ronan-keating.com
October 2009
Sky News Interview
Boyzone have done an exclusive interview with Sky News which will air from 6am tomorrow and will continue to run all day. You can see a teaser of the interview from 5pm this evening
31 October 2009
Boyzone: Our last night with Stephen Gately as a five-piece band
The surviving members of Boyzone have paid an emotional tribute to their band mate Stephen Gately.
In their first interview since the star’s sudden death in Majorca last month, the four told how they had slept next to Gately’s coffin the night before the funeral.
Ronan Keating revealed that he, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch imagined they could hear the dead singer laughing and joking with them from his coffin.
Keating described how he ‘crumbled’ when he walked into the funeral home and said it was only then that the realisation Gately was dead finally hit him.
And the band said in the Sky News interview, to be broadcast later today, that they intend to record their next album as a tribute to Gately – who they knew as ‘Steo’ – and that it would include two tracks that Gately had already recorded.
Gately died from natural causes due to a pulmonary oedema at his holiday home in Majorca on October 10.
Speaking about the funeral at the Church of St Laurence O’Toole, Keating said: ‘The four of us decided to stay with him on the Friday night in the church.
It was our last night together as a five-piece. We lay on the floor to the left of the coffin in sleeping bags and cried and laughed. We could hear him telling us jokes and answering us back.
‘We didn’t get much sleep. It was just about spending time with Steo. He didn’t like the dark, he didn’t like being on his own.’
Keating said he ‘crumbled’ when he walked into the funeral home to choose a coffin for Gately.
‘We all did. I fell to pieces. It was there that I realised he was gone, really gone, and that was very hard for all of us.’
Duffy said: ‘I think that was probably the hardest thing that any of us have had to do in our lives.’
The four singers are now focusing on recording a new album as a tribute to Gately.
Keating said: ‘We have a couple of songs with Stephen’s vocal on, so that’s a saving grace, thank God we have that – that is very important to all of us.
‘He was so excited about the album. He was loving it, loving the songs, and the idea of making this record and looking forward. He was never happier.
In all the years I knew Steo, I’d never seen him as radiant, happy, healthy, strong, confident and as comfortable in his own skin, and that’s what is really difficult for all of us.’
Keating and Duffy flew to California last week, after an invitation from U2 singer Bono, to help them come to terms with the tragedy.
Keating spoke to friends there about the idea of moving to the US.
A source told the Mail on Sunday: ‘Ronan says he wants to rebuild his life and that there are too many painful memories in Ireland.’
From: Dailymail
(To see a Ronan photo click on the link)
31 october 2009
Tearful Ronan Keating set for the Melbourne Cup
IRISH superstar Ronan Keating will head to the Flemington Birdcage on Melbourne Cup day.
The former Boyzone member, still mourning the death of bandmate Stephen Gately, is here for a promotional tour and confirmed he will be a Cup guest of Emirates.
It appears Keating decided a trip to the end of the world might help him with the grief he is suffering.
The singer will also promote his new album Stay during his two weeks Down Under and will return in January for a solo tour. The tour will also feature performances at seven A Day On The Green events around the country, where he will be joined by Australia's favourite singers Tina Arena and Damien Leith.
On Cup day he will join other big international artists including Good Charlotte rockers Joel and Benji Madden in Emirates Bollywood-themed marquee.
From: The Daily Telegraph
(To read the whole article click on the link)
31 october 2009
Butterflies to fore in marquee wars
Part about Ronan in the article:
A few trots down the racetrack, Myer racing ambassadors Rebecca Twigley and British rugby league player Kris Smith joined AFL glamour couple Brad and Pia Miller to launch Myer's fashions on the field and their spring-themed marquee, where Liza Minnelli, Ronan Keating and Jennifer Hawkins will watch the races.
From: Australian News
(To read the whole article click on the link)
29 october 2009
In pictures: Jumeirah's celebrity-studded awards
Click on the link to see the photos.
From: City Magazine
29 october 2009
Ronan Keating of Boyzone arriving at Heathrow airport after a flight from Los Angeles
London, England - 27.10.09
Exclusive
Thanks Scheherazed for finding this photo link.
From: Wenn
(Click on the link to see the photos)
27 october 2009
Ronan attends U2 show
Ronan and Keith both attended the U2 gig at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Sunday, where frontman Bono dedicated a song to Stephen. During the performance of "Unforgettable Fire", he said, "Stephen Gately, a beautiful spirit. A bright shining star".
27 October 2009
BCD Travel and Barclays among winners at Jumeirah awards
Part about Ronan in this article:
The client event also saw Strictly Come Dancing host Bruce Forsyth in attendance alongside lead singer of Boyzone Ronan Keating, in his first corporate outing since the death of bandmate Stephen Gately. Keating commented: "I've had a relationship with Jumeirah for over ten years. Everything that the group does is about friendship and relationships."
From: Conference & ingentive travel
(Click on the link to see a Ronan photo and to read the whole article.)
28 october 2009
Ronan Keating, Tina Arena and Damien Leith at A Day on the Green
CLAIRE MITCHELL
RONAN KEATING has been announced as the final headliner in the upcoming A Day on the Green season at Bowral’s Centennial Vineyards.
And joining him on January 24 will be Tina Arena and Damien Leith.
It will make for a star studded summer in the Highlands, with the B-52s in December, Rob Thomas on stage for Valentine’s Day, Dianna Krall in March and now Irish pop sensation Ronan Keating.
