Westlife legend won’t take part in band’s 25-year anniversary show as he continues to battle serious health issues

Westlife revealed that one of their members will miss out on the band’s 25th anniversary celebrations due to ongoing health concerns.

On Wednesday evening, the boy band posted an update on Instagram about their plans for celebrating their significant accomplishment, sharing the news with their followers.

It has been disclosed that a unique event is coming up, especially for their loyal followers; however, regrettably, band member Mark Feehily will not participate in it.

After its establishment in 1998, Mark achieved great prosperity alongside Nicky Bryne, Shane Filan, and Kian Egan in the band. However, he decided to retreat from active participation in February 2024 because of his deteriorating health.

As per the band’s recent announcement, they haven’t revealed that he will be rejoining just yet, since they are gearing up for their 25th anniversary celebrations.

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In a detailed message, they expressed: “Dear valued supporters, We’re excited to announce some crucial updates that we believe will interest everyone.

We’re excitedly unveiling the commencement of our 25th Anniversary festivities! It all began back in 2001, February 9th, when we embarked on our inaugural tour at Newcastle Arena. Who would have imagined that we’d still be going strong 25 years later?

We’ve got a ton of thrilling news coming your way shortly! Expect some fresh tunes, an upcoming album, unique performances, and plenty more unexpected treats as we move forward.

I’m absolutely crushed that Mark won’t be able to make it to the festivities with us. Here’s hoping we share a stage again soon, once he’s feeling up to it. In the meantime, he sends you all his heartfelt love and optimism – just as he always does.

It’s hard for the four of us to wrap our heads around it, but it’s been an incredible 25 years! We never thought we’d be so lucky as to experience the unwavering love and devotion you’ve given us across the globe.

We’re thrilled to have each of you joining us, and we eagerly anticipate our shared celebration! Here’s to 25 years – cheers to all of us! Warm Regards, Kian, Mark, Nicky & Shane x.

TopMob has contacted Westlife and Mark’s representatives for comment. 

Previously, Mark made known his short-term absence from the Irish boyband, mere days prior to their inaugural American tour kickoff.

The extended period of poor health led the singer to step away from the group, as they sought recovery following a diagnosis of sepsis.

At the moment, he posted on Instagram saying, “Greetings and lots of affection for everyone! This is Mark… Many of you know I’ve been facing some health issues recently.

The whole thing began approximately 3.5 years back, specifically in August 2020, when I underwent surgery. Just a few days post-surgery, I found myself in intense pain and had to be urgently admitted to the Emergency Room.

After a difficult ordeal, I spent the remainder of a challenging day in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). There, I received the news that a complication from my surgery had led to a severe case of sepsis, a potentially fatal infection. This required an urgent emergency operation to address the issue and essentially preserve my life.

He mentioned that he had been in the hospital for several months, which coincided with the lockdown period. Due to stringent COVID-19 regulations, he wasn’t permitted any visitors, not even his fiancé or his 10-month-old daughter during this time.

That period was exceptionally challenging on both a physical and emotional level; I can’t forget the trauma of my extended stay in the Intensive Care Unit.

As the chill of late 2021 settled over Newcastle, an unexpected turn of events left me bedridden before a much-anticipated concert. Instead of the rhythmic beats filling the air, I found myself back in the emergency room, faced with the sobering news: pneumonia had taken hold. The doctor’s advice was clear – immediate return home for a much-needed recovery, leaving behind the remainder of the December concerts with a heavy heart.

In May 2022, I underwent additional surgery as suggested by the specialist I had been recommended to, which unfortunately caused me to skip further dates on The Wild Dreams tour.

Approximately three months following that operation, I made every effort to carry on for your sake and return to the tour schedule. However, the rigorous physical requirements of the concerts and extensive traveling proved overwhelming for me.

Due to the significant growth of my incisional hernia, I was informed that another operation is necessary to rectify it. Given the circumstances, this would mark my fourth major surgery since the beginning, yet I find myself with little choice in the matter.

Due to a significant abdominal injury called an incisional hernia, I was informed that another operation is necessary to repair it. This will mark my fourth major surgery since this ordeal began, and unfortunately, there’s no other choice for me.

Affirming his short break from the band, he noted: “I regretfully announce that I’ll need to step away from all Westlife tours temporarily, until such time when I’ve fully recuperated from the challenging personal voyage I’ve experienced.

I truly wish circumstances were otherwise, but allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude for your kindness and empathy towards me and my health situation during these recent years.

Sepsis refers to a critical health situation that arises when the body produces powerful substances to combat an infection, potentially leading to harmful effects on various organ systems.

Exposure to these substances harms your body’s own cells and vital organs, potentially causing conditions like shock, organ malfunction, and even fatalities.

Organ failure and death are more likely if sepsis is not recognised early and treated immediately.

Mark left the group following a series of health issues over the past few years, which resulted in his absence from Westlife’s scheduled summer performances in May 2024.

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2025-06-12 19:20