Fears for Westlife star, not seen for a year, as group announce reunion without him

One of the biggest boy bands of the noughties has announced a reunion – but one member, not seen for a year, won’t be taking part.

A beloved pop star will miss his group’s 25th anniversary as fears grow for his wellbeing.

The singer was last seen a year ago and will be “unable to join the celebrations”.

Westlife formed in 1998, and kicked off their first ever world tour, Where Dreams Come True Tour, at the Newcastle Arena on February 9, 2001.

The Irish lads – Brian McFadden, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne and Shane Filan – went on to release 12 studio albums and had a huge 14 number one UK hit singles.

Brian left in 2004.

Now to mark the special tour milestone, the remaining boyband members have launched their 25th anniversary celebrations.

But Kian, Nicky, and Shane will have to celebrate without Mark.

It’s been a year since Mark’s last interaction with fans, where he posted a video saying “Happy pride month everybody.”

Westlife members, L-R: Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan, circa 2011. Picture: AP Photo

In February 28, 2024, Mark announced he had to pull out of ALL shows to “fully recover” after undergoing surgery.

The star said the “physical demands” of the concerts and extensive travel proved “too much” for him and so he would “temporarily stand down from all Westlife touring”.

The dad-of-one opened up on his secret surgery hell, telling fans how he’s gone under the knife for the fourth time since 2020 after medics found a “very large incisional hernia”.

During those four years, the singer battled pneumonia as well as sepsis – a crippling infection that can be fatal.

Fellow Westlife band members Nicky, Shane and Kian broke their silence at the time to reveal they “completely respect” dad-of-one Mark’s decision.

Now they have shared that Mark will be missing from the tour again as they posted a statement to Instagram

Feehily in the band’s early noughties heyday.

Feehily's most recent Insta post, pictured, was in June 2024.

Titled Westlife 25, it read: “To our amazing fans,

“We would like to take this opportunity to share some very important news with you all.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of our 25th Anniversary celebrations …”

It continued: “Who would have thought we would still be here 25 years later?

“We have so many exciting plans to share with you very soon which will include new music, an album, special shows and many, many more surprises along the way.”

The notice then added: “Sadly, Mark will be unable to join the celebrations.

“We hope he can join us back on stage when he is ready and able.

“He sends his love and positivity to you all as always.

“The four of us can’t quite believe it’s been 25 years.

“We could only have dreamt of the continued love and loyalty you have consistently with shown us around the world.

“We are so lucky to have all of you with us and we can’t wait to celebrate together.”

In the comments, fans were devastated with one person writing: “Love you guys … BUT, westlife isn’t westlife without Mark. 3 just don’t cut it.”

Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan and Shane Filan from Westlife.

A second said: “I don’t know whether to cry with happiness that you’re finally coming back for your 25th year anniv or sob at the fact that mark won’t be joining you to celebrate it. I’m so overwhelmed …”

A third penned: “Sending a huge love to @markusmoments we really hope that he is OK!

“We love you Mark! And amazing news boys! We can’t wait for all these new things come on our way! Much love!”

Someone else echoed: “What happened to Mark?

“I remember reading that he was going to have surgery, but that was about two years ago. I’ll be hoping and praying for his recovery!”

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission.

Originally published as Fears for Westlife star, not seen for a year, as group announce reunion without him