Stephen Gately is a solo singer and also the best fifth of Boyzone. He has been an inspiration to many people all over the world and sings like an angel.
Biography: Stephen Gately
Few people in life are lucky enough to realise their most ambitious dreams. Stephen Gately is fortunate to have achieved all of his, and more. The cute, smiley member of 'Boyzone' readily admits that he has had a charmed existence so far. Not only has Stephen found pop superstardom, but he has also had the opportunity to fulfil a personal childhood fantasy by working with the magical Disney Corporation.
Stephen Patrick David Gately was born on St. Patrick's Day (17th March) 1976, in Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, Ireland. He grew up in Seville Place, Dublin with his three brothers and sister and had a Catholic upbringing. His mother, Margaret worked in a local school, and his father, Martin, used to be a painter and decorator. Stephen attended the local all boys primary school, St Laurence O'Toole's, when he was four years old. His favourite subject at primary school was English, and he particularly enjoyed writing and poetry. Even from an early age Stephen was interested in performing and always had an important role in the school musicals, one of which was playing the lead in 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'. After St Laurence's, when he reached first year, Stephen attended the Christian Brothers primary school, before moving on to the North Strand Technical School. Most of his friends had moved on to a different local school, and so to ensure he was not the focus of any bullying, on the first day Stephen took the largest boy in his class on in a fight, although he did not start it. His philosophy being if he could beat him then others would leave him alone, and it worked as for the next five years he was respected by his peers, and no-one touched him. Surprisingly the two boys also became good friends afterwards. His favourite subjects here were English, especially poems by Yeats, science and art; he loved to draw landscapes and the art class often drew an embankment with a railway beside it, which was near to the school. Even at this young age, Stephen was determined to be successful and would practice signing his autograph, telling his friends that it would be worth something one day, and he was right. Stephen achieved five honours and two passes in his Junior Certificate, the Irish equivalent of GCSE's.
When he was 16, after one term at North Strand, Stephen attended Marino College where he was one of only two boys in a class of 26! Although after a few months he returned to North Strand, as he did not have a very good understanding with one of the teachers at Marino College. North Strand was happy to take him back immediately and he stayed there for about a year while studying for his Leaving Certificate. However in the middle of this year the opportunity to join 'Boyzone' arose. His teachers knew that this was what he had always wanted, and so advised him to follow his ambition, saying that he was always welcome to come back if it failed. Stephen left school in January 1994, just before his Leaving Certificate.
Although Stephen did not grow up in one of the best areas of Dublin, and his family never had much money to spare, he had a happy childhood and a good family life. At the age of twelve Steve joined O'Connell's Boys Club, which gave him the opportunity to try a wide variety of sports including canoeing, sailing, swimming and mountaineering. As a child he was also a member of a local dance troupe called Black Magic for about five years and at the age of 13 he won the All-Ireland disco-dancing championships, standing him in good stead to become a pop star.
Before his present vocation as a singer, Stephen had several other types of employment. When he was 14, he had an interview and photos taken by International Modelling agency, as he was interested in all forms of entertainment. As a result he took a course and then did some modelling for department stores. Part of the job was a fashion show and dance routines at the local Butlins every Wednesday. At the age of 16 he changed to the Assets agency, although due to his height Steve could never become a professional male model. At 16 he also started his first proper job, some bar work at the local pub, for which he was paid four pounds an hour. However, he did not enjoy this work. Stephen also worked at the Olympia Theatre for a month, during the school holidays, cleaning glasses, often until six in the morning. He loved this job and was even more pleased when he received his first pay packet of £180, of which he spent the majority on an expensive pair of Adidas trainers! This job was also when he was 16, although to get it he lied about his age, claiming that he was 18. After leaving school and joining 'Boyzone', Stephen worked part-time in Makullas clothes shop to earn some money while the band was starting. Although he had to leave when too many people started to recognise him and the band commitment became more demanding.
Stephen was also very interested in drama from a young age, as he was determined to be in the limelight in one form or another. His interest in acting was fuelled at the North Strand school he attended, and he went to several drama workshops at the school. The acting also started to help him to become more confident, as he was naturally very shy. In addition he enjoyed drama as a hobby outside school, and started becoming involved in it by joining a local youth club, with whom he participated in a play, which was shown in the City Arts Centre. He then proceeded to undertake an acting course at the Gaiety Theatre during the summer holidays. By the age of 16 he had directed a play called 'Whether You Like it or Not' which was performed by a drama group based in Coolock called 'Walk and Talk', most of whom were older than him. This also brought him his first television appearance on an Irish youth show, 'Jo Maxi'. Stephen performed in several plays in the City Arts Centre and the Project Theatre with this group. He obviously had a natural talent, and thoroughly enjoyed acting. He also made appearances as an extra in two films, 'In the Name of Father' and 'The Commitments'. Stephen auditioned for several major roles in television series' or plays, and although he was not accepted for many due to his age, many people noted his exceptional talent. In the past he has also taught drama to underprivileged children, helping others by sharing his talent. Today, Stephen receives many film scripts for major movie roles and he enjoys reading them, hoping one day he will find time in his ever busy schedule to attend screen tests. In the future he has plans to make a film, though he is still concentrating on his musical career at the moment. Although his acting tallent may come to light in the much talked about Boyzone Movie which is apparently being made at the moment.
