Post by Helen on Oct 16, 2004 19:13:21 GMT
Ronan Keating
by James Ellis, October 15th, 2004
60 SECONDS EXTRA!: Ronan Keating was the main man in Boyzone, alongside Shane Lynch, Mikey Graham, Stephen Gately and Keith Duffy. After the band's
somewhat acrimonious split, he went on to a solo career so burgeoning that an album, 10 Years Of Hits, is out this week. It has also spawned a new single, I Hope You Dance.
60 SECONDS EXTRA!: Are you more of a John Travolta or a dad dancer?
I have to say that I was never much of a dancer when I was in the band and I'm still not much of a dancer now. I am not a dad dancer though and often think I am a Travolta - especially when I've got a few drinks inside of me.
60 SECONDS EXTRA!: What always gets you on the floor?
I like anything with a soul vibe. Old Motown stuff.
60 SECONDS EXTRA!: Have you ever been out and danced to a Boyzone or Ronan Keating track?
No. I used to dance to the Boyzone stuff when we were on stage but never when we were out. When you walk into a bar or a club, if the DJ recognises you, they will often stick one of your records on. I think they think it's a compliment but it's really quite embarrassing.
60 SECONDS EXTRA!: What do you do with yourself?
Keep your head down and wait for them to turn it off.
60 SECONDS EXTRA!: Ten years is a long time to be in the business.
I know. I look at it as though I'm still lucky to be here. I don't know what it's all down to. I can't put my longevity down to anything other than I've always wanted it, I work hard and the tunes have been right.
What does Ronan today think of the Ronan of ten years go?
He was a child. I was 16 years old and I didn't know my **** from my elbow. But I don't think I was any bother. I was a pretty good kid - just a bit naive, maybe. I have always had an old head on my shoulders. I have learned an awful lot in the last ten years. I'm still learning.
The highlights?
Personally, the highlights were getting married and having kids.
Career-wise, it would have to be Boyzone's first No.1 single and album, the incredible tours and hosting the MTV Awards in Dublin; Boyzone picked up an award as well. That was some night.
And the lows?
My mother dying was the absolute worst. That was rock bottom for me. But career-wise I don't think there have been that many. Even when Boyzone split, I may have been a little wary and a little nervous but that was more down to excitement than anything else.
What's the most rock'n'roll thing you've done?
There have been some fall-outs from parties - we've thrown some good ones. Most people know me for what I am. I'm pretty low-key but I do like to go out with my mates, get drunk and have a good time. The most rock'n'roll thing was probably the MTV Awards in Stockholm. There was Bono, Robbie, Kylie, myself and I think it was one of the Gallaghers - or was it one of The Stereophonics? - all out together. I was pretty out of it so I can hardly remember - it was a big night.
Anything you'd like to get off your chest?
Nah. I've always been pretty honest with people, told the truth, never shirked anything. So no, I don't think there is.
How about an apology for foisting Westlife on us?
I apologise for the bad haircuts and dodgy suits but not for Westlife.
After 17million albums, how difficult is it to keep it real?
I've been lucky. I have a very good family who stop me from getting out of line. If anything in the world will ground you, it is kids - they stop you from losing your head and keep you planted. Being Irish has probably helped as well.
So how much is a pint of milk?
They come in litres these days - not pints - and they cost around 32p.
Shane told us he has apologised for the things he said. Did you accept his apology?
Yes, I did. We have sorted out our differences. We were all kids and said some pretty stupid things. I bear no grudges.
What is the chance of a reunion?
A while back I did think of it but I am not ready to do it right now.
So you're not discounting it in the future?
Not at all. I'm just not ready right now. I don't want to go back. The guys may be planning to go back without me and if that's what they want to do then I wish them the very best. I just told them that it's not my time. I'm happy where I am right now. It took me a while to sort my head out when I left the band, and to go back and leave it again would just be a headf**k.
What's your favourite tabloid rumour about you?
I bought an island not too long ago - that was very funny. It was page one of the local newspaper back home - a full-page picture of an island and the headline 'Ronan's new island'. It's insane, as if I'd buy a f**king island. Hilarious, but insane.
You've been married six years. More nagging, less shagging?
