ronan-keating.com
January 2010
From the official Ronan twitter site:
http://twitter.com/ronanofficial
Just off stage. Great show just outside Melbourne at a vineyard. Next gig Tuesday at plenary theatre in Melbourne. R
Jan 31st
Hope Ya all like New BZ single Gave it all Away. R
Jan 31st
Hello. So Sorry have been off line my software crashed. I'm back in the Room. In OZ on tour still Melbourne tonight. R
Jan 31st
Ronan Keating wows Cairns fans
THOUSANDS of screaming fans turned out at the Cairns Convention Centre last night to welcome Irish singing superstar Ronan Keating to the Far North.
It was the 33-year-old, former Boyzone singer’s first visit to Cairns, with Keating hitting the stage just after 9pm following a performance by Australian singer Tina Arena.
The one-off show in Cairns makes up part of Keating’s first Australian tour in eight years.
He performed songs from his past albums as well as tracks from his new album Stay.
Last night’s crowd proved Keating’s ongoing popularity in Australia, with the Irishman having already sold 1.2 million albums here
From: Cairns
(Click on the link to see the photos)
(http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2010/01/29/90445_entertainment.html)
29 january 2010
In Pictures: 'Ronan Keating in Concert at The Sydney Entertainment Centre'
Ronan Keating in concert at The Sydney Entertainment Centre on January 20, 2010. Photo copyright by Landmark / PR Photos.
From: Monster and Critics
(http://www.monstersandcritics.com/music/features/article_1529016.php/In-Pictures-Ronan-Keating-in-Concert-at-The-Sydney-Entertainment-Centre)
(Click on the link to see the photos)
28 january 2010
Pair sizzle at Sandalford
Ronan Keating, Tina Arena and Damien Leith
January 16, Sandalford Winery
You don’t often see two celebrated artists doing a duet in Perth.
So it was a treat to see Ronan Keating and Tina Arena share the stage for Last Thing on My Mind, almost two decades on from their first encounter on Top of the Pops.
Despite the heat, fans came out early in droves to see Damien Leith open the show and share songs from his new album and selected favourites before Arena took the stage.
Arena’s set was perfect — a mix of the best material from her Songs of Love & Loss albums plus her biggest hits — Chains, Sorrento Moon and Burn. Beautiful is the best way to describe them and Burn owns a truly dreamy first verse.
Dressed in a soft and elegant off- the-shoulder saffron dress Arena cherry-picked classics like Oh Me Oh My, The Look of Love, I Only Want to be With You and Wouldn’t It Be Good, delivering them with the power and finesse which she seems to effortlessly swap between.
The highlight of Arena’s set was the aching cover of Alice Cooper’s Only Women Bleed with its wonderful soaring bridge; something she repeated in Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself and the hands-down killer version of a rich, lush To Sir with Love.
Despite no longer living in Australia she continues to be one of our greatest vocal treasures.
Sandalford marked a night of firsts for Irish singer and Boyzone member Ronan Keating. It was the first night of the Australian and the world tour plus the first live concert outing for some of his latest songs.
The set list contained all the MOR pop and ballad favourites, ranging from the solo hit which started it all — When You Say Nothing At All from the movie Notting Hill — to Life Is a Rollercoaster, If Tomorrow Never Comes, a cover of Time After Time and I Love It When We Do.
With the crowd singing along at almost every song and women sighing equally loudly, it was hard not to hold your breath as Keating’s themes of love, devotion and longing for home pervaded. It wasn’t all about the ballads though, as the moments to dance came with songs like the jubilant Lovin’ Each Day.
Off his new album Stay, the singer chose the title track and an elegiac version of Paul Simon’s Homeward Bound; instead of River, he opted for Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now.
Keating’s patter is endearing and he seemed genuinely grateful for the rousing reception. Most moving was his thanks for the love he received while in Australia late last year to promote Stay, just after the death of friend and Boyzone mate Stephen Gately.
“If I’m going to go anywhere and lift my spirits, it was Australia,” Keating told the crowd. “I swear to God, thank you from the bottom of my heart.” A smile just kept creeping on to his face all night as the crowd sang their hearts out.
In the encore, props to Keating for not trying an AC/DC song as an homage to being down under. Instead he went for the unexpected — a cover of Midnight Oil’s seminal Beds are Burning. The audience roared their approval at another first for Keating.
He’s a nice bloke with a pretty voice, but what really made an impact was the quality of his songs.
Lyrics which speak straight to the heart, which made the crowd sway together or hold on tight to the person next to them. Keating’s strength is that he sings the songs which are moment-makers in his fans’ lives — the wedding waltz, your song, the proposal, a song for mum or one simply for love.
From the look on Ronan Keating’s face and beaming smiles from the audience, both sides were well satisfied with the outcome.
From: The West Australian
(http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/entertainment/a/-/music/6690019/pair-sizzle-at-sandalford/)
18 january 2010
Ronan Keating heads to Hollywood?
Ronan Keating has revealed his intention to pursue an acting career in Hollywood.
The Boyzone star is planning to pack his bags and head over to the States with wife Yvonne and three children after attending auditions for film roles, including the highly anticipated Lord Of The Rings prequel, The Hobbit, reported The Sun.
"We are going in July, Yvonne and the kids; we'll get the kids enrolled in school there - it may be for six months or we could even give it a year, we'll see what happens," he said.
"I've done a couple of castings... I've done an audition for The Hobbit. That starts shooting in New Zealand in July so we'd be based there for quite a while instead of LA if that happens," Ronan added.
The Dublin-based crooner, who hasn't made a secret of his acting ambitions, has previously said that he would find it difficult to appear as Boyzone without bandmate Stephen Gately, who died suddenly last October.
"Songs like No Matter What and Love Me For A Reason will never be the same again in a concert or a performance for me, so whether we continue to perform those songs, I don't know, I don't know if we can. It's really, really tough," he told Ireland Online.
From: Virgin media
25 january 2010
Ronan Keating to star in ‘The Hobbit: Part 1’?
Washington (ANI): Ronan Keating has auditioned for a role in The Hobbit: Part 1. The Boyzone star plans to shift to America along with his wife, Yvonne, and his children this summer.
"We are going there (to Hollywood) in July, Yvonne and the kids. We'll get the kids enrolled in school there. It may be for six months or we could even give it a year. We'll see what happens. I''ve done a couple of castings...” Contactmusic quoted him as saying.
He added: “I've done an audition for The Hobbit. That starts shooting in New Zealand in July so we'd be based there for quite a while instead of L.A. if it happens."
Actors Tobey Maguire and Daniel Radcliffe have been linked to the project too. The movie is scheduled to release next year.
From: One India
25 january 2010
Ronan Keating moving to Hollywood?
Boyzone star Ronan Keating has reportedly spoken about moving to Hollywood with his family.
According to The Sun, the singer said: "We are going there in July, Yvonne and the kids."
"We'll get the kids enrolled in school there. It may be for six months or we could even give it a year."
"We'll see what happens. I've done a couple of castings... I've done an audition for 'The Hobbit'."
"That starts shooting in New Zealand in July so we'd be based there for quite a while instead of LA if it happens."
From: RTE
25 january 2010
Ronan is moving to Hollywood
Ronan Keating has revealed he's moving over to LA to try his hand at acting. It was thought that Ronan would remain in the UK with Boyzone and try to make a success of the band, but since Stephen Gately's tragic death he's often said being on stage with the boys doesn't feel right. Now he, his wife Yvonne and their children are going to try out life in Hollywood for a while. Ronan explained of hgis decision, "We are going there in July. It may be for six months or we could even give it a year. I've done a couple of castings...I've done an audition for The Hobbit." We'd love to see little Ronan in a big movie, wouldn't you?!
From: Heat World
25 january 2010
KEATING AUDITIONS FOR THE HOBBIT
Irish singer RONAN KEATING is hoping to launch an acting career - he's planning a move to Hollywood after auditioning for a part in THE HOBBIT: PART 1.
The Boyzone star is hoping to relocate to America with his wife, Yvonne, and his children this summer (10) as he attempts to make the transition into films.
