ronan-keating.com
February 2010
From the official twitter:
Amazing Gig in LiverPool. One of the best crowds on the Tour. R
On Way To Liverpool. Amazing second night in Newcastle. Crowds have been brilliant on this tour best audiences I have ever played Too. R
Feb 28th 2010
From the official twitter:
Amazing Show in Newcastle last night even if I was late (sorry). Another tonight. Will be on time I promise. R
Feb 27th 2010
From the official twitter:
In a Newcastle police Car. Plane landed 2 hours late. Should have been on stage 20 mins Ago. I am on the way. R
Newcastle Tonight. Looking forward too it. R
Feb 26th 2010
From the official site:
Ronan's UK Tour Continues!
Ronan took Scotland by storm over the weekend and played shows in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. You check out a review of the Edinburgh show by clicking HERE.
Don't forget to enter our special tour photo competition by emailing your favourite photo from the tour to
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. We'll be displaying the photos on the website shortly and two best photos will win signed albums!
25 february 2010
Drink water for charity
Pop Star Ronan Keating and Ballygowan water have teamed up to unveil Ballygowan's major new Be Part Of It campaign to raise money for breast cancer awareness.
So look out for the fund-raising Ballygowan pink bottle — a stylish coloured bottle now on sale from local convenience stores and supermarkets in 500ml and two litre sizes.
Every bottle sold in the province will support Action Cancer’s life-saving early detection and education services.
“What’s really exciting for all of us is that this campaign is not only about fund-raising, but also raising awareness and education. I am thrilled to be part of it,” said Ronan, whose mum Marie died from the disease.
The campaign will raise money to support Action Cancer in Northern Ireland and the Marie Keating Foundation, which was set up in memory of Ronan's mum, in the south.
Another aim of the Be Part Of It campaign is to promote the importance of early detection in saving lives.
Consumers can also ‘be part of it’ by visiting the Ballygowan Pink website and dedicated Facebook page.
And in the run-up to Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Ballygowan will also be hosting a series of fund-raising events.
Leonie Doyle, from the Ballygowan brand, added: “Every day in Northern Ireland, another woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.
“There will be lots of ways for consumers to get involved throughout the year and raise more money for this great cause.”
For more details log onto www.ballygowan.ie or become a fan on facebook (search for Ballygowan).
Action Cancer is Northern Ireland’s leading local cancer charity.
Its mission is to save lives and support people, which it does through a range of cancer detection, prevention and support services.
From: Belfast Telegraph
(Click on the link to see a Ronan photo.)
24 february 2010
From the official twitter:
Great Show in Edinburgh Last night Brill Audience on Way Too Aberdeen. R
Feb 24th 2010
Review: Ronan Keating, Usher Hall
THERE'S a tinge of pathos to Ronan Keating's new tour. Among the schmaltzy slow ballads and the sunshine-fuelled pop tunes that have marked his career, are a selection of songs for the people he's lost.
There are tracks for his mother Marie Keating, who died of breast cancer in 1998 when the singer was 20, and in whose memory he recently recorded a medley of favourite songs that became the 2009 gold selling album Songs for My Mother.
Secondly, he sings for Boyzone band mate Stephen Gately, who tragically lost his life last October at just 33.
Pausing to dedicate a song to Gately and acknowledge the presence of Gately's brother Tony in the audience at the Usher Hall last night, Keating described the pain and shock he and his remaining band mates, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch, felt at learning of Gately's death.
Before beginning the Collin Raye ballad In This Life, Keating said of his friend: "We're still expecting him to walk into the room, or text us or e-mail us. It was an emotional rollercoaster to say the least. Being in the studio without him (recording the latest album] was just bizarre. It just didn't make sense but we got through it. Thank God there are two songs on the album that Steo (Gately] recorded before he passed away.
"It was a terrible week when we were bringing Stephen home from Spain. His mum asked me to sing a song at the funeral and at first I didn't know really if I wanted to do that, or if I could get through it, but it actually ended up helping me that day.
"There are obviously many songs between Steo and myself, but this song we used to sing all the time in the dressing room. My friend had this ability to find a harmony that no-one else could find, this most amazing sound. Any time, anywhere he could just jump straight in to a song. Absolutely beautiful. And I remember clearly practising this song in the dressing room. I guess that's gone now but I still have it in my head."
Preceding his tribute to Gately, Keating had worked his way comfortably through an eclectic and muted selection of much-loved classics, including If Tomorrow Never Comes, Simon and Garfunkle's Homeward Bound and the Songs for My Mother track Time After Time, along with some his more recent works.
Throwing in a curve ball for all of those in the audience whose feelings toward Keating could definitely not be described as motherly, the singer performed Stay from the album Winter Songs. The stage's 20ft backdrop displaying the tune's rather racy video of a half-naked Keating lolling about on a bed in full Technicolor glory, sending the audience into paroxysms of delight. Followed quickly by the crowd pleasing Will You Go Lassie Go.
Both were brief highlights in an otherwise subdued evening. But then, one can only suppose that Keating isn't the only person in the auditorium with departed loved ones on his mind
From: Scotsman
24 february 2010
From the official twitter:
BZ Single out On Friday in Ireland And monday in UK. Wow. Can't believe we are this close. R
Great Show in Sheffield last night on way Too Edinburgh. R
Feb 23rd 2010
Ronan and Robbie’s meal deal
Boyzone star Ronan Keating celebrated the end of his string of Glasgow gigs with a slap-up Chinese meal.
The Irish singer, 32, and his wife Yvonne, who had earlier in the day cheered on his pal Robbie Keane at Celtic Park, was joined by the striker at the Ho Wong in York Street after his last of three Clyde Auditorium concerts on Saturday.
Owner Tony Cheung, 56, said: “Ronan comes here every time he’s in Glasgow.”
As reported in the Evening Times last week, Ronan paid tribute to his late Boyzone pal Stephen Gately at Thursday night’s Glasgow gig, the first of his UK tour.
