Couple propose on stage during Shane Filan gig at Newcastle City Hall

Shane Filan continues to wow Westlife fans as he performs in the region with his solo tour.
Shane Filan, Newcastle City Hall, March 25, 2016Shane Filan, Newcastle City Hall, March 25, 2016
Shane Filan, Newcastle City Hall, March 25, 2016

Former Westlife frontman Shane Filan brought his Right Here solo tour to Newcastle’s City Hall last night – and there was plenty of romance in the air.

At one point, Shane invited a couple from Cumbria up on stage, which resulted in a marriage proposal between the love birds.

Shane Filan, Newcastle City Hall, March 25, 2016Shane Filan, Newcastle City Hall, March 25, 2016
Shane Filan, Newcastle City Hall, March 25, 2016
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The Irish singer, backed by a six-piece live band, had performed a string of Westlife hits as well as new material from his first solo album Right Here.

Opening with solo single Everything To Me, followed by Westlife’s debut single Swear It Again proved to be a real crowd-pleaser, but it wasn’t all soppy ballads as the set offered a funky jam of World Of Our Own, Uptown Girl and a lively cover of Walk The Moon’s Shut Up and Dance.

Last time Shane played in Newcastle with Westlife on their Farewell Tour, in 2012, he fronted the band to a sold-out audience at Metro Radio Arena, so I was surprised to see that the City Hall’s intimate venue wasn’t at capacity for his solo tour.

But, despite not having his fellow boyband members - Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne and Kian Egan - in tow, Shane delivered a highly entertaining show... and there wasn’t a bar stool in sight.

Shane Filan, Newcastle City Hall, March 25, 2016Shane Filan, Newcastle City Hall, March 25, 2016
Shane Filan, Newcastle City Hall, March 25, 2016
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However, in true boyband-style Shane threw in three outfit changes during the 90 minute set which also featured an acoustic section.

His pitch-perfect vocals were on top form but at times my ears were craving Mark’s distinctive soulful voice (he was always my favourite).

But I couldn’t fault Shane as he carried the bigger vocal parts very well.

He’s certainly honed his craft during his fourteen year career with the award-winning boyband who had more than fifteen UK number one singles.

Shane Filan, Newcastle City Hall, March 25, 2016Shane Filan, Newcastle City Hall, March 25, 2016
Shane Filan, Newcastle City Hall, March 25, 2016
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The audience, a mix of fans old and new, lapped up his cheeky charm and during the feel-good show he chatted to one fan via FaceTime, who was watching the show from bed via a friends’ phone.

Fans screamed like true groupies at simple things such as the star taking off his jacket and they sang their hearts out to every song including Right Here and I Could Be - a duet with Girls Aloud’s Nadine Coyle, who featured in a backing video.

After the proposal, Shane dedicated Knee Deep In My Heart to them as they toasted their big moment.

He also thanked former Newcastle United goal keeper and good friend Shay Given for attending his show.

Ending with big ballad You Raise Me Up ensured all fans were on their feet waving their phones in the air in awe of the unbreakable pop star who has clearly still got it with or without Westlife.