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Nikki Hayes <NikkiHayes2fm>

"I'm small but I'm VERRRRRRY loud"



	RIP STEPHEN GATELY XXX	57 days ago

	Boyzone singer Stephen Gately has died suddenly. The 33-year-old entertainer passed away while on holidays in Majorca. Spanish police investigating the death of the Boyzone singer said there were 'no signs of suspicious circumstances'. tBoyzone manager Louis Walsh has said that he is 'devastated, and in complete shock' at the news. A statement on Boyzone's official website confirmed the singer's death. It said: 'Stephen tragically died yesterday whilst on holiday with his partner Andrew in Majorca. 'The rest of the boyz will be flying out today.' Originally from Sheriff Street, in the heart of Dublin city, Stephen Gately joined Boyzone in 1993 after answering a newspaper advertisement. The group had worldwide success before splitting in 2000. Boyzone later reformed for a reunion tour in 2008. Stephen also enjoyed a successful career in London's West End, playing the lead role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and the 'Child Catcher' in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He had also recently been writing a children's book. In a statement, Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch said: '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. 'Stephen was a beautiful person in both body and spirit. He lit up our lives and those of the many friends he had all over the world. 'Our love and sympathy go out to Andrew and Stephen's family. We love you and will miss you forever, 'Steo'.' Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has paid tribute to Mr Gately. He said: 'The Gatelys are in my own constituency. I know the family, I know Stephen. 'Ronan Keating is a very good friend of my daughter's, my family. 'He (Mr Gately) was with us the other night with his boyfriend Andy, he came to my book launch.' Mr Ahern, whose daughter Georgina married to Nicky Byrne of boyband Westlife, continued: 'It's just such a tragedy. 'Boyzone and Stephen, they've all been part of Irish life and far wider than that, the last 15 years, and so successful, so it's a huge, huge tragedy. It's so sad. 'He was 33 years of age, 15 years at the top, a fine musician, it's just a huge tragedy to Irish entertainment, Irish music and further afield as well.'

	posted by Nikki Hayes