January 2005 News

Pop star praises rebuilding effort after tsunami

DANIEL LOVERING, Phuket January 31st 2005

The Herald

Ronan Keating ended a two-day visit through tsunami-ravaged southern Thailand yesterday, expressing sorrow over the devastation but praising residents for their optimism and efforts to rebuild after the disaster.

Keating, formerly of the Irish pop group Boyzone, recorded a performance on the resort island of Phuket to be shown during an MTV-sponsored concert next month to support tsunami relief work, mainly for Unicef.

"I've seen what happened – it's devastating," he said, "[but] they're rebuilding very quickly. The optimism and the positivity of the people here in Phuket is just amazing." His visit was also intended to promote tourism.

A wedding reception was held yesterday in Banda Aceh, capital of the Indonesian province of Aceh, finally celebrating a marriage that was interrupted by the killer waves on Boxing Day.

Sukmadi, 35, and Lidya Nurhayati, 25, were due to exchange vows at the city's grand mosque when the quake and tsunami shattered the city and left nearly 300,000 dead or missing across the Indian Ocean region.

The couple, who were travelling separately to the mosque when the tsunami struck, took refuge with their families after the disaster and were reunited days later.  Their houses were spared but they lost dozens of relatives.

The reception attracted about 500 people, a sign that some normalcy was returning to the provincial capital, where hundreds of dead bodies are thought to lie under the debris.

Elsewhere in Aceh, fresh fighting and a premature end to ceasefire talks between the government and rebels dampened hopes of peace.

Aid workers, however, said they were not being targeted and were optimistic the massive relief effort would not be disrupted.

More bodies were still being discovered five weeks after the disaster and the government said it had buried nearly 5000 more victims in the past week.

On Saturday, soldiers shot dead a guerrilla commander and three of his fighters in a gun battle in the east of the province, but the United Nations said it did not expect the fighting to affect relief work.

"We don't expect to be a target," said Joel Boutroue, head of UN relief efforts. "I don't believe that this will hamper our access to populations made vulnerable by the tsunami."  Peace talks held in Finland on Friday and Saturday ended without a formal truce being reached. Martti Ahtisaari, the former Finnish president who convened the talks, said neither party had yet accepted an invitation to a second round.

Both the rebels, who have been fighting for an independent Aceh homeland since 1976, and government forces declared an informal ceasefire after the tsunami, but the promises appear to have been ignored. The military says it has killed more than 200 alleged rebels since the disaster. AP

Singer Ronan Keating speaks during an interview in the tsunami-hit Thailand's island of Phuket on January 30, 2005. Keating visited southern Thailand on Sunday for the recording of MTV Asia's Aid concert to be held in Bangkok on Thursday as part of the recovery effort for the Dec. 26, 2004 tsunami survivors. REUTERS/Bazuki Muhammad

Ronan in Phuket

STAR VISIT: Ronan runs an eye over

The Nation - January 30th 2005

Phuket woes Irish pop idol says celebs owe support to isle’s recovery drive

Phuket’s outlooks for recovery look bright as international stars come together to lend their celebrity to the island’s worthy charitable cause.

Irish pop star Ronan Keating joined the ranks of pop icons to have descended on this resort island for two days of shooting special music videos, which will be broadcast live worldwide in an MTV Asia Aid show to be staged in Bangkok next Thursday. Local and international stars like Alicia Keys, Thongchai “Bird” McEntyre, and Amita “Tata” Young will lend their support to the tsunami victims in Thursday’s show.

Keating’s appearance is part of Thai Airways International (THAI)’s “Loving Phuket” campaign that aims to bring international artists together to promote Phuket’s potential for fast recovery in the aftermath of the tsunami tragedy. With Keating intent on revealing the largely intact sections of Phuket, it is hoped that the pop star’s message will help the resort island win back confidence from foreign tourists.

Keating said he saw it as his duty as an artist to support THAI’s tourism campaign. “I feel the need to give back to society. I think those in my position should do the same by standing up and making people listen. I’m here because there were so many losses of lives. I want to be helpful in one way or another,’’ he said.

After a couple of days’ tour of the resort town, Keating said he was confident that life on Phuket would get back to normal soon. “Phuket is rebuilding itself with hope, faith and optimism. Today I saw an owner of a jewellery shop who has been left penniless after the tsunami crisis. But I could feel her incredible sense of spirit. She’s trying to rebuild her shop in whatever ways she can. That reflects the Thai fighting spirit,’’ he said.

Keating spent the best part of his day visiting the main shopping street in Patong Beach and hobnobbing with children on Kata Beach, where he staged a mini concert before a gathering of tourists and children. While visiting Phuket’s notable beaches, Keating said that scenes of devastation were heart-breaking but that he could see tourists were returning to Phuket and locals were busy rebuilding their businesses.

