Ronan Keating: From Dublin to down under

Thirty years in the music industry is an incredible achievement. How do you stay motivated and passionate after all this time?
Simply put, I love what I do. To be able to release and perform my music for the past 30 years is not something I take for granted. I realise what a privilege that is, so the motivation and passion is still as strong as the first day I started.

You’ve balanced a successful music career with roles as a broadcaster, TV presenter, actor, and charity campaigner. How do you juggle these?
It’s sometimes tricky. I did seven years of breakfast radio in the UK and that definitely took its toll a little with all the early mornings. That’s finished now and I’m enjoying spending many more mornings with the family.

You’ve had numerous chart-topping hits, both with Boyzone and as a solo artist. Can you name a couple of songs that hold the most personal significance for you and why?
In terms of Boyzone, I always love to perform You Needed Me live. I’m happy to fly the flag for Boyzone when I do my solo shows, and that song is such a great, classy song. Then I guess you just can’t ignore how special When You Say Nothing At All is. It’s the song that kickstarted my solo career and I can’t imagine ever doing a live show without it.

Your wife, Storm, is Australian and you have many Australian fans. Has your connection to Australia influenced your music and career?
We’re actually moving down to Australia later this year for a few months, so I’m definitely going to look to do some writing and recording with folks I’ve met there over the years.

You have visited the Melbourne Cup Carnival before. Do you have any standout memories of those visits?
I grew up in Ireland where horse racing is part of our culture, so we have a lot in common in that sense. That being said, the sheer scale of the Melbourne Cup is something that’s hard to understand until you’ve experienced it. I’d heard them say it’s ‘the race that stops a nation®’and it truly is. I can’t wait to experience it all again, especially with the chance to perform at Flemington.

No doubt you’ll be cheering home any Irish horses that may run in the Melbourne Cup. Do you have any personal connections to horse racing?
I used to have a part ownership in a few horses, but now I’m just happy to watch and have the odd flutter. I will definitely be looking for a couple of bets on the Irish runners.

Your music has a way of connecting with people across generations. What kind of atmosphere and emotions do you hope to create for the crowd at Flemington on Crown Oaks Day?
I’m sure it’s going to be a great day. The racing crowd is great as everyone is there to have a good time. I’m sure they’ll have had a few drinks and will be singing and dancing along to all the hits.