EPISODE 2
Good evening and welcome, which Beast do you feel like?Thank you for having me! I think I would class myself as anything 'feline'. Sometimes I feel like a cosy house cat, all snuggled up and just enjoying home life. When I'm on stage, I feel like a lion or tiger. I think everybody who knows me will confirm I have like limitless adrenaline as soon as it's time to perform. A lot of stamina. I've always had an affinity for all types of cats too. Feel like we're kindred spirits.
Oh, interesting. You became famous for your music career with your group, “Weekend.” It’s been about 15 years now—you’ve released albums, gone on world tours, won awards… how does it feel?I've been through all sorts of motions with it. I think that nowadays, I'm the most settled and at peace with it. We're all a little older now and when the world slowed down with the pandemic, me and the guys had a lot of time to wind down and realign. Take time to breath and take stock of everything. I feel very proud but also at peace and in control.
15 years is a long time. You started when you were quite young, too.Yeah, I was 15 when I got into the band. I'm 30 now. That's half of my life! Crazy to think.
Do you already feel old, or do you think there’s still a lot ahead of you?Haha, well people have always said that I'm an old soul. I grew up listening to a lot of old 50's and 60's records and then getting into the band, living this hectic life, I've crammed a lot of experience in as well as been acquainted with lots of cultural touchstones. By rights, I should be like 58! I still like to think there's a lot more ahead, though.
(Smiles amused by the answer) Certainly. While many gave up, you—and your colleagues as well—kept going. No matter the cost. Was it worth it?Definitely. This industry can be very fleeting and unforgiving. We all made a conscious decision back in the day to stick together - form a true, solid unit. There's a lot of divide and conquer tactics in this game and that has been the downfall of so many wonderful acts. We weren't going to let that happen and decided to control our own destiny pretty early on.
So you had a long-time plan as a group right from the beginning.Uh, pretty much so. Even in the early days when we were pretty much "manufactured; put together, told what to sing and stuff, we still had a lot of foresight. We made it our mission to actually become great friends and become a real unit. We spent a lot of time in our little London flat basically becoming friends for life. Came in handy when it was time to push back and away from our first management and label.
Do you think it would have been different if you started as a solo artist?I can't even imagine what that would be like! It's hard to imagine that as an alternative reality and even as a real thing. For years we always get asked if we will do solo albums and I know some of the boys have an itch to do that but I'm not sure I could cope on my own. I love unity. I thrive being surrounded by people. I think if I started solo, I would've given it up by now. I can imagine it would be very lonely and isolating at times.
Do you regret anything? Would you change anything?You know, there are a lot of things that weren't exactly glamorous and I'd never wish upon my worst enemy. I've endured a lot. I wouldn't wish to live it all over again but I can't say I regret anything or would change things. I've learned a lot of lessons and I wouldn't be the person I am today if I didn't go through that baptism of fire.
What about those who didn’t keep up? Name three groups or artists you wish had continued.God, there are so many from when we came up that aren't around now. Ehh, I would've loved to have seen ELMNT thrive. Regardless of what people think about rivalries, I do enjoy other boy bands. Those boys had a lot of charisma and some really great tunes. Sadly things didn't pan out for them and James passed away a few years ago which was tragic. There was a singer called Giselle who released just one album back in the day. She was so cool. Billy fancied her like mad! I also loved the girl group Hard Sugar.
Now name three we could do without.Haha, I don't think that I could say. In fact, legally, I probably can't! Those who know me will know some of the people I'm referring to, though. I'd rather stay above the fray on that one, haha!
Alright then, let’s do this. Let’s play a game. Let’s play a game: “Marry, Kiss, Kill” with your bandmates. But since there are four of them, also tell me who you’d take with you to a desert island.Oh God, juicy! This is going to excite and anger some viewers, haha! Well, getting the worst option out of the way first, I love him to pieces but I'd have to kill Oscar. I don't think in a romantic capacity or living together on an island that we'd last long! I'm too chaotic for his very structured way of life. We'd kill each other, haha! I would...hmmm...I'd kiss Scott. He's a very underrated romantic. I'd marry Riley because who wouldn't want to have Ri as a husband? Just a lovely, lovely human. I'd have to take Billy to the island. All the stories and jokes he has? There'd never be a dull moment!
