
Boyzone have a legacy as one of the most successful and iconic boybands of all time – but behind-the-scenes, conflict and rivalry, betrayal and tragedy led to their falling apart.
Now, thirty years on, all four remaining members - Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy, Shane Lynch and Michael ‘Mikey’ Graham, as well as their estranged manager, Louis Walsh – reveal the truth of what really happened, the extraordinary highs of their meteoric rise to fame, and the huge costs that being in a boyband had on each of them.
Plucked from obscurity in the 1990s, five working-class lads from Dublin were thrust into the global spotlight. Soon they were topping the charts, selling over 25 million records worldwide.
But whilst for some in the group joining a boyband was the chance of a lifetime, for others it led to strained relationships, struggles with self-esteem, alcohol and depression. Bonded by their incredible rise to fame, and loving each other like brothers, the group nevertheless fell apart in acrimony, with some of the members still not speaking to this day.
As they each try to now close a chapter on their past, they confront the events that have had a lasting impact on all their lives, families and friendships, with extraordinary raw and candid honesty.
With access to never-been-seen archive footage from the group’s early career, as well as contributions from the late Stephen Gately’s sister, Michelle, and his former-partner, pop star Eloy De Jong, this series examines the key events that shaped Boyzone, including the highs and lows of global stardom, the intense tabloid intrusion of 90’s Britain, which forced Stephen Gately to come out, and after a sensational comeback, the devastating impact that Stephen’s death later had – a loss the remaining band members have never fully overcome.
Where to watch Boyzone: No Matter What in the UK
Boyzone: No Matter What launches February 2 and will be available to watch in full exclusively on Sky and NOW.
You can only watch the series on Sky Documentaries, on demand via SkyGo or by streaming on NOW.
Boyzone: No Matter What - Episode Recap
The documentary series comprises three, hour-long episodes, delving into the life of the boys before, during and after their time in the band.
Thirty years on, all four remaining members – Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy, Shane Lynch and Michael ‘Mikey’ Graham, as well as their estranged manager, Louis Walsh – reveal the truth of what really happened, the extraordinary highs of their meteoric rise to fame, and the huge costs that being in a boyband had on each of them.
Here’s how the episodes break down.
Episode 1 - Love Me For A Reason
Five working-class lads from Dublin are plucked from obscurity and given the chance of a lifetime: to form one of the world’s most successful and iconic boybands.
After a rocky start, their popularity grows and they’re soon travelling the world in pursuit of fame and fortune. But behind-the-scenes, bitter rifts threaten to divide the band as personal insecurities are exploited.
Manager Louis Walsh sets about ruthlessly manipulating the press, as a secret about one of the members’ sexuality surfaces, with devastating ramifications.
Episode 2 - When The Going Gets Tough
The band’s unprecedented success continues as they land their first number one single. But as their popularity soars, so too does the relentless pursuit of the tabloids.
The pressures of constant scrutiny weigh heavily on all members, but Stephen Gately feels it most intensely. When The Sun receives a tip-off that Stephen is dating Dutch popstar Eloy de Jong, Stephen finds himself at the heart of a media frenzy.
For the first time, we hear from all sides, revealing how Stephen’s sexuality was exposed and the personal toll it took.
Meanwhile, Ronan faces pressure from manager Louis Walsh to pursue solo projects, igniting tensions that threaten the band’s unity.
Episode 3 - When All Is Said And Done
With the band’s future uncertain, Keith and Shane look elsewhere to find their purpose.
Ronan’s solo career reaches extraordinary heights, but his relationship with Louis starts to deteriorate, leaving emotional scars that still linger.
When Mikey proposes the idea of a Boyzone reunion, the comeback is a huge success and the band grows closer than ever before. Then tragedy strikes, as Stephen dies unexpectedly.
A swarm of journalists descend upon the story, fuelling painful speculation about the cause of his death. The remaining members, shattered by their loss, press on in his honour - but cracks reappear, and the band separate once more. In the series’ emotional conclusion, each reflects on their bond and the memories they made together.