He said the sudden death of the singer in Majorca in October, aged just 33, was “the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with”, before performing In This Life, the song he sang at Gately’s funeral.
The Ho Wong has only just re-opened after a burst pipe caused £50,000 worth of damage.
It is also at the centre of a row over relocation. The building has been bought by the Dubai-based Jumeirah Group, which wants to open a six-star hotel on the site at the junction with Argyle Street.
A public inquiry in September backed a compulsory purchase order on the site, but the Ho Wong’s owners, who have operated at the address for nearly 25 years, don’t want to move.
From: Evening Times
(Click on the link to see a Ronan photo)
22 february 2010
From the official twitter:
Well done Mikey on Ice Again. Resssssssult. R
Sheffield Tonight its Cold bbbbbrrrrrrr. R
Feb 22nd 2010
Boyzone Want Hologram Stephen
Boyzone think touring without Stephen Gately will be difficult, so are considering getting a hologram version of him to join them on stage.
Boyzone want a hologram of Stephen Gately to join them on tour.
The group - who were rocked by the shock death of their 33-year-old bandmate last October - are considering going on the road again but admit they will feel strange going on stage as a four-piece.
Singer Mikey Graham said: "Maybe a hologram would be a fitting way to do it because then it'd be like he's on tour there with us."
The group are preparing for the release of their new album 'Brother' - which features vocals by Stephen - and although they would love to tour with the record, are unsure of whether their grief can withstand it and are already looking into different ways to help ease their pain.
Ronan Keating - who is also joined in the band by Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch - added in an interview with the Daily Star newspaper: "If the record goes well we'd love to tour at the end of the year, but we don't know right now if we can face it. We've overcome other obstacles, so let's see what happens.
"'Love Me For A Reason' and 'No Matter What' are going to be tough without Stephen but maybe we could do a different version so it doesn't break our hearts every time we try."
From: Contactmusic
22 february 2010
From the official twitter:
3 great Gig's in Glasgow thank you To everyone that came along. R
Feb 21st 2010
From the official site:
Don Mescall joins the UK tour
Don Mescall will be supporting Ronan on the following dates so be sure to head down to the venues early to check him out!
Feb
24th Aberdeen
Mar
18th Sheffield
20th Bournemouth
21st Blackpool
22nd Belfast
23rd Dublin
21 february 2010
From the official site:
Boyzone present Stephen Gately TV special
Boyzone will be hosting a very special tribute show in memory of their dear friend and brother Stephen, to air on ITV1 in the spring.'
Boyzone: A Tribute to Stephen Gately' will be an hour long and is to feature unique Boyzone performances and one-off collaborations in honour of Stephen's memory. There will also be footage of Stephen over the years, as the programme charts his life, work and accomplishments.
We'll be giving away tickets for the show, so please stay tuned next week.
21 february 2010
From the official twitter:
Just been to Celtic match. Great goal from Robbie. R
Feb 20th 2010
Boyzone make comeback
Boyzone have performed together for the first time since Stephen Gately died.
The boyband aired their latest single, 'Gave It All Away', on ITV's GMTV, and admitted they were nervous about the future.
"'We've spoken about it. We recorded this song about nearly 18 months to two years ago - when Stephen first put the vocal on.
''So we've had it for a long, long time...But this is now the point where we start performing it," Ronan Keating told host Lorraine Kelly.
As previously reported, the group are to host a special tribute show to their band member, who died in Majorca in October,
'Boyzone: A Tribute To Stephen Gately' is scheduled to go out on ITV1 in the spring.
From: Yahoo Music
19 february 2010
From the official twitter:
2 amazing Shows in Glasgow one more here and on Too Sheffield. R
20 february 2010
Interview: Ronan Keating, singer
IS it the end for Boyzone? That's the concern for fans of the Irish pop pin-ups after lead singer Ronan Keating announced that he's packing his bags and heading for Hollywood with his family in tow.
The Dublin native, currently on a solo tour that brings him to the Usher Hall on Tuesday night, has been secretly screen-testing for movie roles in LA recently, and could now be set to land a part in eagerly-anticipated Lord Of The Rings prequel The Hobbit
"We are going there in July, Yvonne and the kids," he said a couple of weeks back. "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," added the 32-year-old, "so we'd be based there a while instead of LA if it happens."
Keating's decision to up sticks and head for the Hollywood Hills follows the sudden death of Boyzone bandmate and best friend Stephen Gately.
The band, which has sold over 20 million records, initially vowed to carry on, but both Keating and Keith Duffy have since said they would find it extremely tough to appear as Boyzone without Gately, who was found dead at the age of 33 in his Mallorca holiday villa last October. Still showing signs of grief when talking to the press at an Auckland hotel before a recent gig Down Under, Keating said the death of his pal came completely out of the blue. "It was a phone call, that's all we got," said the singer, who was in a Chicago restaurant having dinner with his sister when his mobile rang. "We had no idea, he was healthier than ever – it was devastating." Understand-ably, the future of Boyzone remains in the balance for now. But fans can expect at least one more release from their favourites, who will return in the summer with a new album called Brother.
Although it's not a tribute to Gately as such, Keating said that Boyzone's forthcoming album will be dedicated to him.
The singer described the record, on which some of the tracks that were recorded just before Gately's death include his vocals, as "totally different" to anything the group have released before. "It's pop rock," he said. "The song Gave It All Away has a reggae sound."
Keating is no stranger to loss after his mother Marie lost her battle with breast cancer in 1998 – and he'll be taking to the stage in Edinburgh to showcase tracks from recent solo album Songs For My Mother, as well as performing past hits such as When You Say Nothing At All and Life Is A Rollercoaster.
Songs For My Mother, which topped the charts in the UK last year, is a beautiful and evocative collection of songs that Keating remembers his mum listening to throughout his childhood. It consists of covers of his mum's favourite songs and one or two that remind the family of her – all the songs on the album were carefully selected by Keating.
