Fans of the late Stephen Gately paid tribute to him at a farewell concert last night (29.11.09).
The show – which was held at the Palace theatre in London’s West End – was a three-hour spectacular with performances and tributes from those close to the Boyzone star who died in October aged 33.
The event, which was organised by Stephen’s civil partner Andrew Cowles, was invite-only but some extra tickets for Stephen’s fans were made available, and 400 fans gathered outside in the rain for hours to try and get their hands on one.
The remaining members of Boyzone – Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham, Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch – all attended the tribute but didn’t perform.
Actor Christopher Biggins – who performed with Stephen in the theatre – hosted the event, while Shayne Ward – who won the second series of UK TV talent show ‘The X Factor’ – sang Josh Groban track ‘To Where You Are’.
Other performers included former Atomic Kitten star Liz McClarnon and Beverley Knight.
Graham Norton and Ian McKellen also said a few words in Stephen’s memory.
Other celebrity guests included TV host Lisa Snowdon, Blue singer Duncan James, and Cherie Blair – the wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
One fan said: “It was an amazing night and what Stephen would have wanted.”
