Westlife returned to Newcastle on Saturday for the first of two 25th anniversary tour dates at the Utilita Arena, delivering what has been hailed as their best show to date and one of the finest pop concerts ever to grace a Newcastle stage.
The screams and number one hits filled the air as the band, now a trio of Shane, Nicky and Kian, performed a setlist packed with their stellar back catalogue. The show opened with the 2002 smash World of Our Own, complete with stunning visuals, pyros and confetti, setting the tone for an evening of all killer and no filler.
Early Hits and Emotional Tributes
Early 00s hits like What Makes A Man, Uptown Girl, When You're Looking Like That and Queen of My Heart sounded sublime, with the atmosphere rising further during I Lay My Love On You, an album track from Coast to Coast performed for the first time ever on tour.
The transition to the B stage in the middle of the arena caused near hysteria as fans clamoured for high fives and hugs. A special ode to Newcastle with chants of 'Toon Toon' was followed by Nicky unwisely mentioning Sunderland, prompting an even louder chorus of boos.
Moving Moments and Stadium-Worthy Production
From the second stage, the band delivered a trilogy of Fool Again, If I Let You and My Love, before finishing the latter in a sea of confetti back on the main stage. The concert also had genuinely moving moments, including a dedication of Flying Without Wings to fan Danielle O'Keane, a 37-year-old who tragically died this week after suffering a serious brain injury in a road traffic accident following Westlife's gig in Dublin.
The song also showcased the talents of the band's vocalists Desiree and Louise. Danielle was mentioned again during You Raise Me Up, as drones combined to draw out a red heart in the air. The final track was the apt Swear It Again, the 1999 debut that started it all.
A Five-Star Spectacular
Described as a production worthy of a stadium, the show featured immensely impressive video visuals, big budget effects, a fantastic live band and three performers still at the top of their game nearly 30 years on. The reviewer, who has seen Westlife countless times as a five, a four and a three, stated Saturday night was the best yet, awarding the show five stars and calling it one of the best pop concerts ever to grace a Newcastle stage.
