Podcasts about Westlife

Welcome to the 21st Century!Or did you call it Y2K? And if so, can I ask WHY?Yes, pop fans and curators of variously compiled pop, we had survived the End of the Century. The millennium bug turned out to be nowhere near as life threatening as as we were told. No planes fell from the sky, no computer meltdowns and no return to the dark ages overnight. In fact the most terrifying thing about December 31st 1999 was the turgid TV schedules as we watched the Royal Family trying to join hands with Tony Blair, or worse - the cost of drinks and cloakroom queues in the nightclubs.So, as we entered the third millennium - with Cliff Richard still intact and fresh from his (nearly 4th) Festive chart topping prayer - how was the pop world faring? Despite the seeming lack of guitars (SO NINETIES), the charts were bursting with new, fresh and mostly young shiny talent!And Bryan Adams.And Tom Jones.And John Lennon.BUT, apart from these ‘legacy artistes', pop was back, Back, BACK. NOW 45 was here!Scandinavian superstar producers were serving up Britney, Backstreet, Aqua and, er, Lene for our delectation. Steps, S Club and Atomic Kitten were waving the Brit flag in their crop tops and combats (even H). Solo Spice was blossoming quicker than the viewing figures for Castaway (not hard) with Mel C and Geri leading the way. RnB and Garage was freshening up the charts. And of course EVERYONE was queuing in the airport terminals for another summer of dance and there is plenty of that on these two shiny discs. Bu t there is SO much more to this dazzling 45th volume of variously compiled pop. And taking us through it is GENUINE CONTRIBUTOR to the album - electronic producer and musician John Matthews aka Ricardo Autobahn aka the Cuban Boys! Yes, the Hamster Dance song as featured here!Join us as we climb aboard our futuristic Y2K hoverboards and not only revisit NOW45, discover the full story of how The Cuban Boys topped John Peel's Festive Top 50 and almost toppled the might Cliff and Westlife in the final Official Chart of the millennium. All from their bedroom. You couldn't make it up!All of this and Daphne and Celeste! Ooh (and quite literally) Stick You! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack is a passionate person, but we never thought his passion for Westlife and toilet paper would collide in such a spectacular way! Meanwhile, Ashwini has been travelling the countryside in search of a new gym (mainly for the showers) and has stumbled upon an untapped source of British entrepreneurship.GOT A PROBLEM? NEED SOME OF OUR BAD ADVICE?

Welcome to a special episode of Encore where we take a look at some of the iHeartRadio team’s favourite Canadian songs that you may have forgotten about. We’re calling it CanConCore… get it? This week we have the story of B4-4’s “Get Down”! Remember the year 2000? If we weren’t worried about Y2K and the millennium bug bringing on the collapse of society we were likely just sitting in our rooms listening to all of the great boy bands that were topping the charts. Because 2000 was the year boy bands reigned supreme. *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees, Westlife, O-Town… They were everywhere. And while it’s fair to say that most boy bands came from either the United States or the United Kingdom, I’d like to think Canada had a very memorable boy band of its own. This is the story of B4-4's 'Get Down' with newly unearthed footage from the band themselves. Written by Cam Lindsay for iHeartRadio.

What was the first album that truly ignited your love affair with music? What began as a celebration of Olivia Rodrigo's historic streaming achievement quickly evolved into a beautiful journey down memory lane. This segment is all about those pivotal first albums that became the soundtracks to our childhoods and defined our generations. We reminisce about the formative musical memories shaped by giants like Luther Vandross ("Dance With My Father"), Mariah Carey, and local legend Brenda Fassie. We discuss how music creates powerful generational markers, from Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful" creating emotional moments to Tyler's impact on Gen Z. Tune in to hear listeners share their own "first love" albums, including Westlife, Ed Sheeran, and Janet Jackson. Get ready to reminisce about the music that shaped you! Spend weekday afternoons with Zweli. He keeps you in the loop with everything from music and movies to sport and pop culture. Hear what the Word on the Street is, test your skills with the high-pressure 6 Out of 6, and get ready to be entertained. Thank you for listening to an Afternoons with Zweli podcast Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 12:00 to 15:00 (SA Time) toAfternoons with Zweli broadcast on 947 https://www.primediaplus.com/station/947 For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/FeeL6wYor find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/pRBikjo Subscribe to the 947 Weekly Newsletter herehttps://buff.ly/hf9IuR9 Follow us on social media 947 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/947Joburg/ 947 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@947joburg 947 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/947joburg 947 on X https://x.com/947 947 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@947JoburgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's take a closer look, shall we?NO ENCORE returns with debut guest co-host Jay Boland - he of Kodaline and Always Press Record fame - to peek behind the curtain of the making-of process as Jay delivers his Top 5 favourite such efforts. We've also got a packed news section, and some candid reaction to the recent news that Kodaline are set to call it a day, with a fifth and final album, and farewell gigs to come. Meanwhile, it's an especially good time to sign up to our Patreon, as Sonic Architect Adam gears up to imminently release a bespoke documentary of his own, all about the rise of high-end listening bars such as Fidelity and The Big Romance in Dublin. The boy has put the work in on this one, so don't miss it when it lands on Monday! And if that's not your jam but killer clowns are, well, the latest episode of Film Club takes on the Terrifier trilogy. It's a ghoulish delight, even if Andy isn't quite as converted as Dave appears to be. Hit us up now for weekly bonus episodes and our enduring love. Back to this episode, though, and our breakdown looks like this...ACT ONE: In conversation with Jay Boland as he talks Kodaline's decision to bring the curtain down on their career, his work behind the camera, and why you'll almost always find him at an underground gig. ACT TWO (28:14): Our news section takes in the untimely passing of Limp Bizkit bassist Sam Rivers, an incoming record-breaking Westlife residency, how Callum Turner wooed Dua Lipa, Bob Geldof's presidential proclamation, David Draiman's disingenuity, Bob Vylan's costly appearance on The Louis Theroux Podcast, and Cedric Bixler-Zavala's irritation with Alien: Earth. ACT THREE (1:05:56): Top 5 Behind-The-Scenes Documentaries. -Kodaline tickets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from?Joining Andrea to discuss is Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N' Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who's going to talk through some of Westlife's greatest hits as the band celebrates their 25th anniversary!

Music duo Boyzlife, made up of Brian McFadden from Westlife and Keith Duffy from Boyzone, joined Breakfast with Martin Bester to talk about their brand-new single, 'Lovebirds,' and to share more about their life as a duo.

Amy and Darren recalls their weekend adventures at the Betsy in Swords, and a previous encounter they had with Keith Duffy in that very venue before. They also react to the news that Westlife are playing 10 nights at 3Arena - they already have their tickets bought, after a battle with Ticketmaster.Things are getting spooky this week, as Amy prepares to visit a pumpkin patch with Frank and Dixie...but not so much for Darren as he will be at the card show. The couple chat about their Halloween memories, and reveal what trick or treaters will get if they knock on The Conways door this week!Amy and Darren also answer your listener questions. What's the most valuable possession the other person has? And a right brainbuster...Chickatees or Hula Hoops? If you've got questions or topics for Amy and Darren, send them to TheConways@GoLoudNow.com!

Would you be confident enough to Waffle about Westlife? Will the Spice Girls ever reunite as a five-piece? How will Ireland's Smartest Surname pan out? Answer all those questions by listening now. Hit play to hear the episode in full.

Westlife have extended their residency at the 3arena from 5 nights to 13(!), due to demand. So, this poses the question, do Westlife belong in the Irish Music Hall of Fame? And if so, where on that list do they rank?To discuss this, Ciara is joined by Arts Journalist, Pat Carty.

In this week's entertainment catch-up Esther O'Moore Donohoe is chatting us through the albums, tv shows, and gigs we have to look forward to in the coming months! To support the podcast and access bonus episodes, join the community on Patreon here.Come to the Catch Up Cabaret (ish) - get your tickets here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Westlife have announced a series of concerts in Dublin and Belfast next September It's to coincide with the band's 25th anniversary. RTE's Arts and Media Correspondent Evelyn O'Rourke has the details

In some very positive news to bring us into the weekend, Westlife have announced they will be touring across Ireland next year to celebrate the band's 25th anniversary.The first string of five consecutive concerts will take place next September in Dublin's 3Arena, followed by another three day run in Belfast's SSE Arena.Shane Filan joins Andrea to discuss!

