Mad week

I was lying in bed last night and was thinking to myself about all I had to do in the last week or so in New York. I head back to Ireland on the 5th of July to record the new album and touch base with a few business contacts back home. Mainly because of the fact I am hoping to get this new album released to a number of regions, including home! When in bed, I generally do all my thinking, hence why I have my ipad on my locker. Much to the annoyance of Dominique, when I wake in the middle of the night to write something down. 


One of the things I was thinking about was doing a blog for yourselves, and also to follow up on my tech guy to organize that video chat I was mentioning! The blog is easier, but the video could be a lot of fun so I have been on to that already today. Should know more this evening. 


It has been a very busy few days as there has been a lot going on here in the city, whilst also trying to tie things down for the Autumn release. It started all last Wednesday when I got word that a guy I went to school with was in town giving a talk to IN-NYC. Its an organization based in the city which helps Irish based companies network. In order to help this along they sometimes bring in some well known Irish faces to give a talk about their field of expertise. With Brian O'Driscoll, its rugby. He has played for our National side for nearly 12 years and has captained our side to the world cup. He is still playing and winning all around him. When it comes to rugby, Ireland are a serious force to be reckoned with. 
After the event, which was based in the beautiful NY Athletic Club, which overlooks Central Park, we headed to a bar in the meat packing district. It was great to spend some time with him and chat about the priests in school and all the banter that was had back then. He is a thorough gentleman, and completely unaffected by all the success he has had. My old school, Blackrock College, are extremely proud. As are we all. 
The following night, my close friend Isobel McMahon was named as one of the most influential Irish women in New York. As her boyfriend was out of town, she asked Dominique could she borrow hers!! 
It was a great opportunity for me to meet and mingle with some very influential people in the city. So off I went. The event was based in the Irish Consulate, which has the most amazing view of the city I have ever seen......for free!!  I was very proud of Isobel and delighted to see another school day friend get recognized for her work. 
Needless to say, I met a lot of people and a lot of contacts, of which are all willing to help when needed! Little do they realize, it will be sooner than they think!!! muuuuuuaaaaahhhhhaa hhaaa haaa!!!!(evil laugh)


All of a sudden I find the weekend upon me and decided I was going to take it easy and get back to the music work. Ive got to the stage now where I just want to get into studio and sing. There has been a lot of planning and organizing, and now I just want in! I was talking to my Musical Director and he was telling me he had the orchestra booked, and the choir too! Needless to say, we are pulling out all the stops for this album! He is up to his eyes with arrangements, but assures me, all is well on schedule. So much so that if a potential deal falls into place, you may have the album a tad earlier than I expected. 


Word on the tour is that we are pretty much complete, and are now working on announcing it all at the same time. This means making sure the ticket sellers are all ready to go. I feel that all should be named at once so that you all have options on which gig you would like to go to, as opposed to getting a ticket, then finding out later than I will be playing in a venue closer! Cant have any angry birds!!!! 
It also looks like I have the tour bus sorted and am finalizing my musicians as the days go by. 


All in all, things are good, and I am happy with how its all panning out. Had a little hic cup last week on the album title, but not to be deterred, its staying the same, and says all about what this album is! 


I will be on to you again before I go, and will have news for you on the Q,n,A asap! 
Off to Boston tomorrow to spend some QT with Dominique before I leave. Looking forward to seeing some old friends! 

The Count down is on!!!!




Keep well my loves 
                my doves 
               my eggs

Keeping In Touch

Where in the world is the year going? I cannot believe it is nearly July and I am getting ready to record my third album since 2005. After months of planning, negotiating, meetings and decisions, things are finally falling into place. I know an awful lot of you understand that it takes more than an idea and desire to put together an album. However it never seizes to amaze me how much time it takes to piece it all together.

Once in the studio, it all falls into place very easily, as thats when I am most comfortable....singing. 

At the moment, I have been spending the last couple of weeks working on the material for the album. There will be a mixture of originals and of course a few that you will all know, accompanied by one or two you may or may not have ever heard of before. I will tell you, it is not an all Irish album. There will of course be one or two, but not many. This is an album for everyone as I feel that my fan base has grown over the years to many more than just people of Irish decent. 