“The line-up for the 2009/2010 series has some of the best entertainers we could have envisaged to have here in the Southern Highlands,” Tourism Southern Highlands executive manager Steve Rosa said.
“Rob Thomas was our fastest selling tickets yet and we expect Ronan Keating to match, if not exceed him - especially considering Tina Arena will be performing as well.
“A Day on the Green is a major drawcard for our accommodation houses and the region. It should really help us during the usual off season just after Christmas, which is just what we need in these tough economic times.”
Following two sold out performance seasons in 2008 and 2009, Tina Arena is determined to continue her success in the new year as well.
“Like every Aussie living abroad, I love coming home for Christmas, but this year I’m also really looking forward to touring with Ronan,” she said.
“We’ve sung together before but never toured together, so that has me really excited.”
As for Keating, it’s been eight years since he’s visited Australia’s shores and he said he was eager to relive classics like Lovin’ Each Day, When You Say Nothing At All and If Tomorrow Never Comes, as well as tracks from his latest album Stay.
To open the show will be 2006 Australian Idol winner Damien Leith, who has also just released a new album, Remember June.
All three artists will perform at various national venues in addition to seven A Day on the Green events.
“There really is nothing like the out-door venues in Australia,” Arena said. “They are some of the best places on earth - and surrounded by the holy grape! Touring them with Ronan will be an amazing start to 2010.”
Ronan Keating, Tina Arena and Damien Leith will perform at Centennial Vineyards on January 24. Gates open at 3.30pm. Tickets start at $99.50. For bookings or more information phone Tourism Southern Highlands on 1300 657 559 or visit adayonthegreen.com.au.
From: Southern Highland News
28 october 2009
Ronan Keating releases new album Stay
Ronan Keating has relesed Stay, a brand new studio album and the follow up release to the massively successful ARIA #1 Songs for My Mother album (which is Platinum in Oz and sold more than 500K+ units worldwide).
Stay is a mix of traditional and modern festive classics, including tracks from artists such as Simon & Garfunkel, Joni Mitchell and the Grammy Award winning Sugarland, and perfectly timed for our Xmas season.
Included in Stay and just in time for the holiday season are popular carols Silent Night and the Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, plus two brand new Ronan original songs Its Only Christmas (which features Kate Ceberano) and Scars.
The first single is the Sugarland cover of Stay – a gorgeous interpretation of the US hit, with a SMOKING hot video to match.
Ronan will be in Australia to promote the new album. More details on the promotional tour to come…
From: Get Music
26 october 2009
Australia Shows Announced
Ronan is pleased to announce details of two shows he'll be performing in Australia next year. The shows will take place in Victoria and Melbourne and full details of how you can get tickets are below.
A Day on the Green
Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley
Sunday 31st January
ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100
also appearing is Damien Leith
Melbourne Plenary Theatre
Tuesday february 2
ticketek.com.au or 132 849
Tickets go on sale on November 6th.
25 october 2009
Ronan Keating and Tina Arena join forces
Ronan Keating and Tina Arena will combine forces for A Day on the Green at Sandalford Wines on January 16 and 17.
Keating will undertake his first concert tour of Australia in eight years in January 2010. The Irish star will perform two concerts, with Arena back with her album Songs of Love and Loss.
"Like every Aussie living abroad, I love coming home for Christmas but this year I'm also really looking forward to touring with Ronan," Arena said. "We've sung together before but never toured together, so that has me really excited. He's a genuinely lovely guy and I'm really looking forward to performing with him again."
Idol singer/songwriter Damien Leith, who has just released his new album Remember June, will open the concerts. The first concert will take place in the Swan Valley and Margaret River.
General admission tickets are $99.50 and are available through www.ticketmaster.com.au from Monday November 9.
From: WA Today
27 october 2009
Ronan Keating of Boyzone to sing at three Hawkes Bay wineries
Posted by Max Patmoy
Boyzone singer Ronan Keating is returning to New Zealand for his first concert tour in ten years.
He'll perform three outdoor shows at wineries in Napier, Waipara and Auckland in February next year.
The 32 year old will perform at Church Road Winery on Waitangi Day, the 6th of February.
The tour is his first solo outing since 2004.
Tickets for the concert will go on sale on the sixth of November.
From: Hawke's Bay
27 october 2009
Boyzone stars 'take break to mourn Gately'
By David Balls, Music Reporter
Boyzone singers Ronan Keating and Keith Duffy have flown to California to take a break following the death of bandmate Stephen Gately earlier this month.
The stars, who held an overnight vigil at Gately's funeral last weekend in Dublin, are reportedly eager to take some time off and have checked into a hotel in Los Angeles.
According to The Sun, Keating and Duffy left Dublin because there are "ghosts and memories around every corner".
Keating recently cancelled promotion for his upcoming album Winter Songs, scheduled for release on November 16.
From: Digital spy
26 october 2009
Ronan Keating Touring Australia in 2010!
International superstar Ronan Keating is coming back to Australia in January 2010 for his first concert tour in six years!
The Irish star will perform indoor stadium concerts in Melbourne and Sydney, and seven 'A Day On The Green' winery events around the country.
The Boyzone front man will be supported by our very own Tina Arena and singer/song writer Damien Leith!
The 2010 tour around Australia is his first solo outing since 2004 and Ronan is incredibly excited about putting the show together and having the opportunity to perform all his classic hits like 'Life Is A Rollercoaster', 'Lovin Each Day' and 'When You Say Nothing At All'.