Send Mary and Kelsey a Message!It's football season, so WTP is holding a fantasy draft - a boy band draft, that is! In this episode, Mary and Kelsey are joined by the OG boyband influencer, Boyband Stacy, and Kelli Williams of Beyond the Blinds podcast and @laguna_biotch to draft their dream boy bands. The judge? Real life boy bander, Trevor Penick of O-Town! Plus, another boy bander makes a surprise appearance. Check out our previous episodes with our esteemed guests: Kelli Williams celebrates 20 years of Backstreet Boys' Never Gone:  Listen on Apple and Spotify. Follow Kelli on Instagram @laguna_biotch. Boyband Stacy joins WTP: Listen on Apple and Spotify  Follow Stacy on Instagram @boybandstacy.Trevor talks Pop2000s tour, his solo show, and LFO's legacy in two episodes: Episode 1  on Pop2000s Tour and solo Trev: Listen on Apple and SpotifyEpisode 2 with Brad Fischetti: Listen on Apple and Spotify Follow Trevor on Instagram @trevorpenick24Support the show Instagram: @whentheypoppedpodTikTok: @whentheypoppedpodEmail: whentheypoppedy2k@gmail.comWebsite: linktree.com/whentheypopped Subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=85610411

Today we enter the world of Strictly Come Dancing. The show is a phenomenon of British television, and our guest is the longest serving professional dancer on the series – the sparky Venezuelan-American dancer Karen Hauer. Karen spoke to us just before she learned her partner for the 2025 series would be the Team GB sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (aka Nitro from Gladiators) – but Karen tells us how she forges a partnership with a non-dancing celebrity, and about the pressures and pleasures of the iconic show. Karen Hauer is Strictly Come Dancing's longest standing professional dancer, starring in the show since 2012. Her partners have included Westlife's Nicky Byrne, The ‘Hairy Biker' Dave Myers, Jeremy Vine, Will Young, Jayde Adams and Paul Merson. Previously, she was crowned 2008 World Mambo Champion, was a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance USA, and principal female dancer in the original Broadway cast of Burn The Floor and subsequent world tours. With Gorka Marquez, she created the successful shows Firedance and Speakeasy, on which she was Associate Choreographer and Associate Creative Producer. Karen's Hauer Power website https://www.hauerpower.co.uk/homepageStrictly Come Dancing on BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m8dq Why Dance Matters is a dance podcast featuring inspiring conversations with extraordinary people from the world of dance and beyond. Hosted by David Jays, editor of Dance Gazette, this podcast explores how dance shapes lives and why it matters to us all. Brought to you by the RAD, which inspires the world to dance, these insightful stories will surprise and delight. Tune in and discover more on our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's that time of year again! Our 8th Annual Boy Band Break Fantasy Boy Band Draft!Here's how it works. Cinzia, Lydia, Sofia and a random picker (LouBot 5000) have all created a 5 member Boy Band.Throughout this week (Sunday October 5th - Saturday October 11th, 2025) YOU can vote for your favourite Boy Band across all of our platforms. Only 1 vote allowed per platform but you can vote all on of them - YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Twitter/X and TikTok (if I can figure out how to set it up lol). You do not need to vote for the same band on each platform. Each vote counts as 1 point.If any of the actual Boy Band Members interact with the draft (Retweet, Comment, make a video encouraging other to vote, etc) we get 5 bonus points per action.The team with the most points is crowned the winner. Sofia has won 5 out of the 7 previous drafts. Is it finally time for Cinzia or Lydia (or LouBot) to take her crown?Here are this year's teams:Cinzia's Team - Fun Boyz Posse: Chris Kirkpartick from *NSYNC (as always), Joe Jonas from the Jonas Brothers, Jeff Timmons from 98 Degrees, AJ McLean from the Backstreet Boys and Lance Bass from *NSYNCLydia's Team - SodaPop Boys: Andrew Choi (Voice Actor of Juni in K-Pop Demon Hunters), Kevin Richardson from the Backstreet Boys, Ashley Parker Angel from O-Town, Joey Fatone from *NSYNC and Nick Lachey from 98 DegreesLouBot 5000's Team - BB Builderz: Mark Feehily from Westlife (my apologizes for incorrectly saying he was from BBMAK), Kevin Jonas from the Jonas Brothers, Jordan Knight from New Kids on the Block, Drew Lachey from 98 Degrees and Jon Knight from New Kids on the BlockSofia's Team - SyncTown: Nick Carter from the Backstreet Boys, JC Chasez from *NSYNC, Donnie Wahlberg from New Kids on the Block, Trevor Penick from O-Town and Erik-Michael Estrada from O-TownHappy Voting!tags:#boybands #popmusic #pop2kJoin us on our socials:Twitter: https://twitter.com/boybandbreakFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/boybandbreak/

It's been a hefty week in the world of showbiz with the Emmys happening along with An Post launching Westlife stamps and somehow causing controversy in the process. James O'Hagan joins me to take us through the stories.To support the podcast and access bonus episodes, join the community on Patreon here.Come to the Catch Up Cabaret (ish) - get your tickets here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labhraímid le hEoin Ó Catháin faoi stampa Westlife, buairt faoi go bhféadfadh cogadh domhanda tarlú, marú Charlie Kirk agus an scéal is déanaí faoi na Murdochs.

Westlife to be featured on Stamps! - Ballina Tidy Towns robbed - Presidential Election - Orla Foley on coping with the death of her brother Anthony Foley

Today, An Post is marking a milestone in Irish music history by issuing a limited-edition stamp collection celebrating 25 years of Westlife. But what goes into the making of a commemorative stamp? All to discuss with Aileen Moloney, Irish Stamps Manager at An Post.

An Post has unveiled a tribute stamp to Irish boy band Westlife, but left out founder member Brian McFadden.The stamp celebrates 25 years of the band, but was it right to leave Brian out?Joining Andrea to discuss is Broadcaster & Westlife fan Clare Ronan, Ronan McGreevey, Irish Times Journalist and Historian and Newstalk's own Laura Hannon.

Today, An Post is marking a milestone in Irish music history by issuing a limited-edition stamp collection celebrating 25 years of Westlife. But what goes into the making of a commemorative stamp? All to discuss with Aileen Moloney, Irish Stamps Manager at An Post.

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 20ú lá de mí Lúnasa, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1971 chuaigh trí fhear chuig ospidéal Royal Victoria I mBéal Feirste tar éis eachtra lámhach. I 1999 bhí cáin nua ag teacht isteach do dhaoine a bhí ag siopadóireacht darbh ainm Cháin Glas. I 2003 bhí na daoine a raibh ag obair do chomhairle chontae Tiobraid Árann ag fáil nach mór 75 míle euro de phárceáil saor in aisce gach bliain. Bhí ceadúnas ag 303 duine a bhí ag obair ann. De bharr sin bhí an chomhairle ag caill 75 mhíle euro gach bliain. Bhí an diosca párceáil timpeall 250 euro gach bliain. I 2007 shábháil an bhriogáid dóiteáin ón chontae turasóir a raibh sáinnithe ina gcarr nuair a bhí tuilte san Aonach Urmhumhan. Fuair na seirbhísí éigeandála glaoch ó bhean a bhí ina gcarr. Dúirt fear dóiteáin Tommy Morgan go raibh an aimsir uafásach ag an am agus bhí an bhean scanraithe. Sin Westlife le If I Let You Go – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1999 Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1973 chan Bruce Springsteen a chéad oíche amach as seacht ag Olivers I mBostún. Chan sé dhá uair a chloig gach oíche. I 1990 chan Aerosmith ag an Marquee Club I Londain. Sheinm Jimmy Paige ó Led Zeppelin leis an bhanna ceoil. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir Andrew Garfield I Meiriceá I 1983 agus rugadh amhránaí Demi Lovato I Meiriceá ar an lá seo I 1992 agus seo chuid de amhrán. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo. Welcome back to another edition of Ar An Lá Seo on the 20th of August, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1971: 3 men were rushed to Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast after a shooting incident. 1999: Consumers faced a controversial new Green Tax on their shopping 2003 - North Tipperary County Council's staff were getting over €75,000 in free parking each year. The council issued 303 permits to staff working in, or required to attend the courthouse in Nenagh for work purposes. This means that the council is forfeiting over €75.750 each year in potential revenue, as a yearly parking disc for any of the town's car parks costs €250 per annum. 2007 - North Tipperary Fire Brigade rescued an English tourist who became trapped in her car following flash floods in the Nenagh area. The emergency services received a call from a lady motorist who had become trapped in her car at Ballyartella Bridge spanning the Nenagh River. Fireman Tommy Morgan said weather conditions were atrocious at the time and that the sole lady occupant of the car was "very frightened. That was Westlife with If I Let You Go – the biggest song on this day in 1999 Onto music news on this day In 1973 Bruce Springsteen played the first of a seven night run at Oliver's in Boston, Massachusetts playing two 60-minute sets each night 1990 Aerosmith appeared at The Marquee Club London. Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page joined the band on stage for a blues jam. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – actor Andrew Garfield was born in America in 1983 and singer Demi Lovato was born in America on this day in 1992 and this is one of her songs. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

