Breaking 3Arena run of shows

The 3Arena in Dublin have recognised the achievements of Westlife for their record-breaking run of 82 shows at the venue over 25 years.

To celebrate the milestone, band members Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne have had their hands cast for a plaque that will go on display at the Liffey-side location, ahead of their upcoming September residency.

Westlife are due to play 13 gigs at the 3Arena in September and say they are looking forward to putting on a show that fans will remember.

By the end of their run of shows, Westlife will have played an unprecedented 82 shows at the venue, more than any other act in history.

Mark Feehily is not joining the 25th anniversary tour while he focuses on his health.

Speaking to RTÉ News, Nicky Byrne said, ''Living here and getting to do all these shows is quite incredible.

"You don't know if you will ever do it again so you really want to kind of enjoy it and saying that you really want to go out and put on the best show.’’
Westlife: from little world of their own to pop stardom
The band said they were very proud to be honoured by the 3Arena with a plaque for their 25th anniversary tour.

"It's a nice thing to be asked to do.

We will have it here forever.

Our hands will be there in the pavement forever so that's pretty cool’’ Shane Filan said.

The three members said the support they have received from the public since they announced the residency has been phenomenal.

The band's upcoming tour also includes five dates in the SSE Arena, Belfast and shows across Europe.

Westlife will be guests on tonight’s Late Late Show where they will meet the winner of the programme’s search for the "ultimate Westlife fan".

The Late Late announced the search earlier this week and asked fans of the band to send in their best Westlife story to win the chance of taking part in the show and meeting the group.

Westlife recently released a new single, Your Love Amazes Me , from their upcoming album, 25 - The Ultimate Collection, which is released on the 8 of May.

Their new song follows the release of Chariot, which was written by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid and Will Reynolds, and co-written and produced by Steve Mac.

Both tracks feature on 25 - The Ultimate Collection , a compilation of 21 of the band’s songs including You Raise Me Up , Uptown Girl , and Flying Without Wings , alongside new material recorded by all four members, including Mark Feehily.