Westlife fans have shared their concerns for Mark Feehily after it was revealed he will miss the band’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
Feehily announced he was taking a step back from the legendary boy band in February 2024 in a bid to recover from prolonged ill health following his sepsis battle.
And it appears the 45-year-old is still recuperating as his band mates revealed he is “unable to join” the anniversary festivities, which include “new music, an album, and special shows”.
Fellow Westlife stars Nicky Bryne, Shane Filan, and Kian Egan shared a lengthy statement about their milestone plans on Instagram on Wednesday.
“To our amazing fans, We would like to take this opportunity to share some very important news with you all,” the post began.
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of our 25th Anniversary celebrations... On the 9th February 2001 we kicked off our first ever tour at the Newcastle Arena. Who would have thought we would still be here 25 years later?”
It went on: “We have so many exciting plans to share with you very soon which will include new music, an album, special shows and many, many more surprises along the way.
“Sadly, Mark will be unable to join the celebrations. We hope he can join us back on stage when he is ready and able. He sends his love and positivity to you all as always.
“The four of us can't quite believe it’s been 25 years. We could only have dreamt of the continued love and loyalty you have consistently shown us around the world.”
The group signed off: “We are so lucky to have all of you with us and we can't wait to celebrate together! Happy 25th To Us All! Love, Kian, Mark, Nicky & Shane x.”
The Irish group’s loyal fans flooded the comments with their concern for Feehily, with one writing: “Praying for Mark’s speedy recovery.”
Another added: “I don’t know whether to cry with happiness that you’re finally coming back for your 25th year anniv or sob at the fact that mark won’t be joining you to celebrate it. I’m so overwhelmed… “
Others urged the group to delay their celebrations until Feehily has recovered so he can join them.
“Speedy recovery Mark. We want to see and hear your voice in this tour.. pleasee postpone this tour so Mark can join pleaaaseee,” one fan begged.
“Sending a huge love to Mark, we really hope that he is ok! We love you Mark!” someone else penned.
Last year, Feehily revealed he has “had ongoing medical problems” since he went for surgery in August 2020 and subsequently developed “severe sepsis”.
He said he wouldn’t be joining Westlife on the American leg of their The Wild Dreams Tour, which began in 2022.
He mentioned it was “physically and mentally a very difficult time” for him and said it was “traumatic” to stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) during Covid 19 lockdown restrictions after he developed the life-threatening reaction to an infection that he was told would “require immediate emergency surgery.”
Feehily “became very ill” again in late 2021 before he had more surgery in May 2022 which was followed by another round of surgery which he said “took place recently” and “went according to plan.”
In a statement to Instagram, he said: “It is with the upmost level of regret that I must now temporarily stand down from all Westlife touring until a time that I have had the chance to fully recover from the turbulent journey I have been through as an individual.
“Believe me, I wish things could be different! I would like to thank you so very much for your support and understanding of me and my health over the past few years.”
He 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 each and every show whilst you continue to fly the Westlife flag around the world.
“I’m so devastated that I won’t be there to celebrate the upcoming concerts with you and the 3 lads. But for now, I have to make the right decision for my health and wellbeing, for my family, and for myself as a person. Please don’t worry. “
The band, alongside former member Brian McFadden, found fame after forming in 1998.
They disbanded in 2012 after 14 years of success, but reunited in 2018 without McFadden – who left the band in 2004.
