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Shane Filan
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Shane Filan
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Shane Steven Filan[1] (born 5 July 1979) is an Irish singer best known as a member of the pop vocal group Westlife, which was formed in 1998, disbanded in 2012, and regrouped in 2018. Westlife has released thirteen albums, embarked on twelve world tours, and won several awards, becoming one of the most successful musical groups of all time.

Filan has released three solo albums: You and Me (2013), Right Here (2015), and Love Always (2017). He has appeared sixteen times in the UK Singles Chart with number-one hits, making him one of the most-appeared Irish music artists in British music number-one singles history.[2][3]

Early life

[edit]

Shane Filan was born on 5 July 1979 in Sligo, Ireland.[4] He is the son of Peter (1942-2020) and Mae Filan (née McNicholas) (1937-2019), natives of Roscommon and Mayo respectively.[5] Filan is the youngest of seven siblings; he has three brothers and three sisters. From a very early age, Filan worked behind the counter of his parents' business – a diner in Sligo called the "Carlton Café". He attended primary school at a local Catholic school, and secondary school at Summerhill College, with future Westlife bandmates Kian Egan and Mark Feehily. All three of them participated in a school production of Grease. The Hawkswell Theatre became a significant part of their careers.

Filan was a fan of Michael Jackson as a child, and says the singer inspired him to pursue a music career.[6] Before Westlife, Filan studied business and accounting.[4]

Career

[edit]

Six as One, IOYOU and Westlife (1997–2012)

[edit]
Main article: Westlife

Before Westlife, Egan, and Feehily were with Filan in a band known as Six as One and, later on, IOYOU, with other Sligonians Derrick Lacey, Graham Keighron, and Michael "Miggles" Garrett. Filan co-wrote the IOYOU song "Together Girl Forever." For six months, Shane's mother, Mae Filan, tried to phone Boyzone manager Louis Walsh, eventually succeeding in talking to him about her son's band. Three of the members were dropped and the other three, Filan, Egan, and Feehily, joined in finding two more singers for the band. The members that joined were Nicky Byrne and Brian McFadden, forming Westside. The name of the band was subsequently changed to Westlife as there were already several bands with the name Westside. Their first album was released in November 1999, titled Westlife.

With Westlife, Filan has received twenty-eight platinum discs and sold 55 million records worldwide.[7] In his 2014 book My Side of Life, he revealed that in 2001, he had been the first member of Westlife to be offered a solo record deal, but that he had rejected it, as he was scared of going solo.[8]

Shane Filan 2011
Shane Filan at the Gravity tour in Vietnam, 2011

Solo career, You and Me (2012–2014)

[edit]

On 20 October 2011, Westlife announced that they had decided to split and go their separate ways at the end of their 2012 Farewell Tour. In December 2011, press reports announced Filan was close to signing a solo deal with one of several potential competing UK record labels. Filan and his manager Louis Walsh, had been in talks with several of the labels at the time. "There's four, possibly five labels so far who have made it clear that they want to sign Shane," said a music source to showbiz writer Paul Martin.[9][10]

In a March 2012 interview with Paul Martin, Filan said he would be signing within the next few weeks.

"It's exciting but, of course, I'll be nervous. It's only natural when you're coming out of a band after 14 years, you don't know where your life's going to take you [...][11]

In 2013, Filan announced he had officially signed a record deal with UMG subsidiary London Records worth 20 million British pounds. UMG had previously offered him a solo deal in 2001; the first member of Westlife to have received such an offer, but turned it down. For the new deal, Filan stated that he had spent the past 12 months in both US and UK writing songs and recording, and that a forthcoming single and an album would be released later in the year.[12]

On 10 May 2013, he announced that his first single would be released, along with three other tracks,[13] later revealed in July to be "Everything to Me", and "Everytime", "Today's Not Yesterday" and "Once", respectively. The release date was announced as 25 August.

On 10 September 2013, Filan released About You, the second single from his album You and Me,[14] followed by the album shortly after.[15]

Right Here (2015)

[edit]

After the Westlife split, bankruptcy, the You and Me Tour, and his debut autobiography My Side of Life, Filan announced on 13 March 2015 that he was working on his second studio album, Right Here.[8] The album was mostly recorded in London and Denmark, and featured collaborations with Cutfather (The Saturdays, JLS), Jez Ashurst (Will Young, Gabrielle Aplin), Jon Maguire (Union J), Tre Jean-Marie (MNEK, Jason Derulo), and Girls Aloud.[16] The album was released on 25 September 2015, reaching No. 1 on the Irish Album Charts during its first week.[17]

Love Always (2017–2018)

[edit]

On 25 August 2017, Filan released his third studio album Love Always.[18] and announced his next tour, the Love Always Tour 2017.[19][20][21]

Previously, in April 2010, an unreleased solo song by Filan called "Beautiful in White" leaked on the Internet, but was incorrectly credited as being recorded by Shayne Ward instead of Filan. During this time, Filan also sang a duet with Irish country singer Nathan Carter. The album reached No. 5 in the UK Album Charts, making it his highest-charting album in the United Kingdom.

In 2018, Filan also had success in Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea.[22][23][24] Beautiful in White was particularly successful in Asia.[25]

Westlife reunion with new single, album, and tour (2018–present)

[edit]

On 3 October 2018 Westlife announced their reunion as a four-member group. In 2019 four singles were released, penned by Ed Sheeran. The group embarked on a hugely successful 50-date tour called "The 20 Tour", in honour of Westlife's 20th anniversary since the release of their first single in 1999. On 15 November their 13th studio album, Spectrum, was released.

Personal life

[edit]

Filan is a practising Catholic.[26] He married his childhood sweetheart, Gillian Walsh, on 28 December 2003 at Ballintubber Abbey, followed by a reception at Ashford Castle, Ireland.[27] Gillian is the cousin of fellow band member Kian Egan, making Filan and Egan cousins-in-law.[28] They have a daughter born in 2005, and sons born in 2008 and 2010.

Filan and his eldest brother, Finbarr, ran Shafin Developments – a property development company. The company was placed in receivership in May 2012[29] and Filan was declared bankrupt a little over a month later after suffering losses in Ireland's property crash.[30]

Philanthropy

[edit]
Main article: Westlife § Charitable support

Discography

[edit]
See also: Westlife discography

Filan has released three studio albums, eight singles, and two featured songs.

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Details Peak chart positions
IRE
[31] 		UK
[32] 		SCO
[33]
You and Me 3 6 4
Right Here[34]
  • Released: 25 September 2015
  • Labels: East West
  • Formats: CD, Digital download, streaming
 1 11 7
Love Always
  • Released: 25 August 2017
  • Labels: Ocean Wave
  • Formats: CD, Digital download, streaming
 5 5 3
"—" denotes an album that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Singles

[edit]

As lead artist

[edit]
Year Title Peak chart positions Album
IRE
[31] 		UK
[32] 		SCO
[35]
2013 "Everything to Me"[36] 7 14 9 You and Me
"About You" 60 54 39
"Knee Deep in My Heart"
 92 69 72
2015 "Me and the Moon"[37][38][39] — — — Right Here
"I Could Be" (featuring Nadine Coyle) — — —
2017 "Unbreakable" — — — Love Always
2018 "Back to You" — — —
"Beautiful in White" — — —
"—" denotes a single that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
[edit]
Year Title Album
2015 "When I Grow Up"[40]
(The Association of Irish Musical Societies featuring Shane Filan & Grace Lee) 		Non-album singles
2017 "Bridge over Troubled Water"
(as part of Artists for Grenfell)

Promotional singles

[edit]
Year Title Album
2013 "Baby Let's Dance" You and Me

Music videos

[edit]

As lead artist

[edit]
List of videos, showing year released and director
Title Year Director
"Everything To Me" 2013 Unknown
"About You" Jason Ell
"Knee Deep in My Heart" Warren Smith
"Me and the Moon" 2015 Unknown
"Unbreakable" 2017 Jonathan Lambert
"This I Promise You" Unknown
"Back to You" Unknown
"Beautiful in White" Jonathan Lambert

