Friday, September 30, 2011
Nicky Tweeted A Video
@nickybyrneoffic
Ok so here's the mexican wave from tonites show in Manila ... Epic crowd twitvid.com/L2SO1
Ok so here's the mexican wave from tonites show in Manila ... Epic crowd
credit :- nickybyrneoffic
Ok so here's the mexican wave from tonites show in Manila ... Epic crowd
credit :- nickybyrneoffic
Westlife wows Big Dome crowd with the gravity of nostalgia
"You are the most enthusiastic crowd I've ever seen!"
This was how Shane Filan, member of the boy band Westlife, described their Filipino fans who went to the concert last night, September 29, at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) got the chance to watch the Big Dome show—one of the first few stops in the Asian leg of Westlife's ongoing Gravity Tour.
Almost all the seats in the venue were filled up, and as soon as the lights went off, the crowd started to cheer.
"LET US BRING SOME OLD SONGS BACK." Before the band's much-awaited performance, a few front acts took centerstage.
Three of Star Magic's latest talents—Young JV, Van Roxas, and Piero Vergara—regaled the crowd with their RnB, pop and rap renditions.
After the prelude, Westlife's back-up band did a brief sound check while the main stage was spruced up, and everyone started cheering as they saw the band members going up on the stage.
As the music started playing, Westlife staged their opening number, "When You're Looking Like That," as their fans sang along.
This was followed by the songs "World of Our Own," "What Makes A Man," "I Will Keep You Safe," and their cover of the song "Home," a Michael Bublé original.
After the group changed into more casual outfits, Kian Egan, another member of Westlife, greeted the crowd and said, "Sorry we left you for so long! So, let us bring some old songs back, are you familiar with the song 'My Love'?"
And from there, together with the crowd, the group dramatically performed the song "My Love."
It was then Nicky Byrne's turn to say "hello" to their fans. He once again expressed his disappointment over not meeting his "boxing hero," Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao.
So, to get over with his frustration, he decided to invite four of their fans who were holding banners with messages for them.
Some of the chosen banner statements read, "Nicky, I want twins, can I have your genes?" and "Kian, is it hot in here, or is it just you?"
And with these four fans on stage, the group performed the song "Beautiful."
In the middle of the song, someone from the crowd hurled a bra onstage. Quick on the draw, Kian caught it, read something scribbled on it and threw it back to the crowd.
From smart formal to cool casual, the quartet emerged from backstage at one point donning Mickey Mouse T-shirts, showing off their well-chiseled bodies and brimming with youthful vigor.
They did some more cover songs like, "Speed of Light" by Coldplay, "Only Girl" by Rihanna, and "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga.
As most Westlife fans know, revivals are an integral part of their catalogue. One of last night's crowd pleasers was "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban, which Mark described as "a very inspiring song that makes me feel like I'm in heaven."
Then they proceed on serenading the crowd with their original hits such as "Seasons in the Sun," "I'm Already There," "I Will Reach You," and "Flying Without Wings."
For their finale, the group performed "What About Love." But, when their fans ranted, "We want more!" The group gamely obliged, finally closing with "Up Town Girl."
Although it's been five years since their last concert here, the indefatigable Irish "man band," (as Shane quipped) still captures the hearts of their Filipino fans who packed the Big Dome with delightful nostalgia.
Westlife: Still here, right now
MANILA, Philippines - Irish boy band Westlife revealed what may well be the most important keys to their enduring success: hit songs and unwavering passion for their craft.
"We love what we do, and we’ve always loved to be in a band, and we generally love being on stage,” related Westlife member Shane Filan to Bulletin Entertainment and other members of the media in a press conference on Sept. 29, hours before their "Gravity Tour" concert, their fourth show in the Philippines.
Other boy bands who are not presently as visible as this quartet can apparently take cues from the group, who, in their more-than-a-decade-spanning career ,has sold over 44 million records worldwide and made history by notching 14 number one singles in the UK chart.
Westlife, composed of Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, and Nicky Byrne (their fifth member Bryan McFadden left the group in 2004), puts a premium on coming up with hit songs consistently, and credits the talented producers and songwriters that they have worked with. The boys themselves have tried their hands in songwriting, with Mark noting it as a “natural progression” for them.