But if his plan succeeds, he may end up having to pack up once again for New Zealand - where Guillermo del Toro's Lord of the Rings prequel is set to be filmed.
He explains, "We are going there (to Hollywood) in July, Yvonne and the kids. We'll get the kids enrolled in school there. It may be for six months or we could even give it a year. We'll see what happens. I've done a couple of castings... I've done an audition for The Hobbit. That starts shooting in New Zealand in July so we'd be based there for quite a while instead of L.A. if it happens."
Keating joins a long line of celebrities who have been linked to the project - Tobey Maguire, Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, The Office actor Martin Freeman and James MCAvoy have all been rumoured to be involved.
The movie is set to hit theatres next year (11)
From: Contact Music
25 january 2010
Ronan Keating wows 5000 at A Day on the Green
THE atmosphere was buzzing as 5000 concert goers descended on Centennial Vineyard yesterday to sing along with a first-class line up of performers for the first A Day on the Green concert of 2010.
Kicking off the show was 2006 Australian Idol winner Damien Leith, who had the crowd hooked and swaying from the moment he took to the stage with friendly Irish banter and a string of hits from his latest album, Remember June.
To reinforce the Irish atmosphere of the day, Leith was accompanied by a traditional tin whistle followed by an impromptu Irish jig, much to the delight of the fans.
Next up was pop star Tine Arena, who took to the stage amid loud cheers and whistles. She captivated the crowd with a powerful delivery of hits from her early career to the present.
Finally, headliner Ronan Keating ran onto the stage, causing the vineyard to erupt as the crowd stood on their feet to give a true blue Aussie welcome to the Irish superstar.
Running through the crowd, Keating shook hands, signed photos and covers, stealing the show with his Irish charm and a string of hits to back it up.
Full coverage: Wednesday's Southern Highland News.
From: Southern Highland News
(Click on the link to see a Ronan on tour photo)
24 january 2010
From the Official site:
Ronan receives a gold disc in Australia!
Ronan was presented with a gold disc yesterday to celebrate Australian sales of his single 'Stay' achieving gold status! You can see Ronan being presented with his disc below.
Click on the link to see the photo of Ronan with the disc.
21 January 2010
Keating: Boyzone may drop Stephen's songs
Ronan Keating is not sure if Boyzone will be able to perform some of their biggest hits ever again.
The Irish singer says the reformed group are still struggling to come to terms with the death of Stephen Gately and while they will continue, he admits it would be difficult to sing songs Gately had the lead vocals in.
He said: "We have to decide what songs we sing, how we sing them and what we do as a four-piece, it’s just bizarre. It doesn't make sense to us at the minute so we're just trying to figure it out, but we will go forward as best we can.
"Songs like ‘No Matter What’ and ‘Love Me For A Reason’ will never be the same again in a concert or a performance for me, so whether we continue to perform those songs, I don’t know, I don’t know if we can. It’s really, really tough."
Keating admits he and the rest of Boyzone – Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch – were not sure of they would carry on following Gately’s death in October, but decided to make new album ‘Brother’ in tribute to him.
He told the Sydney Herald Sun: "We didn't know what we were going to do after he passed, whether we were going to make a record or whether we were going to survive and go on as a band, but in the weeks after Stephen passed we decided we wanted to make a record for him."
From: Breaknig News iol
23 january 2010
Boyzone's final song featuring Stephen Gately a 'tragic irony'
BOYZONE frontman, Ronan Keating, has spoken about the tragic irony of the opening lyrics to the band's new single, which features the last ever recorded vocals of the late Stephen Gately.
The tribute single, Gave It All Away, opens with Gately singing, "I'll learn to live before I die, I'll learn to love and learn to try, not to give it all away."
Keating, who is currently in Australia on a solo tour, described the song's tragic twist as "just mental".
"We recorded this song 18 months, nearly two years ago, and back then it was just a song with words," Keating told news.com.au of the song which was written by Mika.
"Now it has more meaning than any other song we've ever recorded. His opening line - it's just outrageous, it's just mental."
The emotional video clip, which Keating describes as "incredibly raw," features the remaining four Boyzone members weeping while writing goodbye letters to their friend.
The Boyzone frontman also lashed out at any suggestion the band were cashing in on Gately's death
The Irish singer says he can't bear to watch the clip as it is "too upsetting," adding that the three months since Gately passed away was "the hardest time I've ever known in my life".
"I’ve never known anything like it," he said.
"We didn't know what we were going to do after he passed, whether we were going to make a record or whether we were going to survive and go on as a band, but in the weeks after Stephen passed we decided we wanted to make a record for him."
Keating says he isn't sure how the band will continue when every song is fraught with memories of the late friend they call their "brother".
"We have to decide what songs we sing, how we sing them and what we do as a four piece, it’s just bizarre. It doesn't make sense to us at the minute so we're just trying to figure it out, but we will go forward as best we can.
"Songs like No Matter What and Love Me For A Reason will never be the same again in a concert or a performance for me, so whether we continue to perform those songs, I don’t know, I don’t know if we can. It’s really really tough."
Gately, 33, was found dead at his holiday home in Majorca on 10 October 2009. An autopsy found that he had died of natural causes.
Gave It All Away will be released in March, along with Boyzone's latest album, Brother.
From: News Com Au
(Click on the link to see the video)
21 january 2010
Ronan Keating heading to Bristol's Colston Hall as part of UK tour
Description:
Ex-Boyzone singer Ronan Keating is heading to Bristol as part of his UK tour.
On March 2nd and 3rd, the Irish singer will entertain audiences at Colston Hall, with doors for the performances opening at 19:00 GMT.
The entertainer, who has enjoyed hits both with his former band mates and as a solo artist, will perform a collection of tunes from his album Songs For My Mother.
Information posted on the venue's website states that the musical offering is "a beautiful and evocative collection of songs that Ronan remembers his mum listening to throughout his childhood".
As well as traditional folk songs such as Wild Mountain Thyme and Carrickfergus, the album has pieces by musicians such as Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell.
In addition to these musical treats, Ronan will sing some of his greatest hits.
Ronan's musical career got underway when he was spotted by manager Louis Walsh as a teenager.
From: Guide 2 Bristol
20 january 2010
From Ronans official twitter:
Hello there having problems logging on .in Sydney all going well New BZ single on the radio now Chris Moyles going to play it Monday Morning
17 January 2010
Mick Got through Result .R
17 January 2010
The new BZ single just got its first play on 2fm in ireland .Chris Moyles going to play it also .R
18 January 2010
Ronan: Our tears for Steo
HERE'S BOYZONE star RONAN KEATING breaking down in tears while writing a letter to tragic bandmate STEPHEN GATELY.
The moving scene is in the video for new single Gave It All Away, below, a MIKA-penned fave of Stephen's that the lads recorded shortly before he died.
Ronan, KEITH DUFFY, SHANE LYNCH and MIKEY GRAHAM decided to turn the shoot into a tribute to their friend.
Rejecting all offers of record company help, the band locked themselves in a room with director pal PAUL GRIFFIN and a camera while they reminisced about Stephen, who died last October aged only 33.
The four shared tears and laughter while watching old clips and penning goodbye notes. The video is a real tearjerker, opening with Stephen singing "I will learn to live before I die" and ending with shots of envelopes marked "Dear Steo", their name for him.
Ronan said: "The footage is incredibly raw and tough to watch at times but we didn't want it being too mournful and there's lots of laughter.
"It's us reminiscing about the times we had with our other brother. My favourite scene sees us four sat around a table at the end with Stephen's favourite picture hanging behind us.
"To film this video without him was one of the toughest things we've done."
Despite thoughts of quitting the pop business after Stephen's death from heart failure, Boyzone have decided to carry on as a band. The lads say the single, out on March 1, and album Brothers, released a week later, are both the ultimate tribute and the start of a new chapter.
Ronan said: "Carrying on with Boyzone is the biggest tribute we could ever give to Steo, so we all have to look forward, celebrate this album and look towards the future for the group."
It is one of the most moving bits of pop you'll ever see.
From: The Sun
(Click on the link to see a Ronan photo and the Boyzone video)
20 january 2010
From the official site:
Show the Boyz your support!
