Interview: Keith Duffy
Formerly of Boyzone, previously of Coronation Street – and currently on tour with ex Westlife member Brian McFadden as Boyzlife, Keith Duffy talks to Victoria Nangle about being an overnight success, fanatical fans, and career tips.
Hello Keith, how are you today?
I’m absolutely fine, great form and delighted to be alive.
What attracted you to working with Brian for this tour?
His sheer talent and humour and his ability to give great voice coaching.
Brighton is a city with a deeply musical heart and aspirations. What advice would you give to those hoping to break into the business and forge a career as enduring as yours?
Follow your dreams, but always have a back-up plan because the business can be cruel and full of rejection.
It must’ve been pretty hectic at Boyzone’s height. Was there really competition between the band and Take That, or was it all for the newspapers?
Take That were out a couple of years before Boyzone so they reached their pinnacle before us. However when they decided to take a break Boyzone did benefit from their departure.
The fanaticism of Boyzone’s fans could be compared to One Direction’s. How did you cope with the pressure that they’ve spoken out about finding difficult to deal with?
I didn’t find it pressure, it happened overnight so you never really allow yourself to believe it. Nevertheless it felt good to be loved!
What has been the strangest fan behaviour you’ve ever encountered?
I receiving a card in the post for my birthday with the sender’s pubic hairs cellotaped to the inside of it!
Follow your dreams, but always have a back-up plan because the business can be cruel and full of rejection
Which musicians do you admire?
Brian McFadden, Larry Mullen, Slash, Brian May, The Edge.
If Ciaran could return to Corrie, what would you have liked him to have been up to in the interim years?
Bank robbing!
Would you combine your acting and music and take any role in an existing musical, what would it be and why would you choose that particular role?
No. I’d probably consider Danny in Grease but that’s about it.
What do you think you will miss the most when this tour comes to an end?
My tour manager Johnny.
You don’t seem to have aged a day in 20 years. What’s your tip to such youthful skin?
Genetically gifted by my mother. Mum’s 68 and doesn’t have a wrinkle on her face.
Boyzlife, The Old Market, Friday
8 December 2017, 8pm, £28.50, theoldmarket.com
boyzlife.seetickets.com