Although Westlife started out with a very pop sound, the members eventually experimented with various genres such as jazz/standard (“Allow Us To Be Frank” in 2003) and covers (e.g. Daughtry’s “What About Now?” and Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl”). But for their 11th studio album, “Gravity,” the quartet delves into a more guitar-driven, more mature pop sound, as Mark noted.
Each of the members are at least 30 years old now (the conference’s host, MYX VJ Nikki Gil, even teased them, “you don’t look like you’ve aged!”), but apparently, their fans have stayed with them through the years, something that Westlife highly appreciates.
"We come to the Philippines and we get a response like this after many years... maybe we're doing something right," Kian enthused.
Their connection to their Filipino fans is a “magical experience” for Westlife that began 11 years ago in their first show in Manila, noted Feehily.
“We’ve come so far away from home and for everyone to knew our names, our family [and] our pet’s names… we’re glad,” said he.
Having been told that a lot of people, particularly in the presscon venue, grew up listening to their music, Nicky kidded, "That makes us feel old."
Nevertheless, he hopes that their accessible music would transcend generations--that even when their fans become parents, they'd get to share Westlife's music with their children.
Asked who they'd like to share the stage with in the future, the boys mentioned their fellow boy bands Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync.They also mentioned internationally-renowned Filipino acts Charice, whom Mark described as "world-class;" as well as boxing champ and Sarangani congressman Manny Pacquiao, whom they’ve invited to do a duet in their concert. However, as Nicky, the self-confessed “big Manny Pacquiao fan,” related, “It’s not gonna happen. He can’t get out of the training. Coach Freddie Roach won’t let him.”
Pacquiao unable to grant Westlife's wish
MANILA, Philippines - Did Westlife forget about American Time and keep Filipino Time?
You see, the group’s welcome presscon was scheduled at 1 o’clock yesterday afternoon at a function room of EDSA Shangri-La where the four guys were billeted but they showed up at way past 3:30 p.m. Some of the media had left but some stayed to hear the guys apologize for the miscommunication between them and the organizers/ producers of the concert staged last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“We didn’t know that there would be a press conference,” admitted Nicky Byrne who, at 33, is the oldest among the members.
Westlife used to have five members but one of them, Bryan McFadden, has gone solo. The three other remaining members are Shane Filan, 32; Kian Egan, 31; and Mark Feehily, 31.
The boys arrived before midnight Wednesday from Hong Kong where they had a show. From Manila, they will go to Hanoi today for another concert which is part of the promo for their album Gravity (released locally by Sony Music).
In an exclusive interview with The STAR two weeks ago, Nicky Byrne publicly invited Manny Pacquiao to watch their concert, saying, “I do hope that we could do a song with him, preferably ‘You Raise Me Up.’ During the day, I would love to do a bit of boxing training with him and at night, we could do more singing. You see, I’ve been boxing as part of my workout, part of my conditioning.”
But due to his tight schedule training in Baguio for his return bout with Juan Manuel Marquez, Pacquiao begged off from watching the concert.
“He would have loved to but he was really pressed for time,” somebody close to Pacquiao told The STAR.
Other boy bands have split up and new ones have cropped up, but Westlife has managed to stay on top these past 14 years. Asked how they do it, Nicky said, “Honestly, I don’t know. You know, maybe we know what buttons to push and what pushes each other’s buttons. There’s really no magic formula. If there was, we would have put it in a bottle and sold it.”
It’s not the quartet’s first time to visit the Philippines. They first came here in 1999.
“We love coming back to the Philippines,” said Nicky. “I think we’ve been here five times for promo visits and for concerts. We always look forward to coming back because the Philippines has always been very welcoming to Westlife.”
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Westlife's Nicky Byrne happy just to shake Pacman's hand
Irish pop band "Westlife's" Nicky Byrne is so excited to meet Philippine boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao that he told GMA News Online, "I would be grateful to just shake his hand and get a photo."
Westlife is in the Philippines for their "Gravity Tour 2011" concert at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Thursday. This is the band's fourth concert in the country so far.
Byrne, the oldest Westlife member at 32 years old, made quite a noise among Filipino fans on Twitter not just because of their concert but also because of his public singing invitations to Pacquiao.
A week before Westlife's visit to Manila, Byrne (@nickybyrneoffic), on Twitter, invited Pacquiao to sing with the band.