Get involved and show the Boyz your support by joining the Facebook group dedicated to getting the new single, 'Gave It All Away', to number 1! You can join the group here.
20 January 2010
New Boyzone single to feature Stephen Gately
Gave It All Away, with vocals by the late singer, is the Irish boy band's first track since his death last October
Boyzone have announced a new album and single, featuring vocals by the late Stephen Gately. Gave It All Away is the Irish group's first track since the singer's death last October. It will be followed by Brother, the boy-band's first original album in more than 10 years.
Gave It All Away was recorded in the summer of 2009, following Boyzone's sell-out UK tour. It was written by the pop-singer Mika and reportedly opens with a line sung by Gately: "I will learn to live before I die".
The accompanying video is "incredibly raw", explained Ronan Keating. "There's a nice scene of us four 'brothers' sat around a table ... with Stephen's favourite picture hanging up behind us. [Director] Phil [Griffin] just filmed us fly-on-the-wall for that so it's just us as we are." The video shows archive footage of Gately intercut with shots of the band members writing letters to their "other brother". "It's us reminiscing about the good times and the laughter."
Gately, 33, was found dead at his holiday home in Majorca on 10 October 2009. An autopsy found that he had died of natural causes.
"We wanted the footage to be as truthful and honest as possible based on how we were feeling and were reacting during the making of the video on that day," Keating said. However, he and bandmates Keith Duffy, Shane Lynch and Mikey Graham "didn't want it being too mournful all the way through".
Boyzone were one of the biggest bands of the 1990s, amassing four No 1 albums and 16 consecutive Top 5 singles. The Irish group will release Gave It All Away as a single on 1 March, with Brother to follow a week later.
From: Guardian
19 january 2010
Boyzone 'Considering Name Change'
Boyzone are considering changing their name, because the group isn't the same without Stephen Gately.
The remaining members in the Irish group have discussed the difficulty of continuing without their friend and band mate before, but are now thinking of ending Boyzone altogether and making a new act.
Ronan Keating says: "We're at a crossroads now. We have to decide whether we're going to go on as a four-piece or try and become a new band. We don't know how we're going to evolve and change.
"I think we have to look to the future as a new act because the Boyzone of the past can be no longer. It can't exist."
From: Angry Ape
19 january 2010
Boyzone To Release New Album: Brothers
Following Ronan Keating's NZ tour in February, March 2010 will see Boyzone release their brand new album Brothers, which features the new single 'Gave It All Away'. Touching, troubled and reflective, this song sees the four boys coming together to pay very special tribute to their friend, companion, wingman and brother; Steo.
10th October 2009 saw the world facing the very sad loss of Stephen Gately. As part of the chart-topping band Boyzone, Stephen shared the success of four number one albums, a record-breaking 16 consecutive top five singles and numerous sell-out tours, the last of which was in June 2009. This tour saw all five members (Keith Duffy, Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, Stephen Gately and Mikey Graham) having the time of their lives, leaving them high on life and all hugely excited about getting back into the studio to start work on their new album.
'Gave It All Away', written by Mika, is a track that the whole band, particularly Stephen, were very excited about, resulting in them heading straight to the studio in the summer of 2009, fresh off of the tour, to start laying down the vocals.
Fast forward to December 2010 to a very different scene - one which sees Keith, Mikey, Ronan and Shane still grieving and making some very tough decisions about what the future holds for them as a band, not least whether this album should ever see the light of day.
The boys agreed that the best thing that they could do to pay tribute to Steo was to pick themselves up and get the show back on the road. So they headed back to the studio and finished the album, knowing in their hearts that it was the right thing to do.
They treasured the vocals that Stephen had recorded, making the experience in the studio a hard and troubling time, but one which only served to bring the group even closer together. They then decided to take themselves off to make the video that the four of them wanted. "We really wanted to shoot our own video for this with an old friend of ours Phil Griffin," says Ronan. "It's more of a mini-documentary in style with lots of fly-on-the-wall. We filmed performance shots with lip sync as well as behind the scenes as we wanted the footage to be as truthful and honest as possible based on how we were feeling and were reacting during the making of the video on that day. It really reflects the whole day as it was."
As Stephen's haunting vocals open the song, the video sees the boys at their most vulnerable; individually pondering on memories of Stephen as they begin their journey as a four-piece.
Ronan says of the filming, "We found it really hard to make this video and the footage is incredibly raw and tough to watch at times. But we didn't want it being too mournful all the way through. There's a nice scene of us four brothers sat around a table at the end with Stephen's favourite picture hanging up behind us. It's us reminiscing about the good times and the laughter we had with our other brother and again Phil just filmed us fly-on-the-wall for that so it's just us as we are."
"As you will see from the video," adds Shane. "It was a very hard shoot for us boys to do but also enjoyable in a way as we all felt Steo around us that day. For me the single feels like the end of an old chapter but also the beginning of a new one for us all and we all know we are continuing on for the right reason."
As they step forward after what was a heart-breaking and life-changing year for them, 2010 sees Boyzone at a new beginning; a new chapter in their ongoing journey and a celebration of all that was, and more importantly now, what is to come.
THE ALBUM BROTHERS IS AVAILABLE MARCH 2010
RONAN KEATING 2010 NZ TOUR DATES:
Friday February 5th
MUDHOUSE WINERY, WAIPARA
Saturday February 6th
CHURCH ROAD WINERY NAPIER
Sunday February 7th
VILLA MARIA ESTATE WINERY AUCKLAND
From: Voxy
19 january 2010
Boyzone Announce Possible Name Change
After the band revealed that their latest single “Give It All Away,” was dedicated to their longtime friend and former band member Stephen Gately, the Irish boy group have also been seeking some change.
After Gately’s death last year, the remaining members in Boyzone said that they did not know what to do with the current state of things. Whether to continue as a four-piece without their friend, or to call it a day. Now they are also considering a name change.
When Ronan Keating spoke to Sky News, he said “I think we have to look to the future as a new act because the Boyzone of the past can be no longer. It can’t exist.”
He also said that he does not know how the band are going to evolve and change, but it is thought they will announce a new name ahead of their forthcoming album.
From: Inentertainment
19 january 2010
From the official site:
Boyzone unveil the new video
Boyzone’s new single ‘Gave It All Away’ received its first radio play over the weekend and we’d now like to introduce you to the very special video. You can watch the video for ‘Gave It All Away’ here. The song was written by Mika and was one of the last tracks Stephen recorded with the band back in the summer of 2009. Ronan, Keith, Shane and Mikey have chosen to release this special single to pay tribute to their friend, companion, wingman and brother; Steo.
Ronan said of the filming,
“We found it really hard to make this video and the footage is incredibly raw and tough to watch at times. But we didn’t want it being too mournful all the way through. There’s a nice scene of us four brothers sat around a table at the end with Stephen’s favourite picture hanging up behind us. It’s us reminiscing about the good times and the laughter we had with our other brother and again Phil just filmed us fly-on-the-wall for that so it’s just us as we are.”
You can now view the video for ‘Gave It All Away’ on Boyzone’s Official YouTube page by clicking HERE. The single will be released on 1st March, followed by the new album, Brother on 8th March.Read on to see what the rest of the boyz have to say about the new video, below …
Shane: ‘As you will see from the video it was a very hard shoot for us boys to do but also enjoyable in a way as we all felt Steo around us that day. For me the single feels like the end of an old chapter but also the beginning of a new one for us all and we all know we are continuing on for the right reason.’
Keith: ‘I am so excited about our new song Gave It All Away. It’s a very special and personal tribute to our Steo. I hope everyone loves it as much as me.’
Mikey: ‘It is a very poignant landmark in the history of Boyzone. We are filled with excitement and sadness, but we bravely embrace the future. We miss you Stephen.’
If you would like to share your thoughts on the new single and video please join the other fans on the Boyzone forum.
18 January 2010
Ronan Keating weeps for dead bandmate Stephen Gately in Boyzone tribute video
Three months after the tragic death of Boyzone singer Stephen Gately, his bandmates have paid tribute to him in a moving video.
The group's new single Gave It All Away will be the last Boyzone release featuring the vocals of the Irish singer, who died aged 33 in his Majorca holiday home in October.
