Ronan Keating opens up about Boyzone’s rise to fame and the lack of protection for young stars in the industry
Dublin: Ronan Keating recently shared some candid thoughts about his time with Boyzone. He mentioned how the band members were really “unprotected” during their rise to fame. It was a wild ride, and they were just kids back then.
At the premiere of their documentary, Keating reflected on how they just went along with everything. He was only a teenager, and looking back, he realizes how dangerous that environment was for them.
Boyzone was formed in 1993, and they quickly became a sensation. With hits and albums flying off the shelves, they were everywhere. But that fame came with a price, and Keating feels they didn’t have the support they needed.
He pointed out that the industry’s duty of care back then was practically non-existent. It’s a stark contrast to what we see today, especially after recent tragedies involving young stars.
Despite the challenges, Keating expressed gratitude for Louis Walsh, their manager. He acknowledged that without Walsh, they wouldn’t be where they are today, even if their relationship has had its ups and downs.
Shane Lynch, another band member, also shared his thoughts on the media’s obsession with their personal lives. He gets that people love a good story, even if it’s not always flattering.
Now, after all these years, Keating feels it’s time to share their story. They’ve got a beginning, middle, and end, and it’s finally time to tell it.
Of course, they still feel the loss of Stephen Gately, who passed away in 2009. The remaining members see the documentary as a tribute to him, celebrating his memory and their journey together.
Keith Duffy even wore a special shirt to honor Gately at the premiere, showing that his spirit is still very much a part of the band.
Fans can catch the documentary, “Boyzone: No Matter What,” on Sky and streaming services starting February 2.
