Boyzone: Their rise to fame and success
We love the lads!
Boyzone formed almost 30 years ago - can you believe it?! The band, consisting of Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and the late Stephen Gately, were put together and soon flourished, storming the charts with hit after hit.
But how did Boyzone form? What was the first Boyzone single? And just why did Boyzone split up? Read on as we document the rise of the boyband we all know and adore...
Are Boyzone Irish?
Of course they are! Boyzone are proud Irishmen and certainly have that magic twinkle in their eyes. Boyzone consists of Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and the late Stephen Gately.
When did Boyzone start?
Boyzone started out in 1993, having been put together by a manager with plans to create the next big thing. Over 300 people replied to an advert put out in newspapers and came to Dublin in November of that year to audition, each of them having to sing a rendition of "Careless Whisper" by George Michael.
From the 300 hopefuls, just 50 were selected for round two and asked to sing two songs with one being something they choose themselves. While Ronan sang the now Boyzone classic 'Father And Son', you might be surprised to know Keith Duffy took on an altogether more interesting track... 'I'm Too Sexy' by Right Said Fred. Either way it worked and the band were formed, but without Mikey Graham and with a sixth Boyzone member.
In 1994, the changes took place and some of the original Boyzone members left the band. Opting not to replace the sixth member, Mikey Graham joined and Boyzone became the fierce fivesome we all know and love.
Young Boyzone had big plans in the 90s and were eventually signed to Polydor Records in 1994 after playing multiple pubs and clubs in Ireland. The record label released 'Working My Way Back To You' which got to Number 3 in the Irish charts but it was Boyzone's 'Love Me For A Reason' that broke them into the British charts.
Which was Boyzone's debut album?
In 1995, the debut Boyzone album 'Said And Done' followed and songs such as "So Good" and "Father And Son" were released which caused Boyzone to get a huge European fanbase. The rest, as they say, is history.
What was Boyzone's first single?
'Working My Way Back To You' was Boyzone's first single, released in Ireland and getting to Number 3. The track was originally a hit for the Four Seasons.
In the British charts, 'Love Me For A Reason' was Boyzone's first single and got to Number 2. Another cover, this time an Osmonds track, 'Love Me For A Reason' quickly became Boyzone's debut single in other countries including the Netherlands where it reached Number 7 in the charts.
WATCH: Boyzone - 'Love Me For A Reason'
Who managed Boyzone?
Louis Walsh, known now for managing the likes of Westlife and appearing on The X Factor, was the manager or Boyzone. It was Louis Walsh who put out the advert in Irish newspapers looking to create the 'Irish Take That' and who spotted the talents of Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch and the rest of the band.
Later, Boyzone parted ways with Louis Walsh and the manager then went on to form Westlife and manage Union J.
Stephen Gately 1976 - 2009
Stephen Gately sadly passed away on the 10th October 2009. Stephen's cause of death was later listed as natural causes, a congenital heart defect causing the 33-year-old's life to be tragically cut short. Stephen left behind his widower Andrew Cowles, a dedicated family, friends, his fellow Boyzone members and a ton of heartbroken fans across the world.
Stephen Gately had a special place in Boyzone, taking the joint lead singer role along with Ronan Keating and celebrating the band's many successes with the rest of the members with whom he shared an unbreakable bond.
Boyzone songs such as 'Picture of You', 'Love Me For A Reason', 'When The Going Gets Tough' and 'You Needed Me' now hold an even more special place in the hearts and memories of Boyzone fans everywhere.
Why did Boyzone split?
Boyzone split in 1999 to pursue solo projects. Boyzone did a brief tour in Ireland in early January 2000 before going their separate ways.
After their split, Boyzone's Keith Duffy appeared in Coronation Street, Ronan Keating had a successful solo career with hits such as 'When You Say Nothing At All', 'Life Is A Rollercoaster' and 'Lovin' Each Day', Stephen Gately had a solo career and appeared in the West End, Mikey Graham trained as an actor in America and Shane Lynch also took to acting.
Have Boyzone reformed?
