ronan-keating.com
November 2009
From Ronan's official site:
German Tour Dates Announced!
Ronan is pleased to announce his German tour in March 2010! The full dates for the tour are -
25th March - Frankfurt
26th March - Düsseldorf
27th March - München
28th March - Stuttgart
30th March - Hamburg
Tickets can be purchased HERE.
10 november 2009
Jeroen van der Boom brings out cover from 'Believe again' on single
Jeroen van der Boom released some time ago his third album 'verder'.
From this album the third single will be released.
The choice has fallen on 'weer geloven'the Dutch version of 'Believe Again', the Danish song from the eurovision in Moskou this year.
With 'weer geloven'comes Ronan keating back in the pciture.
He is the componist from 'Believe Again', the original from which 'weer geloven'a translation is.
On the Eurovision Niels Brinck became 13th with it in the final.
As second track on the single there will be a acoustic version of 'weer geloven'.
The new single from Jeroen van der Boom is out on november 20th.
Who can't wait that long can download the songs from the 15th of november.
Translated by Cindy
From: eurosong
11 november 2009
Keating wants Gately 'X Factor' tribute
Ronan Keating has said that he would "love" Boyzone to perform an X Factor tribute to Stephen Gately.
The Irish singer said that the remaining members of the boyband are keen return to the ITV1 show but the tribute would have to be "done right".
"There's a couple of weeks to go and we'll see," Keating told GMTV when asked about guesting on the reality series. "If it's done right, and it's the right thing, we'd absolutely love to do it. It's just how we do it."
Keating also confirmed that the group are continuing to record an album, which will feature vocals from their late bandmate.
"We're going to make a record. We were just at the beginning of making this record - and there were two songs that Stephen had already put his vocals on," he said.
"So for Stephen were going to finish the record off, and that's keeping us going now. The four of us are sticking together a lot because we feel that when we're together, he's still in the room almost."
Gately passed away last month while on holiday in Majorca, aged 33.
From: Digital spy
10 november 2009
Ronan Keating's 'green' day
Genre Concert
Location Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton
Date January 26
Tickets From $99.50
More information www.ticketmaster.com.au
International superstar Ronan Keating will undertake his first concert tour of Australia in eight years when he returns to our shores in January 2010.
The charismatic Irish star will come to Queensland to perform a very special ‘day on the green’ Australia Day public holiday concert, joined by Australia’s own Tina Arena.
“Like every Aussie living abroad, I love coming home for Christmas but this year I’m also really looking forward to touring with Ronan,” said Arena. “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.”
Popular singer/songwriter Damien Leith, who has just released his new “Remember June” album, will open the concert.
‘a day on the green’ is a fully licensed event and while it is strictly no BYO alcohol, patrons are encouraged to come with picnic food and rug in arms.
From: Brisbane Times
9 november 2009
Official mail from Ronan's site
Hear songs from 'Winter Songs' exclusively!
As Ronan prepares to release his new album 'Winter Songs' on 16th November we will be giving you the chance to hear tracks from the album exclusively on the official website this week. Each day we'll have a clip of a new track from the album but remember to check in each day as the tracks will change daily!
When you hear the tracks remember to pop into the official forum and tell everyone what you think of the track and each day we'll be giving away a signed 2010 Ronan Keating calendar to the best reviews on the forum!
Ronan on T.V and Radio
Ronan will also be popping up on your televsion screens over the next few weeks, here are just a few dates to note in your diary!
17th Nov - The One Show
18th Nov - Carpenters Special
20th Nov - Children In Need
Keep your eyes peeled to www.ronankeating.com and we'll keep you up date with all his latest appearances.
Don't forget if you're not hearing Ronan on your favourite radio stations, then drop them a line and request they play the new single 'Stay'!
Pre-order the album
If you haven't already pre-ordered your copy of the 'Winter Songs' you can get your copy at Amazon or at Play.
Sky News Interview
Ronan and the rest of the Boyz have done a very emotional interview with Sky News about Stephen, you can still catch the interview in full HERE.
From: www.ronankeating.com
10 november 2009
Album Competition!
