Westlife forced to postpone headline Wembley Stadium concert by 1 year

13 May 2020, 10:58

Westlife's rescheduled Wembley Stadium show will take place in August 2021
Westlife's rescheduled Wembley Stadium show will take place in August 2021. Picture: Smooth Radio

By Rory O'Connor

Westlife has rescheduled their huge summer London show at Wembley Stadium this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Westlife first announced their headline Wembley show on Smooth Radio, originally set for Saturday August 22, 2020.

The Irish band, made up of Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Mark Feehily and Kian Egan, will now perform at a rescheduled date next year, Saturday August 21, 2021.

Releasing a joint statement on Westlife’s social media channels, the band announced the postponement to their followers.

Westlife said: “In line with the continued U.K. government advice surrounding mass gatherings, we have been advised to postpone our show at Wembley Stadium to Saturday August 21st, 2021.

Click here for the latest coronavirus advice from the NHS

Westlife Wembley Stadium announcement

Westlife on the roof of Wembley Stadium
Westlife on the roof of Wembley Stadium. Picture: Westlife

“We want to reiterate that the safety of our fans and crew is our priority.

“Rest assured, we are working closely with our team on the rest of our 2021 UK touring schedule and we hope to bring you more news when the time is right.”

Read more: Westlife reveal new album secrets after working with Ed Sheeran on 'Spectrum'

While fans were understandably upset, they were happy the show was postponed and not cancelled.

One fan wrote: “I’m so glad it's postponed and not cancelled. So their dream of playing at Wembley will still come true.”

Westlife interview - Massive Wembley show and biopic plans? | Smooth Radio

“Devastated but thank you you postponed and didn't have to cancel!! Bring on 2021!!! #biggerandbetter,” posted another.

A third wrote: “Glad it’s been postponed and not cancelled. Bring on next year!!”

Read more: A Westlife movie? Band reveal biopic plans ahead of Wembley Stadium

Original tickets are valid and the remaining tickets are on sale now.

James Morrison and All Saints will support the stadium concert.

Westlife at Wembley Stadium
Westlife at Wembley Stadium. Picture: Westlife

Smooth Radio met with Westlife last year as they had a look around the venue they would be performing at for the first time.

In an exclusive interview, Shane told Smooth Radio: “We’re in the stadium for the first time ever. We’re playing Wembley Stadium, which is pretty incredible. Next year, August 22, Westlife will be live at Wembley for the first time ever.

“So it’s a very special day for us as a band. And for our fans, obviously, it’s going to be pretty special, too.

Read more: Westlife announce their biggest ever UK show at Wembley Stadium

“This is genuinely going to be the best Westlife concert ever, you know? It’s probably one of the biggest things we could ever do in our career.

“It’s the biggest and most iconic stadium in the UK – one of the most iconic in the world. So to be Westlife, playing at Wembley for the first time for our fans, it will definitely be probably the most memorable night of our career.”