“We didn’t have social media in the ‘90s. This is our way of showing people what our life was like behind the scenes,” said lead singer Ronan Keating, as he attended the documentary’s premiere in London alongside members Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch.
“With any story you need a start, a middle and an end. After 30 years, we have that now. That’s why this was the time for us to tell this story. It’s not an easy watch. It’s harrowing, it’s difficult, it’s upsetting. There are times when it’s fun and there’s laughter. It’s not a typical boy band watch,” Keating said.
The five-member group was put together by pop impresario Louis Walsh, who took out newspaper adverts to find Ireland’s first boy band. Boyzone went on to enjoy worldwide success, selling more than 25 million records globally, with hit songs such as “Love Me for a Reason”, “Words” and “Picture of You”. The group split up in 2000 when Keating set off on a solo career, but later reunited.
Band member Stephen Gately, who caused a sensation in the pop world in 1999 when he announced he was gay, died while on holiday in Andratx, Mallorca in 2009, aged 33. Gately died of natural causes at his holiday home in Andratx after a night out in Palma and thousands of people turned out for the funeral in the centre of Dublin.
The four remaining members of Boyzone flew to Mallorca to accompany the body of Stephen Gately back to Ireland and before leaving Majorca, Ronan Keating stood arm in arm with Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy and said they were truly overwhelmed at the support they had received. It was the first time they had spoken publicly since the 33-year-old singer’s death.
“Last Saturday our world changed forever when we lost our friend and brother Stephen. We have come to Mallorca today to accompany our pal on his final journey back to Dublin, where we know he will be given an unforgettable send off,” Keating said at the time at Palma airport. Stephen and Andrew (Gately’s partner Andrew Cowles) had chosen to make Mallorca their second home and we know that Stephen loved the times they spent together here,” Ronan said.
“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,” he added. The documentary combines archive material and fresh footage with candid interviews with the band members, Gately’s sister, Walsh and journalists, revealing strained relationships and resentment, as well as the toll of Gately’s passing. Member Michael Graham, who did not attend Monday’s premiere, also shares his experience.
“It was like therapy,” said Keating. “I think we did 12 hours each in front of the camera. It took two years. We went through a lot of old footage. It was pretty magical at times, to see all that old footage but at times it was heartbreaking.” It was like a counselling session,” added Duffy. “I felt like it was a weight off my shoulders to be able to talk about it.” “Boyzone: No Matter What” is out on Sky Documentaries and NOW on Feb. 2
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