Saying that, there are already plans a foot for early next year and a more Irish type album then. In the meantime, we will go on a journey with this one. I have spent the last few days brushing up on my Italian, which thankfully is never much of a struggle. Spanish on the other hand, is a totally different kettle of fish. Trying to sing with the tongue behind the teeth on occasion is proving to be truly awful. Im trying to sing, but instead spitting! Hopefully I will get it under my belt as the song I am hoping to sing sounds so much better in Spanish than in English. I will keep working on it! 

Due to the fact that I am in studio with my producer and Musical Director Joe Csibi, on the 5th of July, I am being very well behaved. No drinking, no fast food, gym and steam room every day. Healthy mind leads to a healthy body, and also one that can hit a few top notes without wearing any of Damians tight jeans! 

This took a hitch last weekend though when Damian invited me into the premier of The Glee Project. I got to meet all the gang he has been working with and we ended up having a great night all together. I gotta say I was a bit nervous when I saw Damian in the bottom three, but sure, who could kick out a young boy from Derry who wants to be a girl!!! Its what Glee thrives on! So from now on, Damian will forever be Jessie's girl!! Needless to say, I am rooting for him 100%. The future is rosy for the boy, I hope! However, none of us will ever really know whats around the corner for any of us in the music business! 

What I do know is that the Paul Byrom Tour (yet to be named officially), is coming fast. I am aware you all want to know sooner than later, and I am bursting at the seams to tell you all what I know at this stage, but all I can tell you is that we are 80% there and hope to be able to make an announcement by the end of the month or early July. I am excited but nervous. Any gigs I did at home or before now were always with a full orchestra. I think its obvious that due to it being my first tour, I wont have the orchestra with me this time. I have to start almost from scratch here, and it really feels odd. Like Ive stepped back in time. Although my mother often reminds me that this time, I have large groups of friends following me now in America and Canada and that I shouldn't worry as much. I do hope she is right!! Anyway, I can tell you that the tickets will be reasonable and that there will be a chance for me to meet you all after the gig. I can also tell you that I have concerts both sides of America. As for my Canadian friends reading, I am pushing hard for some gigs up your way too, so hopefully they will fall in to place also. Its not for the want of getting to you all, its the means! 

With the concert itself, there will be a mixed bag of material in the show and certainly something, I hope, for everyone's taste. 

In the meantime, I am working away every day on my "homework", and also trying to run the office. When I lived in Ireland, I would have received a lot of help from my sister Amanda and often my mom too, but now I am running it all on my own. Dominique tries to help out, but has a job of her own to maintain, so her time is limited. Plus, its important to find time where work isn't an issue and we get to do things together, just for the sake of it! 

This brings me to my final point tonight, I have received so many wonderful gifts in my P.O. BOX(like the BYROM BABES COOK BOOK!!!)  and read so many touching letters, that it amazes me how much you all care. You have been so supportive since you became aware of my music in Celtic Thunder. Some of you have been on the journey from the start and some only jumping on board now. Either way, I appreciate you all. 

However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain contact with you all on a regular basis, whether through facebook, twitter, myspace, my official website or by letter. This does not mean that I dont read everything, because I genuinely do. I enjoy reading the letters, messages and of course getting the generous gifts! Its just that I could actually spend 24hrs a day, on line or responding to post. I set aside time weekly to do this, but for some this may not be enough. My priority now is and always will be, making music for you to enjoy. All the rest sometimes has to take a back seat. If not, I wouldn't get any deals done and wouldnt learn any new songs or eventually get to record some. If you havn't heard from me on a certain site, I am most certainly not ignoring you. If you havn't received a response, it is most definitely nothing personal. I do post a lot on twitter as it is the easiest way. I am always aware you are out there and always aware of you support. I appreciate you all. I am utterly grateful to you all, for so much, so know, that the only way I can ever repay you all, is by making the best music I can. All the social websites are only a way of keeping in touch every now and again, its not what I do for a living. Singing is. I hope you understand, and for those who dont, all I can say is, hopefully I will get around to responding to you soon. 

I am now off to do some work on the album cover, as that is next on the to-do list! 

