Mikey Graham’s restricted participation in Boyzone’s London reunion caused concern amongst the group’s fans after his struggles since stepping out of the spotlight
Boyzone reunited for the first time in almost seven years this weekend, but fans were left concerned after Mikey Graham performed only four songs seated on a stool at the farewell performance.
The 53-year-old appeared for just a matter of minutes in London at the Emirates Stadium event, with many wondering if the reunion had been too much for him. It follows a difficult and demanding number of years for the star who has kept a relatively low profile in recent times.
Mikey remained seated for the majority of his time on stage while Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch got everyone on their feet. It was worry – not frustration – from Boyzone’s army of fans of course, as Mikey has been strikingly open about the toll fame and his time in the group took on his mental health.
He’s discussed candidly his struggles with depression and debilitating anxiety, revealing that the pressures of the music industry drove him into a “very difficult” period where he wrestled with his wellbeing and became reliant on alcohol.
In a Sky documentary last year, he disclosed his hesitation about rejoining the band, explaining he was cautious about falling back into the dark place he’d occupied for such a long time.
He turned to alcohol to cope with his issues and was dropped by the group. Mikey explained: “In the loss of ambition, high-spiritedness, vitality… when that left me, a lot of things left me. My interest in my own appearance.
“I didn’t drink until I turned about 24 when I was introduced to Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola, and that became the thing that kind of got me through the next few years… the sadness, the disenchantment.
“I was very frustrated, angry, and depressed, and because of all of that, I would withdraw from the band.”
He also struggled with the death of his band mate, and said his stint on Dancing on Ice in 2010 became a form of therapy for him as he came to terms with the death of Stephen Gately.
Despite the concerning circumstances surrounding Mikey’s limited involvement, plenty of the band’s fans voiced their delight and unwavering support for his participation in the event.
Highlighting the singer’s vital role in the band’s remarkable story and lasting legacy.
Fans descended on social media both before and after the gig to express their admiration for the Dublin star, with heartfelt messages flooding in from right across the globe.
One fan posted: “MIKEY IS THERE!!!!! I CAN NOT STOP CRYING IM SO HAPPY.”
Another commented: “Great to see Mikey, he’s more loved than he knows.”
The concert featured many of their greatest hits, bringing back nostalgic memories for fans who have followed the group since their formation in the 1990s.
The emotional gig also served as a deeply moving tribute to their beloved late bandmate Stephen, with the remaining group members donning red clothing as a touching tribute to their friend who passed away in 2009.
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