Ronan Keating pays heartbreaking tribute to late Boyzone star Stephen Gately: ‘Kills me to do it alone’

Ronan Keating has paid tribute to his friend and former bandmate Stephen Gately in an emotional post.

Gately died 16 years ago today, aged 33, at his holiday home in Majorca of an undiagnosed heart condition.

On the anniversary of his death, Keating paid tribute to the Boyzone star, with whom he performed alongside fellow bandmates Keith Duffy, Shane Lynch, and Mikey Graham.

Keating, 48, shared a throwback photo of the duo on Instagram, writing in the caption: ‘Years are passing fast. Miss you my friend my brother my Wing man.

‘I’m sure you are laughing at the fact we have decided to approach this next chapter.

‘Kills me to do it alone. But I know you are there. X.’

Keating’s bandmate Duffy, 51, shared an Instagram reel with pictures of Gatley from the heyday of the band’s fame in the 90s.

He penned: ’16 years an Angel 😇 Remembering our brother Steo today, forever in our hearts, voices, and every song we sing. 1976–2009 🤍.’

During their career, Boyzone sold 6.3 million albums and 8 million singles in the UK, with 25 million records sold worldwide.

In the UK, they had a total of six number one singles, including A Different Beat, All That I Need, and When the Going Gets Tough.

After Gately’s death, the group continued as a four-piece, releasing a farewell album, Thank You & Goodnight, in 2018.

Recently, it was announced that the 00s icons would reunite for a huge UK show featuring a tribute to Gatley.

Boyzone will perform One For The Road: Live At Emirates Stadium in London on Saturday, June 6.

Boyzone recently released a tell-all documentary, Boyzone: No Matter What, on Sky – with the response to that prompting the Love Me For A Reason hitmakers to explore a reunion show.

‘We’ve been truly blown away and humbled by the response to the documentary this year,’ Boyzone shared in a statement.

‘The love we’ve felt from fans all over the world has inspired us to create the ultimate experience together, headlining our own stadium show.

‘The four of us can’t wait to stand together again and enjoy One For The Road.’

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