Thinking of ideas for that are also proving to be as difficult as the Spanish! I'll get there though eventually! 

Keep well 

My Loves 

My Doves

My Eggs 

Paul 

xxx 

Historical Times

To say that we are living in historical times would be a massive understatement. When we look back on the last ten years it has been so incredible. So many things have happened in the world that has shaped a very different future for so many. Whether its the poor in Thailand who had all they owned in life washed away on that faithful day the Tsunami stroke their world, or the thousands of innocent civilians making their way to work on that sunny morning in September here in the U.S only to meet their maker instead of returning to their loved ones at home. All the lives affected since, in the likes of Afghanistan and Iraq. Thoughts also go to the people affected by Hurricane Katriana, who to this day, for one reason or another are still struggling to recover. What about Haiti, wow, mother earth is an angry lady. There are no words. In more recent times, the Earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand reassure us that she is still angry and more powerful than any army in the world or any amount of money a Government may have. 

Of course it hasnt all been bad. I know that one of the happiest memories in my life was when the Good Friday agreement was struck in Northern Ireland. Having an affect on so many lives. For too long people suffered at the hands of terror on my shores of Ireland and those of England too. Lets never forget, that innocent lives were lost on both sides of the trouble in Ireland and the UK. So when the likes of George Mitchell came over under the instruction of President Bill Clinton and through the work of all parties in Ireland and the Uk and decided enough was enough, well many people rejoiced. Peace at last. Yes there are still a lot of angry and hurt people who lost loved ones through the troubles who will take time to get over the pain, if ever. However what we have now is a will for both countries to move forward. There will be those who will do their utmost to derail what we have achieved, but thankfully, there are too many good people living in my country and my neighbours to let that ever happen. We shall NEVER return to those times again. 

So why, Im sure are you asking am I going on about these things. Well for no other reason than I think it important to sometimes sit back and look at the world we are living in today. What have we created and how can we change it. Yesterday for the first time in over 100 years, a head of the British Monarch touched down on Irish soil. It was hugely momentous and one that would never have been contemplated 10 years ago. To have her come and pay respects to Irish history and to those who died creating a better future for all that live in it today, was hugely significant. I was extremely proud watching it all unfold, and hope that the remainder of her visit on my island will be a pleasant one. When talking to my Grandma yesterday on the phone, she said that she too was very proud. A woman of 92 years of age, who has seen Ireland grow and develop through its formative years, was delighted to have the Queen in her country. That for me questioned why the handful of thugs that we're demonstrating on the Dublin streets yesterday would have an issue with her visit. What harm would it do to mend bridges. Im sure if asked, a lot of them wouldn't know. When interviewed on a Dublin radio station last night, one of the thugs couldn't even name the 6 Counties he wanted the Queen to give back. MORON! 

Needless to say when the Queen dined tonight at Dublin Castle, hosted by our President Mary McAleese, I was sensing from Twitter and Facebook, Ireland was turning a page in what has been a turbulent past.

To move on to lighter matters. How over whelming it is to sit and read all the letters and open the gifts you have sent me since arriving here in New York. For any of you who doubt it, I open all the letters myself and read them all. If it was someone else doing it, as has been accused, many of you would have received responses sooner than now. The delay is due to the fact that I want to read them all, and find many of the stories told to me extremely interesting. Some funny and some very moving. It saddens me that there a some out there who are very lonely. Who find music to be their only friend or comfort. Why is that? I often ask. I was blessed with a wonderful family and great friends, so ask how come I get that, and so many dont. If my music can bring solace to this people, it makes whatever I do so worth while. 

I have been trying to reply to one and all in recent days, but am quickly realizing that this maybe a task too far. Today I sent over 100 letters in the post, yet Im not even half way through. Its not going to be a case where I will pick and choose who to write to because of the best story, or the best gift, but I will have to come up with some sort of plan. In the meantime, I will continue my task of finishing the job I started.

I want you to know that I appreciate it all. Genuinely. Today I received $5.00 in a card from a kid to buy myself a coffee. I was utterly touched by how one could be so generous. So whether you send a letter, a card, or a gift, I appreciate them all and thank you for them. I often get great encouragement from reading your letters and thoughts. So keep them coming. I will get around to reading them all at some point. This I promise.