Songwriting

[edit]

Sources: APRA, ASCAP,[41] BMI, OSA,[42] SESAC,[43] SOCAN, SUISA Repertoires. In SESAC, Filan uses John Francis Filan as an alias.[44] Filan has co-written a number of songs including:

Westlife (1998–2012; 2018–present)

[edit]
  • "Starlight"
  • "Alone Together"
  • "Wild Dreams"
  • "Lifeline"
  • "Rewind"
  • "Magic"
  • "Always With Me"
  • "Take Me There"
  • "L.O.V.E"
  • "Fragile Heart"
  • "Bop Bop Baby" (reached No. 5 in the UK Singles Chart)
  • "Don't Say It's Too Late"
  • "I Wanna Grow Old with You"
  • "I'm Missing Loving You"
  • "Singing Forever"
  • "Where We Belong"
  • "Never Knew I Was Losing You"
  • "Love Crime"
  • "How Does It Feel"
  • "Crying Girl"
  • "Reason for Living"
  • "Miss You When I'm Dreaming"
  • "A Little Part of Me / Little Part of Me / Extraordinary Love"1
  • "Love Ain't War"1
  • "This Life"1
  • "Closer"
  • "Too Hard to Say Goodbye"
  • "Last Mile of the Way"

Love Always (2017–2018)

[edit]
  • "Completely"
  • "Eyes Don't Lie"
  • "Crazy Over You"
  • "Back To You"
  • "Girl in My Heart"

Right Here (2015)

[edit]
  • "I Could Be"
  • "Right Here"
  • "Better off a Fool"
  • "I Can't Get Over You"
  • "Effortlessly You"
  • "All My Love"

You and Me (2013)

[edit]
  • "Everything to Me"
  • "About You"
  • "All You Need to Know"
  • "Knee Deep in My Heart"
  • "One of These Days"
  • "Everytime"
  • "Always Tomorrow"
  • "When I Met You"
  • "Everything's Gonna Be Alright"
  • "Coming Home"
  • "Baby Let's Dance"
  • "In the End"
  • "You and Me"
  • "Just the Way You Love Me"
  • "Once"
  • "Today's Not Yesterday"

^1 – Songs were found to be Filan's co-written songs during his time with Westlife. No other details whether it's for Westlife or not.

Unreleased

[edit]
  • All About You
  • As Far As I Go
  • Back Home
  • Best is Yet to Come
  • Don't Look Back
  • Counting the Days
  • Fall in Love With Me
  • Feel Alive
  • Headed for a Fall
  • I Can't Get By
  • I Got Nothing at All
  • I Love You
  • Intimate
  • Lean Back
  • Learn to Fly
  • Letting it Go
  • Like 'Em Wild
  • Love and Plan B
  • Lullaby
  • More
  • Never Give Up Lullaby
  • Night Sky
  • No One's in Control
  • Not in This Alone
  • One Last Second Chance
  • Only Got Tonight
  • Only You
  • Our Story
  • Save Me
  • Say We'll Meet Again
  • Shine Down
  • Slowing Down
  • Skyline
  • The Perfect Storm
  • The Truth
  • Things are Looking Up
  • Too Strong
  • Wherever You Are
  • Wouldn't Change a Thing About You
  • You Always Will
  • Your Ordinary Man

Songs written for other artists

[edit]
  • "Listen Girl" performed by Johan Östberg
  • "Let Me Be the One" performed by Simon Casey
  • "Sei Parte Ormai Di Me" performed by Il Divo, in their self-titled album (2004)[45]
  • "The Music Won't Last / Music Won't Last" performed by Jerry Given

Tours

[edit]

Concert tours

[edit]

Headlining

[edit]
As part of a group
[edit]
See also: Westlife tours
As a solo performer
[edit]
Year Title Duration Number of shows Notes
2014 You and Me Tour 20 February 2014 – 5 December 2014 52
2016 Right Here Tour 3 March 2016 – 4 December 2016 33
2017-2019 Love Always Tour 16 July 2017 – 16 March 2019 65
You and Me Tour (2014)
[edit]
Setlist

Setlist A

  1. When I Met You
  2. Uptown Girl
  3. My Love
  4. What Makes a Man
  5. Everytime
  6. Baby Let's Dance
  7. Amazed
  8. Once
  9. Always Tomorrow
  10. Flying Without Wings
  11. Blurred Lines
  12. Wake Me Up
  13. What About Now
  14. Mandy
  15. Let It Be
  16. All You Need To Know
  17. About You
  18. You Raise Me Up
  19. Everything to Me
  20. Knee Deep in My Heart

Setlist B

  1. When I Met You
  2. Uptown Girl
  3. What Makes a Man
  4. In the End
  5. Amazed
  6. Baby Let's Dance
  7. True Colors
  8. Always Tomorrow
  9. Once
  10. Flying Without Wings
  11. Blurred Lines
  12. Wake Me Up
  13. What About Now
  14. Mandy
  15. Let It Be
  16. All You Need To Know
  17. About You
  18. You Raise Me Up
  19. Everything to Me
  20. Knee Deep in My Heart

Support acts

Date Country City Venue
Leg One: Europe
20 February 2014 United Kingdom Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
21 February 2014 Birmingham Symphony Hall
22 February 2014 Reading Hexagon Theatre
24 February 2014 Manchester Bridgewater Hall
25 February 2014 Glasgow Glasgow Concert Halls
26 February 2014 Newcastle Newcastle City Hall
27 February 2014 York Barbican Centre
1 March 2014 Blackpool Opera House Theatre
2 March 2014 Cardiff St Davids Hall
3 March 2014 Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
5 March 2014 Bournemouth Bournemouth Pavilion
6 March 2014 Southend-on-Sea Cliffs Pavilion
7 March 2014 London Hammersmith Apollo
Leg Two: Asia
13 September 2014 Indonesia Jakarta Upper Road Annex Building
16 September 2014 Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Cargo Bar
21 September 2014 China Shanghai Shanghai Grand Stage
23 September 2014 Beijing Workers Gymnasium
25 September 2014 Guangzhou Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
26 September 2014 Nanjing Wutaishan Gymnasium
27 September 2014 Chengdu UESTC Gymnasium
29 September 2014 Hong Kong Asia World Expo 10
1 October 2014 Philippines Manila World Trade Center Metro Manila
Leg Three: Europe
23 October 2014 United Kingdom Portsmouth Portsmouth Guildhall
24 October 2014 Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall Theatre
25 October 2014 Worthing Assembly Hall
26 October 2014 Bradford St. Georges Hall
28 October 2014 Motherwell Motherwell Concert Hall
29 October 2014 Aberdeen Aberdeen Music Hall
30 October 2014 Kilmarnock The Grand Hall
31 October 2014 Carlisle Carlisle Sands Centre
2 November 2014 Barrow in Furness The Forum
3 November 2014 Brighton Floral Pavilion
5 November 2014 Leicester De Montfort Hall
6 November 2014 Bolton Albert Halls
7 November 2014 Rhyl Pavilion
9 November 2014 Warrington Parr Hall
10 November 2014 Crawley The Hawth
11 November 2014 King's Lynn Corn Exchange
12 November 2014 Lowestoft Marina Theatre
14 November 2014 Porthcawl Grand Pavilion
15 November 2014 St Albans St Albans Arena
16 November 2014 Cheltenham Cheltenham Town Hall
17 November 2014 Croydon Fairfield Hall
19 November 2014 Weston-super-Mare Super Mare Playhouse Theatre
20 November 2014 Margate Margate Winter Gardens
21 November 2014 Basildon Towngate Theatre
23 November 2014 Stevenage Stevenage Leisure Centre
24 November 2014 Cambridge Cambridge Corn Exchange
25 November 2014 Ipswich Regent Theatre
27 November 2014 Hull Hull City Hall
28 November 2014 Redhill Harlequin Theatre
5 December 2014 Ireland Sligo Knocknarea Arena