Byrne tweeted: "@MannyPacquiao Hey Manny, Nicky from Westlife here we doing a show in Manila soon, heard you singing one of our songs in the past, duet soon!"
Pacman responded to Byrne through GMA News reporter Mark Zambrano who was covering his training in Baguio, saying he was open to performing with the band.
Shortly after GMA News put Pacquiao’s response on the Twitter news feed, reactions poured online, making it the most popular tweet that day.
Byrne quickly replied to GMA News on Twitter: “Gonna be amazing! Can I spar with him too?"
Hours later, he sent another tweet: “Hey guys will need to get in touch with Manny’s camp to organize performance if he’s really up for it? Let me know how. Thx N"
Even the fans started sending tweets, begging to help Byrne's sincere and determined request for a duet with Pacquiao.
A few message exchanges later, while Byrne was with the band in Hong Kong as part of their Asian tour, he reached Pacquiao’s camp.
In a Skype interview with GMA News Social Media Team (SMT), Byrne revealed he had been a fan of Pacquiao for four years now.
“He brings boxing to a whole new level. He’s an exceptional fighter," said Byrne.
The 32-year-old Byrne is also a big Sports fan, being an athlete himself; he played professional football for Leeds United in the UK and tells GMA News SMT that he also boxed back in his hometown in Ireland.
“But not in Manny Pacquiao’s level," he said, “I’m probably the biggest Pacquiao fan out of all the Westlife boys."
“When I found out we were going to the Philippines, (I thought that) I would love to meet Manny Pacquiao, and maybe do a duet."
Byrne shared that three years ago, while watching one of Pacquiao’s fight, he saw the pound-for-pound king inside his dressing room singing “You raised me up," one of Westlife’s cover singles, and thought "maybe he’s a Westlife fan."
The idea for a duet, he said, was brought up after a Google search revealed Pacquiao was quite the singer.
“I thought one day I could maybe interview him, meet him, get a photograph with him, do some boxing with him."
“My Love"
Byrne got in touch with Pacquiao’s Secretary and the whole thing was in the works days before the concert, which will be held tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
However, as of posting time, Pacquiao, who is still in Baguio training, said on GMA News TV's "News To Go" on Thursday that his training could not be halted.
"Maganda sana pero may training tayo, hindi puwedeng huminto," (It would have been nice but we can't stop [the training], Pacquiao said.
“Obviously he’s training for a fight, so we understand. I will be disappointed but I understand. If it can happen, it will be incredible, absolutely incredible," said Byrne.
Byrne quipped he will give Pacquiao the free hand to choose the song, if ever, but suggests their 2000 hit, “My Love."
“He can bring his family along. I will be grateful to just shake his hand and get a photo."
Asked if he was willing to drive up to Baguio instead just to meet Pacquiao, Byrne said if not for the tight schedule, he “would love to."
They fly out to Vietnam the next day of their Philippine concert. “If not this time, then definitely next time."
Hollywood fans
Byrne is not the first international star to express his admiration for Pacquiao.
Among the long list are hotel heiress Paris Hilton, who visited Manila last month in constant company of the Pacquiaos, Jeremy Piven, Steven Baldwin, and even Justin Bieber.
Pacquiao is also no stranger to singing.
During the US leg of the Pacquiao-Marquez World Press Tour, he even sang his popular cover of “Sometimes when we touch" with the original artist, Dan Hill.
Will Westlife be his next duet partners? We'll have to see.
In any case, Byrne said he's looking forward to come back to Manila.
“Philippines has always been really receptive of Westlife and I have to say, you guys are one of the nicest people in the world." - VVP, GMA News
“He brings boxing to a whole new level. He’s an exceptional fighter," said Byrne.
The 32-year-old Byrne is also a big Sports fan, being an athlete himself; he played professional football for Leeds United in the UK and tells GMA News SMT that he also boxed back in his hometown in Ireland.
“But not in Manny Pacquiao’s level," he said, “I’m probably the biggest Pacquiao fan out of all the Westlife boys."
“When I found out we were going to the Philippines, (I thought that) I would love to meet Manny Pacquiao, and maybe do a duet."
Byrne shared that three years ago, while watching one of Pacquiao’s fight, he saw the pound-for-pound king inside his dressing room singing “You raised me up," one of Westlife’s cover singles, and thought "maybe he’s a Westlife fan."