Each day this week we will be adding clips of some of the tracks from 'Winter Songs'. Check in each day and once you've listened to the track drop into the official forum and let us know your thoughts on it. The best comment each day will win a signed 2010 calendar!
10 november 2009
GMTV Performance
Ronan will be appearing on GMTV tomorrow morning (10th November). You will be able to catch Ronan performing his new single 'Stay' and also being interviewed. Make sure you tune in!
9 november 2009
The Kyle and Jackie O show
Ronan Keating Talks About His Grief
Ronan Keating told us that the Australian people have lifted his spirits after the death of Stephen Gately.
In an interview with Kyle and Jackie O he revealed that he nearly didn't come to Australia and is still trying to come to terms with the sudden death of his friend.
The boys have been together since hours after Stephen's death and Ronan said that he was nervous about leaving their support to fly to Australia.
He said that he still has good days and bad days, and explained that sometimes "it hits me like a ton of bricks."
Ronan also talked about the last night that the band were a five piece when all of the Boyzone boys slept on the ground next to Stephen Gately's coffin. "We laughed, and we cried."
Ronan, photographed here at the Melbourne Cup, is on a promotional tour of Australia for his solo album has confirmed that there will be a new Boyzone album released next year, and Stephen’s vocals will feature on it.
Hear how Ronan is coping just three weeks after the death of the friend who he called 'a brother':
Click on the link to hear the interview
From: 2dayfm
6 november 2009
Snippets of Winter songs
You can listen to snippets of the new album Winter songs on Amazon.
Click on the link below to go there and scroll down on the page that opens to listen to snippets of the new songs.
From: Amazon
What's on GMTV? - Tuesday 10th November 2009
8.30-9.25am GMTV WITH LORRAINE (Subtitled & Widescreen)
RONAN KEATING - joins Lorraine on the sofa for a chat and performance!
MARTIN LEWIS - shares his top tips for shopping online
FASHION: BEAT THE WINTER BLUES - how to look chic and stylish in the wet and cold
From: GMTV
Celebrating the Carpenters
'Celebrating the Carpenters', which Ronan co-presented, will be shown on ITV on 18th November at 19.30pm. Be sure to tune in!
5 november 2009
Ronan Keating: 'Losing Stephen was tougher than losing my mum'
Ronan Keating has revealed the death of bandmate Stephen Gately was the hardest knock of his life – worse even than when his own mother died.
The Boyzone singer was devastated when his mum Marie lost her battle against breast cancer in 1998 when he was just 20.
But he says the shock of |Stephen’s passing at 33 has been infinitely more difficult to come to terms with.
The singer died of natural causes at his home in Majorca on October 10.
Just days earlier the boys had been laughing and joking as they planned for their next Boyzone album at the Mirror’s Pride Of Britain Awards.
Ronan, 32, was inconsolable as he made an emotional tribute to “Steo” and carried his coffin down the steps of St Laurence O’Toole Church in Dublin.
The Irish superstar said: “It has been the hardest thing I have ever known – ever.
“With my mum, she was sick for a while and we had almost two years to prepare for the end. We built a wall with mum. She was 51 and I was 20 – it was the hardest thing I knew, at the time. I went through dark times.
“But with Steve, it was a shock and so sudden. We don’t know what has happened which has made it so devastating.”
Ronan returned to work last week by fulfilling promotional commitments for his solo album in Australia.
But any plans for a Boyzone album have been put on ice for the time being.
Stephen’s death has made Ronan re-evaluate his own life and he says a tour without Stephen may be “too emotional”.
“Steve was just a young man, with so much to give,” he added.
“It shows how fragile life is. I have three children (Jack, nine, Missy, eight, and Alice, three) and I don’t plan on going anywhere now. I’m theirs, completely.”
The support of fans has overwhelmed Ronan and bandmates Keith Duffy, 35, Mikey Graham, 37, and Shane Lynch, 33.
Ronan said: “The people have lifted me out of the dark place I was in. It’s the one thing which kept us going. It has been incredible. The media, the public and the fans. I’m delighted for Steve that people did it with such whole-heartedness.”
Now the boys are planning a tribute track written by Mika, using backing vocals which Stephen had already recorded before he died.
Ronan said: “It’s going to be the biggest song of next year, I promise.
