Boyzone, the iconic Irish boyband, is set to revisit their storied past and shed light on their experiences, particularly focusing on the legacy of their late member Stephen Gately, with the new documentary series titled Boyzone: No Matter What. Scheduled to premiere on Sky Documentaries on Sunday, February 2, 2025, this three-part series promises to take fans on an emotional trip down memory lane.
Members Ronan KeATING, Keith Duffy, Shane Lynch, and Mikey Graham reflect on their experiences, including the significant losses and victories throughout their careers. Gately, who made history as the first openly gay member of a UK boy band when he came out in 1999, is particularly honored within the series, capturing both his struggles and triumphs. KeATING shared with Yahoo UK, "It's been a tough watch every time, I've watched it multiple times and every time I'm a mess. Stephen's story had to be told and I'm delighted we got to do this, to honour him like he is honoured in this film."
The documentary will also explore the intense media scrutiny surrounding the band, especially Gately's life and his decision to come out. He was forced to disclose his sexuality after learning of plans by acquaintance to sell stories to tabloids, marking him as a pioneer for queer visibility within the music industry.
Gately's tragic death on October 10, 2009, prompted deep reflection from his bandmates. Duffy remarked, "It gives us something to remind us if we ever forget — which we won’t — but it was such a special time in all of our lives." The film looks back on not just Gately’s legacy but also on the boy band’s tumultuous relationship with fame, conflict, and each other.
The documentary aims to divulge the truth behind the band’s rise to fame and the circumstances leading to their breakup. It broadens the narrative by including insights from their estranged manager Louis Walsh, who provides his perspective on the pressures they faced. A synopsis for the series notes, "They were one of the most successful and iconic boybands of all time but behind-the-scenes, conflict and rivalry, betrayal and tragedy led to their falling apart."
Throughout the series, the remaining members recount their emotional experience of reuniting and touring after Gately’s death, describing it as both cathartic and necessary. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect as friends and bandmates, reminiscing about the milestones they shared during their comeback from 2008 until Gately's untimely passing.
Reflecting on these times, KeATING shared, "I find it very upsetting. I still haven’t come to terms with the loss of Steo, none of us have. The injustice… it’s left me bitter. I miss him still. It’s unfair the hurt, the pain.” These raw emotions encapsulate the spirit of what Boyzone: No Matter What promises to convey.
With the upcoming release, fans are encouraged to tune in to celebrate not just Boyzone's music but the stories and contributions of Gately, whose influence continues to resonate even years after his passing. The documentary will be available for streaming on Sky Documentaries and NOW TV, marking this as a significant moment for fans to relive Boyzone’s impactful legacy.
The series, by offering an intimate look at their band, ensures Gately's memory and the shared history of Boyzone will live on, urging the audience to engage with the heartfelt moments likely to emerge on screen. Audiences can join KeATING, Duffy, Lynch, Graham, and Walsh on this deeply personal and public exploration of their past.
Do not miss this poignant documentary as it airs February 2, only on Sky Documentaries.