As you'd expect, then, this is a record that's very close to his heart. "It is a personal album, of course, but at the same time I feel proud I can talk about her like this and be strong about it," he said when the album came out. "Talking about me mam again, 11 years after she passed away - you don't get a lot of opportunity to do that.
"There are songs on the album for everyone's mother, that's the idea. Songs are so varied that people will be able to find different things in the album that they can relate to."
Given that Keating will probably want to make a dedication to his late friend Gately as well, there likely won't be a dry eye in the house at the Usher Hall on Tuesday night.
Ronan Keating, Usher Hall, Lothian Road, Tuesday. 7.30pm, 0131 228 1155
From: Scotsman
19 february 2010
Ronan in city show tribute to bandmate
The death of his Boyzone pal Stephen Gately was always going to overshadow the latest solo gigs of the band’s frontman Ronan Keating.
And he chose last night at the Clyde Auditorium to pay tribute to the singer who suddenly died last summer by singing In This Life, the song he performed at his funeral last October.
Ronan said: “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with. The only way I could honour him is with song.”
He just about managed to lift the mood after that, running though his solo songs, a mix of arm-waving tunes such as This is Your Song, covers including Simon and Garfunkel’s Homeward Bound.
But it was the biggest hits everybody was waiting for, Life is a Rollercoaster, Lovin’ Each Day and When You Say Nothing At All, and he performed them brilliantly.
One tip though Ronan – there was a bit too much of getting the audience to sing. We’re there to hear you!
Ronan returns tonight and Saturday, 7.30pm, Clyde Auditorium.
From: Evening Times
19 february 2010
Celtic striker Robbie Keane is special guest at Boyzone singer Ronan Keating's Scottish gig
CELTIC striker Robbie Keane was a special guest of Ronan Keating at his Scots gig last night.
Ronan was in Glasgow for the first leg of his UK tour and invited the centre forward to join him backstage at the Clye Auditorium.
The two Irishmen met outside the venue and Ronan invited Robbie up to his private area before the gig.
Robbie, who is living at a city centre hotel, is a close pal of the singer and they frequently hang out together in Ireland.
Ronan is in the city for three nights and it is expected that the two friends will spend much of the time catching up.
A source said: "Robbie and Ronan are old friends and they always like to get together whenever possible so there was no way they were going to miss this opportunity.
"They arranged to meet before the gig and had a chat backstage before Robbie took a seat to watch the show beside Ronan's wife Yvonne."
From: daily Record
19 february 2010
From the official site:
UK Tour Starts Tonight!
Ronan's UK tour kicks off tonight in Glasgow and sees him play across the UK and Ireland. For everyone lucky enough to have tickets make sure you take part in the special photo competition and send us your tour photos to
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! For anyone who hasn't got their tickets yet, there may still be time so check here to see full tour dates!
18 february 2010
Liz McClarnon disappointment over Ronan Keating tour
WITH her new TV show winning viewers, it’s no surprise Hotter Than My Daughter presenter Liz McClarnon can’t stop smiling.
But ex-Atomic Kitten Liz tells Insider she’s “super-gutted” she won’t be joining Boyzone star Ronan Keating on his solo UK tour.
She says: “Due to unforeseen circumstances I will no longer be taking part in the Ronan Keating tour.
“I’m incredibly upset about this and I want to send thanks and apologies to any of my fans who had bought tickets and were planning on seeing the tour, especially in Liverpool.
“I’m super-gutted, but listen this time next year it’ll be my tour, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear the new single.”
Don’t worry Liz, there is still The War Of The Worlds with the lovely Jason Donovan to look forward to.
From: Liverpool Echo
18 february 2010
From the official twitter:
At Brits. R
First Show in Glasgow on thursday really looking forward too it. Brits tonight. R
Feb 16th 2010
From the official site:
Tour Competition
As Ronan's tour is about to start in Glasgow on 18th February we've got a special photo competition for you all. We want to see your photos from the tour, you can upload them to
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and make sure you tell us your name and which venue you took the photo in.
The two best photos will both win a signed album! So get snapping!
16 february 2010
From the official site:
Boyzone on GMTV
Boyzone will be performing their new single 'Gave It All Away' for the first time on GMTV on Thursday 18th February. The band will be having a chat on the sofa as well as performing so make sure you tune in to catch it!
16 february 2010
Boyzone to record Stephen Gately tribute show
Programme will air on ITV in the spring
Boyzone are working on a TV special in honour of Stephen Gately.
Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch will sing a medley of their hits.
And the group will share memories of Stephen during the one-hour show.
The lads will also showcase new material they completed before the 33-year-old's death in October.
'Stephen would be delighted to have a night dedicated to him,' manager Louis Walsh, 57, tells the Daily Mail.
'And I know he'll be watching down on us all on the night a big smile on his face.'
Boyzone: A Tribute To Stephen Gately will be broadcast in the spring.
Meanwhile, the children's book Stephen was working on before his death is to be published in April.
Family and friends helped complete fantasy novel The Tree Of Seasons and Sir Elton John has written the foreword.
From: Nowmagazine
16 february 2010
Ronan Keating Waits For Stephen Call
Ronan Keating admits he is still struggling to come to terms with Boyzone bandmate Stephen Gately's death and often expects a phone call from him.
Ronan Keating still thinks Stephen Gately will call him.
The Irish singer admits he was "torn apart" when his Boyzone bandmate passed away last October from natural causes and is struggling to accept the fact he has gone.
Talking about Stephen's sudden death, Ronan said: "When my mother was diagnosed with cancer we knew she wouldn't live for very much longer. The doctors gave her three months. But when you know that a beloved person is terminally ill, you can prepare yourself for it.
"But when Steo died it tore me apart. Friday night I had talked to him and Saturday morning he was dead. I still think he will call me or suddenly stand in front of my door. I'm still numb."