In the unashamedly sentimental video, frontman Ronan Keating and his three remaining bandmates are seen writing emotional letters to Gately.
The video starts with Gately's voice as a black and white video of him singing and larking around with his bandmate is played on a projection screen in an empty room.
One of the first lyrics sung by Gately is the poignant verse: 'I will learn to live before I die.'
All four Boyzone members, Keating, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch, take it in turns to contemplate their thoughts and shed tears for Gately against a backdrop of fond memories with the singer
Towards the end of the video, the group have all written letters addressed to dear 'Steo' and are seen laughing as they reminisce over happier times with Gately.
The band refused any offers by their record company to make a big-budget video, preferring to film the simplistic video with just them and the director Paul Griffin.
Keating explains: 'The footage is incredibly raw and tough to watch at times but we didn't want it being too mournful and there's lots of laughter.
'It's us reminiscing about the times we had with our other brother. My favourite scene sees us four sat around a table at the end with Stephen's favourite picture hanging behind us.
'To film this video without him was one of the toughest things we've done.'
Keating played the song on his Magic FM radio show yesterday and informed fans the single would be released on March 1.
He lamented: 'It's a great tribute and a great memory, thank God we have it.'
A forensic report last month confirmed Gately's death was caused by an undiagnosed heart condition and was not linked to drink or drugs.
A report handed to a Spanish judge investigating the tragedy revealed the star suffered from atheromatosis, a thickening of the arteries. It also revealed he was dead for eight hours before his body was found.
Gately was found dead on October 10 by a Bulgarian who had been partying with him and his civil partner Andrew Cowles after their night out on the Spanish island.
A preliminary pathology report said the star died from an acute pulmonary oedema, a build-up of fluid on the lungs caused by the atheromatosis and said the death was due to 'natural causes'.
From: Daily Mail
(Click on the link to see Ronan photos and the Boyzone video)
18 january 2010
BOYZONE - KEATING: 'BOYZONE CAN'T EXIST WITHOUT GATELY'
KEATING: 'BOYZONE CAN'T EXIST WITHOUT GATELY'The remaining members of BOYZONE are relaunching themselves as "a new act" - because the Irish band will never be the same without STEPHEN GATELY.
Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham, Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch were left devastated when Gately died in October (09), after suffering a build-up of fluid in his lungs, brought on by an undiagnosed heart condition.
They vowed to carry on with the group and have filmed a tribute video in honour of their pal as the promo for their next single, Gave It All Away.
But Keating admits it's so hard without Gately, they are thinking about retiring the group's name.
He tells Sky News, "We're at a crossroads now. We have to decide whether we're going to go on as a four-piece or try and become a new band. We don't know how we're going to evolve and change.
"I think we have to look to the future as a new act because the Boyzone of the past can be no longer. It can't exist
From: Contact Music
18 january 2010
BOYZONE WITHOUT STEPHEN GATELY IS HARD, SAYS RONAN KEATING
RONAN Keating has spoken for the first time about the problems the Irish lads faced when filming the first Boyzone video without Stephen Gately.
Give It All Away, out on March 1, is their first release since losing their bandmate in October.
Ronan, 32, said: “We found it really hard to make this video. The footage is incredibly raw.”
The foursome, including Shane Lynch, 33, Mikey Graham, 37, and Keith Duffy, 35, said that it was a reflective celebration of Stevo.
Ronan added: “It’s us reminiscing about the good times we had with our other brother
From: Daily Star
(Click on the link to see the Boyzone video)
18 january 2010
BOYZONE: THE SECRET ICY RIFT
Parts about Ronan:
In an exclusive interview with The People, Shane said:
I'd hang out with Ronan and Stephen while Keith and Mikey hung out because they were closer in age.
The poignant lyrics in "Gave It All Away" caused Shane, Mikey and remaining band-mates Ronan Keating, 32, and Keith Duffy, 35, to repeatedly break down as they filmed the musical farewell.
Boyzone's album - which they have decided to rename "Brothers" in tribute to Stephen - is due out in March
The single Gave it All Away, written by Mika, was recorded by Boyzone nearly two years ago but was shelved because of royalty problems.
Shane said: "When Steo passed, it all took on so much more meaning because of the irony of the title and the lyrics and Stephen singing them, so we were desperate to get it for the album.
"Then Ronan was in LA and he bumped into Mika in a hotel lift. He'd broken his foot and couldn't walk to his car. So good old Ro just picked him up and carried him. Mika was so touched he said 'Whatever happens lads, the record's yours'
The band have agreed that for the rest of their lives they will get together once a year on St Patrick's Day - Stephen's March 17 birthday
From: People
(Click on the link to read the whole article)
17 january 2010
Ronan Keating, Tina Arena and Damien Leith sizzle at A Day On The Green
IT was the perfect setting for the 18th Day on the Green at Sandalford Wines in the Swan Valley.
Despite the temperature being well over 35C, romance was in the air as couples of various ages gathered on the green grass with their picnic blankets and hampers to enjoy the relaxing sounds of Damien Leith, Tina Arena and Ronan Keating.
Ronan Keating was a pure gentleman from start to finish. Although he was dressed a bit like a maitre de in his white shirt and vest, he made the outfit look more casual with an appalling pair of combat boots. His backup singer was also a bit of an eyesore as she wore a black cape over a slinky black dress, it appeared she was channelling Empire of the Sun crossed with Victoria Beckham. Keating redeemed himself later when he changed into a white v-neck t-shirt, white jacket and a rosary bead necklace. But the combat boots made an unfortunate return.
As for his music, he was faultless. It was Keating's first Australian show as a solo artist in almost a decade, he had began his singing career as part of boy-band Boyzone, and first stop on his world tour. Keating may not be of great stature but his voice and winning personality made him appear larger than life on stage. The Irish singer was also about the covers, singing a sweet version of Cyndi Lauper's Time After Time and Simon and Garfunkel's Homeward Bound.
The singer also sang a song from his latest album called If You Love Me. He did find the time to also delve into his past hits such as When You Say Nothing at All from the Notting Hill movie soundtrack, Life is a Rollercoaster and I Love it When You do. Keating welcomed Arena back to the stage to do a duet which he previously sang with Leann Rimes called Last Thing on my Mind. In all honesty, watching the pair of them sing together was slightly painful, not because they couldn't sing but because it seemed like they were trying too hard to be lovestruck.
His B-side It's Summer Outside was hugely popular with the crowd as was his hit Lovin' Each Day. Keating returned to the stage and had an interesting encore choice with Midnight Oil's Beds are Burning. It was impressive that he was able to pull it off.
There was a touching moment in the evening when Keating paid special mention to his Boyzone bandmate Stephen Gately, who died last year. Keating admitted he was scared to tour and "leave his boys" but said if he was going to tour anywhere to lift his spirits it would be Australia. Judging by the crowd's excitement and Keating's cheeky grin Australia had done just that. Few who attended the evening would dispute to him visiting Perth again.
Review: Sandra Bahbah
A Day On The Green
Sandalford Wines, Swan Valley
Saturday 16th January, 2009
From: Perth Now
(Click on the link to see a Ronan photo and to read the whole article)
17 january 2010
From the official site:
Spring Tour Begins!
Ronan's much anticipated 2010 tour begins in Perth, Australia today and he's very excited to be back out on the road again! The tour will take him across Australia, New Zealand, U.K, Ireland, Germany and Malta!Many of you lucky people will have your tickets already but don't fret if you don't as there are still a limited number of tickets left for some of the shows, for more details on buying tickets click HERE.If you are going to one of the shows make sure you post your reviews and photos in the forum and share the fun with everyone else!
16 January 2010
From the official site:
New Boyzone Single Announced!
As Ronan takes to the mic on his new radio show this weekend, he'll be playing a very special track that we know you can't wait to hear
'Gave It All Away' is the brand new single from Boyzone and was one of the last tracks Stephen recorded with the band. It was always to be the first single and Stephen was incredibly excited about it. Ronan, Keith, Shane and Mikey have decided to honour the original plan in memory of their dear friend and brother.
