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By Chris Johnson
Bringing the memories alive: Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle performed with Boyzone for a special tribute show in memory of tragic Stephen Gately, who died last OctoberJust five months ago, they received the shattering news that their beloved band member and 'brother' had died.
But last night Boyzone ensured Stephen Gately's memory lived on as they sang some of their favourite songs during an hour-long tribute.
The boys - Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch - were joined by a host of stars on stage for special one-off commemorative performances.
Friend and fan: Nadine sang Love Me For A Reason with the bandLondonderry-born Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle, who grew up as a fan of the Irish band, lent her support to the night and sang their top ten hit Love Me For A Reason, taking on Stephen's vocals.
She wore a flowing, plunging grey dress, split down the chest, all the way down to her stomach.
Speaking about her performance on the show, which was screened on ITV, Nadine said: 'I am very honoured to be a part of this special tribute, I have grown up watching Boyzone being that I am from Ireland.
'I am very moved to be singing Stephen’s part with Boyzone on Love Me For a Reason in the show as he is a great friend and he is dearly missed.'
With them in spirit: The boys, from left, Keith Duffy, Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham and Shane LynchFellow Irish band Westlife also took a turn on stage, making it the first joint performance between the two bands, and sang No Matter What.
And Mika, who wrote the band's latest hit Gave It All Away, joined the band on stage and sang the track with them.
The song was originally meant to be their comeback single and Gately had laid down vocals for it around two years ago - however Mika wouldn't allow them to release it at the time.
Doubling up: In a first, they were joined by fellow Irish band Westlife - Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne and Kian Egan - and sang No Matter What
Remembering the good times: The show was also filled with stories and anecdotes about Stephen, who the band affectionately call their 'brother'But after Gately died last October aged 33 as a result of a congenital heart defect, Mika has changed his mind and given the group the go ahead to release it as a tribute.
Speaking about the song and Stephen's passing, Mika said: 'I was shocked and saddened to hear about Stephen's passing. He touched so many people's lives both with his music and with his wonderful personality.
'It's an honour to hear him sing my song. I wish all the best to the rest of the boys. I'm proud of the song and proud of their version.'
Show opener: The band arrived on stage dressed in matching black suitsWestlife’s Nicky Byrne said of performing with Boyzone on the special: 'After 11 years in the music industry and having had the pleasure of performing with many greats, our performance with Boyzone was extra special for lots of reasons.
'Not only did these guys pave the way for ourselves but they have always been there showing support for us throughout the years. We had often spoke of doing something together and how much fun it would be.
'Little did we know that time would come remembering and celebrating the life of Stephen Gately. It was such good fun to do and we enjoyed it immensely. We are sure Stephen would be proud and smiling down on us all.'
Not the same: Stephen was never far from their thoughts as they performed a range of their past songsFormer Boyzone manager Louis Walsh, added: 'Stephen would be delighted to have a night dedicated to him and I know he’ll be watching down on us all on the night a big smile on his face.'
The show also included early footage of the band and chronicled Stephen’s story, from his humble beginnings in Dublin’s Sheriff Street and early rise to fame with the band, to his success as a solo performer and West End star.
In a series of intimate interviews, Stephen’s husband Andrew Cowles, sister Michelle Carr and former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern all remembered the star.
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