“Stephen actually recorded his vocals on it, which is very exciting. We’ve got two songs with his vocals, and we’ll release a new Boyzone album next year as a tribute to him.”
Stephen’s grieving partner Andrew Cowles broke down as collected an Entertainers of the Year award on behalf of Stephen and Boyzone at a gay event in London on Thursday.
Fighting back tears he said: “Hi everyone, I’m Stephen’s man, husband, whatever. You know what I mean. Thank you everyone for voting
From: Mirror
(Click on the link to see a Ronan photo)
7 november 2009
Walsh, Knight for ITV1 Carpenters special
By Dan French, US TV Editor
ITV1 has announced that it will air an hour-long Carpenters special to to celebrate 40 years since their 'Ticket To Ride' release.
The broadcast, titled Celebrating The Carpenters, will be hosted by Amanda Holden and Ronan Keating and feature performances by several pop artists.
The Saturdays, Noisettes, Jamie Cullum, Kimberley Walsh, Dionne Warwick and Beverley Knight are among acts confirmed to perform Carpenters tracks.
Celebrating The Carpenters airs Wednesday, November 18 on ITV1. A double CD album titled 40/40 will be released two days earlier to coincide with the show.
From: Digital spy
6 november 2009
Ronan Keating releases Christmas album
Irish crooner Ronan Keating is releasing an album of songs inspired by his favourite time of year - Christmas.
Keating is releasing an album of songs inspired by his favourite time of year.
The album features Christmas classics like Silent Night and Little Drummer Boy, alongside songs like Bob Dylan's Ring Them Bells and The River by Joni Mitchell.
In Australia, the collection will be called Stay and in Europe the album will be known as Winter Songs.
'I didn't want it to be a Christmas album as such, more of a winter thing,' Keating told AAP in Sydney.
'It's these cosy, emotional, melancholy songs I grew up listening to in winter at Christmas.'
Keating said many of the songs on the album are tied to memories he holds dear.
'Christmas has always been important in our family - we always try to rally around each other and get the kids together,' he said.
'Even as kids all the family would be together. But there was times when it was just my mum and dad and myself and my brothers and sisters had gone off and emigrated to America, and there was just some of the songs there were quite poignant.'
The festive season will also be a sad time this year for Keating, who is still coming to terms with the sudden loss of his close friend and Boyzone bandmate Stephen Gately.
Gately died of natural causes on October 10.
Keating said he almost called off his Australian visit, unsure how he would cope.
'I was a bit anxious to be honest about coming down and being away from the lads, but it's been lovely. The people here have been great,' he said.
'I realised I had to get back to work at some stage. So I thought, let's try. I can always jump on a plane and come home after a day if I'm not happy, but it's been grand.'
It's Keating's second visit to Australia in 2009, and he will be returning early in 2010 for a string of A Day on the Green shows at wineries around the country in January and February with Tina Arena.
After that he will be working hard on getting a new Boyzone album out, featuring vocals by Gately.
'We have a couple of songs with Stephen's vocal on it, so we're going to finish the album for Stephen,' Keating said.
'Mika wrote the first single - brilliant beautiful song, and what a vocal from Stephen, it's amazing.
'I would like to have the album out for March next year, so pretty quick, but I need to be busy at the minute I think.'
Stay is released on November 13.
From: Sky news
(To see a Ronan photo click on the link)
6 november 2009
Our Jess is no mime artist
Part about Ronan:
Ronan Keating, who sang - and - danced into the world's pop charts with Boyzone and returns to Australia to tour with the golden-tonsilled Tina Arena in January, is also against lip-syncing.
"I won't do it for television, I don't mime at all," he said yesterday.
"I have a problem with people who go and mime but in saying that, (Britney's) show is so energetic and physical that she would not be able to put that show on and sing.
"There has to be a happy middle ground somewhere, I get that, I hear that. But if you want the Britney package, to see the dances and the lights, it wouldn't be the show if she didn't do all of that and just stood there and sang."
From: NT News
(To read the whole article click on the link)
5 november 2009
Ronan Keating to play solo gigs
(UKPA)
Ronan Keating is to play his first tour in Australia in eight years in January 2010.