“I admire these people. If it were me, I wouldn’t have known how to deal with it. I’ve seen people on the ground trying to make a living for themselves. They have hope and faith back again.”

Keating has been to Thailand 10 times, but it was his first time in Phuket. He was particularly impressed with Phuket’s blue sea, green trees and beautiful temples, he said.

“It’s a magical place to be. People don’t need to be convinced about that. And I think people are coming together to make it a better place,’’ he added.

Ronan Keating visits to `give something back'

Bangkok post

Shoots music video to promote tourism

By Alongkorn Parivudhiphongs

Irish pop singer Ronan Keating flew to Phuket yesterday to shoot a special music video to boost tourism in Thailand and launch his humanitarian mission.

``Artists and people in the spotlight should give back to society. It's our duty to stand up and shout, and hope that people will listen,'' said the 27-year-old singer, a frequent visitor to Bangkok, Chiang Rai and Phuket.

He said the reports of the death toll and devastation were so heart-breaking that he had to join the Loving Phuket campaign which was initiated by Thai Airways and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

``We should get it out of our heads what happened here and come back, and make it the place it was before. It's a magical place,'' he said.

Phuket is a world-class destination that earns major income for Thailand, Mr Keating said, adding the tsunami took many lives and left millions living with adversity.

``I met a jewelry shop owner who was penniless. But she was incredibly optimistic and trying to rebuild her life,'' he said.

Criticism of government priorities, that it placed tourism ahead of local well-being, was not his concern, Mr Keating said.

``It's all in the balance. People here could not survive without tourism. And if the economy is working, they will have jobs. People need to live,'' he said.

Yesterday he met a Thai boxing teacher for a quick lesson and a two-year-old elephant named Ning Nong which saved two children from the tsunami.

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Radio Aid marathon raises £3m

BBC News

A host of stars including Ronan Keating, have helped raise more than £3m in an all-day radio fundraising marathon.  UK Radio Aid is raising money for survivors of the Asian Tsunami, with 268 commercial broadcasters coming together for the first time.  At the end of the 12-hour show, more than £3m had been raised.

Pop star Ronan Keating flew from Ireland for a special live performance on the show.  He said he was hoping to fly to Phuket in Thailand next week to perform a concert for support workers.

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OK magazine Issue: 452 January 18^th 2005

Life is a rollercoaster – even in France!

Looking cool in Courchevel, the sexy Irish singer holidays on the slopes with his young family

Ronan Keating is one of the many stars who has recently headed overseas for a festive break with his family, and the singer has clearly been making the most of his time away.  Following a busy run-up to Christmas with both a hit single and a top-selling album in the charts, 27-year-old Ronan put his workload behind him as he frolicked on the slopes of French ski resort of Courchevel with wife Yvonne and children Jack and Marie.  The picturesque, pine-fringed resort is a popular choice among celebs – David and Victoria Beckham visited last year, while Claudia Schiffer is a also a fan.

Doting dad Ronan was seen bundling up his young children against the cold as he laced up their boots and fastened their helmets.  He and five-year-old son Jack wore matching black ski-gear, while former model Yvonne and daughter Marie, three, sported girlie pink snow suits.  The Keating clan came well equipped with their own toboggans, although Ronan squeezed on with Jack.  Then, to the delight of his young son, he later challenged his wife of six years to a snowball fight before taking to his skis.

Hard-working Ronan was certainly in need of a break – he recently released his greatest hits album,10 years of hits which last year reached number one in the album charts, and he also recorded a duet of Father and Son alongside the song’s original singer Cat Stevens.  Their version reached number two over Christmas – only held off the top spot by Band Aid 20 and X factor winner Steve Brookstein – and illustrated how much Ronan has changed since he first recorded the track with his former bandmates.  When Boyzone first released the song in 1995, Ronan was a teenager whose relationship with his own father was to become so strained that they stopped speaking for some time.  However, fast forward nine years and not only is Ronan now a father himself, but he has also buried the hatchet with dad Gerry, adding further resonance to the new version.

Although his singing career is still going strong, like many of his celebrity peers, Ronan is also keen to branch out in other directions, and this year will see him tackle his first role on the big screen.  After an unsuccessful first attempt at a career in movies – he auditioned for Ewan McGregor’s role in Moulin Rouge – it has just been announced that Ronan will be making his acting debut in the crime caper Guns Money and Homecooking alongside Vinnie Jones, Queer as folk star Aiden Gillen and veteran character actress Geraldine McEwan.

It has also recently been reported that the singer will be lending his vocal skills to a charity song for the Asian tsunami relief fund, along with Sir Cliff Richard, Boy George and opera singer Russell Watson.

