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Westlife issued an emotional tribute to band member, Mark Feehily, last night, during the first of their 25th anniversary celebration shows. Shane Filan, Nicky Bryne and Kian Egan took to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall yesterday (October 27), accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, however there was one person missing. Mark decided to pull out of the tour with his friends after a number of health battles, with the group having to continue without their band mate. The band paused their concert halfway through the two hour show to address Mark's absence in a heartbreaking moment. READ MORE: Tesco shares exact way to access Christmas delivery slots one week early Shane told the crowd: “I want to take a little moment now to speak about Mark who is unfortunately not with us tonight. But we love him, we miss him and we cannot wait to have him back on this stage with us. “The good news is he’s obviously on the new music which you've heard already. And the next album obviously as well. We have a new album coming out in February.” While Mark might not be attending the tour, fans of the vocal powerhouse will be thrilled to know he will be part of the celebrations in voice. Mark's distinct vocals can be heard on new track Chariot, penned by songwriting maestro Ed Sheeran, as well as several tracks on the band's new album, the Mirror reported. Speaking at the Royal Albert Hall, Shane continued: “This next song I want to dedicate it to Mark because it's his favourite song. That might give you a hint. READ MORE: 'I know Sarah Ferguson - here's the real reason behind her royal downfall' "It's a beautiful song. It's probably the song that changed our whole career, so we want to hear you sing it with us tonight. This ladies and gentleman is Flying Without Wings.” The band then invited a female vocalist from their choir to join them centre stage to sing Mark's famous lines. The night ended with a singalong of debut single Swear it Again, that went straight to number one in April 2009. Before closing, the band also thanked former manager Louis Walsh for his part in their meteoric rise to fame "He helped pick one of the best songs that's coming on the new album. It's a Louis special," said Kian. "To all of our friends and family that have flown over from Ireland thank you. But most importantly thank you the fans for 25 years of Westlife," he added. "If we're still here in 25 years it's going to be some 50th," joked Shane.
