Boyzone star Ronan Keating has delivered a stark verdict on the prospect of the iconic band touring again, labelling it "incredibly unhealthy" and a step backwards. His comments come as the group prepares for a final, two-night reunion at London's Emirates Stadium this summer.
A Toxic Past and a Final Farewell
Speaking candidly on BBC Radio 2's Tracks Of My Years, the 48-year-old singer reflected on the band's previous farewell tour, which he described as a "toxic environment". He revealed tensions ran so high that a "huge blow up" occurred during the Tokyo leg, resulting in members flying home separately. For their subsequent London Palladium shows in 2019, they used separate dressing rooms for the first time in their careers.
Keating was unequivocal about the band's future, stating the June shows are a definitive end. "It's our way of writing the final chapter, saying goodbye," he said. "It's a farewell tour. There's no new music. We're not getting the band back together again. We're not touring across the world." He confirmed the band has rejected numerous offers to perform in Asia and Europe.
One Last Spectacular Week
Despite the difficult history, Keating expressed a positive sentiment about the upcoming reunion, calling it "kind of nice" that they are returning for a proper send-off. He emphasised that all five members—Ronan, Keith Duffy, Shane Lynch, Mikey Graham, and the late Stephen Gately—are aligned in not wanting to embark on another global tour, calling it a "difficult environment".
"We all have our own lives and careers away from the band, but we can come back for that week," Keating explained. "It'll be spectacular. We'll put on all the fireworks and make it magic. And there'll be tears, but we'll go out on a high and that'll be our final chapter written."
Boyzone's Legacy and Upcoming Shows
Formed in 1993, Boyzone became one of the UK's most successful boy bands, achieving six UK number one singles and five UK number one albums. They initially split in 2000 before reuniting in 2007. The upcoming "Two For The Road" concerts on June 5 and June 6 at the Emirates Stadium follow their 2019 Thank You And Goodnight tour and mark their first performances together since the Palladium run.
The band recently reunited for a documentary series and a BBC One New Year's Eve special. However, for Ronan Keating and his bandmates, the Emirates Stadium dates represent a permanent, and this time peaceful, curtain call on their storied career.
