Westlife call off big bash to jet away for Robbie's Soccer Aid
PA
Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan and Kian Egan
Tuesday April 06 2010
Westlife have been forced to cancel the after-party they had planned to throw for their much anticipated Where We Are concert at Croke Park next June.
The pop foursome were due to host a bash for friends and family after what promises to be one of their biggest gigs ever.
However the Herald has learned the band will instead be hopping on a plane to Manchester to take part in Robbie Williams' World Cup Soccer Aid special the next day.
The boys will line out at Manchester United's Old Trafford alongside a number of celebrities on June 6 to take on a team of football heroes including Alan Shearer and Jamie Redknapp.
Robbie, who has been organising the event for four years, said he chose the date as it falls just five days before the World Cup kicks off in South Africa. A source close to the group said: "The boys were disappointed when they heard that the two dates were falling so close together.
"After a big gig like that in their home country and in front of their Irish fans, they would generally have had a few drinks to relax, but this time they'll be sticking to water so that they're on top of their game the next day.
"Nicky, in particular, would take it all very seriously and wouldn't want to let his teammates down when he gets out onto the pitch."
The dad of two (31) is a former professional football player, who was signed to Leeds United for two years as a goalkeeper, before he returned to Dublin and forged a pop career.
He and his bandmates will join celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, comedian James Corden and cricket player Brian Lara for the match.
lnolan@herald.ie
- Lorna Nolan