(Smiles amused) Do you have more admirers or more detractors?I think it's probably an even split. You know, there are always going to be people who hate me simply for existing; for being Irish, Catholic, gay, even for just being in a pop band! Bigotry has always been a thing I've faced. I try not to dwell on all that, though. I know that I'm a good person and I'm so blessed with the supporters that have followed me and the boys along the way. We truly have the best fans in the world. They definitely make up for some of the riffraff.
Rolling Stone stated: “Billy, Dustyn, Riley, Oscar and Scott are the most recognisable group of individuals since the Spice Girls and The Beatles.” Do you agree? Why do you think that is?Haha, well I think it'd be very big-headed of me to agree! What I will say, however, is that - again, going back to the fans - we have extremely loyal and fierce supporters. They really push, champion and get behind anything and everything we do and have done so for like 15 years. We are where we are because they haven't given up on us.
Was there ever a specific moment when you feared the group might end or suddenly stop?In the early days we were made to feel like we had to strike while the iron was hot. That it could all be over in the blink of an eye. It's true to a degree - nothing is guaranteed. I just think it was said by our old management to scare us and a way of working us like dogs. So, yeah, back in the first year or two, there was an anxiety about it all ending suddenly but when we took control, all of that dissipated.
Is there anything about success that scares you?At this point, no. Surviving the tabloid culture of the 2010's and peak 'Weekendmania' happening during that time and at such a young age, I feel like nothing could be as scary as that. If I got through all of that, there's nothing I can't do. The only worries I have about fame and success these days is about my kids - their safety, their choices, their identities. I want to protect them. They didn't choose this life.
What do you enjoy about success?Being able to have fun and call it a job. I really can't imagine doing anything else. From a young age, I just always wanted to be on stage. Singing, writing songs, playing instruments, it's all second nature to me. It doesn't feel like work. It's one big pastime and the fact that it's what I call a living? It's bizarre! I'm really lucky. The fact that I can make money from doing my most favourite thing in the world and then getting to share it with my friends, my family and all the causes I believe in, it's all very humbling.
In the early years of your career, fame wasn’t exactly easy—partly due to scandals and too much media attention on your private life. Would you have preferred to keep some aspects of yourself more private?Again, I don't want to say I would change anything because of the butterfly effect but I do think I would've been protected from a lot of harm if some things were kept private. I was 15/16 when some of the worst things were written about me and spread across the globe. I didn't have any safeguards or authority figures protecting me. I was thrown to the wolves. All the boys were. We found sanctuary and strength in each other.
How did your family react to some of the unpleasant stories the press attributed to you?They probably felt a lot of shame. Yeah. I probably hurt them. In fact, I know I did. I don't have the closest relationship with them for a multitude of reasons but knowing that I've caused them shame and embarrassment does cut me deep. I'm not sorry for EVERYTHING. I think my family are in the wrong and have to take ownership of that in regards to some aspects of our rocky relationship. In terms of tabloid fodder, however, yeah...I can hold my hands up and say it wasn't my finest hour.
Have you ever used drugs?Haha, I think we all know the answer to that one!
Let’s go back to the positive side and your career. Together with Weekend, you also launched a record label that helped dozens of artists succeed. Are you proud of that?You know, I think it's the thing I'm most proud of. Like I said earlier about this being like a dream job, I'm glad that we've been able to be that opportunity and network of support for others to live out that life too.
Which artists do you regret supporting? Name at least one.Again, legally, I can't! What I will say is that I regret doing things for what I thought was love.
Mh. And which song do you wish you had written or performed as a single by another artist?One of my favourite songs of all-time is "Teenage Tragedy" by Nadia Berry. It was a banger then and it's a banger now. I think the lyrics are also very apt for a time in my life too!
You’re also an actor. The series “Sugarless” is currently in production, featuring Theo, a young social climber who loses his “sugar daddy” and has to rebuild his life. What do you think about it?I think that it's the perfect opportunity to not only get back into acting but also advocate for many LGBTQIA issues. Yes, the show is a little steamy and it's a comedy but it also has a lot of heart. There's a real humanity there. That's what jumped out to me most when the script was presented to me. Of course, it has been an absolute blast to work on but my biggest takeaway from it all is the messaging of chosen family. I've also walked away from the show with an entire cast of new friends.
