Stephen Gately, from the boyband Boyzone, passed away in his sleep whilst on holiday.
He was only 33.
Here is Stephen singing on Top of the Pops.
Stephen with his husband Andrew Cowles.
The boys make a statement after Stephen's death.
“Stephen tragically died .... whilst on holiday with his partner Andrew in Majorca. The rest of the boyz will be flying out today,” was what was posted on Boyzone’s web site.
In 1999, Gately became one of the first pop stars to come out, announcing that he was gay and had a boyfriend, Andy Cowles.
Boyzone had a run of hits in the 1990s and reformed in 2007. They were to release a new album in 2010.
A friend of Gately’s was quoted by the British press as saying he had gone out for drinks and died in his sleep.
“It looks like he went out for a few drinks, then got back, fell asleep and never woke up,” the friend said.
An untimely death, very sad.
Ronan Keating, member of Boyzone, said:
"Last Saturday our world changed forever when we lost our friend and brother Stephen.We have come to Majorca today to accompany our pal on his final journey back to Dublin, where we know he will be given an unforgettable send off tomorrow. We'd like to thank the authorities here for their help and for the respect they have shown to our friend.Stephen & Andrew had chosen to make Majorca their second home and we know that Stephen loved the times they spent together here. The countless messages of love and support we have received this week have truly overwhelmed ourselves and the Gately family. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for each and every one of them. We would also like to thank the media for respecting our privacy this week and ask that you continue to do so tomorrow.Stephen lived to perform and truly loved being centre stage. You can be sure he's looking down on us now wishing we’d move over so he could flash his smile for the cameras one more time.What the future holds for the four of us now is too hard to even think about. But we know that nothing will ever be the same without our dearest friend, Stephen... rest in peace, brother."
"Last Saturday our world changed forever when we lost our friend and brother Stephen.We have come to Majorca today to accompany our pal on his final journey back to Dublin, where we know he will be given an unforgettable send off tomorrow. We'd like to thank the authorities here for their help and for the respect they have shown to our friend.Stephen & Andrew had chosen to make Majorca their second home and we know that Stephen loved the times they spent together here. The countless messages of love and support we have received this week have truly overwhelmed ourselves and the Gately family. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for each and every one of them. We would also like to thank the media for respecting our privacy this week and ask that you continue to do so tomorrow.Stephen lived to perform and truly loved being centre stage. You can be sure he's looking down on us now wishing we’d move over so he could flash his smile for the cameras one more time.What the future holds for the four of us now is too hard to even think about. But we know that nothing will ever be the same without our dearest friend, Stephen... rest in peace, brother."
The four remaining boys of Boyzone carried the casket, along with two family members. They also performed a song. Attendees included Elton John, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern.
I was lucky enough to work with him on the West End revival as well as the tour of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT.
Stephen was an amazing man, courageous and true to himself. He was never self indulgent but was always self depricating and selfless.
I miss him terribly.
"The Camera"
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