Boyzone reformed in 2007, announcing a tour for the following year. Boyzone's tour took them across the UK to sell out audiences in the likes of Glasgow, Newcastle, Nottingham and Dublin much to fans' delight. Boyzone toured again in 2009, their last as a five.
After the death of Stephen Gately, Boyzone released their album 'Brother' with the title being a nod of respect to him. Another Boyzone tour followed in 2011.
WATCH: Boyzone - 'Every Day I Love You'
Since then, Boyzone celebrated 20 years together with the BZ20 tour, released a compilation album called 'Love Me For A Reason: The Collection', album 'From Dublin To Detroit' and toured around the UK, Ireland and Asia.
In 2018, Boyzone released album 'Thank You and Goodnight' with artists Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran writing for the band's final album which also marked their 25-year anniversary.
How old are the Boyzone members?
Ronan Keating is the youngest member, with his birthday on 3rd March 1977, making him 47-years-old (at the time of writing).
Mikey Graham is the oldest member, with his birthday on 15th August 1972, making him 51-years-old (at the time of writing).
Keith Duffy's birthday is 1st October 1974, making him 49-years-old (at the time of writing).
Shane Lynch's birthday is 3rd July 1976, making him 47-years-old (at the time of writing).
Stephen Gately was born on 17th March 1976 and was just 33 when he passed away in October 2009.
On 17th March 2023, on what would have been Stephen's 47th birthday, Keith Duffy took to his Instagram to pay tribute to his late friend, sharing a series of images and writing: 'Happy Heavenly Birthday to Our Brother Steo Today, While raising a Glass for St Patrick today keep our Steo in your thoughts and keep his memories Alive ☘️💚' (sic).
WATCH: Boyzone - 'A Different Beat'
What are Boyzone's best songs?
If you debate Boyzone songs with any fan, be prepared for the conversation to go on for hours! Boyzone's songs have been important in so many people's lives and while greatest hits like 'Baby Can I Hold You', 'So Good' and 'I Love The Way You Love Me' are arguably their most popular, others favour lesser known songs like 'Better' or 'Love Will Save The Day'.
Are Boyzone married?
Magic's very own Ronan Keating married gorgeous wife Storm on 17th August 2015 and the couple welcomed son Cooper in April 2017 and daughter Coco in March 2020. He also has son Jack and daughters Missy and Ali from his previous relationship.
Mikey Graham married wife Karen Corradi in 2004, they share daughter Sienna and he's also dad to Hannah from a previous relationship.
Shane Lynch married singer Sheena White in August 2007, and they have two daughters together called Billie Rae and Marley Mae. Shane is also brother to B*Witched singers Keavy and Edele Lynch.
Keith Duffy married wife Lisa Smith in Vegas in 1998 where Ronan Keating was best man. Keith and Lisa have two children together, Jordan and Mia. In January 2024, it was revealed that Keith and Lisa had reportedly split, according to the Mirror.
You can hear Boyzone on the Magic playlist! 🎶
Scroll through to see Ronan Keating's biggest career moments so far:
1994: Boyzone's beginnings
Manager Louis Walsh put out audition advertisements in 1993, looking for an 'Irish Take That'. After whittling 300 down to 50, the final band members were chosen to be Ronan Keating, Stephen Gately, Keith Duffy, Richard Rock, Shane Lynch and Mark Walton. When Richard left due to 'musical differences' with Ronan, he was replaced by Mikey Graham. Mark left a year later.
They got signed in 1994 after singing in pubs and clubs, releasing a cover of 'Working My Way Back to You' by Four Seasons, before putting out a cover of 'Love Me for a Reason' by the Osmonds, which peaked at Number 2 in the UK charts. Their debut album 'Said and Done' was released in August 1995 and went to Number 1 in the UK.
1996: Second album and Eurovision
The band's follow-up album 'A Different Beat' was released in 1996, and sold 2 million copies around the world as well as hitting Number 1 in the UK. Boyzone performed at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1997, singing 'Let The Message Run Free', with Ronan also co-hosting the show with actress Carrie Crowley.
