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Westlife opened the first of a 13-night run at the 3Arena on Thursday, marking the band’s quarter-century together with a night of hits, costume changes and a surprise guest. Fans packed the venue as Kian Egan, Shane Filan and Nicky Byrne moved through decades of material, from early singles to newer songs.
A night built on familiar favourites
After support act Garron Noone set the tone, the trio walked on to perform World of Our Own, launching a programme that leaned heavily on the songs that established them. Phones were raised across the arena as the crowd recorded the opening moments.
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They followed with a rapid run of crowd-pleasers including Uptown Girl, Bop Bop Baby and What About Now, closing that sequence with the upbeat When You’re Looking Like That.
Costume changes and a purple interlude
The night featured several costume switches. The band began in smart black trousers, white shirts and leather jackets before reappearing in purple suits for a string of more reflective tracks.
In the purple segment they performed What Makes a Man, I Have a Dream, I Lay My Love on You, Starlight and Queen of My Heart, emphasising the melodic side of their catalogue.
New material and casual set
Their newest track, “Chariot”, arrived mid-show, after which the trio relaxed into more casual outfits. Shane wore a burgundy bomber while Kian chose denim and Nicky a varsity jacket.
That section featured several fan favourites: Fool Again, If I Let You Go, My Love, Unbreakable and Mandy.
Moments that caught the room
During If I Let You Go an enthusiastic fan threw an item of clothing on stage; Nicky picked it up to the amusement of his bandmates. Shane quipped, “We’ve still got it!” — a line that drew cheers.
Later the band changed into white suits for a more anthemic close, performing Flying Without Wings, Hello My Love and You Raise Me Up, before finishing the main set with Swear It Again, which involved heavy audience participation.
Closing surprise
To end the opening night of the run, Westlife invited boxer Katie Taylor on stage. She joined the band as the first night concluded; whether she will appear at other shows in the residency was not specified.
The performance set a celebratory tone for what the group are billing as a multi-night residency at the 3Arena, blending nostalgia with newer material for a varied crowd experience.
