31/8/2002 - ronan hits the lights!

Heard or saw the Blackpool Illuminations yesterday (30th August)?  Ronan was there to switch the lights on and here's a report of what happened and what Ronan performed, so read on!

Friday night and what a line up in Blackpool?  Five artists singing to an audience of 100,000 people set in the BBC Radio 2 Arena - an outdoor event!  The five artists were a1 (pictured above left), Toploader, Sugababes (pictured above middle), Darius Danesh (pictured above right) and of course, Ronan Keating!!  The show was presented by Janice Long (pictured left) who introduced each artist and looked back on artists who previously switched the lights such as Steps and Westlife.

But what was the reaction when Ronan came on stage?  Here's the info... Ronan came on stage and shouted "Come on!" to the audience as he delved into his brand new forthcoming single (out 9th September 2002), 'I Love It When We Do'.  The audience were really cheering and was enjoying the song and performance!  In fact, there was constant screaming in the audience!!!  After, Ronan greeted the audience: "How's it going Blackpool?" with a real round of applause.  Then: "Well?  Having a good time?".  And then got the audience to help out: "Hands in the air, this is If Tomorrow Never Comes" and on with the show he went with more screaming from the audience!!!  About half way in the song, Ronan got the audience to sing the chorus of 'If Tomorrow Never Comes' and they sang it very, very well!!!

Ronan was glad to be back in Blackpool after a long while but he had to shoot off to Glasgow right after the event and as for a final song, he appropriately chose the best song on the set, 'Life Is A Rollercoaster' and the audience got jumping!  He finally thanked the audience.

The final part of the show was the actual switch on of the Blackpool Illuminations - Ronan who was joined with Kirsty Howard (Ronan's biggest fan!) who opened the Commonwealth Games with David Beckham earlier this year.  Then there was a countdown and then suddenly...the lights were on and they looked spectacular!  In fact, a fireworks display also started too!  What a show and what a night!

So, what is the Blackpool Illuminations?  Here's a brief history of the event.  The world famous Blackpool Illuminations started back in 1912 where the first light show was hosted in honour of Princess Louise.  It was such a success that the city council decided to host this special event every year (apart from the two world wars).

The lights shine on Blackpool's promenade which stretches in total seven miles!  This year's event is of a fire and water theme and includes two Roman gladiators holding flaming torches.  Three flowing fountains are seen at the entrance of a Greek temple.  The lights will continue until November.  So, if you have free time, why not visit Blackpool and see the Illuminations for yourself?

30/8/2002 - bid for the shade

In an earlier news story, we mentioned that Ronan is one of the stars to donate a pair of sunglasses as part of 'Shades For A Day' Campaign organised by The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in the UK.  Along with Atomic Kitten (pictured top left) and Blue (pictured top right), the sunglasses will be on an online auction to raise money for the charity.  The auction will go on until the 24th September.  So, why not be the one to get Ronan's sunglasses?  The illustration of this can be found on the left - looks cool right?

But to get it is to bid - so check the online auction by clicking here!  Please do, you'll be helping out for a very good cause.  Thank you!

30/8/2002 - making blackpool shine!

Any chance you'll be in Blackpool (UK) tonight?  Well if you happen to be there or live there, Ronan will be there between 8.30-9.30pm tonight!  He'll be performing songs plus will be the guest to switch on the world famous Blackpool illuminations!  Sounds great hey?  But if you don't happen to be there - don't worry!  BBC Radio 2 (UK) will be broadcasting the event live!  Simply tune in to 88-91FM BBC Radio 2 (UK) to listen to the event live!  Or, if you want to listen online, check out BBC Radio 2's website by clicking here!  So, don't miss it!!

Also, you can catch Ronan on TV!  Tune in to Channel 5 (UK) tomorrow to see him on 'Pop?' where he'll be interviewed about the new single plus see the video!  So again don't miss that!!

And finally!  Don't forget that Ronan's brand new single, 'I Love It When We Do' is out on 9th September 2002!  It has exciting goodies - to find out more, check out the updated Singles Discography now for all the info including proposed artwork and track listings!  We'll keep you informed about the forthcoming video and DVD soon too!!!  So come back soon!

28/8/2002 - going from the shade to charity

Ronan is one of the stars to donate a pair of sunglasses as part of 'Shades For A Day' Campaign organised by The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in the UK.  The sunglasses will be auctioned off at the association's website to raise money for the charity.  The online auction started on 27th August and will continue right through to 24th September.  Other stars involved in the project include Atomic Kitten (pictured left) and Blue (pictured right).

Fancy getting that pair of sunglasses from one of those stars?  Then check out the website by clicking here!  Please do, you'll be helping out for a very good cause.  Thank you!

26/8/2002 - listen up and watch it!