INDOOR CONCERT DATES:
Wed January 20, SYDNEY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
Tues February 2, MELBOURNE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE
A DAY ON THE GREEN CONCERTS:
Sat January 16, SANDALFORD WINES, SWAN VALLEY, WA
Sun January 17, SANDALFORD WINES, MARGARET RIVER, WA
Sat January 23, BIMBADGEN ESTATE, HUNTER VALLEY, NSW
Sun January 24, CENTENNIAL VINEYARDS, BOWRAL, NSW
Tues January 26, SIRROMET WINES, MT COTTON, QLD
Sat January 30, LECONFIELD WINES, MCLAREN VALE, SA
Sunday January 31, ROCHFORD WINES, YARRA VALLEY, VIC
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY NOVEMBER 6
+except WA shows on sale Monday November 9
BOOKINGS for all shows Ticketmaster: ticketmaster.com.au 136 100
Except MELBOURNE bookings through Ticketek: ticketek.com.au 132 849
From: The hot hits
26 october 2009
Ronan Keating in Bowral gig
International pop star Ronan Keating will perform in Bowral in January as part of his Australian tour.
The former Boyzone member is the latest act to be confirmed for the A Day on the Green series of shows, alongside Tina Arena and singer/songwriter Damien Leith.
Keating will perform at seven of the shows, as well as indoor gigs in Sydney and Melbourne, and is expected to sing hits including Life Is A Rollercoaster, Lovin' Each Day and When You Say Nothing At All, as well as songs from his new album, Stay, released next month.
He will arrive in Australia next week to promote the new album and announce solo concert dates.
Bowral's A Day on the Green will be held at Centennial Vineyards on Sunday, January 24. Tickets go on sale from November 6.
From: Illawarra mercury
26 october 2009
Boyz mourn on holiday
MOURNING RONAN KEATING and KEITH DUFFY look sombre in the Californian sun as they come to terms with pal STEPHEN GATELY's death.
The pair flew to Los Angeles last week after their BOYZONE bandmate's funeral.
Ronan, 32, remained grim-faced as he constantly checked his mobile while Keith, 35, appeared exhausted.
Both displayed their "Superman Stephen" tattoos - inked in tribute following the singer's death at 33 on October 10.
Pals said both had found life hard in Dublin - the home of Stephen - as it holds "ghosts and memories around every corner".
From: The Sun
(Click on the link to see some beach photos of Ronan)
26 october 2009
Ronan Keating to tour Australia
Irish singer and Boyzone member Ronan Keating is heading Down Under for a solo tour early next year.
Keating - who will be in Australia in coming weeks to launch his new album Stay - will kick off the tour in January 2010.
It will include performances at seven A Day On The Green events around the country, where he will be joined by Australian singers Tina Arena and Damien Leith.
Keating will also play three outdoor winery concerts in New Zealand in February.
The tour announcement comes a week after the funeral of Keating's Boyzone bandmate Stephen Gately.
Gately died of natural causes while on holiday on the Spanish island of Majorca on October 10.
From: ABC
26 october 2009
Ronan Keating
Australia has always embraced Ronan’s music and to date he has three Platinum albums (‘Ronan’, ‘Bring You Home’ and ‘Songs For My Mother’) and two Double Platinum albums (‘Destination’ and ‘10 Years Of Hits’), with his total sales in this country now in excess of 1.2 million units.
Released earlier this year, ‘Songs For My Mother’ held the #1 spot on the ARIA Album Chart for four consecutive weeks.
With record sales in excess of 22 million albums globally, an enviable Guinness Book Of Records listing for being the only artist ever to have 30 consecutive top 10 singles in the UK chart (beating the likes of Elvis and The Beatles!), an Ivor Novello and BMI songwriting awards, an autobiography and an extensive and much-applauded list of charity endeavours, Ronan’s triumphant career shows no signs of slowing down just yet.
This year he has climbed Kilimanjaro for the UK charity Comic Relief, raising an outstanding £3.5 million, ran the London Marathon, completed a hugely successful two month arena tour with Boyzone, and was honoured with a Special Achievement Award from Cancer Research UK to recognise his on-going work for The Marie Keating Charity (began after his mother’s death from breast cancer in 1998). Most recently he has recorded ‘Stay’, a set of traditional and modern festive classics that evoke special memories of Christmas for him.
From: A day on the green
(Click on the link to see the dates)
25 october 2009
Ronan Keating to tour Australia
Irish singer and Boyzone member Ronan Keating is heading to Australia for a solo tour early next year.
Keating, who will be in Australia next week to launch his new album Stay, will kick off the tour in January 2010.
The tour includes performances at two A Day on the Green events in Western Australia, with full concert dates to be announced next week.
He will be joined by Australian singers Tina Arena and Damien Leith.
The shows are part of a tour through Australia, New Zealand and the UK and will be Keating's first solo outing since 2004.
Keating, whose hits include Life Is A Rollercoaster, Lovin Each Day, and When You Say Nothing At All, will also play three outdoor winery concerts in New Zealand in February.
The tour announcement comes a week after the funeral of Keating's Boyzone bandmate Stephen Gately, who died of natural causes while on holiday on the Spanish island of Majorca on October 10.
From: Sky News
25 october 2009
Ronan Keating and Tina Arena To Play A Day On The Green
Ronan Keating and Tina Arena have locked in dates in January for A Day On The Green.
