Boyzone singer Stephen Gately was given an all-star farewell in Dublin on Saturday (October 17, 2009).
About 1000 fans gathered outside the St Laurence O’Toole Church in Dublin to say goodbye to Stephen while inside 500 friends and family attended the service.Boyzone star Ronan Keating said, “The world has lost one of its brightest stars”. Keating, Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy each said a tribute to their late band mate who died in Majorca last weekend.
Sir Elton John’s partner David Furnish, who introduced Gately to Andy Cowles, the man he would later wed, was at the funeral but Elton who was on tour could not be there.
Members of Westlife, Jason Donovan and Boyzone manager Louis Walsh were at the service. George Michael sent his condolences.
The four remaining Boyzone members carried Stephen’s coffin from the church.
He was cremated at the Glasnevin Cemetery.
Stephen Gately was working on a children’s book at the time of his death. The book titled ‘The Tree of Seasons’ was close to completion.
Stephen’s last Twitter post before his death said, “Still busy - lots going on. Focussing on finishing my book next so may be quiet here”.
Ronan Keating vowed, “by hook or by crook, those who loved Stephen would complete the book”.
Listen to the Ronan Keating tribute to Stephen Gately at the service:
Boyzone sing ‘In This Life’ for Stephen Gately at the funeral:
Boyzone pay tribute to Stephen Gately:
