Boyzone fans have leapt to the defence of Mikey Graham, who appeared with his bandmates for several songs mid-way through their final concerts over the weekend
Mikey Graham has had fans rush to his defence after the final Boyzone concerts this weekend. The Irish singer was cruelly trolled for not appearing on stage throughout the full duration of the show.
The group took to the stage at London’s Emirates Stadium on Friday and Saturday for what were their final concerts. Although it was billed as a full reunion for the first time in almost a decade, Shane Lynch, Ronan Keating, and Keith Duffy opened the show as a trio.
Mikey, 53, only appeared on stage mid-way through the concerts for a handful of songs. He later appeared at the end of the show as the band prepared to bow out for the final time. However, several fans of the band were left annoyed that they didn’t see all four members throughout the entire show.
But many have flocked to social media to defend Mikey, who has previously bravely opened up about his mental health struggles. Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, one said: “I’m not a fan of Boyzone—there are a few songs I like, but that’s not the point here. What really bothers me is the awful comments being made about Mikey Graham.
“If you’ve been lucky enough not to struggle in life, then good for you, but having money or success doesn’t make someone immune to personal battles. It’s clear that Mikey has faced his own difficulties, and mocking someone when they’re already down is about as low as it gets.”
A second added: “It is so disheartening to see this happen. Mikey was incredibly brave to be open about how the band affected his mental health, and he shouldn’t be penalised for changing his mind or trying to face his fears. Glad the real fans are drowning out the noise.”
“Sending so much love to Mikey,” said a third, adding: “Despite facing health challenges, you gave ur all at the Boyzone show, and it didn’t go unnoticed.” In the past, Mikey said he had “no desire” to rejoin the group, known for hits including No Matter What and All That I Need.
During their Sky documentary, Mikey explained he fell into depression after the band went their separate ways in 2000. Speaking in the documentary, Mikey said: “I don’t want to go back to how I felt for many years.
“To see them for too long would remind me of that and my future is way too important to me to waste it looking back on my past.” The band formed in 1993 and also included Stephen Gately. Stephen tragically died at his home in Mallorca on October 10, 2009, aged 33. His body was discovered later in the morning, and his cause of death was ruled to have been caused by a pulmonary oedema from an undiagnosed heart condition.
But the band guaranteed to remember Stephen throughout their final two concerts. Keith Duffy said he was “apprehensive” about rehearsing for the final shows, but says that the worry left the second he walked into the studio. Addressing Stephen, Shane said that the band would be “celebrating” their late bandmate throughout the shows.
“It’s a special time for us to do that,” he said, adding: “Outside of this bubble called Boyzone, to remember Stephen and his ways, and the love, it’s a particular memory of an individual.
“When we get together, he’s very much alive, it’s a very different scenario, we super enjoy it. We celebrate him to our fullest.” Ronan added that when the band are together, it feels as though Stephen is still getting ready in his dressing room. “He’s here, he’s alive,” he said of the energy.
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