It has been eight years since Keating has toured Australia.
This tour will include seven A Day On The Green dates as well as two indoor shows for Sydney and Melbourne.
Tina Arena now lives in France. “Like every Aussie living abroad, I love coming home for Christmas but this year I’m also really looking forward to touring with Ronan,” Tina said. “We’ve sung together before but never toured together, so that has me really excited. He’s a genuinely lovely guy and I’m really looking forward to performing with him again.”
Damien Leith will also perform on the A Day on the Green shows.
Dates are:
Indoor Concert Dates (Michael Coppel Presents)
Wed January 20 Sydney Entertainment Centre
Tues February 2 Plenary At Melbourne Convention And Exhibition Centre
A Day On The Green Concerts (Roundhouse Entertainment)
Sat January 16 Sandalford Wines, Swan Valley, WA
Sun January 17 Sandalford Wines, Margaret River, WA
Sat January 23 Bimbadgen Estate, Hunter Valley, NSW
Sun January 24 Centennial Vineyards, Bowral, NSW
Tues January 26 Sirromet Wines, Mt Cotton, Qld
Sat January 30 Leconfield Wines, Mclaren Vale, SA
Sunday January 31 Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley, Vic
From: Undercover
25 october 2009
Ronan fondly remembers bandmate Stephen Gately
Irish singer Ronan Keating has postponed plans to promote his latest solo album for allowing himself to mourn his late band mate from Boyzone-Stephen Gately.
The good looking singer had jetted to Majorca, Spain with his fellow band members after hearing of Gately’s sudden passing at his home on the island earlier this month (Oct09).
He returned to the resort days later to escort the star’s body back to his native Dublin, and acted as a pallbearer at Gately’s funeral on Saturday (17Oct09).
After the emotional goodbye to the man he branded his “brother”, Keating has decided to scrap the promo work for new record Winter Songs until he feels ready to face the public. This in spite of the fact that Keating’s new album is set for a 16 November (09) release.
A source tells Britain’s Daily Star, “Ronan has gone away for a few days to get his head together following Stephen’s funeral.”
The Daily Mirror has reported that Keating has travelled to Los Angeles to “make some sense” of Gately’s death.
RIP Stephen Gately. And we hope Ronan Keating finds his peace too
From: Thaindian news
24 october 2009
Boyzone star to say it all down under
Just a week after attending the funeral of his old bandmate Stephen Gately, former Boyzone star Ronan Keating has announced plans to tour New Zealand.
Keating is to perform at three Kiwi wineries in February.
Last weekend Keating delivered a eulogy to Gately, 33, at his Dublin funeral, describing him as "a man, a friend, a brother, a son, a hero".
Choking back tears, Keating said Boyzone would "pray for his guidance to now show us the way. It is with a heavy heart that I have to say that the world has lost one of its brightest stars".
Gately died while on holiday with his partner in Majorca. Autopsy reports confirmed he suffered an acute pulmonary oedema - or sudden build-up of fluid in the lungs - thought to have been caused by a heart attack.
Since leaving Boyzone several years ago, Keating, 32, has forged a hugely successful solo career, and his album sales have topped 22 million worldwide. He has remained close to his former band mates.
This week he is in Australia to launch his new album, Stay, billed as a collection of traditional and modern classics. It is his seventh since his 1999 solo album, when single When You Say Nothing At All entered the charts at No. 1 and became one of his signature tunes.
Keating will perform at the Mudhouse Winery, Waipara, on February 5, followed by consecutive nights at Church Rd Winery, Napier, and Villa Maria Estate Winery, Auckland. He will be joined by local artists the Peter Urlich Sextet and Matt Joe Gow.
Tickets go on sale on November 6 from Ticketmaster.
From: Stuff
24 october 2009
Ronan's resolve
DESPITE the tragic sudden death of his former Boyzone band-mate Stephen Gately earlier this month, Ronan Keating will honour his tour commitments in Australia.
To coincide with the release of his new album, Stay, on November 13th, Keating will jet in to Sydney to play some key dates at The Entertainment Centre, and A Day On The Green concerts in the Hunter and Bowral. The ever-popular winery shows will be opened by Damien Leith and Keating will be supported by Tina Arena.
Tickets are on sale November 6 from Ticketmaster.
From: Daily telegraph
23 october 2009
Guinness keen on making Arthur's Day an annual event
By Clinton Manning
Guinness reckons its birthday bash last month was such a great craik they want to do it every year.
Tom Jones and Ronan Keating helped celebrate 250 years of Arthur Guinness's black stuff.
The gossip is they sold 1.25million pints in Ireland alone,more than St Patrick's Day.
Owner Diageo will decide next month whether to make Arthur's Day an annual event. But it's such a sure bet, if they don't I'll buy you all a drink!
From: Mirror
24 october 2009
Charity chief praises kindness of Boyzone fans
The head of a Cauldwell Children has spoken out in praise of the thousands of fans who have made donations in memory of the late Boyzone singer, Stephen Gately.
Trudi Beswick, Chief Executive of Caudwell Children, for whom Stephen was a Goodwill Ambassador, said: “Everyone at the Charity is deeply touched and grateful for the overwhelming volume of fans and well wishers who have made donations in memory of Stephen.”
“This outpouring of kindness truly reflects Stephen as a person, someone who always wanted to help and please others. With heartfelt tributes and donations continuing to come into the Charity, Stephen’s memory will now live on in the life changing donations we are able to make to children who desperately need our help.”