Ask and ye shalt receive; this week's episode is with my Aunty Maxine and my brother Ben. Coming from sunny Lisburn, watch two people who haven't played flute in over 20 years guess the orchestral solo, get roasted by AI, drink gin and even attempt to play a few tunes. Sorry for the chaos, Grma xInline G Merch ⭐️www.Inlineg.myshopify.comInline G Patreon ⭐️www.patreon.com/TheInlineGFlutePodcastInline G will ALWAYS be free of charge, but signing up to the Patreon helps let this podcast reach new heights, if you can afford it. You'll also get to ask questions to upcoming guests as well as get early access to some episodes. Or if you'd rather not spend money, subscribing to my YouTube channel and following me on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok is a HUGE way to support the podcast. It'll cost you nothing, and it really makes a difference to the algorithm gods. So please interact however you can; like, comment, or subscribe, and help keep this podcast lit xAnd finally; use the code “INLINEG” online or in person at Flute Center for; 5% off accessories, 10% off all sheet music, free shipping on new instruments and free shipping to trial instruments (USA only.)Chapters:00:00 - Boys in the Bands09:11 - Flute Band Memories23:45 - AI vs Aunty Maxine31:30 - AI Roats Inline G35:10 - Ben and Maxine Play Flute47:10 - Quick Fire Questions

The Relay for Life is a 24-hour event run by the Irish Cancer Society, with multiple events taking place all across the country.Westlife's Shane Filan and his wife Gillian will be taking part in the Sligo event on September 13th, and join Andrea to discuss!

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 20ú lá de mí Lúnasa, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 1971 chuaigh trí fhear chuig ospidéal Royal Victoria I mBéal Feirste tar éis eachtra lámhach. I 1999 bhí cáin nua ag teacht isteach do dhaoine a bhí ag siopadóireacht darbh ainm Cháin Glas. I 1971 bhí na daoine a raibh ina chónaí I Scariff ag an am ag fáil réidh don seó talmhaíochta sa bhaile. I 1988 ghoid duine nach mór 10 míle punt nuair a bhris siad isteach chuig Óstán Bunratty Castle. Sin Westlife le If I Let You Go – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 1999 Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1973 chan Bruce Springsteen a chéad oíche amach as seacht ag Olivers I mBostún. Chan sé dhá uair a chloig gach oíche. I 1990 chan Aerosmith ag an Marquee Club I Londain. Sheinm Jimmy Paige ó Led Zeppelin leis an bhanna ceoil. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir Andrew Garfield I Meiriceá I 1983 agus rugadh amhránaí Demi Lovato I Meiriceá ar an lá seo I 1992 agus seo chuid de amhrán. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo. Welcome back to another edition of Ar An Lá Seo on the 20th of August, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 1971: 3 men were rushed to Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast after a shooting incident. 1999: Consumers faced a controversial new Green Tax on their shopping 1971: The Scariff community was gearing up for the Scariff Agricultural show. 1988: Almost £10,000 in cash was taken in a break-in at Bunratty Castle Hotel. That was Westlife with If I Let You Go – the biggest song on this day in 1999 Onto music news on this day In 1973 Bruce Springsteen played the first of a seven night run at Oliver's in Boston, Massachusetts playing two 60-minute sets each night 1990 Aerosmith appeared at The Marquee Club London. Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page joined the band on stage for a blues jam. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – actor Andrew Garfield was born in America in 1983 and singer Demi Lovato was born in America on this day in 1992 and this is one of her songs. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

