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October 11, 2009
TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR STEPHEN
TRIBUTES have been pouring in for tragic BOYZONE star STEPHEN GATELY.
The singer died suddenly in Majorca, where he was holidaying with husband ANDREW COWLES, leaving scores of friends and fans devastated.
Grieving bandmates RONAN KEATING, KEITH DUFFY, MIKEY GRAHAM and SHANE LYNCH said: "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'."
Boyzone manager LOUIS WALSH - who partied with Stephen at Monday night's Pride of Britain awards - was first to react, saying: "We're all absolutely devastated.
"I'm in complete shock. I was only with him on Monday at an awards ceremony.
"We don't know much about what's happened yet.
"I only heard after The X Factor and we will rally around each other this week. He was a great man."
SIR ELTON JOHN and partner DAVID FURNISH have been left distraught by the shock loss of their close friend.
The singer said: "David and I are stunned by this tragedy. Stephen was the kindest, gentlest soul.
"We send our love and condolences to his partner Andy and to all his friends everywhere."
Former Spice Girl EMMA BUNTON posted her condolences on social networking website Twitter.
She said: "Devastating news about Stephen Gately, I saw him Monday and had a chat, he was always such a sweetheart. Thinking of his family at this time."
X-Factor Judge DANNII MINOGUE also tweeted: "R.I.P. Stephen Gately."
WESTLIFE band members KIAN EGAN, MARK FEEHILY, NICKY BRYNE and SHANE FILAN praised Gately for helping to pave the way for them in the music industry.
In a statement they said: "We are, like everyone else, in shock today".
"We met Stephen Gately back in 1998 when we first started out and since then had the pleasure of meeting him many times.
"Himself and the Boyzone lads paved the way for us as a band.
"He was a friendly, positive spirit and a passionate performer.
"Our thoughts are with Andy and the rest of his family, his friends, his legions of fans and of course his bandmates Keith, Mikey, Shane and Ronan who will be devastated at the loss of a truly beautiful person."
While ex-Westlife singer BRIAN MCFADDEN said he was "heartbroken."
He tweeted: "heartbroken! R.I.P the beautiful Stephen Gately. life is so unfair. we loved you and you'll be in our hearts forever."
Comedian STEPHEN FRY paid homage on Twitter, writing: "Just heard the very sad news about dear Stephen Gately.
"What a dreadful shock. He was loveable and sweet-natured and will be hugely missed."
TV presenter EMMA FORBES - who interviewed Stephen on numerous occasions during Boyzone's heyday - said: "A sweeter man I've never met. He was just the loveliest guy and I am truly saddened.
"Such a young age, such a great talent, a divine person.
"He had a beautiful voice and a really lovely personality. Whenever I met him it was a total joy to interview him."
BBC Radio 1 DJ FEARNE COTTON wrote on Twitter: "What sad sudden news about Stephen Gately. Thoughts go out to his family and friends."
Classical star KATHERINE JENKINS also took to Twitter, writing: "So so sad 2hear the news about Stephen Gately. We had a really fun night out with him at the Ivy Club a few weeks ago. Good memories 2 cherish."
TV presenters PHILLIP SCHOFIELD, VERNON KAYE and GAIL PORTER told of their shock at the news on Twitter too.
Phillip said: "My God. What terrible news to wake up to. Poor Stephen.
"My deepest condolences to his friends, family and fans. He was a really lovely guy."
Vernon added: "Can't believe the news about Steven Gately. Such a nice fella. Loved by so many people. He will be greatly missed."
And Gail said: "Such sad news this morning. Stephen Gately will be terribly missed. A gorgeous person.
"My heart goes out to Andrew and all Stephen's friends and family."
Former Taoiseach BERTIE AHERN paid tribute to Gately, who he knew, this morning.
He said: "The Gatelys are in my own constituency. I know the family, I know Stephen.
"Ronan Keating is a very good friend of my daughter's, my family.
"He (Gately) was with us the other night with his boyfriend Andy, he came to my book launch."
Mr Ahern, whose daughter Georgina is married to NICKY BYRNE of boyband WESTLIFE, continued: "It's just such a tragedy.
"Boyzone and Stephen, they've all been part of Irish life and far wider than that, the last 15 years, and so successful, so it's a huge, huge tragedy. It's so sad.
"He was 33 years of age, 15 years at the top, a fine musician, it's just a huge tragedy to Irish entertainment, Irish music and further afield as well."
Stephen's agents, Caroline de Wolfe and Rosemary Reed of Back Door Management, also paid tribute: "Stephen was a very talented and much loved client and it was our great pleasure to work with him and our thoughts and condolences are extended to his loved ones at this very distressing time.
"We are shocked and saddened that he is no longer with us and had such a short life as he had much more to give.
"Stephen was both in and out of the spotlight a genuine, funny and very charismatic man who was a joy to spend time with and it was a privilege to know him.
"He retained that rare quality of being humble despite his fame and this endeared him to those he worked with."
Source: The Sun
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