Ronan Keating's Tattoos

What I see in the mirror: Ronan Keating
The Guardian, Saturday 2 April 2011

'I've never been particularly happy with what I see in the mirror – I don't think anybody ever is. And I'd like to be taller, too'

Ronan Keating: 'I have 12 tatoos – I started when I was 18.'

I'm hoping I'll grow into my looks, like Robert Redford or Steve McQueen. I've never been particularly happy with what I see in the mirror – I don't think anybody ever is. And I'd like to be taller, too: I'm 5ft 9in.

I am very aware that in my line of work I need to look after myself. Steo [Stephen Gately] was the expert – when we first hit the road, he educated us all in cleansing, toning and moisturising. I try to stay fit and healthy and eat well.

I have 12 tattoos – I started when I was 18 – and I'm getting another one done this week. I have a bonsai tree on my arm and I'm getting some cherry blossom put behind it. I have a Superman tattoo on my right arm. Steo had a Superman tattoo on his chest, and three days after he passed away Keith [Duffy], Shane [Lynch] and myself all got Superman tattoos with Steo's dates – the year he was born and the year he passed. It's a little memory for us, something important that's always there. There is also a tattoo on my back that says: "The future is unwritten." That's a Joe Strummer quote.

My wife and I have one tattoo that's the same. When we married 13 years ago in New York, we got a Japanese symbol for love. I've gone through some dark times, and at those times my tattoos have helped and guided me through.