I feel it important to take a moment to talk about the recent departure of Ryan Kelly from the Celtic Thunder group and from public life in general. I know many of you were shocked and saddened by the news. As was I. I was unaware of his intentions. I have got to know Ryan well over the four years working with him and we have shared many a great laugh together. This I expect to remain intact. I do know that Ryan is a very private person and that whatever reason he felt he couldnt continue is for him to divulge in his own time. Being in the public eye is difficult. Its not one I complain about as it is something I knew came with the territory of being a professional singer. I was fortunate to have had experience of this lifestyle prior to joining Celtic Thunder. For some in the group its easier than others. Im not for a moment suggesting Ryan struggled with this. In fact I know he appreciated the support and adoration he got from many of his fans, as we all did. However, sometimes it can get tough due to a handful. For this I hope is not the reason Ryan needs time away. 

Whatever it is, I do want to thank him for all his support and friendship over the years. I want to wish him well in whatever road he decides is best for him, and hope that both himself and Anna find true happiness together. I can assure you all the rumours that have been brought to my attention are untrue. He is not joining the army, or going to the jungles to save the Rainforest, or expecting twins, or adopting orphans, or joining the Greenpeace fight against whale fishing. He just wants time out, and for those who love his music and indeed himself, Im sure you'll give it to him. We will ALL be here for him when and if he decides to return. Of this Im sure.

As for the GLEE project. Where to begin!! I dont watch the show Glee so when the wee man was here in New York visiting, I had to have him explain it all to me. Im still confused. There's no shooting, no murders to be solved, no text voting, its all about high school??!! OK! Great. 

Damian is very excited and I know they are exciting times ahead for the fella. How he copes with it all, we will have to see....on a weekly show!! I wish him the best, as if its needed to be said. I feel there are great things ahead for him. How super cool would it be if he got on the show....like OMG, LOL!!! 

I know the boys are in studio recording new stuff as I type. I wait like the rest of you, to hear it. It is changing times for Celtic Thunder, and after spending 4 years building and developing the show and the brand, I can only wish them continued success.

Now, Im off to reply to some more mail and make my dinner. Dom is working, so one has to figure out what to eat. 

Keep well my loves 

my doves 

my eggs

Paul 

xxx

Just hello

Hey everyone!
Thought I would just drop in and say hello to all in the world of Celtic Thunder. Ive had a fun and compact couple of weeks.
Damian arrived on my doorstep a couple of weeks back and stayed with me for 10 days. It was great to spend some time with him and just hang out without having to worry about a gig or recording to do. Hanging just as mates. I suppose now that I am flying solo, its nice to still be in contact and to know that we will more than likely be friends for live.
He is going through a very exciting period of time in his life and career, and aside from being delighted for him, I am very supportive and hope it all goes great. It couldnt happen a harder working, nicer guy.
Who knows whats around the corner for any of us, but thats the beauty and the beast of the music business.

Things are going great for me too and i have signed with one of the biggest Agencies in the world call the Agency Group, who are now in the process of finalizing my Autumn tour. They have a lot of major acts on their books and people who sing in the same field as I do. This bodes well for me, knowing I have people who understand me, represent me.
The new album is being recorded in July, and due to be released pre tour.
Last night i popped in to a fundraiser for my favourite charity of choice www.goal.ie. I got chatting to John O'Shea, the CEO and he had my skin crawling at some of the atrocities going on in the far regions of the world. How some leaders and dictators get away with this is beyond words for me. Uganda, Darfur, Niger to name but a few. Its amazing that our governments turn a blind eye. Shame on them and anyone else who does. The world needs to know its loved now more than ever, and I believe the best way to do this is to help those less fortunate.
However this is not a blog to promote anything Im doing. The purpose of this blog is just to drop by, say hello and tell you that I am thinking of you all and often think how lucky I am to have so many supportive and genuine fans.

I have been very busy since coming to New York and will continue to plug away. All the time having a laugh and creating a lot of some great memories like last week!