Stephen never took any singing lessons, and had no specific ambition to enter the world of musical entertainment. As a teenager he won £100 in a karaoke competition, and he always knew he could sing quite well, but that was as far as his musical ambition went. Steve heard about the auditions for 'Boyzone' through the Dublin 'Star' newspaper, and was so desperate to audition that he rang the paper to find a contact number, as it was not printed on the advert. He attended the auditions at the Ormond Centre, with about 1000 other hopefuls. This was the day that would change his life forever. It was a nerve-wracking experience and after seeing the others who were also there to audition, Stephen did not think he would be chosen. He was called back for another audition, and then the final audition, in which the 10 who had been chosen from the initial 1000 would be narrowed down to six. For the first two auditions everyone sang 'Careless Whisper' and Stephen sang 'Hello' and 'Right Here Waiting' for the final audition. Stephen was told after the last audition he had been accepted into the band and was ecstatic, as he now had an opportunity to fulfil his dream and ambition of fame. There were five others chosen to form the band, whose first television performance came the next day on the 'Late Late Show'. This was not exactly a perfected performance or dance routine by any means, but it got them noticed and started their career as superstars. About a year later, with a slightly different line-up and lots of hard work, the now five boys had been signed to Polydor records and were ready to release their first single in Ireland, which they had to fund themselves. Stephen sang lead vocals and it was a huge success, charting at number two and proving many critics wrong. 'Boyzone' were the first successful pop group to come from Ireland, and with the release of their second single 'Love Me for a Reason', which was also released in the UK, they proved that they were not going to have one hit and then fade away. This single charted at number one in Ireland, and number two in the UK. In their first year 'Boyzone' also won their first awards, 'Best Newcomers' at the National Entertainment Awards and also the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party and Stephen also won the award for 'Best Dressed Man'. Since then they have gained numerous and varied awards in almost every country around the globe. Now, seven years later, with four number one albums and 16 top three singles, 'Boyzone' have proved that they are here to stay and are no longer a teen band, but appeal to a wide and varied audience. Stephen has also achieved a solo top three single and top ten album - both titled New Beginning.
While Stephen obviously craved stardom, he found the lifestyle difficult to cope with when 'Boyzone' were first thrust into the limelight. All of the early interviews conducted with Steo usually refer to the fact that he was 'homesick'. It is true that he missed the emotional support of his family when he first left home, but now seven years later the shy entertainer has matured and come to terms with his new lifestyle. Stephen like many his age, at only 16 when the band first started was plagued by insecurities, not least his looks. There was a time when he only emerged from his shell while performing onstage. Behind the scenes the young artiste was quiet and introverted, sometimes a sad, lonely figure. But immediately the show started, he would rise to the occasion and blossom into a self-assured, happy-go-lucky performer who was clearly enjoying himself. Stephen's life has changed dramatically over the last seven years, but the young superstar still enjoys the simple pleasures in life, such as reading a book. He has also achieved many personal ambitions and dreams through his fame. As a child Stephen was a fan of Michael Jackson and was recently able to meet him at a concert at The Point, Dublin. He has performed with the likes of the Bee Gees and U2, to name but a few, and achieved a life long ambition by working with Disney. There seems to be no end to what he can achieve and Stephen presented the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party in 1998, showing how far he has come over the past seven years.
In the most recent chapter of his life Stephen has had another difficult and turbulent time - but again has emerged from it a happier and stronger person, who is now able to enjoy life without added worry. Last year on the 16th June 1999 Stephen announced to the world he was in love with his boyfriend Eloy deJong, as some security person was going to sell the story that Stephen was gay, a very low thing to do and as Stephen didn't want anyone to make money out of him, he decided to do the story himself in the Sun for free. The reception to his announcement was 'amazing', people from all walks of life supported Stephen and he was flooded with messages of support from all corners of the globe. And as he himslef has said - 'it shouldn't be an issue', however being in the public eye people are of course interested in his private life. Stephen is now alot happier not having to live under the stress of trying to hide his sexuality. It can be clearly seen in interviews how much more relaxed he is and it is also obvious that he is deeply in love. Stephen and Eloy live together in Amsterdam, with their two dogs Joey and Woody, and sometime in the future Stephen has said they would like to adopt. He will make a brilliant father one day and loves being around children, especially his nephews Jordan and Brandon, who he enjoys taking to the zoo or watching disney movies with.