It's been confirmed that you shot some... 'steamy' sexual scenes in it. How you feel about it?Yeah, it was something I was a little apprehensive about going into the show. I think it's only natural to be nervous about all of that especially when you haven't done it before as an actor. I just loved the script so much, though! I couldn't turn it down just because I was afraid to get the bum cheeks out, haha! It's a pivotal part of the nature of the show but it's also much more than that. There was some nerves going into it and I'm getting a little sweaty in the palms thinking about what the response is going to be when it all airs but I know I'd kick myself if I turned the show down out of fear.
You are known for being the cute and sweet one in the group, but also as an individual, I’d say. This aura of youth and innocence that you project, together with this stronger, more mature, sensual image. Are you afraid it might clash too much?
Awww well that's really kind of you to say! I actually think that's why I was approached for Sugarless, in part. Not only to subvert expectations but the character of Theo himself is someone who looks like butter wouldn't melt...but he's a real bitch, haha! You know, it's all acting at the end of the day. He's a character, not who I actually am. If anything, I think it can only work in my favour. I get to show what I can do as an actor
because I'm playing someone you wouldn't necessarily associate me with.
And what about the younger fans? I can already hear the echo of parents’ protests…Hahaha, well I'm not here to raise anyone's kids but my own. All of that is on the parents. I know for a fact that my boys won't be watching, haha! I think like all raunchy shows do, it'll cause a bit of a "moment" on the old socials and stuff, yeah...but it's not like it's hardcore porn, haha! There's nudity but you don't see anything...gosh, how can I put it? You don't see anything
aroused, haha! It's mainstream television at the end of the day and like I said before, the show is so much more than that. I hope that people talk about the jokes and the storylines just as much as they do about bare arses, ha!
Do you prefer acting or singing?Singing is my #1. It's my bread and butter. I do love acting too. I just love performing and entertaining! It's such a great release and I also love to distract people, taking them out of the worries of the world for a little while.
Rate yourself as a singer from 1 to 10.Oooooh, now there's a question, haha! I've been told that I've got quite a powerful set of pipes on me. That's what others have said, not me! Ehhh, I'd go for a nice solid 8. I really do take care of my voice, have been seeing a coach for years. I take it seriously. I could never call myself a 10 though! There's always going to be something that a person's voice can't do regardless of how hard you try.
Name three singers who are better than you.
Wow. There are so many wonderful singers out there. So many sound like honey to me for different reasons whether it's their tone, power, range. My good friend Jennifer Armstrong comes to mind first. What an absolute powerhouse. One of the best in the game and also really overlooked. She has pipes! Next choice, I'd say Alicia Lena. Her voice is synonymous with some of the most vocally moving pieces of music of the last 20 years. Love Alicia. Finally...you know what? I'm going to go with one of our own. Riley Hamilton. SUCH an underrated vocalist, God! The way he goes up the scales, that falsetto, the little trills and flips he can do with ease? He doesn't get the credit I think he deserves. Out of all five of us, he has also grown the most as a singer. If you listen to our first records to our latest, it's like night and day with his confidence. He's always been good but these days, I think he's absolutely incredible!
Now name three singers who are worse than you.Can I cop out and say Billy, Scott and Oscar? Haha!!
You said it, not me. We’ll let that slide. (Smiles).. Tell me one of your strengths.I like to think I'm a very paternal person. I'm good at looking after people. Whether it's a place to sleep, or cooking for them, just spending time with someone...I like to host and make time for people. It's not totally selfless, however, because I enjoy that too. I love human connection.
And one flaw? Something others usually don’t like about you?It probably goes hand in hand with my strength. I can get so wrapped up in other people's issues that I ignore my own. I also hate conflict so I try to avoid it as much as I can. I guess people could say that I use avoidance tactics. I don't like to rock the boat even though I know that sometimes the boat has to be rocked for the greater good. I usually avoid, avoid, avoid until the last minute and then things blow up.
Is there anyone you owe an apology to?Probably some members of my family but I don't want to get into the details on public television, you know? That's for in the flesh.
. And is there someone who owes you an apology?Haha, a few! A few...
No names? (Smiles)I wouldn't wish to give them the publicity, haha! In all seriousness, it is what it is. I don't think an apology would solve anything. I don't lose sleep over these people. I'm really happy with where I am right now.
Do you consider yourself a gay icon?Hehe, that would be very cocky of myself if I agreed! It does always make me giggle when people say that to me, though. It's so cute and heart-warming. It especially tugs at my heart when I put into perspective how far I've come on the journey surrounding my sexuality. Going from growing up in a very conservative, homophobic environment riddled with Catholic guilt, to seeing people out in the crowd holding up Pride flags with my face on them and being called "Gay Jesus"...it's amazing. If that makes me a gay icon then who am I to argue?!