The idea for a duet, he said, was brought up after a Google search revealed Pacquiao was quite the singer.
“I thought one day I could maybe interview him, meet him, get a photograph with him, do some boxing with him."
“My Love"
Byrne got in touch with Pacquiao’s Secretary and the whole thing was in the works days before the concert, which will be held tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
However, as of posting time, Pacquiao, who is still in Baguio training, said on GMA News TV's "News To Go" on Thursday that his training could not be halted.
"Maganda sana pero may training tayo, hindi puwedeng huminto," (It would have been nice but we can't stop [the training], Pacquiao said.
“Obviously he’s training for a fight, so we understand. I will be disappointed but I understand. If it can happen, it will be incredible, absolutely incredible," said Byrne.
Byrne quipped he will give Pacquiao the free hand to choose the song, if ever, but suggests their 2000 hit, “My Love."
“He can bring his family along. I will be grateful to just shake his hand and get a photo."
Asked if he was willing to drive up to Baguio instead just to meet Pacquiao, Byrne said if not for the tight schedule, he “would love to."
They fly out to Vietnam the next day of their Philippine concert. “If not this time, then definitely next time."
Hollywood fans
Byrne is not the first international star to express his admiration for Pacquiao.
Among the long list are hotel heiress Paris Hilton, who visited Manila last month in constant company of the Pacquiaos, Jeremy Piven, Steven Baldwin, and even Justin Bieber.
Pacquiao is also no stranger to singing.
During the US leg of the Pacquiao-Marquez World Press Tour, he even sang his popular cover of “Sometimes when we touch" with the original artist, Dan Hill.
Will Westlife be his next duet partners? We'll have to see.
In any case, Byrne said he's looking forward to come back to Manila.
“Philippines has always been really receptive of Westlife and I have to say, you guys are one of the nicest people in the world." - VVP, GMA News
Westlife arrives in Manila for one-night show
MANILA, Philippines - Popular Irish boy band "Westlife" is now in Manila for a one-night show.
The concert, part of Westlife's "Gravity tour" will be held Thursday (September 29) at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
Westlife is best known for hit songs "Swear It Again," "Flying Without Wings," "If I Let You Go" and "Unbreakable."
The boy band also became popular for its cover version of "Uptown Girl."
On Thursday, Westlife landed on the top trending local topics of the microblogging site Twitter.
Pinoy netizens could not help but share their excitement for Westlife's return to Manila.
"aaaaaaaaaaaaah! I'm so excited! I just can't hide it! #Westlife," Earth Rullan tweeted.
Althea Perez said: "Still have a low grade fever, but it won't stop me from seeing Westlife tonight with my girls ☺ ☺ #westlifegravitytour."
"@nickybyrneoffic @MarkusFeehily @FilanShane @KianEganWL Welcome back to Manila! :) See ya later! Can't wait to see you guys again. #Westlife," raven yu tweeted.
The hashtag #Westlife made it to the 7th spot on Twitter's list of top trending topics for the Philippines on Thursday morning.
Meanwhile, Star Magic artist Young JV was chosen as the opening act to Westlife's concert.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Westlife's 'Lighthouse' To Hit The Streets On Nov 14
 |
KUALA LUMPUR, 28 September (Bernama) -- Irish super-group Westlife will be releasing their brand new single 'Lighthouse' on Nov 14, to be followed by with the release of their 'Greatest Hits' on November 21.
The single, which is co-written by Gary Barlow and John Shanks, is one of four new tracks featured in the album.
The group has released 10 multi platinum albums and was voted the Biggest Selling International Band in the U.K. this Decade.
They also hold the record for the Biggest Arena Act of All Time in the UK, belting out a record of 25 concerts at the Wembley Arena.
Fans can pre-order both albums from Monday.
Two versions will be available: Standard 'Greatest Hits' CD, and a 2CD/DVD deluxe package comprising the 'Greatest Hits' and 'Lighthouse' CDs plus a video footage.
-- BERNAMA
The single, which is co-written by Gary Barlow and John Shanks, is one of four new tracks featured in the album.
The group has released 10 multi platinum albums and was voted the Biggest Selling International Band in the U.K. this Decade.