Not at all. In fact, it's the other way around. I'm a very lucky and very happy man.
by James Ellis, October 15th, 2004
60 SECONDS EXTRA!: Ronan Keating was the main man in Boyzone, alongside Shane Lynch, Mikey Graham, Stephen Gately and Keith Duffy. After the band's
somewhat acrimonious split, he went on to a solo career so burgeoning that an album, 10 Years Of Hits, is out this week. It has also spawned a new single, I Hope You Dance.
60 SECONDS EXTRA!: Are you more of a John Travolta or a dad dancer?
I have to say that I was never much of a dancer when I was in the band and I'm still not much of a dancer now. I am not a dad dancer though and often think I am a Travolta - especially when I've got a few drinks inside of me.
60 SECONDS EXTRA!: What always gets you on the floor?
I like anything with a soul vibe. Old Motown stuff.
60 SECONDS EXTRA!: Have you ever been out and danced to a Boyzone or Ronan Keating track?
No. I used to dance to the Boyzone stuff when we were on stage but never when we were out. When you walk into a bar or a club, if the DJ recognises you, they will often stick one of your records on. I think they think it's a compliment but it's really quite embarrassing.
60 SECONDS EXTRA!: What do you do with yourself?
Keep your head down and wait for them to turn it off.
60 SECONDS EXTRA!: Ten years is a long time to be in the business.
I know. I look at it as though I'm still lucky to be here. I don't know what it's all down to. I can't put my longevity down to anything other than I've always wanted it, I work hard and the tunes have been right.
What does Ronan today think of the Ronan of ten years go?
He was a child. I was 16 years old and I didn't know my **** from my elbow. But I don't think I was any bother. I was a pretty good kid - just a bit naive, maybe. I have always had an old head on my shoulders. I have learned an awful lot in the last ten years. I'm still learning.
The highlights?
Personally, the highlights were getting married and having kids.
Career-wise, it would have to be Boyzone's first No.1 single and album, the incredible tours and hosting the MTV Awards in Dublin; Boyzone picked up an award as well. That was some night.
And the lows?
My mother dying was the absolute worst. That was rock bottom for me. But career-wise I don't think there have been that many. Even when Boyzone split, I may have been a little wary and a little nervous but that was more down to excitement than anything else.
What's the most rock'n'roll thing you've done?
There have been some fall-outs from parties - we've thrown some good ones. Most people know me for what I am. I'm pretty low-key but I do like to go out with my mates, get drunk and have a good time. The most rock'n'roll thing was probably the MTV Awards in Stockholm. There was Bono, Robbie, Kylie, myself and I think it was one of the Gallaghers - or was it one of The Stereophonics? - all out together. I was pretty out of it so I can hardly remember - it was a big night.
Anything you'd like to get off your chest?
Nah. I've always been pretty honest with people, told the truth, never shirked anything. So no, I don't think there is.
How about an apology for foisting Westlife on us?
I apologise for the bad haircuts and dodgy suits but not for Westlife.
After 17million albums, how difficult is it to keep it real?
I've been lucky. I have a very good family who stop me from getting out of line. If anything in the world will ground you, it is kids - they stop you from losing your head and keep you planted. Being Irish has probably helped as well.
So how much is a pint of milk?
They come in litres these days - not pints - and they cost around 32p.
Shane told us he has apologised for the things he said. Did you accept his apology?
Yes, I did. We have sorted out our differences. We were all kids and said some pretty stupid things. I bear no grudges.
What is the chance of a reunion?
A while back I did think of it but I am not ready to do it right now.
So you're not discounting it in the future?
Not at all. I'm just not ready right now. I don't want to go back. The guys may be planning to go back without me and if that's what they want to do then I wish them the very best. I just told them that it's not my time. I'm happy where I am right now. It took me a while to sort my head out when I left the band, and to go back and leave it again would just be a headf**k.
What's your favourite tabloid rumour about you?
I bought an island not too long ago - that was very funny. It was page one of the local newspaper back home - a full-page picture of an island and the headline 'Ronan's new island'. It's insane, as if I'd buy a f**king island. Hilarious, but insane.
You've been married six years. More nagging, less shagging?
Not at all. In fact, it's the other way around. I'm a very lucky and very happy man.
