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06-11-02 news EXCLUSIVE WITH PHOTOS
Westlife: History So Far...

In February 1998 pop svengali Louis Walsh launched an unknown band named IOU, they are now better known as Westlife.

IOU

Louis wanted to make sure the mistakes he learnt with Boyzone were not repeated with IOU. He also appointed Ronan Keating as their manager.

By October of that year Louis dropped three members of IOU and brought in two Dubliners Bryan McFadden and Nicky Byrne. He also changed the band's name to Westside, and later to Westlife after an LA band, called Westside threatened legal action.

Fresh faces: Nicky Byrne & Bryan McFadden

In 1999 their first single 'Swear it Again' reached No.1 in the UK, only to be followed by 'If I Let You go' some three months later.

Their debut album Westlife was also a big hit. In December the double A sided single 'I Have A Dream/ Seasons In The Sun' became their first Christmas No.1.

They also become the first act to have four No.1's in a year, and in March 2000 Mark Feehily, Shane Filan and Kian Egan's hometown honor Westlife with the freedom of Sligo.

Their next hit 'Fool Again' and their duet with Mariah Carey 'Against All Odds' become the fifth and sixth No.1's in a row.

The single 'My Love' gives them their 7th No.1, while the album 'Coast To Coast' beats the Spice Girls to the No.1 spot. The end of Girl Power as we knew it...

In December 2000 their attempt for the Christmas No.1 fails, 'What Makes A Man' only reaches the No.2 slot.

Not ones to give up the lads bounce back with the cover version of Billy Joel's 'Uptown Girl' in aid of Comic Relief.

In September 2001 Kerry Katona gives birth to Bryan's first child Molly.

November sees the bands ninth No.1 with 'Queen of My Heart' and third hit album 'World of our Own'.

In January 2002 Bryan breaks the hearts of many fans, he and Kerry are married.

In May they start their World tour.

Their first self-written track 'Bop Bop Baby' gives them their lowest chart position, a lowly No.5.

This week, Westlife, launch their Greatest Hits Album with a signing session in HMV Grafton Street.

The album will contain their new single 'Unbreakable'.

Watch out for a Greatest Hits tour in 2003 and if you can't wait that long you can catch them in January's Childline concert - Nicky and Bryan will present the show.

Get your Westlife Ringtones here