I am off to Central Park tomorrow to enjoy a well earned day off with Dominique, who is working equally hard. The two of us have been made feel so welcome here in the U.S. Life is good. Sometimes its important to wake up in the morning and tell one self that.

Keep well
My Loves
My doves
My Eggs

Paul
x

G'DAY mate!

G'day! What a brilliant couple of weeks Ive had. To be honest when Sharon asked me to take part in the promo work in March, I was very hesitant. Simply because I had a lot to do myself and that taking, essentially a month out to go back promoting Celtic Thunder wasnt on my schedule at all! However, the thoughts of having the craic with Neil for a couple of weeks on a bus alone and a trip to the Southern Hemisphere was too hard to turn down. I also knew that I would be able to get the majority of what I needed to get done, done whilst on the road. The rest could wait!

When first we started the trip in Seattle, it was evident from the get go, that I was going to be the quiet one of the pairing on air........NOT!! Neil and I, were like a good cop, bad cop combo! He was calm collected and chatty, whilst I was like a raging lunatic, desperate for people to pick up the phone and pledge. I was also a man who had no boss no more, so was totally up for having a laugh on air. Honestly, Im not sure what some of the presenters thought. A lot rolled with it, others were very scared! Either way, we both had a lot of fun going from Seattle all the way across to the east coast. It was also a great chance to catch up with many fans. I also enjoy the banter with the fans and often feel it would be great fun to mix it up with a couple of bottles of wine at the stations! Could you imagine! PBS would never be the same.
Whilst out and about a lot asked and wondered about what my plans were. I was delighted to be able to tell all about my pending album and plans for some gigs in the Autumn. One thing I said was that as soon as I know anything, ye will know everything!

In the throws of going from one PBS station to the next, I was off to Boston for a very special gig! On the 16th of March I was asked to perform the American national anthem in the world famous TD Gaaaaden! Although I had performed anthems for a number of countries to large audiences on many occasions, this was different. Im not sure why. Maybe it was because it was my first major appearance in America on my own, or maybe it was because I hoped it symbolized the beginning of some fun times ahead. Either way, before I walked out on the court to perform, I was more nervous than I had been for a long time. It was at this point I realised that there is definightly a chemical imbalance in my head. Why in Gods name would anyone in their right mind want to walk out infront of 10's of thousands of people and sing a countries national anthem. No normal person would want to do that. To stand with a big spotlight on you, like a scene from Basic Instinct, and have all these faces looking at you waiting. Waiting for you to perform something they had all grown up saying nearly everyday of their life. Something that, if messed up, would be totally unforgivable. Something that, after a certain Super Bowl performance, was now at the point of people just wanting it to be sung as written and meant. All these things were running through my mind At a million miles a minute! Then I was announced and I was on my own. Heart thumping and stomach churning. When all of a sudden I was half way through it, and absolutely loving it. The adrenalin was pumping through every vein in my body, the crowd was cheering, the vibe was electric from the crowd to myself and back at them. I sang it like it was my own anthem. With pride and passion, and I didnt care if anyone liked my version or not. I just gave it welly! Then at the end, the place went wild. At which point, I realised exactly why I do what I do for a living, and wouldnt change it for a moment. I was buzzing after it. Definightly a highlight in my career. Hopefully the next time I go to do it, I wont be as nervous, and will give an ever better rendition. Never, straying from how it was written though. This I can promise you! Word is, I will get that shot for game one of the playoffs......ooohhh yea!

The following day, I was already back in NY for the St.Patricks day celebrations. I had a lunchtime engagement on the Adrian Flannely radio show in the city and then was free for the remainder of the day. Its hard to put into words the celebrations in New York on this day. Ive seen nothing like it ever. Everyone is bloody Irish, and half are drunk but lunchtime! Fun times for a lot of people, however part of me dislikes the fact that us Irish are associated so heavily with drink. I myself enjoy drink and a good time, within reason. However, I also know that drink has a very dangerous side, and has turned many a good person into a wreck of a person. Alcohol should be enjoyed, but respected. It can be quiet a dangerous thing when not respected. Some of the scenes I saw that day were hilarious, but one or two sad scenes too. I hope that for some of these people, it was only a once off event. Although my senses tell me different. Ireland is a wonderful country. Full of culture, music, literature and history. I hate that so many associate getting drunk with the Irish. But no amount of ranting by some tenor in a wine bar (ironically) is going to change that! Either way, we had a lot of fun in New York on Paddy's day, and one where I was proud, and VERY proud to be from where I am. It makes me smile and beam that so many that are not Irish, want to be. That for such a small country, we have spread the shamrock far and wide, and that so many are doing so much good for our little nation. We are small in number, but large in heart!

