Westlife, we hardly knew ye; 'boy' band bows out after 14 years

As #ThankYouWestlife tops the worldwide trending topics today, Americans can be forgiven for asking, “Thanks for what?” Count Westlife among the many musical acts — Blur, Oasis, Kylie Minogue — tagged as one-hit wonders in the United States but which have enjoyed massive success and enduring careers overseas. The Irish quartet plays its last gig tonight in Dublin.

Westlife (gently) hit the U.S. charts just once, peaking at No. 20 with 2000’s “Swear It Again.” In the U.K., though, Westlife’s consecutive string of No. 1 hits places the group in the company of Elvis Presley and The Beatles. Worldwide the group has sold 45 million albums, which have served not only as entertainment but apparently as educational tools:

Remember when I first time singing an english song, "Up Town Girl" in front of class when I was in elementary school. #ThankYouWestlife

— Haus of Google (@hausofgoogle) June 23, 2012

https://twitter.com/sylvianatalia/status/216515056505061377

Best-selling boy band of all time, yes; but best boy band ever? Are you New Kids on the Block fans going to take that?

#thankyouwestlife FOR BEING THE GREATEST AND BIGGEST BOYBAND EVER

— Melisa (@melisaacton) June 23, 2012