Shane Filan is an acclaimed Irish singer and a lead vocalist of Westlife, widely regarded as one of the most prominent pop groups of the modern era. 47-year-old Shane will return to Thailand in early 2027 alongside fellow members Nicky Byrne and Kian Egan for “Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour,” taking place at IMPACT Arena on Monday, January 25th.
For more than two decades, Westlife has won over millions of fans with its powerful sound and timeless songs such as “Uptown Girl,” “You Raise Me Up,” and “My Love.” To date, the outfit has logged three billion streams and sold in excess of 55 million records worldwide.
Globe recently had the chance to speak with Shane, who reflected on Westlife’s illustrious 25-year career, the group’s distinct bond with Thailand, the lasting resonance of its music, and the superb production fans can expect when the anniversary tour arrives in Bangkok.
Westlife’s fanbase in Thailand has always been very passionate. What are your fondest memories of performing here several times, with the last concert taking place in 2023?
We’ve visited Bangkok many times, and when I think about Westlife, I feel super lucky that the great songs we’ve had over the years have taken us to places like Thailand. We spent a lot of time travelling across Asia when we were younger, usually around the release of a new album. We would visit for TV appearances, magazine features, and interviews. I think those trips really helped us build a special relationship with our fans. Because of that love and support, we always looked forward to coming back. It’s not somewhere we’re able to visit every year. We might only get there every three or four years. Our most recent event in Bangkok was in 2023, so four years will have passed by the time we return in January.
Do the Irish retain a special affinity with the Land of Smiles, and Bangkok in particular?
Absolutely. We often hear people from Dublin and across Ireland speak about travelling in Asia, and Bangkok is usually one of the places that stays with them. It’s such an incredible city, and the people there are very friendly. I would say it almost has an Irish vibe in a way. People enjoy the atmosphere, they love music, they enjoy a drink, and they have a strong sense of fun, which feels particularly familiar to Irish people. I’d say those are some of the main reasons that Irish visitors feel so comfortable there, and it’s certainly why we do too.
This tour celebrates 25 terrific years of the group! When you look back, which moment or moments still feel the most unbelievable to have gone on during that amazing time?
Looking back, we’ve had so many incredible moments, and I’ve been thinking about them a lot now that we’re marking our 25th anniversary. The early days of the band are for sure something I always come back to. Nobody knew us back then and suddenly, within about 12 months, everyone knew who we were. Songs like “Swear It Again” and “Flying Without Wings” became big so quickly, allowing us to perform on stages all over the globe. Those first couple of years were just unbelievable. If you told people now some of the things we got to do and what we achieved, it would sound surreal….my daughter is 21, and it makes me understand how my parents must’ve felt watching me go through all of that so young.
Your Thai fans grew up listening to remarkable ballads like “Flying Without Wings” and “My Love.” Why do you think those hits still connect with listeners across generations?
I’d say it really comes down to the strength of the melodies and the simplicity of the lyrics. “My Love,” particularly, has one of the most beautiful melodies I’ve ever sung, and there is something distinct about it! A line like “to see you once again, my love” is very simple, but almost everyone can resonate with it. We wanted to sing songs people could understand, which is why they still connect across generations. Whether it is your daughter, mother, or grandmother listening, everyone has loved or hoped to be loved. “My Love” is one of our biggest songs internationally. Whenever we perform live, many tracks get great reactions for different reasons – but this one always seems to be the song the crowd is waiting for.
Westlife’s music has become part of so many lasting memories — first loves, weddings, and childhood moments. How does it feel to hold such a special spot in people’s lives?
Without doubt, it’s genuinely special to be part of that. Each song can take someone back to their first love or to when they first heard it. They probably remember where they were, what street they were on, or whose house they were in. I suppose one of the key reasons the music has lasted so long is not only that the ballads are moving, but also that they are connected to meaningful periods in people’s lives. Hearing a track released 25 years ago can take someone straight back to that time. It is truly special. We felt that whilst planning this tour. Every song seemed impossible to leave out, and suddenly the setlist had grown to nearly 30 tracks! Certain Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie songs still bring back vivid memories of my younger days, and I believe our music has the same impact on our fans.
What can audiences in Thailand look forward to at your concert next year, and how will this performance differ from the band’s earlier gigs held in the country over the years?
There are two things, really. First, the setlist, which I think is the best we’ve ever done. We plan to perform more songs this time, including new versions of our biggest hits. We have not changed them completely because people still hope to hear the tunes they know and love, but we have found ways to make them feel fresh. Then there is the visual part of the performance. We have gone all out with the screens, the production, and the overall look. To celebrate this 25-year milestone, we want to give Westlife fans our most unforgettable show yet. I think it is going to be a magical evening, and I really hope everyone enjoys it!
Westlife will excite Thai fans with a memorable concert at IMPACT Arena on January 25th. Check out www.livenationtero.co.th or call: 02-262-3838 for more info about the concert.