The national charity, which provides specialist equipment, life saving treatments and therapy for sick and disabled children, was chosen by Stephen’s partner, Andrew Cowles to receive donations instead of flowers following his death.
Since the announcement, the Charity has received over £22,000 in donations from fans, friends and well wishers of the star. Every penny of the money received will be used to pay for donations to children living in the UK.
As a couple, Stephen and Andrew had attended numerous events in support of the Charity and Stephen had been officially named as a Goodwill Ambassador last year in recognition of the work he had done.
The singer, who tragically died while on holiday in Majorca, was also a close personal friend of the Charity’s founder, philanthropist John Caudwell and partner, Claire.
The Charity is now in talks about a potential memorial for the singer and has confirmed that he will remain a Goodwill Ambassador for the Charity in memory of his work.
Mrs Beswick continued: “My heartfelt thanks go to everyone, right across the World, who has sent a message of support or donation to the Charity. It is a fitting tribute to a remarkable man.”
23 october 2009
How Ronan Keating became a real star in the face of tragedy
If anything positive has come from the death of the delightful Stephen Gately it is that we have all seen what a big man Ronan Keating is.
I’ve always held Ronan in high regard – a true gentleman with an interest and warmth which is all-too rare in his business.
His sense of duty to Stephen and his family, his dignity though his heart was breaking and his leadership through the last weeks have shown him to be a man of huge moral stature.
From: Mirror
24 october 2009
RONAN KEATING - KEATING HALTS ALBUM DRIVE OVER GATELY GRIEF
KEATING HALTS ALBUM DRIVE OVER GATELY GRIEFRONAN KEATING has postponed plans to promote his latest solo album to allow himself time to mourn his late BOYZONE bandmate STEPHEN GATELY.
The Irish singer jetted to Majorca, Spain with his fellow bandmembers after hearing of Gately's sudden passing at his home on the island earlier this month (Oct09).
He returned to the resort days later to escort the star's body back to his native Dublin, and acted as a pallbearer at Gately's funeral on Saturday (17Oct09).
After the emotional goodbye to the man he branded his "brother", Keating has decided to scrap any promo work for new record Winter Songs until he feels ready to face the public.
A source tells Britain's Daily Star, "Ronan has gone away for a few days to get his head together following Stephen's funeral."
And the Daily Mirror reports Keating has travelled to Los Angeles to "make some sense" of Gately's death.
Keating's new album is set for a 16 November (09) release
From: contact music
22 October 2009
Ronan Keating 'Halts Album Promotion'
Ronan Keating won't be promoting his forthcoming solo album, because he's mourning the loss of close friend Stephen Gately.
The Boyzone star releases 'Winter Songs' on 16th November, but following the sudden death of his band mate, he's scrapped public appearances until he's ready again.
A source told the Daily Star: "Ronan has gone away for a few days to get his head together following Stephen's funeral."
Keating will be going on tour by himself in early 2010 to promote the CD, tickets are on sale now.
From: Angryape
22 October 2009
Sad Ronan Keating grieving for Stephen Gately in Los Angeles
Distraught Boyzone star Ronan Keating has flown to LA for a few days to “make some sense” of Stephen Gately’s death – and may even move there permanently.
Friends say the singer, 32, is struggling with the painful memories that Dublin holds.
A close pal revealed: “The last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. He desperately needed to take a few days off.
“He talked about moving to LA last year, and this is something he has mentioned again in the last couple of weeks.
“He was put off because he didn’t want to disrupt his three children, but there are ghosts around every corner in Dublin and he doesn’t know if he can handle living there.”
Ronan broke down as he read a eulogy at 33-year-old Stephen’s funeral on Saturday.
From: Mirror
22 October 2009
Ronan's sister reveals Keating family's grief
CHARITY activist Linda Keating has revealed the devastation she and her family are going through this week, following the tragic death of Boyzone star Stephen Gately.
The sister of singer Ronan Keating told the Herald how she and her siblings were extremely close to the Gately family, given that they all attended numerous Boyzone concerts together over the years.
The Marie Keating Foundation patron returned from the Great Garda Run, Chicago Marathon earlier this week, having jetted over to the States last weekend to take part in the charity run.
challenge
Linda revealed how she and her brother Ronan were due to complete the challenge together prior to the news that his bandmate had passed away tragically in Majorca last Thursday.
"We found out on Saturday night and we were due to take part in the race on Sunday, so naturally Ronan didn't do it," she said.
"He's still devastated, of course. They were so close, they've been together since the very beginning and he was extremely close to him.
"I decided to go ahead and complete it and even though I had two banjaxed knees at one point I decided the pain I was going through was nothing in comparison to what the boys and Stephen's family were.
"I can't even begin to imagine what they are going through, it's just shocking," she added.
Linda went on to explain how she has countless memories of Stephen as a teen and in his early Boyzone days and says he never lost his down-to-earth charms.
According to Linda: "I know Stephen's family quite well, we used to all go to all their concerts together.
"I remember one time we all flew in to go and see them in Wembley, I was living in the States at the time and we all sat together, myself and the other guys families and cheered on the boys.
tragedy
"We're all broken-hearted. It's such a tragedy. I really feel for them, it's a tough time for everyone involved.
"All we can do now is just be there for Ronan and the rest of the boys and of course his husband and his family," she added.
Linda will accompany Ronan and the rest of their family to the Dublin star's removal service at St Laurence O'Toole's church tonight.
