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Stephen Gately: Tributes to ‘an extremely talented artist’
Monday, 12 October 2009
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Stephen Gately had visited Northern Ireland on several occasions during his performances with Boyzone.
His sudden death has left the local showbusiness community stunned and led to an outpouring of tributes from those who had met and worked with the popular singer during his time in the province.
Belfast singer Brian Kennedy, said the music industry had lost a “colourful” entertainer.
“I saw Stephen just recently, because he uses the same gym as me when he’s back in Dublin. To be honest, I thought he seemed to be in the best form I’d seen him,” said Brian.
“He was very happy, madly in love with his partner and delighted that Boyzone were back together again.“
Television and radio presenter Gerry Kelly is currently on holidays in Majorca where Stephen died.
He said: “I’ve known Boyzone since they formed in the 1990s. I switched on the BBC World News and I just could not believe it, it was such a huge shock.
“I’ve always liked Stephen, he was quiet and he was a real gentleman. I’ll certainly contact Boyzone members. Certainly whatever service there is, I’ll be there. I’m in a total state of shock.”
Promoter Peter Aiken was responsible for bringing Stephen and Boyzone to the Odyssey in Belfast on numerous occasions.
He said: “Stephen was one of the good guys in the business.I worked with him for around 20 years and he was always helpful and likeable.”
Broadcaster Ivan Martin of U105 said: “He was an extremely talented artist and one of the nicest people in showbusiness. Always ready to help people. He had a traumatic time over his sexuality and he was told that if he talked openly about it, his fans would turn against him.
“However, he came out and told the world he was gay and the predictions were proved to be wrong. His fans adored him all the more and gave him their full support.”
Belfast comedian Frank Carson told how he once took his granddaughters Saiorse and Ashling backstage at a concert in Manchester to meet Stephen.
He said: “The girls were struck dumb at the face to face, but Stephen made them feel at home and then made their evening by inviting them to stay for the concert which hadn’t really been my intention.”
Barry O’Kane, editor of Big Buzz magazine, described Gately as a “warm, funny, honest guy”.
“I interviewed him several times and always found him to be a bubbly, lovely bloke,” he said. “Stephen lived for music, he really did, and I can’t believe that he has died. It’s such a shame.”
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Comments
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
A tragic loss of a gifted and gentle soul, may you rest in peace with the angels, my sympathies go out to his family and friendsxxxxx
Posted by Sarah Lloyd | 12.10.09, 09:03 GMT
23 Comments