Boyzone star Ronan Keating has revealed he still misses bandmate Stephen Gately every day as he reflected on the group's emotional farewell concerts and looked ahead to his milestone 50th birthday.
This year marks 17 years since Mr Gately's death, a loss that continues to weigh heavily on the singer whenever the remaining members reunite.
"I still miss him every day, and especially when I'm on stage with the other Boyz," Mr Keating said.
"He was taken far too soon as he had so much more to give."
Ronan Keating said he still misses Boyzone bandmate Stephen Gately every day
| GETTYThe shared experiences of the band members, he explained, have forged an unbreakable connection that outsiders cannot fully comprehend.
The singer spoke following a momentous chapter in Boyzone's story, having just completed two sold-out farewell concerts at Emirates Stadium, branded One For The Road.
The performances represented the group's largest-ever headline shows, with the 44,000-capacity north London venue filled to capacity on both evenings.
They were also Boyzone's first concerts together since appearing at the London Palladium in 2019 and followed the widespread acclaim for the Sky documentary series Boyzone: No Matter What.
Boyzone | GETTY"We've just done the two Emirates Stadium shows and they were everything we hoped they would be," Mr Keating said.
"It was just a pure celebration for us and everyone who's been on this journey with us."
As he reflected on the band's remarkable legacy, Mr Keating also looked ahead to a major personal milestone.
The Boyzone frontman will celebrate his 50th birthday in March 2027 and insisted he is embracing the occasion rather than fearing it.
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The Boyzone star reflected on Mr Gately's death ahead of his milestone 50th birthday next year
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"I'm pretty relaxed about it really, it's just a number," he said.
"There's days where I still feel like that teenage kid who first started out at those Boyzone auditions."
Far from dreading the milestone, the Irish singer said he is looking forward to celebrating.
"I'm certainly looking forward to celebrating it when next March comes around," he added.
With nearly 33 years in the music industry behind him, Mr Keating admitted he feels fortunate to still be doing what he loves.
"It's crazy to think that I've been doing this for nearly 33 years but I feel very blessed to still be doing what I love," he said.
Looking to the future, the singer confirmed he is currently working on fresh material.
"I'm back in the studio, writing and recording a new solo album, so that's very much the focus just now," he said.
Stephen Gately died in 2009 at the age of 33 after suffering an undiagnosed heart condition
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Mr Keating will headline Deva Fest at Cholmondeley Castle Gardens in Cheshire from 6-9 August, topping the bill on the Saturday evening alongside Jessie J and BRIT Award winner James Morrison.
The award-winning family festival, twice named Visit Cheshire Event or Festival of the Year and recognised by National Geographic among the UK's best summer festivals for families, has nearly sold out.
"It's always a pleasure to perform outdoors through the summer in the UK," Mr Keating said.
"Let's hope for some great weather and we'll have a blast."
The singer also welcomed the younger fans now attending his concerts.
"It's great to see new younger faces when you look out at the crowd," he said.
"To share the experience of music, especially live music, is something for every generation."