The new documentary Boyzone: No Matter What is set to explore the grief and pain experienced by bandmates following his untimely passing.
In 2009, the Dublin-born singer had recently reunited with for their Back Again…No Matter What tour and they were in the process of working on their fourth studio album, Brother. Tragically, Stephen died before the album was ever released.
In October that year, Stephen and his husband Andrew Cowles headed off on a month-long working holiday in the picturesque Majorcan resort of Port d’Andratx.
They spent October 9 decorating their holiday home in anticipation of hosting family and friends.
But by the following afternoon, Stephen was found lifeless on the sofa at just 33 years old.
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In Boyzone: No Matter What Stephen Gately’s bandmates open up about his death (Image: Getty)
In the upcoming three-part documentary, Ronan Keating recalls the devastating moment he learned of Stephen’s passing.
He explained: “My phone rang, it was a solicitor by the name of Gerald King that Boyzone had used in the 1990s. Gerald King says to me, ‘I’m sorry to tell you, but Stephen has passed away.’ I said, ‘Stephen who?’ And he said, ‘Stephen Gately.’”
Ronan was then tasked with breaking the heartbreaking news to their manager Louis Walsh and the rest of the Boyzone members.
For Stephen’s loved ones and fans, his sudden passing came as an enormous shock. At the time, a neighbour shared: “I spoke to them on the Saturday evening and they said they were just going to chill out at home. Stephen said he was tired and was on a health kick, so he was staying off alcohol during his holiday.”
However, something changed that evening, and the couple ventured out for dinner and drinks in Palma. Hours later, Stephen was found unresponsive.
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The musicians were left traumatised by their friend’s passing (Image: Getty)
A post-mortem examination determined he had suffered acute pulmonary oedema, which is a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs. This was caused by an undiagnosed heart defect. Toxicology reports confirmed his death was not linked to alcohol or drugs.
Speaking about their final night together, Andrew told : “I do get some comfort from knowing how happy he was that day. The night he died, we’d had such a good time, a lovely evening in our favourite restaurant. He was the most happy and confident he’d been in his life.”
Andrew later told the Mirror: “We know from the pathologist’s report that Stephen died sleeping with me on the sofa. I know that my boy fell asleep under my arm, his heart stopped, he didn’t feel any pain.”
His passing was initially attributed to an undiagnosed heart condition. However, further examinations revealed a congenital heart defect was ultimately responsible.
Ronan Keating struggled in the aftermath of Stephen Gately’s death. (Image: Getty)
The documentary also revisits how the rest of Boyzone learned about Stephen’s passing. Shane Lynch recalled the devastating phone call from Ronan, who broke down in tears while delivering the news.
“It was late. We were drinking in the bar. As I left the crowd, Ro’s voice became louder in my phone. He was like, ‘Steo, Steo, he’s gone.’”
Mikey Graham and Keith Duffy were equally stunned, struggling to comprehend what they had just heard. “It just wouldn’t go in. What? No, not our Stephen!” Keith said, while Mikey described feeling “numb”.
In the day after his passing, Boyzone flew to Majorca to bring their friend home, issuing a heartfelt tribute: “We are completely devastated by the loss of our friend and brother, Stephen. We have shared such wonderful times together over the years and were all looking forward to sharing many more.
“Stephen was a beautiful person in both body and spirit. He lit up our lives and those of the many friends he had all over the world. Our love and sympathy go out to Andrew and Stephen’s family. We love you and will miss you forever, ‘Steo’.”