Keith said of the track, "I am so excited about our new song Gave It All Away. It's a very special and personal tribute to our Steo. I hope everyone loves it as much as me."
The single will receive its first radio play on Ronan's show on Magic 105.4 this Sunday, 17th January between 2-4pm. If you don't live in one of the Magic regions you can still listen online anywhere in the UK over on www.magic.co.uk.
The new single was written by pop-sensation Mika, who has had hits with 'Love Today' and most recently 'We Are Golden'. The boys are looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the new single over on their Official forum.
As an extra special treat Ronan and Keith will be popping in for a chat with the Sky News team on Monday and you'll get the chance to see the first exclusive look at the new video for 'Gave It All Away', which will also be available to watch on the Official site from Monday.
15 January 2010
Ahead of his first radio show this Sunday, Ronan Keating reveals what surprises he has in store.
According to The Guardian, Thom Yorke will not feature too highly on Keating's play-list in his new career as a DJ for the London music station Magic 105.4.
Speaking about his only meeting with the Radiohead frontman at Dublin's Clarence Hotel, he said: "He was incredibly rude and I will never forgive him.
"I was a big Radiohead fan and I still really like the music. I went up and said hello and he just grunted and walked off. I thought, whatever, God love you."
According to the station's programme director, Pete Simmons, Keating has been hired to add a "moment of sparkle" to Magic, which has an average of 2 million listeners per week.
He added: "There aren't a huge amount of performers I would trust. Ronan's done a hell of a lot - the band thing, the solo thing, he's toured the world - and he can phone Gary Barlow as a mate."
Barlow will be among the first celebrity guests on Keating's show, as will his bandmate Keith Duffy and Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh.
Plus the show will have the exclusive first play of the new Boyzone single: "Little things like that are quite special. It's a fantastic opportunity. This is a proper job - I have to be somewhere at a certain time every week. That's a bit different to me; it's nice to feel part of a family, although I did with Boyzone."
When asked if he was nervous, he said: "Not really. You have a couple of buttons in front of you. You push that button, you don't push that button, and you try to take it in your stride. It flies by."
From: RTE
15 january 2010
Ronan dream date for Kelly
She may have spent years idolising pop star Ronan Keating, but little did South Staffordshire bank worker Kelly Taylor ever think she would meet her heartthrob – and certainly not live on television.
But her dream came true when that very meeting happened, thanks to the efforts of her mother. The 22-year-old, of Stafford Road, Great Wyrley, chatted to the Boyzone star on GMTV after her mother, Linda Taylor, asked the programme’s producers to organise a surprise meeting.
The Walsall Lloyds Bank assistant thought she was waiting for her mother to appear on the show as a competition winner when the pop legend surprised her with a bouquet.
There were also signed goodies for Kelly, who said: “I just burst out crying and hugged him. I just couldn’t believe it.
“I’ve been going to his solo and Boyzone concerts every year since I was nine and thought I’d never get to meet him, it was a dream come true.
“He was even nicer than I expected and he even apologised for getting married when my mum told him how upset I’d been at the time.
Kelly added: “It was the best day of my life and I owe my mum, big time.”
Kelly thought she was accompanying Mrs Taylor, aged 46, on a trip to London to appear as a shopping contest winner on Lorraine Kelly’s section of the show.
Mrs Taylor said: “I always enter competitions on-line and a few months ago I saw a notice for a Jim’ll Fix It-style feature GMTV were doing . I thought I’d ask for Kelly to meet Ronan because she’s loved him since she was nine.
“I didn’t hear anything for months and then I got a call out of the blue saying we’d been chosen, and she could meet him. I was absolutely gobsmacked, but knew I should keep it a secret.
“I told her I’d won some vouchers and had to go down to the show collect them.”
From: Express and Star
(Click on the link to see a Ronan photo)
14 january 2010
DENMARK
Ronan Keating is back as song writer in Danish pre-selection 2010
The Danish Melodi Grand Prix will be a star-spangled competition. The artists, songs and composers were presented during Tuesday by the Danish TV. The contest takes place in the arena Gigantium in Aalborg on the 6th of February. It’s one final with 10 entries, including 3 special invited wildcards. The other 7 have been chosen among 562 songs that have been sent in to the Danish TV.
Part about Ronan:
Joakim Tranberg - "All About A Girl"
“All About A Girl” is written by Ronan Keating and the other composers behind Denmark’s ESC-entry last year, Lars Halvor and Martin Larsson ('Believe Again' with Brinck). The singer Joakim Tranberg is also an actor and well know to the Danish audience from a TV-serie "Elsk mig i nat”. The entry is characterized as a happy pop-song with a little bit of jazz influences.
From: Oiko Times
(Click on the link to read the whole article)
13 january 2010
Stars out for Gary's anniversary bash
The stars turned out for the biggest celeb bash of 2010 so far as Gary Barlow celebrated 10 years of marriage to wife Dawn at a posh London hotel last night.
Cheryl and Ashley Cole, Kimberley Walsh, Alesha Dixon, Fearne Cotton, Ronan Keating, Lulu and Gary's Take That bandmates were among the guests at the Mandarin Hotel.
Gary and Cheryl became firm friends when they hiked up Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa for Comic Relief last year - and the event acted as a mini-reunion for them and their fellow hikers - including Ronan, Alesha and Denise Van Outen.
Cheryl stole the show, fashion-wise, by turning up in a slinky black dress with a stylish peach-coloured panel at the front.
But her bandmate Kimberley came a close second, sporting a glittery gold number.
Gary, 38, married wife Dawn, 40, in 2000 - having met her when she was a backing dancer for the band five years before that.
They have three children together: Daniel, Emily and Daisy.
From: Eleven the celebrity channel
(Click on the link and Ronan and Yvonne are on photo 4)
13 january 2010
Take That ten party
GARY BARLOW kicked off 2010 like a Bizarre Lord should - with a smash-up.
The TAKE THAT star celebrated his milestone 10th wedding anniversary to wife Dawn with a dinner party at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in London.
Most of the Comic Relief Kilimanjaro clan were there - ALESHA DIXON, CHERYL COLE, KIMBERLEY WALSH, FEARNECOTTON, CHRIS MOYLES, DENISE VAN OUTEN and RONAN KEATING.
From: The Sun
(Click on the link and the 6th photo in the slide show is Ronan with Yvonne)
13 january 2010
DR announces 10 Melodi Grand Prix finalists
The list of the 10 artists selected to take part in the Danish national selection for Eurovision, Melodi Grand Prix, has been announced moments ago. Seven have been selected out of the 562 submissions, and the other three have been invited by the broadcaster as wildcards. Some of them are already known and popular with the Danish audience. They will vie for the right of representing Denmark in Oslo on February 6th at the Aalborg Gigantium.
The 10 acts to compete at the Danish Melodi Grand Prix are:
•Bryan Rice - Breathing (wildcard)
•Joakim Tranberg - All about a girl
•MariaMatilde Band - Panik!
•Simone - How will I know
•Jens Marni - Gloria
•Chanée & N'evergreen - In a moment like this
•Kaya Brüel - Only tonight (wildcard)
•Thomas Barsøe - Just like rain
•Sukkerchok - Kæmper for kærlighed (wildcard)
•Silas & Kat - Come come run away
Bryan Rice already participated last year as a songwriter, and is also known thanks to two successful albums. Kaya Brüel brings a song composed by herself; she is the daughter of jazz singer Birgit Brüel. The girl-trio Sukkerchok participated last year at the Danish Melodi Grand Prix, ending up equal 3rd thus kicking off their career very successfully.
Joakim Tranberg will participate with a song composed by last year's author of the Danish entry, Ireland's Ronan Keating. He also won the contest Elsk mig i nat, aired on Channel 5. Simone is also a known face on the Danish television: she won the competition Scenen er din, on TV2, and this year she competes with a song written by Jacob Launbjerg, the man behind the winning entries back in 2005 and 2008. Silas Host participated at the Dancing with the stars show; he enters MGP in duo with Kat Thisted, lead singer of the band The Kat.
