Stephen Gately (born 17th March 1976) shot to fame in the early ‘90s as one fifth of Irish boyband, Boyzone. The band sold about 20 million records worldwide.
Ireland’s answer to Take That
Pop svengali Louis Walsh, currently a judge on British TV show, The X Factor, alongside Simon Cowell, decided in 1993 to put together his own version of the wildly popular British boy band, Take That.
He placed an advert in a paper and selected five young men to become the band members, along with Stephen Gately, Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, Keith Duffy and Mikey Graham collectively became known as Boyzone. The band was an instant success and over the course of 15-years, sold 20 million records, had 6 number one records in the UK and released 5 albums.
In 2000 they split, primarily so lead singer Ronan Keating could focus on his solo music career, this caused tension between the band members. Stephen Gately at first pursued a solo music career, then focused his attentions on musical theatre, appearing in Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in London's West End.
Coming Out Controversy
In 1999, Stephen Gately controversially for the time, came out as homosexual. Ten years ago, teenage heart-throbs were not accustomed to admitting they were gay. He was in a relationship with Eloy De Jong of Dutch boyband, Caught In The Act. Gately’s loyal fans, although shocked did not abandon him and continued to support the star. In 2006 he married his boyfriend Andrew Cowles, 32, in a civil partnership.
Successful Reunion
By 2007, the five members of Boyzone had made their peace and decided to reunite, they were inspired by Take That’s own hugely successful comeback in 2006 after they split in 1996. Boyzone completed a comeback tour in 2008 and had a new album scheduled for release in early 2010. It has not been announced as to whether the remaining members will carry on as a four-piece.
Tragic Early Death
On Saturday 10th October 2009, it was announced that Stephen Gately had died. He was on holiday in Majorca with his husband Andrew but his body was found by Bulgarian Georgi Petrov Dochev, who befriended the couple while they were out in a club on the Friday night. The autopsy has revealed that his lungs filling with fluid was the cause of death. It did not reveal why this happened.
The remaining four members of Boyzone flew straight out to the Spanish Island to pay their respects as soon as they heard. They released a statement saying,“We are completely devastated by the loss of our friend and brother, Stephen. We have shared such wonderful times together over the years and were all looking forward to sharing many more.”
His death has truly come as a shock to many and he was held in very high regard by those who met him, Elton John said, "Stephen was the kindest, gentlest soul. We send our love and condolences to his partner Andy and to all his friends everywhere."
Stephen Gately's funeral took place in Dublin on 17th October 2009. His coffin was carried by his four remaining band members.
Sources:
- bbc.co.uk
- newsoftheworld.co.uk
- boyzone.net
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