Best friends unexpectedly find they want to share more.By neruval442. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. Beth and I have known each other literally forever. We met at preschool, and I can truthfully say I have no earlier memory than her smiling face asking my name as we stood on the school playground waiting to go into our first lesson. We were inseparable through that school and into the primary school, somehow always ending up in the same class, sitting on the same table for reading and drawing when we could. The fact that she was a girl and I was a boy generated mild comment, but the consensus was that these days it was all to the good that kids, especially so young, didn't seem to discriminate when choosing friends.When we went up to secondary school, it wasn't even a question whether we'd do homework together every night, and our parents just shrugged their shoulders and agreed who'd cook on what day, Beth's eyes lighting up when my mum produced her favorite spaghetti sauce.We talked about everything, TV, our other friends, music we liked, school work. Sometimes our families went on holiday together, the usual places, Spain, Italy, but when our trips were separate, the first thing we did when we got back was breathlessly bring each other up to date with what we'd done, seen.Of course we'd gone through the "I'll show you mine, if you'll show me yours" phase, playing doctors and nurses, but somehow it had never translated into any more experimentation, and Beth and I never really touched, except for the frequent hugs of celebration, comfort, commiseration, depending on what life brought us. Beth confided in me when her periods started, school sex education lessons had made sure we knew how things basically worked, and I could tell that her body was changing, breasts and hips more noticeable, but she was always my best friend above all else, and somehow it never occurred to me to think of her in any other way.Of course we had to think about what would happen after college exams, but the problem solved itself, a town with two universities, one that had a good reputation for Beth's chosen subject, the other that offered a top-notch course for mine. We'd celebrated our eighteenth birthday parties, I'd cried unashamedly, brushing away the tears running down my cheeks, at the heartfelt speech Beth made at mine. I tried to reciprocate at her party, then sobbed my heart out again when she chose Westlife's 'Safe' for us to dance to at the end of the night.What people thought of us by then didn't really trouble us, from overheard comments, those who didn't really know us assumed we were boyfriend and girlfriend, 'obviously' sleeping together, but by then our friendship was so well-known that it wasn't even a matter of jealousy. Perhaps envy; but we tried, Beth especially, to be gracious, generous to everyone, so only the most petty minds could find anything to complain at.Of course we'd talked about sex, after those embarrassing classes at school, I'd admitted to Beth that I masturbated, and with pink cheeks she'd confessed the same. We even went as far as to look at a porn site on my laptop, and Beth raised her eyebrows, pretending to fan her face at the scene playing out on the monitor. "But it's all staged, right?" she shrugged. "It's bound to be more clumsy and messy for real." The conversation moved on to something else, and the topic didn't come up again for a while.The months rolled round to August, lazy days after exams, too soon to make serious plans for university, and Beth and I were sitting at the square table in her bedroom as usual it was the same table where we always did homework and projects, and the blog we started more than 10 years ago. Beth was sketching something on her art pad, and I was picking photos from our last trip to put on our blog. But something was niggling at me, something I couldn't quite put my finger on. I glanced across at Beth, and her pencil stopped moving. "Tim?""Uh, yes?"She closed the pad, put it on her desk. "Can we talk?"I blinked. "Since when did you ever have to ask me that?" I shifted my chair closer. "Something bothering you?"She nodded. "I'm thinking about freshers' week."I gave her a puzzled look. "Oh, the orientation events with cheap beer for kids away from home for the first time, going a little crazy, college clubs touting for members. What's the problem?"Beth twirled the pencil distractedly in her fingers. "Well, I'm thinking, there'll be a lot of boys there, perhaps I'll get chatting to one, maybe he gets a crush on me, I ask him out for coffee,”"I get the picture," I nodded. Something unexpected stirred in my emotions, but I pushed it down. "You know guys will say anything to get into a girl's panties, right?"Beth smiled wryly. "I know. But let's say I think he's genuine, I can trust him, at least for a night, anyway.""So, then you take care," I reminded.She nodded. "I take my pills, and Mom's already given me a box of condoms, bless her.""But,” I prompted. "You said you wanted to talk, right?"Beth looked up, a pink tinge suffusing her cheeks. "Tim, if I had a close girlfriend, I mean a friend who was a girl, half as close as you, I'd talk to her about this. But I really don't. I want to talk about, well, what I might like, when it comes to it."I gave her the most reassuring smile I could manage. "I can handle that. And there's a definite upside, I can give you the male perspective on the whole thing."She glanced at me sideways. "Okay.""So where do you want to start?""Well," mused Beth, her eyes taking on the faraway look that I knew meant she was creating a scene in her imagination. "Let's assume we've done the kissing part, and somehow, how does this even work?, he's asked me if, and I've told him Yes. I think I'd like him to be the one undressing me."She chuckled. "Of course I'd make sure I had decent panties on, and a bra that hadn't gone grey in the wash.""So he'd be fumbling with buttons, and those fiddly clips," I teased. “ Yes, you'd like undies that are more than just the functional type.”"A little bit of clumsiness would be reassuring," Beth shrugged. "I wouldn't want to think he'd had too much practice.""Would he take everything off at once?" I wondered."Well, maybe everything except my panties, he ought to wait till last for those."I couldn't help the image that was forming in my mind, I had a fair idea what Beth looked like without her clothes, we were quite casual around one another when we were changing. "As a man, I'm pretty sure he'd be entirely distracted by your awesome breasts."She grinned. "Fine by me, I'm rather hoping he'll pay them some serious attention.""Tell me how." I ventured, enjoying this new sexual tension we were both feeling.Beth breathed in. "Well, he could touch them, stroke them,” unconsciously her hands demonstrated her meaning, though without touching herself, "and maybe just ever so gently pinch my nipples with his fingers."She shivered with anticipated pleasure. "But what I'd really want him to do is to put his mouth on them, I can almost feel what it'd be like for my nipples to be surrounded by warmth, wetness, and then to be suckled softly,”"Wow," I breathed. "And then?""That would really get me turned on. I'm so, I mean, I'd be so wet, and I'd want him to slide his hand up between my thighs until he was touching my panties. He could, oh, god, press against me with his fingers while his mouth was still busy on my breasts."Her face was definitely flushed now, but she kept her eyes fixed on my face. "It wouldn't be long before I'd whisper,” she paused, then leaned forward to my ear “ 'You can take them off'. So he'd hook his fingers through the elastic, and I'd lift my hips for a moment while he slid my panties down, then past my feet."I had to adjust my trousers. "Are you ready for him to go inside you?" I breathed, starting to lose myself in Beth's fantasy.She looked down shyly, shaking her head. "What I really want, I'd do anything, anything if he'd go down there, his tongue, really taking his time,”"Anything?" I raised one eyebrow.Beth nodded. "Once he'd made me a soaking mess, he could do anything to me he wanted."I chuckled. "Most men would probably want you to use your mouth on them in turn."Beth nodded. "As long as he was clean,”She paused, frowning slightly. "Not everybody's like you, I mean, what's it called?""Circumcised," I supplied, and she nodded. "I think I'd prefer that. So yes, if he wanted me to I'd kneel and put my lips round him, even let him fuck my mouth."I blinked at her choice of words, Beth absolutely never used vulgar language, but she was obviously carried away with her fantasy, deliberately choosing a provocative phrase for what she was describing.She shifted in her chair. "After a while I'd pull my knees up, open fully to him, and he'd move his body between my thighs, maybe I'd need to use my fingers to guide him into the right place."I raised my eyebrows. "What about that condom?""Wups," Beth caught her lower lip between her teeth. "Thanks for reminding me. So I get one from my bedside drawer, tear open the foil, and roll it onto him with my fingers. Then what I just said, and he pushes slowly into me."Her expression turned slightly apprehensive. "I  guess it might hurt, the first time. But I'm sure he'd be careful."Beth was being very courageous, telling me her intimate sexual fantasy. There had to be a reason for this?Her face resumed its faraway expression. "Then he'd be moving in me, and I'd flex my hips just a little to help him."I smiled wryly. "After what you did to him, I can't imagine he's going to last very long."Beth tilted her head. "I suppose not. But remember, it's his reward for giving me what I needed, So I'd be watching his face, and I'd be able to tell when he was nearly there, and I'd let him know it was okay, 'yes, come for me, don't hold back, ' Then he'd cry out, I hope not too loud, and I'd feel him stiffen inside me, then he'd thrust hard, once, again,”She frowned again. "I suppose with the condom I wouldn't really feel his stuff.""Much safer that way, though," I reminded her."True. So then I guess he'd start to soften, so he'd have to come out of me, make sure the condom didn't slip."She grinned. "I suppose he'd tie it, or wrap it in hankies or something, throw it in my bin. Maybe I'd take it out later so no one else would know.""They'd know if they changed the sheets," I pointed out, and Beth looked startled, then nodded. "Oops, of course.""So when he's finished, what would your lover do then?" I queried.Beth looked thoughtful. "Well, I suppose I'd hoped for a cuddle."I nodded. "Would you want him to stay the night?"She looked puzzled. "I'm not sure. This is where I can't really imagine it, would I want us to wake up together, what would we even say? Or would I want to be alone, and deal with how I felt about him, the next time I saw him?"I reached to put my hand on hers. "Well, if it helps, maybe in some alternate reality, you and I didn't meet til college, and the guy you meet at freshers' fair is me, I would definitely want to wake up next to you."I wasn't prepared for her reaction, her fingers tightening almost painfully on mine, her face crumpling as though on the verge of tears. "That is the sweetest thing you've ever said to me."She took a deep breath. "Tim, what if, what if that reality could be this one?"My entire world seemed to turn upside down in an instant, every image of the life she and I had shared since that first playground meeting, flashing through my mind. "Beth?"Her gaze was locked on my face, something incomprehensibly wild, yet soft in her eyes. She drew me closer, and our lips touched, clumsy but somehow, just right. The kiss deepened, and Beth closed her eyes, lost in the sensation.After a few moments she moved back; "Tim, I want this, and I promise,” she put her hand on her heart, "that it will not change what we already have."I nodded, blinking back tears of my own. "But what about,”I glanced at the open door of her bedroom. "Your parents are just downstairs."The confident glint which I loved so much returned to her eyes. "Easy, watch."She stepped into the hall & onto the landing. "Mom?"Her mother appeared from the living room. "Yes, dear?""Tim and I have to record something for our video blog, we need to close the door for a while.""Okay, darling, we won't disturb you."Beth came back into the room, closing the door firmly and leaning with her back to it. "See, problem solved."She held out her arms, and I came into them, pressing her against the door. "Um," she murmured. "Kind of nice to feel trapped."I covered her mouth with mine, gently but insistently pressing my tongue between her lips, and she gasped, her breath catching in her throat. The wild look returned to her eyes, and she put one hand behind my neck, surprising me with the force of her response. After a few moments she broke away, her lips trembling. "So I think we can say we've done the kissing part," she breathed, echoing her words from a few minutes earlier."And I think what you said before counts as a Yes," I followed suit.She nodded solemnly. "So,”She was wearing a t-shirt, so no buttons to fumble with, and I tugged it free from her jeans. She raised her arms above her head, letting me lift the t-shirt off, drop it over the back of the chair. Underneath, her underwire bra was soft, shiny peach, skin showing tantalizingly through the lace, and I bent to place a kiss on her protruding covered nipples, feeling them hardening & raising under my lips. I slid a hand behind her back seeking the fastening of her bra, and felt a moment of satisfaction as my fingers released the 3 hooks on the first attempt. "I could almost suspect you of having practiced," Beth's voice was teasing.She slipped the now-loose straps from her shoulders, letting the cups fall into her palms, then draped the bra on top of her t-shirt. "As distracting as you e