Missed any of Ronan's Destination '02 Tour shows?  Would you like to see Ronan performing live later this year?  Well, the Official Ronan Keating Website is giving fans a chance to win tickets to see Ronan perform live at one of his European Destination '02 Tour shows!  In addition, even if you don't get the chance to see Ronan, they are throwing in runner up prizes of Ronan's forthcoming video and DVD of one of his Destination '02 shows recorded live at Wembley Arena, London, UK.  So why not have a go and be in for a chance?  Click here now to check it out!

In addition!  Don't forget that Ronan's brand new single, 'I Love It When We Do' is out on 9th September 2002!  It has exciting goodies - to find out more, check out the updated Singles Discography now for all the info including proposed artwork and track listings!  We'll keep you informed about the forthcoming video and DVD soon too!!!  So come back soon!

25/8/2002 - ronan loves what he does!

We said we will have more information - and here's all the details!  Ronan's new single, 'I Love It When We Do' will be released on 9th September 2002 (yes - in about 2 weeks from now!).  It will come on 2 CDs and a cassette.  Here's what's available:

CD #1 contains a brand new track plus a Groove Collision remix of 'I Love It When We Do'.  In addition, the CD contains the promo video for the new single (so you can see exactly why Ronan dived!!!).

CD #2 contains exclusive live tracks from Ronan's Destination '02 gig in Wembley Arena, London, UK.  Also included is the video of one of his live tunes, 'Life Is A Rollercoaster' plus details of Ronan's forthcoming video and DVD of one of his Destination '02 shows.  We'll give you more details about the video and DVD soon.

So, there's a lot going on!  Here's some exciting resources to check out at the website:
- Check our updated Singles Discography for full track listing details for both CDs!
- Check out the lyrics to the tune, 'I Love It When We Do' right here at this website!
- Plus, as a celebration to this forthcoming release, try our all new 'I Love It When We Do' slidey puzzle in our updated Fun & Games section!

So, don't forget!  'I Love It When We Do' - out 9th September 2002 - get ready for yet another exciting release!!!

24/8/2002 - i love it when we do - more details

We have some more details about Ronan's exciting new single, 'I Love It When We Do' to be released on 9th September 2002!  As well as the artwork shown to the left, we have some provisional track listings to what the single may have.  In additional, we have catalogue numbers to both CDs.  Here's the details:

Catalogue numbers:
CD #1: 570 903-2
CD #2: 570 904-2

Provisional track listings:
1. I Love It When We Do
2. Solitary Song
3. I Love It When We Do (Groove Collision Remix)
4. I Love It When We Do (Video)

Remember that these track listings are provisional and we do not know at the moment what CD the above track listings are referring to.  But as soon as we have the final details, we'll tell you first!  So come back soon...and don't forget that the new single is out 9th September 2002 - so get ready!!!

23/8/2002 - here's the artwork...

We have now got the artwork of Ronan's new single for 'I Love It When We Do' - just look at it - it's pretty interesting isn't it?  The new single will be released on 9th September 2002!  We are still awaiting confirmation of track listings, but as soon as we have them, we'll tell you first!  So do come back soon!!!!

23/8/2002 - new single out this september

It's official!  Ronan's brand new single, 'I Love It When We Do' will be released on the 9th September 2002!  The single will be released on 2 CDs and a cassette.  The song, 'I Love It When We Do' was written by Gregg Alexander and Rick Nowels who have written the songs of two of Ronan's hits, 'Life Is A Rollercoaster' and 'Lovin' Each Day'.  This is a great upbeat and positive song and has a summery and rock pop feel to it!  Ronan performed this tune live in his Arena Tour last year and was well received.

Ronan recently talked about the song and decided to make this the opener to the album, 'Destination': "I wanted to open the album with it because when I played it live, lots of fans asked me when I'd be releasing it. making it the first track brings the album alive straight away with something familiar, so the rest won't be a total shock. It slowly introduces listeners to new stuff."

The video is currently available on The Box - vote for it number 702 and see at the action and fun in this exciting video!

You can check the lyrics of this brilliant tune by clicking here!  So remember, the single's out on 9th September 2002.  As soon as we get the artwork and track listings, we'll tell you first - so do come back real soon!

22/8/2002 - pop goes the audience!

Would you like to give your support to Ronan?  How about seeing him?  Well, here's your chance to be part of an audience!  Ronan will appear on the Channel 5 (UK) music show, 'Pop?' on 27th August.  Channel 5 are giving away 50 free tickets and you could be one of the lucky people to be there!  To be there, check out the Official Ronan Keating Website for full details and maybe you'll be there!!

19/8/2002 - ronan gets more pub-lic

According to statistics, Ronan's tunes are among the most covered by live acts in the UK.  These songs are being performed in pubs and clubs and the UK number 1 song 'Life Is A Rollercoaster' being the most popular.  The list compiled by the Performing Rights Society have listed three top Ronan tunes.

