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Stephen Gately: Gentle person who had a wicked sense of humour

Showbiz Correspondent Maureen Coleman recalls her memories of the late Irish pop star Stephen Gately

Monday, 12 October 2009

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Along with Ronan Keating, Stephen Gately was one of two main singers in the pop band Boyzone.

But despite his high profile position within the group, Gately came across as a fairly quiet, unassuming kind of guy, happier to stay out of the spotlight.

I interviewed Stephen a couple of times; once when he was with Ronan at a concert in Omagh, and again when Boyzone had reformed and were coming back to Belfast.

On several other occasions I met him socially and was always struck by what a gentle person he was.

The first time I interviewed Boyzone, the band had just played a special gig in Omagh leisure centre for 1,000 excited young fans, just months after the August 15 bomb had exploded in the town, claiming 29 lives.

On that occasion, Keating and Gately were put forward as the spokesmen for the band, but while Keating did most of the talking, Gately said little, except to express how touched he was by the reaction of the crowd to the band’s kindly gesture. He may have been quite shy, but he was also very funny and his wicked sense of humour kept his bandmates entertained.

He was also a risk-taker — choosing to reveal that he was gay at a time when it wouldn’t have seemed a wise move for a boy band with a large female following.

But Gately was a very honest person and couldn’t live a lie and after speaking out about his sexuality, it was like a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

He was also the first of the disbanded five-piece to embark on a solo project and when he was dropped from his record label, he didn’t give up.

Instead, he re-invented himself as a West End star, taking the lead role in Joseph And His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

He was delighted when the band reformed and was in great form the night Boyzone began their comeback tour in Belfast.

With a new album planned for 2010 and a children’s fantasy novel to work on, Gately had plenty to keep him busy.

It’s a tragedy his creativity was cut off at such a young age, when he had so much more to contribute.

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23 Comments

so many condolenses go out to Stephen's Husband Andrew, his family and friends. To die so young is such a tragedy and one a family should never have to go through. hopefully in the weeks and months to come you wil be able to look back and remember Stephen fondly, with love and most of all in your hearts know he is at peace. this will not be easy for any one you and with that in mind i wish you all the peace, love and understanding you all deserve now and in the future. God bless you all xx

Posted by nik | 15.10.09, 16:46 GMT

You ll forever be missed. You were a becon of hope an ideal to look forward to.

Posted by mohsin Ali | 15.10.09, 08:34 GMT

As A flight attendant I had the pleasure of meeting Steven on flights between Ireland London and Europe and he was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet quiet and yet unassuming, my heart felt condolences go out to his Family relatives and his Partner and may he continue to live on in our hearts through the wonderful music he did.
RIP Steven Gately you were indeed one of a kind

Posted by christiaan | 14.10.09, 23:24 GMT

R.I.P Stephen it is very sad for someone so young to be taken so suddenly you will be missed dearly

Posted by carmel | 14.10.09, 18:53 GMT

RIP Stephen you will be truely missed condolences to your family and of course to BOYZONE xxxxxxx

Posted by mary | 14.10.09, 00:46 GMT

sleep peacefully Stephen you touched many peoples hearts x

Posted by bel | 13.10.09, 20:01 GMT

R.I.P. STEPHEN GOING 2 MISS U LOVE CATHY LILA FROM MILLISLE CO ; DOWN XXXXXX;;;

Posted by CATHY MNN | 13.10.09, 18:51 GMT

I have just got back from Spain and found out about Stephen's death. I had been listening to Boyzone on my Gizmondo whilst I was away. Stephen was my favourite member, and I had a crush on him when I was younger ( I'm a woman.)
R.I.P. STEPHEN GATELY. In the arms of Jesus now.
My condolences to his husband and family.

Posted by boyzonefan | 13.10.09, 18:44 GMT

My condolences to the family, Andrew and the rest of the band. Thank you Stephen for your lovely voice and sweet nature. You were a huge part of my teenage years and you'll always have a special place in my heart.
Rest in peace, and may you sing with the angels now ...

Posted by Lisa | 13.10.09, 18:29 GMT

my condolences to the family stephen will be missed he was an a amazing entertainer it is such a surprise boyzone was one of my favourite group of artists i would have loved to have met him or even come to one of his concerts he had a wonderful voice it is so sad i will treasure memories of him

Posted by mona hardie | 13.10.09, 05:59 GMT

A nice tribute, Gerald. My condolences go out to you, Stephen's husband and family, the band and all their fans. RIP Stephen X

Posted by Lesley | 12.10.09, 22:52 GMT

Im deaply saddened by stephens death. I thought he had an amazing singing voice and liked his personality. May god be with his husband, family and friends. His spirit will always live on in his singing and peoples memories. Heaven has another lovely angel.X

Posted by Cathy | 12.10.09, 21:07 GMT

Just can't believe it,it's so sad what a waste of such a tallented and young star. God bless u, R.I.P!
XXXX

Posted by Pam | 12.10.09, 20:12 GMT

I am so sad to hear about Stephen Gately, I was a huge fan of Boyzone and of Stephen Gately back in the 90's! Such a loss.

Posted by Marie | 12.10.09, 17:30 GMT

Even if there was alcohol involved, this still remains a tragic accident that has resulted in the death of a clearly sensitive and special guy. I hope the press remember that for the sake of those who loved him. RIP

Posted by Karen | 12.10.09, 17:24 GMT

We are gutted at the loss of this amazing singer. Who will be greatly missed by everyone. Our thoughts go out to his family, the rest of boyzone and louis.
RIP Stephen Gately u will be missed!
xx

Posted by LH | 12.10.09, 13:32 GMT

it is really sad. he was a lovely man. will be really missed by everyone in belfast. n.i. thoughts and prayers to his partner, family and friends. R.I.P stephen

Posted by Stephanie Johnston | 12.10.09, 11:50 GMT

it is really sad. he was a lovely man. will be really missed by everyone in belfast. n.i. thoughts and prayers to his partner, family and friends. R.I.P stephen

Posted by stephanie johnston | 12.10.09, 11:45 GMT

I've been extremely fortunate to have met Stephen on numerous occasions and a lovelier man I have yet to meet. An absolute gentleman. Its a sad loss of a young life and shows how vulnerable we ultimately are.

The night sky will be shining brighter with this star; thoughts are with Andrew, his friends and family.

RIP Stephen, you will be sorely missed 'wee Gately'. xxx

Posted by Tracey Millar | 12.10.09, 09:39 GMT