Jens Marni, who hails from the Faroe Islands, enters the competition with a song composed by Noam Halby from the popular band Johnny Deluxe, former act at MGP. MariaMatilde Band will present one of the only two songs in Danish - the other one is Sukkerchok's Kæmper for kærlighed. Thomas Barsøe is known abroad, especially in Japan, where he has topped the charts, and in California, where he lives. Tomas N'evergreen lives in Moscow, where he is a pop star. He will perform at MGP in duet with Christina Chanée, known from DR1's Finally Friday.
All of them will be competing to represent Denmark in Oslo on February 6th, at the Gigantium, in Aalborg. Tickets for the show can be booked online here .
From: Esctoday
12 january 2010
Linehan top of the Twits
Part about Ronan:
Also conspicuous by his absence was Boyzone frontman Ronan Keating who, according to figures from rival service Twitterholic, has the largest following in Ireland.
From: Tech Central
(Click on the link to red the whole article)
12 january 2010
Boyzone Blast Radiohead
In our latest vaguely interesting celebrity spat, Boyzone’s Ronan Keating has branded Thom Yorke “incredibly rude”.
Is Thom Yorke the scourge of the pop star? Quite likely. Not content with starting a beef with Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus last year, the Radiohead frontman has now upset the torpor-inducing Boyzone mainman, Ronan Keating.
In an interview with The Guardian, Keating recalled a meeting with Yorke in Dublin:
“He was incredibly rude and I will never forgive him”, fumed the Boyzone star.
While the exact reason for the snub wasn’t revealed, speculation grows (in the Xfm office) that it surrounded the inclusion of obscure Radiohead b-side ‘You Never Wash Up After Yourself’ on Keating’s latest album, ‘Songs For My Mother’. Whatever the reason, Ronan isn’t happy.
"I was a big Radiohead fan and I still really like the music. I went up and said hello and he just grunted and walked off. I thought, whatever, God love you."
From: XFM
12 january 2010
From Ronan's official Twitter:
My first show went out on magic radio yesterday. Really enjoyed it. On there every sunday now between 2 and 4. R
11 janaury 2010
Ronan Keating Contributes More Hate to Radiohead Grudge
As explained in our recently compiled list, 2009 was the year that figureheads from all walks of life turned on experimental British stadium rockers Radiohead. Everyone had their reasons, but both Kanye West and Miley Cyrus expressed their frustrations with Thom Yorke's snobbiness at the 2009 Grammys. Now, Ronan Keating has expressed similar gripes about Yorke, who supposedly snubbed the Boyzone star in a hotel.
Speaking with the Guardian, Keating said he can't get over the way Yorke treated him when they met. “I was a big Radiohead fan and I still really like the music,” Keating said. “I went up and said hello and he just grunted and walked off. I thought, whatever, God love you... He was incredibly rude and I will never forgive him.”
While it may very well be possible that Yorke isn't the most personable fellow, the people who are calling him out aren't the kind of people we'd necessarily want to hang out with either. An artsy, soft-spoken rocker not wanting to hang out with the former singer of a boy band is considered rude? It sounds more like Yorke just isn't an industry phony.
From: Exclaim
11 january 2010
Ronan Keating: 'I'll Never Forgive Radiohead's Thom Yorke For Being Rude'
He moans...
Former Boyzone singer Ronan Keating has reignited his attack on “incredibly rude” Radiohead singer Thom Yorke saying he'll “never forgive him.”
Back in 2008 Keating bumped into Yorke at Dublin's Clarence Hotel, owned by Bono and The Edge, where he alleges Yorke was discourteous.
At the time, he bleated: “We were at the same hotel in Dublin and I went over to say hello as I'm a big Radiohead fan and he just blanked me. I still love the music - he's just an idiot.”
Echoing the sentiment some 15 months on, Keating moaned to The Guardian yesterday: "He (Yorke) was incredibly rude and I will never forgive him.
"I was a big Radiohead fan and I still really like the music. I went up and said hello and he just grunted and walked off. I thought, whatever, God love you."
Keating was being interviewed ahead of his newly launched DJ slot with London music station Magic 105.4 where he will be no doubt giving Radiohead a wide berth.
From: Gigwise
11 january 2010
From Ronan's official Twitter:
At the all Ireland talent show with keith. In Dublin. Can't wait for New BZ song to hit the radio next Monday. R
10 janaury 2010
Exciting Times For Radio In 2010
Part about Ronan:
Exciting times for radio already this year and we’re only in our second week! Our client, Magic 105.4, had its first broadcast from new host, Ronan Keating, yesterday pm of his new Sunday pm show. For full details on the show, visit:
From: PRweek
(Click on the link to read the whole article)
11 january 2010
The new Magic man
Will Boyzone singer Ronan Keating's new Sunday show add a 'moment of sparkle', not to mention listeners, to London's Magic 105.4?
It's fair to assume that Thom Yorke will not feature too highly on Ronan Keating's playlist in his new career as a DJ for the London music station Magic 105.4. "He was incredibly rude and I will never forgive him," remembers Keating of his first and only meeting with the Radiohead frontman at Dublin's Clarence Hotel, owned by U2's Bono and the Edge.
"I was a big Radiohead fan and I still really like the music. I went up and said hello and he just grunted and walked off. I thought, whatever, God love you."
But then, Radiohead are hardly core artists for Bauer Media's mellow music station, which has an average of 2 million listeners a week, more than any other local commercial station in the capital. Keating has been hired to add a "moment of sparkle" to Magic's schedule, says the station's programme director, Pete Simmons.
The Boyzone star – whose Sunday afternoon show will follow Kim Wilde's Secret Songs slot – is the latest in a string of big-name musicians to move behind the microphone, including Elbow's Guy Garvey, Huey Morgan of the Fun Lovin' Criminals and Cerys Matthews, formerly of Catatonia, who all have shows on the BBC's digital radio station 6Music.
It is a persistent grumble within the industry that stations, particularly the BBC's, employ too many household names without the requisite broadcasting experience. But Keating is not daunted. "Not really. You have a couple of buttons in front of you. You push that button, you don't push that button, and you try to take it in your stride. It flies by."
The singer has already guest-presented various shows on Magic, and his music – he chalked up a record 30 consecutive top 10 singles in the UK chart as a solo artist and with Boyzone – has been a mainstay of its playlist for years.
"There aren't a huge amount of performers I would trust," says Simmons. "Ronan's done a hell of a lot – the band thing, the solo thing, he's toured the world – and he can phone Gary Barlow as a mate."
Barlow will be among the first celebrity guests on Keating's show, as will the presenter's Boyzone bandmate Keith Duffy and the Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh. It will have the exclusive first play of the new Boyzone single. "Little things like that are quite special," says Keating. "It's a fantastic opportunity. This is a proper job – I have to be somewhere at a certain time every week. That's a bit different to me, it's nice to feel part of a family, although I did with Boyzone."
The boyband [pictured, right, in their early years] had their first UK hit single in 1994. They reunited two years ago, only to be devastated by the sudden death of Stephen Gately, who died while on holiday in Majorca with his civil partner, Andrew Cowles, in October last year.
This led to a hugely controversial column by Jan Moir in the Daily Mail, initially headlined "Why there was nothing 'natural' about Stephen Gately's death". It provoked a record 25,000 complaints to the Press Complaints Commission, which has delayed its verdict after receiving a formal complaint from Cowles.
Keating later described the column as "disgusting" and "incredibly insensitive". He now says the band were comforted by the number of complaints, partly prompted by postings about the column on Twitter. "None of us actually read the story – we were told not to read it because it would upset us so much. We saw the outcry and how people felt about it and that gave us comfort. It was incredible, and showed the love that was out there for Steo. I didn't want to read it, I would prefer these things to go away. It was hard enough to deal with what we were going through. It's still very raw for all of us."
The column, which critics said was homophobic – a charge denied by Moir – also resulted in a boycott of the Mail by other artists, says Keating. "Take That decided not to have anything to do with the paper, and Will Young decided not to have anything to do with them as well."