The Irish superstar has cast doubt over a Boyzone tour as he thinks it might be too "emotional" following the death of Stephen Gately, but he's set to perform solo concerts in Melbourne and Sydney, and seven outdoor winery dates around the country.
Ronan will arrive in Australia next week to promote his new album, Stay, and to formally announce the tour dates, according to Liveguide.com.au.
From: google
5 november 2009
Ronan Keating with Steve Price
Ronan Keating is one of the highest selling pop artists in the world, and after an eight year absence from Australia, he's heading to Sydney in 2010 to perform on stage, and Steve Price chats with him about his career
From: 2UE954
(Click on the link to see the video)
5 november 2009
From Ronans official twitter:
In OZ. Back at work. Really strange being back. R
4 november 2009
From Ronans official site:
Ronan in Australia
Ronan is back in Australia this week for the release of the new album and announcement of the 2010 tour dates. In what was a very emotional first day back on his own, Ronan was blown away by the kindness and warmth shown by everyone he met today. The highlight of the day was a visit to the Flemington race track to watch the Melbourne Cup, one of the most famous horse races in the world.
You can also watch the television performances Ronan has done whilst out in Australia by clicking HERE.
3 november 2009
From Ronans official site:
Germany Tour Announcement!
Ronan is pleased to announce he'll be performing in Germany next year as part of his Spring Tour 2010. Keep your eyes peeled to the site for the big announcement on 11th November.
3 november 2009
Click on the link to see Ronan photos.
He is on photo number 1, 3 and 18
From: 3AW
5 november 2009
Hearts of Oaks
ONJ was on stage to answer questions about her brief dip into horse racing - as a part-owner of I've Got Chills - but she didn't sing.
That was left to former Boyzone member Ronan Keating.
Keating obliterated any need for hormone replacement therapy at this year's Oaks day, by singing his new single Stay and his version of When You Say Nothing at All.
From: The Age
(Click on the link to see a Ronan photo and read the whole article)
5 november 2009
KEATING TEARS OVER GATELY'S DEATH
RONAN KEATING only came to terms with the death of BOYZONE bandmate STEPHEN GATELY when he was confronted with his coffin - branding the experience "the hardest thing" he has ever done.
Keating was devastated to learn of his friend's passing last month (Oct09), and he and his bandmates - Keith Duffy, Shane Lynch and Mikey Graham - all flew out to Majorca, Spain to bring his body back.
They spent the night before the funeral in Dublin, Ireland with Gately's coffin in St. Laurence O'Toole's church - an experience which Keating struggled with.
He tells Sky News, "To turn up on the Friday night at the funeral home was the hardest thing I think I've ever had to do in my life. And I think all the lads feel the same, I know they do.
"When I walked into the funeral home I just crumbled, as 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."
Gately died at his home in Majorca, Spain on 10 October (09) from a build-up of fluid in his lungs. A coroner ruled he died from natural causes
From: contactmusic
(Click on the link to see some Ronan photos)
4 november 2009
Keating keen to resume work
IRISH singer Ronan Keating made his first public appearance since the sudden death of Boyzone bandmate Stephen Gately last month, at the Melbourne Cup.
Keating, who was devastated by Gately's death, admitted he was still coming to terms with the loss of his great friend and had thought about cancelling his trip.
"I thought for a while that I was not going to be able to make it, but I thought I have got to get back to work," Keating said. "I have got to get back to doing what I do and what I love to do.
"Hopefully by the end of the week I will feel good about what I have done and why I am here.
"I am delighted to be here. I love Australia and that is why I am here, because I do feel comfortable here and I always get treated so well."
Keating, who was a guest at the Emirates marquee, revealed he was a genuine racing fan.
"I have a couple of racehorses myself," he said.
"They are sprinters, but they are young still."
He said the Melbourne Cup was unlike any raceday he had attended.
"I cannot believe how brilliant it is. It is amazing," Keating said.
From: Heraldsun
4 november 2009
Ronan Keating promises last Boyzone hit for Stephen Gately
RONAN Keating has predicted the next Boyzone single will be the biggest hit of 2010.
The song, written by British hitmaker Mika, will feature late Boyzone singer Stephen Gately.
"It's going to be the biggest song of next year, I promise," Keating said in Melbourne.