With that pride, I boarded a plane to New Zealand to promote Irish music in the Southern Hemisphere. I had never been down there before, but many of my friends and some of my family had been and I was hearing nothing but great things about the countries and the people down there. When we got to New Zealand, all I wanted to do was go meet the Maori people. They are so steeped in history and culture I just wanted to sample some of it. So I rented a people carrier and drove a small group of us 3 and a half hours out to meet them. This was one hell of a day. Great laugh and great sites. The one thing that occurred to me was how similar it was to Ireland. Truly green and full of sheep and cows! Although the moo from the cows had a different accent!
After four days we headed to Sydney, and I couldnt believe the fact our hotel was right by the harbour. I was going to do as much as I could in the short space of time I had off. The schedule was going to be full on as the buzz and excitement from the tv and radio stations down there was impalpable. They all wanted a piece, and we were totally on for giving it to them!
On day one I showered quickly and grabbed my camera and ran out the door. Then went back to the room to get dressed......I was that excited!! First stop for me was to go to the Sydney bridge. Then when I heard you could climb it, there was no stopping me. It was $200 to do it, which I thought was very OTT, but I felt it would be a once in a lifetime experience and that I would regret it if I didnt. Needless to say when I reached the top, I was delighted and proud of my achievement. I was in a nice group of ten climbers, but oddly enough, one was afraid of heights! I thought, darling, have you not read the memo? What are you doing up here!??!!! That being said, she was very brave and got up and back without a panic attack.
Later that evening, Emmet called my room and suggested we go to "The Barber of Seville" in the Opera House. I love Rossini, so thought, brilliant, lets do it! Needless to say, there were no other takers on the offer, so off the two of us went! AMAZING is all I will say on this.
After a couple of days of touristy things it was time to work, and work we did. We met many presenters and hosts and all were really fun and so laid back. Very similar personalities to the Irish and exact same sense of humour. All they do is take the mic outta each other, much like us. It made the whole experience so much fun.
As the trip was winding down, I knew it could be a long time before I saw the boys again, so a night on the town was on the cards. Needless to say we had some great laughs, and right in the middle of it all was Sharon. She maybe the boss of CT, but she is also a friend and some good times were had with her over the last month or so. She works very hard for Celtic Thunder, and I am delighted it is paying off for her.

The flight back was going to be long and one I wasnt looking forward to. Especially when I saw an infant sit two rows in front of me. I knew from the way he looked at me, that he was not happy about being on a plane. Then for 14 hours, he would often let us all know how unhappy he was. Frustrated as I was, I was also sympathetic to the parents who tried everything to keep him happy. Its a tough job being a parent, so those of us who are not, need to give them a break sometimes and just get on with it, in the hope than one day I will travel with a minnie me, and that those around will understand how tough it is.
After nearly a day and a half of travel, I got back to New York and back to the one I love. Im also back to start pressing those who have promised much and are yet to fulfill. No more mister nice guy. its time to get Byrom out there!

Love you all, and appreciate all your support. Please dont ever give up on me

My Loves
My Doves
My Eggs!

Paul

xxx  

PBS

Hey there 

Just a quick note to let you all know that when talking about traveling this month, I had already been asked to cover Damian this month due to his commitment to his studies. This is something I whole heartedly believe he needs to do. Therefore I would hate to see Sharon and Phil have trouble filling commitments to some local PBS Stations. 

As I have said many times, I will always be a part of Celtic Thunder so am willing to help out when needed. This does not mean I am  going back on what i have intended to achieve this year and for yeas to come. Solo projects are still priority but as I am on "Heritage" I feel I can talk about it as well as anyone. 