The track, entitled Grief Never Grows Old, has been penned by I’m a celebrity…..star Mike Read, and looks set to be Ronan’s most immediate project when he returns from the slopes.

Feature by Marcia Moody

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Meteor Music Awards nominations announced

RTE.ie Entertainment - January 11th 2005

The shortlist of nominees for the 2005 Meteor Ireland Music Awards has been announced, with the public eligible to vote in five of the categories.

In total 16 awards will be presented at the awards ceremony which will be hosted by comedian Ed Byrne at The Point Theatre on Thursday 24 February 2005.

In the Best Irish Pop Act category Westlife, The Corrs, Brian McFadden, Carol Anthony, Ronan Keating and D-Side are all nominated.

Ronan on Des & Mel

Hunks of the Emerald Isle

Daily Mail

Ronan Keating began breaking hearts all over the world when he debuted in Boyzone back in 1993 at the tender age of 16. Since then, he hasn't looked back. © P. A.

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Ronan on holiday in France with Yvonne, Jack and Marie - Thanks to Debbie!

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Star supports bank's campaign

Co-operative News - January 7th 2005

THE Co-operative Bank has become the first commercial organisation to join the Trade Justice campaign, which is being organised by Christian Aid and others.

As part of its Customers Who Care initiative, The Co-operative Bank and its customers will this year be campaigning for Trade Justice for the world’s poorest countries. The bank hands over 1.25p per £100 spent on its Visa credit and debit cards to the campaign.

2005 is set to be a crucial year in the fight against global poverty. The Government has made it clear that Africa and poverty will be top of its international agenda. It will also be 20 years since Live Aid, ten years of Comic Relief and five years since the United Nations committed to halve world poverty and hunger by 2015.

There is a growing consensus that developing countries will only reap the benefits of aid and debt relief if the rules of global trade are made to work in their favour.

The bank’s move was supported by singer and activist Ronan Keating (who is pictured with Kate Daley, Campaigns Manager, Co-operative Bank). Along with other high profile celebrities he is encouraging individuals to vote for Trade Justice. These votes will then be presented to the Government later next year to show how many people have joined the call for Trade Justice.

Ms Daley said: “We believe that trade can play an important role in reducing poverty. However, rich countries continue to force poor countries to adopt free trade policies. We believe that to end poverty and protect the environment poor countries need Trade Justice not enforced free trade.

Martin Drewry, Head of Campaigns at Christian Aid said: “We are delighted that The Co-operative Bank and their customers are joining the campaign. Inappropriate free trade policies forced on the developing world by rich countries have failed to reduce poverty significantly and have devastated poor countries. That is why a more pragmatic approach is urgently needed.”

The Co-operative Bank’s Customers Who Care initiative has donated £3million to more than 80 charities and organisations since it was first launched in 1994.

Gigs rollercoaster as Ronan signs up

January 6th 2005 - Cambridge News

IRISH heartthrob Ronan Keating has signed up for a Newmarket Nights concert later this year.

And the ex-Boyzone singer could be among the most illustrious line-up of stars the summer concert series has ever seen, organisers claim.

The popular shows, held at Newmarket Racecourse, proved a hit with the crowds in 2004, with gigs from Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues
Orchestra and boy-band Blue selling out, and appearances from Girls Aloud and The Sugababes.

This year, Jools Holland has been booked again, and rockers Status Quo have also signed up.

Alistair Haggis, racecourse spokesman, said the line-up promised to be one of the most high profile in the history of Newmarket Nights.

He said: "We're absolutely delighted, we're keen to have some very high profile names, a policy which has been a great success over the last few years, and Ronan would have to be one of the highest profile names we've ever had.

"Last year there were a number of sell-outs and we're anticipating a few more this year."

Ronan, former lead singer with Boyzone, has just released his solo greatest hits album. His UK hit singles include Life is a Rollercoaster and When You Say Nothing At All.

There will be seven concerts on Friday nights, June 17 and 24, July 15, 22 and 29, and August 5 and 12.

Once the other performers have been confirmed, details will be posted on www.newmarketrace courses.co.uk

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U.K. Tsunami Relief Concert Proposed

Billboard - January 4th 2005

In a little more than three weeks' time, officials at Wales' Millennium Stadium are attempting to organize a massive concert to benefit victims of the earthquake and tsunami that has left Southeastern Asia devastated. "Time is going to be very tight, but as the largest indoor arena in Europe we feel we have the best chance of pulling off something like this," says Paul Sergeant, general manager of the Cardiff venue.

In a statement on the venue's Web site, the proposed event is described as similar to Live Aid to take place Jan. 22-23. "It's too early to come up with any names," Sergeant says, "but we've been chasing a strong list of 'A' list acts to see if they would be willing to take part."