While he is still coming to terms with Stephen's death, the father-of-three says losing his mother Marie to cancer in 1998 will haunt him forever.
He told Germany's OK! magazine: "My mother's death was the worst loss I have suffered in my life. And up to today I still try to get over it. Her death changed my whole life."
From: Contact Music
16 february 2010
From the official twitter:
Back in London. Going too see Mikey on Ice. First day of Promo with the Boyz tomorrow going too be a tough one. R
Come on Mikey. R
Feb 14th 2010
From the official twitter:
Ballygowan has brought out a pink bottle supporting the Marie Keating Foundationhttp://www.ballygowan.com/pink/#ballygowanpink. Brilliant!
Feb 13th 2010
From the official site:
Arno Carstens announced as tour support
Multi award-winning South African singer-songwriter and guitarist Arno Carstens has been announced as special guest on Ronan Keating’s forthcoming UK tour.
Arno says: “I couldn’t pass up the chance to perform on tour with Ronan. He is such a fantastic performer and his fans are amongst the best in the world. To tour around the country with him will be another great experience. To get the opportunity to play some prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall is obviously mind-blowing!”
During his career as the lead singer of South Africa’s favourite rock band The Springbok Nude Girls, and subsequently as a solo artist, Arno has released 7 studio albums, had 18 top ten singles. He has won 5 South African Music Awards and shared the stage with legends of the music world.
12 february 2010
Discounted Ronan Keating tickets for Vodafone mobile users
Vodafone Malta is offering customers a chance to get hold of discounted tickets for the Ronan Keating concert scheduled for Saturday, 3 April. Vodafone mobile users can purchase general standing tickets at e25 instead of e35 from all Vodafone retail outlets. The offer is limited to the first 1,000 customers.
“Once again, we are passing on the benefits from Vodafone sponsorship agreements to our loyal clients,” said Maria Calleja, brand manager at Vodafone Malta Ltd.
Ronan Keating, former vocalist of Irish boy band Boyzone is expected to give a performance of both his latest tracks as well as older songs.
From: The Malta Independent
12 february 2010
From the official site:
Support on tour
It is with regret we inform you that Liz McClarnon will no longer be taking part in the Ronan Keating Tour, due to start on 18th February 2010. This is due to unforeseen circumstances. Liz wishes to sincerely apologise to all her fans for this, especially those who had tickets to come and see her on the tour.
10 february 2010
From the official site:
Ronan and Mikey go head to head for Eurovision!
Ronan and Mikey are both contributing to Ireland's proud history in the Eurovision Song Competition this year, by submitted songs which will compete to be the 2010 Irish entry!
Ronan's song will be sung by Justin Lee Collins, and the singer of Mikey's is yet to be announced. There will be a public vote during The Late Late Show on March 5th, so if you're in Ireland, make sure you tune in and vote for your favourite!
10 february 2010
Kauri gift for Keating
The house of international Irish pop singer and Boyzone band member Ronan Keating will have a little bit of Kaipara culture on display after being presented with a kauri carving.
Keating was in New Zealand doing a concert at the Villa Maria Estate Winery in south Auckland on Sunday and before that at the Mud House Winery and Cafe in Napier.
Dargaville & Districts News interviewed Keating at the SkyCity Grand Hotel in Auckland on Sunday.
Keating says he enjoys being in New Zealand and Australia and looks forward to continuing a good relationship with people Down Under.
"I love coming back and how people look after us here," he says.
He came for a short visit to New Zealand last April where he performed at the Dancing With The Stars finale and toured about seven years ago after splitting with Boyzone in 1999.
The carving of a large wooden fish hook, sculpted from 4000-year-old swamp kauri, was presented to him as a gift from the people of the Kaipara by Dargaville & Districts News.
The fish hook depicts the Maori legend of how New Zealand was discovered by being fished up out of the sea.
It was made by Dargaville carver-sculptor Mario Marinkovich and donated by Nelson Parker, of Nelson's Kaihu Kauri, where Mr Marinkovich also works.
When Keating opened the gift, he was a little puzzled.
"This is lovely, but what is it?" he said.
This is not the first time he has brushed with New Zealand Maori culture.
He pulled up his shirt sleeve to briefly expose some Maori symbols on his upper arm.
However, they were not to the extent of English popstar Robbie Williams - formerly of boy band Take That - friendly rivals of Keating and Boyzone.
Williams got a large Maori tattoo on his arm while visiting New Zealand years ago.
Keating told reporters that he and his wife, Irish model Yvonne Connolly - who Keating grew up with - are in the process of
building a new home in Ireland.
Keating started out in a school rock band called Namaste which means hello in Fijian-Indian culture.
"I think we got our name from a track from a Beastie Boys album," he says.
Keating says his daughter Missy, 9, looks set to be the only one following in her father's footsteps into the music business.
"My 11-year-old son would rather be playing football."
From: Auckland Stuff
(Click on the link to see a Ronan photo)
9 february 2010
Ronan Keating plans Gately album
Irish pop star Ronan Keating and the remaining members of Boyzone will restart the group later this year with a new album dedicated to the late Stephen Gately.
The 32-year-old spoke to Stuff.co.nz at his Auckland hotel before his concert at the Villa Maria Estate Winery on Sunday night, and said his death had "shocked" the group.
Gately died at a holiday spot in Majorca last October after suffering what was believed to be a pulmonary oedema.
Still showing signs of grief, Keating said the sudden death of his band mate - nicknamed "Steo" - came out of the blue.
"It was a phone call, that's all we got. We had no idea ... he was healthier than ever - it was devastating."
Keating said Gately's untimely death was not just a shock to him but also to the other members of the band - Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch.
The new album, called Brother and expected out in the middle of the year, was not a tribute to Gately but Keating said it would definitely be dedicated to him.
