Ronan Keating news - February 2005

The Capital Awards 2005 - Help a London Child. - Please nominate Ronan in the following categories:

Favourite UK single (Last thing on my mind)
Capital album award (10 years of hits)
Favourite international solo male
London's favourite concert (Wembley Arena)

Please fill in all the required fields on the form - Click on the awards logo to vote

Another photo of Ronan and Yvonne at the Meteor Ireland Music Awards added - Click here

Ronan will be live in the GMTV studio to perform two chart topping tracks from his Greatest Hits album. on Wednesday March 2nd 2005

Ronan will be performing at Harewood House in Leeds on Saturday July 2nd 2005, tickets go on sale on Friday 4th March, click here for more details

Why I Live Where I Live

The Sunday Mail - 27th February 2005 - Thanks to Jill!

I was born and bred in Dublin. Growing up in the Dayside suburbs was fantastic as the area was full of kids. We would ride our bikes, climb trees and play football. It was a very normal childhood and upbringing.

Now I live in Malahide about 20 minutes from Dublin Airport. I love the magical spirit of the Irish people, their mentality, humour and the way they live their lives. It's just home and that's what Dublin feels like to me.

We moved to our house three years ago and totally fell in love with it. At the time it was new, the location was perfect, there were other houses around, our children were getting bigger and starting to need the company of other kids. It really worked for us and there was enough space to build a studio.

The decor is beautiful - I like clean lines and white walls with brash colours in paintings. We did a bit of work ourselves; there are chrome plugs and downlighters so it is modern but at the same time cosy.

When I'm not working, I'm with my wife and kids and I'm happy with that. We go for a walk with the dogs and we're just two minutes from the beach. Or we catch a movie or lunch and there are some great little cafes in Malahide.

We also own a small boat, so if I have a few hours to kill being out on the water is a great way of clearing my head and is where I get inspiration for writing songs.

The biggest buzz of my career was when my first solo album went to No 1. Initially, I did miss the Boyzone boys but now that I've got my eight-piece band we're a family on the road and I'm very happy.

I'm not a typical Irishman because I got out of Dublin and travelled - I think it's most important to open your eyes. I lived in my own back garden before I joined Boyzone at 16 - so I was naive.

I used to enjoy the glitzy side of the business when I was in a boy band - it's hard not to be consumed by it. But the older I get, the less I care about those things. I want to make records and I want the music to be the most important part of what I do.

Dublin is fantastic and I'll never leave. In ten years' time I'll still be living here and hopefully still doing the same thing. I've never thought of doing anything else. I really am wrapped up in music. I was in a shop yesterday buying all the new albums. I just love listening to music - it revolves around me and I revolve around it.

Yvonne awaits happy event

Sunday Independent - February 27th 2005

WILL there be a little boyzone in Ronan Keating's Malahide home soon? Or will it be more girls aloud? (I knew I was going to be a comedian when, at my birth, my father said to my mother, "Is this a joke?")

Joking aside, model Yvonne, nee Connolly, is expecting to deliver another heir to her pop star husband Ronan in September. I never really get the word 'delivery' in relation to the childbearing process. Surely delivery is more: "Here's your pizza, madam. It took 20 minutes . . ." Ronan and Yvonne already have two kids, Jack and Marie aka Missy. "We're over the moon," Yvonne tells me. "It is absolutely great news. I've never been happier in my life. I can't wait for September."

Ronan, who is taking time off to write an album at his home studio, says that there is great excitement in the Keating household at the moment. Jack has decided to call the baby after his favourite Power Ranger, he maintains, and Missy insists the baby is to be called Angelina Ballerina. "I can't wait to be a dad again," he gushed. "Fatherhood is the most rewarding experience I have ever been through in my life."

Thanks to Mary for giving us permission to have the interview and photos on our site!

Ronan and Yvonne at the Meteor Ireland Music Awards on Thursday February 24th - Click here (more photos added on February 26th 2005)

Thanks to Mary!

Popstar Ronan Keating felt like the biggest winner at the Meteor Music Awards last night as he revealed he and his wife Yvonne are expecting their third child.

Keating couldnt keep the smile of his face despite losing out on a Best Pop Act award to music rivals, Westlife. "We are absolutely thrilled and Jack and Marie cant wait to have a new baby sister or brother," he said.

Radient Yvonne is three months pregnant and the couple are looking forward to the new addition to their home in Malahide, Co. Dublin in September.