Despite her grief, Linda put on a brave face yesterday to step out for the Pink Ladies Lunch in Harvey Nichols restaurant in Dundrum.
Among those in attendance was Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, TD and publisher Norah Casey, beauty buff, Triona McCarthy and PR guru, Tara O'Leary.
From: Herald
16 october 2009
The Stars On Climate Change - What Do They Think?
October 15 marks the third annual Blog Action Day, when bloggers around the world focus on one prominent issue through individual ideas, actions, and thoughts.
This year’s topic is climate change, and Look To The Stars has delved into our archives to find 13 quotes relating to the thoughts of some of the most noteworthy celebrities who are devoted to finding solutions to global poverty.
Ronan Keating: “Climate change is a really big deal that all of us should be concerned about, because there’s no question that runaway climate change will endanger the lives of people, as well as animals.”
From: look to the stars
(Click on the link to read the whole article)
15 october 2009
Whitney Houston sings on X Factor
(UKPA)
Whitney Houston will perform on The X Factor.
The I Will Always Love You singer - whose new album I Look To You is released next week - will sing live on the ITV talent show on Sunday October 18.
It will be Whitney's first UK TV performance in 12 years.
Robbie Williams will perform on The X Factor this weekend after guest mentoring this year's 12 finalists earlier in the week and sitting in on their first singing lesson.
Ronan Keating is also rumoured to be appearing as a performer on the latest series, having already helped judge Louis Walsh pick his finalists.
Last year's finalists, including winner Alexandra Burke, were mentored by stars including Mariah Carey and Take That, while Britney Spears, Beyonce and Miley Cyrus all performed live on the show.
From: Google
08 october 2009
Carpenters ITV Special
Ronan is recording the 'Carpenters' special for ITV on Friday and is performing 'I Won't Last A Day Without You' as well as co-hosting the show with Amanda Holden. For those who didn't manage to get tickets to the recording of the show, we can now tell you it will go on air on Wednesday 18th November, be sure not to miss it!
07 october 2009
'Stay' video now live!
You can now watch the full video for 'Stay' on the video page! Go check it out now!
07 october 2009
Boyz in blue: ronan joins 150 gardai for record-breaking chicago marathon bid
By AOIFE FINNERAN
SINGER Ronan Keating is set to join a group of 150 gardai this weekend as they run themselves into the record books at the Chicago marathon.
The officers taking part in the Great Garda Run on Sunday will make history as the largest contingent from any police force in the globe to compete in a sports event.
And the efforts of the boys and girls in blue will see them raising more than €250,000 for the Marie Keating Foundation, the charity set up by Ronan following the death of his mother from breast cancer.
The Boyzone frontman is expected to complete the gruelling race in less than three hours and will be joined by event patron Shane O'Donoghue from 2FM.
Inspector Niall Featherstone explained: "This is the second year of the Great Garda Run, and we set out our stall from the very start as we wanted to have a tangible legacy.
"It's a huge undertaking, but our fundraising will cover the cost of purchasing a mobile information unit, including staffing and running costs for two years. We wanted to do something for the Marie Keating Foundation because it doesn't receive any Government funding."
The group includes members from every county in Ireland, ranging in ages from 20 to 57 and ranking from students right up to superintendents.
Inspector Featherstone revealed: "We pride ourselves in the fact that every garda going to Chicago is paying his or her own way. It's not a junket. We have asked that each runner raises a minimum of €1,500 and they're all surpassing that figure. Some have even come in with €20,000."
The members of the Great Garda Run were offered 150 places in the prestigious Chicago marathon thanks to the work of former World Champion runner Eamon Coghlan.
"Eamon is very well known in the US so he opened a lot of doors for us," said Inspector Featherstone.
From: Herald.
06 october 2009
Stars hail real heroes
TRUE GRIT: Ronan joins tribute to amazing courage of brave rescuers
By Wesley Johnson
Ronan Keating and Eddie Jordan was among a host of celebrities who paid tribute to life's ordinary heroes.
A four-year-old girl severely burned while saving her sister from a scalding bath and a Marine who rugby-tackled a potential suicide bomber were among those honoured at the Pride of Britain Awards in London. Celebrities praised the stars of the evening for their "wonderful" acts of courage.
Former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne, who presented an award with rocker husband Ozzy, hailed the "driven, outstanding people".
Actress Joanna Lumley said: "I think it's lovely they recognise all sorts of extraordinary people and extraordinary things. It's wonderful," while TV presenter Myleene Klass added: "It's a real privilege to be able to come here and pay homage to people who really do deserve it and who are often overlooked. People who've been so courageous, you can't possibly imagine what they've been through."
The awards recognise acts of courage, selflessness and endurance and achievement by ordinary people.
Spice Girls Emma Bunton and Mel B, TV presenters Tess Daly and Davina McCall, and actors Ray Winston and Martine McCutcheon also attended.
From: Herald
06 October 2009
The McIlroy show
Article By: Dan NichollTue
The McIlroys won't forget 2009 at St. Andrew's, then, even if it wasn't quite the perfect finish; but no one who was at the tournament will struggle to remember the Dunhill Links, particularly those at Saturday night's dinner. Picking up the microphone to host the evening, and looking across at everyone from Hugh Grant and Ronan Keating to Ruud Gullit and Tim Henman, was a personal buzz; the collective thrill was in listening to Keating, Huey Lewis, Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres, Don Felder and country star Clay Walker join the local band, as well as surfing god Kelly Slater a little later, and provide an impromptu night of musical genius that will remain unique to one Saturday night in a small town in Scotland. Simply unforgettable.
