With the new line up complete,
the lads changed their name to Westside. This was swiftly changed to
WESTLIFE because of a copyright issue in the US. The boys then secured the
record deal they wanted. They had already met with Simon Cowell in meetings
as IO YOU, but at that stage, he was not happy with the look of the band.
This time round though, he was ready to sign the band!
The tour with Boyzone firmly
established Westlife on the pop ladder. It as said that the new band was
stealing the show! Media interest rapidly grew, as well as a huge female fan
following. A tour of under 18's clubs followed, then a BBC roadshow and the
Smash Hits Roadshow, where they won Best New Tour Act.
The boys started recording
their first album titled 'westlife' in the early part of 1999. Their first
single was initially released in Ireland, where it achieved #1 status, and
then the success was repeated in th UK.
Kian looks back: "It
really was a tremendous for us. Winning the Smash Hits award was a great
start and then to achieve #1 with our first single was amazing."
Clearly, WESTLIFE were
here to stay!!