风云三国2.7.1坐骑:Boys to men

来源：百度文库编辑：九乡新闻网时间：2024/07/07 10:46:11

Boys to men

By Jiang Wanjuan

Six years ago, Irish boy band Westlife had their first Chinese performance in Shanghai. Now, the four, half of whom are now fathers, are set to return to the mainland with a new album - but hope those fans who've also grown up and had children will still be there to support them.

The band's China gigs are part of their worldwide Gravity tour, which will go across Europe, Asia and Africa to promote Gravity, their eleventh studio album.

"We are very proud of Gravity," Nicky Byrne told the Global Times. "I think our last work stands up very well - it's very contemporary, our voices have matured and we feel it's a great representation of us now."

Their performances in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing will feature mostly songs from the new album as well as classics such as "You Raise Me Up" and "Uptown Girl."

"You can also expect dancing (we still can!), costume changes and we will try to make the audience laugh," promised Byrne.

The band debuted in 1998 when they opened for Boyzone and the Backstreet Boys in Ireland. Since then, they have gone on to become headliners of their own, winning awards and 10 of their albums have been certified platinum.

"We are great friends but we all have partners and, in some cases, families. We live in different parts of Ireland most of the time," said Byrne. "The reason we are still here after 13 years is respecting each other's space."

Westlife's original lineup consisted of Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan and Brian McFadden, who departed in 2004.

Asked about British pop band Take Up's successful reunion, which saw Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow put aside their differences to embark on a Circus Live tour, Westlife admits the chances of having McFadden back are slim.

"We don't miss performing with Brian. It's been many years since he left and we are happy as a four piece," said Byrne. "Take That re-forming is great and now Robbie rejoining has given them another lease of life, good luck to them, we respect them immensely."

Despite their achievements and long-time fan base, younger boy bands such as JLS and One Direction have inevitably emerged to share the pop market - and challenge Westlife's crown.

"There is no pressure - they are friends too," said Byrne. "We have met on several occasions but they appeal to a younger fan base than ours and they admit to being great Westlife fans too, growing up.

"We also did some market research recently and it was incredible that the bulk of our strongest fan base was the same age as us so we know they will still follow us."

The four still remember how polite and respectful the audience were when they performed five years ago in Shanghai. Their singing along made them feel quite special, said Byrne.

"The world is huge. The Chinese need to hear international music and we need to hear Chinese music," he said. "Bring it on - Music is a great way to harmonize the people of the world."

The Westlife China tour will take place at Shanghai Grand Stage on September 21, Guangzhou International Sports and Performance Center on the 23rd, and Beijing's MasterCard Center on the 25th.

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