Shane Filan Reflects on Emotional Stage Breakdown After Parents’ Deaths

Shane Filan recently shared a poignant moment from his career when he broke down on stage during a performance at the Ulster Hall in Belfast. This emotional experience came after the loss of both of his parents, who passed away due to cancer. His mother, Mae Filan, died in 2019 from lung cancer, followed by his father, Peter Filan, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer in 2020.

Filan recalled that this particular concert was significant as it marked the first time he performed without his parents present. “I remember it was during Covid, we did one of those concerts where there were only a few people, it was for BBC Radio 2,” he explained in an interview with Ocean FM. The absence of his parents, who had been regular attendees at his shows in Ireland, weighed heavily on him that night.

During the performance, the singer found himself overwhelmed with emotion. “I really fell apart that night. I broke down really badly, the worst ever,” he admitted. Despite his struggles, he managed to complete the song, but the realization that his parents were not there to support him was difficult to bear. “It was a tough moment because I’d realised my mam and dad aren’t here for a Westlife show,” he reflected.

Filan emphasized the deeper connections that fans have with songs, noting how music can evoke memories of loved ones. “I know what it means to people when they come and see Westlife and they’re crying,” he said. “They’re literally in that moment when they’re thinking about their mum or dad or their brother or sister, so these songs are bigger than songs.”

The singer fondly remembered his mother’s warmth towards fans, describing how she would engage with them during events. “My mum loved when the fans came; she’d give them a glass of Fanta or whatever,” he said. If he was busy, she would encourage fans to wait, saying, “He’s downtown, but if you wait for an hour he’ll be back.”

Filan’s mother had a genuine interest in the stories of Westlife’s fans, often spending hours talking with them and ensuring they had a chance to meet her son. “Some of the fans would be sitting there for three or four hours, and it would be mum still talking to them, wanting them to get a picture with me or meet me because she was so proud,” he shared.

This emotional revelation highlights not only the profound personal impact of loss but also the enduring connection between Filan, his family, and the fans who have supported him throughout his career. The bond that music creates extends beyond entertainment, reminding both artists and audiences of their shared experiences and memories.