They also hold the record for the Biggest Arena Act of All Time in the UK, belting out a record of 25 concerts at the Wembley Arena.
Fans can pre-order both albums from Monday.
Two versions will be available: Standard 'Greatest Hits' CD, and a 2CD/DVD deluxe package comprising the 'Greatest Hits' and 'Lighthouse' CDs plus a video footage.
-- BERNAMA
More Star Acts Set to Rock Jakarta
Jakartans can no longer complain about being left behind when it comes to music. Just a few years ago it felt like the city was invisible to international musicians, but these days Jakarta seems to be constantly inundated with acts of stardom past and present.
The only thing the city’s music-lovers can complain about now is having to make the difficult decision of which concert ticket to spend their hard-earned money on. In the first two weeks of October alone, a number of international artists will take to the stage in Jakarta.
Here are four shows to watch out for next month:
A Whiff of Nostalgia
Girls, get ready for some hysterical screaming. Remember Westlife, one of the most successful boy bands of all time? The Irish boys — now fully grown men — are returning to Indonesia as part of their Gravity World Tour.
Founded in 1998, Westlife followed in the footsteps of similar acts such as Take That and the Backstreet Boys, wooing mostly female fans with heartfelt ballads like “Swear It Again,” “My Love” and “Mandy,” as well as catchy pop tunes such as “World of Our Own” and a cover of Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl.” Thirteen years and 11 studio albums later, Westlife is still holding strong, despite the departure of former member Brian McFadden in 2004, a one-year hiatus in 2008 and constant breakup rumors circulating to this day.
Westlife’s latest album, “Gravity,” was released in November 2010. Produced by John Shanks, who had previously worked with stars such as Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morissette, the album received mixed reviews from critics. But the band’s loyal fans don’t mind, so long as Westlife stays true to its sound. When the group takes the stage in Jakarta, the audience can be sure it won’t forget to deliver some of its greatest hits as a thank you to all those fans who have remained faithful for more than a decade.
Westlife
Oct. 5
Tennis Indoor Senayan
Rp 750,000 ($84)
Tribune seats already sold out
Rock and Mosh Pits
More often than not, patience and determination can take you a long way. Such was the case with American rock band Story of the Year.
The band’s own story started in Missouri in 1995, when its members first assembled to play some music together. Despite working at it for a number of years, it took Story of the Year a long time to land a record deal, but the band’s debut album, “Page Avenue,” was finally released in 2003, spawning the singles “Until the Day I Die” and “Anthem of Our Dying Day.”
After touring with Linkin Park and attracting a fan base along the way, the band was back in the studio to record its sophomore album. “In the Wake of Determination” (2005) offered a heavier sound, as did “The Black Swan” (2008) and “The Constant” (2010).
“Music is the constant thing in life for us,” frontman Dan Marsala said in an interview about the band’s latest release. “When I go to bed I think about music and when I wake up it’s the first thing on my mind. ‘The Constant’ can mean anything — hopefully our band will go on forever and we want music to remain a constant thing in our lives no matter what.”
This promise is something fans here will hold on to in the hope that Story of the Year’s first concert in Jakarta isn’t its last.
Story of the Year
Oct. 6
Plaza Selatan Senayan
Pre-sale tickets for Rp 150,000 until Oct. 4
Rp 200,000 at the door
Hip-Hop Hurray
Curtis Jackson, better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is easily one of the biggest stars in mainstream rap, and soon he will perform at Epicentrum Walk in South Jakarta. Organizer Indika Productions predicts the concert will attract more than 5,000 fans.
Having led a troubled life — the rapper survived a broken home, as well as several shootings and stabbings — the “urban gangsta” entered the spotlight in 2003 with his album “Get Rich or Die Tryin’.” The record featured the hit single “In Da Club,” which made 50 Cent an overnight star, and for a long time he remained a fixture on the hip-hop scene.
The rapper has collaborated with big names like Eminem and Snoop Dogg, but he has also had his fair share of highly publicized feuds with other MCs, most prominently Ja Rule, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs and Lil Wayne. He is also known for including a lot of female skin and booty-shaking in his music videos.
The bad-boy image certainly hasn’t hurt 50 Cent’s popularity, or record sales. After his debut, he followed with “The Massacre” (2005), “Curtis” (2007) and “Before I Self Destruct” (2009). A fifth studio album is scheduled for release later this year.
