‘I’M WORN OUT’ Ronan Keating’s new show has taken a toll on his personal life
The father-of-four reveals how his new show has taken a toll on his personal life
He has a 1-year-old baby to look after, an upcoming tour to prepare for, a solo record to write, and a new television series to host – it’s safe to say Ronan Keating has his hands full at the moment. And while the 41-year-old – who rose to fame in 1993 when he joined Boyzone, whose iconic line-up consisted of Shane Lynch, Keith Duffy, Stephen Gately and Mikey Graham – says he wouldn’t have it any other way, his jam-packed schedule has left him feeling burnt out and in need of a break. “I am so busy. I’d like to find some balance and find my feet a bit,” he admits in an interview with WHO while in Sydney filming his latest show, All Together Now. “I am feeling a bit worn out right now, because of everything going on.”
In an ideal world, the Dublin-born singer would take some time off with his family, however Keating has big things to plan, including a 25-year reunion album with his boyband buddies [Duffy, Lynch and Graham]. “This will be our farewell album,” he says, smiling. “We are coming back and doing our thing. It’s a brand-new album, it doesn’t sound like anything we have ever done before. It’s a real mix of rock music and dance music.”
The father-of-four already has some strong opinions after spending time in the recording studio. “It’s the best album we have ever made, and it’s sad in a way because it’s time to hang up the dancing shoes and say ‘ That’s that,’ ” Keating says. “Twenty-five years is a long time and I can’t be dancing on stage now I’m nearing my mid-40s!”
He has high hopes for the album, with the likes of Ed Sheeran joining in on the creative process, but there isn’t a day that goes by where Keating doesn’t remember his friend and bandmate Stephen Gately, who tragically died from an undetected heart condition in 2009. In a tribute to the star, their new single features vocals from Gately, who had recorded a demo version of “I Can Dream” for his solo album in 2002.
Now, to remember their close friend, his bandmates have added their voices to the track. “The loss of Stephen left scars that we will carry as a band forever,” he says. “We were immensely touched by all the tributes and messages of support that helped us through the dark days. Stephen was our brother and will always be at the very heart of Boyzone.”
Though Keating has worked on some of the biggest Australian television series, he says his latest endeavour is his best thus far. “I’m lucky, I love what I do.”