Ronan Keating marks the 15th anniversary of Stephen Gately’s tragic death with a simple tribute

At the time, Ronan posted a photo of Stephen with the simple message “15 years” and a broken heart emoji.

The music world was stunned when the young star died of heart disease in 2009, aged just 33, while staying at his holiday home in Mallorca.

Stephen, Ronan, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch hit the big time as members of Boyzone in the 1990s, selling millions of albums and releasing hit singles such as “Words”, “A Different Beat” and “No Matter What.”

However, Stephen’s death devastated the band, who continued as a four-piece until releasing their farewell album Thank You & Goodnight in 2018.

The album contained a tribute to Gately and a reworked version of one of his demos that he recorded in 2002.

Ronan’s online tribute to tragic Stephen sparked numerous responses from fans who joined him in sharing their own memories of Stephen.

“How has it been for 15 years,” one asked. “It feels like my mother told me the news just yesterday when I woke up in the morning. Sending you and the Boyz all my hugs, thoughts and prayers.”

Another added: “Beautiful tribute to one of your best friends Stephen Gately and he will always be remembered.”

“So sad… A lovely person with the voice of an angel,” another added.

Another Boyzone member, Keith Duffy, has since formed the “supergroup” Boyzlife with Westlife’s Brian McFadden, which will tour America in the coming months.

Last year Ronan described the unique tribute he and Boyzone paid Stephen following his death.

“It is a poignant date, October 10th. It’s the day we lost Stephen,” Ronan told Magic FM this time last year.

“It was hard to believe 14 years ago. Time has passed so quickly. Today he would be 47. He was like a little brother.”

“When he died we all went to Spain. We flew back to Dublin to begin funeral preparations.”

“We went to a tattoo shop at one in the morning. Steo had a Superman tattoo on his chest, so we all got one. I have one on my arm.”

“When we got tattooed, the sun came up, we played Boyzone songs and cried a lot.”

The “Life is a Rollercoaster” hitmaker also took to Instagram to share his thoughts.

He wrote: “Ah brother, how I miss you.

“14 years have passed and it’s like you’re still here for the music.

“I just imagine you’re still in north London and loving life. Hangs out with Phil the butcher and pets the baker.

“I wonder what you would think today. You had such a clear idea of ​​what we are, who we are, and when someone is a total idiot.

“I love you buddy, I miss you every day,” Keating said.

Ronan’s Superman tattoo bears the numbers 76 and 09, referencing Gately’s birth and death years.

Ronan lost his brother Ciarán in a car accident earlier this year. The singer later performed at London’s Uptown Festival at Blackheat Common for the first time since his bereavement at the end of July.