Boyzone sent fans into a frenzy this week after reuniting for afternoon pints together. Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy, and Shane Lynch met up to enjoy pints of Guinness outside a pub in the sunshine, although their former bandmate Mikey Graham was notably absent.
In a collaborative Instagram post, the trio posed for a snap in sunglasses and all-black attire, which was captioned: “Get dem into ya (sic),” alongside three beer emojis.
“Hopefully planning a Boyzone reunion,” one follower wrote.
Another fan said: “One more tour... Please, I'd love that!”
And someone else added: “Nice picture of you three come back @boyzoneofficial hope you come back on tour”.
While a fourth chimed in: “I hope you’re planning a Boyzone reunion over those pints of Guinness”.
Boyzone's Recent Activities
In an emotional sign-off, the Dubliner said: “It’s actually hitting me now. No it really is. I can’t believe we lasted seven years. I can’t believe we were allowed to do this for seven years. It’s been so much fun.”
Speaking to his co-host Harriet Scott, he added: “It’s all about you now Harriet, so good luck… and you have taught me so much honestly you’re the radio legend the DJ legend and I have loved it.
“I’ve loved every minute that we’ve had, you’ve been amazing and a great mentor to me Harriet. I have loved broadcasting the stories from the listeners over the years. I’m not crying, you’re crying.”
Returning his attention to his listeners, Ronan gushed: “It’s been amazing, thank you all so much for listening for the last seven years. I have loved every single morning.”
Boyzone's History
Boyzone enjoyed huge chart success in the 1990s. The group was formed in 1993 by pop manager Louis Walsh who was looking to make an 'Irish Take That'. More than 300 replied to a newspaper advertisement asking people to audition before Ronan, Keith, Shane, Mikey, and the late Stephen Gately were chosen.
The group achieved international fame as well as six UK No.1s - including Words, No Matter What, All That Matters To Me, and You Needed Me. The band officially split in 2000, but have frequently got back together for landmark tours - including the Back Again...No Matter What tour in 2009 - which was the last time they'd perform as a five-piece.
The band also reunited in 2013 to celebrate their 20th anniversary with a tour and new releases. In 2018, Boyzone confirmed their plans to split for good after releasing one final album dedicated to late bandmate Stephen Gately. The band revealed they would call it quits after their 25th anniversary tour and album. It was a tribute to Stephen – who tragically died suddenly in 2009 of a congenital heart defect aged 33.
Confirming the news on Twitter, the four piece shared a picture of themselves along with a statement.
They wrote: 'The new is out and yes it's true. Our new album will be the last for Boyzone. We've had 25 amazing years and we promise you that this will be our biggest and best year yet. Watch this space... #BZ25 (sic)'
Included on the album was an unheard song by Stephen, which was altered to include their own vocals.
Boyzone Member Activities Since the Split
Keith previously admitted he struggled to cope when the band returned to touring after Stephen's shock death.
He said: 'We did two huge [comeback] tours in 2008 and 2009, and we did four nights in each venue. We then came back with the Greatest Hits album in 2009, and in the October we were in the middle of recording the Brother album when we lost Stephen.
'He died in 2009 and we were back on the road in 2011, two years later - which was way too soon. Way too soon.
'Emotionally and psychologically... I'll be very honest, myself and Shane were drinking too much, trying to numb the pain, onstage and offstage.
'It just didn't work, and it wasn't enjoyable. We didn't want to be together. That's when we took a sabbatical.'
Busted and McFly made 2000 pop fans' dreams come true when they announced they were to become one band in 2013. And Nineties heartthrobs Boyzone and Westlife are to follow suit as Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy are coming together to create a super-duo, called Boyzlife.
The former pop stars are spearheading the venture and revealed it 'has no limits' as they shared their plans to tour together. The pair will share stories from their pop hey-day, as well performing each of their bands best known hits. Bryan and Keith will hit the road in March with a 12-date tour across the UK.
Keith attempted to crack the film and television industry after Boyzone disbanded in 2000. He appeared on the 2001 series of Celebrity Big Brother and had a very brief stint on ITV's Splash in 2014 but it was his role as Ciaran McCarthy on Coronation Street which put him on the radar.
Keith and his wife of 25 years Lisa Smith are reportedly set to divorce. The singer is 'hopeful' he can save his marriage but has been living separately from Lisa since moving out of their £1.15 million marital home in Dublin just before Christmas.
The singer has yet to speak publicly about the state of his marriage yet sources told The Irish Sun that he isn't ready to call time on their union just yet, revealing: 'There is no one else involved.
'It is serious, but Keith is hopeful that they can sort this thing out. They care deeply for one another and their children.'
Keith and Lisa share two children, son Jay, 27, and daughter Mia, 23. Reports of their split emerged on Saturday as it was claimed Keith is 'in bits'.
A source told the Mirror: 'It has come as a shock to everyone. Back in July, they appeared happier than ever while celebrating 25 years together on a trip of a lifetime to the French Riviera.'
The source added that they were 'trying to keep the divorce civil' for the sake of their children. The couple have now unfollowed each other on social media.
Is This The Beginning Of A Full Boyzone Reunion?
Whether this is a sign of a full Boyzone reunion remains to be seen, but fans are certainly hopeful. The band's recent activities suggest that a reunion could be on the cards, especially with Ronan Keating's departure from his radio show.
It would be a welcome return for fans who have been missing the group's music and performances. Only time will tell if a full Boyzone reunion is in the works.
