Interviews - Manchester Online Interview

Ronan aims to be on song - Thursday, 16th December 2004

Riazat Butt - Manchester Online

OCCUPATIONAL hazards come in all shapes and sizes. Butchers are prone to chopping off their fingers, footballers run the risk of breaking a leg, and singers are similarly scuppered should they lose their voice.

Such a predicament was nearly heaped on Ronan Keating, who was having a few problems with his voice earlier this week.

But music fans waiting to see his show in Manchester on Sunday, needn't worry, for I'm told that the 27-year-old, from Dublin, is on his way to a full recovery.

Indeed, the singer is so determined to protect his voice for his fans that he rattles off answers at breakneck speed.

"I'm really sorry for speaking so quickly," he apologises. "I finished a concert the other night and I had nothing left. I haven't soundchecked for my next concert because I'm worried about straining my voice.

"I might go and sit in a steam room or something."

When the M.E.N. suggests that he should try eating Japanese pickled vegetables, a remedy favoured by pop princess Kylie, Ronan sounds horrified.

Stomach

"Oh, no," he cries. "It might sort out your voice, but can you imagine what it would do to your stomach?"

The M.E.N. has teamed up with the Co-operative Bank to offer two lucky readers the chance to see the show and meet Ronan backstage.

The Sunday concert will feature a special film about Trade Justice, highlighting Ronan's trip to Ghana with Christian Aid earlier this year, which was supported by the Co-operative Bank.

"I went there in March and it was horrendous," he says. "It was a real eye-opener. Sure, I stayed in a hotel, but it's not the kind of hotel we have here. It was in the wilderness and there was poverty everywhere!

"I read all this stuff in newspapers and magazines and it's lost on me. I didn't want to make an eejit of myself and I wanted to be educated about this issue before I did anything about it.

"All the money from my new single, Father And Son, is going to Band Aid. I'm not miffed I wasn't involved with that. I'm happy to do things my own way."

For a chance to win, tell us, which bank is supporting the Trade Justice Campaign in 2005. E-mail your answer to cwc@co-operativebank.co.uk with your name, address and telephone number.