Boyzone: Their rise to fame and success
We love the lads!
Boyzone, the beloved Irish boyband, was formed over 30 years ago. The original lineup, which consisted of Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham, and the late Stephen Gately, quickly rose to fame, dominating the charts with a string of hit singles.
A 2025 documentary on the band's history revealed how the group formed, what their first single was, and why they split up at the height of their success. Now as the band have announced their biggest gig ever in London, in June 2026, we've chronicled their rise to fame.
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, Mikey Graham and the late Stephen Gately, all from Dublin, while Keith Duffy was born in Donaghmede.
When did the band 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 chose 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.
What was their 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 their 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.
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.
Is there a documentary?
There is a Boyzone documentary called Boyzone: No Matter What. The three-part series follows the band from their beginnings, through to their huge reunion in 2007, and includes the devastating time when their band member Stephen Gately died in 2009.
With exclusive interview access to Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy, Shane Lynch and Mikey Graham, the documentary also includes contributions from Stephen Gately’s sister, Michelle, and Stephen's former partner and pop star Eloy De Jong, along with the band's former manager Louis Walsh.
You can watch the documentary on demand on Sky and NOW.
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 as Ciaran McCarthy, 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 up acting.
2007 reunion
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', which lasted between 2013 and 2017. They also released a compilation album called 'Love Me For A Reason: The Collection', another 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.
'Thank You & Goodnight: The Farewell Tour'
Boyzone's most recent tour has a number of names, along with 'Thank You & Goodnight: The Farewell Tour', it has also been called the '25th Anniversary & Farewell Tour' and 'Boyzone Live: In Celebration of their 25th Anniversary'.
The tour was in celebration of their seventh studio album called 'Thank You & Goodnight', which featured 'Dream' with Stephen Gately, 'Because' and 'Love'.
While on tour, the band paid touching tributes to their late member Stephen Gately, however it later emerged in their documentary that the band had many disagreements during the tour.
Are they going to reunite again 2025?
Yes, they are! The band announced on 30th September 2025, after weeks of teasing that they would reunite in June 2026 for a special one-off gig in London. The show will see Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham, Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch come together on stage for the first time since 2019, for their biggest gig ever.
They posted the exciting news on social telling their fans: 'We’re going to be sharing the stage once again for a world exclusive headline show at Emirates Stadium on Saturday 6th June 2026. Pre-sale starts on Tuesday 7th October at 9AM, sign up to our mailing list via the link in bio for access to tickets for our biggest show yet.
'Remaining tickets will also be on general sale at 9AM on Friday 10th October.'
This follows the band's official Instagram account teasing big news earlier in September. The grid was taken over by a black background, with a photo of the members of Boyzone and the words 'The journey continues...'.
Will there be new music?
Despite reuniting various times over the years, Shane Lynch admitted in January 2025 that Boyzone will "never" reunite for new music. Speaking on Lorraine ahead of the release of their documentary, Boyzone: No Matter What, Shayne spoke about about the possibility of a reunion.
Claiming they would never reunite for new music, he did confirm that he reckons they'd all be "up for" sharing the stage together again, and thankfully they have now confirmed they will.
In January 2025, he explained: "I say this with the greatest respect, we will always be a band called Boyzone but we will never be a band again. I don't think we will ever make music again.
"We've been there and done it, but to share a stage together I think we would all be more than up for it, because that's a little night of fun, a night on the town for everyone else, including us and that would be a beautiful thing whether it happens or not."
Will Mikey reunite with the band?
In the Boyzone: No Matter What documentary it was revealed that Mikey had not spoken to the other band members for more than five years.
During the documentary it was revealed that tensions grew during the Tokyo leg of their 'Thank You and Goodnight tour', with Ronan admitting: "It was the worst I had seen in all of our years," talking about Keith and Shane's behaviour.
Meanwhile Mikey referred to their "carrying on" as "infantile". Reflecting on the tour, he said: "It had reached a complete state of malignancy. I'd had enough."
He continued: "I just wanted to get out of there, get away from that toxic environment."
It has now been confirmed that he will reunite with the band for their biggest ever gig in London in June 2026.
How old are the band members?
Ronan Keating is the youngest member, with his birthday on 3rd March 1977, making him currently 48-years-old.
Mikey Graham is the oldest member, with his birthday on 15th August 1972, making him currently 53-years-old.
