A new Sky documentary titled “Boyzone: No Matter What” has revealed some surprising and distressing details surrounding the management of the popular boy band, Boyzone. In this documentary, members of the band, including Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, and Keith Duffy, opened up about their experiences with their long-time manager, Louis Walsh. The shocking confessions about Walsh’s tactics during their sensational rise to fame have left many fans reeling.
Watch: Boyzone Discuss Their Experience with Louis Walsh
The documentary features candid interviews where the band members reflect on their time with Walsh. Ronan Keating described listening to some of Walsh’s strategies for boosting the band’s public image as “heartbreaking” and “devastating.” This sense of betrayal stems from revelations that Walsh sometimes fabricated stories and sold them to tabloids, a tactic he felt was necessary to keep Boyzone in the media’s spotlight.
Reality of Band Life: The Price of Fame
As the documentary unfolds, the members candidly discuss how they felt “unprotected” during their rapid rise to fame in the 1990s. Keating emphasized that navigating the music industry wasn’t as glamorous as it seemed. Instead, he described it as a “dangerous space” where many challenges and pressures lurked behind the scenes. The members acknowledged Walsh’s significant role in their success while grappling with the darker aspects of their journey.
Louis Walsh’s Media Tactics Uncovered
- Walsh would often prioritize front-page coverage over factual content.
- The documentary highlights an open conversation about the implications of these tactics on the band’s image.
- Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy voiced their perspectives, pointing out that while Walsh played a crucial role, his methods raised ethical concerns.
Remembering Stephen Gately
In a poignant moment, the band members reflected on their late bandmate, Stephen Gately, whose death in 2009 left a void in both their personal lives and the Boyzone legacy. Mikey Graham, another member of the band, suggested during the discussions that they may have needed to split after Gately’s passing, reconsidering how fame and loss intertwined for them historically.
Louis Walsh’s Controversial Decisions
Another startling claim revealed in the documentary was about a hit song that Walsh initially tried to block. The song, “No Matter What,” became one of Boyzone’s biggest hits, but Walsh thought it was unsuitable for release. It took the support of Capital Radio’s Richard Park to finally push the song into the spotlight, despite Walsh’s reservations.
The Bigger Picture: Mental Health in Music
These revelations come at a time when the music industry faces significant scrutiny regarding the mental health of its artists. Keith Duffy highlighted the need for better mental health support, championing the cause following the tragic story of former One Direction member, Liam Payne, whose recent death sparked discussions about the pressures faced by artists. The Boyzone members expressed their hope that their story could inspire change in the industry.
Where to Watch the Documentary
“Boyzone: No Matter What” premieres on Sky Documentaries on Sunday, February 2nd. The documentary promises to take viewers on a rollercoaster journey through the highs and lows of Boyzone’s career, revealing the untold stories behind their success and struggles.