Westlife

Westlife were an Irish boy band formed in 1998. They disbanded in 2012 after almost 14 years together. Originally signed by Simon Cowell and managed by Louis Walsh, the group's final line-up consisted of Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan. Brian McFadden was a member from 1998 until his departure in 2004.

Westlife sold over 50 million records worldwide, a total that includes studio albums, singles, video release, and compilation albums. The group had accumulated 14 number-one singles in the United Kingdom (the third-highest in UK history, tying with Cliff Richard and only behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley) and 26 top ten singles over their 14 year career. They are also the most frequent act to win The Record of the Year—the only music award in the UK based on public votes—with four awards. Despite their worldwide success, Westlife had been unable to break into the U.S. market, having only one hit single, "Swear It Again", which peaked in 2000.

In 2012 the Official Charts Company revealed the biggest selling singles artists in British music chart history with Westlife currently placed at 34th and the third most successful boyband in the UK. They hold the Guinness World Records as Top-selling Album Group of the 21st Century in the UK and Most Consecutive Number 1 Singles in the UK Chart, achieving 7 consecutive number 1 hits, tying with The Beatles. In 2001, they were in the Guinness World Records as the most successful new chart act of all time, with their first seven singles going to number 1.

In October 2011, Westlife announced that they would split in 2012 after finishing their Greatest Hits Tour following the release of Greatest Hits. Their last ever concert, on 23 June 2012 at Croke Park Stadium in Dublin, sold out to 85,000 people in just five minutes. Due to high demand, it was screened live in cinemas worldwide, and another date was added for 22 June at the same venue.