Keith Duffy's birthday is 1st October 1974, making him currently 51-years-old.
Shane Lynch's birthday is 3rd July 1976, making him currently 49-years-old.
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 their 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 they married?
Ronan Keating married 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 Karen Corradi in 2004, divorcing in 2024, they share daughter Sienna and he's also dad to Hannah from a previous relationship.
Shane Lynch married singer Sheena White in August 2007. The pair 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.
You can hear Boyzone on the Magic playlist! 🎶
Scroll through to see Ronan Keating's biggest career moments so far:
1993 - 1995: 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 - 1997: 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.
Then in 1997, the singer hosted the MTV Europe Music Awards, where Spice Girls won Best Group, with Jon Bon Jovi and Janet Jackson picking up Best Male and Best Female.
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.
Also in 1998, Ronan hosted Miss World, which took place in Mahé Island, Seychelles.
1999 - 2002: 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, it has now been certified 2x Platinum selling more than 1.2 million units.
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 in the UK.
Also in 1999, Ronan hosted the MTV Europe Music Awards for the second time. Boyzone picked up Best Album for 'By Request' and Best UK & Ireland Act, as well as being nominated for Best Pop.
2002 - 2006: More album releases
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.
He also 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 - 2008: Boyzone reunion
In November 2007, Boyzone announced that they were reuniting for a Children In Need performance. Also in 2007, Ronan broke the Guinness World Record for 'Most entries in the Top 10 made consecutively in the UK chart', achieving a massive 30 consecutive Top 10 hits – both as a solo artist and as part of Boyzone.
Soon after their 2007 Children In Need performance, the band announced a huge tour which began in May 2008, with them performing 58 dates around the world and finishing in June 2009.
Also in 2008, the band released their comeback single 'Love You Anyway', peaking at Number 5 in the UK.
2009: Stephen Gately's death
In 2009, Ronan released his fifth album, 'Songs For My Mother', and followed it up with 'Winter Songs' soon afterward. He also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief, along with other celebrities such as Gary Barlow, Ben Shephard, Kimberley Walsh, Denise van Outen and Alesha Dixon.
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 and has now been certified Platinum in the UK, 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.
2011 - 2012: Eighth album and tour
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 - 2015: 'BZ20' and 'Dublin to Detroit'
Boyzone released their 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 'Dublin to Detroit' in the UK in 2015 and 2017.
Also in 2014, Ronan lent his singing voice to Postman Pat in Postman Pat: The Movie, with Stephen Mangan voicing the speaking voice. He also took on the lead role in the musical Once between 2014 and 2015. He married Storm in August 2015.
2016 - 2019: 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 a 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 were expecting their second child together - a baby girl. Coco Knox Keating was born on 27th March 2020.
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.
Ronan released singles 'One of a Kind' featuring Emeli Sandé and 'Love Will Remain' with Clare Bowen from the album.
2021: The One Show
Ronan first 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 hosted 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."
In 2023, he stepped back from hosting the show regularly due to other commitments.
2021: PAW Patrol: The Movie
In July 2021, Paramount Pictures announced that Ronan will make a cameo in PAW Patrol: The Movie as the voice of Harris. The film also starred Samantha Faiers, Richard Arnold, Tom Fletcher, Kim Kardashian West and Jimmy Kimmel. The film is now available to watch on Netflix.
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 appeared 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!"
2024: Ronan left the Magic Radio Breakfast Show
After seven incredible years, Ronan hung up his Magic Radio Breakfast Show hat. After an emotional last show, Ronan and his former co-presenter Harriet Scott shared a sweet hug as Ronan was clapped out of the building by all his beloved colleagues. Thankfully, Ronan will be remaining a friend of the station. You can watch the emotional moment here.
2025: Ronan appears in the Boyzone documentary
In 2025, Ronan appeared in the documentary Boyzone: No Matter What along with the remaining members of the band. The documentary follows them from their beginnings, through to their huge reunion in 2007, up to the devastating death of their band member Stephen Gately in 2009.
The band opened up about the fame they experienced in the 90s, with contributions from Stephen Gately's sister, Michelle, and Stephen's former partner and pop star Eloy De Jong, along with former manager Louis Walsh.
2025: Boyzone announce 2026 reunion gigs
Also in 2025, the band announced some huge gigs in 2026. Boyzone will be reuniting for two huge gigs in London, taking place in June 2026. Speaking about their latest reunion, 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'."
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