"Stephen actually recorded his vocals on it, which is very exciting. We've got two songs with his vocals, and we'll release a new Boyzone album next year as a tribute to him."
Gately died of natural causes on October 10.
Keating admits he was in two minds about fulfilling his commitments to travel to Australia to promote the new Christmas-themed album Stay.
"I was quite scared about coming out on my own. I was quite anxious about how I'd feel since Stephen passed," he said. I'm getting a bit choked up, but I'm trying to focus on the work."
He did backing vocals, he sounds like an angel, which is ironic," Keating said.
Keating also slammed British columnist Jan Moir whose Daily Mail article six days after he died titled "Why there was nothing 'natural' about Stephen Gately's death" was labelled insensitive and homophobic.
The column drew more than 25,000 complaints.
"I haven't read it, we were told to ignore it like the plague," Keating admitted. "But we know what's happened, we were delighted so many people stood up and complained.
"Stephen was the first gay pop star from a boy band to come out. He was a brave little fella. He was one of the most brilliant people I've ever met in my life.
"That's what matters. Your sexuality doesn't matter, that kind of thinking is just prehistoric and stupid."
From: News Com Au
3 november 2009
Amanda loves Ronan's new lean look and grabs his 'guns' while filming
Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden has commended her television co-star Ronan Keating on his new, lean physique.
The Boyzone star, who will release his new album Winter Songs and debut single Stay on November 16, has adapted a strict training schedule ahead of the launch later this month.
And it seems Amanda is more than impressed with the results of the star's hard work in the gym, revealing how the Dublin singer has been given the nickname Pec on the show, thanks to his rock-hard abs.
"We've been nicknamed 'Mand and Pec' because we gel like the real Geordie comedy duo [Ant and Dec]," Amanda explained.
"I was wearing a pair of sky-high Christian Louboutins on the show so I grabbed Ronan's arm to steady myself as we walked on stage.
"Oh my God, feel the guns!" I whispered to him. I was shocked by his solid bicep muscles," she laughed.
The pair joined forces last month to present the new ITV music tribute show, called Celebrating The Carpenters.
The programme pays tribute to the famous 70s brother and sister act, with a number of well known artists performing their hits.
Celebrating The Carpenters, which will air later this year, has been described by producers as a pilot episode and if successful will be brought back for an extended run.
A host of big name acts including The Noisettes and The Saturdays took part in the programme, which will air to coincide with the 40th anniversary of The Carpenters' first LP.
According to Amanda: "There are loads of big-name musicians singing Carpenters songs including Jamie Cullum and The Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde.
"I'm a little scared of her, she's an absolute legend and her style is so on trend."
Ronan, meanwhile, explained how he was delighted to work with Amanda. "Amanda's lovely and I'm delighted to be working with her for the programme," he told the Herald.
From: Herald
3 november 2009
Get ready, on your marquee, go
THE Australian caught up with Irish heart-throb Ronan Keating en route to the double-story Lexus marquee. Keating is in Australia to promote his latest album, Stay. The former Boyzone frontman looks relaxed in a grey suit and white open-necked shirt and confides he finds the Melbourne Cup more lively and lavish than his local racing haunt, Royal Ascot.
"I'm having a wonderful time. It's not like working is it? This is probably the biggest racing event I've seen and Royal Ascot doesn't have an area like this for the VIPs," he says of the Birdcage.
Keating says he is keen to enjoy the day and even take in a few post-races parties, but admits he thought twice about coming to the cup following the sudden death of former bandmate Stephen Gately.
"I'm OK. I wasn't sure if I was going to come out, but I am delighted to be here," an exceptionally polite Keating says.
From: The Australian
(To read the whole article click on the link)
3 november 2009
Ronan Keating promises last Boyzone hit for Stephen Gately
RONAN Keating has predicted the next Boyzone single will be the biggest hit of 2010.
The song, written by British hitmaker Mika, will feature late Boyzone singer Stephen Gately.
"It's going to be the biggest song of next year, I promise," Keating said in Melbourne.
"Stephen actually recorded his vocals on it, which is very exciting. We've got two songs with his vocals, and we'll release a new Boyzone album next year as a tribute to him."
