Returning to York Racecourse on the 26th July, Ronan Keating is no stranger to the city or the stage. With decades of music, television and radio under his belt, Keating is reflecting more than ever on a life steeped in performance, reinvention, and hard work.
“York’s always been good to me,” he says. “I’ve played the Barbican plenty of times over the years, and of course, we were at the racecourse back in 2019 with Boyzone. It’s been six years, but I feel like I never left.” That connection to York runs deeper than just tour dates. “My manager actually lives just outside the city,” he adds. “So I’m up there quite a bit visiting him and I’ve had a few great nights out there too. There was this restaurant right on a bridge, we sat out the back in the sun. Beautiful place, I wish I could remember the name!”
He speaks with warmth about his connection to the city, and it’s clear he values more than just the venues: it’s the people, the crowds, the energy. “It’s a great town. There’s a vibe to York. Feels good.”
Outdoor shows like the racecourse come with their own rhythm and atmosphere, he admits. “They’ve had a great day out, they’re in the mood for a good time, there’s always a buzz. I love gigs like that. You’re stepping out in front of 30,000 people, the sun’s going down, and everyone’s in great spirits. What more can you ask for?”
Ronan admits he’s partial to a day at the races himself. “Oh yeah, I love a punt and a pint!” he laughs. “I’ve been to a few race meets over the years. I actually had a horse at one point but that didn’t end well, but it was fun while it lasted. These days I just go by the names when I bet.”
His philosophy for shows like York is simple: play the hits. “You’re not doing deep cuts or B-sides at a racecourse gig,” he says. “People want what they know, the songs they’ve grown up with. That’s what I love too, that shared nostalgia.”
This year, fans can also expect a generous nod to Boyzone in his setlist, something that’s felt especially timely following the enormous success of The Boyz Are Back in Town, the recent documentary exploring the band’s journey. “We didn’t expect the reaction,” Ronan admits. “In 40 years of Sky TV, it became their most successful documentary. That’s surreal. It was word of mouth that made it grow, people were shocked by how raw and honest it was.”
Each band member was interviewed separately with each spending 15 hours in front of the camera giving space for real candour. “It was emotional. Hearing what the others had to say, some of it for the first time… it hit hard. But I think that’s what people connected with. It wasn’t the polished, rehearsed version of events. It was real.”
That honesty led Ronan Keating to reflect deeply on his own career, particularly how he’s perceived. “The word ‘ambitious’ came up a few times,” he says. “I never really saw myself that way. My dad was a football coach and he always said: the lad who works hardest gets the game on Sunday. That mindset shaped me. I just grafted. Took every opportunity seriously. If that’s ambition, fine, but for me it was always about respect for the work.”
It’s a mindset that’s seen him through a multifaceted career. From global chart success with Boyzone to a thriving solo career kickstarted memorably by When You Say Nothing At All from the Notting Hill soundtrack. Ronan has also carved out a reputation as a gifted broadcaster.
“I was hosting the Eurovision back in 1997, then the MTV Awards. I kind of stumbled into it early, but I didn’t pursue it too heavily at first.” Later came breakfast radio, The One Show, and The Voice Australia, a role he’s especially proud of.
“I love being a coach. It’s fulfilling, and I feel like I’ve got something to offer. But I’m careful now about what I say yes to. I still love the music first and foremost.” And yes, there is new music on the horizon. “I’m working on something very exciting,” he teases. “A duet with a good friend in the industry. It’s different, it’s fresh and we’re looking at a late July or August release. We’re really proud of it.”
Looking back, Ronan Keating has done far more than survive the peaks and pitfalls of pop stardom, he’s thrived through reinvention, resilience, and an unwavering work ethic. “I don’t think of myself as someone who’s reinvented. I just kept saying yes when it felt right,” he says. “I’ve been lucky but I’ve also worked my arse off. That’s what’s kept me here.”
And with another summer show ahead, a global schedule to manage, and new music waiting in the wings, Ronan Keating isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Tickets available now at: www.yorkracecourse.co.uk
Comments are closed.