Westlife’s Mark Feehily has subtly called out former bandmate Brian McFadden over his ongoing performances of Westlife hits — despite McFadden leaving the band nearly two decades ago, citing creative differences.
In a recent interview, Mark hinted at confusion and mild frustration over McFadden’s participation in the Boyzlife project — a duo with Boyzone’s Keith Duffy — which regularly features covers of Westlife classics. “Brian left because he felt Westlife wasn’t the right musical fit for him,” Feehily noted. “He said the melodies weren’t really his thing. So it’s a bit strange now to see him performing the same songs.”
Brian McFadden left Westlife in 2004 to pursue a solo career, claiming he wasn’t aligned with the group’s sound or direction. At the time, it was seen as a respectful, if bittersweet, split. But in recent years, McFadden has reignited debate among fans by revisiting Westlife’s biggest ballads — hits he helped write and perform — during his Boyzlife shows.
Mark didn’t outright criticize McFadden, but his comments clearly signal discomfort: “I don’t mind people celebrating the music, but there’s a difference between nostalgia and rewriting history.”
Westlife — now a tight four-piece with Kian Egan, Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, and Feehily — has continued to enjoy chart success and sold-out tours, most recently with their comeback album Wild Dreams. Meanwhile, Boyzlife has carved out its own niche, appealing to fans of ’90s pop with covers and tour memories from both Westlife and Boyzone.
Still, for die-hard Westlife fans, Feehily’s remark may strike a chord: is performing the songs you once walked away from a tribute… or a contradiction?