Can you spell out what LGBTQI+ stands for?Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex. All divas!
What would you say to young people who struggle to accept themselves, after all these years?I think that if you are fundamentally a good person, that's all that should matter. If you are religious then remember that God doesn't make any mistakes. Same goes for if you're not religious. You are who you are and nothing is wrong with you. In these times, there's a lot of noise and a lot of negative voices filling up air space but you have to remember on the flipside there are even more voices in the crowd rooting for you. I'm rooting for you. Good attracts good. It always prevails. You are perfect and beautiful just as you are and there are so many of us who are yearning to uplift and embrace you. Your flock is out there, honey.
That is beautiful, thank you. What has been your biggest transgression?Keeping with the theme of sexuality, I personally don't see it as one but I know many people will see me liking men as a Catholic is one big blaring transgression. To Hell with it. Literally, haha!
Have you ever considered having relationships with a woman?There are two things in life that I've never been remotely swayed to try. One is jumping out of an aeroplane and the other is being a heterosexual!
(Laughs amused) Sounds like a nightmare. Which part of your body do you like the most? And the least?I...I guess I like my eyes! They're quite a unique shade of blue and I love that it also works with my surname as well as the colour I was assigned in the band. It all just works! I've also got quite a peachy bum, haha! Least favourite? Can I just say overall height? My entire skeleton is a flop. I can't reach things from high up shelves and a lot of people don't take me seriously because I'm a short arse. Always wish I was taller.
. Do you consider yourself sexy?Nooooo! Even signing up for Sugarless, I was nervous about how certain aspects of the show would work and translate on screen. I really don't see myself as sexy. Not saying I agree with this but in the band I've always been called the "cute one" or the "baby one". I've never really been basted with the sexy brush, haha!
. Let’s talk about love—shall we?My favourite subject! Well, besides sweet treats and cats.
(Smiles) You now live happily with Dallas and your children Shay and Koa, along with your cats, after some complicated relationships. How would you describe your life today?Cosy chaos. That's exactly as I would describe it. I'm from a big Irish family. I've always known the dynamic of a busy household. I've always wanted kids and pets. I want even more kids and pets. There's a lot going on in dad and husband life but I enjoy it. I find zen in the busy stuff. I freak out when things fall silent. I'm so incredibly happy. I couldn't ask for anything better. All my boys are perfect.
What do you like most about your partner?How placid he is. Anyone who meets him for the first time would probably think he's permanently stoned. I swear he's not! Once you've been around him for a while you'll see; "Ohhhh that's just Dallas!". I think it works well because as you can tell, I can talk for the Olympics! I have autism, I'm also pursuing a formal ADHD diagnosis as well. I'm all over the bloody place, haha! Dallas is good at bringing the calm. On top of that, he's always accepted me for who I am. He's never tried to change me or used anything against me. Not everybody could deal with a high functioning autistic pop star with a schedule that takes everyone around the globe. He's very accepting, peaceful, stoic but also incredibly strong.
Have you ever cheated? I mean in general.I used to cheat on maths tests all the time in school. Again, this is going back to me being undiagnosed at the time. I could just never focus when it came to numbers. I still can't. If I love something, I can hyper-fixate on a subject until the cows come home. I can learn it inside out and then some. If I don't have an interest, however? Pfft. In one ear, out the other. That was me with anything number or equation related. I used to cheat because, again as an autist, I didn't like the feeling of failure or teachers raising their voice at me. I just wanted to people please and do well.
And what has helped you the most as an autistic person? What advice would you give?I always feel funny talking about this and giving advice other than embracing it. It's a whole spectrum. What impacts one person won't impact another. Every autistic person functions differently so I don't want to be like the final spokesperson for it. I would just say to embrace it and hold on to your strengths. A lot of media focuses on the setbacks and not the beautiful side. Neurodivergent minds are just marvellous.
Have you ever been cheated on?I have, yeah. Don't want to give anybody any airtime so I won't say a name. Just want to clarify that it wasn't my Dallas, though.
Talking about past relationships—if you could, would you go through them again?Ehhhhhh nooooo! Haha! Next question!
