Published: 29 June 2013
Popstar Brian McFadden:
‘My whole life has been one giant Chinese whisper of untrue stories. But the only lie that really hurts is that I’m a bad father’
We ask a celebrity a set of devilishly probing questions – and only accept THE definitive answer. This week: former Westlife star Brian McFadden…
The prized possession you value above all others... A ticket to see Nirvana at The Point Depot in Dublin in 1994. Two weeks before the gig Kurt Cobain shot himself. Most people returned their tickets and got their money back but I kept mine and framed it.
The unqualified regret you wish you could amend...Wasting so much of the money I earned from Westlife. I went through millions of pounds on cars, private jets and lots of rubbish. I have a lot less money now, but I’m far happier.
The way you would spend your fantasy 24 hours, with no travel restrictions...I’d start with a full Irish fry-up at my parents’ home in Ireland. I’d play the front nine holes at Valderrama golf course in Spain with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, then we’d fly to The Belfry near Birmingham to play the back nine. I’d have lunch at a pub with mates to watch Manchester United beat Man City 5-1, then fly to Star City casino in Sydney with my wife Vogue [Irish club DJ and model Vogue Williams] to play roulette. My daughters Molly, 11, and Lilly-Sue, ten [with ex-wife Kerry Katona], would join us in Singapore for the night Grand Prix. For dinner, I’d go to a Benihana Japanese restaurant and then I’d hit Las Vegas with Vogue and friends and we’d party the night away.
The temptation you wish you could resist...Smoking. I’m 33 now and I’ve been smoking since I was 16.
The book that holds an everlasting resonance...Roy Keane’s autobiography. He wasn’t the most naturally talented footballer, but he proved that through sheer hard work he could be the best.
The priority activity if you were the Invisible Man for a day...I’d sneak into the changing rooms at a top fashion show in Hollywood, where you’re likely to find the hottest women.
The pet hate that makes your hackles rise...Having to carry Vogue’s hand luggage when we’re travelling. I hate hand luggage but Vogue has so many bags I end up having to carry hers!
The film you can watch time and time again...Home Alone. It always brings back happy childhood memories.
The person who has influenced you most...Bryan Adams – a great songwriter, a great singer and a great bloke.
The figure from history for whom you’d most like to buy a pie and a pint...Kurt Cobain. I’d love to understand what made him tick.
The piece of wisdom you would pass on to a child...Enjoy life and don’t waste your time stressing.
The unlikely interest that engages your curiosity...I’m a movie buff and a master of Oscar winners trivia.
The treasured item you lost and wish you could have again...A rubbish old Nokia mobile I had with me for my seven years in Westlife. I left it on a plane to Sydney a few years back. It had the most unbelievable list of contacts.
The unending quest that drives you on...To have a consistently successful music career.
The poem that touches your soul...I’m not one for poetry but I love song lyrics, especially those from Unanswered Prayers by Garth Brooks. Like all country songs, it has a great story, with a powerful message. It’s about how people pray for things in life, but sometimes God does the right thing by not answering their prayers.
The misapprehension about yourself you wish you could erase...My whole life has been one giant Chinese whisper of untrue stories. But the only lie that really hurts is that I’m a bad father.
The event that altered the course of your life and character...Quitting my job as a security guard at McDonald’s in Dublin in 1998 after a drunk threw a bottle at me. I went to a friend’s party straight after and stayed the night. The next day he was going to audition for a new boy band and I decided to tag along. I met Louis Walsh and ended up getting into Westlife.
The crime you would commit knowing you could get away with it...I’d steal Fernando Alonso’s Formula 1 Ferrari and drive it like crazy around London.
The song that means most to you...Sorry, Love Daddy. I wrote it for my girls after I broke up with Kerry in 2004. I realised they wouldn’t have the stable life I’d hoped for, and it broke my heart.
The happiest moment you will cherish forever...The day I met Vogue at a charity function in Dublin in 2011. We clicked instantly and chatted for six hours. She’s been amazing for me.
The saddest time that shook your world...Whenever I’ve been away from my girls.
The unfulfilled ambition that continues to haunt you...To have a golf handicap in single figures. I can’t improve on 18.
The philosophy that underpins your life...Live life for today because you don’t know if tomorrow will come.
The order of service at your funeral...I’m an atheist, so I don’t want anything religious. I’d prefer people to dress for a party. I want the Belgian choir Scala & Kolacny Brothers’ version of Radiohead’s Creep played as I get cremated, and my ashes split into capsules and given to the people who loved me.
The way you want to be remembered...As a fighter who kept bouncing back, no matter what was thrown at him.
The Plug...For information about Brian’s tour dates and new song releases visit www.brianmcfadden.com.
Copyright: Rob McGibbon/Accessinterviews.com 2011 (2014). All rights reserved