Boyzone star Ronan Keating has made a startling confession about the band's final world tour, describing the environment 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 group's 2019 tour finale in Japan as the moment "everything fell apart". The singer, who will host a New Year's Eve party on BBC One, recalled feeling utterly drained in Tokyo and Osaka.
"I remember... it all fell apart. Everything just felt like, 'I can't be here anymore,'" Keating revealed. "I didn't want to be part of it because it wasn't a nice environment. I never thought we were going to get back together after that."
Anxiety and the Weight of Legacy
The prospect of a new farewell tour initially filled Keating with dread. When a string of dates was proposed, he admitted his anxiety "went through the roof". He explained that the dynamic of the original five-piece—himself, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch, and the late Stephen Gately—could revert to old, difficult patterns.
"I love these guys, but when we are all together in that environment, it can be a very toxic place," he said. "After a while, it can be hard for us to be in it." Keating described how fame triggers could send him back to feeling like an anxious 17-year-old, grappling with imposter syndrome.
A Bandmate's Response and a Surprise Intervention
Fellow Boyzone member Keith Duffy, who was on air with Keating and Shane Lynch, responded with remorse. He stated he was "very disappointed" in himself for not realising the extent of Keating's distress during that final tour.
"It didn't feel toxic to me at the time," Duffy reflected, noting that he and Lynch often enjoyed the social side of touring. However, he acknowledged Keating's immense workload as the group's primary vocalist and a "thorough professional."
The path to reconciliation and a final show began with the documentary No Matter What. Its success led to an unexpected intervention from superstar Ed Sheeran, who contacted Keating and encouraged the band to give it one last shot.
The Final Curtain Call in 2026
This chain of events ultimately led to the announcement of Boyzone's "One For The Road" comeback. The group will perform two final shows at London's Emirates Stadium in June 2026, offering fans a definitive farewell.
Despite the past struggles, the bandmates have navigated their complex history. Duffy, while expressing his dislike for the word "toxic," said he could now understand Keating's perspective. Ronan Keating's candid discussion highlights the intense pressures of long-term fame and the personal cost often hidden behind global success.
