Well anyone who asks if Danny O’Donoghue means what he says, then I can confirm the man is true to his word as he arrived in our office a few days after Childline. The Dublin Weekender office has gone from its usual noisy hive of activity to almost deathly silent.
DW: Hi Danny, thanks for the visit you have made a lot of ladies very happy. Is this a reaction you get a lot now since you shot to fame on The Voice?
Danny: They don’t always go silent some scream and then run away! I wouldn't say I shot to fame; I've been round the block a few times and then on The Voice I was just the face of the band. I can remember walking in the street and hearing one of our songs in a car. So I looked around and saw four blokes in a car. They didn't look like the sort to be messed with and they just glared at me. I was standing there thinking ‘that’s me on there, you are listening to me’. Women never used to look at me twice I was just this tall skinny bloke, if I did get a look it was more of a look at that lanky bastard.
DW: You do a lot of work, Children in Need recently and now Childline, why is it so important for you and the other guys to be involved in children’s charities?
Danny: Well we are ambassadors for Childline and it’s our futures, our future generation and we feel we want to lend a hand to something that is important and this is. Like Christmas Day, It's never been the same for me since I lost my father and we all wanted to change how it felt for us. We like to visit hospitals because it gives people a lift. Especially over Christmas, this year I am going to visit a hospital. Not all of the kids understand. Some are just too young to have any idea who I am but they like the fact someone different has come to visit them.
DW: I bet the nurses know who you are.
Danny: Well yeah, but it gives them a lift. Knowing someone cares, they work so hard and to just give that little bit back that says, ‘Hey, I know what you all do,well done, you are appreciated, Merry Christmas.’ It shows them people do care and for me personally to give a couple of hours back to people.
DW: Was ‘Hall Of Fame’ written with that sort of thing in mind?
Danny: Kind of yeah, there isn’t a Hall Of Fame for nurses, care workers and volunteers but there should be. It’s testament to that song that it went to No1. Thank God a song with a real meaning goes to No1. It’s people who fight against adversity and still have so much positivity they live in the true Hall Of Fame, it’s not famous people, actors, or musician or other stars, it’s the people who make it through life and people who help others get through it.
DW: You sound so passionate about it, does it ever upset you.
Danny: Well of course, it can be very upsetting, you see a kid who is very sick and they are smiling it makes you feel bad with what you moan about. I know it’s an old cliché but there is always someone worse off than you. I’m an emotional guy; anyone who knows me knows that. You learn what is important; family, friends and your health. If you have those you are the richest person in the world.
DW: Let’s move away from your charitable causes and let’s find out more about The real Danny O’Donoghue, the 6ft 4 Irishman with hair another 3 inches on top.
Danny: Dan Tha Man!
DW: You obviously have the showmanship in you.
Danny: It’s the Irish in me I like talking, Mark and Glen will tell you I’m a one man talking machine.
DW: What is your most treasured possession?
Danny: Has to be my white CP70 piano, I love it and I’m very proud I have it.
DW: One for the ladies now, what was your best kiss ever?
Danny: Probably the first one, even though I had no idea what I was doing. I've improved since! Any ladies want to judge that for me?
DW: Thank you Danny we will never get any work out of the ladies now. If you could choose a secret power what would it be?
Danny: Hmm, I think invisibility.
DW: I think considering your last comment I understand where you are going with this. What would you consider your biggest regret?
Danny: I never learnt to read music, I play everything by ear.
DW: But that is a great talent in itself.
Danny: I do wish I could read music though, it is so helpful in this industry, but we make our music our way.
DW: If you could have a voice like any other singer living or dead who would it be.
Danny: Sting, he’s amazing
DW: So Danny, Do you have a flashy bachelor pad or flash car?
Danny: I still have the same bedsit I've been renting for about 4 years now since I first moved to London.
Whats’ the point of earning s*** loads of money and go and blow it all on a Ferrari? I’m not gonna drive down to Sainsbury’s or go to the beach with my mates in that am I? But then I don’t even have a driver’s license so I guess that isn't going to happen is it? The bedsit is just a place to crash more than anything. I occasionally look at apartments on my laptop but then I get distracted by something else. I’m not tight just cautious and realistic. I know how it feels to be riding on the crest of a music industry wave one minute only to be drowning in an ocean of rejection next.
DW: Are your family happy for you, The Script are bigger than ever and obviously The Voice got you more well known.
Danny: “I was always being told to get a proper job by numerous girlfriends, mates, family, everyone. They all thought I was mad. But you keep it in your head that this is a dream and hopefully some day it’ll work out. Even though we’ve achieved all that with The Script, my mum’s only pleased now that I’m working for the BBC on The Voice because it’s a job with some security.”
DW: Well you certainly have a lot of security now and once again a very big thank you for talking us, looking at everyone outside my office I can see you are still the Dublin Weekender heartthrob you always were.
Source Dublin Weekender
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