Danny O’Reilly has revealed that being on tour with The Coronas helped him get through his public split from Laura Whitmore.
The Dublin star ended his relationship with the MTV host last year.
And while Laura jetted off to Australia to present the I’m A Celebrity spin off, Danny battled with his emotions on stage.
Speaking about the break up for the first time, Danny said: “When I did go through the breakup, at the time we were touring around Europe just after it happened, and thank God for that.
Break up: Danny with ex-girlfriend Laura Whitmore | VIPIRELAND.COM
“It definitely made it a bit easier for me that we were on tour and busy and getting that therapy every night playing music.”
In a very open and honest interview on the An Irishman Abroad podcast, Danny revealed playing his music was like a form of therapy.
“Even though all the songs were about the person I just had broken up with, it was still okay,” he said.
“I would have moments like that where I was a bit emotional for a bit of a song. But you get on with it and thankfully the gig gets you through it.”
Performing: Danny said gigging helped him through their split | VIPIRELAND.COM
And Danny admitted that it now can be “bitter sweet” when he plays songs that were written about Laura.
“Sometimes I look back at songs that were happy songs about the start of the relationship and they are bitter sweet,” he said.
“I look at them from a different angle now. I think, ‘Oh God, that was nice when I felt that way. I thought everything was so simple.’
“But I think that’s just the price you pay as a songwriter.
Split: Danny left devastated | VIPIRELAND.COM
“I will always be totally honest with lyrics and I will never try to write about politics or anything like that – because I just can’t offer any sort of insight into it.”
And Danny admitted he has written tracks about her and their “serious breakup” for The Coronas’ new album.
It will be released later this year on Island Records – U2’s label – which they just signed a record deal with in the UK.
He said: “Sometimes it can be theraputic [writing songs]. So at the time, when things are going wrong, sometimes I will write a song right there about what’s going on.
The Coronas: Danny with his fellow band mates | VIPIRELAND.COM
“And with a bit of time since, and perspective, on the breakup and the failed relationship, or whatever it is you are writing about.
“It’s nice to have that little bit of time back from it and you see that perspective, and get your point across with it being pure emotion and so raw at the forefront.
“And just having a little bit more perspective on the whole thing. There was a time when I was thinking, maybe I don’t want to write about this stuff.
“People are going to know what the songs are about, people are going to say that’s about whoever… and I’d have to live through it again, every night.
Success: The Coronas have signed with Island Records
“But that’s fine. I don’t mind that stuff. I still sing songs about my first ever girlfriend now. It doesn’t make it harder. I enjoy singing the songs.
“I always say about song writing, it’s the way I was feeling at that particular time. It don’t go through it every night.”
And Danny added that he doesn’t want to talk about his relationships in the media any more.
He said: “I was pretty naive when I went into certain relationships in the past that I was happy enough to talk about them in an interview.
Hunk: Danny says he will keep his romances private | VIPIRELAND.COM
“I would say, ‘She’s so amazing’ or ‘She’s doing this and she likes this song’. And then when it all went to s***, people felt they had more right to write about it.
“So no matter who my future relationships are I’m definitely not going to discuss them.”
> Listen to Danny’s full interview with Jarlath Regan here.