Best friends unexpectedly find they want to share more.By neruval442. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. Beth and I have known each other literally forever. We met at preschool, and I can truthfully say I have no earlier memory than her smiling face asking my name as we stood on the school playground waiting to go into our first lesson. We were inseparable through that school and into the primary school, somehow always ending up in the same class, sitting on the same table for reading and drawing when we could. The fact that she was a girl and I was a boy generated mild comment, but the consensus was that these days it was all to the good that kids, especially so young, didn't seem to discriminate when choosing friends.When we went up to secondary school, it wasn't even a question whether we'd do homework together every night, and our parents just shrugged their shoulders and agreed who'd cook on what day, Beth's eyes lighting up when my mum produced her favorite spaghetti sauce.We talked about everything, TV, our other friends, music we liked, school work. Sometimes our families went on holiday together, the usual places, Spain, Italy, but when our trips were separate, the first thing we did when we got back was breathlessly bring each other up to date with what we'd done, seen.Of course we'd gone through the "I'll show you mine, if you'll show me yours" phase, playing doctors and nurses, but somehow it had never translated into any more experimentation, and Beth and I never really touched, except for the frequent hugs of celebration, comfort, commiseration, depending on what life brought us. Beth confided in me when her periods started, school sex education lessons had made sure we knew how things basically worked, and I could tell that her body was changing, breasts and hips more noticeable, but she was always my best friend above all else, and somehow it never occurred to me to think of her in any other way.Of course we had to think about what would happen after college exams, but the problem solved itself, a town with two universities, one that had a good reputation for Beth's chosen subject, the other that offered a top-notch course for mine. We'd celebrated our eighteenth birthday parties, I'd cried unashamedly, brushing away the tears running down my cheeks, at the heartfelt speech Beth made at mine. I tried to reciprocate at her party, then sobbed my heart out again when she chose Westlife's 'Safe' for us to dance to at the end of the night.What people thought of us by then didn't really trouble us, from overheard comments, those who didn't really know us assumed we were boyfriend and girlfriend, 'obviously' sleeping together, but by then our friendship was so well-known that it wasn't even a matter of jealousy. Perhaps envy; but we tried, Beth especially, to be gracious, generous to everyone, so only the most petty minds could find anything to complain at.Of course we'd talked about sex, after those embarrassing classes at school, I'd admitted to Beth that I masturbated, and with pink cheeks she'd confessed the same. We even went as far as to look at a porn site on my laptop, and Beth raised her eyebrows, pretending to fan her face at the scene playing out on the monitor. "But it's all staged, right?" she shrugged. "It's bound to be more clumsy and messy for real." The conversation moved on to something else, and the topic didn't come up again for a while.The months rolled round to August, lazy days after exams, too soon to make serious plans for university, and Beth and I were sitting at the square table in her bedroom as usual it was the same table where we always did homework and projects, and the blog we started more than 10 years ago. Beth was sketching something on her art pad, and I was picking photos from our last trip to put on our blog. But something was niggling at me, something I couldn't quite put my finger on. I glanced across at Beth, and her pencil stopped moving. "Tim?""Uh, yes?"She closed the pad, put it on her desk. "Can we talk?"I blinked. "Since when did you ever have to ask me that?" I shifted my chair closer. "Something bothering you?"She nodded. "I'm thinking about freshers' week."I gave her a puzzled look. "Oh, the orientation events with cheap beer for kids away from home for the first time, going a little crazy, college clubs touting for members. What's the problem?"Beth twirled the pencil distractedly in her fingers. "Well, I'm thinking, there'll be a lot of boys there, perhaps I'll get chatting to one, maybe he gets a crush on me, I ask him out for coffee,”"I get the picture," I nodded. Something unexpected stirred in my emotions, but I pushed it down. "You know guys will say anything to get into a girl's panties, right?"Beth smiled wryly. "I know. But let's say I think he's genuine, I can trust him, at least for a night, anyway.""So, then you take care," I reminded.She nodded. "I take my pills, and Mom's already given me a box of condoms, bless her.""But,” I prompted. "You said you wanted to talk, right?"Beth looked up, a pink tinge suffusing her cheeks. "Tim, if I had a close girlfriend, I mean a friend who was a girl, half as close as you, I'd talk to her about this. But I really don't. I want to talk about, well, what I might like, when it comes to it."I gave her the most reassuring smile I could manage. "I can handle that. And there's a definite upside, I can give you the male perspective on the whole thing."She glanced at me sideways. "Okay.""So where do you want to start?""Well," mused Beth, her eyes taking on the faraway look that I knew meant she was creating a scene in her imagination. "Let's assume we've done the kissing part, and somehow, how does this even work?, he's asked me if, and I've told him Yes. I think I'd like him to be the one undressing me."She chuckled. "Of course I'd make sure I had decent panties on, and a bra that hadn't gone grey in the wash.""So he'd be fumbling with buttons, and those fiddly clips," I teased. “ Yes, you'd like undies that are more than just the functional type.”"A little bit of clumsiness would be reassuring," Beth shrugged. "I wouldn't want to think he'd had too much practice.""Would he take everything off at once?" I wondered."Well, maybe everything except my panties, he ought to wait till last for those."I couldn't help the image that was forming in my mind, I had a fair idea what Beth looked like without her clothes, we were quite casual around one another when we were changing. "As a man, I'm pretty sure he'd be entirely distracted by your awesome breasts."She grinned. "Fine by me, I'm rather hoping he'll pay them some serious attention.""Tell me how." I ventured, enjoying this new sexual tension we were both feeling.Beth breathed in. "Well, he could touch them, stroke them,” unconsciously her hands demonstrated her meaning, though without touching herself, "and maybe just ever so gently pinch my nipples with his fingers."She shivered with anticipated pleasure. "But what I'd really want him to do is to put his mouth on them, I can almost feel what it'd be like for my nipples to be surrounded by warmth, wetness, and then to be suckled softly,”"Wow," I breathed. "And then?""That would really get me turned on. I'm so, I mean, I'd be so wet, and I'd want him to slide his hand up between my thighs until he was touching my panties. He could, oh, god, press against me with his fingers while his mouth was still busy on my breasts."Her face was definitely flushed now, but she kept her eyes fixed on my face. "It wouldn't be long before I'd whisper,” she paused, then leaned forward to my ear “ 'You can take them off'. So he'd hook his fingers through the elastic, and I'd lift my hips for a moment while he slid my panties down, then past my feet."I had to adjust my trousers. "Are you ready for him to go inside you?" I breathed, starting to lose myself in Beth's fantasy.She looked down shyly, shaking her head. "What I really want, I'd do anything, anything if he'd go down there, his tongue, really taking his time,”"Anything?" I raised one eyebrow.Beth nodded. "Once he'd made me a soaking mess, he could do anything to me he wanted."I chuckled. "Most men would probably want you to use your mouth on them in turn."Beth nodded. "As long as he was clean,”She paused, frowning slightly. "Not everybody's like you, I mean, what's it called?""Circumcised," I supplied, and she nodded. "I think I'd prefer that. So yes, if he wanted me to I'd kneel and put my lips round him, even let him fuck my mouth."I blinked at her choice of words, Beth absolutely never used vulgar language, but she was obviously carried away with her fantasy, deliberately choosing a provocative phrase for what she was describing.She shifted in her chair. "After a while I'd pull my knees up, open fully to him, and he'd move his body between my thighs, maybe I'd need to use my fingers to guide him into the right place."I raised my eyebrows. "What about that condom?""Wups," Beth caught her lower lip between her teeth. "Thanks for reminding me. So I get one from my bedside drawer, tear open the foil, and roll it onto him with my fingers. Then what I just said, and he pushes slowly into me."Her expression turned slightly apprehensive. "I  guess it might hurt, the first time. But I'm sure he'd be careful."Beth was being very courageous, telling me her intimate sexual fantasy. There had to be a reason for this?Her face resumed its faraway expression. "Then he'd be moving in me, and I'd flex my hips just a little to help him."I smiled wryly. "After what you did to him, I can't imagine he's going to last very long."Beth tilted her head. "I suppose not. But remember, it's his reward for giving me what I needed, So I'd be watching his face, and I'd be able to tell when he was nearly there, and I'd let him know it was okay, 'yes, come for me, don't hold back, ' Then he'd cry out, I hope not too loud, and I'd feel him stiffen inside me, then he'd thrust hard, once, again,”She frowned again. "I suppose with the condom I wouldn't really feel his stuff.""Much safer that way, though," I reminded her."True. So then I guess he'd start to soften, so he'd have to come out of me, make sure the condom didn't slip."She grinned. "I suppose he'd tie it, or wrap it in hankies or something, throw it in my bin. Maybe I'd take it out later so no one else would know.""They'd know if they changed the sheets," I pointed out, and Beth looked startled, then nodded. "Oops, of course.""So when he's finished, what would your lover do then?" I queried.Beth looked thoughtful. "Well, I suppose I'd hoped for a cuddle."I nodded. "Would you want him to stay the night?"She looked puzzled. "I'm not sure. This is where I can't really imagine it, would I want us to wake up together, what would we even say? Or would I want to be alone, and deal with how I felt about him, the next time I saw him?"I reached to put my hand on hers. "Well, if it helps, maybe in some alternate reality, you and I didn't meet til college, and the guy you meet at freshers' fair is me, I would definitely want to wake up next to you."I wasn't prepared for her reaction, her fingers tightening almost painfully on mine, her face crumpling as though on the verge of tears. "That is the sweetest thing you've ever said to me."She took a deep breath. "Tim, what if, what if that reality could be this one?"My entire world seemed to turn upside down in an instant, every image of the life she and I had shared since that first playground meeting, flashing through my mind. "Beth?"Her gaze was locked on my face, something incomprehensibly wild, yet soft in her eyes. She drew me closer, and our lips touched, clumsy but somehow, just right. The kiss deepened, and Beth closed her eyes, lost in the sensation.After a few moments she moved back; "Tim, I want this, and I promise,” she put her hand on her heart, "that it will not change what we already have."I nodded, blinking back tears of my own. "But what about,”I glanced at the open door of her bedroom. "Your parents are just downstairs."The confident glint which I loved so much returned to her eyes. "Easy, watch."She stepped into the hall & onto the landing. "Mom?"Her mother appeared from the living room. "Yes, dear?""Tim and I have to record something for our video blog, we need to close the door for a while.""Okay, darling, we won't disturb you."Beth came back into the room, closing the door firmly and leaning with her back to it. "See, problem solved."She held out her arms, and I came into them, pressing her against the door. "Um," she murmured. "Kind of nice to feel trapped."I covered her mouth with mine, gently but insistently pressing my tongue between her lips, and she gasped, her breath catching in her throat. The wild look returned to her eyes, and she put one hand behind my neck, surprising me with the force of her response. After a few moments she broke away, her lips trembling. "So I think we can say we've done the kissing part," she breathed, echoing her words from a few minutes earlier."And I think what you said before counts as a Yes," I followed suit.She nodded solemnly. "So,”She was wearing a t-shirt, so no buttons to fumble with, and I tugged it free from her jeans. She raised her arms above her head, letting me lift the t-shirt off, drop it over the back of the chair. Underneath, her underwire bra was soft, shiny peach, skin showing tantalizingly through the lace, and I bent to place a kiss on her protruding covered nipples, feeling them hardening & raising under my lips. I slid a hand behind her back seeking the fastening of her bra, and felt a moment of satisfaction as my fingers released the 3 hooks on the first attempt. "I could almost suspect you of having practiced," Beth's voice was teasing.She slipped the now-loose straps from her shoulders, letting the cups fall into her palms, then draped the bra on top of her t-shirt. "As distracting as you e

