Westlife to Split after 2012 Farewell Tour

20th October 2011

Irish boyband Westlife have shocked their fans by announcing that they will split after their 2012 farewell tour. The hugely successful four-piece have sold more than 44 million records worldwide during their 14 years together, but have decided to call it a day after next year's tour.

The news will no doubt disappoint the band's many fans, but next year's farewell tour offers them one more chance to watch their heroes perform live. Westlife have so far announced a string of UK dates for May 2012 and it is likely that extra dates will be added to cater for demand, which is expected to be very high!

A message posted by Kian, Mark, Nicky and Shane on the band's website reads:

"After 14 years, 26 top ten hits including 14 number one singles, 11 top 5 albums, 7 of which hit the top spot and have collectively sold over 44 million copies around the world, 10 sell out tours and countless memories that we will forever cherish, we today announce our plan to go our separate ways after a greatest hits collection this Christmas and a farewell tour next year. The decision is entirely amicable and after spending all of our adult life together so far, we want to have a well-earned break and look at new ventures. We see the greatest hits collection and the farewell tour as the perfect way to celebrate our incredible career along with our fans. We are really looking forward to getting out on the tour and seeing our fans one last time."

Tickets to see Westlife on their 2012 farewell tour will go on general sale at 9am on Friday 21st October.