Beloved Irish pop group Westlife recently appeared on ITV’s This Morning to reveal exciting news that has sent fans into a frenzy. The chart-topping quartet—Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, and Mark Feehily—have officially announced a brand-new tour and an upcoming album, both of which feature a surprising but thrilling collaboration with global superstar Ed Sheeran.
After more than two decades in the music industry, Westlife’s popularity remains undiminished. Known for their harmonious vocals, heartfelt ballads, and anthemic pop hits like “Flying Without Wings” and “You Raise Me Up,” the band continues to evolve while maintaining the nostalgic sound their fans love. This time, they are blending their classic style with modern songwriting influences, courtesy of Ed Sheeran.
A New Era for Westlife
On This Morning, the group radiated excitement as they shared details about their next chapter. Speaking with hosts Holly Willoughby and Dermot O’Leary, Westlife unveiled their plans for a massive world tour, set to begin in early 2026. Titled The Gravity Tour, it promises to be their most ambitious and emotionally powerful tour yet.
“This is more than just a tour,” said Shane Filan. “It’s about reconnecting with our fans around the world, telling our story through music, and celebrating the journey we’ve all been on. We’ve never been more excited to hit the stage.”
The Gravity Tour will span across the UK, Europe, Asia, and parts of North and South America, with performances in iconic venues such as London’s O2 Arena, Dublin’s Croke Park, and Madison Square Garden in New York. The band also hinted at special guests and surprise performances along the way.
The Album: A Blend of Nostalgia and New Beginnings
Accompanying the tour is Westlife’s yet-to-be-titled studio album, slated for release in late 2025. It marks the group’s 13th studio album and follows their 2019 comeback with Spectrum and the 2021 follow-up Wild Dreams, both of which were commercially successful and received warmly by fans and critics.
What sets this upcoming album apart is their collaboration with Ed Sheeran, who has previously written for the group, penning hits like “Hello My Love” and “Better Man.” This time, however, Sheeran has taken on a larger creative role—not only co-writing several tracks but also co-producing the album alongside his frequent collaborator, Steve Mac.
“Ed just gets us,” said Kian Egan. “He knows how to write songs that are both fresh and deeply emotional. Working with him again, but in a bigger way, has really brought something magical to this album.”
A Deepened Collaboration with Ed Sheeran
The band’s chemistry with Sheeran was a major talking point during the This Morning interview. Nicky Byrne described the creative process as “effortless,” saying that Ed was “like a fifth member of Westlife in the studio.”
“Ed would come in with just a guitar and some lyrics scribbled on a napkin, and within an hour, we’d be laying down vocals for a potential single,” Mark Feehily added. “He’s a genius with melodies and structure. He brings a modernity that feels very natural for us.”
While the group kept most of the tracklist under wraps, they did tease a few song titles, including “Timeless Skies,” “Gravity,” and a duet between Mark and Ed titled “Home Again,” which is already being hailed by insiders as a potential chart-topper.
A Connection With Fans, Old and New
Westlife’s interview on This Morning also touched on the emotional side of their reunion and new material. For many fans, Westlife’s music represents more than just catchy tunes—it’s a soundtrack to major life moments. The band is well aware of that responsibility.
“We’re parents now. We’re husbands, we’ve been through loss and change. All of that is reflected in this album,” Shane said. “There’s a maturity in the lyrics, but it still has that classic Westlife heart.”
What’s clear is that Westlife are not resting on their laurels. Their continued evolution, combined with a heartfelt connection to their fan base, proves that they remain one of the most enduring pop groups in music history.
Looking Ahead
As tickets for The Gravity Tour are expected to sell out quickly, fans are already bracing for high demand. The band has encouraged fans to register early and follow their official website and social media channels for updates. Pre-orders for the album will open soon, with exclusive bundles that include early access to tickets, behind-the-scenes content, and even the chance to meet the band.
Their appearance on This Morning served as the perfect launchpad for this new era. With Ed Sheeran in the mix, a tour that spans continents, and an album promising emotional depth and soaring melodies, Westlife are clearly ready to soar higher than ever before.
As Kian summed it up: “This isn’t just a comeback. It’s a celebration of everything Westlife has ever stood for—love, loyalty, and the power of music to bring people together.”
Stay tuned for more updates from Westlife, including tour dates, exclusive interviews, and previews of their new songs. The journey has only just begun.
