Stephen Gately, ‘Boyzone’ singer, remembered today
Ireland-based boy band, Boyzone, recently lost one of its own. Stephen Gately, 33, died in Spain last Saturday and was remembered by his fellow band members as well as fans and celebrities alike at his funeral in Dublin today.
Among others, Sir Elton John, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and fellow boy band Westlife were present at the funeral mass held in St. Laurence O’Toole Church. Fans were said to have camped out overnight as a part of a candlelight vigil that took place the night prior.
Gately, who will likely be remembered as the member of the band who “came out of the closet” nearly 10 years earlier, was on vacation in Spain when he was found dead on his sofa. No evidence of foul play, suicide, or heavy drug use was found at the scene.
Gately enjoyed much success with Boyzone, including six number one singles in the U.K. After the band’s initial break up, Gately went on to a solo career that included television appearances, stage productions, and new albums. The band later regrouped in early 2008 and toured throughout the rest of the year.
The remaining Boyzone members are Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy.
[photo: Mangaka Maiden]
Tags: Boyzone, Dublin, Elton John, homosexuality, Ireland, Stephen Gately