How's touring, then?
I am so excited about it! I played the Albert Hall last night, which
was incredible. It's such an amazing venue, I loved every minute of it.
I'm always very nervous before I go out on stage, but as soon as it starts,
I relax. Having said that, on my first night, I totally bottled it. I was
really shaking. But after about six or seven songs I stared to chill out
and enjoy myself. Since then it's been fine, and I'm having a lot of fun.
Isn't it weird being on your own?
Yeah. I definitely miss the guys when I'm out there on stage alone.
I miss their support when we're performing, and I miss the craic we
have when we're on the road together. But I'm enjoying the freedom and
the control I get from being on my own. I can do what I want to do on stage,
no more dance routines or any of the bussiness!
Are you more worried about proving yourself musically now?
I'm not worried about proving myself as such, but I do definitely feel
like all the eyes are on me, which can be scary. There's no escape if I
make a mistake, so that's quite nerve-wracking. But it is quite cool, because
I get to make decisions on my own now. So, there are good bits and not
so good bits.
Do you get lonely?
Not at all!I've got my band and chew with me, and - most inportantly
- I've got my family with me. My wife and Jack travel with petty much everywhere
I go, which is so cool. Jack hasn't seen the show, 'cos it's too loud for
him, and too late at night, but he's been to rehearsals which he seems
to enjoy. It's great having them both with me. We all have a laugh, and
we're together, which is the most important thing.
What do you think about artists who mime on tour?
Ah well, what's the point? You might as well put on a CD in your living
room and listen to that. I think it's terrible. Never, ever, ever have
I ever mimed on tour. Ever. And I never will. It's one thing that I believe
set Boyzone apart from everyone else - that we never mimed. I think it's
the reason we've lasted as long as we have as well, why we're been given
the opportunity to become solo artists. So, no, I've never done it. Singing
live is a very important part of what I do.
How's it all going Stateside?
It's fantastic! I was out there last weekend, performing with Elton
John in Madison Square Gardens, which was incredible. The album's going
to be launched out there in january now, so fingers crossed!
Is it important to you that you make it big there?
It's important to me that I make it big everywhere, y'know what I mean?
It's not the end of the world if i don't break America, it's not all eyes
on the US, but it would be nice. As I say, I just want to be as successful
as I can everywhere that plays music!
I'm not going to turn around and say that America's the be all and
end all, 'cos it's not. But I will work hard to make it big there
Is there anywhere that you're not doing well?
No, it's great, thank God! it's really kicking off well!
You've conquered the pop market, you've done incredibly well as a
solo singer, you've written a bestseller - what's next for Ronan?
To be honest, to become a successful solo artist long-term, that's
my true long-term goal. That's what I want to do, that's what I'm going
to stick at. I don't really want to try anything else right now.
We thought you'd be taking to the big screen next......
Oh no, not right now. Definitely not. Maybe in a few years. I really
haven't spent much time thinking about it, to be honest. I've been offered
a lot of scripts, but I've never even thought about taking anyone up on
their offers. I've got a big movie agency working with me, called William
Morris, and they've sent me stuff in the past, with I took a look at. But
unless I got a script through for a massive blockbuster, something like
Mission:Impossible, I wouldn't be interested to be honest.
So you're interested in big action movies?
Yes, I'd love to do something like that, further down the road. It's
the kind of movie I watch in my spare time, and it would be great to star
in one. Other than that, I don't reckon you'll see me on screen any time
soon!
We would've expected you to go for the more romantic roles...
I wouldn't be into that at all, I'm afraid. Taht's not my cup of tea.
Would Yvonne not like you having a smooch on screen?
I don't know... But I wouldn't do it, I wouldn't put her in that position.
Any possibility of seeing you in politics?
No way! I don't know where those rumours came from! I'm sticking to
the music. That's my true goal, my passion, and I'm not going anywhere
else!
Shane and Mikey both seemed to enjoy the buzz of Wembly Arena at
the TV HITS Awards. Do you reckon there might be a BZ reunion sooner than
expected?
I have to say, I'm really, really enjoying doing the solo stuff at
the moment. I do miss the guys, and I am very much looking forward to working
with them again soon, but right now this is taking up 120% of my time!
Most people are lucky if they become successful in one area of their
life - why do you reckon you are able to dominate so many different fields?
I haven't dominated! I've only touched on them. Boyzone was definitely
successful, and the solo career's kicking off... And the book's doing quite
well! But other than that, I haven't dominated any fields! I've done a
bit of presenting here and there, which I've enjoyed, a few bits and bobs,
but I certainly haven't mastered the art of doing any of those things.
I haven't even mastered the art of music. I'm just doing it, and enjoying
myself!