Inspired by his father: Nicky Byrne

If there's one person in this world you wouldn't mind out-doing you, it's your son," says a teary Nicky Byrne.

"I lived all my dad's dreams and he lived his own through me."

Inspired by his father — who passed away just seven weeks ago — Westlife member Byrne says the legacy of his "greatest hero" will continue to live on for as long as he is still singing.

In a touching interview with tabloid! an unguarded Byrne talked about life without ‘Pa' by his side.

"He truly was my buddy," says Byrne, his strong Irish tones softening each quiet word. "He was a young dad. Someone I could say anything to and all me mates loved him.

"I'm really close to my mum, but dad was someone I confided in. He knew everything about me and I still can't believe he's gone."

Dreading the first Christmas without Nicky Byrne Sr — also a singer — around to entertain, Byrne says the family will this year celebrate in his honour.

"Dad is the reason I even sing. He's my inspiration and always will be.

"I have to admit I am not looking forward to Christmas without dad. Christmas for us has always been a family affair. It's about love and celebration and this year will be so tough without him."

A father himself to two-year-old twins, Jay and Rocco, Byrne says he will find his strength from somewhere for the sake of his little ones.

Describing Byrne Sr as "the greatest grandfather anyone could ask for", he explains how his dad could never find enough hours in the day for the twins.

"He would collect ants or spiders with Jay and Rocco. Anything to keep them happy. He always had so much time and energy for everyone," says Byrne.

"Playtime with granddad was always a favourite. It would cover everything from hunting down ants to making magic wands."

Saying goodbye

Byrne Sr, who would have turned 61 last week, died suddenly on November 3 at work in Dublin. Tributes flooded in from around the world for the singer who made his name on the Dublin pub circuit in his own band, Nicky and the Studz.

"I'd been home for Halloween and spent some time with dad and the family," says Byrne, recalling the tragic unfolding of events that day. "We got the plane to leave Ireland and I'd called and called dad to say goodbye."

Not answering the landline, his mobile phone or returning his son's calls, the Westlife singer knew something was wrong.

"I had a terrible feeling in my gut and I felt something wasn't right," he says. "I don't know how you know these things but you just do. And suddenly I got the call to say Dad had had a heart attack."

Tough year

So raw, the family is still waiting for the results of the post mortem. Byrne says it still hasn't sunk in.

It's been a tough year for the Irish boy band. Fellow band mate Kian Egan lost his father to cancer in July and their friend and fellow Irish boy band member Stephen Gately (from Boyzone) was found dead in the summer.

"2009 doesn't feel like it's been a great year for Westlife, because we have had to deal with the reality of death," says Byrne.

"I don't think any of us expected so many sad times this year. Stephen was a good friend and we were devastated to hear the news. Such a sad time. Music-wise, we have had a great year, though."

A new album, Where We Are, was released just weeks ago, and Byrne says his father is littered throughout the words and music of the latest offering.

"Growing up in a musical environment means my father is written into the music I now perform. The house was filled with music and I remember endless nights watching dad up on stage at cabaret sessions. He was my greatest hero."

Formed in 1999 and managed by The X-Factor's Louis Walsh, Westlife has garnered 14 No 1 singles in the UK, the third-highest in UK chart history, trailing just Elvis Presley and the Beatles.

Dream

The band has also broken a few top records, including the musical act with most consecutive No 1s in the UK, as well as the biggest-selling arena act at Wembley Arena.

"He was so proud of me," Byrne says of his father. "There is nothing he would have wanted more than to play at Wembley, and it's a dream I got to live. But he was always there by my side, supporting me through it all."

The 11th album in 11 years, Where We Are was penned to be dedicated to Egan's father, complete with picture in the sleeve and a written tribute from his son. A reluctant Egan was the first to call his bandmate with a courageous suggestion.

With the album artwork less than eight hours away from going to the printers, Byrne spoke to a reluctant Egan. "I could tell he knew it was the wrong time to ask but he didn't have any choice. My album thank-you edit was about to go to print, thanking my Dad and the rest of my family — but he wasn't here anymore."

The band halted production on the CD booklet so Byrne could put his emotional tribute into words for the millions of fans who would buy the record.

"At 1am that morning I sat on my bed and wrote as it came out. I didn't think, I just wrote and I think that comes across. It was raw. But it's also real and captures my father's life.

"I know the boys were worried they were being insensitive, but they had no choice. I know why they did what they did and I'm so grateful now. We are close, but something like this is enough to test any friendship."

Expanding on the subject of friends and family, the conversation remains heartfelt as Byrne seems to struggle to find the right words to describe what he calls his Westlife family.

"Our parents are all friends and have been for the past 11 years," he says. "It's like having four sets of parents and I consider myself extremely lucky. We really are like one big happy family and when something like this happens you realise just how much you need people around you."

A man of simple pleasures, the Westlife star described how his father loved snooker, pitch ‘n' putt, chicken and chips, Guinness but most of all football.

A professional footballer before embarking on his adventure with the band, Byrne says the sport will always come a close second to music.

"Before Dad died, I wasn't sure which I preferred. Now I know — he gave me music and that's what was meant to be.

"And besides," he added. "That Thierry Henry has a lot to answer for."

The tribute reads

In the sleeve notes for Westlife's new album, Where We Are, Nicky Byrne wrote: "It's 1.20am on Tuesday November 3rd 2009, I'm sitting in Rocco and Jay's room. They are up play fighting and giggling next door in our room unaware of our loss, too young to understand except that Grandad ‘Nucal' is now a bright star shining down looking over us like only he can, forever.

"I had already written and submitted my album thank yous two weeks ago and how different they were. However, today my life changed forever and although these words are probably far too soon I have no choice as I could not let these album thank yous go without somehow capturing my beautiful dad's life.

"I can never ever thank you enough for all you did in the 30 short years I knew you. I know I lived all your dreams."

Kian Egan also paid special tribute to his dad Kevin who passed away in July. He wrote: "I can't believe he's gone. He was the best dad anyone could have asked for. I really wouldn't be the person I am today without him. We all love him and miss him dearly."

One regret

The funeral mass of Nicky Byrne Sr was attended by some of Ireland's best musical talent who witnessed Westlife sing You Raise Me Up. Just one regret: Nicky Byrne tried his hardest to make something up to his beloved father.

For seven years, Byrne Sr has asked his son to perform Elvis Costello's hit song Please Stay with his fellow band mates. On Saturday November 7, the heartbroken singer granted his father's wish and sang the poignant words "please stay, please don't go" to conclude an emotional ceremony. His voice shaking, Byrne broke down.

Coming to the UAE?

With Where We Are tour dates just weeks from being announced, Nicky Byrne says the UAE is at the top of their wish list.

"We will be coming to Dubai in 2010," he says. "It is a place we would love to come to and we will be planning it into our international dates, all being well."

Watch this space.