Keith Duffy has launched a scathing attack on “arrogant” Westlife singers Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne, claiming “they think they’re Bob Dylan”.
The former Boyzone star has hit out at his former pals saying they are egotistical and were only average singers in Westlife, outshone by talented Shane Filan and Mark Feehily.
His comments come after Nicky and Kian made negative comments about his upcoming sold-out Boyzlife tour with Brian McFadden.
“I don’t care what Kian and Nicky think about Boyzlife. Both of them take themselves way too seriously and have big egos,” he told The Irish Sun.
“Shane Filan and Mark Feehily were the great singers in Westlife and Kian and Nick weren’t, but they go on as though they were brilliant. Westlife take themselves way too seriously.
“Both Boyzone and Westlife played to screaming girls, we were pop bands. While myself and Brian acknowledge that, Kian and Nicky think they are Bob Dylan and U2, singing songs about humanity and saving the world. They need to chill out and start enjoying themselves.”
Keith also insisted that both himself and Brian remained grounded through out their time as pop icons, and always made time for fans.
“There are lots of people in this business who’ve been as successful as we are but remain as grounded. You don’t have to look too far to find fellas with massive egos and massive pride. That to me just gets in the way of us being human. We were all just ordinary blokes in Boyzone and Westlife,” he said.
Ahead of Westlife and Boyzone’s 20 year anniversary next year, Keith teased that the pop bands might reunite and go head-to-head with rival tours.
“Westlife are 20 years together next year so I’m sure there’s talk of them getting back together for that anniversary. It’s the same for Boyzone, we’ve just signed a brand new deal with Warner Music for a new album and an arena tour,” he said.
“It would have to be after-hours because you never know what Brian and myself would say to one another. We couldn’t be trusted to keep it clean because we’re trying to make each other laugh.”