The Magic show, due to start yesterday, is not the singer's first presenting work – he stood in for Steve Wright on BBC Radio 2's Sunday Love Songs, co-presented an ITV1 Carpenters tribute with Amanda Holden, and has hosted the Eurovision song contest and MTV music awards shows. He has also appeared on The X Factor, assisting Boyzone's manager, Louis Walsh. The inevitable question: would Boyzone have won the Simon Cowell show? "We probably wouldn't win it," says Keating. "We were a bit rough around the edges, we were given a bit of time and space to develop."
But that time and space cost money, says Keating, money that labels are reluctant to spend in the era of illegal downloading. "It's tough. Less income is coming into the record companies and because of that fewer artists are being signed and less music is being made," he adds. "I think the record companies made a mistake in not embracing [digital] 15 years ago. I think eventually all music will be free. You pay a yearly subscription and you get all your music free. I'm not knocking it at all. I love iTunes, I love downloading music."
While record labels are facing an uphill battle, Magic also has a fight on its hands. Although it has more listeners than any of its commercial rivals in London, its audience share fell one percentage point in the third quarter of last year, to 5.5%, and was overtaken by Global Radio's Capital 95.8. "It's very tight in London but I'm pretty confident," says Simmons. "Last year all of us were distracted by the economy. Now we need to get back to talking about the music, and talking about Ronan. Magic is a very simple station – not to put together, but to know what's going to be on it. We will be up there."
Simmons will also be hoping that his new signing helps Magic take a chunk out of Radio 2's audience at weekends, when he'll be up against Elaine Paige. "I love Elaine Paige," says Keating. Just not on a Sunday afternoon from now on.
From: Guardian
(Click on the link to see a Ronan photo)
11 january 2010
The Last Farewell 2009 - Part Two
Part about Ronan:
In 1993 pop group Boyzone were put together by X Factor judge Louis Walsh. Stephen was selected as co-lead singer after his forth audition. Other lead singer Ronan Keating was picked along with backing vocalists and dancers, Mike Graham, Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy.
Boyzone, inspired by Manchester's Take That, would become the best selling boy band of the 1990s, in singles terms, and a huge following of loyal fans made sure the boys were in demand. World tours and sell out arena shows placed them at the top of their game. But at their peak Keating, Gately and Graham decided to take a year out to try some solo work in 2000. Ronan and Stephen both having initial big successes. However Gately found the traveling alone tough, and didn't enjoy being a solo artist. Keating on the other hand had such success it would take seven years ultimately for Boyzone to re-unite once more.
In 1999 Stephen was pushed into announcing in The Sun that he had a boyfriend, and was very happy. While Gately had worried it would end his pop career it actually had a positive effect 'gaining a new gay audience' for the group. Speaking to GayTimes in 2004, Keating commented:
"Boyzone actually gained fans and respect when Stephen came out, because it made us more than just another boy band. And there was no way he could have gone on living a lie. It was very hard for him, and he was very upset at the time, but he was the first person in any boy band to come out and that was very brave."
From: ATV news network
(Click on the link to read the whole article)
9 janaury 2010
Keating helps Evans find wife on the golf course
Chris Evans has revealed that it was a combination of his decision to lead a healthier life and the help of friend Ronan Keating that caused him to meet his current wife.
The soon-to-be BBC Radio 2 host decided that hitting some golf balls on a regular basis would help prevent him from killing his spare time with sessions in the pub.
And it was a round on the golf course with the Boyzone singer that he came across Natasha Shishmanian for the first time.
According to the Herald, Mr Evans explained: "Golf has saved me from a lot of things - it takes up a lot of time, keeps you out of the pub, keeps you in the open air, and I respect the game.
"And suddenly I walk on to a golf course and the most beautiful person I've ever seen playing golf is about to take a tee shot."
Mr Keating then revealed her name and that she worked for a golf magazine, which sparked the start of their romance.
The BBC also used Mr Evans as a roving on-course commentator during the 2009 Open Championship, which was won by Nike golf driver user Stewart Cink.
From: Golfonline
8 january 2010
Can this man really save Irish tourism?
TOURISM IRELAND is hoping that Ronan Keating will work his magic for the ailing Irish tourism industry, with a new 13-week Sunday afternoon radio show in the UK that will be sponsored by the cross-border body. According to Fáilte Ireland, visitor numbers from Britain have dropped by 16 per cent, yet it remains our most important market, accounting for 50 per cent of all visitors and 40 per cent of tourism revenue.
Keating’s ambitions to become a broadcaster and Tourism Ireland’s desire to raise Ireland’s profile with a younger audience have joined to create a show on Magic 105.4, in which Keating will mix easy-listening music and light chat with his own take on Ireland alongside Tourism Ireland ads telling British listeners what great value Ireland is for a holiday.
The new radio show, which launches this weekend, is part of what Tourism Ireland hopes is a fresher approach. During Jedward-mania, it created tongue-in-cheek radio ads “apologising” to the British people for the two Irish X-Factor contestants. The Discover Ireland brand also has a presence on YouTube, with quirky videos made by young people.
From: Irish Times
(Click on the link to see a Ronan photo and to read the whole article)
8 january 2010
From Ronan's official site:
Liz McClarnon joins Ronan on UK tour!
Ronan is pleased to announce that the support act on his UK tour will be the fantastic Liz McClarnon. If you've not already checked out her solo music then head on over to www.lizmcclarnon.com!
6 january 2010
Snow Patrol and Westlife to take centre stage at Meteors
Part about Ronan:
This year's annual award ceremony is sure to hold special significance for many of Ireland's best known musicians, given that last year's ceremony coincided with tragic Boyzone singer Stephen Gately's 33rd birthday celebrations. Stephen and his bandmates, Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, Keith Duffy and Mikey Graham performed at the event, which was held a month later than this year's show on March 17, St Patrick's Day.
Following the show, generous Stephen splashed out €20,000 to host an invite only bash at members only club, Residence on St Stephen's Green.
Just six months later the Dublin singer died tragically while on holiday in Mallorca with his partner, Andrew Cowles.
From: Herald
(click on the link to read the whole article)
7 january 2010
THE THINGS THEY SAY
“We don’t talk about work, we go down the pub for a pint and talk about cars, microphones and studio gear. It’s not very rock and roll, but we’re good mates!” BOYZONE star RONAN KEATING insists there’s no rivalry between him and TAKE THAT’s GARY BARLOW.
From: Trak
7 january 2010
Ronan Keating to hit the waves at Magic 105.4
Boyzone member Ronan Keating is scheduled to launch his own radio programme, it has emerged.
The 32-year-old performer, who gained world fame with the Irish boy band but also has had a successful solo career, will hit the radio waves at London-based station Magic 105.4 every Sundays.
The star said he was extremely excited about the prospects of entertaining thousands with his new job behind the mic and choosing his favourite tracks for his listeners.
He said the DJ job was a chance to share his love of music, and showing that he can also be a successful broadcaster.
Ronan set to do his broadcast debut with a two-hour show starting at 2pm this coming Sunday. He said both he and his audience would choose the tunes aired.
The singer is still mourning the demise of Boyzone bandmate and friend Stephen Gately last year.
Gately died on 10 October 2009, while holidaying on the Spanish island of Majorca with his partner Andrew Cowles. A post-mortem showed the thirty-three-year-old succumbed to a pulmonary edema, more commonly known as fluid in the lungs.
Ronan has already enjoyed being a guest presenter for Magic 105.4, although this will represent his first opportunity to have his own show.
According to Magic 105.4 programming director Pete Simmons, Ronan is extremelly popular with the station’s listeners as an invited guest and also as a performer and songwriter.
As a solo artist, Ronan has sold more than 22 million albums worldwide and has had hits with tracks like Life Is A Rollercoaster and When You Say Nothing At All. He’s scheduled to go on tour this spring
From: Banmoco
7 january 2010
Ronan Keating to host radio show
Boyzone star Ronan Keating has landed his own radio show.
Keating - who has also had a successful solo career - will front a Sunday show for London station Magic 105.4.
Keating, 32, will broadcast his two-hour show from 2pm on Sunday, based on his own and listener's choices.
The Dublin singer, who was mourning the loss of friend and Boyzone bandmate Stephen Gateley last year, has been a guest presenter for the station but this is the first time he has had a regular show.
