As Westlife marks an incredible 25 years in the music industry, celebrations were expected to be in full swing—special shows, new music, and commemorative releases were all teased earlier this year. However, fans have recently taken to social media in unison, urging the band to postpone any major anniversary events until Mark Feehily, one of the group’s founding members and vocal powerhouses, has fully recovered from his ongoing health battles.
A Celebration in Limbo
The Irish pop group, consisting of Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, and Mark Feehily, had hinted at something major for 2025. Their official statement in June read: “This year marks 25 incredible years of Westlife. We’re planning something special—new music, a new album, special shows, and many, many more surprises.” The announcement sent fans into a frenzy. However, a notable absence in promotional appearances and public updates from Mark Feehily has cast a shadow over the upcoming plans.
Mark has been battling health issues since late 2022, when he was forced to pull out of several shows due to a serious illness. Though he has shared occasional updates thanking fans for their support, he has not appeared with the rest of the band for recent public engagements, fueling concern about his condition.
Fans Rally in Support: “No Westlife Without Mark”
In recent weeks, the hashtag #WaitForMark has trended across social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Thousands of fans have posted heartfelt messages urging the band to delay any official anniversary celebrations or album launches until Mark is able to participate fully.
“We’ve waited 25 years with them. We can wait a few more months if it means Mark is there. He’s a huge part of the Westlife sound and spirit,” wrote one user.
“No 25th anniversary without our Mark. His voice, his smile, his presence—he deserves to be front and center when we celebrate this milestone,” another fan posted, garnering over 10,000 likes.
A growing number of fan-led petitions are circulating online, calling for Westlife’s management and label to postpone any album release or tour until Mark is well enough to join the rest of the band. Some fans have even suggested the anniversary should be extended into 2026 to ensure his inclusion.
The Band’s Silence—and Support
So far, Westlife has not issued an official response to the #WaitForMark campaign. However, sources close to the band say the members are aware of the movement and are in regular contact with Feehily. One insider shared with The Irish Independent that the band is “united in support of Mark’s recovery” and that “plans for the 25th anniversary are flexible, depending on how things progress.”
During a recent radio interview in Dublin, Shane Filan hinted at the possibility of adjustments, stating: “We’re planning a lot, but at the heart of everything we do is the four of us—always has been, always will be.” Though he did not mention Mark by name, many fans interpreted the comment as a sign that the group might be willing to delay festivities if needed.
Nicky Byrne, who has also remained active in solo media appearances, recently shared an Instagram story featuring a throwback of all four members, tagging Mark with a heart emoji. Fans saw this as a subtle nod of solidarity.
Mark’s Health Journey
Mark Feehily has always been an integral part of Westlife, not just vocally but emotionally. Known for his powerful ballads and heartfelt delivery, he has often been seen as the soul of the group. His absence from the stage has been deeply felt.
In 2023, Mark revealed that he had undergone major surgery for a chronic condition, and though he was optimistic about his recovery, he admitted that the journey would be slow and unpredictable. Since then, updates have been sparse, though he occasionally posts brief thank-you messages or photos to assure fans that he’s “resting and healing.”
In May 2025, Mark made a brief appearance via video message during a fan Q&A, saying: “I miss you all. I’m taking it one day at a time, and your love has meant everything. I’ll be back when the time is right.”
That “time” remains uncertain, but for fans, his well-being is worth waiting for.
A Legacy Worth Celebrating—Together
Westlife has been a constant in pop music for a quarter of a century. From chart-topping ballads like “Flying Without Wings” and “My Love” to sold-out arena tours across Europe and Asia, the group has remained one of the most successful boy bands in history. Through all the highs and lows—including a brief hiatus and a triumphant reunion in 2018—the one consistent element has been their camaraderie and vocal harmony, something that feels incomplete without Mark.
To fans, celebrating 25 years of Westlife without all four members present feels wrong—not out of disrespect to the others, but because the magic lies in the unity. As one fan on TikTok put it: “Westlife is a four-part harmony. You can’t sing it properly with one part missing.”
What Happens Next?
While no official postponement has been confirmed, it’s clear that the fan base has made its voice heard. Whether Westlife chooses to hold off on celebrations, adjust their rollout, or find another way to include Mark remotely remains to be seen.
For now, fans around the world are united in one message: they’ll be ready to celebrate whenever the full band—including Mark Feehily—is ready.