Doting Daddy Keating insisted he could turn his back on fame because his favourite part of the day is getting home to his two young children, Jack (6) and Marie (4). "Its worth its weight in gold to come home from a hard day's work and their faces are squashed up against the windows watching you come in the drive. It's the most spectactular thing in the world."

However, he admits the kids seem to have no idea their dad is a pop star. "I don't know if they know what I do," he said. "I think they are a bit young. I hear them sometimes singing my songs but I just think they think every dad sings."

Ronan was nominated for the Best Irish Pop Act award, won by Westlife. Fellow nominees included Brian McFadden, The Corrs, Carol Anthony and D-Side.

OK magazine Romantic Escapes - Issue: 458 March 1st

RONAN KEATING is to become a dad for the third time.

The Sun

The former BOYZONE star told me he is “overjoyed” at the news and the family can’t wait for the arrival of the new addition.

Unison.ie - Thursday February 24th 2005

Ronan Keating is to become a dad again. The singer and wife Yvonne are expecting their third child in September. The couple are said to be thrilled.

Congratulations Ronan and Yvonne from Eternally Ronan!

Listen to Ronan on tour at Cardiff International Arena in December 2004, this weekend Saturday 26th February at 6.30pm - Click here

Thanks to Irishgirl from Ronan's official forum for the following...

Ronan was honoured with a place on the Olympic Walk of Stars in Munich, to mark his 10 years of success in the music industry. He placed his hands into the wet cement and signed underneath the hand prints.

Read about more the Olympic Walk of Stars and visit the photo gallery at ganz-muenchen.de

Read a German review of Ronan's concert in Munich - Click here to see the photos click here

Introducing the Metrosexuals

Daily Mail

Ex-boy band star Ronan Keating and wife Yvonne have two children - Marie and Jack. Marie is named after Ronan's mother who died of breast cancer in 1999.

Picture: Reuters

Ronan Keating's You Say It Best When You Say Nothing At All is surely wishful thinking.

Top Table. Miranda Sawyer -Dines with Ronan Keating at the Mandarin Oriental - Click here

Ronan signs up for pops

By Joe Riley, Liverpool Echo - February 19th 2005

BRIAN Wilson, legendary leader of the Beach Boys leader and former Boyzone frontman Ronan Keating have been signed for this year's Liverpool Summer Pops.

Both shows are expected to attract full houses at the big top arena, but tickets do not go on sale until Friday, February 25th, at 9am.

Ronan Keating on July 8.

Wilson and Keating join Meat Loaf and Andy Williams in the June and July line-up, with many more names to be announced.

Ronan Keating returns to the Pops four years after his triumphant debut there in 2001.

He is back to promote the release of his 10 years of Hits album, featuring massive favourites like Life is a Rollercoaster, Father and Son and the classic When You Say Nothing At All.

Pops organiser Chas Cole, who produces the festival in association with Liverpool City Council, said: "We have set an incredibly high standard over the past four years with the calibre of artists coming to Liverpool"

Photos of Ronan in Germany on February 17th 2005, plus a German review - Click here

Eternally Ronan would like to wish little Marie Keating (Missy) a very happy 4th birthday!

Those who can speak, understand and read German, can read a review from Mainpost - Click here

A star’s appeal

TAT Govenor - February 15, 2005

Irish pop star Ronan Keating joins other celebrities to promote Phuket and help the island recover from the devastation of the tsunami

Of all the superstars who descended on Phuket, Irish pop icon Ronan Keating was the only one who had no need for bodyguards. You never saw him turning away from reporters or having security push people out of
the way.

Instead, Keating was relaxed, sunny and carefree, even with the band of entertainment reporters on his trail.

He appeared at the Banyan Tree Phuket, looking cool in a black open-neck long-sleeve shirt, cream slacks and sandals, and spent 45 minutes talking to local and international press about his first visit to Phuket. He was in high spirits despite his tight schedule and the long flight from a freezing Dublin.

“I’m here because 250,000 people died in the tsunami,’’ Keating said.

At 27, free of his former boy band image, Keating brings a lot of maturity not only to his music but also to his public statements. Unlike other stars, who chose to boost their profiles through somewhat pretentious, forced antics with children, Keating was simply himself.

Keating’s visit was to show support for the tsunami victims of Phuket and for the island’s tourism industry. Specifically, the star was in Phuket for Thai Airways International’s “Loving Phuket” campaign, which brought international stars together to promote tourism. His second job was to shoot a music video for MTV’s Asia Aid programme, which other stars – Alicia Keys, Jay Chou, Tata Young, Thongchai McIntyre – joined to raise funds in aid of tsunami victims in Thailand and other affected countries.