That same year, Ronan was awarded the Ivor Novello Award for songwriting for 'Picture of You', which appeared on the band's third album 'Where We Belong', released in 1998. It sold over 3 million copies worldwide and went to Number 1 in the UK.
1998: Ronan lost his mother, Marie
1998 brought sorrow for Ronan in his personal life - he lost his mother, Marie, to breast cancer. However, her devastating death spurred Ronan to open the Marie Keating Foundation, and it became a registered charity in 2001. It's now one of the biggest cancer charities in Ireland.
Boyzone recorded a version of 'No Matter What' from Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Whistle Down The Wind' musical - it became the band's best-selling single and was voted Song of the Year in 1998. Meat Loaf also covered the song, and the band teamed up with him to perform it on stage at his 1998 concert in Dublin. They also sang it with Luciano Pavarotti in Italy.
1999: Boyzone's greatest hits and split
The band released their greatest hits album 'By Request' in May 1999, and Ronan released his first solo single - 'When You Say Nothing At All', recorded for the film Notting Hill which came out that year. It went to Number 1 in the UK.
In November 1999, Boyzone announced that they would be taking some time out of the band to focus on their individual solo efforts. During the next seven years, Ronan managed other bands and wrote music, putting out his debut solo album 'Ronan' in 2000 which has since been certified 4x Platinum.
2002: Four more albums
Ronan released his second solo album 'Destination' in 2002 which went to Number 1 in the UK, third album 'Turn It On' in 2003, compilation album '10 Years of Hits' in 2004 and 'Bring You Home' in 2006, working with the likes of Elton John, Lulu and the Bee Gees across the records.
Ronan performed in front of around 250,000 people at the opening party for the 2006 FIFA World Cup at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, singing a cover of 'Iris' by the Goo Goo Dolls.
2007: Boyzone reunion and Stephen Gately's death
In November 2007, Boyzone announced that they were reuniting for a Children In Need performance, and soon after announced a huge tour which began in May 2008, with the band performing 58 dates around the world and finishing in June 2009. The band released their comeback single 'Love You Anyway', peaking at Number 5 in the UK. Ronan released his fifth album, 'Songs For My Mother', and followed it up with 'Winter Songs' soon afterwards.
Band member Stephen Gately tragically passed away on 10th October 2009 from an unknown heart condition. Ronan, Shane, Keith and Mikey issued a joint statement which read, 'Stephen tragically died yesterday whilst on holiday with his partner Andrew in Majorca. We are completely devastated by the loss of our friend and brother, Stephen. We have shared such wonderful times together over the years and were all looking forward to sharing many more. Our love and sympathy go out to Andrew and Stephen's family. We love you and will miss you forever, Steo.'
2010: 'Brother' album tribute to Stephen
Ronan, Shane, Keith and Mikey released their album 'Brother' in March 2010, a few months earlier than planned following Stephen's passing. It was released as a tribute to Stephen, and featured his vocals on 'Gave It All Away' and 'Stronger'. The album debuted at Number 1 in the UK and the band went on the 'Brother Tour' in February 2011.
Ronan also released his seventh solo album, 'Duet', in November 2010, and joined the panel of The X Factor Australia. Also in 2010, he split from his wife Yvonne and met fashion designer Storm Uechtritz, who he began a relationship with. In 2011, Ronan released his eighth album, 'When Ronan Met Burt', made up of covers and produced by Burt Bacharach. He toured Australia and New Zealand in 2012, and released his ninth album 'Fires', which he toured throughout the UK and Ireland in 2013. That year, he also appeared in film Goddess as the main character's husband.
2013: BZ20 and 'Dublin to Detroit'
Boyzone released album 'BZ20' in November 2013 to celebrate 20 years since the band formed, saying, "It seems crazy that 20 years have passed since we first got together but we are as excited now with the new album as we were back then. Bring on the next 20 years!" They went on the 'BZ20' tour to support the album's release, playing 48 shows in total.
