Boyzone Pays Tribute to Late Member Stephen Gately

stars , and  have paid tribute to their late bandmate  ahead of their upcoming tour. 

The boyband, who launched their career in 1993 and were propelled to worldwide fame three years later, took to This Morning on Tuesday to open up on what fans can expect from their final farewell gig next month.

It wasn't long before talk turned to their late bandmate Stephen, who passed away at the age of 33 in 2009 from a fluid build up on the lungs caused by an undiagnosed heart condition while holidaying in Mallorca, . 

Keith, 51, Ronan and Shane, both 49, were left devastated by the loss and, alongside bandmate Mikey Graham, 53 - who stepped back from live performances with Boyzone in 2019 and will return for the reunion shows. 

Reflecting on the loss a week ahead of the One For The Road: Live At Emirates Stadium performances, the group admitted they keep Stephen at the forefront of their minds during their gigs. 

Shane said: 'We always celebrate Stephen within our shows, and have done for the amount of years that he's not been with us. 

'It's a special time for us to do that because I think outside this bubble called Boyzone, to remember Stephen and his ways, and the love of Stephen. 

'It's a particular memory of an individual but when we get together, he's very much alive. It's a whole different scenario. We celebrate him to our fullest.'

Ronan chimed in: 'It's funny, when we're together, it feels like he's just getting ready in the dressing room or something next door. 

'He's here, he's alive and he will be alive with us on stage next week at the Emirates.'

Last year, Ronan paid a heartfelt tribute to his late bandmate Stephen, marking 16 years since his tragic passing.

On the anniversary of his death in October, Ronan took to Instagram to remember his close friend and 'wingman', sharing a touching throwback photo of the pair together.

In a heartfelt caption, the singer wrote: 'Years are passing fast. Miss you my friend, my brother, my wingman. 

'I'm sure you are laughing at the fact we have decided to approach this next chapter. Kills me to do it alone. But I know you are there.'

Fans flocked to the comment section to share their love for the band member and to honour his memory writing: 'My god he was so beautiful. Miss him.' 

Keith also marked the anniversary with his own tribute, posting a montage of pictures of Stephen from the band's early days and writing: '16 years an Angel Remembering our brother Steo today, forever in our hearts, voices, and every song we sing. 1976–2009.' 

Stephen's death in October 2009 sent shockwaves through the music world, and his fellow bandmates - Ronan, Keith, Shane Lynch and Mikey - have continued to honour his memory through their music and live performances.