Boyzone, one of the most beloved boybands of the 1990s, is back in the spotlight with the release of their new documentary titled "Boyzone: No Matter What." Set to premiere on February 2, 2025, on Sky Documentaries, this documentary aims to shed light on the highs and lows of the band’s career and offers fans, and newcomers alike, insights they’ve never before seen.
The documentary features candid interviews with all surviving band members: Ronan Keaton, Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch, and Keith Duffy, alongside reflections on the late Stephen Gately, who passed away suddenly at just 33 years old. Ronan Keaton, who not only stars but also serves as producer for this project, expressed hopes to deliver justice for Gately, highlighting the unfair treatment he received from the media.
Speaking with Yahoo UK, Keaton stated, “I find it very upsetting. I still haven't come to terms with the loss of Steo. The injustice of what happened at the time left me bitter. The hurt and the pain it caused him were horrific.” These raw emotions reflect his deep-seated feelings surrounding Gately's pressures to come out as gay before he was ready, emphasizing the anxiety Gately endured questioning whether fans would abandon him once the news hit.
The documentary does not shy away from addressing Louis Walsh, who was instrumental in forming Boyzone and managing the group throughout the height of their fame. Walsh, known for his controversial management practices, admits to manipulating media narratives. He openly revealed, “Most of the time I would say 'write what you want', but if we needed stories, I gave them what they wanted about the group to keep them relevant.” The band members were shocked to learn of these tactics, with Keaton noting how devastating it was to discover the extent of Walsh's interactions with tabloid journalists.
Shane Lynch echoed Keaton's sentiment, stating, “All those little things make Louis Walsh, and made us to be fair. Without him, this whole thing wouldn't have existed.” Lynch's loyalty to Walsh is palpable, yet he also reflects on their complicated relationship, admitting feelings of animosity toward Keaton during their height of fame. Lynch confesses, “I was angry at Ro for years. I found myself wanting to destroy him.” Yet upon reconciliation, Lynch expressed relief, noting their bond transcends past grievances.
The documentary harkens back to the early days of fame when the pressures were immense. Talking about the demands placed on them, Keaton warned, “We hadn’t had more than three weeks off in six years,” capturing the intense environment the band operated within. Each band member discusses his method of coping amid the chaos, giving fans not just entertainment but genuine insight.
For the late Stephen Gately, this documentary serves as both tribute and testimony, with Keaton reflecting, “If nothing else, this film is Stephen's legacy. People can see the beautiful human being he was.” This confession intertwines with tales of sorrow and loss, as Gately's struggles with his sexuality under public scrutiny are poignantly explored. Keaton adds, “We get to do this for Stephen, to find justice for Steo... It’s put to bed now.”
Louis Walsh, not without his own share of criticism, finds himself at the center of past tensions as well. Ronan Keaton claimed Walsh “didn’t give a f**k” concerning his solo career, which sparked accusations of professional betrayal, showing the friction both within Boyzone and between Walsh and the members. Keaton accuses Walsh of lacking interest when his career began to dip, stating, “I gave him multiple opportunities to fix things. It fell on deaf ears.”
After years of discontent, the upcoming premiere signifies the chance for these band members to finally reflect and reconcile their past. They are set to offer fans not just nostalgia but also revelations revitalizing conversations around fame, pressure, and personal growth. The documentary promises to capture the essence of their struggles as they navigate the legacy left behind—all examined through the lens of those who have lived it. Fans can expect emotional peaks and valleys as Boyzone delves deep, aiming to resolve long-held grievances along the way.
To witness firsthand the intertwined stories of Boyzone, tune in to the world premiere of "Boyzone: No Matter What" on February 2. The documentary is more than just a recounting of their career; it’s about the heart and emotion behind the music, the weight of fame, and the resolution of lost stories waiting to be told.