RONAN INTERVIEW IN HOT STARS SUPPLEMENT OF OK! MAGAZINE
4th-10thMay, 2002
"Well, we're not the best of mates, that's for sure"
IRISH SINGING SENSATION Ronan Keating, 25, shot to fame with pop
heart-throbs Boyzone. When the boyband lurched to a halt two years ago, the
boys went their separate ways, but only Ronan's solo career has stood the
test of time. He's blissfully happy with his beautiful wife Yvonne and two
children, Jack, three, and Marie, one. But as Hot Stars discovered, things
are far from well with his old Boyzone pals...
How's family life?
The kids are great, they're happy and strong, thank God. Having two isn't
much different from having one, but it's magic having Jack and Marie -
perfect. They're great friends and great company for each other. I think
kids should be around kids.
You once said you'd like lots of children - are you planning to have any
more?
I don't think so, no. We're already blessed with two healthy children.
You've been off the scene for a while, what have you been doing?
I've been staying out of trouble making an album. It was refreshing to do
because usually when I make albums I'm on the road touring or doing
promotions. It's the first time I've decided to take a six month break and
spend time at home relaxing. It made me really eager to get back to work. It
made me hungry again, and the album came very easily.
The new single - If Tomorrow Never Comes - is a Garth Brooks cover. What
made you choose it?
It is an emotional and very simple song, and was originally a country
record. Six years ago I saw Garth Brooks in Dublin. He would do three nights
at the football stadium and it was like Michael Jackson coming to town! I
wasn't really a fan until I saw him walk onto this huge stage and play If
Tomorrow Never Comes accoustically. It was just stunning. It blew my mind,
and I said to myself, 'I'll record that record.'
Your tour starts on June 9, are you looking forward to it?
Yeah, I can't wait to get back on the road. Being on stage is when you can
do what you want to do and be who you want to be. I love the freedom and
control I have over making music. Being on stage is a breath of fresh air.
Are you a secret control freak?
Not at all. People will always consult the rule book and do what they know
but there's no passion in that. I enjoy making decisions for myself.
Tell me about your visit to the States. How did it go?
It has been slow. I've signed a deal with MCA and we're re-shooting the
video for Life Is A Rollercoaster. I'm going to go back with a package of
songs from the last album and songs from the new one. So fingers crossed.
Even Robbie Wiliams had trouble cracking America...
I know, I'm almost glad Robbie Williams failed before me because it won't
look so bad if I do! I'm only kidding! I'll be going back over later on this
year or next. It's healthy to go back to square one; I don't mind playing
small venues.
Is Boyzone really over for good?
Oh yeah, we're definitely not doing anything together again. We don't speak
anymore. I wish them the best, they're a great bunch of lads and I hope they
do well at whatever they're doing.
There has been a lot of talk about a feud between the members of Boyzone.
Did it end on a sour note?
Yeah, well, we're not the best of mates that's for sure. I don't speak to
the guys and I wish it didn't go that way. To be honest, it wasn't my choice
but I think when you're successful people change their opinion towards you.
Do you think they could be jealous because you've had more solo success than
they have?
Yeah, maybe. I don't know. I hope that's not the way it is but God knows. I
wish them the best. It's the question most people ask. I'll always remember
I had six magic years - I'll never forget them. It gave me the opportunity
to be here, so I'm grateful for that.
Rumour has it you're moving to Portugal...
No, not at all. We go on holiday down there with the kids but we're not
moving there. I don't have a house there but sometimes we'll rent a house in
the South of France or somewhere for a break.
Do you get fed up of reading stuff about yourself in the papers, especially
when it's not true?
No, as long as it doesn't harm anyone it doesn't matter. I don't really
bother reading them much anyway.
You've sung with sixties pop legend Lulu on her forthcoming album. Tell us
about that.
It's called We've Got Tonight. Kenny Rogers and Sheena Easton did a version
of it. It's an absolutely beautiful ballad and Westlife, Sting, Paul
McCartnety and Samantha Mumba have also done tracks for Lulu's album. I
think it's going to be a big album.
What do you think of Pop Idol? It's probably the biggest pop craze since
Boyzone and the Spice Girls...
It's a phenomenon. Fair play to the lads - I wish them the best. They seem
like good lads and they've got talent, which is the most important thing.
They've got good voices and they seem to want it.
Do you worry about competition from Will Young and Gareth Gates?
Oh no, I think I'm out on my own there, for sure, and I think most people
know that.
What's the best thing about being a celebrity?
I don't know, I never think about it and don't use it. I don't really thrive
on the celebrity thing to be honest. The one good thing is that we have a
voice and I guess it's our duty to use our voice, and maybe we can make a
difference.
And the worst?
Just being caught up in the whole celebrity world thing - now more than
ever.
You've got quite a few showbiz pals like Elton John. Are you quite close to
him?
I'm not close to anyone in the business like that. Elton invites me to
things and I am a huge fan. We've met him and had dinner with him but I
don't talk to him every day or hang out with him on a daily basis.
Source : Rosemary at [email protected]