Sergeant estimates that the Millennium Stadium could accommodate more than 50,000 and "give everyone the chance to do their bit."

Newly formed organization Welsh organization Tsunami Relief Cymru says on its Web site that it will have a hand in putting on the provisionally named Wave Aid, as well as several smaller events in the coming weeks. Led by Gareth Strangemore-Jones, the group has issued a call for everything from performers and venues to accountants and lawyers to lend a hand in a Welsh-based fundraising effort.

In related news, veteran pop stars Cliff Richard and Boy George have confirmed that they will sing on a new charity single entitled "Grief Never Grows Old," a song written by British radio disc jockey Mike Read. According to the BBC, others approached for the song include Jamie Cullum, Barry and Robin Gibb, Ronan Keating and Chris Rea. The song will be recorded under the name One World Project with proceeds going to the relief effort.

Barry A. Jeckell, N.Y. & Jason MacNeil, Toronto

Ronan: Aisle get you to the church on time - Star drives sis to her wedding with garda

The Irish Mirror

Ronan Keating drove his sister to the church yesterday - and made sure it wasn't a rollercoaster ride. The star had a garda escort as he delivered beaming Linda to the altar to wed her traffic officer fiancee.

She tied the knot in front of 40 guests at the Church of Ireland Chapel in Straffan village, Co Kildare.

Michael Higgins, stationed with the Garda Traffic Division in Dublin Castle, was the lucky man marrying the 37-year-old charity worker.  Garda outriders ensured Ronan, 27, got Linda to the church on time before guests celebrated at the reception in the plush K Club.

Unfortunately, the happy occasion was tinged with sadness for Linda and the entire Keating family.

The bride admitted her special day wasn't as joyful as it should be after her mother Marie's death in 1997 from cancer. Linda said: "It wouldn't be right having a wedding without thinking of mum.

"She used to talk about my wedding before she died. Mum wanted it to be really perfect because I'm the only girl in the family.

"It would have been great if she was around but she was here in spirit."

The guests of honour at the ceremony were Linda's father Gerry and brothers Kieran, Gerard, Ronan and Gary.

Linda, who along with her family set up the Marie Keating Cancer Foundation, added: "When mum died we were all devastated.

"The family wanted to do something to prevent it happening to other Irish women.

"When she died it was like an open wound. I felt very vulnerable.  "I've learnt how to deal with the pain over time but it's not easy.  "Sometimes I ask why mum had to die and then I think about the Foundation we set up and I wonder whether I would trade it to have her back.

"I then think of the lives we have saved and the people we've helped."

Thanks to Regina!

Stars to Sing for Tsunami Relief Fund

By Rachel Williams, PA - The Scotsman

January 1st 2005

Some of the music world’s biggest stars are joining forces to release a charity single they hope will raise more than £2 million for the Asian tsunami relief fund, it was revealed today.

Sir Cliff Richard, Boy George and opera singer Russell Watson will all sing on the track, entitled Grief Never Grows Old.

Ronan Keating will also take part, providing a recording studio can be found near where he is skiing in Switzerland.

Other stars being approached include Jamie Cullum, Bee Gees Robin and Barry Gibb, Chris Rea and Olivia Newton John.

Broadcaster Mike Read, who is leading the ‘One World’ project, had written the song before the natural disaster struck on Boxing Day but until then had thought it was too melancholy to release.

“It’s a natural home for it because people kept saying to me, ‘it’s such a good song’, but it’s such a sad song,” Read said.

He said the track was not a “singalong” in the style of Band Aid 20 but a slow ballad which did not need more than 10 artists.

The backing track has already been laid down and it is hoped recording can be finished within a week to get the single on the shelves as soon as possible.

Sir Cliff will record his part in Barbados, while Boy George will sing from New York.

Read approached the Disasters Emergency Committee, which is co-ordinating the British relief effort, with the idea the day after Boxing Day.

“I was totally shocked at the enormity and suddenness of the disaster and in tears on seeing the orphaned children wandering aimlessly in search of their parents,” he said.

“Some of the newspaper photographs were just so harrowing.”

The artists he had spoken to had been “fantastic” in their enthusiasm.

Read said he was not concerned whether the track topped the charts, only that it made a lot of money.

“I’d only be pleased in terms of what it meant for sales if it got to number one,” he added.

All funds raised by the single, which is being produced by Steve Levine, will go to the DEC.

It welcomed the news of the single and said money raised would help its agencies working in the affected region to rebuild survivors’ lives and livelihoods.

“Millions of people are having to come to terms with terrible loss,” a spokeswoman said.

“The DEC agencies will be working tirelessly to restore shattered lives, but this will take time. This is a marathon, not a sprint.”

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