Cancelled Shows

Date Country City Venue Reason for Cancellation
19 September 2014 Taiwan Taipei Nangang 101 Transportation Issues
Right Here Tour (2016)
[edit]
Setlist
  1. Everything to Me
  2. What About Now
  3. Effortlessly You
  4. Home
  5. About You
  6. Swear It Again
  7. Shut Up and Dance
  8. World of Our Own
  9. Worst Kind of Love
  10. I Can't Get Over You
  11. Fool Again
  12. Knee Deep in My Heart
  13. I Could Be
  14. Right Here
  15. Uptown Girl
  16. Me and the Moon
  17. You Raise Me Up
  18. White Christmas (Manado date only)
  19. Merry Christmas Everyone (Manado date only)

Support acts

  • Joe Miles
  • Nikki Loy
Date Country City Venue
Leg One: Europe
3 March 2016 United Kingdom Reading Hexagon Theatre
4 March 2016 Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
5 March 2016 Northampton Royal and Derngate
7 March 2016 Plymouth Plymouth Pavilions
8 March 2016 Bournemouth Bournemouth Pavilion
9 March 2016 Cardiff St David Hall
10 March 2016 Southend-on-Sea Cliffs Pavilion
12 March 2016 Eastbourne Congress Theatre
13 March 2016 London London Palladium
15 March 2016 Belfast Ulster Hall
18 March 2016 Ireland Cork Cork Opera House
19 March 2016 Dublin Olympia Theatre
21 March 2016 United Kingdom York Barbican Centre
22 March 2016 Manchester Bridgewater Hall
23 March 2016 Llandudno Venue Cymru
25 March 2016 Newcastle Newcastle City Hall
26 March 2016 Birmingham Symphony Hall
28 March 2016 Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
29 March 2016 Glasgow Clyde Auditorium
30 March 2016 Inverness Inverness Leisure
Leg Two: Asia
29 September 2016 Indonesia Jakarta Colosseum
30 September 2016 Medan Retrospective
Leg Three: Europe
12 October 2016 United Kingdom Dundee Caird Hall
13 October 2016 Motherwell Motherwell Concert Hall
14 October 2016 Newcastle Tyne Theatre and Opera House
16 October 2016 Hull Hull City Hall
17 October 2016 Bradford Alhambra Theatre
18 October 2016 Peterborough The Cresset
19 October 2016 Watford Colosseum
21 October 2016 Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall Theatre
22 October 2016 Portsmouth Portsmouth Guildhall
23 October 2016 Stoke-on-Trent Victoria Hall
Leg Four: Asia
4 December 2016 Indonesia Manado Megamas Marina Plaza
Love Always Tour (2017–2019)
[edit]
Setlist

Setlist A

  1. When You're Looking Like That
  2. About You
  3. Unbreakable
  4. This I Promise You
  5. What Makes a Man
  6. Everything to Me
  7. Beautiful in White
  8. What About Now
  9. Knee Deep in My Heart
  10. Eternal Flame
  11. I Can't Make You Love Me
  12. Heaven
  13. Cake by the Ocean
  14. Power of Love
  15. Uptown Girl
  16. If I Let You Go
  17. You Raise Me Up
  18. Don't Dream It's Over
  19. World of Our Own

Setlist B

  1. Unbreakable
  2. My Love
  3. Beautiful in White
  4. Need You Now
  5. Uptown Girl

Setlist C

  1. Unbreakable
  2. My Love
  3. Beautiful in White
  4. Uptown Girl

Setlist D

  1. When You're Looking Like That
  2. About You
  3. Unbreakable
  4. This I Promise You
  5. Swear It Again
  6. Beautiful in White
  7. My Love
  8. What About Now
  9. Need You Now
  10. If I Let You Go
  11. Heaven
  12. Uptown Girl
  13. You Raise Me Up
  14. World of Our Own
  15. Back to You
  16. Home
  17. Knee Deep in My Heart

Setlist E

  1. Knee Deep in My Heart
  2. About You
  3. Swear It Again
  4. My Love
  5. Heaven
  6. Need You Now
  7. Unbreakable
  8. Beautiful in White
  9. If I Let You Go
  10. What About Now
  11. This I Promise You
  12. Uptown Girl
  13. You Raise Me Up
  14. World of Our Own

Setlist F

  1. Everything to Me
  2. About You
  3. Unbreakable
  4. This I Promise You
  5. Swear It Again
  6. Beautiful in White
  7. What About Now
  8. Home
  9. Heaven
  10. Need You Now
  11. My Love
  12. If I Let You Go
  13. Fool Again
  14. Happy Birthday
  15. Uptown Girl
  16. You Raise Me Up
  17. Flying Without Wings
  18. World of Our Own

Setlist G

  1. Everything to Me
  2. About You
  3. Unbreakable
  4. This I Promise You
  5. Swear It Again
  6. Beautiful in White
  7. What About Now
  8. Knee Deep in My Heart
  9. Home
  10. Heaven
  11. My Love
  12. If I Let You Go
  13. Flying Without Wings
  14. Need You Now
  15. You Raise Me Up
  16. Uptown Girl
  17. World of Our Own

Setlist H

  1. When You're Looking Like That
  2. What About Now
  3. Swear It Again
  4. Beautiful in White
  5. Heaven
  6. My Love
  7. If I Let You Go
  8. You Raise Me Up
  9. Uptown Girl
  10. World of Our Own

Support acts:

Date Country City Venue
Leg One: Asia
16 July 2017 Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Lan Anh Stadium
22 July 2017 Indonesia Surabaya Surabaya Convention Hall
Leg Two: Europe
29 July 2017 Ireland Naas Punchestown
Leg Three: Asia
18 August 2017 Indonesia Jogjakarta Prambanan Jazz Festival
19 August 2017 Bandung Trans Studio
Leg Four: Europe
20 September 2017 United Kingdom Dundee Caird Hall
21 September 2017 Glasgow SEC Armadillo
23 September 2017 Edinburgh Edinburgh Festival Theatre
24 September 2017 Carlisle Carlisle Sands Centre
25 September 2017 Newcastle Tyne Theatre
26 September 2017 Halifax Victoria Theatre
28 September 2017 York Barbican Centre
29 September 2017 Buxton Opera House Buxton
30 September 2017 Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
1 October 2017 London O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
3 October 2017 Northampton Royal and Derngate
4 October 2017 Telford Oakengates Theatre
6 October 2017 Liverpool Liverpool Olympia
7 October 2017 Colchester Charter Hall
8 October 2017 Swindon Wyvern Theatre
9 October 2017 Peterborough The Cresset
11 October 2017 Leicester De Montfort Hall
12 October 2017 Margate Margate Winter Gardens
13 October 2017 Reading Hexagon Theatre
14 October 2017 Salisbury Salisbury City Hall
16 October 2017 Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall
17 October 2017 Portsmouth Portsmouth Guildhall
18 October 2017 Cardiff St David's Hall
19 October 2017 Ireland Dublin Olympia Theatre
22 October 2017 United Kingdom Belfast Waterfront Hall
Leg Five: Asia
4 February 2018 Singapore Esplande Annexe Studio
6 February 2018 Malaysia Kuala Lumpur The Westin KL
9 February 2018 Philippines Manila Robinsons Mall - Ermita
10 February 2018 Cebu City Robinsons Mall - Cebu
11 February 2018 Quezon City Robinsons Magnolia
4 March 2018 Indonesia Surabaya Ciputra Hall
10 March 2018 Singapore Resorts World Sentosa, Hard Rock Cafe Hotel Coliseum
17 March 2018 Indonesia Yogyakarta Sahid Jaya Convention Hall
18 March 2018 Palembang Palembang Sports Convention Centre
Leg Six: Europe
30 April 2018 United Kingdom Gateshead Sage Gateshead
1 May 2018 Leicester De Montfort Hall
2 May 2018 Sheffield Sheffield City Hall
4 May 2018 Hull Hull City Hall
5 May 2018 Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre
6 May 2018 Northampton Royal and Derngate
7 May 2018 Ipswich Regent Theatre
9 May 2018 Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall
10 May 2018 Cambridge Cambridge Corn Exchange
11 May 2018 Guildford G Live
12 May 2018 Manchester Opera House
14 May 2018 Swansea Swansea Grand Theatre
15 May 2018 Liverpool Liverpool Olympia
16 May 2018 Glasgow Theatre Royal
Leg Seven: Asia
27 July 2018 South Korea Seoul Jangchung Gymnasium
Leg Eight: Europe
11 August 2018 United Kingdom Doncaster Yorkshire Wildlife Park