The celebrity dancing didn't quite match the celebrity music - Michael Vaughan looks distinctly more comfortable at the crease than on the dancefloor (Mark Ramprakash, a little help here wouldn't go astray), while Schalk Burger senior, looking more like a white Don King every time I see him, glides to music in the manner of the Titantic attempting a three-point turn. The Immelmans cut a suave pair, mind, as did little Thomas Aiken; naturals or not, the floor was packed all night, Huey Lewis the architect in chief of a splendid night of music.
From: iafrica
(Click on the link to read the whole article)
06 october 2009
Pride of Britain Awards
Ronan will be joining Stephen Gately at the Pride of Britain Awards in London this evening. The show will then be broadcast on Wednesday 7th October on ITV.
05 october 2009
X Factor – the final 12 revealed
The judges final 12 – who will perform in the Live Finals from next week – are revealed here.
It’s been a long and trying journey for the judges to get to this stage, where they take their final 12 acts to the Live Finals.
From the audition stages, Louis, Dannii, Cheryl and Simon narrowed down the performers to 200 successful contestants, who made it through to the Boot Camp stage.
Those 200 acts were then cut down once again to just 24 final acts, who had to battle it out last night at the Judges Houses stage.
Now the 24 have halved, leaving just 12 acts. Here are the ones who have made the cut and will be going on to the Live Finals part of the competition, which kicks off next weekend.
B: The Groups, mentored by Louis Walsh
Louis was assisted in his selection by personal friend and Boyzone lead singer, Ronan Keating, at the Judges Houses stage in Lake Como, Italy.
4. Miss Frank (made up of Shaniece Davis, Graziella Affinita and Shar Alexandra)
Shaniece, Graziella and Shar had originally auditioned individually, but the judges decided that the girls would be stronger as a group. They agreed, and Miss Frank was born – and it seems that forming as a threesome was the right thing to do, as together the girls impressed enough to be one of the final three acts in The Groups.
The girls performed the classic hit, Respect, for Louis Walsh and Ronan Keating at last night’s Judges Houses stage. Louis seemed slightly disappointed, telling Ronan – who had come along to help him decide on his final acts - that he thought they would have been better, but added that there is “something there”.
Graziella Affinita’s strong soulful voice was only discovered when aged 15 she was made to sing solo in class by her teacher, as a punishment for talking too much – something which she is probably very grateful for now!
Since then, the 25-year-old student from London has thrown herself into the music industry and has worked with a number of bands, despite never hitting the big time.
Shaniece, a 21-year-old hairdresser from London, has experience of singing, mostly through performances in her local churches and theatre productions.
Shar is the final member of the group. Aged 25, the singer is desperate for success, after a group she used to be a member of broke up in 2005, shattering her confidence in her ability.
5. Kandy Rain (made up of Chemmane Applewhite, CoCo Lloyd, Azi Jegbefume, Khatereh Dovani)
Kandy Rain are the second group to make it through in the category. The band – made up of Chemmane Applewhite, CoCo Lloyd, Azi Jegbefume, Khatereh Dovani - met at a girl group audition 12 months ago when they were chosen to be in a seven-piece band. Nothing ever came of the group, but the girls stayed close and decided to form their own four-piece.
The girls hit the headlines after it was revealed that they used to work as strippers – something which seemed to worry Louis slightly. They defended their previous occupations, stating: Everyone does have a past I mean you can’t say everyone’s perfect.”
The girls, all from London, now work in different careers. Azi, 25, is now a model, CoCo, 22, id studying law, Khatereh, 24, works in a beauty salon and Chemmane, 26, is a dance teacher. But they’ll no doubt be hoping that after the competition they won’t be returning to their day jobs!
Despite Louis and Ronan having reservations about whether girls would like Kandy Rain and vote for them, they impressed enough with their vocals on the Lady GaGa hit Paparazzi.
Louis told them: “From your first audition I loved the look of the group, I though you were sexy, I though you were sassy, I though you had so much energy. I loved that about the group.”
The girls will now be performing at the Live Finals next weekend.
6. John & Edward
The third group to make it through is made up of 17-year-old twins, John and Edward Grimes.
Throughout the competition the teen group has got under Simon Cowell’s skin – with him calling the pair “vile”!
The boys also looked set to get chucked out after singing over fellow contestant Sian Paley’s lines at the Boot Camp stage, and they thought they had messed up their performance of the Backstreet Boys hit I Want It That Way, at the Judges House round.
But Louis saw something in the boys, telling them that they reminded him of Boyzone – and that he wanted to take a chance on them.
The groups that didn’t make it to the final three were Harmony Hood, who Ronan and Louis felt had failed to gel as a group, girl band Project A, and De-Tour – whose harmonies were “terrible” according to Ronan!
That’s the final 12 and next week the live finals kick off – make sure to tune in to see all the action!
From: STV
(Click on the link to read the whole article)
04 October 2009
Photos from Ronan at the Alfred Dnhill Links Championship.
Click on the links to see the photos on:
Gettyimages
Rexfeatures from the gala dinner
Rexfeatures from 30 september
Brunopress Also some photos of Ronan leaving the Mayfair hotel
Picturedesk
Zimbio Practice round
Zimbio Round 1
Zimbio Round 2
Zimbio Round 3
Life
Walsh is on to a Lou-ser
It’s official… Louis Walsh is The X Factor’s resident fall guy. A geriatric joke figure for everyone to laugh at.
