I'm just one of the Boyz ...

MY mates Boyzone stormed into Belfast on Friday...and serenaded me with a special version of Perfect Day.

They joked: "This one's dedicated to you Paul," as they treated me to a laugh-a-minute version of the hit BBC promo song.

Steven camped it up for me by pretending to be M People's lead singer Heather Small.

And Keith had me in stitches as he did an impression of how Shane McGowan would sound if he sang while drunk.

Steven then showed his solo talents by performing his Disney hit, Shooting Star, for me - but revealed he had no plans of going it alone.

"I'm not ready for a solo career yet, Paul," he admitted. "We just take one day at a time - that's always worked for us."

I then joined the boys for a slap-up meal at the exclusive Europa Hotel, where Keith jokingly lobbed some of his vegetables at Ronan saying: "That's what the fans will be doing next time you sing!"

The boys told me how much they are looking forward to spending Christmas at home in Dublin for the first time in four years.

"Ronan confided: "It's hard work being on the road the whole time - but the thought of being back for Christmas has helped keep us going."

Fans will be disappointed by my revelation that Boyzone won't be playing in Belfast for at least another eight months.

But Steven told me:""Of course, we would like to get back here more - but it's difficult for us because we are playing in so many other places. But Belfast will always have a special place in our hearts."

And Ronan guaranteed that Rock On would be the first to know of any future concert plans.

He said: "We can't announce anything at the minute - but we'll let you know the moment we have something definite."

GIG GUIDE

THE CORRS: Whitla Hall, December 6 and 7. Both sold out.

THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY: Ulster Hall, December 13.

HOTHOUSE FLOWERS: Ulster Hall, December 21.

OCEAN COLOUR SCENE, Ulster Hall, January 21.

GARY SHOWS HE CAN SELL THAT

THE magic of Take That may have died but former lead singer, Gary Barlow is as popular as ever...he sold out his Waterfront Hall gig in just an hour!

Many fans have complained that the gig should have been held in a larger arena. But I understand that Gary requested to play smaller venues until he establishes himself as a major force in the solo world.

He will be playing Belfast on March 30. And while many of the other members of Take That have tried to reach the same lofty heights as solo artistes, so far Gary has proven to be the only real success.

All his solo singles have gone straight to No.1 and a sell-out UK tour next year has underlined his appeal.

HUNDREDS of Ulster fans were at Dublin's Point Theatre on Friday to see Blur's return to Ireland.

Singer Damon Albarn, back with Elastica girlfriend Justine Freshman, blasted out a number of hits including Beetlebum and Song 2.

Belfast to host Hot Awards

THE Heineken Hot Press Rock Awards are coming to Ulster again, I can reveal.

A Press conference will be held in Dublin on Tuesday to officially reveal the venue, but I can tell you that the prestigious awards will be held in mid-March at the BBC studios in Belfast.

My spies tell me that a mass of big names are already being lined up to attend the awards which will be fronted by Mike Edgar and probably Ulrika Jonsson.

Acts such as Radiohead, David Bowie, Oasis, Sinead O'Connor and Van Morrison are in the running for awards, and many of them are believed to be already booked in to appear at the ceremony.

Ulster last year hosted the ceremony for the first time and music bosses were so impressed with the staging of the BBC event that they insisted that it be held here again this year.

Awards host Mike Edgar said: "Last year's awards were totally amazing as the likes of Radiohead and Ash attended. If they are to be staged here again you can expect one hell of a night."

The BBC will again be producing and broadcasting the extravaganza and some superb battles for awards are already being lined up. The Corrs and Boyzone will go head to head for the best Irish pop act. David Bowie and Radiohead could be making appearances as they fight it out for the best overseas live performance award.

THE Spice Girls have told me to get lost...two weeks after I forwarded a huge request from their Ulster fans for the group to perform in Belfast.

I was due to fly out and party with the girls at the Smash Hits awards but a few days beforehand I was told: "Due to a request by The Spice Girls we can no longer let a Rock On representative in."

All I have to say is: "Get a grip, girls."

WIN TICKETS FOR SEAHORSES GIG

THE Seahorses bring their brilliant live set to Queen's Snack Bar next Sunday and Rock On has FIVE pairs of tickets to give away.

Thanks to my mates at Wonderland Promotions, all you have to do is answer the following question:

WHO is The Seahorses' lead singer?

Send your entry with your name and daytime phone number to: Paul Martin, Rock On Comp, 46-56 Boucher Crescent, Belfast BT12 6QY. Closing date is December 4. The tickets go to the first five correct entries drawn at random. Normal Mirror Group rules apply.

THEY'RE mean, they're green and they're coming to Belfast! The last great bastions of punk rock, Green Day, will perform at the Ulster Hall on January 20.

Famous for their chaotic stage shows, Green Day have recently released their now album, Nimrod, to wide acclaim.

Copyright 1997 MGN LTD
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