(Laughs)... And within Weekend, was there ever a crush or a moment when you thought there could be something more than friendship with your bandmates?Look, I never wanted to admit it because I knew it'd get the tabloids going and ignite something within the fan group but the bastard went and revealed it last year, haha! Billy and I sort of had a little thing back in the early days of the band. I'm talking like literally the first few months of getting into the band. We were 16, hormonal, all living under one roof. I don't know if it even counts as a relationship. We...uh...we
dabbled, haha! It's honestly so weird to think about that now because we're best friends. Brotherly, even. Now it just seems soooo wrong. Hard to imagine there was a time when we would...you know.
Well, you were young. Did that ever weigh on you and Billy afterward? And on the rest of the group? I mean, was there ever a second thought—a moment when you wondered, “Maybe we’re not just friends” — that might have affected any personal dynamics?
I think it really could have gone that way. Stands to reason in a group and professional environment but we burned bright and fast. It was all new, exciting and hormonal, haha! We weren't really "romantic", so to speak. We also both met other people just a few months down the line and it was as if nothing ever happened. We're like 14/15 years on from all of that now and it just seems like a whole other life that happened to a whole other person.
Did you have a happy childhood?It's a bit of a weird question for me because on paper and upon reflection, no. Explaining my childhood to other people has always been met with a lot of shock and horror. It was very remote, very isolated, I grew up in a really religious little village in rural Ireland. We didn't have much money and it was a very "children should be seen and not heard" type of affair. There are aspects I definitely didn't like but also, it's all I knew at the time! I didn't know any different and as a bit of a flamboyant kid, I made my own fun anyway! I can't say it was a miserable childhood. I didn't cry every day. I wasn't abused. I was fed, watered and had beautiful Irish countryside to play in. I had quite an imagination and even though it wasn't the warmest or most glamorous of upbringings, I still found some fun and beauty in it.
How did your family react to your coming out?I don't want to speak too much on this because I still love my folks so much and I don't want any negativity being sent their way. I'm aware of my position of power here. I'm sat on national TV. I don't want to lambast my family at all. What I will say is that I was never expecting to be embraced with open arms anyway. Even before coming out, my family and most people from where I grew up were never warm and fuzzy. It just is what it is, sadly.
And your longtime friends?To be honest, I struggled to make friends as a kid so me coming out at 16 after I had moved to London didn't really affect anybody else like that. All the friends I have today are people I have met after coming out. They've all met me knowing that I was gay. As for the Weekend boys, I think we were together for a month or so before I came out to them. I was terrified. I didn't know what reaction I was going to get. They all embraced me, however. Lovely, lovely souls. Billy was the very first person I ever came out to. I told him a couple of days before the others. We got pretty close very quickly and again it all ties into that bond we still have to this day and why we were bed buddies for a bit back then, haha!
Is there something people say about you that upsets you because it isn’t true?Not really. Although it does kinda tick me off whenever I read a comment that suggests I think I'm somehow better than Ireland or that I hate the place. I left Ireland initially to join the band and then I moved back a few years later. I had to leave again, however, but that was due to security concerns. I'm not taking a chance when it comes to my kids. Ireland is a very proud and patriotic nation so sometimes I don't think they take too kindly when one of our own packs up and leaves, haha! I'm very proud of my heritage, however. I'm the first to wave the flag.
Do you believe in God? Do you pray?It's complex. I don't think I believe in God in the way that my Catholic upbringing details. I do believe there's
something though. I do believe in spirits, souls, the afterlife. I think there's stuff out there bigger than us that can't even be put into words because we simply could never fathom it. Praying does bring me peace and I think it's partly habit from my upbringing and also part of my quest for serenity. Fundamentally, I think religion should bring peace to people.
If you had the chance to bring someone back to life for just two minutes, who would it be?Wow. That's a big question. Christ, I have to take a minute on this one. Uhhh, probably my grandfather on my mother's side. He's the reason I picked up a guitar in the first place. Self expression was never really encouraged where we came from, let alone from his generation! He was one of the very few "cool" people I remember from my childhood.
And what would you say to them?I would thank him. Truly. He never knew what opportunities would lay ahead for me so it's not as if he explicitly told me to go off and join the biggest selling boy band in the world but he still inspired me. I think a big part of why I got into Weekend is because I turned up at that audition with a guitar and played the hell out of it. I don't know if I ever would've picked up a guitar if it wasn't for my grandad in the first place.
Thank you, Dustyn.Thank you for having me!
