| |
DUBLIN: Hundreds of fans on Saturday gathered in Dublin for the funeral of Boyzone star Stephen Gately, paying the singer an emotional farewell one week after his death at the age of 33 shocked the pop world.
His bandmates, friends and family packed into St Lawrence O'Toole's church near Gately's home in the north of the Irish capital for the funeral service, while outside tearful crowds held white roses and left flowers in tribute.
Boyzone member Ronan Keating was among those who paid a personal tribute to Gately, who was found dead in his holiday apartment in Majorca on October 10, saying the "world had lost one of its brightest stars."
"We've lost our brother and I've lost my wing-man. He will live on in the songs and whenever us four are together his spirit is alive. But it will never be the same without him," he said.
Keating and the other group members had spent the night with Gately's coffin in the church, after escorting it back to Ireland on Friday along with the late singer's partner Andrew Cowles, whom he married in a civil union in 2006.
The manager who created Boyzone in 1993, Louis Walsh, was also at the funeral and told Sky News television there had been an "incredible atmosphere."
Describing Gately as his best friend, Walsh said he had hoped they would have worked together for another ten years.
But he said: "He was never a happier person. He did everything he wanted in his life. He just wanted to be a pop star, that's it."
The service was relayed on speakers to the emotional crowds outside. Among them was Wendy Lee, 26, who told local media she had flown from Taiwan to be at the funeral of the man she had idolised since she was a teenager.
After the funeral, Gately's coffin was taken to Glasnevin Crematorium for a private family service. A further memorial service would be held in London, where Gately and Cowles lived.
A Spanish coroner said Gately died from natural causes due to excess fluid in his lungs.
Boyzone enjoyed huge success with six number one singles in Britain, but split up in 2000.
They reunited seven years later, but their recent 19-date Better tour failed to fill stadiums, despite offers of free tickets.
- AFP/yb
|