50 Cent
Oct. 8
Epicentrum Walk
VIP tickets Rp 2 million
Front row Rp 1.5 million
Festival Rp 800,000
Rendezvous With the Past
Pull out those high-cut jeans — English band Level 42’s concert on Oct. 11 looks set to be a Gen-X affair. The pop and jazz-funk band enjoyed its biggest success in the 1980s and has now embarked on a world tour to celebrate its 30th anniversary, with stops scheduled in Jakarta and Surabaya.
Over the years, Level 42 has changed its musical direction almost as often as its lineup. Now in its seventh formation, the band has reformed with Mark King as frontman, after the singer unsuccessfully tried his luck as a solo artist during the band’s hiatus between 1994 and 2001. In 2006, Level 42 released its 11th studio album, “Retroglide,” following hit albums from the 1980s such as “Standing in the Light” (1983), “World Machine” (1985) and “Staring at the Sun” (1988).
Unlike the other acts coming to Jakarta in October, this one promises to be of a calmer and more mature nature — but don’t be mistaken: back in the day, Level 42 was known for its energetic live performances. And who knows? With a 1980s revival in full swing in today’s music and fashion, the members of Level 42 may just be kicking back into gear.
Level 42
Oct. 11
Gran Melia Hotel Ballroom
Tickets from Rp 450,000 to Rp 2 million
Oct. 13
JW Marriott Hotel Surabaya
Tickets from Rp 350,000 to Rp 1.5 million
The only thing the city’s music-lovers can complain about now is having to make the difficult decision of which concert ticket to spend their hard-earned money on. In the first two weeks of October alone, a number of international artists will take to the stage in Jakarta.
Here are four shows to watch out for next month:
A Whiff of Nostalgia
Girls, get ready for some hysterical screaming. Remember Westlife, one of the most successful boy bands of all time? The Irish boys — now fully grown men — are returning to Indonesia as part of their Gravity World Tour.
Founded in 1998, Westlife followed in the footsteps of similar acts such as Take That and the Backstreet Boys, wooing mostly female fans with heartfelt ballads like “Swear It Again,” “My Love” and “Mandy,” as well as catchy pop tunes such as “World of Our Own” and a cover of Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl.” Thirteen years and 11 studio albums later, Westlife is still holding strong, despite the departure of former member Brian McFadden in 2004, a one-year hiatus in 2008 and constant breakup rumors circulating to this day.
Westlife’s latest album, “Gravity,” was released in November 2010. Produced by John Shanks, who had previously worked with stars such as Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morissette, the album received mixed reviews from critics. But the band’s loyal fans don’t mind, so long as Westlife stays true to its sound. When the group takes the stage in Jakarta, the audience can be sure it won’t forget to deliver some of its greatest hits as a thank you to all those fans who have remained faithful for more than a decade.
Westlife
Oct. 5
Tennis Indoor Senayan
Rp 750,000 ($84)
Tribune seats already sold out
Rock and Mosh Pits
More often than not, patience and determination can take you a long way. Such was the case with American rock band Story of the Year.
The band’s own story started in Missouri in 1995, when its members first assembled to play some music together. Despite working at it for a number of years, it took Story of the Year a long time to land a record deal, but the band’s debut album, “Page Avenue,” was finally released in 2003, spawning the singles “Until the Day I Die” and “Anthem of Our Dying Day.”
After touring with Linkin Park and attracting a fan base along the way, the band was back in the studio to record its sophomore album. “In the Wake of Determination” (2005) offered a heavier sound, as did “The Black Swan” (2008) and “The Constant” (2010).
“Music is the constant thing in life for us,” frontman Dan Marsala said in an interview about the band’s latest release. “When I go to bed I think about music and when I wake up it’s the first thing on my mind. ‘The Constant’ can mean anything — hopefully our band will go on forever and we want music to remain a constant thing in our lives no matter what.”
This promise is something fans here will hold on to in the hope that Story of the Year’s first concert in Jakarta isn’t its last.
Story of the Year
Oct. 6
Plaza Selatan Senayan
Pre-sale tickets for Rp 150,000 until Oct. 4
Rp 200,000 at the door
Hip-Hop Hurray
Curtis Jackson, better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is easily one of the biggest stars in mainstream rap, and soon he will perform at Epicentrum Walk in South Jakarta. Organizer Indika Productions predicts the concert will attract more than 5,000 fans.
