Ronan Keating has moved fans around the world with a deeply emotional tribute to his late Boyzone bandmate and dear friend Stephen Gately, marking sixteen years since the singer’s untimely passing.
In a touching Instagram post shared over the weekend, the 48-year-old Irish star reflected on the enduring bond he still feels with Gately, who died suddenly in 2009 at the age of 33 while vacationing in Majorca. Accompanying a black-and-white throwback photo of the two on stage together, Keating wrote, “Sixteen years, my brother… and it still feels like yesterday. You’re still with us — in every laugh, every song, every moment we share. I miss you more than words can say.”
The post quickly went viral among fans, fellow musicians, and Boyzone supporters, who flooded the comments section with messages of love and remembrance. Many expressed how Gately’s voice and spirit had shaped their youth, with one fan writing, “You guys gave us the soundtrack to our lives. Stephen’s light still shines through you all.”
Stephen Gately rose to fame in the mid-1990s as one of Boyzone’s beloved vocalists, helping the Irish pop group achieve global success with hits like “No Matter What,” “Love Me for a Reason,” and “Words.” Known for his angelic vocals, infectious smile, and kind-hearted nature, Gately’s sudden death shocked fans worldwide and left a lasting mark on the music industry.
In interviews over the years, Keating has often spoken about how Gately’s loss continues to affect him personally and professionally. “I still talk to him,” he once revealed. “Every time I’m about to go on stage, I say a little something to Stephen. He’s still part of the band — always will be.”
In this year’s tribute, Keating went on to thank fans for continuing to keep Gately’s memory alive. “It means the world to know people still play his songs, still smile when they think of him,” he wrote. “That’s the kind of legacy he wanted — joy, laughter, and love.”
Fellow Boyzone members Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham, and Shane Lynch also shared their own tributes online. Duffy posted a heartfelt message reading, “Sixteen years and I still hear your laugh in my head, brother. We’ll raise a glass tonight, just like always.”
The group last reunited in 2019 for their “Thank You & Goodnight” farewell tour, where they dedicated every show to Gately’s memory. During each concert, a spotlight illuminated an empty microphone stand as a recording of Gately’s vocals played, often moving audiences to tears.
Fans across the globe marked the anniversary by revisiting Boyzone’s greatest hits and sharing personal stories about how Gately’s music had touched their lives.
For Ronan Keating, the passage of time has only deepened the connection. His closing words in the tribute summed up the sentiment shared by millions:
“You were our heartbeat, Stephen. And even though you’re gone, your song will never end.”
