 In 2018, Kilbane criticized the selection of Daniel O'Donnell to perform for Pope Francis during his visit to Ireland that year on account of O'Donnell's support for a "yes" vote in Ireland's same-sex marriage referendum in 2015.Since 2016, Kilbane has hosted "Keltic Country Gospel with James Kilbane" on the UK digital TV channel Keep It Country.Kilbane was born in Central Middlesex Hospital, Park Royal, London, England and lived for some of his childhood in Harlesden, North West London.