and support, and expressed deep appreciation for his family—especially his daughter—for being his greatest source of strength during these challenging times. He also paid tribute to his Westlife bandmates Shane Filan, Kian Egan, and Nicky Byrne, acknowledging their friendship and support.
Mark ended his message with a note of hope and resilience. Though devastated to miss out on celebrating Westlife’s milestone with fans, he reassured everyone that he is making the best decision for his well-being and his future with the band. As he continues to recover, the overwhelming wave of support from fans around the world is a powerful reminder that he’s not alone—and that the Westlife family remains as strong as ever.
