In a powerful and emotional moment for Westlife fans around the world, Mark Feehily has spoken publicly for the first time about his long and difficult health journey. The heartfelt conversation took place on July 28, 2025, during a new episode of bandmate Nicky Byrne’s podcast. Mark’s deeply personal reflections moved fans to tears, particularly as he described what it felt like to watch Westlife perform their 25th anniversary shows without him—a feeling he described as “out of body.”
The interview marked a rare and vulnerable moment for the singer, who has largely kept the details of his health struggles private over the past few years. Speaking with Nicky, not just as a host but as a close friend, Mark shared how it felt to be away from the stage, recovering from multiple surgeries, while the rest of the band continued to tour. He opened up about the heartbreak of missing those once-in-a-lifetime moments and the emotional weight of not being able to share in the celebrations with his fellow bandmates and fans.
His description of sitting at home and watching Westlife’s 25th anniversary concerts unfold on screen resonated deeply with listeners. “It was like an out-of-body experience,” Mark said, recounting how surreal and painful it was to witness the band’s milestone without being a part of it. That single comment alone left fans devastated, prompting an outpouring of support across social media, where messages of love and encouragement flooded in within hours of the podcast’s release.
The conversation was more than just a reflection on physical health—it was a touching exploration of the emotional journey that often goes unseen. Nicky, with empathy and familiarity, gave Mark the space to speak openly, resulting in a raw and genuine exchange that fans described as both heartbreaking and healing. The bond between the two bandmates was evident, creating a deeply human moment that extended far beyond music.
This podcast episode has already been hailed as one of the most moving and memorable pieces of Westlife’s history. For many fans, hearing Mark finally tell his story in his own words was not only emotional—it was affirming. It reminded listeners of the depth behind the voices they’ve loved for decades and underscored the importance of compassion, patience, and unity, both on and off the stage.