Ed Sheeran BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Ed Sheeran has been at the center of a media and fan whirlwind these past few days, packing a punch both on and off stage. His return to his hometown of Ipswich for a trio of sold-out concerts at Portman Road Stadium on July 11th, 12th, and 13th generated rave headlines and a warm-homecoming frenzy, with guest performers James Blunt, Maisie Peters, Westlife, and Skye Newman joining him on stage. Several social media clips from fans and media outlets captured Ed belting out crowd-pleasers like Eyes Closed, Celestial, and an emotional rendition of Flying Without Wings alongside Westlife, as well as a live collaboration with Skye Newman on Family Matters, all of which triggered a flurry of trending hashtags such as #edsheeran and #ipswich across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and X.But Ed's media spotlight didn't end at the stadium gates. According to the Philstar and the Times of India, this week marks the public debut of his striking new art collection—titled Cosmic Carpark Paintings—at the Heni Gallery in London, with exhibitions running through August 1. The collection, inspired by celestial motifs and described as Jackson Pollock-esque, features colorful abstracts created during downtime last year between tour dates in a disused car park. Sheeran took to Instagram to share painting sessions and behind-the-scenes footage, crediting famed artist Damien Hirst with encouraging him to show his work. Notably, fifty percent of sales from these paintings will benefit the Ed Sheeran Foundation's efforts to provide music education for children in the UK, an initiative Sheeran has championed in recent years.While local UK tabloids have speculated about his next single and future collaborations—especially after his recent onstage stints with fellow artists—no official confirmation has emerged from Sheeran's camp regarding upcoming music releases. His foundation and ongoing support for creative youth projects were highlighted this week in features by the Times of India, including personal anecdotes about using painting as a therapeutic and creative outlet since wrapping the Divide Tour.The British pop juggernaut remains among the 40 richest people under 40 in the UK, as per the latest Sunday Times report, with a fortune that only seems poised to grow thanks to this fusion of music, art, and philanthropy. Ultimately, the past few days have underscored Ed Sheeran's enduring appeal as both a hometown hero and a creative powerhouse, propelling a news cycle where every move—from stadium anthems to abstract art—keeps the world watching and talking.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Michelle Spillane shares the story of her son Kyle's brave battle with kidney disease, how music kept him fighting, and the extraordinary fundraiser—featuring Westlife tickets—that's turning grief into hope for others. See also Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ed Sheeran BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.In a week filled with music, art, and hometown celebration, Ed Sheeran has once again demonstrated why he remains one of the most influential artists of his generation. The biggest headline is his much-anticipated homecoming—a three-night run of sold-out concerts at Ipswich's Portman Road Stadium, drawing 90,000 fans from across the globe. Fans queued overnight and the town transformed itself, turning pink in his honor with murals, banners, and even a fan zone featuring live entertainment and Ed-themed activities. Local businesses are set to gain from this influx, with Ipswich Borough Council estimating more than ten million pounds in economic benefit from the festivities. According to ITV News, the excitement is palpable, and the whole event is being hailed as a boost to both local spirits and commerce.On stage, Sheeran delivered energetic performances and delighted the crowd with a surprise appearance by Irish boyband Westlife, as reported by SuffolkNews. Support acts have included stars like Tori Kelly, James Blunt, and Maisie Peters, each show adding to the celebratory atmosphere embracing Sheeran's Suffolk roots.But it's not only music that's making headlines for Sheeran this week. The Guardian and Times of India highlight his new adventure into the world of art. Sheeran's Cosmic Carpark Paintings—expressionist, celestial-inspired works created during downtime between touring—are on exhibition at HENI Gallery in London until August 1. Half of all proceeds benefit the Ed Sheeran Foundation, supporting music education for children in the UK. Sheeran credits friends Damien Hirst and Joe Hage for encouraging this public showcase, and he's described the painting process as a long-standing passion influenced by his artistic parents.Meanwhile, on social media, Sheeran's official Instagram video generated significant buzz, as he announced the upcoming end of his global Mathematics Tour after more than three years on the road. He assured fans more dates will be announced for regions not yet visited, but confirmed that this chapter is drawing to a close. The tour itself is a commercial phenomenon, recently breaking records at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium with a box office gross of eighteen million dollars and massive crowds.Musically, Sheeran continues to explore global influences. His recent single Azizam debuted at number three in the UK, notable for its Persian flavors, while Sapphire has been praised for its Punjabi undertones—showcasing his willingness to evolve stylistically.No controversy or speculation has surfaced in major media recently, with all reports painting Sheeran as a hardworking artist and generous philanthropist. Ipswich's pink-tinged pride, packed stadiums, new creative ventures, and chart-topping singles all signal a high point in Ed Sheeran's remarkable career.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

