For the first time in Westlife’s 25-year career, Mark Feehily found himself not on stage with his bandmates, but watching from the sidelines — and the experience, he says, was nothing short of surreal. In a deeply personal update shared with fans following Westlife’s sold-out 25th anniversary shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Feehily described watching Shane Filan, Kian Egan, and Nicky Byrne perform without him as an “out of body” moment filled with emotion, pride, and longing.
The shows — grand, orchestral celebrations of Westlife’s legacy alongside the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra — were among the most anticipated performances in the band’s history. However, they were also marked by the noticeable absence of one of the group’s founding voices. Mark, who has been on an extended health-related break from touring, remained behind the scenes, cheering on his bandmates from afar while continuing to recover from complications following a serious sepsis diagnosis and subsequent surgery in 2023.
Mark Opens Up: “It Was an Out of Body Experience”
In a heartfelt message posted to his social media accounts and Westlife’s official website, Feehily expressed a mix of emotions about witnessing the milestone event from a distance:
“Watching the guys on that stage, in such a beautiful setting with the Royal Philharmonic behind them, singing the songs we’ve sung together for 25 years — it felt like I was outside of myself. It was beautiful, emotional, and honestly, a little painful. Like I was hovering just outside of the moment.”
He continued:
“I’ve spent over half my life performing with Westlife. Being away from the stage during such a historic celebration has been tough. But I’m so proud of Shane, Kian, and Nicky — they sounded amazing, and the love from the fans poured through every screen and speaker.”
Feehily also thanked fans for the overwhelming messages of support he’s received since news broke that he would not be participating in the anniversary shows.
“You’ve reminded me why we do this — it’s always been about connection, about music that brings people together. I feel that connection now more than ever, even from afar.”
Westlife’s Tribute to Mark on Stage
During the Royal Albert Hall performances, the remaining members of Westlife didn’t shy away from addressing Mark’s absence. In fact, they embraced it head-on with a moving tribute that left many fans in tears.
Before performing the group’s classic ballad “Flying Without Wings,” Shane Filan addressed the crowd:
“This one is for our brother Mark, who couldn’t be here tonight but is always with us in spirit. We love you, and we can’t wait to have you back where you belong — on this stage with us.”
Fans held up signs reading “We Miss You Mark” and “Westlife Will Always Be Four,” turning the performance into a powerful collective moment of support and longing. Some even described it as one of the most emotionally charged moments in Westlife’s history.
Health Comes First: The Road to Recovery
Mark’s absence stems from ongoing recovery following a health scare in late 2023, when he was hospitalized with sepsis, a potentially life-threatening infection that required emergency surgery. While he has been making progress, he has been advised by doctors to avoid the physical and emotional demands of touring until he is fully recovered.
In his latest update, Feehily shared:
“I’m getting stronger every day. Recovery hasn’t been a straight line, but I’m on the right path. The support from my bandmates, my family, and the fans has kept me going. I promise I’ll be back — when I do return, I want to give you 100% of myself, not anything less.”
What’s Next for Westlife — And for Mark
Despite his absence from the stage, Mark remains an active part of Westlife’s creative process. The group has confirmed that new music is in the works, with Mark contributing vocals and input from the studio as his health allows. A new single — expected to drop later this summer — will mark the band’s first release since 2021’s Wild Dreams, and is said to reflect themes of resilience, hope, and the enduring bond between the four members.
There are also rumors that Mark will appear in the upcoming Westlife 25 documentary, currently in production, which will include archival footage, behind-the-scenes clips, and personal interviews. His voice, presence, and reflections on his journey with Westlife will be central to the story, even if he’s not currently on tour.
*“Even though I wasn’t there physically,” Mark said, “I felt deeply connected to the anniversary shows — through the music, through the fans, and through the brotherhood that we’ve built over 25 years.”
A Band of Brothers, A Story Still Unfolding
Westlife’s journey — from humble beginnings in Sligo and Dublin to global pop stardom — has always been rooted in friendship, loyalty, and a shared love of music. Mark Feehily’s candid words, and the band’s ongoing support for his recovery, reflect the authenticity that has kept them together for a quarter of a century.
While fans may have felt the absence of Mark’s unmistakable vocals on stage, his presence was undeniably felt — in every lyric, in every tribute, and in every emotional note that resonated throughout the Royal Albert Hall.
Mark Feehily’s “out of body” experience is a reminder that even when someone isn’t physically present, their spirit and influence can still echo powerfully through the music. And if one thing is certain, it’s this: Westlife’s story is far from over — and when Mark returns, the reunion will be nothing short of extraordinary.
