The band were created by the incomparable Louis Walsh, who made them all sign a contract restricting their movements after Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy were involved in a serious car accident before the band 'hit the big time'.
In 1994, their version of The Osmonds' 'Love Me For A Reason' was a UK Top 5 hit and would start a trend of theirs for a) cover versions and b) ballads and c) hit singles.
They pioneered the 'sitting on a stool and then standing up for the key change' move so beloved by Westlife.
Ronan Keating was always going to go solo and did just that in 1999.
The band went 'on hiatus' for a bit, but got back together for a tour in 2007 and, following the tragic death of Stephen Gately, released a new album, 'Brother', in 2010.
Briefing