Questions for Keith Duffy
Keith started his career in multi-million-selling band Boyzone. They first disbanded in 2000, before reforming in 2007, but tragically lost founding member Stephen Gately in 2009. Keith’s acting, most notably in Coronation Street, has led to a parallel career alongside singing. With Brian McFadden of Westlife, he’s touring as Boyzlife. They play Glasgow’s O2 ABC on December 18.
HOW MANY HITS HAVE BOTH BANDS HAD?
Between Boyzone and Westlife, Brian and I have 21 No 1 hits to choose from, so we’re not short of material.
YOU BOTH RECENTLY SAID THAT YOU WERE “BROKE”. TRUE?
It was a joke. Boyzone earned lots of money and we all made some good investments, and some bad ones too. Depends on your lifestyle, but I’m comfortable enough, thanks.
WHY HAVE YOU NEVER RELEASED ANY SOLO MATERIAL?
My real passion is theatre. Reciting dialogue in front of 130 people in the round is terrifying, but singing in front of 150,000 in Hyde Park I can do in my sleep.
SO YOU PREFER ACTING TO SINGING?
No. Singing is what I do collaboratively, and I love that, but acting is me on my own. It’s more of a challenge, that’s all.
I’M TOLD BRIAN WAS DRUNK ON STAGE LAST YEAR. TRUE?
Brian and I started that story ourselves. In fact, we created social media sites to spread the rumour. Brian had sunstroke, that’s all. No such thing as bad press.
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH BOYZONE?
We’re like brothers, always will be. We’re recording a new album for a 25th anniversary tour next year. A couple of weeks ago it was the eighth anniversary of Stephen passing away, and we still feel him with us every time we sing.
HOW WILL YOU STOP LIFE GETTING CRAZY AGAIN?
We all have kids who are older now than we were when we started, so we have more experience and maturity this time round. We know the pitfalls and have learned to say no. We also play a lot of golf to unwind. I have a 10 handicap.
SPEAKING PERSONALLY, WHAT’S YOUR SUCCESS DOWN TO?
I’d thank Louis Walsh who put Boyzone together and saw my potential. After that, well I’m a grafter. I work hard and won’t let the grass grow under my feet.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL YOUNG AND OLD?
Singing with Boyzone makes me feel young. I’m 19 all over again. But I feel old when I go home and look up to a son who’s taller than I am. He’s 22. Where did that time go?
YOU HAVE 24 HOURS LEFT TO LIVE. HOW DO YOU SPEND IT?
In my dreams I’d get a call from Bono saying Larry Mullen was sick and couldn’t play that night. I’d fly out to California and play drums for U2 at the Rose Bowl.