The iconic Irish boyband Boyzone's tumultuous history is brought to light in the newly released documentary series Boyzone: No Matter What, which premieres on February 2 on Sky Documentaries and NOW. This three-part series dives deep not only how the band rose to stardom but also the heartbreaking loss following the untimely death of band member Stephen Gately.
With 21 singles charting within the top 40 of the UK and 22 hits on the Irish charts, including six UK No. 1 singles, Boyzone was no stranger to success. Yet, as revealed through archival footage and new interviews with members Ronan Keaton, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch, and their manager Louis Walsh, the story is punctuated by moments of personal conflict, rivalry, and tragic loss.
Gately passed away at the young age of 33 due to pulmonary oedema from an undiagnosed heart condition at his apartment in Port d'Andratx, Majorca, back on October 10, 2009. His death sent shockwaves through the music world and left the remaining band members reeling. Ronan Keaton recalled the horrific moment he received the news from solicitor Gerald Kean, who broke the shocking news over the phone. A stunned Ronan reportedly asked, “Stephen who?” before comprehending the gravity of the situation when he was confirmed it was, “Stephen Gately,” who had passed.
Another band member, Shane Lynch, recounted the chilling moment he received the news. He described it as he was leaving the bar, and Ronan's voice echoed louder on the phone: “‘Steo Steo, he’s gone.’” Meanwhile, Keith Duffy expressed disbelief, stating, “It just didn’t go in - what? No no, not our Stephen.” These firsthand accounts give the audience a glimpse of the disarray and turmoil felt by the band during those hours.
Facing immense media scrutiny and false rumors, including unsubstantiated claims connecting Gately’s death to alcohol-related issues, the band found themselves battling within the public eye. Manager Mark Plunkett weighed in on the treacherous media waves, expressing frustration over the pervasive innuendo related to Gately's passing: “Some of the rubbish… was just horrible.” This chaos managed to overshadow the genuine grief shared by the band and Gately's family.
Despite the whirlwind of misinformation and public speculation, the members felt the instinctive need to come together following Gately's passing. Shane Lynch explained their decision to keep vigil with Stephen's coffin the night before his funeral, spending the night sharing jokes and memories. “When everybody else left, and it was just the five of us, there was a great sense of peace, of unity,” Mikey Graham reflected. Ronan added, “He didn’t like the cold, he didn’t like being alone,” demonstrating the bond and affection they shared for their fallen bandmate.
Gately's funeral took place at St Laurence O’Toole Church on October 17, 2009, drawing over 4,000 fans, friends, and family, including Gately's partner Andrew Cowles. The four surviving members of Boyzone honored Gately by carrying his coffin, and they collectively decided to continue performing worldwide to pay tribute to his memory. This decision led to the early release of Boyzone's album Brother in March 2010, dedicated to Gately and featuring the posthumously recorded song “I Can Dream.”
Through personal connections and the challenges of maintaining public personas, Boyzone: No Matter What unveils both the highs and lows of one of Ireland’s beloved bands, ensuring Gately’s legacy endures. The series encapsulates the essence of their music and the camaraderie forged through their experiences. Fans can look forward to reliving the joy and sorrow intertwined with Boyzone’s legendary career as they tune in to the powerful stories behind the boyband's success and their deep bond with Gately. The documentary promises to be both heartwarming and cathartic, highlighting the enduring influence of Gately as well as the entire Boyzone legacy.