Boyzone star Stephen Gately dies
Boyzone singer Stephen Gately has been found dead at the age of 33. He died on Saturday while on holiday in Majorca.
Spanish police said there were no signs of suspicious circumstances but that the cause of death was not yet known.
Gately was on holiday with his long-term partner Andy Cowles. A statement from the singer's bandmates said they were "devastated" at the news.
They are expected to travel to Majorca. The Irish band had six UK number one hits in the 1990s and reformed in 2007.
 |  Still busy - lots going on. Focussing on finishing my book next so may be quiet here  Gately's last Twitter post, 6 October  |
The band's statement said: "Ronan, Keith, Mikey and Shane are devastated by the news and send their deepest sympathies to Stephen's family and his many friends all over the world."
Police said they were called to a house near Port d'Andratx on the western tip of the island on Saturday afternoon.
"At the moment it is not known how he died," the police spokesman said. "There are no signs of suspicious circumstances."
Boyzone manager Louis Walsh, who is due to appear as a judge on The X Factor results show on Sunday, told the News of the World newspaper: "We're all absolutely devastated."
He said: "I'm in complete shock. I was only with him on Monday at an awards ceremony. We don't know much about what's happened yet.
 Boyzone (Gately on far left) reunited last year |
"I only heard after The X Factor and we will rally around each other this week. He was a great man."
Bertie Ahern, former Irish Taoiseach, described Gately as a personal friend and his death as a "huge, huge tragedy" for Irish music and culture.
Singer Sir Elton John said: "David and I are stunned by this tragedy. Stephen was the kindest, gentlest soul.
"We send our love and condolences to his partner Andy and to all his friends everywhere."
Writing on the micro-blogging website Twitter, broadcaster Stephen Fry said: "Just heard the very sad news about dear Stephen Gately.
"What a dreadful shock. He was loveable and sweet-natured and will be hugely missed."
Music journalist Paul Gambaccini said: "It's sad on a personal level and a professional level."
Boyzone sold more singles than Take That in the 1990s, he said, and had 16 Top 5 singles.
Going solo
A year before Boyzone split, Gately revealed that he was gay and had a boyfriend.
 Gately and Cowles tied the knot in 2006 |
He later held a private civil partnership ceremony in London in 2006.
After Boyzone, Gately continued his career as a solo artist, but was dropped by Polydor in 2001 after three top 20 singles.
He enjoyed further success performing in musicals, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2003-04.
Gately also appeared in 2007 on ITV1's reality series Dancing on Ice, and was voted Hero of 1999 at the Smash Hits Poll Winners' Party.
His last message on Twitter, posted on 6 October, said: "Still busy - lots going on. Focussing on finishing my book next so may be quiet here."
1 comment:
I was shocked when i heard the news about Stephen Gately, he was still so young
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