Especially Simon Cowell – who heaped hilarious humiliation on his alleged friend by foisting the godawful groups on him. Again. Very funny! No wonder ITV’s wacky talent search is thrashing po-faced Strictly in the ratings war.
With a bunch of tuneless dorks in his dismal stable, poor old Louis doesn’t stand a chance. And that’s an understatement.
Bad luck Mr Walsh… you’ve got a gaggle of strippers, a cobbled-together trio who are beyond dreadful and the Brothers Grimes. Twin twits John and Edward – Ireland’s worst-ever human beings.
“I think they have something,” said Louis, as we all hoped he meant some sort of terminal disease.
“Hate them, hate them,” hissed Simon, correctly deducing that apart from the dire duo’s vile personalities they can’t sing a note.
For last night’s Judges’ (pretend) Houses special, Walsh and Manzone veteran Ronan Keating went all the way to Lake Como to witness loser after outright loser parading a startling lack of ability.
Despite the official party line that “this year’s finalists are going to be the best ever”, dismayed Ronan endured pathetic Project A’s systematic destruction of What’s Going On (bugger all, musically speaking) and sighed: “There’s no magic.”
Louis added: “I don’t know if they could win the show.”
I do. They couldn’t.
After disastrous De-Tour screeched their way through something unrecognisable, Keating murmured: “No chemistry… and the harmonies are terrible.”
Apart from that, they were great. Thanks to their seedy burlesque background, Kandy Rain should make the grade. But – three shouty soloists who clash like split atoms – Miss Frank are frankly frightful.
And Louis… tonight’s the night when you must, must dump tone-deaf John and Edward. They’re horrible and useless.
From: The Mirror
(For the whole article click on the link)
4 october 2009
Cheryl's boys and Louis' groups
Intensity levels reached boiling point tonight as the contestants flew to the judges’ houses as this year’s X Factor went global.
It was smiles all-round as the four categories made their way to their respective airports, and found out which glamorous destination they were heading to.
Louis’ groups swerved the Dublin tradition and jetted out to Lake Como in Italy, Cheryl and the boys departed on a magical mystery tour to Marrakesh, the Over 25s arrived at Simon’s lavish L.A pad, whilst Dannii and the girls headed to Dubai.
Four houses, four continents, one end goal – progression through to the live shows… and with only one chance to impress their mentors everyone was feeling the pressure.
Over in Italy, as dark rainclouds hovered over Louis’ lakeside retreat, the girl group Project A, attempted to bring a ray of light with a bright and bubbly rendition of 4 Non Blonde’s What’s Going On.
But Louis and his confidant Ronan Keating weren’t blown away by the performance: “There’s nothing special about them,” said Louis: “they’re just another girl group.”
Next up were sultry sex-bombs Kandy Rain who impressed with a measured version of Lady GaGa’s Paparazzi, before northern duo De Tour put their chances in jeopardy with a lacklustre stab at Elton John’s Tiny Dancer.
Harmony Hood’s Never Can Say Goodbye left Ronan disappointed and Louis shaking his head: “It should have been better.”
But if the Irishmen thought Harmony Hood’s effort was a little below par, they were singing the praises of newly formed girl group Miss Frank after their rendition of Arethan Franklin’s Respect.
“I think those three girls are raw talent,” Louis told Ronan, who replied: “I agree with you… to see them sing like that, I’m really impressed.
John and Edward were the last of Louis’ groups to sing for a place in the live shows, but a shaky performance left Ronan questioning their chemistry and the twins crying tears of frustration – adamant they had ruined their chances of progression.
Plenty of ups and downs in the first half then, but how would Simon’s Over 25s and Dannii’s girls fare in the second half?
From: X Factor
(For the whole article click on the link)
3 october 2009
Grim reality is that one can’t sing
IT gets worse - only ONE of the terrible Grimes twins can sing.
Ronan Keating let the cat out of the bag after having to endure pop irritants John and Edward while judging The X Factor groups with Louis Walsh.
He told TV Biz: "There's something about those guys - they've got the right energy and feel really pop.
"And one of them can sing - I don't know which one but one of them can."
Now TV Biz is not fond of spoilers but we got the impression from the Irishman that we may be seeing more of John/Edward.
We'll find out tomorrow night for sure if they make the final 12.
If they do, you know what to do when it comes to voting for the acts.
BIN THE TWINS!
From: The Sun
3 october 2009
Ronan races into a new investment
Ronan Keating continues his transition from floppy-haired boy band heart-throb to cardigan-collecting country gent.
We're told that the Boyzone frontman is considering investing some of the cash earned from the band's ongoing reunion tour in a racehorse.
He was seen out and about at the Irish racing auction house Goffs this week, taking in the prestigious Orby Sale.
Apparently Keating is keen to follow in the footsteps of his Westlife protégé Nicky Byrne, who was seen investing in a mare at the sale last year.
From: Independent
2 october 2009
'Winter Songs' Cover Unveiled!
We're pleased to unveil the artwork for Ronan's new album, 'Winter Songs'!
Click on the link to see a photo of the cover!
2 october 2009
From Ronan's official Twitter:
Playing Golf at Dunhill in Scotland. Carnoustie today Wow. R
2 october 2009