I also look forward to visiting Australia and New Zealand in the coming weeks. Even though I dont have Damian with me. 

I look forward to seeing you all at some of these stations on this promo trip and I will post the stations I am visiting on the "news" section with in the next few hours. 

My album and solo tour is still in the making so hang tight and thanks for everything.

Keep well 

My Loves My Doves My Eggs 

Paul xxx

AWARDS SEASON AND OTHER THINGS!

What a fun time of year it is to sit in on a night. With the BAFTA'S the Golden Globes, The Grammy's and of course the OSCARS! I always find them so much fun. Aside from the fact I am a movie buff and love a night at the cinema, I always enjoy watching the reaction of those who DONT win. They have to sit there and pretend they are not upset or bothered. WHY? If it was me and I was up for an award and was then beaten by someone who turned up in an egg I would be livid! It must be so hard to do it. Sit there and smile. I enjoyed the other night whilst watching the Grammys, the little boy Bieber, dressed like the Milky Bar Kid, sat there waiting on his newcomer award(which he seems to be up for every year), and when he didn't win, he was seen turning to his nanny and asking who was the winner. He never even heard of her. BRILLIANT! As for the style. My Lord some really try very hard and fail miserably. This too always makes me smile. I would give my right arm to be at an awards ceremony like these, however, i don't have an inner filter. Never did, never will. So therefore if Lady GOO GOO passed me I would probably have my jaw around my ankles. Or if Rihanna was on stage grinding like a cheese grater on stage I would be in shock. Dominique often has to tell me to stop staring. I often think I'm being subtle, but she reminds me that in all walks of life I am as subtle as a brick. Needless to say, I strive to make it to the Grammys or the Oscars. Maybe one day. Which if it happens, trust me, I will be on Twitter that night too! 

So whilst we all watch these different award ceremonies and flick from station to station, I have been made aware of the fact that the much loved Public Broadcasting Stations face huge cuts from funding. WHAT?ARE YOU SERIOUS? These stations are the fabric of American society. They are the stations that people turn on for some intellectual stimulation. For some culture, and some education. From a child we all used to watch Big Bird and Elmo teach us how to say banana and get to grips with the letter 'C' or even 'X'!!! To what benefit does American society achieve by the government cutting their budget. To expect Harry and Agnus, the average American, to donate more than they already are, to keep their local PBS station alive is too much. 

When I was growing up in Ireland, I was made aware of PBS obviously from Sesame Street, but in recent years I was brought to the attention of The Irish Tenors. This was a huge show for PBS and in return they got to perform to the greater American public. So when I was approached by Sharon and Phil to join Celtic Thunder, the first question I asked was, will PBS be showing it. When I was told they were, I jumped at the chance as I knew it was a fantastic opportunity to get my voice heard by many. It became an instant partnership with Celtic Thunder and the two bodies benefited so much from being friends. This of course was helped by the countless amounts of donations made by people in the community whilst watching our broadcast. To think that many of these stations will suffer financially due to the proposed cuts is unimaginable. From what I gathered when we visited many of the stations, they were already existing beyond their means. Im not sure why I am ranting so much, and I am sure one or two will tell me to mind my own business. However, this is my business. PBS gives the like of myself, Celtic Thunder, Celtic Woman, Sarah Brightman, Andrea Bocelli, Andrea Rue and countless others to showcase our talents in what has become an increasingly difficult business to survive in. 

From Maine to Spokane, PBS is the heart of many communities, run by the heart of many communities for the better of their communities and society in large. Yea we all enjoy main stream tv and cable. However what PBS offers to us in this day and age is an extremely valuable thing. It makes us think. Makes us question, makes us sit up and listen when some fresh face comes on with a song in their heart. Gives artists of all size and experience the chance to be heard. This in turn enriches our society. 

Surely to GOD, there are other area's in this country that can handle cuts and fight through these tough economical times. I fear many PBS stations wont. No point crying over spilt milk. Now is the time to lobby your local politician and tell them YOU CARE. I don't for a moment think that cuts are not necessary in many sectors in order to bring some economical stability. However, I urge the decision makers to be very careful in what it is they cut. The Arts are an intricate part of any society in any part of the world. PBS is something Americans should be very proud of. Its yours and when its gone, its gone. As will the likes of many shows and artists. 

