For over two decades, Westlife has been the soundtrack of love, heartbreak, and nostalgia for millions across the globe. With timeless ballads like Flying Without Wings, My Love, and You Raise Me Up, the Irish boy band has built a legacy that continues to grow stronger, even after 25 years in the music industry. Now, as part of their The Wild Dreams world tour, Westlife is set to make history — by performing in India for the very first time.
In an exclusive conversation, Shane Filan — one of the band’s lead vocalists — opened up about this exciting milestone, the emotional bond with their Indian fans, and what the audience can expect from their upcoming shows in the country.
A Long-Awaited Visit to India
“It’s something we’ve wanted to do for a very long time,” Shane says with palpable excitement. “We’ve known for years that we had fans in India — we’ve seen the messages, the tweets, the comments — and it’s been incredible. But for one reason or another, we’ve never made it over. Now, with The Wild Dreams tour, we said to ourselves: this is the time. We have to make it happen.”
Westlife’s India leg is part of their expansive world tour that has already captivated audiences across Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. For many Indian fans who grew up in the late 90s and early 2000s, Westlife wasn’t just another boy band — they were the boy band. Their music played at weddings, breakups, and high school dances. In many ways, this tour is not just a concert — it’s a reunion of memories.
Setlist Full of Nostalgia
Shane promises that the concerts in India will be a heartfelt mix of nostalgia and fresh energy.
“We know what the fans want — and we’re going to give them that. They’re going to hear Swear It Again, World of Our Own, When You’re Looking Like That, and of course, My Love. We’ll definitely be performing all the classics,” Shane confirms. “But we’ll also introduce them to tracks from our newer albums, especially from The Wild Dreams. It’s going to be a musical journey through our entire career.”
He hints that the live shows will be more than just singing hit after hit. The band has worked hard to create an emotional experience — complete with stunning visuals, live instrumentation, and intimate moments where they speak directly to the crowd. “It’s about connection. That’s what music is supposed to do, and that’s what we aim for on this tour,” he adds.
Celebrating 25 Years of Westlife
It’s not lost on Shane how significant this tour is — not just for fans, but for the band itself.
“This year, we’re celebrating 25 years of Westlife,” he says with a touch of disbelief. “It’s been a beautiful journey. We started out as young lads from Ireland with big dreams. Now, here we are, playing all over the world and still doing what we love. It’s honestly a blessing.”
He reflects on how their music has matured, just as their lives have. “We’re older now — most of us have families. Our perspective has changed. But when we’re on that stage, singing those songs, it feels just like the old days. The energy, the passion — it’s all still there.”
Why India Now?
When asked why it took so long for the band to perform in India, Shane is candid. “There are so many factors that go into world tours — logistics, promoters, timing. But India has always been on our radar. We knew there was love for us there. We just had to find the right moment. And now, with everything we’ve built up, it’s the perfect time.”
He also acknowledges the growing global influence of Indian audiences. “The world is realizing how important India is — not just in terms of numbers, but in passion. Indian fans are incredibly loyal, and we’ve felt that love from afar for a long time.”
A Promise of Magic
As the concerts approach, Shane leaves a message for Indian fans: “Get ready for an unforgettable night. This isn’t just a show — it’s a celebration. Whether you’ve been with us since Swear It Again, or you’ve just discovered us, we want you there. Come sing with us. Come dream with us. This is for you.”
What to Expect at the Show
Westlife’s India shows are expected to follow the successful format of their previous Wild Dreams concerts. Fans can anticipate:
- A Full Live Band: With orchestral arrangements to elevate their biggest ballads.
- Dazzling Production: Including LED screens, visual storytelling, and themed segments.
- Interactive Moments: The band is known for engaging directly with fans during the show.
- A Carefully Curated Setlist: Covering everything from their debut album to recent releases.
- Special Surprises: Shane hints at possible unique moments tailored just for the Indian audience.
Looking Ahead
While Shane doesn’t confirm whether this will be the start of more frequent visits to India, he’s hopeful.
“If the shows go well — and we believe they will — we’ll definitely be back. India deserves more Westlife. And we’d love to see more of it too,” he says with a grin.
For Indian fans who have waited over two decades to sing along to their favorite Irish band live, the moment has finally arrived. Westlife is not just performing in India — they’re coming with open arms, timeless songs, and a promise to make it all worthwhile.
And for Shane Filan and his bandmates, it’s not just about performing — it’s about creating new memories with old friends, in a land they’re finally about to discover for themselves.
Tour Dates & Ticket Information:
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About Westlife:
Formed in 1998 in Ireland, Westlife consists of Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, and Mark Feehily. The band has sold over 55 million records worldwide and holds the record for the most consecutive number-one singles in the UK. After a brief hiatus, the group reunited in 2018 and has since released new music and embarked on major world tours. Their latest album, Wild Dreams, showcases their evolution as artists while staying true to the harmonies and heartfelt lyrics that made them iconic.
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