Stephen, the enigmatic member of the group is often found deep in thought. Now at the age of only 24, he has already achieved more than many will do in a lifetime. Every month new opportunities arise for him and will continue to do so for years to come, with a blossoming solo career and possible acting career in the future there seems to be no end to what he can achieve. He also often uses his fame and influence to help many charities. After finding love and settling down Stephen has emerged a more happy relaxed and confident person. However he is still the same shy Stephen who lacks self-confidence at times, and it is probably his humility that is one of his most endearing qualities. Stephen considers himself to be very lucky. He finds the peaceful atmosphere of a church very calming and relaxing, and this and spiritual books have helped him through stressful periods in his life. He is doing very well and has a dream lifestyle, but has not turned into a selfish popstar type, and still remembers his roots. The future certainly looks very bright for this young selfless star.
[The majority of the above section was written in 1999 for my GCSE English coursework (and got me and A*!) with a couple of additions in 2000. See below for the most recent additions to the biography and chapters of Stephen's life.]
Now in mid 2003 Stephen is still working within the music industry. After the release of three solo singles ('New Beginning', 'I Believe' and 'Stay') and his debut solo album, Stephen took a break from the limelight, from mid 2001 until November 2002, to recouperate and enjoy life. His first solo single reached number three in the UK singles charts. His second single to be released from his album was 'I Believe' which was written for the film 'Billy Elliot' and was the title track to the film, there were even rumours that Stephen might perform the song at the oscars. Although successful as a solo artist, and having promoted his work all over the globe, from the UK and Ireland to Asia, India and Europe, Stephen had some health problems during the promotion and also later admitted his heart wasn't really in his work at the time. After seven mad years in 'Boyzone' he really just wanted to spend some time at home with Eloy and enjoy some of the simpler things in life. The fact some promotion had to be cancelled due to having problems with kidney stones also didn't help matters, and many interviews still seemed to focus on his 'coming out' rather than his music. In June 2001, Stephen and Polydor, the record label he had been signed to, went their seperate ways. He then disappeared from the limelight for over a year. However never far from the clutches of the tabloid press, after his split with Eloy, in January 2002 he was yet again all over the papers. Facing another tough time in his life Stephen made it back on the road to happiness with the help of friends and family - he was even invited to spend time with Elton John and his partner in their villa in the South of France.
For the past months Stephen has taken his career in a new direction and entered the world of muscial theatre. He is currently starring in the West End in a new production of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat' at the New London Theatre. Although slightly aprehensive about the loin-cloth scenes, which Stephen has decribed as wearing not much more than a tea-towel, Stephen has taken on this role and made it his own. He has received rave reviews from the first shows he performed in Oxford, through the Christmas run of the show in Liverpool and now also in the West End. It is obvious from the ammount of attention this has created around him that Stephen was not forgotten in his time away from the stage. Many of his fans who used to see him at Boyzone concerts and at solo gigs are still around to support him in his new role. He has also found many new fans both due to this new role and also from some of the TV specials such as 'Abbamania' or 'Sir Andrew Lloyd-Webber's 50th Birthday' being repeated or aired for the first time in many countries. Before starting this role Stephen had some vocal training for the first time, he also enlisted the help of a personal trainer and lost about two stone and generally became alot fitter, probably with wearing those loin cloths on stage in mind as motivation. The improvement in his voice is obvious and many are pleasantly surprised by both his vocal tallent and acting skills. His major solo 'Close Every Door' in the show is always fantastic and the tears are real too, impressing alot of the audience who have never had the chance to hear him sing like that before, shattering many preconceived ideas of his status as an ex-boyband star. Another popular scene is where we get to see a different side to Stephen in the 'Prince of Egypt' alternatively renamed by some 'the gold trousers bit'.
Recently Stephen has also been enjoying the social aspects of his new life too, attending Elton John's prestigious 'White Tie and Tiara Ball' with his new partner Andy. All of the boyz, except Ronan, have also been to see the show, and Stephen is still in contact with them, there were even rumours they may do something together again in the furture.
Stephen is obviously a more confident and outgoing person now compared to the shy youngster who was first thrust into the media circus at the start of Boyzone. He is also still very much appears to have his feet firmly on the ground. With originally nine, and now eight shows a week, Stephen has quite a though schedule and only Sunday off to relax. However before and after the shows he still takes time to entertain the fans off stage and sign for or have photos with people where he can. There is no confirmed end date for Stephen's run in the show at the moment, however he is looking forward to some time off when he finally gets a holiday later this month and also in August. Hopefully after 'Joseph' there will be many more great projects to come from Stephen, who has yet again proved with hard work and ambition (and some technicolour coats) your dreams can come true.
**And that solitary star is an awful lot like me, on an endless search through time and space for a place that won't seem wrong. If we both hang on for long enough, we both somehow are strong enough, we'll find out where we belong.**
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