(Wildlife Safari Night)

25 August 2018 London Dagenham Central Park

(Now That's a Festival)

Leg Nine: Asia
15 September 2018 Philippines Quezon City Kia Theatre
16 September 2018 Davao City SMX Convention Center
31 December 2018 Vietnam Hanoi Hang Day Stadium
19 January 2019 Malaysia Shah Alam Elmina Central Park
16 March 2019 Indonesia Jakarta Panin Bank Super Bonanza
12 April 2019 China Chengdu Hewlett-Packard Event at Shangrila Chengdu

Supporting

[edit]
Lionel Richie (2018)
[edit]
Date City Venue
Europe
16 June 2018 Leigh Leigh Sports Village
17 June 2018 Carlisle Brunton Park
23 June 2018 Hove County Cricket Ground
24 June 2018 Wells-next-The-Sea Holkham Hall

Promotional tours

[edit]
  • 2013–2017 UK and Ireland Tour
  • 2013, 2014, 2018 Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippine, Singapore Tour

Honours and awards

[edit]
See also: Westlife awards
Year Ceremony Category Result
2000 TV Hits Awards Voice of the 21st century Won
2000 TV Hits Awards Good Looking Pop Star Won
2000 Smash Hits Awards Most Fanciable Male Won
2001 Smash Hits Awards Sexiest Male Celebrity Won

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Shane Filan

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Shane Filan is an Irish best known as one of the lead vocalists and frontmen of the pop vocal group . Born Shane Steven Filan on 5 July 1979 in Sligo, , he grew up as the youngest of seven children in . Filan co-formed in 1998 alongside , , , and , signing with and achieving international success with ballads like "." The band amassed 14 UK number-one singles and eight number-one albums, selling over 55 million records worldwide before disbanding in 2012 and reforming as a quartet in 2018. As of 2025, continues to tour and release new music, including plans for a 25th anniversary world tour in 2026. Transitioning to a solo career after Westlife's initial hiatus, Filan released three albums—You and Me (2013), Right Here (2015), and Love Always (2017)—and signed with labels including Capitol and Absolute to continue producing pop and country-influenced music. In his , Filan married Gillian Walsh in 2003, and the couple has three children; he resides in Sligo. Filan also penned his , My Side of Life, in 2014, detailing his upbringing, rise to fame, and challenges including financial difficulties.

Early years

Childhood and family background

Shane Steven Filan was born on 5 July 1979 in Sligo, . He is the youngest of seven children born to Peter and Mae Filan, with three brothers—Finbarr, Peter, and Liam—and three sisters—Yvonne, Denise, and Mairead. Filan grew up in Sligo, a coastal town in northwest known for its commercial vibrancy, in a close-knit family environment shaped by his parents' long-standing business. For 35 years, Peter and Mae operated the Carlton Café on Castle Street, a central where the family contributed to daily operations amid a bustling community atmosphere. As a , Filan helped out at the café, performing tasks such as peeling potatoes, making chips, and waiting tables, which instilled a strong in the hardworking household. These family gatherings around the café fostered early bonds and exposed him to local social interactions, including community events where residents would congregate. This upbringing in Sligo provided a grounded foundation that influenced his later pursuits in music.

Education and early musical interests

Filan received his primary education at St. John's National School, a local Catholic institution in Sligo. He later attended Summerhill College for secondary school, another Catholic school in Sligo, where he first met future Westlife bandmates Kian Egan and Mark Feehily. At Summerhill College, Filan nurtured his passion for performance through involvement in school theatrical productions, including a lead role in the musical Grease around the age of 12. This production took place at the Hawkswell Theatre in Sligo and provided his initial exposure to stage singing and acting. Filan's early musical interests were heavily shaped by , whom he cited as his biggest childhood influence and the artist who motivated him to perform. He also drew inspiration from the vibrant local music scene in Sligo, including community events and traditional Irish performances that surrounded him growing up. By his mid-teens, around age 15, Filan began exploring further performance opportunities, such as singing at local gatherings and joining informal musical activities in Sligo.

Career

Pre-Westlife groups and formation of Westlife (1997–1998)

In 1997, Shane Filan, a student at Summerhill College in Sligo, , joined forces with fellow schoolmates and to form a six-member pop vocal group named Six as One. The lineup also included Derrick Lacey, Michael Garrett, and Graham Keighron, all of whom shared a passion for music developed during their school years. The band performed locally and quickly gained attention, leading them to rename themselves IOYOU later that year. Under the management of choreographer Mary McLoughlin-Clayton, IOYOU recorded and released a debut single titled "Together Girl Forever" in , which achieved modest local success. Encouraged by the single's reception, Filan's mother, Mae Filan, reached out to , the manager of the established Irish boy band , to arrange an audition for IOYOU. Walsh, impressed by their potential during the 1997 audition, signed the group to a management contract and began shopping them to record labels. However, BMG initially passed on IOYOU, prompting Walsh to overhaul the lineup to enhance their commercial viability. By early 1998, the group transitioned into its final form as , with Filan, Egan, and Feehily retained as core members alongside newcomers —a former professional footballer—and Bryan McFadden, while Lacey, Garrett, and Keighron were let go. The name was chosen after discovering an existing band called Westside, marking the official rebranding on July 3, 1998. Walsh partnered with , who helped secure a lucrative with BMG's RCA label worth £4 million, setting the stage for intensive preparations including vocal training and song selection for their debut single.

Westlife era (1998–2012)

Westlife's debut single, "Swear It Again," released in April 1999, topped the charts in both the United Kingdom and Ireland, marking the group's breakthrough success. The track spent two weeks at number one in the UK and 13 weeks in Ireland, establishing Filan as one of the band's primary lead vocalists alongside Kian Egan. The group's self-titled debut album, released in November 1999, reached number one on the and was certified 4× Platinum by the (BPI) for sales exceeding 1.2 million copies in the . Follow-up albums continued this momentum: Coast to Coast (2000) debuted at number one in the , certified 6× Platinum for over 1.8 million sales, while (2001) also hit number one and earned 4× Platinum status with more than 1.2 million copies sold. These releases propelled to international fame, with the albums collectively contributing to the band's global sales of over 55 million records by the end of the decade. Key hits from this period included "" (1999), which debuted at number one in the UK, "" (2001), a cover that also reached the top spot, and "" (2005), another number-one single that showcased the band's style. Over the course of their initial run, achieved 14 UK number-one singles, a record surpassed only by and . Filan, sharing lead vocals with Egan, contributed to the harmonic vocal arrangements central to these tracks and began songwriting involvement, co-writing songs like "Never Knew I Was Losing You" on the 2003 Turnaround. By 2010, released their tenth studio album, , which peaked at number three on the . In October 2011, the band announced their amicable disbandment after 14 years, citing a desire to pursue individual paths. This led to the Greatest Hits Tour, concluding in June 2012 at in , serving as their farewell performances.