As he said frankly, Keating welcomed the opportunity with alacrity. He even suggested that other stars follow in his footsteps as a gesture towards giving back to society.

“People in my position should stand up and make others listen so that the world can understand what’s really going on in this part of the world,” Keating said. “As far as I can see, Phuket is rebuilding and I want people to come back and revive tourism.”

Keating enjoyed his two days in Phuket to the hilt. On his first day, he sauntered along the main shopping street on badly hit Patong Beach to talk with tourists and shop owners. He said the scenes of devastation were heartbreaking.

“I met an owner of a jewellery shop that was completely wiped out by the tsunami. She told me she had only two minutes to save her property and locked the door of the store before the tsunami struck. She’s been left penniless since everything was washed away."

“That’s just one of the many stores badly hit. But she told me she is trying to rebuild her shop in whatever way she can. She showed an incredible sense of spirit, faith, hope and optimism. If it were me, I wouldn’t know how to deal with it,” said Keating, adding that he also spoke to a tourist from England, who has served for six weeks as a volunteer in a relief centre in Phuket.

“She’s planning to stay another six weeks. This shows a real spirit of humanity. People are trying to help kids with food and anything else.”

While strolling through Patong Beach, Keating met Thais who were eager to shake hands with him and thank him for being in Phuket.

“I know that life is rebuilding itself here,” he said. “My goal is to be part of what’s going here in the rebuilding process. But I told them not to thank me because I feel it’s my duty as an artist to do something to support people.’’

After his visit to Patong Beach, Keating spent Saturday afternoon taking lessons in Thai kickboxing on Bang Thao Beach at the Phuket Laguna Resort. In a sparring session, coach Wannachai “On” Somkid showed him various punches and high kicks.

Later than afternoon, Keating and his crew moved on to Kata Beach to stage a mini-concert before a gathering of Thai schoolchildren and tourists. As part of THAI’s “Loving Phuket” campaign, Keating was also a presenter for a 30-minute documentary on the island’s tourism industry.

While appearing in this feature, Keating was shown wearing black and yellow rubber bands on his left wrist. When asked what they were for, the singer smiled and explained that the rubber bands were part of a cancer awareness campaign initiated by cycling champion Lance Armstrong.

“Armstrong himself suffered from testicular cancer, but look at him, he’s so strong now and didn’t succumb to the disease,” Keating said. “This is inspiring. So through my own foundation called Marie Keating, which was set up in the memory of my mum Marie, I’m launching a similar campaign to raise public awareness of all types of cancer especially breast and testicular cancers.”

His mother died of breast cancer seven years ago.

Keating added that his foundation will be putting on a worldwide sale of black rubber bands for men and pink bands for women to raise funds for cancer research. So far he’s been able to raise ?1.5 million (Bt95 million) in Ireland.

He will also hold a charity golf tournament in Ireland in association with the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

“I want to send a message to the world that cancer awareness is necessary and we need to educate people about cancer without frightening them. Though it is statistically scary.”

Pop star Ronan to seek charity kicks on route 66

By Kim Kelly - February 15th 2005

Pop star Ronan Keating is today gearing up for a new charity challenge that will see him riding his Harley Davidson along Route 66.

The bike-mad star said that it is his dream to ride across America with a group of fundraising bikers called the Irish 66ers.

The 66ers are bikers from every county in Ireland, who yesterday handed over a cheque for almost a quarter of a million euro for a new kidney unit at a Dublin children's hospital.

The bikers raised the cash by riding from Chicago to Los Angeles and selling off a custom-made Harley Davidson.

Ronan roared through the streets of Dublin on his Harley Davidson with the motorbike fanatics to present the cheque to the Children's University Hospital, Temple Street.

"Next year I'm doing Route 66. With a bit of planning I'll take a couple of weeks off work and go with these guys," he said.

"We'll get on our Harleys, it'll be a blast, I'm really looking forward to it."

And the busy singer is also looking forward to returning to Northern Ireland.

He said yesterday he will be getting in shape to repeat his marathon charity walk from one end of Ireland to the other.

Ronan will set off from the Giant's Causeway in Co Antrim on May 15 and take ten days to walk to Kinsale in Co Cork.

In 2003 the singer raised over €100,000 for the Marie Keating Foundation.

"It should be good, I'll have to get fit for that one," Ronan said.

Eternally Ronan would like to wish Ronan and Yvonne a very happy Valentine's Day!

