Nicky Byrne said Westlife’s return to Croke Park after seven years was a dream come true.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror before playing to 80,000 fans on the penultimate gig of the tour, he said: “Playing to a crowd like this, in my home city, is the stuff dreams are made of.
“It was very special for me. My entire family and our friends were in the audience watching us. I’m sure the memories will stay with them forever.
“Everyone asks what’s next after Croke Park and what’s coming up after of tour of Asia, but this is just the start of a new beginning for us.
“The reaction from 80,000 fans tonight means so much to us and we have a lot more to give. We have a new single out today and have a new album coming out in November.
“We have a lot going on and are already looking ahead to 2020. It was also fantastic to have James Arthur open the show for us too.”
Nicky and bandmates Shane Filan, Kian Egan, and Mark Feehily began with crowd favourite Hello My Love, before playing You Raise Me Up and Uptown Girl.
They also sang their new single Dynamite, which was penned by Ed Sheeran.
Nicky then welcomed the crowd saying: “When we split seven-and-a -half years ago these are the nights we missed. Thanks for having us back.”
An emotional Shane, who was presented with a cake to mark his 40th birthday by the Westlife children, added: “I can’t believe what I’m looking at here, I’m trying not to cry.
“I’ve probably cried about three times already. This is a special night but honestly when we announced this months ago this is the night we have been looking forward to most.
“Tonight we are going to give you the best Westlife show ever.
"We are going to bring you through the whole 20 years. It’s going to be a party.”
The video for Dynamite will be shot live in front of the 155,000 fans who will attend this weekend’s Croke Park concerts.
Another 75,000 are expected to turn out for the second night at the iconic stadium this evening.
Anyone who failed to get their hands on tickets can watch the show live in cinemas worldwide tonight.