Amongst the top 20 covered songs, three Ronan tunes are featured.  These include 'Life Is A Rollercoaster' in 4th place, 'When You Say Nothing At All' in 10th and 'When The Going Gets Tough' (which Ronan performed with Boyzone) in 11th.  Others that are included are The Mavericks 'Dance The Night Away' in the top spot, Robbie Williams' 'Angels' in 2nd place and Wilson Pickett's 'Mustang Sally' in 3rd.  These three tunes remain unchanged from last year.

The full top 20 listings is shown below:

18/8/2002 - going for a dive!

Have you seen Ronan's new video for 'I Love It When We Do' on The Box yet?  The video is fantastic and you can vote for it number 702!  But there's a scene in which Ronan is tripped up in the streets of Dublin!  The scene was set in Dublin's Irish Film Centre Café and when shooting, Ronan was told to dive 20 times!  He done it so many times that he sprained his wrist!

Speaking to Smash Hits magazine, Ronan described the scene, "Yeah, we needed to do repeated takes of that scene [the dive].  On the last video I was falling around as well so I'm not surprised I damaged my hand!".

For those who haven't had a chance to see the scene in the new video, here's your chance to check the action out - see our 'guide' to how Ronan dived below!
 

"HOW RONAN DIVED" GUIDE (comprehensive and essential reference!) Forward approach with undue lack of caution, Ro's striding through the café ...and then it's the trip!  Ro's about to go into a dive! Surprisingly the woman at the centre of this scene is doing nothing while poor Ro goes over horizontal with the ground ...and it's onto the floor as Ro sustains the dive...and everyone's looking ...but hang on there!  Is that someone coming over to help?  Ro, you could be in luck! Ro starts to recover finding his feet and getting off the ground...and that woman's still seated!!! The good Samaritan has arrived to help the poor Ro who now recovers to his full form...come on Ro!!! While the kind-hearted passer-by comforts Ro he's now gathering the strength to get back... ...and yes, yes, Ro, yes Ro has , yes, he's done it!!!  It's three cheers to Ro and three cheers to the helpful passer-by!!! And so why did Ro go into Dive Mode?  The culprit has been marked for your information.

Don't forget to vote 702 for Ronan's video on The Box!  The provisional date for the single at the moment is 9th September 2002.  We'll provide more details about the new single as soon as we receive it!

17/8/2002 - ronan at O2

Ronan will be appearing this weekend in Dublin.  He'll be performing at the O2 Concert during the weekend of 17-18 August 2002.  Also performing will be Lulu (pictured left), Samantha Mumba (pictured middle), 5th Avenue and Pop Idol star, Darius Danesh (pictured right).

Check out the Tour & Appearances for where Ronan will be plus the remaining Destination '02 Tour dates for Europe.

14/8/2002 - i love it when we do - some details

According to a fairly reliable resource, Ronan's new single 'I Love It When We Do' may be released on 9th September 2002.  This is a provisional date and may change.  But we'll give you further details when we have it.

The song, 'I Love It When We Do' was written by Gregg Alexander and Rick Nowels who have written the songs of two of Ronan's hits, 'Life Is A Rollercoaster' and 'Lovin' Each Day'.  This is a great upbeat and positive song and has a summery and rock pop feel to it!

The video is absolutely fantastic and sees Ronan meeting people in the busy streets plus watch out for Ronan being tripped up in one scene!  When filming, Ronan had to actually dive!  In rehearsals, he had to dive at least 20 times and as a result, bruised his ankle!  Check it out!  It's on The Box - number 702!  We also have the lyrics to the song, check them out by clicking here!

We'll provide more details when we have it but get ready for another exciting release!

11/8/2002 - a new video from ronan

Fans who have been waiting for something new from Ronan will be happy to hear that a new video from Ronan is available to watch on The Box!  The video for 'I Love It When We Do' can be voted on number 702!  This video is very dynamic and exciting and you'll sure enjoy it too - just look at the screenshots!  This is possibly and likely to be Ronan's next single.  We don't have further details as yet, but we'll keep you informed as soon as we get the news.  But for now, vote 702 on The Box!

2/8/2002 - a spot of golf

Ronan took time off earlier this week from his Destination '02 Tour to play some celebrity golf for his own charity, the Marie Keating Foundation.  The event took place at the world famous K Club Golf Course in County Kildare, Ireland.  He play with sporting greats, former formula 1 champion Nigel Mansell, famous football star, Gary Lineker and snooker players Dennis Taylor and Ken Doherty (pictured from left to right).

On the day, the event raised €90,000.  Ronan's sister Linda spoke to Showbiz Ireland about the event: "Ronan is a very keen golfer himself. He doesn't get much time when he's on tour but he likes to get out when he can."

Ronan will be now moving on to South Africa for the rest of the tour starting tomorrow in Sun City, South Africa.  For those fans going to the shows, enjoy!

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