Westlife mum Marie Feehily got an early indication that music was to
play a prevalent role in their family, through her son Mark.
Performing on stage came natural to Mark from the age of three. Marie
said: “All the kids in Mark’s class in playschool had to perform on
the last day. Mark went up and sang Uptown Girl.”
It’s ironic that this went on to become one of their 11 UK number
ones.
“Mark was always interested in music. Music rang through his ears and
still does to this day.
“His uncle was in a band so I guess music was always around. There is
a history of music on both sides of the family. Mark could turn his
hand to any instrument. He plays the guitar, tin-whistle and piano.”
Marie remembers her son singing in front of the mirror with a
hairbrush. “It’s funny looking back on that now. But the
band’s
success didn’t happen overnight. They had to work hard.”
Friendship and a love of music brought the three Sligo lads together
initially.
“Mark, Kian and Shane were all doing their Leaving Certs together in
Summerhill College. They became good pals and discovered that they
all had a strong interest in music. They acted in musicals together
in school.”
Those days are a world away from where the band are today. Despite
the world-wide success, it’s all about unwinding for Mark when he
comes home to Calry.
“It’s lovely to have him back, especially over the Christmas. He
hasn’t got a chance to come home in a while. When he’s at home,
there’s no big fuss made of him and Mark wouldn’t want any either.
He
does a lot of flying during the year and unwinding and relaxing with
family and friends is what he enjoys the most.
“He going back to work in mid January so he’s got plenty of time to
do that.”
But Marie and Oliver have also had to get used to travelling.
“We try to get to as many concerts as we can. We surprised Mark for
his 22nd birthday last May in London. He was totally shocked. It was
the time of the World Cup and we brought him over the Irish jersey.
He was chuffed but as cool as a breeze.”
Marie is looking forward to what 2003 holds for Westlife. “The
sellout Lansdowne Road gig is going to be huge. There’s now talk of a
second gig.”

Bye