Some tracks will include Gately's voice that were recorded just before his death.
Keating described the album as "totally different" - like Coldplay meets U2.
"It's pop rock," he said. "The song Gave It All Away has a reggae sound.
Keating is no stranger to public loss after his mother Marie lost her battle with breast cancer in 1998.
However, he found solace in his wife, Irish model Yvonne Connolly, whom he has known since the age of 12. The pair started out as friends, he said.
"It was nothing - we were just kids and friends, a little crush but Dublin is a small town and everyone was hanging out together. Then she was with someone else and so was I, then we became really good friends, I fell in love with her and of course had to tell her and it all started from there."
His wife was "the practical one" in the marriage but he described himself as "the dreamer".
"She's makes it all happen, maintains the family life and makes space for me to float in and out, which is an incredible talent."
The constant pressure of travel could take its toll. But after about three days back, he was into his family life, with full duties as a husband and father - like taking the kids to school and football practice, grocery shopping at the supermarket and walking the dog.
Later that night during Keating's concert, the singer freely came down off the stage to interact with his mostly female fans - shaking and holding hands and even allowing some to hug him.
He belted out some of his best known hits like Life is a Rollercoaster, Loving Each Day As If It's Your Last and When You Say Nothing At All.
Fan Helen Davidson had come all the way from Geraldine to see her idol and said her husband sang Keating's songs to her.
"I've been a fan of Ronan's for years and you've got to have a dream when time gets on, " she said.
Aucklander Jan Currie had been a fan since the Boyzone days.
"His songs do a lot for breast cancer fundraising and he's so touching with what he's said about Stephen Gately. When he said he and the other boys didn't want to leave him alone in the church after he'd died. I thought that was really lovely," she said.
Ad Feedback Keating encouraged full audience participation during the concert, singing some of his lyrics and then holding the microphone out to the audience to complete the lines.
He was wildly encored towards the end, with standing ovations to many of his well-known hits.
A cover of Midnight Oil's Beds Are Burning got punters up on their feet before Keating held up a glass of red wine as if to say "cheers" to the audience and ended with The Long Goodbye.
He then announced he was going home to "hug my kids but I plan to be back later this year, would you like that?"
From: Stuff
(Click on the link to see a Ronan on tour photo)
8 february 2010
Back in London Long flight. Great tour amazing crowds. R
8 february 2010
From the official site:
Ronan performs at Skydance
Ronan will be performing at Skydance which takes place between 21st-23rd May in Hallenstadion in Zurich. You can find out more details about the show at www.skydance.info.
8 february 2010
Boyzone singer at his best crooning mainstream hits
If talking to your plants makes them grow, what does playing Ronan Keating songs do to them?
At the picturesque venue of the Mud House Winery, Ireland's blond boy wonder of Boyzone fame is every inch the pin-up in crisp white shirt, black vest and accessories including a crucifix, and chains on his hip.
The crowd was split into three - those sandwiched into the seated area, the devoted pit of hardcore dancers (more mush pit than mosh pit) and some who were happily frolicking on the grass at the back beside picnic baskets.
Ninety per cent of the crowd were women, the rest were uneasy, although I did see Jason Gunn singing along with Keating with gusto and there were couples slow-dancing among the vines.
Some of Keating's song choices were odd. Covers of Cyndi Lauper's Time After Time and Simon and Garfunkel's Homeward Bound were tolerable, but his version of Midnight Oil's Beds Are Burning made me cringe.
He was at his best crooning his mainstream hits such as The Way You Make Me Feel, If Tomorrow Never Comes, a highlight being his duet with Jo Garland on We've Got Tonight, with Keating adding the line: "look at the stars, they're not even out now".
Between songs, banter included shouts to Hayley Westenra in the crowd, Callum's mum, thanks to fans for support offered over the death of fellow Boyzone singer Stephen Gately, remembrances of his mother, and more name dropping than you'd find on television channel E. It was Elton John this, Bryan Adams that.
Mate, you say it best when you say nothing at all.
After declaring the crowd to be the best audience on his tour, Keating commented that Boyzone would likely tour New Zealand at the end of the year with their new album, Brother, dedicated to Gately.
Then a costume change to a white jacket and Keating was back for an encore.
The show ended aptly with The Long Goodbye.
REVIEW: A Day on the Green, featuring Ronan Keating, Mud House Winery and Restaurant, Waipara, Friday, February 5. Reviewed by Vicki Anderson.
From: The Press
8 february 2010
From the official Ronan twitter site:
http://twitter.com/ronanofficial
Last show tonight In Auckland. R
Feb 7th
Auckland at Last long Day. R
Feb 7th
Ronan Keating concert on Easter Saturday
NnG Promotions are bringing to Malta Ronan Keating, the front liner of Irish boy band Boyzone that gained worldwide popularity throughout the 1990s. The concert is being held at MFCC in Ta' Qali on 3 April.
He is expected to sing a variety of his earlier tracks as well as cover versions and songs from his modern repertoire.
The singer, who apart from a string of enduring hits, is also famous for poster-boy good looks, is set to thrill thousands of Maltese fans.
The singer and songwriter will be making the brief stop in Malta as part of his Songs For My Mother Tour, which kicked off on 5 November in New Zealand. Keating will also be performing in Scotland, Ireland, England and Germany.
April's concert follows the tradition of mega concerts that NnG Promotions have become renowned for. Three live concerts by four international singers Joseph Calleja, Michael Bolton, Laura Pausini and Welshman Tom Jones were held last year.
Keating, who earlier this week was awarded a gold disc to celebrate Australian sales of his single 'Stay', originally burst onto the international music scene with the pop group Boyzone but soon left off to pursue a highly successful international solo career. Since his first and most popular single, When You Say Nothing At All, which was used as the theme song for the award-winning movie Notting Hill, not only did it top all charts but it also exploded a solo career that keeps going from strength to strength.