Now that I have that off my chest, I will fill you in on what I have been up to. Dominique and myself are now fully settled. It takes time and sometimes we need to pinch ourselves as its hard to imagine we are living here in the States. Everyone has been so welcoming and so encouraging. The messages of support I get regularly on Facebook/Twitter/myspace and this website are incredible. I will admit, there are days when I doubt myself, and all I do is sit and read some messages. They pick me up very quickly and encourage me to continue. At the moment I am working on getting a solo album sorted and ready for release hopefully around September time. I know that seems a long way off, but trust me, between choosing songs, having them arranged, recording them, mixing and then setting up marketing and distribution plans, it will be upon us in no time. Its also hard when you are doing it as your own boss. No longer can I sit and be told where to be and what to sing. Its all up to me now. Much as I enjoy this, I know how much work it takes. So although you may not see the fruits of my labour yet, you will very soon. I promise. I am not here to take pictures and sight see. I am here to create a picture!! 

I was so proud to see so many vote for me on ABC's website for Dancing With The Stars, and although it wasn't noticed by the big wigs, I promise we will be giving it a push come the fall as I will be more than settled and ready to take them all on! Thank you so much for your efforts and all I can say is that Byrom and his Babes will be heard by America whether they like it or not. Its Fightin talk I tells ya!!!

Valentines Day came and went, but this year was one of my best. Simply because Dominique and myself had the day together. We walked Central Park in what was a lovely day. The temperature was nice and we really felt we were in springtime. After a low key dinner and desert I surprised her with tickets to see "Chicago". A show that she wanted to see for a very long time. Needless to say it was fantastic. The choreography was sensational with one or two very good singers. However, I have not seen as much flesh since biology class!! This I may add is not a complaint. It just made me feel the gym was going to have to be a regular fixture in my life from here in!! The ticket prices were reasonable but when you order a coke and a packet of M&M's and are quoted $9.00 I nearly lost a stone there and then. Broadway eh? Milk ya for all they can. I still love it though and look forward to the next visit. 

Its a funny date. Part of me hates it because I don't believe I should be told that on any certain day I should have to tell Dominique that I love her. She knows. She knows that I know, that I am a very lucky guy and that I would walk over hot coals for her. That she is mine and everything else is unimportant. That no matter what, we'll get through it. Through good and bad. She shouldn't have to wait till February 14th to be reassured of this. The other part of me loves it, because you see men flutter all over town trying to find something to reassure their lady that they are in love and that they cherish them. Men are not great at this. Never have been or never will be. Simply because we try desperately hard to be macho. However, when Feb 14th kicks in, we know that our romantic side can be let free and no one will take any notice or make fun. Those that do, are generally single and jealous. So whats the harm in one day a year, letting everyone spread the love. I love it. Always did, always will. For even when I was single, I made a move on that girl I always liked. The excitement of dropping a card, or receiving one. Opening it and not knowing who it is from. Sometimes I'm sure there are those who would rather not have found out, but either way its good for the soul to fancy someone so much that they need to share it with them. BRING ON VALENTINES DAY FOR ALL!! So, to any of you singletons, if you didn't make the move this year, do it next year. What's there to lose. Life is for living and loving. All too soon it comes to an end. For those more adventurous, its not too late to tell them either. Who needs a Hallmark card. Most times the person you fancy, knows it and hopes something will happen. Take the bull by the horns ( no pun )GO FOR IT!!! Then come back here and tell us all! We love a bit of scandal and love a good romantic story. Its great for the bones. 

I must go now and clean the dishes. This is something I have had to get used to since moving here. I miss my dishwasher and car sooooooooooo much! Next week I am visiting home for my good friend Andy's wedding. I am a grooms man so am VERY excited. I am also going to be doing some work, but more about that in the next blog as I don't want to give away too much and be stuck for something when I come back to the land of the free! 

Keep well 

My Loves 

My Doves

My Eggs

I appreciate all your support and need it now more than ever. 

Yours

PAUL XX

Dom and Myself in Central Park on Valentines Day