After 14 years together, 14 No.1 singles and 44 million copies of albums sold, boyband Westlife have finally announced their split.
Masterminded by Louis Walsh, after Take That and Boyzone left a boyband shaped hole in our hearts, five Irish lads called Kian, Mark, Nicky, Shane and Bryan, came to the rescue in the late 1990s/early 2000s. They were sweet, slightly cheesy and couldn’t sing without stools, but soon became the boyband of choice for many a screaming teenager.
The band haven’t quite given up yet, with a final tour and greatest hits album on the cards, but we thought it was high time to honour the bands ballads in all their epic glory. So if you have a Westlife poster stashed secretly in the back of your cupboard, or just fancy a good old dose of boyband nostalgia, may we present our pick of the band's best videos - what we like to call the Westlife video hall of fame.
1. Swear it Again
The one that started it all. Not a huge amounts happens in the video, but we got to see the five fresh-faced lads for the first time - check out Brian McFadden's oh-so nineties curtains hairstyle.
2. Uptown Girl
This comic relief single was one of the band's best videos. Who can resist this scenario - a group of posh buffoons walk into an American Diner, staffed entirely by an Irish boyband. The posh buffoons are causing a right old ruckus - and then Claudia Schiffer walks in and changes everything. Our favourite line? From Posh Buffoon No 1: "Hi Darling, it's the Sultan". What a name.
3. World of our Own
Doing their best Lock Stock Irish gangster impression, the boys wander around a disused carpark with some scantily clad policewomen and dogs – and then venture on to stand on a bridge in a weird virtual city (which JLS totally copied for their Eyes Wide Shut video). Nicky stands out in this video for his exceptionally dapper hat and cane ensemble.
4. Flying without Wings
An epic ballad deserves an epic video. We love the black-to-white outfit change, the famous wings pose, the fact they are singing in a wind tunnel, and the lighting - Mark and Kiyan’s eyes are so blue!
5. Seasons in the Sun
Like a classier version of E17’s Christmas hit Stay Another Day with it's black and white cinematography and fake snow. Plus we just can’t resist the Irish panpipes.
What's your favourite Westlife, or in fact boyband video? Share yours by commenting below.
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