Gately died of natural causes on October 10.
Keating admits he was in two minds about fulfilling his commitments to travel to Australia to promote the new Christmas-themed album Stay.
"I was quite scared about coming out on my own. I was quite anxious about how I'd feel since Stephen passed," he said. I'm getting a bit choked up, but I'm trying to focus on the work."
Stay also features Gately's voice on a cover of Little Drummer Boy.
"He did backing vocals, he sounds like an angel, which is ironic," Keating said.
Keating also slammed British columnist Jan Moir whose Daily Mail article six days after he died titled "Why there was nothing 'natural' about Stephen Gately's death" was labelled insensitive and homophobic.
The column drew more than 25,000 complaints.
"I haven't read it, we were told to ignore it like the plague," Keating admitted. "But we know what's happened, we were delighted so many people stood up and complained.
"Stephen was the first gay pop star from a boy band to come out. He was a brave little fella. He was one of the most brilliant people I've ever met in my life.
"That's what matters. Your sexuality doesn't matter, that kind of thinking is just prehistoric and stupid."
Keating will play at the Plenery at the Melbourne Convention Centre on February 2, supported by Tina Arena.
From: Heraldsun
(To see a Ronan photo click on the link)
3 november 2009
Star turns
DUBLIN: Irish pop band Boyzone want to release a new album with vocals recorded by former member Stephen Gately before his recent death, lead singer Ronan Keating said.
Gately, 33, was found dead last month after a night out in Mallorca.
"We have a few songs with Stephen's voice on it - what a rescue. Thank God we have that," Keating said. "The fans will really appreciate it."
From: Cape Argus
(To read the whole article click on the link)
3 november 2009
Good Charlotte brothers rock Birdcage
Earlier, Irish crooner Ronan Keating arrived in the Emirates marquee and chatted to royal Zara Phillips.
From: The Australian News
(To read the whole article click on the link)
3 november 2009
Boyzone 'in pieces' at coffin vigil
Spending the night with Stephen Gately's coffin made Boyzone "fall to pieces".
The Irish boyband have broken their silence over the sudden and unexpected death of Stephen last month, and described the night they spent alone with him at church ahead of his funeral on October 17.
Lead singer Ronan Keating told Sky News: "To turn up on the Friday night at the funeral home was the hardest thing I think I've ever had to do in my life. And I think all the lads feel the same, I know they do.
"When I walked into the funeral home I just crumbled. I fell to pieces. It was there that I realised he was gone, really gone."
Ronan and band members Shane Lynch, Keith Duffy and Mikey Graham had accompanied Stephen's body from Majorca, where he was staying in his holiday home with husband Andy Cowley when he died after a night out aged 33.
They then took the unusual move of staying with his body overnight at St Laurence O'Toole's church in Dublin, where the funeral was held, because they didn't want Stephen to be alone.
Ronan added: "All of us are so happy that we did it. It was our last real night together as a five-piece, and it felt like that - it felt like we were quiet.
"We lay on the floor to the left of the coffin in our sleeping bags and we cried and we laughed and we could hear him telling us jokes and answering back, what he would say back.
"We didn't get much sleep - a little bit but that's not what it was about - it was just about spending time with Steve and we knew Steve well. He didn't like the dark, he didn't like being on his own."
The band also revealed Stephen had already recorded vocals for two tracks wich will be included on their next album.
From: China daily
3 november 2009
Ronan Keating at home in a new zone
NAME the boy band graduates who have flourished after the band has split? It's a thin field.
Usually it is a story of millions of albums sold and hordes of devoted fans, then tears when the fickle audience looks elsewhere for thrills.
The Jackson 5 we can leave out of the category. They were family, not put together by managers or record companies with a view to making a killing, which is usually the common ground in the stories of boy bands.
Bobby Brown was in New Edition, the group often credited as being the first of the boy bands. He did have a big solo career in the 1980s but then had more attention for his ill-fated marriage to Whitney Houston. Flourish? No.
Anyone from New Kids On The Block? East 17? Backstreet Boys? Westlife? Brian McFadden might be happily with Delta Goodrem but he's certainly not selling records.
