TV HITS MAGAZINE INTERVIEW
-- September, 2000
We thought it was about time we stopped asking Ro all the serious quezzies and got him to answer the ones we secretly really wanna know the answers to!
Get set as we throw any and every question we wanted to ask Ro. Here goes...
What's the worst outfit you've ever worn?
There've been plenty! I had a pair of leopard-skin tights once on tour- not the cleverest thing to do, but it was cool at the time.
Do you still get nervous when you go on stage?
Well, I've been doing it for 6 years now, so not really. Obviously the first night will be new to us, but we get worried for the show more than anything- the sound and so on.
Do you remember the first autograph you signed?
It was the day after Boyzone's first appearance on the Late Late Show. I walked down O'Connol Street (Dublin's main street) thinking I was the coolest bloke... I had a big smile on me head- a really don't you know who I am attitude going. I was wearing the same hat I wore on the show . It was very funny. I'll never forget that. I think that was probably the first time I signed an autograph.
Are you partying much?
There's really no time for any of that. I don't go to clubs that often. I hate them- I'd rather sit in a pub.
So you're a bit of a regular pub goer?
Oh yeah, just across the road there's a local which I'm in frequently and I know all the barmen.
Do you get the change to watch much telly?
When I'm ill I love daytime telly- things like Going for Gold and cooking programs- the lot!
Do you ever go driving with shane? Is it scary?
I actually feel safer when Shane is driving than most people! He does go fast, but he's in control.
Do you keep any memorabilia?
At home, in my studio where I mix and work on all of my music, I have all the gifts and awards in there.
Do you still find it weird not being with the others?
It's a bit strange. I find I'm always looking behind me when I'm doing TV shows- I forget they're not there and it's like, arggh, I'm on me own up here! But I guess I'll get used to it eventually.
How did you used to kill time before boyzone took off?
I was in school then, I was running around playing football- I was running free! I was an athlete!
So do you have any plans for acting yet?
Errm, if the right script came along I'm sure I'd be up for it, but at the moment I wouldn't have time.
What's the best thing about being a dad?
Aah, just everything! There's something new everyday- it's just such a wonderful experience, the most wonderful thing in the world. Me and Yvonne are so lucky. We're very happy....
With all the travelling you do who packs your suitcase?
My wife and myself. Usually it's me, but she helps. actually I'm really handy on it now.
If you had to live somewhere other than ireland where would you be?
I'd move to an little island of the coast of Ireland and commute.
What do you like about travelling?
It's always interesting going abroad because everywhere is different, everywhere has it's own culture. It's always different to see you try the food, meet the people and it's a lot of fun.
When was the first time that you knew what being in a pop band was all about?
It was when I started getting involved in co-production and writing- the whole involvement with the music, singing and writing- that's when I realised what's it is all about. Also at concerts- watching the kids smiling and singing your songs back and the happiness that it brings. That's pretty cool!
When did you start earning your own money?
It was when I worked in the hairdressers sweeping the floor. I always spent it all- I couldn't save a penny. If I tried it used to burn a hole in my pocket.
Who was the first really famous person you met?
The first time I really met some one famous was when I met George Michael. I met him at an awards ceremony and he came over to me and shook my hand and said hello. He knew my name so it was a result.
We haven't had much of a summer this year- do you like cooler weather?
Yeah, I love wrapping up in big scarves, coats, gloves and jumpers, and sitting in front of open fires. Winter's definitely my favourite time of the year.
What were the three things you looked for when you picked the members of Westlife?
this isn't in any order okay? one, a hunger for the industry, a want to work hard, two a talent- they have to be able to sing and three solid guys, with realism- their feet on the ground.
there couldn't be anyone that would let success go to their heads 'cos when that happens it's all over.
To me, if you find those three things you're flying.
Are you jealous of their popularity?
No, there's no reason why I would be. I'm delighted! I'd be sick if they weren't as popular as they are! I just hope they don't lose the run for themselves 'cos they've got it so easy. We (boyzone) appreciated everything so much, because we had to work hard for it. That's the only thing I worry about with Westlife.