Ronan Keating shares tribute to late Boyzone bandmate Stephen Gately

by · Mail Online

Ronan Keating has paid a heartfelt tribute to his late Boyzone bandmate Stephen Gately, marking 16 years since his tragic passing.

Stephen died suddenly at just 33 while at his holiday home in Majorca in 2009, after suffering from an undiagnosed heart condition that caused fluid to build up in his lungs.

On the anniversary of his death on Friday, Ronan took to Instagram to remember his close friend and 'wingman', sharing a touching throwback photo of the pair together.

In a heartfelt caption, the singer, 47, wrote: 'Years are passing fast. Miss you my friend, my brother, my wingman. 

'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.'

Fans flocked to the comment section to share their love for the band member and to honour his memory writing: 'My god he was so beautiful. Miss him. ❤️'

Ronan Keating has paid a heartfelt tribute to his late Boyzone bandmate Stephen Gately , marking 16 years since his tragic passing (pictured: Stephen in 2009)
Stephen was a part of 90s boyband Boyzone, made up of (L-R) Keith Duffy, Ronan, Shane Lynch and Mikey Graham, but shockingly died at just 33 while at his holiday home in Majorca

'Will forever be missed. Loved you on stage together brought so much joy. Sending love to you Ronan ❤️'

'You’re never alone. You have us all and he’s one heck of a guardian angel. He’d be so excited about these stadium shows. Thinking of you today and sending love x'x

Always remembered, never forgotten. Sixteen years, but his light still shines through you all. ✨❤️ 

Such amazing memories we have, which i will always cherish ❤️ 

A beautiful soul heart of gold forever in all our hearts forever missed but never forgotten sending love to steo family and all you lads xxx shine bright our superman steo xxxx 

Keith Duffy also marked the anniversary with his own tribute, posting a montage of pictures of Stephen from the band's early days and writing: '16 years an Angel Remembering our brother Steo today, forever in our hearts, voices, and every song we sing. 1976–2009.' 

Fellow band member Shane Lynch posted a black and white shot of the two of them sharing a hug with three simple red hearts in the caption. 

Stephen's death in October 2009 sent shockwaves through the music world, and his fellow bandmates - Ronan, Keith, Shane Lynch and Mikey Graham - have continued to honour his memory through their music and live performances. 

On the anniversary of his death on Friday, Ronan took to Instagram to remember his close friend and 'wingman', sharing a touching throwback photo of the pair together
Fellow band member Shane posted a black and white shot of the two of them sharing a hug with three simple red hearts in the caption
Fans flocked to the comment section to share their love for the band member and to honour his memory writing
The pop group rose to fame in the 1990s with hits such as No Matter What and Love Me for a Reason (pictured together in 2008)
Now, the four remaining members are preparing to take to the stage once again for a special UK stadium show, One For The Road: Live at Emirates Stadium next year

The pop group, who rose to fame in the 1990s with hits such as No Matter What and Love Me for a Reason, reunited after Stephen's death to release their farewell album Thank You & Goodnight in 2018.

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Now, the four remaining members are preparing to take to the stage once again for a special UK stadium show, One For The Road: Live at Emirates Stadium, on June 5 and 6 next year, with a tribute to Stephen promised as part of the performance.

Speaking to Magic FM on Friday, Keith bravely opened up saying: '[Stephen] was a huge part of Boyzone. We show him a great deal of respect, we always have done since his passing.

'We’ve always tried our best to try to respect him in a way that was right and just. It wouldn’t be right and just to do this show without remembering Stephen. We hope that will be a part of a show everybody will join in and celebrate with us.

'We don't quite know exactly what that is yet, but every show that we've ever done without Stephen, we've always had a moment and we put a lot of thought and effort into make sure it's enough and we usually get great feedback from the fans telling us that they loved that moment in the show, that it touched them, that it was perfect'.

He added: 'Getting that right is going to be very important to us, but we wouldn't be able to do a show without bringing him in and as Ronan said earlier on when we are together as a group and the four of us are together, we feel that Stephen is in the room, we genuinely do.

They've promised fans a tribute to Stephen as part of the performance with Keith stating that was 'very important' as they' wouldn't be able to do a show without bringing him in' (Stephen pictured in 2009)

'We reminisce about times when we travelling, when we were tired, when we’d all kick off, when we’d argue and some of the things that Stephen used to do were hilarious'.

The announcement follows the success of their Sky documentary Boyzone: No Matter What, which offered fans a candid look back at the band's journey.

In a joint statement, Boyzone said: 'We've been truly blown away and humbled by the response to the documentary this year.

'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.'