Which leaves a cast of three: Justin Timberlake from N Sync, Robbie Williams from Take That and Ronan Keating from Boyzone. For Williams, solo success nearly killed him, ending in a spell in rehab, but his bad boy cheeky chappie persona is all part of his appeal.
Keating, the Dublin lad - father owned a pub, mother was a hairdresser made good - is from the other end of the spectrum. Unlike many boy band graduates who have had their fling at solo stardom and flopped, Keating walked straight out of Boyzone 10 years ago and straight into an equally successful solo career.
There are no blemishes in his personal standing either. You would have to dig a long way in the music business for anyone to dish some dirt on Keating because there doesn't seem to be any. Industry insiders love him because he's a pro of the old school, never precious and with a sense of fun. And has a work ethic that leaves most of his competitors in his wake.
The teenage women - you don't find many males in the Keating demographic - who loved him in Boyzone love him still, apparently joined by their mums and possibly grandmothers. How else to explain those 22 million albums sold in his solo career, in an era when CD sales plummeted around the globe? He is also listed in the Guinness World Records as the only artist to have 30 consecutive top 10 singles in the chart, ahead of The Beatles and Elvis Presley.
The sudden death of Boyzone member Stephen Gately this month was a terrible blow for Keating and the other members of the band, who had been planning to return to the studio for their first album of new material since 1999. But at 32 Keating is gearing up for a 2010 that will be as busy as ever.
Next week he is in Australia plugging a new album of seasonal tunes, Stay, which has Christmas carols - Silent Night and Little Drummer Boy - as well as songs by Joni Mitchell (River), Simon and Garfunkel (Homeward Bound) and Bob Dylan (Ring Them Bells).
It features a duet with Kate Ceberano on his own song It's Only Christmas, and shows his continuing affection for country music, with the title tune being a cover of a song by American country superstars Sugarland.
Then he is back in Australia in January for his first Australian concert tour in eight years, playing A Day On The Green concert with Tina Arena and Damien Leith at Sirromet Winery, Mt Cotton, on Australia Day.
Keating's appeal is not just from his poster-boy good looks and middle-of-the-road pop bent. His devotion to good causes also adds to his cred.
His mother Marie died from breast cancer in 1998 and he set up the Marie Keating Foundation, which has raised millions which supports medical research and awareness. He has walked the length of Ireland twice to raise money for research. He was also appointed a UN Goodwill ambassador for his work with Christian Aid and the trade justice campaign.
In February he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to support the charity Comic Relief and in April ran the London marathon to raise money for cancer research.
Keating last topped the charts in the UK, Ireland and Australia in May with Songs for My Mother, featuring tunes he remembered her singing and playing on the stereo such as the traditional Irish Carickfergus and Don McLean's Vincent. Proceeds went to cancer research.
Keating married Irish model Yvonne Connolly in 1998 and they have three children, Jack, Marie and Ali.
Keating and Gately were the two main lead vocalists for Boyzone, and Gately had some success with his first solo album, New Beginning. But he was dropped by his record label because of declining sales before pursuing musical theatre roles in London.
When Gately died from natural causes - fluid on the lungs - while on holiday in Majorca three weeks ago, Keating and the other Boyzone members, Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy, went to Spain to escort his body home to Dublin. At the request of Gately's mother they spent the night before the funeral with his coffin in St Laurence O'Toole Church.
Keating delivered an emotional eulogy, breaking into tears as he told mourners.
"He will live on in our songs and whenever us four are together his spirit is alive. For Stephen we will carry on but we will never be the same without him."
Ronan Keating, A Day on the Green, Sirromet Winery, Mt Cotton, January 26.
Tickets on sale from
Ticketmaster on Friday.
From: Couriermail
2 november 2009
Sunrise on Cup Day (Nov 3) - the details
Sunrise is broadcasting from Melbourne on Tuesday 3 November and we'd love you to join us.
Kochie, Mel and the team will be at Federation Square to celebrate the Melbourne Cup.
They'll be joined by international singing sensation Ronan Keating who'll perform two songs.
There'll be fashion parades and giveaways as well as makeovers and the chance to win a day at the races.
Sports presenter Mark Beretta will be trackside at Flemington chatting with trainers and jockeys ahead of their races.. while weather presenter Fifi Box will give viewers an inside look at some of the most exclusive marquees.
