Product Description

An account of the band's story, from their first meeting, to their discovery by Louis Walsh, and their subsequent success in the charts.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #897719 in Books
• Published on: 2000-05-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 121 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Westlife were the most popular boy band of 1999, appearing on any television programme with enough space to accommodate their carefully choreographed dance routines, making never-ending public appearances and seeing their first four singles sail to number one in Britain. The latest step in this domination of the pop arena is the publication of Rob McGibbon's Westlife--Our Story, which promises to tell the story of these "five talented Irish lads with the looks and charm to take on the world".

This being the World of Pop, where musical talent is often secondary to the issue of looking good and crucially "being nice", the emphasis in this excellently presented book is not on the music of Westlife but on their looks and personalities. Handily, the latter are summed up in one or two words and thus we learn that Shane is "philosophical", Kian "cheeky", Mark "a thinker" and Nicky simply "fun". Bryan, meanwhile, is deemed to be "Westlife's danger element--wild with a creative streak" of which we should all be very scared.

McGibbon proceeds to tell the band's story, interviewing the boys about "their pasts and future hopes and dreams". While this does give a rewarding opportunity to reveal some staggeringly embarrassing childhood photos, what really emerges in the end is of a group of charming, hardworking boys who are relishing their opportunities to "live the dream". As such, this book can be viewed as extremely effective and will doubtless be a big hit with Westlife's growing legion of fans. --Steve Price

From the Publisher
A treat for Westlife fans everywhere
This book is a more affordable text-only version of the illustrated hardback published for Christmas 1999. Check out Amazon's page on the original book if you want to read what everyone (including the author) wrote about it - and thanks to everyone who gave it such great reviews! We are very proud have published Westlife's official story - they are a phenomenally successful group and this book tells the fascinating and sometimes moving story of how these five guys from Sligo and Dublin got together and conquered the world. We've included a selection of the best photographs from the illustrated edition, including some possibly embarrassing childhood snaps! I hope that Westlife fans enjoy this book as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

From the Author
A note from author Rob McGibbon
Hi everyone. Westlife Our story has been out since early November and I am just getting to hear the first reactions from you readers. And it’s great news, so I thought I would send a thank you note. I first met Westlife in October 1998 and we worked on the book for the best part of a year. I interviewed Shane, Kian, Mark, Nicky and Bryan many times and they told me all about their childhoods, growing up in Ireland and their remarkable rise to pop stardom. What has happened to the guys is amazing and, if you are a Westlife fan, you are going to love this book. (I know you would expect me to say that, but it’s true! ) There’s everything you would want to know and there are some fantastic - and funny - photos of all the boys when they were younger and some candid snaps of them recording their debut album in Sweden. The book is full of facts and anecdotes and I’m told it is quite moving in places, so prepare to cry! I know the guys and their families are very pleased with the book, which means everything to me, but I also hope you fans love it. Getting feedback is hard, but it would be great if you can send a review to amazon.co.uk, so other fans can hear your honest verdicts. Westlife are five talented singers and performers. They are also down to earth, great fun guys who are working so hard. They’ve had a truly incredible year in 1999 and I think next year will be even bigger for them. I am proud to have written Our Story and I hope you all enjoy it.

With Best Wishes Rob McGibbon

Customer Reviews

The most indepth book you will ever find about Westlife
The minute one opens the front cover you are presented with a cheeky, but accurate one line summary of each member,which is quite enjoyable. The book progresses giving us an excellently detailed insight into each of their lives beginning with a full factfile that develops into their life story, from childhood, until the moment they got into the band. Included is a great selection of pictures, of each member, throughout their life, which is delightful for every fan! But this book doesn't just focus on the Shane,Kian,Bryan,Nicky and Mark's lives before the band, we follow them as they get a record deal and play Wembley for the first time and more.
This book is truly the best combination of facts, pictures and text any Westlife fan could ever dream of! No other book can compare!
You'll be grinning from ear to ear for no reason apart from the fact that you love them so much.

This is the westlife bible!
I haven't got this book but I read my friend's copy and it was full of lovely pictures of the guys and lots of info on all the members! I like them equally in this order; Shane(he's sexy!!) Bryan(he IS gorgeous) Nicky(he is FIT!!) Kian(he is CUTE!!) Mark(he is lurrrvely) and they all has a goooood voice!...

Phenomenal!A must for all Westlife fans!!
Westlife has had a great load of success since they started.This book is really amazing as it tells their life stories individually and how each of them started off in the group.It is really fascinating and the writer has managed to learn their life story and relayed it so well that it makes u feel like you actually know Westlife personally and have been with them all your life.It is a must have book for all Westlife fans.For those who aren't, read it and I have a feeling that you will become a fan too.