In a heartfelt look back, Westlife’s Kian Egan has shared some emotionally charged reflections on the band’s early split and the lasting impact it had — particularly on fellow bandmate Mark Feehily. In his new autobiography, Kian doesn’t hold back as he talks about the day Brian McFadden left the group in 2004, right before a major tour. According to Kian, the departure wasn’t just inconvenient — it was deeply upsetting for the remaining members. The timing alone left the group blindsided, and emotions ran high as they were forced to make difficult decisions about the band’s future.
Kian reflects on that tense time with honesty, revealing that Brian’s sudden exit stirred up more than just disappointment. There was hurt and even resentment. He explains how Brian had expressed dissatisfaction with Westlife’s musical direction, which cut deep for the others who had poured their souls into the work. This criticism didn’t just challenge their sound — it questioned their identity as a group. The emotional toll was significant, but it was Mark Feehily who seemed to carry the heaviest burden.
Mark, known for his introspective and emotionally rich nature, felt Brian’s departure on a more personal level. For him, Westlife wasn’t just a career — it was a passion project, a creative family, and a part of who he was. Hearing someone he was close to speak negatively about the band’s music was, for Mark, more than a professional disagreement. It felt like a personal betrayal. According to Kian, Mark retreated into himself during that period, struggling with the emotional weight of what had just happened.
The uncertainty of what came next added to the pressure. With Brian gone, the future of Westlife hung in the balance. The group was at a crossroads, not knowing if they could—or even should—continue. Other bands had collapsed after losing members, and that possibility loomed large. But despite all the doubts and emotional wounds, Kian says that the group didn’t break. They bent, yes, and the pain was real, but the bond between them held firm beneath it all.
Years later, the band’s reunion and continued success stand as proof of their resilience. Kian’s candid recollection gives fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the heartbreak, confusion, and strength it took to move forward. While the departure of a member is never easy, it became a defining chapter in Westlife’s story — one that brought them closer and revealed just how deeply they cared about the music, and about each other.
