Westlife singer Mark Feehily, 43, has announced he is leaving the band days before their world tour. The group originally consisted of Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan and Brian McFadden – who left in 2004.
Mark took to the band’s official Instagram account and shared a lengthy message. He said: “Hello and much love to you all! It’s Mark here.. Most of you are aware that I have had some health problems recently. It actually all started 3.5 years ago in August 2020 when I had surgery.Within days of this surgery I was in severe pain and had an acute emergency run-in.
“I eventually ended that horrible day in the intensive care unit where I was told that due to a complication with the surgery I had developed severe ‘sepsis’ a life threatening infection that would require immediate emergency surgery to correct the problem and basically save my life. I spent the next few months in hospital. It was under lockdown. For months, due to strict Covid restrictions, I was not allowed any visitors including my fiance and my then 10 month old daughter. It was physically and mentally a very difficult time, not to mention traumatic to have to spend so long in the ICU.”
“Three months after that surgery I did my best to fight on for you guys and get back on tour but unfortunately the physical demands of the concerts and extensive travel proved too much for me. I developed a very large ‘incisional hernia’ and I was told I needed further surgery to fix it. This would be my fourth major surgery since the beginning of it all, but I had no choice.”
Mark said he now needs to focus on his recovery. “It is with great sadness that I must now temporarily step aside from all Westlife touring until such time as I have had the chance to fully recover from the turbulent journey I have been on as an individual,” he shared. “Believe me, I wish things could be different! I would like to thank you so much for your support and understanding of me and my health over the past few years.”
Mark added: “To Shane, Kian and Nicky, I love you three and I know you’ll knock it out of the park. I’ll be there with you in spirit for every show as you continue to fly the Westlife flag around the world. “
He wrote: “But for now I have to make the right decision for my health and well being, for my family and for myself as a person. Please don’t worry. I will be sending the most positive vibes your way. you very soon beautiful people! WESTLIFE FOREVER! Love, Mark Feehily xx.”
“Mark has been so strong in continuing to appear on stage despite going through such a turbulent time with his health and we fully respect that he now needs to focus on getting better so that he can return to the stage when he is fit and fine. so! In the meantime we’ll keep flying the Westlife flag higher than ever for you guys.”
Fans have since sent their support to Mark, with one writing: “Hi Mark, sending you lots of love and support during your recovery. While we’re sorry you won’t be on the upcoming tours, your health top priority. Take the time you need to heal and we will be here eagerly awaiting your return.” Another wrote: “It is with great sadness that I receive this news, my heart is broken. We will miss you very much here in Brazil, even more after more than 20 years without setting foot here. I hope wish you a speedy recovery and get back to doing what you love soon. We love you Mark! Take care!”
Another added: “Oh Mark, I’m really shocked to hear about this. Your well-being always comes first. Please, no excuses needed. I wish you a speedy recovery and we send you loads of love.”
Westlife are set for a world tour starting in Canada next month, as well as stops in the US, Mexico and Brazil. Last year Mark pulled out of Westlife shows in Denmark, Sweden, Mexico and Cardiff.
