Barry Keoghan’s Surprising Musical Tastes: From The Beatles to Westlife and Beyond
While Barry Keoghan is set to embody the legendary Ringo Starr in an upcoming Beatles biopic, the Irish actor has confessed to a fondness for a different, yet equally beloved, musical act: Westlife. Far from being a fleeting phase, Keoghan revealed that he’s a genuine fan of the Irish pop group, even admitting to a go-to karaoke anthem, despite his admitted shyness about performing solo.
Keoghan’s musical revelations came to light during a recent interview where he discussed his personal song choices. He explained that while the stage generally makes him nervous, he has, on occasion, embraced the karaoke experience, often with the support of his brother, Eric.
The Peaky Blinders star reminisced about a particularly fond childhood memory, recalling a holiday in Cyprus where he and his brother belted out Westlife’s hit, “When You’re Looking Like That.” This early exposure to the band’s music has clearly left a lasting impression.
“I’m so shy when it comes to karaoke and getting up there on stage and that,” Keoghan shared with Elle UK as part of their “Songs of My Life” segment. “But I do love Westlife. I mean, I sang Westlife songs with my brother in Cyprus as a kid. ‘When You’re Looking Like That’,” he elaborated.
Beyond his pop music preferences, Keoghan also opened up about the songs that hold deep personal significance, particularly those that remind him of his young son, Brando. The actor, who shares Brando with his ex-girlfriend Alyson Kierans, spoke with palpable affection for his child.
When asked to name a song that evokes the feeling of home, Keoghan’s answer was beautifully simple: “Home for me is wherever my little boy is.” He then revealed that Oasis’s “Stop Crying Your Heart Out” is a track that immediately brings his son to mind.
The proud father couldn’t help but gush about Brando’s burgeoning musical talent. “He really goes for it. Gorgeous, great little voice,” Keoghan said, beaming. He described his son’s natural ability to connect with music, noting, “He’s great at latching onto songs, and it’s so cute and so beautiful when you see them go for it and look at you.”
Keoghan is clearly nurturing Brando’s musical inclinations, even attempting to teach him The Beatles’ “Octopus’s Garden.” He also mentioned his efforts to introduce his son to the piano, highlighting Brando’s apparent “ear for good music.”
This glimpse into Barry Keoghan’s personal life reveals a multifaceted individual, equally comfortable channelling iconic musicians on screen and enjoying heartfelt tunes off-screen. From his upcoming role as Ringo Starr to his childhood memories of Westlife and his deep paternal connection expressed through music, Keoghan’s musical journey is as diverse and engaging as his acting career.
