RONAN'S ROLLERCOASTER YEAR
-- 13th December, 2000
RONAN'S ROLLERCOASTER YEAR
Even by his own standards, it's been a mad year for Ronan Keating.
No.1 in the single and album charts, his 2nd baby on the way, a
spectacular tour. And that's without mentioning his day job in
Boyzone...
It's no wonder Ronan has a huge smile plastered over his face
when we grabbed him straight after winning Best Solo Male at
the Smash Hits Awards.
While Ronan picked up Best Solo Male at Smash Hits, he was beaming
with pride for Westlife winning everything going.
"I never in a million years thought they'd do this well." laughs Ro,
who co-manages them with BZ and Sam Mumba boss Louis Walsh.
"Their success is just extraordinary, isn't it? Their critics
say it's all formulaic, but that's so much bull. The guys truly believe in their music."
With Westlife doing so well, Ro is giving up co-managing the lads.
"I've taken them as far as I can," he reasons. "I was helping
them on coping with the pressures of fame and dealing with the media. Look at them now. They're doing such a fantastic job on their own that they don't need me. And, of course, I've got my own career to think
of. I'm too busy to do the job properly anymore."
Ronan is too busy to manage Westlife - so is he too busy to bother
with being a member of Boyzone too?
"Honestly, I don't know what our future holds" he sighs. "We're
having a meeting in a few days to decide what we'll be doing
next year. There are offers on the table to tour and I do want
to do it. But I do want to crack America next year.
I'm over there in
May!!
Shane Lynch told us recently that Ro was furious with his and
Keith's single - and Ronan admits they argued.
"Any band who've been together as long as BZ that say they
don't argue are lying." Ro says. "Look, we are all big mates with
each other. That's why BZ's future needs resolving with all of us deciding as a band - not as individuals."
Whatever BZ's future holds, one thing Ro's committed to is recording
a song for Scooby Doo!
"I'm made up about it" Ro smiles. "Me and Jack watch the cartoon
nearly every day. When I was offered a chanceto do a song for the live action movie I didn't hesitate. I don't know yet what song I'll be doing. Re-recording the theme tune? Now there's a good idea!"
Ronan says his next single will be the new song he unveiled on
his tour, co-written by his LIAR partner Gregg Alexander.
"The highlight of my year would have to be learning that Yvonne
is pregnant again," gushes Ro.
"I don't know if it's a boy or a girl. And I don't want to know,
particularly. But I can't wait!"
BOYZONE ARE STAYING TOGETHER
- and that's official.
Speculation was rife that the group would split due to various solo
activities, but after a meeting they have decided to go back on the
road next November. "Everyone is up for it", Shane told Radio 1.
BILLY LIAR
Ronan Keating tells us he definitely won't be appearing in Billy
Liar in the West End, despite press reports saying he auditioned for the role.
"That was just, er, lies" laughs Ronan. "Stephen has auditioned for
the part, not me. I don't know who they cast - I don't think it's Stephen."
Also Ronan says he won't be rapping like K&S. "ThesE words may
come back to haunt me, but never on a million years am I a rapper."
Source : Rhian at [email protected]