10 years of hits is back in the official top 40 album chart at no.39 - Click here Also, the album has also risen in the HMV album chart, click here

Don't forget to vote for Ronan in the 'Best Irish Pop category at the Meteor Ireland Music Awards, voting ends on February 20th 2005 - Click here

106 Century FM have a draw to win copies of 10 Years of Hits, you must be a VIP member to enter - Click here to find out more and enter.

WHY I'M PROUD TO BANG THE DRUM FOR KOFI

This is Leicestershire - February 10th 2005

Ronan Keating explains why his concerts now include footage from films made during his visit to Ghana

There are so many good causes worth supporting, my feeling is, once you've made the commitment, you should stay with it. Our family set up the Marie Keating Foundation, a cancer charity in memory of my mother, and that's definitely a lifetime commitment. I've just returned from South East Asia performing in a fund-raising concert for the MTV tsunami campaign and Comic Relief has been something I've been proud to support from the Boyzone days.

So when Christian Aid asked me to go and see how world trade rules affect Ghana, I knew I was ready to commit to it. It came at a time where I was reading a lot about globalisation, so I was really happy to take up their offer, but nothing prepared me for the poverty we saw. I'd seen poor places before on tour, but nothing like this. Eighty per cent of people in Ghana live on something like one euro a day, barely a pound. It's crazy.

We met with a lot of people on our visit. Kofi Eliasa had to survive on £1.50 a day by getting up at the crack of dawn to work 12 hours in a quarry, breaking stones for a living. Why? Because his tomato farm no longer provides a living.

The people of Ghana used to be able to sell their own tomatoes, their own chicken, their own onions, but in 1983, the International Monetary Fund and World Bank imposed conditions on international loans to countries like Ghana.

One was that governments wouldn't be allowed to subsidise their poor farmers. Another was to stop poor countries putting tariffs on cheaper, subsidised and imported products like chicken from Holland or rice from America.

The trip really affected me, but I also knew this was the start of the story. I know people in the public eye can draw attention to things and help make a difference. If I can influence anyone to take action, I'll have done my bit for people like Kofi. We must make trade fairer by allowing poor countries to support and protect their vulnerable farmers and traders.

That's why I'm supporting the Trade Justice campaign, one element of Make Poverty History, and am proud to wear my white band.

That's why I showed a film of my trip to Ghana on every date of my recent UK tour, why I am doing the same in Germany and why I hope that everyone who can will visit the website at www.christianaid.org.uk/campaign or text "change" to 84118 to vote for trade justice. We all have to make our voices heard.

When I left Ghana, a lovely woman called Victoria gave me a present of a drum. She told me: "In Africa, we beat a drum to carry a message. We want you to do that too, Ronan." Now I tell people what I saw and hope they get involved. Please do.

Plans for Walk Ireland 2005 will be underway soon. It's Ronan's second walk to raise cancer information and awareness. Please keep checking the official Marie Keating Foundation website, for more details

Kick like a pop star

The Nation (Thailand) February 6th 2005

By Manote Tripathi

Irish singer Ronan Keating works up a sweat in a kick-boxing session in Phuket to boost tourism

Its a balmy Saturday afternoon on Phukets Bang Thao Beach, a perfect day to catch some rays and sip a cool drink.

But for Ronan Keating, its time to get a few lessons in the art of Thai kick boxing.

This beach is where fun, sport and education blend into an afternoon of healthy bodywork.

For the body-conscious, Bang Thao is one of the best places to learn a few of the high kicks and tricks of sparring and punching from the Dusit Laguna Resorts sports organiser and coordinator, Wannachai On Somkid.

Hes drawn throngs of Europeans hoping to pick up new skills while on holiday. Undoubtedly, Wannachais sessions appeal to male tourists.

Keating was in Phuket last weekend to participate in Thai Airways Internationals Loving Phuket campaign, which brings international stars together to help rebuild Phukets tsunami-battered tourism industry.

At the Dusit Laguna, Keating was shooting some scenes highlighting Phukets largely intact areas, as well as doing music videos for Thursdays MTV Asia Aid broadcast.

Despite a long, tiring flight from Dublin, Keating managed to squeeze a 40-minute muay Thai session into his tight schedule.

And the star, a big fan of golf, clearly appeared to enjoy every minute of his workout with Wannachai.

At 27, Keating looks up to Wannachai, 29, as his master. And Wannachai is qualified for such recognition, given that hes been formally trained in Thai boxing and other martial arts since graduating with a BA in physical education from Ratchabhat University in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

He also used to be a professional muay Thai fighter before taking on his new job at the Dusit Laguna.

