Boyzone frontman Ronan Keating has made a startling confession about the band's final days, describing the atmosphere as "toxic" and revealing the severe impact it had on his mental wellbeing.
The Breaking Point in Japan
Speaking candidly on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Virgin Radio, Keating pinpointed the end of the group's 2019 world tour as the moment "everything just fell apart". The singer recalled feeling utterly drained during the final international shows in Tokyo and Osaka.
"I remember in Tokyo and Osaka, it all fell apart," Keating revealed. "Everything just felt like, 'I can't be here anymore.' That's what it felt like to me. I didn't want to be part of this because it wasn't a nice environment. I never thought we were going to get back together after that. I thought that was it."
Anxiety and a Reluctant Return
Despite the difficult ending, the band later collaborated on a documentary titled No Matter What. Its success led to offers for a farewell tour, but the prospect filled Keating with dread. The memory of his declining health during the previous tour resurfaced powerfully.
"A string of dates were on the table, lots and lots of shows across the country, and I have to say my anxiety went through the roof," he admitted. "I thought, 'I can't do this… I can't. I can't.' I love these guys, but you know, I think when we are all together, in that environment, it can be a very toxic place. After a while it can be hard for us to be in it."
Keating explained that the dynamic triggered feelings from his youth, saying the fame and old patterns took him back to being 17 years old, reigniting anxieties and a sense of imposter syndrome.
Bandmates React and a Final Show is Set
During the radio interview, Keating was joined by fellow Boyzone members Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch. Duffy expressed regret upon hearing his bandmate's perspective for the first time.
"I'm very disappointed in myself as part of the group where we allowed ourselves to get to a point where Ronan felt it was toxic. It didn't feel toxic to me, you know what I mean, at the time," Duffy said. He acknowledged that he and Lynch, who had smaller roles, enjoyed the "party" and "good time" on tour, while Keating, as the main vocalist alongside the late Stephen Gately, carried a heavier workload and pressure.
Duffy added, "I hate the word toxic, I really do, but I can understand it."
Ultimately, it was an intervention from superstar Ed Sheeran that helped change Keating's mind. After seeing the documentary, Sheeran contacted Keating and encouraged the band to reunite for a proper send-off. This led to the announcement of 'One For The Road' – two final comeback shows at London's Emirates Stadium in June 2026.
Before that, fans can see Ronan Keating hosting Ronan Keating and Friends: A New Year's Eve Party on BBC One at 11.30pm on December 31st.