"Keating's music provides an irresistible mix of pop and rock and all his singles enjoy enduring popularity, making him one of the most followed artistes of our time. His songwriting has earned him a number of Smash Hit and MTV Awards and since he embarked on a solo career he has gone from strength to strength," NnG director Nigel Camilleri said.
Ever since selling in excess of half a million copies with his first single, Keating has gone on to record a number of ballads and love anthems including Life Is A Rollercoaster, When You Say Nothing At All, Once Upon A Lifetime, If Tomorrow Never Comes and others. Keating's latest album, Songs For My Mother, is already a massive hit with fans and was recorded together with a band and a live orchestra in memory of the singer's late mother.
To date Keating has released five solo albums, three of which went straight to number one. He is also listed in the Guinness Book Of Records for being the only artist ever to have 30 consecutive top 10 singles in the UK chart, having beaten the likes of Elvis. He has sold over 22 million albums across the world.
The concert is being sponsored by HSBC, Vodafone, Excelsior, Coca Cola and The Plaza Shopping Complex.
"Vodafone Malta is well-established as a sponsor of the major music events in Malta's cultural calendar," said Maria Calleja, Brand Manager at Vodafone Malta Ltd. "Once again we are supporting a local event featuring an artiste who is very big on the international music scene and we are also offering our valued customers the opportunity to purchase general standing tickets at €25 instead of €35."
Tickets, starting from €35, are available from all Vodafone, Agenda and Exotique outlets and from www.nngpromotions.com.
Over the recent years, NnG Promotions have established themselves as the leading promoters of large scale concerts involving top international artists including Joseph Calleja, Roger Waters, Brian Adams, Sting, Elton John, Eros Ramazzotti, Duran Duran, Michael Bolton, Tom Jones, Abba - The Show and Laura Pausini.
For more information, log on www.nngpromotions.com or join the NnG Promotions group on Facebook.
Meanwhile, NnG are already planning another three to four concerts this year but these are still subject to confirmation, said Mr Camilleri.
From: the Malta Independent
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=101258
06 February 2010
Ronan Keating for April 3 concert
Pop sensation Ronan Keating will be giving a live concert on April 3 at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre in Ta' Qali as part of his world arena tour.
The Boyzone frontman, famous for hit singles Life Is A Rollercoaster, When You Say Nothing At All and If Tomorrow Never Comes, will be in Malta as part of the tour to promote his latest album, Songs For My Mother, which kicked off yesterday in New Zealand.
Before he reaches Malta, the Irish heart-throb will have performed in Ireland, Scotland, Germany and England. So far, Malta is slated at the last leg of the tour, although this is subject to change. Ronan Keating is mostly famous for his ballads and love anthems - his first single, When You Say Nothing At All, sold more than half a million copies when it was released in 1999 as part of the soundtrack to Notting Hill.
His latest album, Songs For My Mother, is already a massive hit with fans and was recorded together with a band and a live orchestra in memory of the singer's late mother, who succumbed to breast cancer in 1998.
The event is being organised by NnG promotions, also responsible for organising concerts by Elton John, Bryan Adams, Eros Ramazzotti, Sting, Roger Waters, Laura Pausini, Joseph Calleja and Michael Bolton, among others.
From: Times of Malta
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100206/local/ronan-keating-for-april-3-concert
06 February 2010
Big names rumoured for Eurosong 2010
The deadline for submitting entries to RTÉ for Eurosong 2010, the Irish selection procedure, closed on February 1. The five-man jury, led by Linda Martin, are believed to have selected the lucky six finalists for the show on March 5.
RTÉ received approximately 300 songs for Eurosong 2010. Many well-known names are rumoured to be among the entrants. Niamh Kavanagh, who won the contest in 1993, Ronan Keating (songwriter), Mikey Graham (singer/songwriter), Brendan Graham (wrote the Irish entries in 1976, 1985, 1994 & 1996) (songwriter), Ralph Siegel (songwriter), John Waters (songwriter) and Karl Broderick (songwriter).
While Mikey Graham will sing his own song if selected another Boyzone member, Ronan Keating will not be singing his. Ronan's composition, if selected, will be sung by Justin Lee Collins, a well-known British comedian. Collins is recording a documentary-style programme for British television about his quest to get to the Eurovision Song Contest. He has already made several appearances on national radio and television here and it seems sure that his song, All I ever want is you, will be selected
From: Eurovisionary
http://www.eurovisionary.com/eurovision-news/big-names-rumoured-eurosong-2010
Click on the link to read the whole article.
06 February 2010
From the official Ronan twitter site:
http://twitter.com/ronanofficial
Flying to Napier, Show tonight. R
1:59 AM Feb 6th
Ronan Keating live in Malta on April 3
Ronan Keating is performing in Malta on April 3.
One of the biggest music phenomena to hit the music scene this past decade, Keating is being brought to Malta by NnG Promotions for a concert at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali that is set to thrill thousands of Maltese fans.
The singer is best known for a string of enduring hits and for his poster-boy good looks.
The concert will kick off the year’s musical calendar with an evening featuring his most loved successes. His Malta stop will be part of his Songs For My Mother Tour, which kicked off on November 5 with a performance to a packed hall in New Zealand. He will also be performing in Scotland, Ireland, England and Germany.
Keating, who earlier this week was awarded a gold disc to celebrate the Australian sales of his single 'Stay', originally burst onto the international music scene with the pop group Boyzone but soon left off to pursue a highly successful international career.
Since his first single, When You Say Nothing At All, was used as the theme song for the award-winning movie Notting Hill, not only did it top all charts but it also exploded a solo career that keeps going from strength to strength.
“Keating’s music provides an irresistible mix of pop and rock and all his singles enjoy enduring popularity, making him one of the most followed artistes of our time. His songwriting has earnt him a number of Smash Hit and MTV Awards and since he embarked on a solo career he has gone from strength to strength,” NnG director Nigel Camilleri said.
