Westlife 'urge Boyzone to continue'

Westlife have urged Boyzone to carry on making music in the wake of Stephen Gately's death last month.

The Irish boyband, who release new album Where We Are on November 30, claimed that they would be eager to take part in a tribute to the late singer.

"If something were to happen for Stephen then we would love to be involved. I really hope the lads continue," Nicky Byrne told the Daily Star.

"They had come back, made an album and it's an absolute tragedy that Stephen isn't around now. He was a lovely guy.

"I'm sure they will do something for Stephen but it's about timing and doing the right thing for Stephen's family. We were at the funeral and they gave him a great send-off."

The group revealed that they have suffered their own personal tragedies over the course of the year and are looking forward to a fresh start in 2010.

"In one respect we will be glad to see the back of 2009. There have been so many deaths close to the band, especially recently with Nicky's father," Shane Filan said.

"Being back at work helps and I feel that we are sitting on an absolute beaut of an album. Next year is going to be a good one."

Westlife recently revealed that manager Louis Walsh threatened to dump the boyband on two occasions in the past.