Stephen Gately 1976-2009

Tributes are being paid today to entertainer and celebrity Stephen Gately, who sadly died suddenly, whilst on holiday in Majorca on 10th October 2009.

Stephen was 33 years old.

Stephen was one of the original members of Boyzone. With Ronan Keating's beautiful voice these two were the tuneful side of boy band Boyzone. Things were not always so rosy for this band. It seemed as if their fist appearance on their native Irish television may be their last. Their appearance on The Late Show in Ireland is still shown on some comedy shows and Boyzone were just so ill prepared.

Still they had talent and not only survived but went from strength to strength. Stephen Gately came out and after the initial shock of his young female fan base, Boyzone carried on as before.

Boyzone had a string of hits before lead singer Ronan Keating left to go solo. Although initially Ronan had chart success the fame and fortune that had come with Boyzone was not to be repeated.

Stephen went on to have success more in musical theatre than with chart success.

The break up caused a rift but then all of a sudden this seemed to be healed.Then, recently, following in the footsteps of Take That, Boyzone reformed. Now though they should have been renamed Menzone as they were all grown. Their original fans had grown up also and many were now Mums. However all seemed well with the world and Boyzone seems to be well and truly back.

As is so often the case in this lifer just as things were going there way diaster has struck.

Stephen Gately died on the holiday Island of Majorca. As yet the cause of death is unknown. It has been reported though that drink and drugs were not to blame.

Changes have been made to the X Factor results show on Sunday 11th October 2009 as judge Louis Walsh has had a professional relationship with Boyzone for many years. Simon sent his condolences and although the show went on it had a subdued air.

As yet details are scanty and this hub will be updated as news is revealed. For now this hub will have some musical tributes to Stephen Gately.

14th October 2009

News has been released today regarding the cause of death. It is now thought that Stephen died from fluid in his lungs. This could have been due to vomit, as in the death of Jimi Hendrix. However this fluid could also have been present due to undiagnosed heart problems.

Either way it is safe to say I guess that it was one of those things. Sad as it is such tragic accidents do happen.

Stephen's body will be flown home to Ireland where his funeral is expected to take place on Saturday 17th October 2009.

16th October 2009

Television news today has shown Stephen's body being taken to the airport for his return to Ireland. The other four members of Boyzone were with him. They seemed so touched and moved by the whole scenario this week. Life is strange like that. This time last week, presumably, all was right with the world for these guys but it is a very different tale this Friday.

The boys are to stand vigil ewith Stephen's body tonight in the Church. Understandably they do not want to leave hime alone.

Louis Walsh has already pulled out this week's X Factor show to attend Stephen's funeral.

RIP