True to their Corrs

The Corrs came to an abrupt stop earlier this year but tomorrow fans get a chance to see them performing again, writes ROBERT LOWE.

Irish sibling pop band The Corrs pride themselves on ensuring that the show goes on no matter what the off-stage problems.

The one exception happened earlier this year and led to the postponement of their Australasian tour, including a concert in Auckland.

However, in a case of better late than never, the show at North Harbour Stadium is going ahead tomorrow.

The reason for the rescheduling was a serious ear infection suffered by lead singer Andrea.

"Sometimes we've gone on and performed when I thought it was a little dangerous to, when we've been very ill and done it," Andrea said in Sydney.

"But the ears were so big and so bad that I had no chance, and that was why we had to cancel."

The Corrs - Andrea (lead vocals and tin whistle), Sharon (violins and vocals), Caroline (drums, piano and vocals) and brother Jim (keyboards and guitar) - were in the middle of a British tour.

"It was the shock we needed to tell us we were working too hard," Andrea said.

"The pain was excruciating and flying was out of the question. It was hard, because we just had to come to an abrupt stop."

The group, formed in 1990, have sold 20 million albums and topped the charts in 18 countries with their blend of traditional Celtic sounds, catchy pop and mellow rock.

Albums like Forgiven Not Forgotten, Talk on Corners and In Blue, with radio-friendly hits such as Breathless and Irresistible, have attracted legions of fans.

The sisters' movie-star looks - "the leading collection of cheekbones in pop" according to one Australian reviewer - have added to the band's profile.

Another distinguishing feature has been the quartet's apparent ability to get on with each other.

Think of families in the entertainment business, and tears and trauma spring to mind, as do names like the Jacksons, Osmonds and Carpenters.

But don't believe the Corrs didn't have their problems, Sharon said, especially with a schedule that used to have them on the road for 10 months or more of the year.

"I think all families have a certain amount of dysfunction, and we would be complete liars if we said there hadn't been any difficulties," she said.

"It can be really intense. With the amount of work that we do, the constant promotions and touring, you're always so close together, your bodies are virtually touching all day.

"But you work out your frictions. We've grown up together and matured and now we're friends."

Now in their late 20s to mid-30s, the Corrs said their band was here for some time yet.

However, their schedule might be less full-on than in the past.

"When we recorded In Blue, we allowed ourselves the opportunity of being at home and working," said Sharon, who married her long-time boyfriend earlier this year.

"We need more time off now. To be successful you have to work very hard, but you also have to examine exactly what you're doing to maintain your strength, energy and enthusiasm."

Andrea added: "I don't want to be 40 and say I've had a great career, but I'm on my own, without children.

"There's aspects of my life I haven't focused on. You have to slow down to a degree."

Their last visit to New Zealand was one they remembered well.

The video for their single What Can I Do? was filmed outside Christchurch while their Auckland concert, Sharon recalled, was hit by a power failure.

"We had a great time," she said.

"We played in the Powerstation and there was no power, so it was quite a memorable experience. It was a great gig." NZPA

* The Corrs play North Harbour Stadium, Oteha Valley Rd, Albany, tomorrow. Gates open 6 pm. Support Greg Johnson 8 pm. Corrs on stage 9 pm. Park'n'ride bus service will operate from William Pickering Drive, Albany, from 5.30 pm, dropping off patrons in Coliseum Drive by Gate A and costing $3 return. Tickets $85 to $135.