The band released compilation album 'Love Me for a Reason – The Collection' in February 2014, and brand new album 'Dublin to Detroit' in November 2014 containing covers of Motown songs, including 'The Tracks of My Tears', 'You Can't Hurry Love' and 'This Old Heart of Mine'. Boyzone toured the album in the UK in 2015 and 2017, and Ronan took to the stage, performing as Guy in 'Once' the musical in London from November 2014 to March 2015. He married Storm in August 2015.
2016: The Voice Australia
Ronan was announced as a new judge on The Voice Australia, taking over from Ricky Martin in 2016. In February that year, he released his 10th album, 'Time of My Life', which went to Number 4 in the UK. In April 2017, Storm and Ronan welcomed their first child together - a son named Cooper. In September that year, Ronan joined Magic Radio as our Breakfast presenter alongside Harriet Scott!
Ronan returned to acting in 2017, having a small role in Australian drama Love Child as Lawrence Faber. In November 2019, Storm and Ronan announced that they are expecting their second child together - a baby girl.
2020: The 'Twenty Twenty' album
Ronan announced his 11th album 'Twenty Twenty' would be released on Friday 24th July 2020 - although he was set to go on tour to promote it in June 2020, it was unfortunately pushed back due to the global pandemic. It was initially rescheduled to January 2021, with Ronan set to perform at venues in Belfast, Dublin, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and London amongst many others. This has now been rescheduled to June 2021.
Ronan has released singles 'One of a Kind' featuring Emeli Sandé and 'Love Will Remain' with Clare Bowen from the album.
2021: The One Show
Ronan took to The One Show's famous red sofa as a co-host in 2017, and became a regular guest presenter in 2020. In April 2021, he was confirmed as a new permanent presenter alongside Alex Jones and Jermaine Jenas, and now hosts with Alex on Thursdays and Fridays.
Ronan said: "I'm so delighted to officially be a part of The One Show family. It's a show I've loved for many years as both a guest and a host and I can't wait to get started alongside Alex, Jermaine and the wonderful team behind the scenes."
2021: PAW Patrol: The Movie
In July Paramount Pictures announced that Ronan will make a cameo in PAW Patrol: The Movie as the voice of Harris. The film also stars Samantha Faires, Richard Arnold, Tom Fletcher, Kim Kardashian West and Jimmy Kimmel.
The film is currently in cinemas.
2022: Ronan receives an Honorary Degree
In May 2022 Ronan was awarded an Honorary Degree by the Open University in recognition for his charitable work over the past 25 years.
Speaking about his degree, Ronan said: "I feel extremely proud to accept an Honorary Degree from the Open University, especially as it is in recognition of the charity fundraising I feel so passionate about on behalf of the Marie Keating Foundation and Cancer Research UK."
2023: Ronan joined the panel for ITV's Starstruck
In March 2023, fans were delighted when it was revealed that Ronan would be stepping in to join the panel for ITV's hit show Starstruck! Ronan kept regular panellist Shania Twain's seat warm for two weeks, as he appears on the show on Saturday 18th and Saturday 25th March 2023.
On joining the panel, Ronan said: "Honoured that Shania entrusted me with the task of being a judge on Starstruck and I happily took on the baton offering what I hope was constructive but yet supportive feedback.
"The contestants' performances blew me away, it's so exciting to see such wonderful singing talent and the fact that most of these contestants have never sung on a stage before is just incredible. I loved every second of it!"
Will Shane Lynch reunite with Boyzone?
In August 2022, Shane opened up about reuniting with Boyzone in an interview with Christine Lampard on Lorraine. He told the TV presenter: "Look, I love my boys to pieces and I think for me personally the last set we ever did, certainly in Ireland with yourself there, that was kind of the last show for me.
"I've had enough really, I love business life and I love everything that I've created and built up to because sometimes you go back on tour and you lose a lot.
"You lose a lot of family life, too. So I think I'm steady where I am and very happy not to be apart of that world anymore."
In 2020 Magic Breakfast also caught up with Shane to talk about the possibility of reuniting with the boys.
Watch: Boyzone's Ronan Keating and Shane Lynch reunite
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