Comments (1)

Boys to men: Boyzone will reform for a reunion tour

 

Boyzone have sparked a £5million bidding war between two leading record companies over their comeback album and tour.

The boys will decide within weeks between their former label, Universal, and Sony/BMG - and they are set to earn a massive £1million each from the deal.

Stephen Gately told us about the reunion plans at the VIP performance of Equus, saying: "I haven't signed on the dotted line yet, but there are offers on the table. We'd love to do it, but it’s hard to find time for five people.

"We met in Dublin last month and again in London for a p**s up and to discuss our reunion. Both meetings went very well and for the first time I think all five members are on the same page. It's a matter of finding the right time and the right deal."

In December it was revealed how Stephen, Shane Lynch, Mikey Graham, Keith Duffy and Ronan Keating are planning a Take That style TV documentary to launch their comeback.

Unlike the new Take That, however, Boyzone will be able to boast a full original line-up.

Keating has been reluctant to include himself in a reunion because of his successful solo career - until now.

A source told us: "Ronan was the final stumbling block, but he is definitely on board now. After seeing how successful the Take That comeback has been he agreed to talk to the boys about a reunion. When they met in Dublin last month it was like they'd never been away and it made Ronan decide 100 per cent he was on board."

The Boyz split in 1999 after lead singer Keating quit to go it alone. Since then Shane has appeared in reality shows, Mikey has been writing music, Keith acted in Coronation Street and Stephen has starred in West End musicals and in ITV's Dancing On Ice.

A music business insider said: "There is a market for boyband comebacks."

The members of Boyzone have signed up for a reunion tour next year. The boys are currently in talks with ITV to do an hour-long documentary — like fellow boy band Take That — to help relaunch their career.

Unlike the new Take That, however, the reunited Boyzone will be able to boast a full original line-up.

Ronan Keating has been reluctant to include himself in a reunion because of his successful solo career.

But, with Robbie’s decision to stay out of the Take That comeback looking like it may have been the wrong one, perhaps it was the nudge Ronan needed.

He will join Stephen Gately, Mikey Graham, Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch, who are dusting off their microphones and taking to the stage once again.

A TV insider tells us: “It’s a massive coup to get all five members signed up. Ronan has been the one that’s been reluctant to agree all along.

"He has a very successful solo career, but thankfully he’s finally realised the success that the band could have once again and he’s given in to the fans.

"He realises the success the guys from Take That have had, and knows it’s now or never for Boyzone.

They’ve also seen the impact the Take That TV documentary had on the public, and all the lads reckon it’s the best way to kick off a comeback.

"If they can get the viewers to tune in then they might be able to battle it out in the charts once again."

Boyzone split in 1999 after lead singer Keating quit to go it alone.

Since then Shane Lynch has appeared in reality shows The Games and Love Island, Mikey Graham has been writing music, Keith Duffy branched out into TV and became a successful actor in Coronation Street and Stephen Gately has starred in West End musicals.

London Eye’s mole went on: "Boyzone are planning to do what Take That did and do a tour featuring their greatest hits, including No Matter What, Father And Son and When The Going Gets Tough.

"They know that’s what the fans want. These boy band reunion gigs are attracting everyone from grannies to school kids, and Take That managed to sell out every gig they did.

"After the tour Boyzone will judge the reaction and decide if they want to keep going together and release an album of new stuff."

Take That are currently at No 1 with their single Patience. So if their comeback is anything to go by, Boyzone fans are in for a treat.