Having led a troubled life — the rapper survived a broken home, as well as several shootings and stabbings — the “urban gangsta” entered the spotlight in 2003 with his album “Get Rich or Die Tryin’.” The record featured the hit single “In Da Club,” which made 50 Cent an overnight star, and for a long time he remained a fixture on the hip-hop scene.
The rapper has collaborated with big names like Eminem and Snoop Dogg, but he has also had his fair share of highly publicized feuds with other MCs, most prominently Ja Rule, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs and Lil Wayne. He is also known for including a lot of female skin and booty-shaking in his music videos.
The bad-boy image certainly hasn’t hurt 50 Cent’s popularity, or record sales. After his debut, he followed with “The Massacre” (2005), “Curtis” (2007) and “Before I Self Destruct” (2009). A fifth studio album is scheduled for release later this year.
50 Cent
Oct. 8
Epicentrum Walk
VIP tickets Rp 2 million
Front row Rp 1.5 million
Festival Rp 800,000
Rendezvous With the Past
Pull out those high-cut jeans — English band Level 42’s concert on Oct. 11 looks set to be a Gen-X affair. The pop and jazz-funk band enjoyed its biggest success in the 1980s and has now embarked on a world tour to celebrate its 30th anniversary, with stops scheduled in Jakarta and Surabaya.
Over the years, Level 42 has changed its musical direction almost as often as its lineup. Now in its seventh formation, the band has reformed with Mark King as frontman, after the singer unsuccessfully tried his luck as a solo artist during the band’s hiatus between 1994 and 2001. In 2006, Level 42 released its 11th studio album, “Retroglide,” following hit albums from the 1980s such as “Standing in the Light” (1983), “World Machine” (1985) and “Staring at the Sun” (1988).
Unlike the other acts coming to Jakarta in October, this one promises to be of a calmer and more mature nature — but don’t be mistaken: back in the day, Level 42 was known for its energetic live performances. And who knows? With a 1980s revival in full swing in today’s music and fashion, the members of Level 42 may just be kicking back into gear.
Level 42
Oct. 11
Gran Melia Hotel Ballroom
Tickets from Rp 450,000 to Rp 2 million
Oct. 13
JW Marriott Hotel Surabaya
Tickets from Rp 350,000 to Rp 1.5 million
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Kian and Jodi baby exclusive: It was Kian's 31st and royal wedding when we realised
Westlife's Kian Egan and Jodi Albert reveal all on their baby joy
Tuesday 20 Sep 2011
KIAN Egan and Jodi Albert chat to us exclusively about their expected bundle of joy.
When asked about how they are feeling, Jodie told us: "We're so excited. this is probably the happiest we've ever been. This is definitely the best thing we've achieved."
Kian added: "When a baby comes along it really makes you think this is what life's all about. When you're with the right person it feels like the best feeling you can ever imagine. Nothing else really matters."
The loved-up couple also tell us about the very special day that they knew they were about to become parents.
Jodie explained: "We were at home in London and it was Kian's birthday and the day of the royal wedding and i did this pregnancy test and two lines came up.
"I wondered whether I was reading it wrong so I ran out and showed Kian. One minute we were laughing and the next we were crying but it was all happiness."
Kian said: "It was a shock as we hadn't planned it. In one way we were like: 'Are we ready?' Then we'd say: 'Course we're ready, this is going to be amazing!"
Kian Egan curbs his drinking
Kian Egan is supporting his Wonderland wife, Jody Albert, during her pregnancy by drinking a lot less than he used to.
The Westlife star said: "I haven't been drinking as much. I've had a few nights down the pub but you do go through it together. I don't like the idea of waking up with a hangover anymore."
Albert revealed to OK! Magazine that her acting past helped her dupe their friend that the 'vodka and soda' she had in her hand whilst they were out was in fact just soda water:
"My main concern is growing this baby properly, but because we were out with friends Kian would just order me a soda and lime without the vodka, so people didn't suspect, and then I'd just pretend I was off my face - I think my days of acting helped out there!"
The couple announced that they were expecting a child in August. The baby is due on January 1 2012.