This week's guest is absolutely flying, but it's been one hell of a ride getting here. Mark Mehigan is a comedian, author, podcaster, and former BBC social media guru, with a backstory that reads like six lifetimes packed into one. From writing songs with Westlife's Mark Feehily to late-night benders in London, Mark's journey has been anything but dull.These days, he hosts Mark Mehigan's Weekly Roast, one of Ireland's top comedy podcasts. But behind the laughs is a deeply honest story of addiction, anxiety, ADHD, and the kind of quiet desperation that can hide behind a smile. We talk about how his Monday-night wine habit spiraled, why hitting rock bottom might be the best thing that ever happened to him, and what he calls “the silence between the ears.”Mark's chasing what so many of us are - peace of mind. In this funny, vulnerable, and no-nonsense conversation, we explore the messy path to clarity, recovery, and self-acceptance - with plenty of laughs along the way.If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed!Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my new book Busy and Wrecked is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Broadcaster Vogue Williams talks to Brendan about her memoir 'Big Mouth', in which she explores her early forays into fame, the death of her Father, Freddie, and shedding the shame of her divorce from former Westlife singer Brian McFadden.

Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy looks at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic.98FM's Cathal O'Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…Image: Disney

Today I welcome a powerhouse and all round lovely human Raquelle Gracie – an artist, entrepreneur, and former X Factor finalist who has worked with music legends like Pharrell Williams and Babyface. But it's not all glitter and glam. Raquelle shares her unfiltered story of hitting an emotional 'bottom' in the ruthless world of the music industry.At just 23, Raquelle found herself rejected by Babyface's label, dropped without a visa, and left stranded in LA with no money. But that was just the start of her battle. From facing personal betrayal to struggling with self-worth, rejection became a recurring theme in Raquelle's life. In this episode, she opens up about the deep emotional scars she carried and the dangerous spiral of self-sabotage that almost took everything away.Yet, despite all the darkness, Raquelle rose. Ditching the booze, she turned her pain into power, using her journey of rejection and grief to fuel her creativity and help others. Raquelle's story is one of resilience, growth, and empowerment. From the music industry's harsh realities to her personal breakthrough, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to face your own challenges head-on.More on Raquelle -She first made waves as a finalist on The X Factor in 2007, touring with Boyzone and Westlife before working with Pharrell Williams and signing with Babyface via Universal Records. She even co-wrote a US Dance Chart top-three hit with Randy Jackson.But Raquelle's impact doesn't stop at music. She's shaping the next generation of artists, running songwriting camps and artist retreats in Portugal, founding RISE Creative Arts theatre school, and launching Tiny Gym, a fresh take on Tiny Desk concerts.Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalTopics -0:00 Intro 3:15 Raquelle's rock bottom6:00 Dealing with rejection & mysogyny9:15 Without singing - am I enough? 13:45 Rejection turns into self sabotage 15:00 The X Factor! 17:15 Being cut because of weight gain 21:10 Validation addiction 27:05 Food & body image to self sabotage 36:30 Power in vulnerability 36:55 Sponsor38:00 Why Raquelle went alcohol free 41:30 Going sober helped with grief44:40 The spiritual journey 47:40 Answers come in silence and stillness 52:10 Championing young performers 55:50 What would you like written on your gravestone?56:35 Advice for young Raquelle Follow Raquelle Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raquellegracieTik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@raquellegracieWebsite - www.raquellegracie.liveFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpdsPlease subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4y57uyctSpotify - https://spoti.fi/3Z0Pr1rApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3#MusicIndustryStruggles#OvercomingRejection#CreativeJourney

Henry McKean looks back at the biggest events and meet the people who made a huge impact in the year 2000!It was the year of Y2K, Bush VS Gore, Westlife dominating the charts, Brian O'Driscoll getting a hat-trick in Paris & arriving on the global rugby scene, Sonia O'Sullivan winning Silver at the Sydney Olympics and the arrival of reality TV with Big Brother.

Well, the votes for our Big 500 Countdown are in, and the number crunchers here at Today FM are busy counting and verifying the tallies. Before the official top 500 is revealed, Louis Walsh joined Ian on this morning's Gift Grub to give his own personal favourites from the last 25 years. Shockingly, Westlife dominated....Hit play now to hear the full episode.

The Dublin Diaries and a preview of the Premiership run-in. Talking Points

Fast becoming a Fully Charged fan-favourite having ranked Hannah Montana transition sounds, Phineas & Ferb and Westlife songs in recent weeks, this morning Dave ranks Simpsons songs!

Way back in Season 2 of Encore we talked about the United Kingdom’s rich history of introducing some of the most iconic Boy Bands of all time into the world. From The Beatles to Wham! Westlife to One Direction, Pop Music is littered with some fine British Exports. But of course, that’s really only half the story isn’t it? Because through all the Boys noise there’s one incomparable group of Girls that rocked the world in the mid-to-late-nineties. Sporty, Scary, Baby, Ginger, and Posh - The Spice Girls! This is the Story of Spice Girls’ Spice up your Life! With newly unearthed audio from the girls themselves!

Fáilte ar ais chuig eagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo ar an 7ú lá de mí Aibreán, liomsa Lauren Ní Loingsigh. I 2000 rinne ionsaí ar Michael Smith, an tAire Cosanta, ó ardoifigeach airm de bharr na áis a bhí ann do na trúpaí. I 2017 bhí daonra sa tír seo nach mór 5 milliún arís, an chéad uair ón ghorta. I 1989 bhí ach cúpla míle idir dhá uachtarán nuair a sheas an ceannaire Sóivéid sna meáin in Éirinn sa tSionainn. I 2000 bhí Aer Rianta I dtrioblóid de bharr nach raibh cóireáil camrais don chríochfort nua ag aerfort na Sionainne a chosain 27 milliún punt. Sin Westlife le Fool Again – an t-amhrán is mó ar an lá seo I 2000. Ag lean ar aghaidh le nuacht cheoil ar an lá seo I 1962 bhuail Mick Jagger agus Keith Richards le Brian Jones don chéad uair I Londain. Bhí sé ag seinm giotár le banna ceoil Alexis Korner, Blues Incorporated. Agus gan mhoill tháinig siad le chéile mar The Rolling Stones. I 1985 chan Wham! I mBéising don chéad uair agus bhí sé am mór mar bhí siad an chéad bhanna cheoil ón iartharach chun seinm sa tSín. Chan siad os comhair 12,000 duine. Agus ar deireadh breithlá daoine cáiliúla ar an lá seo rugadh aisteoir russle crowe sa Nua Shéalainn I 1964 agus rugadh amhránaí Anne-Maire sa Bhreatain ar an lá seo I 1991 agus seo chuid de a amhrán. Beidh mé ar ais libh amárach le heagrán nua de Ar An Lá Seo. Welcome back to another edition of Ar An Lá Seo on the 7th of April, with me Lauren Ní Loingsigh 2000: Defence minister michael smith was subjected to an attack by a senior army officer over facilities provided for troops. 2017: Ireland was heading towards a population of five million for the first time since the Famine. 1989: Just a few miles separated the two presidents as the soviet leader stepped into the world media limelight at shannon. 2000: Aer Rianta came under fire for its failure to provide a sewege treatment plant for the new £27 million terminal at shannon airport. That was Westlife with Fool Again – the biggest song on this day in 2000. Onto music news on this day In 1962, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards met Brian Jones for the first time at Ealing Jazz Club in West London. Jones, who went under the name Elmo Lewis, was playing slide guitar with Alexis Korner's band, Blues Incorporated. Shortly afterward, they formed the Rolling Stones. In 1985, Wham! performed in Beijing, a groundbreaking moment that made them the first major Western band to appear in communist China. They sang before an audience of 12,000 in the city's Peoples' Gymnasium. And finally celebrity birthdays on this day – actor Russell Crowe was born in New Zealand in 1964 and singer Anne-Marie was born in the UK on this day in 1991 and this is one of her songs. I'll be back with you tomorrow with another edition of Ar An Lá Seo.

