The Boyzone star recently discussed how his band’s relationship with Ronan Keating, who is hosting a New Year’s Eve party on BBC tonight, opened up about how toxic his band has become.
Singer Ronan Keating says his mental health suffered at the end of Boyzone’s last tour in 2019 – and he described his relationship with his bandmates as “toxic”. He made the stunning revelation while discussing their upcoming final farewell show at the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show, Ronan said: “Well look, go back to 2019 when we finished our last world tour, we went everywhere, it was ridiculous, and it was a huge success but by the end of it, the last international show was in Japan, and I remember in Tokyo and Osaka, it all fell apart.
“Everything just fell apart,” he said. Everything just seemed to say, “I can’t be here anymore.” I don’t want to be a part of this because the environment wasn’t pleasant, that’s how it felt. Never did I anticipate that our relationship would rekindle after that. I believed that to be true.
Despite suffering, he was persuaded to produce a smash-hit documentary, No Matter What, with his bandmates, which received invitations to go on a farewell tour.
However, Ronan said, “A string of dates were on the table, lots and lots of shows across the country, and I have to say that my anxiety went through the roof.
I sneered at myself, “I can’t do this… I can’t.” I can’t. ‘ I adore these guys, but I’ve learned that being together in that environment can be very toxic and that it can be challenging for us to stay there for some time.
Ronan and the other Boyzone members, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch, and the late Stephen Gately, achieved fame in 1993, selling millions of records in the UK alone.
When asked if it was still “toxic” in 2019, Ronan confirmed that it was because of “the things you know, fame, and everything,” and that there are triggers that you don’t even realize are “toxic” until you are 17 years old.
“Well for me, being 17 years of age again and my anxieties and like Duster (Keith) says, imposter syndrome and all these things again and my anxiety goes through the roof. “So I thought, ‘I don’t know if I can do this lads.’”
However, after seeing the documentary, Ed Sheeran contacted Ronan, and encouraged him to get back on the road with Boyzone one last time.
In the end, Boyzone’s return to the Emirates will be followed by a two-show run in June 2026.
Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch joined Ronan in discussing his “toxic” comments while he was sharing his vulnerability on Virgin Radio.
Ronan was explaining exactly what he had just explained in the documentary, including how he felt during his final tour of Japan, according to Keith. And I wasn’t aware of his feelings. As a member of the group, I feel very sorry for allowing ourselves to reach a point where Ronan thought it was toxic. You know what I mean, at the time, it didn’t feel toxic to me.
He then explained that Shane and himself had smaller roles in the band, which Ronan and Stephen Gately’s vocals initially helped to make it a hit.
Ronan was a “thorough professional” who put forth more effort than anyone else in the group, according to Keith.
Before Chris said it was a “beautiful thing to say,” the performer, who later formed BoyzLife with Brian McFadden, claimed it wasn’t the same for him while on the tour.
Keith responded, “Well, I am always honest; if it’s against me, so be it.” Both he and Shane enjoyed the party immensely. We are touring, in Japan, and having fun.
You know, I don’t want to curse but I can imagine what Ronan might have been thinking as we traveled, and I can see how stressed out and unable to be with our families Ronan is. You can feel the pain and miss the finer things in life, too.
“We are very fortunate to be in a position where we are successful, and we have fans who want to see us,” he continued.
I really dislike the word “toxic,” but I get it.
Ronan Keating and Friends: A New Year’s Eve Party will be broadcast on BBC One starting at 1:30 p.m. tonight (December 31) with special guests.
Source: Mirror
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