Solo debut and You and Me album (2012–2014)

Following Westlife's hiatus in 2012, Shane Filan transitioned to a solo career by signing a record deal with , marking his first independent venture outside the group. This agreement, reported in mid-2012 amid his personal financial challenges, positioned him for a debut release under the label's umbrella. By April 2013, Filan had formalized the partnership with London Records, a Universal subsidiary, allowing him to begin recording in studios across and Nashville. Filan's debut solo album, You and Me, was released on 4 November 2013 via in the UK and 1 November in Ireland. The record, which drew on his ballad roots while incorporating elements, peaked at number 6 on the and number 1 on the Irish Albums Chart. Produced primarily by —known for collaborations with artists like —the album featured contributions from songwriters such as and , blending acoustic introspection with upbeat tracks across its standard 12-song tracklist. The lead single, "Everything to Me," arrived on 25 2013 and reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart and number 7 in Ireland, serving as an emotive opener co-written by Filan himself. Subsequent releases included "About You" on 10 September 2013, which charted at number 54 in the UK, and "Knee Deep in My Heart" in late November, peaking at number 69. Filan earned songwriting credits on multiple songs, notably "One of These Days," highlighting his growing role as a beyond vocal performance. To promote the album, Filan embarked on an promotional tour in late 2013, including stops in and the for interviews, performances at events like the Shout Awards, and fan meet-and-greets. He also made key TV appearances, such as on BBC's in August to discuss the single and Ireland's The Late Late Show in November for live renditions, boosting visibility ahead of the holiday season release. These efforts underscored his shift to solo artistry while leveraging his established fanbase. Right Here is Shane Filan's second solo studio album, building on the momentum from his debut You and Me by exploring more contemporary pop sounds with subtle folksy and Irish influences. Released on 25 September 2015 through , the album features 10 tracks centered on themes of love, commitment, and personal reflection, blending upbeat pop elements with occasional country-tinged melodies that highlight Filan's vocal warmth. The album debuted at number one on the Irish Albums Chart, marking a strong homecoming success for Filan, while it peaked at number 11 on the and spent three weeks there overall. Primarily recorded in and , Right Here showcases collaborations with producers including , Jon Maguire, Tre Jean-Marie, and Jez Ashurst, who contributed to its polished production and modern edge. Notable tracks include the duet "I Could Be" with , emphasizing harmonious pop vocals, and "Worst Kind of Love," which draws on Burt Bacharach-inspired arrangements for emotional depth. Promotional efforts kicked off with the "Me and the ," released on 10 2015, which captured a romantic, celestial theme in its lyrics and served as an introduction to the album's pop-leaning style. A Christmas-themed track, "Today's the Day," was later highlighted as a seasonal release from the album, aligning with holiday media appearances to extend its reach. Filan promoted the project through interviews, such as one with Music Reviews discussing his creative process and legacy, and television performances on shows like The Late Late Show and , where he showcased tracks alongside Coyle. To support the album, Filan announced the Right Here Tour in late 2015, embarking on a 20-date run across , , and starting in March 2016, featuring a mix of new material and classics that drew enthusiastic crowds and positive production reviews for its intimate stage setup. Media coverage during the release year emphasized Filan's evolution as a solo artist, with outlets like Pop Scoop noting the album's "current" pop appeal with an "edge," and The Mancunion praising its appeal to fans of straightforward, heartfelt ballads.

Love Always album (2017–2018)

Shane Filan's third solo studio album, , was released on 25 August 2017 through Ocean Wave Records, following the announcement of the project in May 2017. The album, comprising covers of classic love songs, debuted at number 5 on the with 8,728 sales in its first week and peaked at number 3 on the Scottish Albums Chart. It marked a shift toward more intimate, romantic ballads inspired by Filan's family life, including his and three daughters, emphasizing themes of enduring love and personal commitment. The record was produced in , incorporating subtle country influences evident in tracks like the cover of Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now" and Bob Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love," which blended acoustic arrangements with heartfelt vocals to evoke emotional depth. Filan selected songs that resonated with his experiences as a and , stating that the reflected "love, and it’s about family," drawing directly from his relationship with wife Gillian and their daughters. This personal touch distinguished from his prior pop-oriented releases, prioritizing vulnerability over commercial polish. Preceding the album's launch, the lead single "Unbreakable" was released on 21 July , a poignant original co-written by Filan that set the tone for the project's romantic ethos. Subsequent singles included "Need You Now" from the standard edition and "," issued on 6 July 2018 as part of the deluxe edition, which also featured a version of "Need You Now" with Indonesian singer . These tracks highlighted Filan's smooth tenor and the album's focus on timeless romance, though none achieved significant chart success independently. To promote Love Always, Filan embarked on the Love Always Tour, commencing in autumn 2017 with dates across the and , including sold-out shows at London's O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire and Dublin's Olympia Theatre. A second leg extended into 2018, incorporating additional venues and international stops, where Filan performed album highlights alongside classics, fostering a close connection with fans through intimate setlists. The tour underscored the album's familial themes, with Filan often dedicating songs to his loved ones onstage.

Westlife reunion and ongoing activities (2018–present)

In October 2018, Westlife announced their reunion as a four-piece group consisting of Shane Filan, Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, and Mark Feehily, excluding former member Brian McFadden, with plans for new music and a world tour. The band's comeback single, "Hello My Love," was released on 10 January 2019 and peaked at number two on the Irish Singles Chart, marking their highest charting single in Ireland since 2010. The reunion's first studio album, , arrived in November 2019 and debuted at number one on both the and the Irish Albums Chart, becoming the fastest-selling album of the year in Ireland with over 45,000 units sold in its first week. This release featured collaborations with songwriters like and , with Filan contributing lead vocals on several tracks, including the "Better Man," which served as the album's third single and highlighted the group's signature emotional style. Supporting the album, launched The 20 Tour in May 2019, a 20-date arena run across the and that celebrated their two decades in music and drew over 300,000 fans. A planned follow-up, the Stadiums in the Summer Tour was scheduled for summer 2020 with stadium shows including in London and Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork, but was postponed and ultimately cancelled due to the . Westlife's second post-reunion album, Wild Dreams, was released in November 2021 and peaked at number two on the , while reaching number two in Ireland behind Adele's 30. The album included new originals like "" and continued the band's evolution with pop and elements. Filan played a key role in the creative process, co-writing select tracks and delivering prominent vocals that underscored themes of resilience and dreams. To promote Wild Dreams, the group embarked on from 2022 to 2024, a global outing with over 100 dates across , Europe, and the , including sold-out stadium shows in , , and ; the European leg featured arena performances in cities like and , culminating in Irish dates such as multiple nights at Dublin's 3Arena and a show at Belfast's SSE Arena in late 2024. As of 2025, has focused on recovery and future planning amid challenges, including Mark Feehily's ongoing health issues, including following in 2020, in 2021, and further in 2024, that led to his temporary withdrawal from touring. The band has publicly affirmed Feehily's continued membership and involvement in new music, with discussions around his gradual stage return emphasizing group support during his recovery. In October 2025, announced The 25th Anniversary World Tour for 2026, including a 10-night residency at Dublin's 3Arena and seven shows at Belfast's SSE Arena, signaling sustained activity and potential acoustic or special releases to mark the milestone. In October 2025, released the single "", one of four new songs on their upcoming 25 - The Ultimate Collection, set for release in February 2026.

Personal life

Marriage and children

Shane Filan married his childhood sweetheart, Gillian Walsh, on 28 December 2003 at in , , followed by a reception at . The couple first met at age 13 while growing up in Sligo, where Walsh was a school friend of Filan's sister, and they began dating in their late teens. Walsh, born on 15 May 1979, has largely stayed out of the public eye, supporting Filan's career while managing family life. Filan and Walsh have three children: daughter Nicole Rose, born on 23 July 2005 in Sligo; son Patrick Michael, born on 15 September 2008 in Sligo; and son Shane Peter, born on 22 January 2010 in Sligo. The family initially resided in Sligo after building a custom home there in 2004, but relocated to Surrey, England, in late 2011 to support Filan's solo career pursuits following Westlife's hiatus; the family returned to Sligo in 2014, where they currently reside. Filan has often spoken publicly about the challenges of balancing his music with fatherhood, noting the emotional toll of being away from home during tours and commitments. For instance, in 2024, he missed his daughter Nicole's school graduation due to obligations in but arranged for a close friend to attend in his place. He has described as his primary motivation, crediting Walsh and his children for providing stability amid professional demands.