Can you blame folks if they think this singer bears more than a passing resemblance to Harry Styles? Just like in the lost KFLX pilot, we're talking about boy bands this week, but not the ones Dustin and Shawn grew up with...One Direction and Westlife are the inspirations this week. 2024's "The Idea of You" is a steamy (if a little oddball) romance flick with a fictional British pop singer at its center. Nicholas Galatzine brings his own pipes to the performance as Hayes Campbell, the breakout star from a group called August Moon. Savan Kotecha, whom we talked about in the Eurovision episode, brings his real-life experience as a songwriter and producer for boy bands to the table on the soundtrack. As always, we take a crack at dissecting the influences that led to the tunes. Pretty sure we nailed at least one of 'em. Pretty darn sure. Featuring special guest Rachel Amanda Bryant!

For this week's Throwback Thursday, Rebecca Shekleton, Presenter on 98fm's Big Breakfast joins Andrea to look back on the year 2000!

Terry has been doing some detective work to track down the listener who has outed him as a caterpillar collector. His hunt leads to some introspection and a phone call that goes very badly.We learn about the CIA's use of Westlife music in torture, and we get a guest appearance from Terence's brothers.There's wild ideas for live shows thrown out and backed down from very quickly - as both of the lads admit they're feeling the pressure over big promises made about the next time they get on stage.Send all of your questions and comments to talkingbollox@goloudnow.com

Louis Walsh is undoubtedly one of Irelands most successful music moguls of all time. In a career spanning nearly 50 years, the Mayo native had an ear for talent and an eye for a story, helping him shape pop music history—one headline at a time. But Walsh was no stranger to bending the rules to get his acts noticed and has come under renewed flack after his appearance on a new docuseries ‘Boyzone: No Matter What' chronicling the rise of one of Irelands greatest pop exports, and for better or worse, his hand in their success. Just how did a small-town manager build a global sensation, and would it have worked any other way? Copy: From Boyzone, to Westlife, to The X Factor and beyond, Louis Walsh is undoubtedly one of Irelands most successful music moguls of all time. In a career spanning nearly 50 years, the Mayo native had an ear for talent and an eye for a story, helping him shape pop music history—one headline at a time. But Walsh was no stranger to bending the rules to get his acts noticed and has come under renewed flack after his appearance on a new docuseries ‘Boyzone: No Matter What' chronicling the rise of one of Irelands greatest pop exports, and for better or worse, his hand in their success. In the documentary, he reveals that he used to sell stories about Boyzone to tabloids to keep them in the public eye, including ­rumours, such as one that Baby Spice and Stephen Gately were dating. If they “got the front page”, he said, he was happy. Lynch recently said: “We've always known the way Louis Walsh operates. And in fairness to him, Ireland and the name Louis Walsh, he's a big name and a big fish in the music industry. Was his puppeteering of the press a necessary evil, or can the highs and lows of Boyzone act as a cautionary tale to a music industry still under scrutiny for how it treats its young stars Today on the Indo Daily Fionnán Sheahan is joined by journalist Ann Marie Hourihane and culture writer Louise Bruton, to discuss how a small-town manager built a global sensation, and ask: would it have worked any other way? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin and Kieran analyse which clubs in the 92 consistently make a profit, and discuss the latest situation in relation to Chorley FC, Boyzone and Westlife. Follow Kevin on X - @kevinhunterday Follow Kieran on X - @KieranMaguire Follow Producer Guy on X - @guykilty Follow The Price of Football on X - @pof_pod Send in a question: questions@priceoffootball.com Join The Price of Football CLUB: https://priceoffootball.supportingcast.fm/ Check out the Price of Football merchandise store: https://the-price-of-football.backstreetmerch.com/ Visit the website: https://priceoffootball.com/ For sponsorship email - info@adelicious.fm The Price of Football is a Dap Dip production: https://dapdip.co.uk/ contact@dapdip.co.uk Go to proton.me/priceoffootball to receive a 38% discount on Proton Mail Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In his new podcast, Nicky Byrne HQ, Westlife's own Nicky is getting his pals to share some secrets from their careers. So naturally, we had to nab him to do the same. Nicky joined Dave to chat about reuniting with Brian McFadden, his love for mushy peas and working with the ultimate diva, Mariah Carey

Although both Matt Aitken and Mike Stock had left the building, PWL Records continued to release music — and in this epilogue episode, we look at some of the artists who succeeded and some that didn't hit the mark in the few years after the demise of Stock Aitken Waterman. Former PWL MD David Howells joins us to discuss the challenges of starting afresh with new talent to replace Mike and Matt, and talks about what prompted his own departure from the business he had helped steer since the mid-'80s. With a strong focus on dance music at PWL in the '90s, one of the more consistent acts — in terms of quality and chart success — was Loveland. Paul Taylor returns to explain how the group behind hits like "Let The Music (Lift You Up)" and "I Need Somebody" came about, and how PWL's Manchester business received much of Pete Waterman's attention at this point. Paul also discusses his own unceremonious exit from the group. Meanwhile. Slamm remained signed to PWL and were put to work with Gary Miller on increasingly poppy music, with singer Johnny Wilks recapping that era of the band's journey for us. Then, we finish by looking at how Pete's initial run with PWL ended in 1996 and who the songwriters and producers were that would provide him with a second wave of success in the following years with acts like Steps, Tina Cousins and Westlife.Support the showSubscribe for bonus material at chartbeats.com.au/sawInstagram: @chartbeatsauThreads: @chartbeatsau, @matthew_denby360Bluesky: @chartbeatsauFacebook: Chart Beats: A Journey Through PopEmail: chartbeats.au@gmail.com

Boyzone's Keith Duffy and Westlife's Brian McFadden joined us this week and took us back to their beginnings and their meteoric rise to fame in the 90's as boybands took over the radios and music charts. Brian told us all about his decision to leave Westlife at the height of their success, and why there's no chance of a reunion. And Keith took us back to a sad time for Boyzone after the passing of Stephen Gately, and how the lads came together to grieve.The two ex-boyband members have now joined forces to create Boyzlife and are heading off on a world tour soon, kicking off in Ireland next January.

What's the best thing to say to someone who's in mourning? Is the second year of grief really the hardest? And who was the lead singer of Westlife? Helping us answer all these questions is the amazing Stacey Heale! She tells us what it was like to lose her husband, Greg, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer on their daughter's first birthday. Stacey explains what life is like now, nearly three years after his death. We discuss Widow's Fire - the phenomenon of bereaved people who turn to sex for comfort. Plus, the best and worst ways to help someone you love through the grieving process. It all sounds a bit dark, doesn't it? But honestly, we have loads of laughs along the way. We also take a deep dive into the live advice of Ireland's greatest philosopher-king, Ronan Keating, and discover Helen knows nothing about boy bands. We finish with some Scummy Mummy Confessions involving wee and a close encounter with a member of Bros. Stacey's brilliant book, Now is Not the Time for Flowers, is out now. Follow her on insta @stacey_heale.*WE ARE ON TOUR!* We have one more show this summer, in Sevenoaks on 19 July. Then in the autumn we're coming to Barnard Castle, Darlington, Sturminster Newton, Portsmouth, Guildford, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dundee, Hertford, Canterbury, Blackburn, Tenbury Wells, Newport, Norwich, East Grinstead, Harrogate, Newcastle... And then it's our Christmas tour! Go to scummymummies.com for dates and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY! We're on Twitter (@scummymummies), Instagram, and Facebook. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.