Keating, currently preparing for his tour this spring, has sold more than 22 million albums around the world and has scored hits such as When You Say Nothing At All and Life Is A Rollercoaster.
He said: "I'm really excited about getting behind the mic and choosing my favourite tunes to play to the listeners. It's an opportunity to share my love of music with the fans, and show everyone I am not only a singer, but a broadcaster as well.
Pete Simmons, the station's programming director, said: "Ronan is incredibly popular with our listeners as a personality and as a performer and songwriter. London will be treated to Ronan's Irish charm as they prepare for the week ahead."
From: Belfast Telegraph
(Click on the link to see a Ronan photo)
6 january 2010
Ronan Keating to host new Magic 105.4 Sunday show
LONDON - Ronan Keating, the Irish pop star, is to present a new Sunday radio show on London's Magic 105.4, starting this weekend (10 January).
The former Boyzone star will host the flagship show every Sunday from 2pm to 4pm, featuring music and celebrity interviews.
A dedicated microsite will launch to support Keating's on-air activity and encourage listener interactivity and song requests.
Keating's arrival at Magic follows guest stints at the Bauer radio station and further bolsters the Sunday programming schedule, which already includes London's market leader in commercial radio's 10am to 2pm slot, namely Secret Songs presented by '80s pop star Kim Wilde.
In last October's RAJAR results, the self-styled "more music, less talk" station posted a 6.6% rise in listeners year on year and continues to be the only commercial station in London to have more than two million listeners.
Keating called the move an "honour and an exciting opportunity".
Separately, Tourism Ireland today launches a three-month advertising campaign for its consumer-facing brand Discover Ireland across Magic 105.4, which includes Keating's new show.
The activity will include rewarding listeners with trips to Ireland as part of a marketing deal brokered by Bauer executives and Mindshare directors Caroline Hughes and Isabel Cockroft.
From: Mediaweek
(Click on the link to see a Ronan photo)
6 january 2010
Ronan Keating Is Delighted As DJ
Boyzone star Ronan Keating has landed his own radio show in Britain
The Life Is a Rollercoaster hitmaker is set to front a weekly broadcast on London station Magic -and he's delighted he can share his favourite songs with fans.
He says, "I'm really excited about getting behind the mic and choosing my favourite tunes to play to the listeners - it's an opportunity to share my love of music with the fans, and show everyone I am not only a singer, but a broadcaster as well."
Keating will host his first show on Sunday (10Jan10).
From: India Server
(Click on the link to see a Ronan photo)
6 january 2010
Boyzone's Ronan Keating lands London radio slot
Boyzone's Ronan Keating is to present a Sunday show on London radio station Magic 105.4, it has been announced.
The 32-year-old singer - who has been a guest presenter for the easy listening station in the past - will broadcast his first two-hour show on Sunday.
The Irish performer said he was "really excited about getting behind the mic and choosing my favourite tunes".
It has also been announced Gaby Roslin will co-host BBC London's breakfast show with Paul Ross from next week.
The move sees Roslin, 45, occupy the same time slot as her former Big Breakfast co-host Chris Evans, who takes over the Radio 2 breakfast show on the same day.
'Incredibly popular'
"I've always said I would never do a breakfast show again," said Roslin, who once presented a show on Five with Evans' predecessor Sir Terry Wogan.
"But the lure was just too strong and I couldn't resist the opportunity of working on my favourite station."
Keating, 32, is no less enthusiastic about appearing on Magic, saying he wanted to "show everyone I am not only a singer, but a broadcaster as well".
Programming director Pete Simmons said he was "incredibly popular with our listeners, as a personality and as a performer and songwriter".
From: BBC News
(click on the link to see a Ronan photo)
5 january 2010
Keating to present Sunday Radio show
(UKPA)
Boyzone star Ronan Keating is to host his own radio show for London station Magic 105.4, it has been announced.
Keating - who has also had a successful solo career - will front his first two-hour show from 2pm on Sunday.
The singer, who was mourning the loss of friend and Boyzone bandmate Stephen Gateley last year, has been a guest presenter for the station but this is the first time he has had a regular show.
Keating, preparing for his tour this spring, has sold more than 22 million albums around the world and has scored hits such as When You Say Nothing At All and Life Is A Rollercoaster.
He said: "I'm really excited about getting behind the mic and choosing my favourite tunes to play to the listeners. It's an opportunity to share my love of music with the fans, and show everyone I am not only a singer, but a broadcaster as well."
Pete Simmons, the station's programming director, said: "Ronan is incredibly popular with our listeners as a personality and as a performer and songwriter. London will be treated to Ronan's Irish charm as they prepare for the week ahead."
From: Google
5 january 2010
Gaby Roslin's big breakfast radio clash with Chris Evans
Part about Ronan:
Meanwhile, Boyzone star Ronan Keating has also landed his own London radio show.
Keating will front a Sunday show for Magic 105.4.
The 32-year-old will broadcast his first two-hour show from 2pm this Sunday, based on his own and listener's choices.
From: This is London
(To read the whole article click on the link)
4 january 2010
From Ronan's official site:
Ronan joins Magic 105.4
Ronan is pleased to announce that he will be joining London radio station, Magic 105.4 as a new presenter.
Ronan will present every Sunday from 2-4pm, starting on 10 January 2010 with a mix of great music chosen by Ronan and Magic 105.4 listeners and a few of his friends will join him. A dedicated microsite will launch very soon!
Ronan said: “Magic 105.4 has always been a great supporter of my music and we have built a great working relationship over the years. I’m really excited about getting behind the mic and choosing my favourite tunes to play to the listeners. It’s an opportunity to share my love of music with the fans, and show everyone I am not only a singer, but a broadcaster as well. I can’t wait to start the show in January and hope all the fans will enjoy tuning in and sharing their Sundays with me.”
4 january 2010
Ronan Keating gets Magic radio show
Boyzone singer given Sunday slot on London station
Ronan Keating is to present a weekly Sunday afternoon show on London radio station, Magic 105.4.
The Boyzone star has previously been a guest DJ on the Bauer Media station, and joins a stable of presenters that includes Neil Fox, Gary Vincent and Martin Collins.
Keating's show, described as a mixture of "celebrity interviews and great music chosen by Ronan", will air between 2pm and 4pm from Sunday. It will dovetail with Kim Wilde's Sunday morning show, Secret Songs, which runs from 10am until 2pm.
His arrival means Danny Pietroni's show, which previously aired between 2pm and 7pm, is cut by two hours and will go out between 4pm and 7pm.
Keating said: "Magic 105.4 has always been a big supporter of my music and we have built a great working relationship over the years."
The singer has also presented the MTV Europe Music Awards and coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest. He co-hosted ITV1's Celebrating The Carpenters, with Amanda Holden, last year.
Steve Parkinson, the managing director of Magic 105.4, said: "Feedback from Magic 105.4 listeners tells us that Ronan is incredibly popular as both a personality and a singer-songwriter. We are delighted to reveal Ronan as our latest presenter who joins Kim Wilde on Sundays, creating something new and unique for the weekend."
Magic is the number one station in terms of listeners in the commercial London radio market, with an average weekly reach of just over 2 million listeners. But its share of the audience slipped back one percentage point in the latest official Rajar figures for the third quarter of this year, to 5.5%.
From: Guardian
(To see a Ronan photo click on the link)
4 january 2010
2009 celebrity deaths
Part about Ronan:
Stephen Gately
The sudden death of singer Stephen Gately in October shocked and saddened Boyzone fans. A post-mortem examination established the 33-year-old died of natural causes whilst on holiday in Spain. Gately’s bandmates, including Ronan Keating, paid an emotional tribute to the star at his funeral in Dublin. After Gately’s death it emerged he had recently made peace with his mother after a 10-year rift.
From: Sunday Mail
(To read the whole article click on the link)
2 january 2010
Gig guide to 2010
Part about Ronan:
Away from The X Factor stable, the arena will also host concerts from Westlife (three nights in May), Lady GaGa (March 3), Ronan Keating (March 7), Boyz II Men (May 7) and Pendulum (May 29).
From: Wales online
(To read the whole article click on the link)
1 january 2010
Keating talks about his radio show