Financial challenges and recovery

In the late 2000s, Shane Filan invested heavily in property developments in Ireland through his Shafin Developments, co-owned with his brother Finbarr, amid a booming market. The 2008 financial crash devastated the sector, leaving the firm in and Filan facing substantial debts exceeding €23 million to Irish banks including and . On 14 June 2012, shortly after Westlife's disbandment, Filan filed for in the UK, where laws allowed for a one-year discharge period compared to up to 12 years in Ireland, as a means to address his liabilities responsibly. The proceedings involved extensive asset sales and legal actions, culminating in the loss of Filan's family home in , Sligo—a that cost €3 million to build—which was sold in 2014 for €800,000 after receivers took control. This period strained his , though his wife Gillian provided crucial support during the upheaval. Filan was discharged from on 11 June 2013, marking the end of his formal obligations to creditors. Filan's financial recovery began with earnings from his solo music career, including the release of his debut album You and Me in 2013, followed by subsequent albums and tours. In 2014, following financial recovery, the family purchased a six-bedroom beachfront home near in Sligo for €780,000. The 2018 Westlife reunion further bolstered his stability through successful album releases and global performances. In late 2024, Filan and his wife registered Map Property Venture Limited, signaling a cautious re-entry into the property market as co-directors. Reflecting on the ordeal in his 2014 autobiography My Side of Life: The Autobiography and various interviews, Filan described the bankruptcy as the "horrendous time" of his life, emphasizing lessons in prudent money management and the dangers of over-reliance on volatile investments like . He has expressed gratitude for the experience, noting it taught him resilience and shifted his mindset from spender to saver, ultimately viewing it as a pivotal growth opportunity.

Philanthropy

Charity involvement and campaigns

Shane Filan has been a prominent supporter of the Irish Cancer Society, particularly through its initiative, which he joined as an official in 2023 to promote cancer awareness and fundraising events across . In this role, he has actively participated in organizing and performing at local Relay for Life walks, including the inaugural event in his hometown of Sligo in September 2025, where he performed songs such as "" to honor cancer survivors and raise funds for patient support services. The event raised approximately €470,000 for the society. As National Ambassador for Relay for Life in 2025, Filan launched raffles and competitions, such as one offering concert tickets on relayforlife.ie, which raised €76,000 for the society. He has also championed Daffodil Day, the society's annual fundraising campaign, by promoting donations and sharing personal messages to encourage public participation, including via . During his time with Westlife, Filan contributed to various UK and Irish telethons, including performances on BBC's Children in Need in 2001, where the band sang "Never Can Say Goodbye," and in 2019, where they performed "My Blood," to support vulnerable children. In Ireland, Westlife appeared on the People in Need Telethon, raffling signed merchandise to raise £15,000 for community welfare programs in the early . These appearances highlighted Filan's commitment to youth-oriented causes during the band's active years. In his solo career, Filan has integrated charitable efforts into his music releases, notably recording the charity single "When I Grow Up" in 2015, with all proceeds directed to the Children's Medical Research Foundation in Dublin's Crumlin Hospital and the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. This initiative, featuring collaborations with young performers, aimed to fund pediatric healthcare and raised significant awareness for children's hospitals. Filan has also used his platform for personal advocacy on family-related health issues, particularly cancer, drawing from his experiences to motivate donations and event attendance for the Irish Cancer Society.

Recognition for charitable work

In 2025, Shane Filan was appointed as the National Ambassador for by the Irish Cancer Society, a role in which he actively promoted the organization's efforts to support cancer patients and fund research. Filan received media recognition for his advocacy, including a September 2025 interview with Ocean FM where he discussed his ambassadorship and the inaugural event in Sligo, highlighting the personal significance of his involvement following the loss of his parents to cancer. His philanthropic efforts have contributed to substantial outcomes, such as a organized in his name that raised €76,000 for the Irish Cancer Society through ticket giveaways to events. Additionally, a for tickets to 's 25th-anniversary concert launch at the Royal Albert Hall supported the charity, underscoring the broader impact of his advocacy on and patient services.

Discography

Solo studio albums

Shane Filan's solo career began with the release of three studio albums between 2013 and 2017, each emphasizing romantic ballads and pop sensibilities influenced by his background. These albums marked his transition to a solo artist, featuring a mix of original compositions and covers, primarily targeting themes of love, relationships, and personal reflection. His debut album, You and Me, was released on 1 November 2013 through . The album consists of 11 tracks, blending heartfelt pop ballads with acoustic elements. The tracklist includes:
  • Everything to Me
  • About You
  • All You Need to Know
  • Knee Deep in My Heart
  • One of These Days
  • Always Tomorrow
  • When I Met You
  • Back to You
  • Just the Way You Are
  • You and Me
It debuted at number 6 on the and number 3 , reflecting strong initial interest from his established fanbase. A deluxe edition expanded the offerings with additional tracks and remixes. Filan's second album, Right Here, followed on 25 September 2015 via , continuing his focus on intimate love songs with a contemporary pop production. Notable for its themes of enduring romance and vulnerability, the album features a guest appearance by on the duet "I Could Be." The standard edition tracklist is:
  • Me and the Moon
  • I Could Be (Duet with )
  • Right Here
  • Beautiful to Me
  • Your Love Carries Me
  • Better Off a Fool
  • Worst Kind of Love
  • I Can't Get Over You
  • Don't Leave Me in the Dark
  • Effortlessly You
The album debuted at number 1 on the Irish Albums Chart and reached number 5 on the , his highest solo charting position there. The third and final solo studio album to date, , was released on 25 2017 through Ocean Wave Records, shifting toward a collection of classic love ballads with select originals. Produced with an emphasis on orchestral arrangements and emotional depth, it includes covers of well-known tracks alongside Filan's songwriting contributions. The standard tracklist comprises: A deluxe edition added further covers like "You Light Up My Life" and "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)." The album received positive critical reception, praised for its tuneful delivery, warm vocals, and clear production that evokes nostalgia while feeling fresh; Renowned for Sound highlighted its ability to capture the essence of falling in love. It peaked at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart and number 2 in Ireland. Since 2017, Filan has not released any new solo studio albums, redirecting his efforts toward Westlife reunions and group activities.

Solo singles and music videos

Shane Filan's solo career began with the release of his debut single "Everything to Me" on August 23, 2013, in Ireland and August 25 in the UK, which served as the from his album You and Me. The track peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart, spending three weeks in the top 100, and reached number 7 on the . An official for the song, featuring Filan in intimate, reflective settings, was premiered on and , accumulating over 4.4 million views as of 2025. The follow-up single "About You," released in November 2013, also from You and Me, achieved modest commercial success, peaking at number 54 on the UK Singles Chart for one week. Its emphasizes a romantic narrative, with Filan performing against soft, emotional visuals that highlight themes of longing and connection. Later in the cycle, "Knee Deep in My Heart" was issued as a single in 2014, reaching number 69 on the UK Singles Chart and number 92 on the , both for one week each. Directed by Warren Smith, the video portrays a heartfelt story of devotion, filmed in a minimalist style to underscore the song's romantic essence, and has garnered more than 5 million views on . From his second album Right Here, the lead single "Me and the Moon" was released in August 2015, focusing on themes of enduring love under a nocturnal sky, though it did not enter the top 100 on either the or Irish Singles Charts. The accompanying , premiered exclusively via , features Filan in a serene, starlit environment that complements the song's wistful romance. In 2015, Filan also issued the promotional single "Baby Let's Dance" from Right Here, aimed at holiday audiences but without significant chart impact or a dedicated . "Beautiful in White," released in July 2018 as a single from the Asia Deluxe Edition of , became one of Filan's most viewed solo releases, with its official exceeding 247 million views on by 2025. The video adopts a wedding-themed narrative, showing Filan reflecting on marital bliss, including appearances by his nephew and godson Killian Filan, aligning with the song's about a in white. While it did not chart in the UK or , it peaked at number 51 on the Philippine Songs Chart, highlighting its international appeal in romantic contexts.
SingleRelease YearUK PeakIrish PeakNotable Video Details
"Everything to Me"2013147Reflective settings; 4.4M+ YouTube views
"About You"201354-Romantic longing theme
"Knee Deep in My Heart"20146992Directed by Warren Smith; romantic devotion; 5M+ YouTube views
"Me and the Moon"2015--Starlit romance visuals
"Beautiful in White"2018--Wedding narrative with family; 247M+ YouTube views

