Product Description

Six friends in a country town set out on an adventure. Half of the boys found cruel heartache. For the others an incredible fairytale was about to come true. To the huge public that loves or loathes Irish boyband Westlife, they seemed to arrive overnight, shooting from obscurity to a platform where they were challenging the Beatles' record of number ones in Britain. Apart from the official story of the band's genesis, little is known about the individual personalities that made it up. Their fascinating story is told here for the first time.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #409107 in Books
• Published on: 2004-05-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 284 pages

Customer Reviews

An exciting, well-written look at the early Westlife
This was an exceptionally great book to read. I have heard and read the "official" story of the beginnings of the band so many times that it has taken on the status of legend. It was a treat to finally read a more detailed, behind-the-scenes account from someone who was there and part of the process. I don't believe for a minute that there are no more facts to be presented, or that other viewpoints on those that were described wouldn't give a different spin to the story. But, given that, this is a great book for any fan of Westlife. The nuggets of Irish history in general, and of Sligo and the Irish music scene in particular, added a depth to this book that is rare in stories such as this. Simon Cowell has made it very plain that the music business is, first and foremost, a business. And second, it is a not-very-nice business at that. So, could Westlife have made different choices? I am sure they could have. But, if they had, we might never have heard of them, and might never have had a book such as this to ponder. I recommend the book highly.

The story behind Westlife
the story behind Westlife. Never before have we seen such an insight into the phenomenen that is Westlife. This book tracks the 3 guys from Sligo from early school days through to the start of westlife. You get a great insight into the charachters and relationships that were formed between the three members and also the three members that did not go on to be Global Megastars. From the beginnings of Six as One though to IOYou and then on to Westside(the original name of Westlife) this show the ups and downs of the road to success. Freindship,heartbreak and the beginings of love for Shane and Gillian this shows all the emotions that the guys have experiences. This book truly is a wonder and for any die hard fan is a must-have.

More for research than interest
I only purchased this item for research as I am involved in a project related to the subject matter of the book. As far as the actual book is concerned, it's not something that I would recommend as a good read. For a start the books lacks any interview material and is in the 3rd person. Added to that it is poorly written and its focus is too local i.e.: the reader finds it difficult to relate to the story as there are far too many references to people and places that could have been left out. Maybe a sign that there was very little story to begin with. Quite simply, it seems like a 'cash in' by the previous manager on the success of Westlife.

Overall, a poor read. 4/10

PS: Delivery was excellent and i would recommend the book shop involved. 10/10