Westlife’s 2025 lineup is a trio on stage, but the band officially has four members — with Mark Feehily on a health-related break. The Irish pop group is navigating a 25th anniversary without its full quintet, while financial filings show the three touring members are thriving.
Formed: 1998 | Original members: 5 | Current members: 4 | Studio albums: 12 | Biggest global hit: Swear It Again | Member who left: Brian McFadden (2004)
Current Members
Former Member
- Brian McFadden (born 1980) – left 2004 — Wikipedia
Key Milestones
Before the details, here is a quick reference of key facts.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Band formed | 1998 |
| Original members | 5 |
| Current members | 4 |
| Member who left | Brian McFadden (2004) |
| Longest hiatus | 2011-2018 |
| Recent health issue | Mark Feehily – pneumonia (2023) |
Are Westlife Only 3 Members Now?
Westlife still has four members, but the 2025 live lineup is a trio. Reuters reported that the 25th-anniversary tour will feature Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, and Kian Egan, with Mark Feehily not participating. Feehily remains on the album, according to the same report.
Current Westlife members in 2025
As of 2025, the official members are Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Kian Egan, and Mark Feehily. Wikipedia lists all four, with Brian McFadden as a former member. The band is currently operating as a trio for live performances.
Why some fans think there are only three
Fans see only three on stage. BBC News reported in February 2024 that Mark Feehily was stepping back from Westlife due to ongoing health issues, leading to the perception of a three-member band.
What Happened to Westlife’s Fifth Member?
The fifth original member, Brian McFadden, left the band in 2004. He was not replaced.
Brian McFadden’s role in the band
Brian McFadden was a lead vocalist from the band’s formation in 1998 until his departure in 2004. He sang on hits like “Swear It Again” and “Flying Without Wings.”
Reasons for leaving
McFadden left to spend more time with his family and pursue a solo career. Wikipedia notes that he has not been replaced, and the band has continued as a quartet.
Life after Westlife
McFadden released solo albums and appeared on reality TV. He has not rejoined the band.
“Brian McFadden left in 2004 to focus on his family and solo work.” — Wikipedia
What Is Mark Feehily’s Illness?
Mark Feehily has been on an extended break due to multiple health issues dating back to 2022.
Mark Feehily’s pneumonia diagnosis
In 2023, Feehily was diagnosed with pneumonia. BBC News reported that he underwent hernia surgery and was advised to recover rather than return to touring.
Surgery and recovery
The surgery was successful, but the recovery period kept him off the road. Heat Radio reported that Feehily would not be involved in the 25th anniversary celebrations as he continues recovering.
Return to the stage in 2024
Feehily did return for some performances in 2024, but the 2025 tour plans do not include him. MSN reported that the anniversary plans announced in June 2025 include only the three touring members.
“Mark Feehily is stepping back from Westlife due to ongoing health issues.” — BBC News
Who Is the Richest Member of Westlife?
Financial estimates vary, but the three touring members have seen strong profits recently.
Net worth estimates of each member
Various sources place Shane Filan as the wealthiest, with an estimated $10 million. Nicky Byrne and Kian Egan are around $8 million each, and Mark Feehily around $5 million. These figures are not official.
Shane Filan’s financial recovery
After filing for bankruptcy in 2012, Filan rebuilt his finances through tours. RTÉ reported that the combined post-tax profits at the individual music firms of Filan, Byrne, and Egan topped €1.76 million in 2025.
Kian Egan’s TV career
Egan has also earned from TV appearances, including coaching on “The Voice of Ireland.”
“Combined post-tax profits at the individual music firms of Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, and Kian Egan topped €1.76 million.” — RTÉ
How Did Shane Filan Lose His Money?
Shane Filan’s financial story is a cautionary tale of property investments gone wrong.
Property investments that failed
During the 2008 recession, Filan lost millions in property investments. EL PAÍS framed Westlife’s comeback as overcoming bankruptcy, mental health struggles, and fading from the spotlight.
Bankruptcy filing in 2012
Filan filed for bankruptcy in 2012, admitting debts of over £18 million.
Rebuilding wealth through touring
The Westlife reunion tours since 2018 have allowed Filan to rebuild his finances. The 2025 profits from his music firm are part of that recovery.
Timeline of Westlife Membership Changes
- 1998 — Westlife formed with five members: Kian, Mark, Shane, Nicky, Brian. — Wikipedia
- 2004 — Brian McFadden leaves the band. — Wikipedia
- 2011 — Westlife announces indefinite hiatus after final tour. — Wikipedia
- 2018 — Reunion tour with four original members (minus Brian). — Wikipedia
- 2023 — Mark Feehily diagnosed with pneumonia, misses shows. — BBC News
- 2024 — Mark Feehily returns to perform with Westlife. — BBC News
What’s Confirmed and What’s Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Westlife has four members as of 2025. — Wikipedia
- Brian McFadden left in 2004. — Wikipedia
- Mark Feehily had pneumonia and surgery in 2023. — BBC News
- Shane Filan filed for bankruptcy in 2012. — EL PAÍS
Unclear
- Exact net worth figures vary by source. — RTÉ (only profit figures, not net worth)
- Whether Mark Feehily’s health issues are fully resolved. — BBC News (indicates ongoing recovery)
thepinknews.com, westlife.co.in, metro.co.uk, facebook.com, facebook.com, lepointdirect.fr
For those curious about how the group has evolved over the years, the original and current Westlife lineup offers a detailed breakdown of each phase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Westlife still performing together?
Yes, Westlife continues to perform as a trio (Shane, Nicky, Kian) in 2025. Mark Feehily is on a health break.
How many albums has Westlife released?
Westlife has released 12 studio albums.
Did Westlife ever replace Brian McFadden?
No, the band never replaced him. They continued as a quartet after his departure in 2004.
What is the age difference between Westlife members?
The current members are all born between 1978 and 1980, so the age gap is minimal.
Are any of the Westlife members related?
No, they are not related.
What is Westlife’s most successful song?
“Swear It Again” is often cited as their biggest global hit.
Has Westlife ever won a Brit Award?
Westlife won the Brit Award for Best International Group in 2002.
For more on band members overcoming health issues, read our article on Joey Jordison: Death, Illness, and Slipknot Departure Explained. Also check out Jason Donovan: Biography, Net Worth, and Kylie Minogue Split for another pop music story.
George Harry Howard Bennett is a staff writer for Public Journal UK, specializing in UK news, policy analysis, and public affairs coverage. He works under Editor-in-Chief Margaret Ellison, maintaining high standards of sourcing, verification, and fact-checking. Bennett reports on Westminster, government policy, and societal issues, providing balanced and accurate journalism with timely insight.