Ever since selling in excess of half a million copies with his first single, Keating has gone on to record a number of ballads and love anthems including Life Is A Rollercoaster, When You Say Nothing At All, Once Upon A Lifetime, If Tomorrow Never Comes and others.
His latest album, Songs For My Mother, is already a massive hit with fans and was recorded together with a band and a live orchestra in memory of the singer’s late mother.
To date Keating has released five solo albums, three of which went straight to number one. He is also listed in the Guinness Book Of Records for being the only artist ever to have 30 consecutive top 10 singles in the UK chart, having beat the likes of Elvis. He sold in excess of 22 million albums across the world.
The concert is being sponsored by HSBC, Vodafone, Excelsior, Coca Cola and The Plaza Shopping Complex.
Vodafone is also offering customers the opportunity to purchase general standing tickets at €25 instead of €35.
Tickets, starting from €35, are available from all Vodafone, Agenda and Exotique outlets and www.nngpromotions.com .
April’s concert follows NnG’s tradition of mega concerts with three live concerts by four international singers - Joseph Calleja, Michael Bolton, Laura Pausini and Welshman Tom Jones, given last year.
Over the years, they also brought over Roger Waters, Brian Adams, Sting, Elton John, Eros Ramazzotti, Duran Duran and Abba - The Show.
From: Times of Malta
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100205/local/keating
05 February 2010
Duffy: 'Keating doesn't need my advice'
Keith Duffy has revealed that he does not plan to give any advice to Boyzone bandmate Ronan Keating as the star pursues his Hollywood ambitions.
Last month, it was confirmed that Keating had auditioned for a role in Lord Of The Rings prequel The Hobbit and is planning to move to Los Angeles in order to concentrate on movies.
Duffy branched out into acting in 2002 by securing the part of Ciaran McCarthy in Coronation Street. He has also appeared in Irish soap Fair City.
However, asked whether he will give Keating any tips, Duffy told Metro: "All of us boys have turned our hands to a lot of different things in the industry over the last 15 to 20 years, so he doesn't need my advice, he's a clever enough bloke himself."
Duffy recently returned to his role as Weatherfield's Ciaran following a four-year break from the part.
From: Digital Spy
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/news/a201565/duffy-keating-doesnt-need-my-advice.html
05 February 2010
Keating star power in non-stop fun weekend
One would be hard pressed to find an excuse to stay home this weekend with events to interest the whole family happening throughout Hawke's Bay.
Waitangi Day festivities will start first thing tomorrow morning with waka rides, stalls, a touch tournament and plenty of music set up at Farndon Park near the bridge in Clive.
Thousands of people are expected to turn out to the event or an outdoor screening of Mamma Mia at the park tonight from 7pm.
Ronan Keating will be the biggest star in town this weekend, here to perform in Taradale to a potential crowd of 9000.
Organisers of tomorrow night's Church Rd Winery concert, where the Irish star is headlining, said there were still about 2000 tickets available. Keating, who touches down in Napier tomorrow morning after a show in Christchurch tonight, will be supported by Matt Joe Gow and his band from Australia.
Central Hawke's Bay will be busy too with the annual WETA Festival, a celebration of local wine, food and artistic culture.
The 19th annual festival will also feature a healthy helping of jazz and the opportunity to see chef demonstrations.
Close to $100,000 worth of prizes will be up for grabs throughout the weekend for the top catches in the Coruba Mega Game Fishing Competition in Napier.
It will be the third and last day of competition tomorrow with prizegiving at the Hawke's Bay Sports Fishing Club on Nelson Quay, Napier.
Hastings resident won't miss out on any action with music at Cornwall Park scheduled for Sunday.
The jazz and blues concerts are part of the annual free Summer in the Parks series.
Even if you live in Te Awanga, there will be music to see this weekend. Chill Pill, a DJ set featuring Floyd and Lil B, postponed due to wet weather last weekend, will take place this Sunday from 1pm to 6pm.
Tomorrow's weather for the Bay cities is expected to be warm with morning cloud clearing.
From: Hawke's Bay Today
http://www.hawkesbaytoday.co.nz/local/news/keating-star-power-in-non-stop-fun-weekend/3909567/
05 February 2010
From the official site:
http://www.ronankeating.com/news.php?item=115
Pre-order 'Gave It All Away' now!
Boyzone are pleased to unveil the artwork for their new single 'Gave It All Away' which is out on 1st March. You can pre-order your copy of the single om HMV.
05 February 2010
From the official Ronan twitter site:
http://twitter.com/ronanofficial
Great show Mud house Vineyard outside christchurch NZ brilliant crowd. R
8:57 AM Feb 5th
Mudhouse Vineyard tonight. Lovely day in Christchurch played Clearwater golf Club Nice. R
3:09 AM Feb 5th
Duffy 'won't give tips to Keating'
Keith Duffy won't be handing out any acting tips ahead of his Boyzone buddy Ronan Keating's Hollywood bid.
The singer, who has returned to his role in Coronation Street, said he didn't think Ronan needed any advice for the move to LA.
He said: "All of us boys have turned our hands to a lot of different things in the industry over the last 15-20 years, so he doesn't need my advice, he's a clever enough bloke himself."
Ronan announced last month that he was headed for the Hollywood hills, and that he had already screen-tested for several parts.
From: Metro
http://www.metro.co.uk/showbiz/811751-duffy-wont-give-tips-to-keating
04 February 2010
From the official Ronan twitter site:
http://twitter.com/ronanofficial
ot To Christchurch NZ great weather. Day off today. R
2:15 AM Feb 4th
Former Boyzone Stars Set to Go Head to Head For Eurovision
Ronan Keating and Mikey Graham both bidding to represent Ireland
Two former members of Boyzone, Ronan Keating and Mikey Graham will go head-t-head in the battle to be this year’s Eurovision Song Contest representative for Ireland.
