Stephen Gately 1976-2009

Just heard the news that Boyzone singer Stephen Gately has died, aged 33.

I know it's not cool to admit, but I was a fan. Not posters on wall or concert-going type fan, but I bought all of his/their albums, most of the singles, and Steo was my favourite.

His debut (and as it turned out only) solo album New Beginning was a big favourite of mine on its release back in 2000, getting a lot of play in my car and at work. Shame about the dreary I Believe being released; easily the worst track on the album, even if it was in Billy Elliot.

He also appeared on the London West End stage as the lead in the Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and as the child catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Of course the biggest news of his career outside of Boyzone was his very public coming out (some might say outing). Some would argue it boosted his career, others that it killed it. The truth, obviously, is both. A boost for some, not for others.

Either way, it was definitely for the best for him, now free to live his life and he even went on to have a civil partership (legal gay marriage) to Andrew Cowles in 2006.

After an acrimonious split a decade ago, Boyzone recently reformed to sell-out concerts (initially, at least) and were set to release an album of new material.

His last tweet on Twitter reads as follows;

"still busy- lots going on. Focussing on finishing my book next so may be quiet here."