Westlife star Mark Feehily has delivered a candid and emotional health update, revealing the profound physical and mental toll of his recent medical battles, which include a life-threatening sepsis diagnosis and pneumonia. The 45-year-old Irish singer confirmed he will be unable to join his bandmates for their upcoming 25th-anniversary world tour, but has marked a tentative career return by hosting a new radio show.
A Turbulent Health Journey Since 2020
Feehily's serious health struggles began in August 2020 following what was meant to be a routine surgery. He experienced severe pain and was rushed to A&E, where he was diagnosed with severe sepsis, a life-threatening infection that required immediate emergency surgery. "I had developed severe sepsis, a life-threatening infection that would require immediate emergency surgery to rectify the problem and basically save my life," he recalled. He spent several months in intensive care, recovering in near-total isolation during the pandemic, unable to see his fiancé Cailean O'Neill or their then 10-month-old daughter Layla.
After recovering in time for Westlife's Wild Dreams tour in late 2021, he suffered another major setback. He fell ill just before a show in Newcastle and was diagnosed with pneumonia. Attempting to continue the tour placed immense stress on his body, leading to the development of a very large incisional hernia. This forced him to undergo another major surgery and, in February of last year, to cancel all tour commitments, including the band's first-ever tour of America.
Why The World Tour Is Still Out of Reach
In a lengthy social media post this week—his first in nearly 18 months—Feehily explained his current situation to fans. He expressed pride in Westlife's legacy and the upcoming 25th-anniversary celebrations but was frank about his limitations. "All of this really drives home the honest truth that I’m simply not ready to take on a massive world tour yet," he shared. "My body and my mind need time."
He contrasted the demands of a global stadium tour with his new venture, stating, "Thankfully, sitting in a chair to do a radio show is a completely different physical and mental demand." He announced he would be hosting three shows for RTE Radio 1 in Ireland, posting a photo from the studio. He described this as a "HUGE deal and achievement" in his recovery, noting that complete inactivity would be detrimental both medically and emotionally.
Fan Support and The Band's Future Plans
The band—now consisting of Shane Filan, Kian Egan, and Nicky Byrne—recently announced the Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour, set to kick off in September next year across the UK and Europe, alongside a new album. They have publicly stated that Feehily will be unable to join the celebrations, adding, "We hope he can join us back on stage when he is ready and able."
Feehily's update was swiftly met with an outpouring of support from fans worldwide. Comments on his post praised his courage and urged him to prioritise his health, with many expressing joy simply at seeing him post again after such a long absence.
Symptoms of sepsis include:
- Confusion, slurred speech
- Blotchy or pale skin, lips, or tongue
- A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Very high or low temperature, shivering
If sepsis is suspected, it is a medical emergency; call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