The pair have each penned a song, which they hope will be chosen by the public on 5th March through The Late Late Show, although Irish bookies PaddyPower believe that they may both be disappointed, making former Eurovision songstress Niamh Kavanagh their favourite to represent the country, at 5/2.
Keating’s entry, which will be performed by Justin Lee Collins is next at 4/1, whilst Graham’s song, which is yet to be announced is available at 6/1.
Sharon McHugh, spokesperson for PaddyPower told bettingpro:
"It’s great to see the likes of Ronan and Mikey throwing their hat in the ring but the choice will come down to the public and with one win already under her belt we reckon Niamh Kavanagh will get the votes.”
Ireland have failed to qualify for the finals at the last two Eurovisions, and Paddy makes it 4/6 that the chosen song will make the final cut in May. Ireland, who hold the record for most Eurovision wins, are 33/1 to win this year’s contest.
Ireland for Eurovision
4/6 Ireland to qualify for Eurovision 2010
33/1 Ireland to win Eurovision 2010
Who will represent Ireland at Eurovision 2010?
Click on the link to see who are on the betting list
From: Bettingpro
(http://www.bettingpro.com/category/Entertainment/Former-Boyzone-Stars-Set-to-Go-Head-to-Head-For-Eurovision-2010020300108/)
03 February 2010
From the official Ronan twitter site:
http://twitter.com/ronanofficial
Bit of UGG shopping for the kids on Chapel St in Melbourne. R
3:15 AM Feb 3rd
Ronan Keating on a Rollercoaster ride with Tina Arena at new Melbourne venue The Plenary
MELBOURNE'S newest music venue was christened last night by one of Melbourne's finest musical exports.
Tina Arena returned home to open for Irish chart topper Ronan Keating in the first gig at the Plenary, located next to Jeff's Shed.
The 5500 seat venue is a great addition to our theatres - it's like Hamer Hall and Rod Laver Arena had a baby.
Arena served up a precise selection of hits of her own (Chains, Sorrento Moon, Burn) and others (Only Women Bleed, Every Breath You Take, To Sir With Love).
It was a great if brief reminder of someone we take for granted too often.
Ronan Keating has made a career out of ballads and covers, and it's those that made up his first Australian tour in six years.
While he belts out If Tomorrow Never Comes, When You Say Nothing at All, We've Got Tonight and other mum-pleasers, you wonder if Keating is frustrated being just a soft-rock star stuck in balladville.
It's only when he loosens up on the handful of upbeat numbers like Life is a Rollercoaster and Lovin' Each Day you're reminded Keating is still only 32.
Keating thanked Australia where he came last November after the sudden death of Boyzone bandmate Stephen Gately.
"How you lifted my spirits was unbelievable," Keating said. "You got me through that."
However his tribute local cover, Midnight Oil's politically-charged Beds are Burning, was short on both power and passion.
From: Herald Sun
(http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/music/ronan-keating-short-of-power-and-passion-in-performance-at-the-plenery/story-e6frf9hf-1225826155293)
(Click on the link to see the photo)
02 February 2010
From the official site:
http://www.ronankeating.com/news.php?item=114
Ronan on Aussie Radio
As Ronan Keating continues his tour down under, he recently dropped by for a chat with famed Aussie radio duo Hamish and Andy.
You can check out some shots of Ronan on the show over on SAFM.com.au.
02 February 2010
From the official Ronan twitter site:
http://twitter.com/ronanofficial
Great show in Melbourne great venue. Brilliant crowd. On Too NZ
12:53 PM Feb 2nd
Show tonight in Melbourne and on Too New Zealand. How Brill was Mikey on Dancing on Ice. R
7:53 AM Feb 2nd
Ronan Keating’s beautiful day
A BEAUTIFUL day, wine and Irish crooner Ronan Keating - it’s a pretty nice picture.
It’s hard not to wear your heart on your sleeve when listening to the heartfelt performer, who found fame as one of the members of pop group Boyzone.
His back catalogue contains a kaleidescope of beautiful ballads including both his own songs and covers.
The sophisticated artist looked Bond-like in a crisp white shirt, black vest and pants and commando boots, while his 10-piece band kept up the strict black and white theme.
The crowd thrilled to lush numbers including If Tomorrow Never Comes, Stay and When You Say Nothing At All from the movie Notting Hill which was the song that launched Keating’s solo career.
His upbeat hits Lovin’ Each Day, Life Is A Rollercoaster and I Love It When We Do had people on their feet and singing.
Covers of Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time and Simon and Garfunkle’s Homeward Bound were highlights.
Duets were also the order of the night with Keating teaming up with back-up singer Jo Garland for We’ve Got Tonight and our own Tina Arena for Last Thing On My Mind.
Arena had earlier wowed the crowd with her own hits and covers Now I Can Dance, Chains and Blondie’s Call Me.
It was a treat to see the two fine singers perform together.
With the death of Keating’s fellow Boyzone band member Stephen Gately last October the singer admitted he didn’t want to ``do anything’’ for a while.
``It was one of the hardest things in our lives ... but the first place I came to was Australia and you guys were so warm and carried me through it.’’
Surprising many Keating later performed an Aussie song for the crowd Midnight Oil’s Beds Are Burning.
It was a choice out of left field for many Ronanites, but Keating won listeners over with those behind us echoing the thoughts of many saying they couldn’t believe he ``pulled it off’’.
Under the handsome and sensitive Irish crooner there’s a rock god waiting to be unleashed! Bring it on.
From: Southern Times Messenger
(http://southern-times-messenger.whereilive.com.au/lifestyle/story/ronan-keatings-beautiful-day/)
(Click on the link to see the photo)
01 February 2010
From the official Ronan twitter site:
http://twitter.com/ronanofficial
Just did 7pm project in Melbourne Great show nice people. Last OZ show tomorrow night at Plenary theatre. R
8:40 AM Feb 1st