![Westlife: The Twenty Tour - Live From Croke Park [DVD] [2020]](https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/7132lSbuUAL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
![Westlife's The Where We Are Tour Live From The O2 [DVD]](https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51uZ5r+1zZL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
![Westlife - The Farewell Tour Live at Croke Park 2012 [DVD]](https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61fL7553t0L._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
I'll start this review by saying I love Westlife, I've been a fan since 1998 and I loved this book as a result. I'm not sure why it took me so long to get around to reading this book as it was first published in 2014.
I must admit despite being a fan I did wonder whether Shane would have enough content to fill an autobiography being still a relatively young age and knowing only his work with Westlife. I was very wrong, this book really is a rollercoaster ride, the momentum is fast from the beginning and it never lets off. It is well written but I understand that it is at least partially ghost written so it's to be expected. The book covers Westlife's rise to fame and their decision to split (later to be thankfully just a break) and his solo career set from mid-way through the book alongside Shane's decision to move in to the property market which sadly let to financial stresses and ultimately bankruptcy.
I remember a lot of the very early days of Westlife very clearly, I was a teenager and they were my favourite band so it was interesting to read the events that I vividly remember being retold by Shane along with insights in to the behind the scenes of life in the band. As a fan it's always nice to know that your favourite band actually like each other and thankfully it is clear that Westlife have always been close, supportive friends. I also never realised just how quick their rise to fame was, they had only played 2/3 gigs before getting the support slot on a Backstreet Boys tour and the sections talking about how Louis Walsh came to know of Westlife were interesting. The sections on Shane's financial worries and bankruptcy were very emotional and I think most people would find themselves sympathising with him.
If I had to find a criticism of the book it would be that because it is ghost-written Shane's voice fails to come through, there are glimpses of it but on the whole I think the book would have been better if Shane had written it himself.
It was a genuinely enjoyable read and it was nice to read someone/a band that seem to really care about and appreciate their fans. I'd recommend this book to any fans of Westlife, Shane's Solo work or just fans of late 1990's/early 2000's boybands in general. It really was a rocket-blasting rise to fame they had.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
The Booker Prize 2022
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Customer reviews
Are you interested in the real stories, which the band never gossiped in their own book, which was published a few years ago, or many of their documentaries, then read this book! Mr Shane Filan revealed many juicy details, some of which are strangely enough my incentive to listen to this boyband's music, five years after they played their last concert in Dublin!Growing up in Sligo, he was a happy, chatty and loved lad. In the secondary school, he met among others Markus Feehily and Kian Egan. A few years later, he was the star, lead singer in one of the most popular boybands in the world, Westlife! Time passed by. Things happened! One day, they were not kids anymore and forged their own identities! Their own musical ambition and the commercial interest did not always coincide with each other. For the first time in my life, I am very impressed by Brian McFadden's decision. I also understand why all the four members never like to discuss any issue regarding the reunion!
Images in this review
Top reviews from United Kingdom
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 December 2021
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 May 2017
Are you interested in the real stories, which the band never gossiped in their own book, which was published a few years ago, or many of their documentaries, then read this book! Mr Shane Filan revealed many juicy details, some of which are strangely enough my incentive to listen to this boyband's music, five years after they played their last concert in Dublin!
Growing up in Sligo, he was a happy, chatty and loved lad. In the secondary school, he met among others Markus Feehily and Kian Egan. A few years later, he was the star, lead singer in one of the most popular boybands in the world, Westlife! Time passed by. Things happened! One day, they were not kids anymore and forged their own identities! Their own musical ambition and the commercial interest did not always coincide with each other. For the first time in my life, I am very impressed by Brian McFadden's decision. I also understand why all the four members never like to discuss any issue regarding the reunion!
Growing up in Sligo, he was a happy, chatty and loved lad. In the secondary school, he met among others Markus Feehily and Kian Egan. A few years later, he was the star, lead singer in one of the most popular boybands in the world, Westlife! Time passed by. Things happened! One day, they were not kids anymore and forged their own identities! Their own musical ambition and the commercial interest did not always coincide with each other. For the first time in my life, I am very impressed by Brian McFadden's decision. I also understand why all the four members never like to discuss any issue regarding the reunion!
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 October 2014
