It's almost a year since Westlife performed their sell-out farewell gigs in Croke Park, and now one of the lads has decided it's time for a comeback - solo style.

Singer Shane Filan has signed to London Records as a solo artist and has already started recording his debut solo album in Nashville and the UK. His debut solo album will be released towards the end of this year.

Speaking about the news, Shane said; ”I am so excited to be joining London Records, Universal Music and being back in the studio in London and Nashville recording new songs has been amazing. One of the things that pleases me the most about this record is that I've been given the opportunity to write my own songs. I’m so excited for people to hear them!”

Louis Walsh, who managed the band during their hugely successful career and remains Shane’s manager, said: “This is a fantastic new deal for Shane, we are thrilled to be part of the team at London Records.”

London Records President Nick Raphael says: “We are over the moon to have Shane on our roster.  I already feel that the strength of the song writing shows Shane at his most creative."

Jo Charrington, SVP A&R, London Records, Louis Walsh, Shane Filan and Nick Raphael, President, London Records

 

Breaking the news on his official website, Shane wrote; 

The past twelve months have been very tough at times but if nothing else it proved to me that family, health and happiness are the most important things in life. Now my focus is on my music and solo career – singing is all I want to do. I am very grateful to be getting this amazing opportunity to work with the team at London Records and am going to work as hard as I have ever worked to make this album a success.

Westlife have sold over 50 million records worldwide and have accumulated 14 Number One singles, the third highest in UK history and cementing them as the UK's top-selling album group of the 21st century in 2010. They also won The Record of the Year (the only music award based on public votes in the UK) a record-breaking four times and in 2012, the Official Charts Company listed Westlife 34th amongst the biggest-selling singles artists in British music history.

Shane will release his new album on London Records later in 2013.