Remembering Stephen Gately
October 19, 2009 by joelle
Filed under Latest Articles, Music
Boyzone was one of the bands that shaped my life. I discovered them when I was forming my own path in life. Growing up in a guido town where everyone around me listened to rap, I found solace in Pop music and culture from abroad. Sugar magazine was a must-read. I paid an exorbitant amount of money to have it delivered to my mailbox monthly. But, it was worth it. On those pages, I was introduced to Robbie Williams, Adam Rickett, Five, Backstreet Boys (yes, before they were on America’s radar!), Billie Piper (now USA tele star on Secret Diary of a Call Girl), Peter Andre, The Coors and the Irish boyband that captivated me- Boyzone.
“A Different Beat” was the first Boyzone song I heard. I bought the tape single as an import at The Virgin Mega Store in NYC’s Times Square. The lyrics and sound were so different than any hits on American radio. It was “worldly.” Here was a boy band singing “Let’s not forget this place /let’s not neglect our race /let unity become / life on earth be one.”
I’ve imported every album since then and held them as my secret band, not caring which one of my friends would make fun of me for liking them. I was proud when Boyzone sang backup for Bono on U2’s “The Sweetest Thing” and when frontman Ronan Keating had the lead single on the Notting Hill soundtrack. When Boyzone reunion was announced last year, I prayed that the tour would bring them to America. This was the only boy band I had yet to see live. I never will.
Today, I learned not only is that dream of mine shattered, but hearts of friends, fans and family worldwide have been shattered.
Apparently, last week Boyzone member Stephen Gately, at just 33 years-old, was pronounced dead.
“A post mortem examination carried out on the 33-year-old Boyzone star – who died at his holiday home in Palma, Majorca on Saturday (10.10.09) – ruled he had died from a pulmonary oedema, a build up of fluid on the lungs, which is often connected to heart problems.”
Shocking, sad and scary. He was just a few years older than me and in the prime of his life. This is another reminder to cherish your life, enjoy every minute of it, focus on the positive.
Here’s to remembering and loving…..
Boyzone reunite on Graham Norton Jan. 09:
*By Joelle, who makes her dreams reality and encourages you to do the same.
