It was a heart-wrenching moment for Boyzone fans as the band’s original member, Mikey Graham, appeared on the stage for the group’s first “farewell” concert, even though he had said he didn’t want to relive his time with the group.
A major milestone in the band’s long and storied history, the 53-year-old singer performed at the first of two farewell shows in the company of fellow Boyzone members Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch. The acts are being played as a sort of final homage to Boyzone’s career and are likely to be the last times the band performs side by side.
Graham’s appearance was the result of weeks of speculation over his participation. In the Sky documentary Boyzone: No Matter What, he had candidly admitted to the emotional problems he faced while in the band and indicated that he didn’t want to come back. He said he wished his past band-mates good luck, but didn’t want to relive the old memories.
Many fans were thrilled that he returned, as they thought he would not be able to do so for the farewell concerts. Messages about the reunion were soon posted on social media, which were being described as a Boyzone line-up reunion. Before the concert, the band posted photos with Graham and his bandmates, adding to the anticipation of their fans.
The concerts at the Emirates Stadium will have extra meaning as they will feature a tribute to the late Boyzone member Stephen Gately, who passed away in 2009. As far as the rest, they have all been candid about the effect of Gately’s passing and the difficulties they encountered on reunion trips. The Sun says they have vowed to pay tribute to his memory and contribution to the band during the “farewell” concerts.
The concerts are also being shot for an upcoming documentary, which will document the final chapter of Boyzone’s story. The reunion isn’t a new beginning, but it’s a ‘big goodbye’ after over 30 years in the public spotlight, the band said.
One of the most successful boy bands of the 1990s, Boyzone had some hits and sold millions of records around the world. They will be closing the curtain on an amazing career in their last shows at Emirates Stadium as tens of thousands of fans look on, and many had believed that this would never happen.
Boyzone star makes a surprise return with the band’s ‘don’t want to go back’ announcement, as they hold 2 farewell shows.
The Boyzone confirm the future of the band ahead of Emirates Stadium shows and reveal a secret tribute to the late Stephen Gately.