Louis Walsh and Kian Egan hand-picked the members of Albert's girlgroup Wonderland themselves.
Watch Wonderland be interviewed and perform on This Morning last August, and Westlife's 'Safe' video below:
Westlife: Still going strong
Few boy bands have careers that can last beyond their debut singles. But Irish all-male vocal group Westlife has defied the odds by remaining in the music business for more than 13 years.
Since the group’s debut in 1998, Westlife has released 10 multiplatinum albums, had 14 #1 hits in the UK alone, and sold over 44 million albums worldwide.
After eight years, Westlife returns to the Philippines for a special one-night concert this Thursday, Sept. 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
The concert is part of Westlife’s Gravity Tour to promote the group’s latest album of the same title.
The 46-city concert tour kicked off at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales on March 7. Since then, Westlife has performed in the Arabian Peninsula, Europe, Africa and Asia.
Westlife began the Asian leg of its tour last Wednesday with a jam-packed concert at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium in China. The group then performed in Guangzhou and Beijing before performing tonight (Sept. 27) at the Asia World-Expo in Hong Kong.
After that, the group will fly to the Philippines for the concert this Thursday, before heading off to Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia to continue the world tour.
The group will then cap the six-month tour with a concert at the Hwajung Gymnasium in Seoul, South Korea on Oct. 9.
For the concert this Thursday, Westlife promises to perform its chart-topping singles, including "When Your Looking Like That" and "Flying Without Wings," as well as their hit versions of "Seasons in The Sun" and "Uptown Girl." The group will also perform a medley of covers of current hit songs like Rihanna’s "Ony Girl (in the World), Black Eyed Peas’s "The Time (Dirty Bit)," and Lady Gaga’s "Bad Romance."
And if the group’s die-hard Filipino fans prevail, Westlife might perform their favorites like "Swear it Again," "If I Let You Go," "Fool Again" and "My Love."
PICTURE: Westlife Press Conference In Beijing
|Irish band Westlife attend press conference ahead of their concert at Beijing Wukesong Culture and Sports Center on September 25, 2011 in Beijing, China.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Pictures Of Nicky Byrne - Sky Ride
Click Here --> FIRST EVER SKY RIDE DUBLIN 2011 To c the Pictures Of Nicky
8,500 take to their bikes for first ever Sky Ride Dublin
Some 8,500 people took to the streets of Dublin on two wheels on Sunday 11th September for the first ever Sky Ride Dublin, making it the largest group cycling event that Ireland has ever seen!
Lord Mayor of Dublin Andrew Montague officially opened the event, joined by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, the Sky Ride Dublin ambassadors Nicky Byrne of Westlife and stylist Lisa Fitzpatrick, and Team Sky pro cyclist Russell Downing.
8km of Dublin’s streets were closed to cars, giving people of all ages and abilities a unique chance to ride their bikes freely around the city centre with no traffic. The free event, hosted by Sky in partnership with Dublin City Council, allowed riders to take in the route at their own pace whilst enjoying some well-known landmarks including Merrion Square, the Pepper Canister Church, Grand Canal Square, Samuel Beckett Bridge, the National Convention Centre, and the Custom House. Participants were treated to a whole host of activities and entertainment throughout the day along the route, with performances from local buskers, demonstrations by RampRage BMXers, and the Sky 3D ‘outdoor living room’ experience.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin Andrew Montague said: “Dublin prides itself on being a cycle friendly city, but rarely do we see so many cyclists together as we’ve seen today at Sky Ride. Well done to everyone involved here today.”
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: “I’m happy to come along and see so many people participate in this event. The benefits are obvious – for young people in a city, there’s learning how to cycle in a group with no traffic and for families it’s an opportunity for good healthy exercise. I’m all for that!”
Sky Ride Ambassador Nicky Byrne commented: “It’s been a fantastic day here at Sky Ride Dublin with people of all ages getting back on their bikes and enjoying cycling around on traffic-free streets. I hope that all 8,500 people that have taken part today will be inspired to start cycling more regularly and continue to have fun on two wheels.”Mark Deering, Director of Sky Ireland said: “I’m delighted that Sky Ride in partnership with Dublin City Council has been so well received, and that so many people of all ages and abilities have come out to participate in what is a unique event for Dublin.”
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