It's going to be a fantastic way to start the day ahead of the race that stops the nation... so come and join in the fun!
Sunrise at Federation Square from 6am
From: Life Style
1 november 2009
Boyzone To Release Album Featuring Gately
The remaining four members of Boyzone have told Sky News they will release a new album featuring Stephen Gately as a tribute to the singer.
Gately, 33, died suddenly last month in Majorca at the holiday villa he shared with his husband Andrew Cowles.
In their only interview since his death, Boyzone spoke exclusively to Sky News and revealed that Stephen had already recorded two tracks for the group's forthcoming album.
"He was so excited about this, he actually texted me just before he went out on the night he died and he said he couldn't wait to get started," said Ronan Keating.
"I had never seen Stephen so full of life, so happy, so healthy and just so alive.
"That's what's making his death all the harder for us. We are spending a lot of time sticking together because it is helping us to deal with our grief."
Mikey Graham spoke of the band's pride at how the city of Dublin turned out to give Gately the "greatest send off ever".
"We had the job of our lives organising it and we are so proud of how it all worked out. The people of the city turned out to pay tribute to one of their own and I don't think I have ever been more proud to be Irish than I was that day.
"Stephen grew up in a time in Ireland when society hadn't matured in their opinions towards homosexuality, not like today anyway.
"He had a difficult time growing up and I think if anything the day of his funeral showed how much Ireland has progressed in that regard."
Mikey, Ronan, Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy joined Stephen's brother Tony and tour manager Mark Plunkett in carrying their friend's coffin on his final journey.
His bandmates had spent the night before the funeral inside St Laurence O'Toole's Church on Sherriff Street in north inner city Dublin.
"We got our sleeping bags out and we lay there telling stories and laughing at the memories, it was peaceful and it was perfect," said Keith Duffy.
"The next day when the hearse was leaving for the crematorium and people threw roses down for Stephen, well I don't think I have ever seen anything more beautiful in all my life."
The band members fought back tears at times as they remembered the many happy occasions they had spent together as a quintet, since the group formed in 1993.
Shane Lynch added: "When we were on the plane coming home with Stephen's body from Majorca we didn't want it to land, we just wanted to keep flying because that way the reality would never come. But of course we had to land.
"Stephen was one of my best, best friends in life. I miss him dearly. But we have a faith and we know he is in a magnificent place, looking down at us and smiling."
U2 frontman Bono paid a special tribute to Gately at a concert at the Pasadena Rose Bowl in California last weekend, a gig that was broadcast to tens of millions worldwide via Youtube.
Ronan Keating added: "Keith and myself were there and we just crumbled when U2 sang 'Unforgettable Fire' and Bono said 'Stephen Gately... a beautiful star... shining brightly'. People have been so, so kind.
From: Sky news
(Click on the link to see a video of the Boyzone interview)
1 november 2009
Boyzone plan Gately tribute album
Boyzone will release a new album featuring Stephen Gately as a tribute to the late singer, the band said.
The group said Gately was "so excited" about making the album and the remaining four band members will take comfort in being together as they complete it.
During their first interview as a "four piece", Ronan Keating told Sky News: "When we're together we feel Stephen's here, so as much as possible we feel the four of us want to be together.
"We just want to really get our teeth into this album, get moving on it and get it made."
Gately died of natural causes due to a pulmonary oedema on October 10 at his holiday home on the island of Majorca. The remaining band members - Keating, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch - have decided to continue in his memory but say it will not be easy
"We have decided that what we do now is we're going to make the next album for Stephen," said Keating. "We want to stick together because we find comfort in being together at the moment."
Keating added: "We have a couple of songs with Stephen's vocal on it so that's a saving grace. Thank God we have that, that's very important to all of us and we know the fans would really appreciate that too."
Keating said the band hoped to "keep his memory alive when the four of us perform, if we can do that. We don't know that we can but we'll try."
Lynch said the band had been given a number of tracks to consider for the album and said Gately was "so excited with the different songs".
"He loved being an entertainer. He loved this industry. That's what he was born to do and the fact that Boyzone were coming together for an album was just his world, it really was his world," he said
From: News Letter
1 november 2009