Westlife fans were devastated to hear that Mark Feehily wouldn’t be joining his bandmates to mark their 25-year anniversary, with celebrations kicking off in 2026 with a 13-show residency in Dublin.
The Sligo man has sent ‘his love and positivity’ to everyone as he remains away from the stage amid his ongoing health battle.
Poor Mark has been battling his health for the past five years, dating back to the summer of 2020. Here’s everything we know about his health woes as he continues his recovery.
‘Rushed to A&E’
Westlife – Mark Feehily. Pic: REX
In August 2020, Mark was ‘rushed to A&E’ just days after undergoing surgery as he developed severe sepsis due to complications.
He shared this information with his followers in February 2024. At the time, he wrote: ‘I had developed severe sepsis, a life threatening infection that would require immediate emergency surgery to rectify the problem and basically save my life.’
Pic: Mark Feehily/Instagram
After undergoing an emergency procedure, Mark spent a number of months in hospital as he recuperated. He also spent time in the ICU during one of the Covid-19 lockdowns.
‘I spent the next few months in hospital,’ he said. ‘For months, due to the strict Covid restrictions, I was not allowed any visitors including my fiancé and my then 10-month-old daughter.’
Forced to pull out of Westlife’s Wild Dreams Tour
Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan. Westlife in concert at The OVO Hydro, Glasgow. Pic: REX
Thinking he had recovered all of his strength, Mark embarked on the Wild Dreams Tour with his Westlife bandmates Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, and Shane Filan in 2021.
Unfortunately, he fell seriously ill will pneumonia before one of the band’s UK gigs and was forced to pull out of the remainder of the tour.
He told his followers: ‘I was told I had to go straight home to recover and regrettably miss the rest of the concerts that December.’
Further surgery required
Pic: Mark Feehily/Instagram
After undergoing further surgery, Mark tried to ‘soldier on’ for Westlife fans and return to the tour three months post-operation, but the ‘physical demands of the concerts and extensive travel’ were too much.
Later in 2022, he developed ‘a very large incisional hernia’ and required yet another operation to ‘fix it’. He said: ‘ This would be my fourth major surgery since the start of it all, but I had no option.’
Stepping back from Westlife
Kian Egan, Shane Filan, Mark Feehily and Nicky Byrne from Westlife attend the National Television Awards. Pic: WireImage
We heard hearts shatter across the globe in February 2024 when Mark announced that he would be temporarily stepping back from all Westlife touring until he can fully recover from his ‘turbulent’ health journey.
‘That surgery took place recently and thankfully it went according to plan but with that, my recovery must now become my absolute priority at this time,’ he told fans.
‘It is with the utmost level of regret that I must now temporarily stand down for all Westlife touring until a time that I have had the chance to fully recover from the turbulent journey I have been through as an individual.’
Return to the public eye
Mark Feehily and Rosanna Davison at the Infinity Ball in aid of Neurodiversity Ireland held at the Intercontinental Hotel.
Pic: Kieran Harnett
Concern mounted for Mark’s wellbeing as his most recent Instagram post is from June 2024, but in November, he made his return to the public eye.
Thankfully, the 45-year-old appeared in good spirits as he attended the 2024 Infinity Ball in aid of Neurodiversity Ireland.
He looked the picture of health in an all-black tux paired with a black shirt and bowtie, posing for photos on the red carpet alongside former Miss World Rosanna Davison.
The show must go on
Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan and Shane Filan of Westlife without Mark Feehily. Pic: Medios y Media/Getty Images
In June 2025, Westlife shared huge news with their fans in the form of major 25th anniversary plans.
Nicky, Kian and Shane are embarking on a tour and releasing new music. Unfortunately, Mark won’t be a part of the live shows, although he will appear on the new songs.
In a statement, they said: ‘To our amazing fans, we would like to take this opportunity to share some very important news with you all.’
A statement from Westlife’s Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne and Shane Filan. Pic: Westlife/Instagram
‘We are thrilled to announce the launch of our 25th Anniversary celebrations… On the 9th February 2001 we kicked off our first ever world tour at the Newcastle Arena. Who would have thought we would still be here 25 years later?
‘We have so many exciting plans to share with you very soon which will include new music, an album, special shows and many, many more surprises along the way.’
Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, pictured as Westlife visits Good Morning America in New York City. Pic: REX
‘Sadly, Mark will be unable to join the celebrations. We hope he can join us back on stage when he is ready and able. He sends his love and positivity to you all as always,’ they said, lamenting the absence of their pal.
‘The four of us can’t quite believe it’s been 25 years. We could only have dreamt of the continued love and loyalty you have consistently shown us around the world. We are so lucky to have all of you with us and we can’t wait to celebrate together! Happy 25th To Us All!’
In October, the lads hosted a press conference in Dublin to celebrate the announcement of their five-night residency (which has since been extended to a 13-night residency) at the 3Arena in September 2026.
Shane said at the event: ‘It’s unfortunate he can’t join us, we love Mark and can’t wait to have him back whenever he’s ready, but the good news is he is on the new music and one of them is coming out next week, a new single next week, I think everyone in Ireland especially is going to love it.’
‘He’s fine’
Mark Feehily of Westlife performs on stage at BBC Proms In The Park at Hyde Park. Pic: Getty Images
Kian, Shane, and Nicky appeared on the Late Late Show to celebrate their 3Arena residency, and when host Patrick Kielty asked for an update on Mark, Shane was quick to jump in with, ‘He’s fine.
‘Unfortunately, he’s not able to join us, which is obviously sad and a tough decision for him to make, but I suppose we have to respect that.
‘He is on the new music, he is on that song [Chariot], and he’s on all the other songs on the album, which is great. It’s the most important thing for us. We’ve got to keep it going, obviously, it’s the 25th anniversary, and he wishes us well, and we can’t wait to have him back as soon as possible.