WestlifeS Shane Filan Credits Simon Cowell, Not Louis Walsh, for Band’s Enduring Success
LONDON — In a surprising revelation, Westlife’s Shane Filan is crediting Simon Cowell, not the band’s longtime manager Louis Walsh, as the key figure behind the group’s phenomenal and enduring success. Filan, 45, stated that while Westlife had a strong team, including Walsh and songwriter Steve Mac, Cowell’s strategic guidance proved pivotal in shaping their career.
“Simon was very hard to say no to,” Filan recently told Newstalk’s Rewind. “He was always very great at convincing us to do this or that song. Sometimes we would have our doubts and want to be cool and different.”
Filan specifically highlighted Cowell’s unconventional strategy of releasing a string of ballads. “One time he said, ‘Let’s release seven ballads in a row’,” Filan recalled. “Back then, no one had done seven ballads in a row. Westlife ended up having seven No1s. So Simon knew there was a niche in the market.”
This focus on ballads, Filan explained, set Westlife apart from other boy bands of the era. “Maybe other bands were trying to do dance and be more cool and do more uptempo songs. But we stuck to ballads for nearly two years — and it worked.”
Westlife, formed in 1998, quickly rose to international stardom with hits like “Swear It Again,” “If I Let You Go,” and “Flying Without Wings.” The original lineup consisted of Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, and Brian McFadden, who departed in 2004. To date,the group has sold over 55 million records worldwide.
Cowell’s influence extended beyond song selection. Filan revealed that Cowell advised the band against touring immediately after their first album release. “When our first album came out, Simon warned us not to go on tour until our second album was released because we would have more hit songs,” he said. “So we waited for our second album to come out. By then we had 12 songs to perform on tour, so when we announced dates, we sold out ten nights in Wembley Arena and 13 nights in the Point Depot.” That strategic patience allowed them to build momentum before embarking on major concert tours.
In November 2000, Westlife faced stiff competition when their album release coincided with that of the Spice Girls. “But when we heard we were going up against The Spice Girls we said, ‘Are you sure about this Simon?'” Filan remembered.”He told us, ‘Of course lads, this will create great hype. Win, lose or draw, it’s going to sell more records, and Simon was right. Our album (Coast to Coast) went to No1 and The Spice Girls album (Forever) was No2.” This bold move showcased Cowell’s understanding of marketing and his confidence in Westlife’s appeal.
While Walsh guided the band’s early management, it was Cowell’s strategic decisions that cemented their place in pop history.The impact is clear: Westlife’s success in the UK directly influenced the trajectory of other boy bands, many of whom adopted similar strategies in music selection and tour planning.
Though, some argue that Walsh’s role shouldn’t be downplayed. Walsh discovered and mentored the group, providing the initial platform for their success.His experience in the music industry and his connections were undoubtedly crucial in securing Westlife’s record deal and early exposure.
Regardless, Filan emphasizes that the combination of talents ultimately led to Westlife’s longevity. “It was that huge success we had in our first two years which helped us sustain a career for 20 years more after. And it continues.”
FAQ
Q: Who were the original members of Westlife?
A: The original members were Shane Filan,mark Feehily,Kian Egan,Nicky Byrne,and Brian McFadden.
Q: How many albums has Westlife sold worldwide?
A: Westlife has sold over 55 million records worldwide.
Q: What was Simon Cowell’s key advice to Westlife?
A: Cowell advised Westlife to release a series of ballads and to delay touring until their second album to maximize their impact.
Q: When did Brian McFadden leave Westlife?
A: Brian McFadden left Westlife in 2004.
Q: Which album helped Westlife win over the Spice Girls album in november 2000?
A: The Westlife album “Coast to Coast” went to No. 1, beating out the Spice Girls’ “Forever.”
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Exclusive Interview: Music Mogul, Evelyn Hayes, Weighs in on Westlife and Simon Cowell’s Impact
This week, Archyde News sat down with Evelyn Hayes, a leading music industry analyst, to dissect the recent revelations from Westlife’s Shane Filan regarding Simon Cowell’s influence on their success. Hayes, known for her insightful commentary on the music business, offered her expert perspective on the matter.
The Strategic genius of Simon Cowell
Archyde: Evelyn, thanks for joining us. Shane Filan’s comments have certainly stirred up discussion. What’s your initial reaction to his perspective on Cowell’s role in Westlife’s success?
Evelyn Hayes: Thanks for having me! I think Filan’s comments are incredibly insightful. It’s easy to credit the obvious – the manager, the band’s talent – but Cowell’s strategic decisions, notably his understanding of the market and his willingness to take calculated risks, were game-changers. The seven ballads in a row strategy? Unconventional, but it worked brilliantly.
Beyond the Record Sales: Shaping a Legacy
Archyde: Filan mentioned Cowell’s advice to delay touring.Can you elaborate on the impact of such strategic decisions on Westlife’s long-term trajectory?
Evelyn Hayes: Absolutely. Delaying the tour until the second album’s release was a masterstroke. It allowed them to build anticipation, amass a ample catalog, and hit the ground running with a packed setlist when they finally did tour. That kind of forethought is critical in building a sustainable career, not just a fleeting success. Their strategic planning showed unbelievable potential to be future megastars.
The Balance of Power: Cowell vs. Walsh
Archyde: While Filan emphasized Cowell’s role, the article also acknowledges Louis Walsh’s contribution. How do you see the synergy between these two pivotal figures?
Evelyn Hayes: It’s a classic case of complementary skills. Walsh,with his industry connections and talent scouting abilities,laid the foundation. He discovered and mentored them. but Cowell provided the strategic vision, the marketing savvy, and the ability to see and capitalize on market trends. It was a successful strategic plan. Essentially, Walsh built the house, and Cowell furnished it, if you will.
The Power of Market Research
Archyde: Cowell used the market to influence Westlife success. How significant is it for artists these days to take this into account nowadays?
Evelyn Hayes: Nowadays? In the 2000’s? Either way, it’s always been important! The market changes so fast nowadays so it’s important now more than ever. Knowing what people want to consume and giving it to them is the key to success, westlife found this out and took advantage.
A Question for Our Readers
Archyde: Given Westlife’s experience, what do you believe is the primary factor for lasting success in the music industry: talent, strategy, or something else entirely? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Evelyn Hayes: That’s a great question. For me, longevity in music is a mix of talent, strategic planning, and the ability to constantly evolve, and stay at the top of the music charts. Westlife has done a good job of this.
The Future of Pop: lessons from Westlife
Archyde: What lessons can aspiring artists learn from Westlife’s story and Cowell’s influence?
evelyn Hayes: The most critically important lesson is the importance of understanding your audience and evolving your approach accordingly. Don’t be afraid to break the mold, to take calculated risks, even to allow those with expertise to steer the strategic ship. Westlife’s trajectory offers a compelling blueprint for aspiring musicians aiming for sustained success in an ever-changing industry.
Archyde: Evelyn, thank you for your time and your valuable insights.
Evelyn Hayes: My pleasure. It was a captivating topic.
