Over three hundred individuals responded to this add, and the finalists for the band consisted of Ronan Keating, Steven Gately, Keith Duffy, and later Mikey Graham.
With the band finally complete, the members traveled around Northern Ireland, mostly playing gigs for small audiences in restaurants and pubs. The band was signed to Polygram records in 1994, during which time their single “Working My Way Back to You” reached the spot of number three on the Irish music charts, allowing them to make headway as a new and successful band. Their breakthrough in the UK came with the release of their album ‘Said and Done’, which reached number one in the UK charts.
The band split in 2000, during which time the members saw success as solo artists. Ronan Keating became widely known for his solo career; singles such as ‘When You Say Nothing At All’ topped the charts and gave him an image other than of Boyzone. In 2007, rumours began circulating about a possible Boyzone reunion. When the band’s manager Louis Walsh was questioned about this reunion, he replied that a reunion was probable. On the 5th of November 2007, Ronan Keating announced that the band would come together once more to perform for a fundraiser hosted by the BBC. The band also announced that they were to embark on a reunion tour of the UK. The band have since appeared in several other concerts, and released a single titled ‘Love You Anyway’, which soared to the number five spot in the UK charts.
Due to an unfortunate series of events, the band lost one of its members, Stephen Gately. During a holiday in Spain, Gately suffered from pulmonary edema, more commonly known as drowning due to fluid filling the lungs. The band were shocked when they learned of their band mate’s death. Although the members were upset about the loss of a friend, the band are still working on material and it is not definite that they will never make music or tour again.
