Mark Feehily is not touring with Westlife because he has stepped back from all touring to recover from serious ongoing health issues following multiple surgeries, sepsis, and pneumonia, and the band say he will only return when he is fully ready and able.

What’s going on with Mark?

Mark has experienced major health complications over the last few years, starting with surgery in 2020 that led to a severe case of sepsis and a long stay in intensive care, followed by further operations and a difficult recovery.

He later developed pneumonia in late 2021 while on tour, was ordered to stop performing, and then needed additional surgery in 2022, leaving him physically drained and unable to keep up with the demands of full-scale touring.

Why he stopped touring with Westlife

Because of these complications, including a large incisional hernia and multiple major surgeries in just a few years, Mark announced that he had to “temporarily stand down from all Westlife touring” so he could focus on his health and long‑term recovery.

He has described the period as physically and mentally very tough, and has said he needed to make the right decision for his wellbeing, his family, and himself, even though he wishes he could be on stage.

What Westlife have said

Westlife have publicly confirmed that their current and anniversary shows are going ahead without Mark and that “sadly, Mark will be unable to join the celebrations” because of his health.

They’ve also said they love and miss him, hope he can return “whenever he’s ready,” and reassured fans that he is still involved in music, including appearing on new tracks even if he is not on tour in person.

Is there more to it than health?

Fans on forums speculate about possible tensions or other issues, but the only on‑record explanation from Mark and the band is his ongoing health and recovery, and they have kept other details private out of respect.

Discussion threads generally agree that, whatever else might be going on, his wellbeing is the priority and that touring at full intensity is simply too demanding for him right now.

Will Mark come back to touring?

Mark has repeatedly framed his break as temporary and has said he hopes to return once he has fully recovered, while bandmates have echoed that he will be back when he feels ready.

Some fans and commentators hope he might rejoin future tours, possibly around planned 2026 activities, but there is no firm public confirmation and expectations are being kept cautious to avoid pressure on his recovery.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.