This was the first time Wannachai had the chance to train a celebrity like Keating, but it didnt appear to faze him.

Hold your fists together before your face to guard yourself and then punch, shouts the shirtless trainer, dressed in red boxers.

Hit me, just like that, yeah, yeah okay right! Wannachai yells.

Boxing on a beachfront lawn surrounded by sunbathers may seem a bit out of place, but the tranquillity turquoise waters, green palms and sea breeze and the dynamism of this training centre, combine to make a rewarding learning experience for budding boxers like Keating.

Perspiring heavily, Keating, in grey T-shirt and blue boxers, sets his guard and delivers a few powerful punches at the well-built Wannachai.

Keating already has good kicking basics especially with his high kicks, Wannachai notes.

He delivers a high kick with one leg firmly fixed on the ground.

Untrained people can easily fall down trying to execute such a high kick, but not Ronan.

The trainer explains that to succeed in his boxing programme, one needs to undergo at least five hours of training.

Most tourists like Thai boxing because it requires constant movement, which makes them fit and their muscles firm.

Fat people dont like it, says Wannachai with a chuckle.

If you want to make a success in training, I would say dont give up halfway through.

So if youre willing and able, Wannachai is ready to teach you. Get down there.

Eternally Ronan would like to wish Yvonne a very happy birthday! - February 8th 2005

“We’re here at Kata Beach, another one of Phuket’s beautiful destinations” Now I came here to sing but for now these guys are gonna do it.”

Ronan is serenaded by some local school children on the beach while he watches and claps along

“On behalf of MTV Asia Aid I’m on my way to Patong, which is one of the worst hit areas during the Tsunami disaster. You’ll remember images of cars and literally houses floating down the street, well that was Patong.”

“This was once a thriving jewelry store, glass cabinets just like you’d see at home. But when the Tsunami hit it ripped everything out.”

Ronan: “Rita are tourists coming back, do you feel there’s enough people here?”

Rita: “Yeah well we talk to the tourists and ask will you come back? And they say yes, yes we’ll come back but we don’t feel that”

Ronan: “I hope that you can get back on your feet soon, you and your family”

Ronan performs ‘I hope you dance’ sat on a log on the beach surrounded by the children and accompanied by Steve Jones on acoustic guitar and backing vocals.

Ronan: “We’re lucky enough to hook up with this young lady Natasha. Natasha, tell us how the Tsunami has affected tourism here”

Natasha: “Well this place was buzzing, I mean ya know music coming out of all the bars here all the time and tourists everywhere, there are tourists here now but not many.”

Natasha: “Yeah people are desperate to get people back into their shops. They just want life to get back to normal really.”

Ronan: “And I guess it’s really important that people do come back coz…yeah?”

Ronan meets Ning-Nong a female elephant who has a particular talent for playing the harmonica!

Ronan: “And with a few positive stories to come out of the Tsunami disaster are two young girls and this wee girl; Ning-Nong.”

“When the wave came in, Pi Yung; Ning-Nong’s owner managed to put two 8 year-old girls on her back and with her strength, she withstood the force of the wave and the 2 girls are still alive today.”

“The reason we sang ‘I hope you dance’ is because it’s a song about hope. A song about optimism about moving forward, about not taking things for granted ya know. “

“My music’s always been about positivity for me. That’s what I try to give people with my music, is hope.

“They turn on the news and they see what’s going on, everyone knows what’s going on and I try to take people away from it all.”

“Well I’ve had an amazing time going round the island of Phuket today. It’s a beautiful place with incredible beaches but most importantly incredible people.”

The spirit of the people I’ve met today has been fantastic. Their optimism is incredible.

Come and see for yourself. The hope these people have, you’ve already given so much, but they really need your help, they need your support. So from my heart to yours, thanks for giving for MTV Asia Aid

Global stars play Asia Aid show

BBC News - February 4th 2005

US soul star Alicia Keys hosted MTV Asia Aid Global pop stars teamed up with chart-topping singers from across Asia to raise money for the tsunami aid effort at an MTV concert on Thursday Ronan Keating filmed a segment on the Thai island of Phuket, which was badly hit by the tsunami on 26 December.

"The spirit in the people I've met today is fantastic," he told fans. "Their optimism is incredible. Come and see for yourselves."

RONAN KEATING had to stop a filming session when he was flashed by dozens of streakers in Phuket. His crew had accidentally set up near a NUDIST beach when naked German fans jumped on him.