Songwriting

Contributions to Westlife

Shane Filan has been a key songwriter for , contributing to more than 20 songs across the band's in both the original era (1998–2012) and the reunion era (2018–present), frequently collaborating with bandmates , , , and former member , as well as external producers and writers like and . During the band's early 2000s output, Filan co-wrote tracks on albums such as Coast to Coast (2000) and (2001), where his contributions helped shape the group's pop ballad style. Notable examples include "" from , co-written with McFadden, Christopher O'Brien, and Graham Murphy, which became a top-10 single in several markets. He also co-penned "I Wanna Grow Old With You" on the same album with McFadden and Egan, a heartfelt track featured in the film , and bonus tracks like "Don't Say It's Too Late" and "Love Crime," both with McFadden, Andreas Romdhane, and Josef Larossi. In the later years of the original era, Filan's songwriting expanded on the 2010 album Gravity, where he received credits on several songs emphasizing emotional depth and band harmonies. These included "Closer," co-written with John Reid, John Shanks, Feehily, Egan, and ; "Difference in Me" with Shanks and ; "Too Hard to Say Goodbye" with Shanks, , Egan, and Feehily; and "I Get Weak" with Shanks, , Egan, and Feehily. Following Westlife's 2018 reunion, Filan continued to contribute original material, aligning with the group's renewed focus on contemporary pop production. On the 2019 album , he co-wrote "Take Me There" (track 7) and "L.O.V.E." (track 10), both with . His involvement extended to later releases, such as "Wild Dreams" from the 2021 album of the same name, co-written with Feehily, , Richard "Liohn" Zastenker, and Johannes Klahr, which served as a reflective single highlighting the band's enduring vocal . These efforts underscore Filan's role in evolving Westlife's sound while maintaining their signature emotional resonance, with no new songwriting credits reported for the band's 2025 single "".

Solo songwriting credits

Filan began establishing himself as a solo songwriter with his debut album You and Me (2013), where he co-wrote multiple tracks during sessions that drew on his experiences as a performer and family man. Key contributions include "One of These Days," co-written with Paul Barry and Patrick Mascall, which explores themes of perseverance in relationships. Similarly, "All You Need to Know" was co-authored by Filan, Barry, and Mascall, emphasizing emotional reassurance and commitment. These originals were developed in collaborative environments involving producers like Martin Terefe, blending Filan's melodic instincts with professional songcraft. His second album, Right Here (2015), showcased an expanded songwriting role, with Filan co-writing nearly half the material after intensive sessions yielding around fifty songs. The title track "Right Here" was co-written by Filan alongside Alex Davies, Danny Shah, and Julian Emery, capturing a sense of unwavering support drawn from personal bonds. Another notable original, "All My Love," reflects Filan's input in partnership with collaborators like Tre Jean-Marie, focusing on devotion and legacy. Themes in these works often stem briefly from his life as a husband and father, infusing heartfelt authenticity. Writing took place in studios across the UK, prioritizing acoustic pop structures. On (2017), Filan continued collaborative efforts with writers like and Patrick Mascall, resulting in originals such as "Completely," which he co-penned to convey total emotional surrender. "Eyes Don't Lie" stands out as a Filan-led composition, highlighting subtle cues in love, while "Girl in My Heart" was co-written with , evoking nostalgia and affection. These tracks emerged from studio sessions emphasizing forms, with Filan contributing and melodies to balance covers with personal expressions. Overall, his solo songwriting process involved targeted collaborations in professional settings, allowing him to refine his voice beyond .

Writings for other artists and unreleased works

Filan has contributed songwriting to several artists outside his solo catalog, often in collaboration with established composers. One notable example is "Listen Girl," a track from Swedish singer Johan Östberg's 2003 album Side by Side, where Filan is credited as a co-composer alongside Patric Jonsson and Danijel Wohlrapp. Another contribution is "Let Me Be the One," released as a single by Irish performer Simon Casey in 2004; Filan co-wrote the song with , and it marked Casey's fourth single release. Additionally, Filan co-wrote "Sei Parte Ormai Di Me," an Italian-language ballad on Il Divo's self-titled debut album in 2004, alongside , Josef Larossi, Andreas Romdhane, Matteo Saggese, and Mino Vergnaghi. Regarding unreleased works, Filan recorded a demo version of "" around 2006 during early solo sessions, which leaked online in 2010 and circulated unofficially before its official release on his 2017 album . No further solo demos or unreleased tracks from Filan's sessions in the or have been publicly confirmed or leaked as of November 2025.

Tours and live performances

Solo tours and promotions

Filan embarked on his debut solo tour, the You and Me Tour, spanning late 2013 announcements and performances primarily in 2014 across and the , focusing on intimate theater and hall venues. The tour featured 26 concerts, including stops at the Olympia Theatre in on March 15, 2014, and the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on February 20, 2014. In October and November 2014, he extended the outing with a 28-date UK leg, performing in smaller-scale locations such as in Reading and Westlands in to promote his self-titled debut album. Following the release of his second album Right Here in September 2015, Filan engaged in promotional activities that included club shows and festival appearances to build anticipation for his subsequent tour. Notable events encompassed a performance at the BTV Global Spring Festival Gala in on February 17, 2015, where he delivered hits like and "My Love," alongside smaller venue gigs and media showcases in the UK and . These efforts preceded the full Right Here Tour in 2016, emphasizing his transition to solo live performances. The Tour, supporting his third album of the same name, took place from July 2017 to 2018, comprising over 20 dates mainly in Ireland with an emphasis on acoustic arrangements for a more personal fan experience. Key Irish stops included the Olympia Theatre in on October 19, 2017, and the Waterfront Hall in on October 22, 2017, with the itinerary expanded to a second leg in early 2018 due to demand. The tour highlighted stripped-down versions of his solo material and classics in theater settings. In recent years, Filan has limited solo outings to one-off charity performances, such as his appearance at the event in Sligo in support of the Irish Cancer Society, where he performed emotional ballads to raise funds and awareness. These selective gigs underscore his ongoing commitment to philanthropic causes through music.

Tours with

Westlife's touring career with Shane Filan as a core member began in the original era with the Where Dreams Come True Tour in 2001, their second major outing supporting the album Coast to Coast, which featured performances across and a filmed concert in directed by . This tour showcased the band's rising popularity through high-energy sets blending pop anthems and ballads. The Turnaround Tour followed in 2004, spanning the UK and Europe with a focus on intimate arena shows, including a live recording from Stockholm's Globe Arena that captured the group's evolving stage presence post-lineup changes. Building on this momentum, the Love Tour in 2006–2007 encompassed 49 documented performances across Australia, Africa, and the UK, emphasizing emotional ballads and fan interactions in diverse markets. The Back Home Tour in 2008 kicked off in Belfast and extended to Australia before returning for UK and Irish dates, highlighted by a landmark headline concert at Dublin's Croke Park on June 1, drawing massive crowds to celebrate the band's homecoming. As prepared to disband, the Farewell Tour—titled the Greatest Hits Tour—ran from 2011 to 2012, featuring 41 tracked shows that included eight dates in and culminated in sold-out nights at , providing a global with reflective sets of their biggest hits. The tour's emotional encores often spotlighted Filan's lead vocals on signature tracks like "," underscoring his pivotal role in the band's harmonic delivery. Upon reunion in 2018, Westlife launched The 20 Tour in 2019 to mark two decades together, delivering approximately 50 shows across the , , and , with a pivotal filmed performance at that blended classics and new material from Spectrum. The Wild Dreams World Tour from 2022 to 2024 expanded their reach dramatically, comprising 101 concerts over 59 cities in 23 countries and attracting over 1.1 million attendees, establishing it as their most ambitious production with elaborate staging and international legs including for the first time. This tour extended into 2024 with additional Irish dates amid high demand, while 2025 plans include celebratory returns such as two nights at London's as precursors to their 25th anniversary world tour. Filan's contributions remained central, particularly in encores where he took lead on emotive closers, enhancing the band's signature vocal harmonies and fan connection across these eras.

Honours and awards

Music industry awards

As a founding member and lead vocalist of Westlife, Shane Filan shared in the band's extensive music industry accolades, which number over 50 collectively across their career. Westlife won the Best Irish Pop Act at the Meteor Awards for five consecutive years from 2001 to 2005, securing the award for the fourth consecutive time in . The group received one World Music Award in , as the World's Best Selling Irish Group.

Other accolades and nominations

Filan has received several fan-voted recognitions early in his career for his appeal and popularity. In 2000, he won the Most Fanciable Male award at the . That same year, he was named Best-Looking Pop Star at the TV Hits Awards. In 2023, Filan was appointed National Ambassador for the Irish Cancer Society's , a role in which he promotes cancer support services and fundraising events across , drawing from his personal experiences with family members affected by the disease. He has actively participated in events, including performing at the inaugural Sligo in 2025 to honour his late parents. In September 2025, issued a limited-edition booklet of four stamps commemorating Westlife's 25 years, with one stamp featuring Filan alongside bandmates , , and ; the group described the national tribute as a profound .

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  18. https://www.theaudiodb.com/artist/127469-Shane-Filan
  19. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/westlife-shane-filan-michael-jackson-bollywood-bryan-adams-guy-brooks/articleshow/23603479.cms
  20. https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2002/05/12/160514/north-and-south-and-east-westlife
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7Q_BPYCkcE
  22. https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/official-charts-flashback-1999-westlife-swear-it-again__4765/
  23. http://irishcharts.ie/search/placement?page=1&search_type=title&placement=Swear%2BIt%2BAgain
  24. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/7712/westlife/
  25. https://www.westlifeweb.com/about-westlife/
  26. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/55435
  27. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/55427
  28. https://top40-charts.com/artist.php?aid=63
  29. https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/westlifes-top-20-biggest-songs-on-the-official-charts__25303/
  30. https://genius.com/albums/Westlife/Turnaround
  31. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/westlife-gravity/
  32. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-15377996
  33. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/oct/19/westlife-split-after-14-years
  34. https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2012/0517/437455-filans/
  35. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/jun/14/shane-filan-boyzone-declared-bankrupt
  36. https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a472688/shane-filan-signs-solo-record-deal-im-so-excited/
  37. https://www.discogs.com/release/5462530-Shane-Filan-You-And-Me-
  38. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/shane-filan-you-me/
  39. https://acharts.co/album/81729
  40. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/shane-filan-everything-to-me/
  41. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/shane-filan-about-you/
  42. https://www.tianchad.com/2013/11/shane-filan-you-and-me-asia-promo-tour-malaysia-shout-awards.html
  43. https://www.popscoop.org/2015/09/23/new-music-shane-filan-releases-new-album-right-here-on-september-25th/
  44. https://mancunion.com/2015/11/23/album-shane-filan-right-here/
  45. https://justlistentothis.co.uk/reviews/shane-filan-right-here/
  46. https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2015/1002/731976-shane-filan/
  47. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/30603/shane-filan/
  48. https://www.cardiff-times.co.uk/shane-filan-announces-right-here-tour-2016/
  49. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MwYfO_vv_0
  50. https://www.ukmusicreviews.co.uk/interviews/interview-shane-filan/
  51. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoSkUxZ4ags
  52. https://fohonline.com/articles/production-profile/shane-filans-right-here-tour/
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  54. https://www.musicweek.com/analysis/read/official-charts-analysis-queens-of-the-stone-age-debut-at-no-1-on-albums-chart/069655
  55. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-albums-chart/20170908/40/
  56. https://www.buro247.my/culture/shane-filan-interview.html
  57. https://music.apple.com/us/song/unbreakable/1253911057
  58. https://genius.com/Shane-filan-beautiful-in-white-lyrics/q/release-date
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  60. https://justlistentothis.co.uk/news/shane-filan-announces-new-album-autumn-2017-uk-ireland-tour/
  61. https://www.98fm.com/whats-on/shane-filan-announces-2017-tour-159485
  62. https://guestpectacular.com/artists/shane-filan/events/tour/love-always-tour
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  64. http://irishcharts.ie/search/placement?page=1&search_type=artist&placement=Westlife
  65. https://www.billboard.com/pro/westlife-spectrum-tops-uk-albums-chart/
  66. https://www.hotpress.com/music/westlife-claim-2019s-fastest-selling-album-spectrum-22795019
  67. https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/westlife-tease-new-single-better-man-8504338/
  68. https://heatworld.com/entertainment/music/westlife-cancel-tour-coronavirus/
  69. https://hellorayo.co.uk/magic/entertainment/music/westlife
  70. https://www.thesun.ie/tvandshowbiz/15978135/mark-feehily-health-battle-westlife-announce-tour-dates/
  71. https://evoke.ie/2025/10/25/entertainment/celebrity/mark-feehily-health-woes
  72. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15220333/Westlife-delight-fans-confirm-Mark-Feehily-band-appears-new-music-despite-health-break-announce-epic-tour-album.html
  73. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c986eq8nl7zo
  74. https://aikenpromotions.com/show/westlife/
  75. https://journalofmusic.com/listing/21-10-25/westlife-extra-dates-3arena
  76. https://evoke.ie/2025/07/05/entertainment/shane-gillian-childhood-romance
  77. https://weareteamwestlife.wordpress.com/westlife-other-halves/gillian-filan/
  78. http://itsmeandmymind.blogspot.com/2009/08/about-nicole-rose-and-michael-patrick.html
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  83. https://www.rsvplive.ie/news/celebs/gallery/see-inside-shane-filans-stunning-26616938
  84. https://www.instagram.com/p/C7WtpIOBGCJ/
  85. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-18438032
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  87. https://www.independent.ie/regionals/sligo/lifestyle/shane-tells-of-pain-of-losing-home/29494531.html
  88. https://www.irishtimes.com/news/not-10m-not-9m-it-s-990-000-for-filan-s-home-1.1315624
  89. https://www.thejournal.ie/shane-filan-bankrupt-westlife-486511-Jun2012/
  90. https://evoke.ie/2025/01/19/entertainment/millionaire-shane-filan-property
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  92. https://www.amazon.com/Side-Life-Autobiography-Shane-Filan/dp/0753556049
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  95. https://www.relayforlife.ie/raffle/westlife-raffle
  96. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DN91E4pDjs-/
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  98. https://2026.justlistentothis.co.uk/reviews/shane-filan-love-always/
  99. https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Q2ya2vGeOhQ9CaF9wWNP6
  100. https://acharts.co/song/79819
  101. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUQY5ZtiTWY
  102. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/shane-filan-knee-deep-in-my-heart/
  103. https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2014/01/08/shane-filan-knee-deep-my-heart-warren-smith/23516
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  124. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRuDQ6aYeD0
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  136. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/westlife/2019/croke-park-dublin-ireland-1b9ce164.html
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