'It was like therapy': Boyzone get candid in 'atypical' documentary
Thirty years from its creation, members of the Irish boy band Boyzone reunite to recount their journey to fame in a new documentary series.
The three-part Boyzone: No Matter What tracks the group's beginnings from open auditions in Dublin in 1993 to the extreme highs and lows over the next three decades.
"We didn't have social media in the '90s. This is our way of showing people what our life was like behind the scenes," said lead singer Ronan Keating, as he attended the documentary's premiere in London alongside members Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch.
"With any story you need a start, a middle and an end. After 30 years, we have that now. That's why this was the time for us to tell this story. It's not an easy watch. It's harrowing, it's difficult, it's upsetting. There are times when it's fun and there's laughter. It's not a typical boy band watch," Keating said.
The five-member group was put together by pop impresario Louis Walsh, who took out newspaper adverts to find Ireland's first boy band.
Boyzone went on to enjoy worldwide success, selling more than 25 million records globally, with hit songs such as Love Me for a Reason, Words, and Picture of You. The group split up in 2000 when Keating set off on a solo career, but later reunited.
Band member Stephen Gately died while on holiday in Spain in 2009, aged 33.
The documentary combines archive material and fresh footage with candid interviews with the band members, Gately's sister, Walsh and journalists, revealing strained relationships and resentment, as well as the toll of Gately's passing. Member Michael Graham, who did not attend Monday's premiere, also shares his experience.
"It was like therapy," said Keating. "I think we did 12 hours each in front of the camera. It took two years. We went through a lot of old footage. It was pretty magical at times, to see all that old footage but at times it was heartbreaking."
"It was like a counselling session," added Duffy. "I felt like it was a weight off my shoulders to be able to talk about it."
Boyzone: No Matter What will be out on Sky Documentaries and NOW on February 2.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out Abu Dhabi
a day ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Nightclubs in Abu Dhabi: the best bars and nightclubs to dance the night away
When your favourite track plays, it's time to get up and groove. It's a fact that there aren't many things in life that a good boogey with your friends can't fix and when it comes to a night out on the town, trust us when we say the capital can deliver – you just need to know where to go. Abu Dhabi might have a slower pace rep and while we love that for us, the nightlife scene is alive and well. From a Mexican restaurant that turns into a dancefloor as soon as you put your cutlery down and new events reigniting house music to your trusty Irish pubs delivering a solid night out weekend after weekend, you won't be disappointed at any of these spots. Are you game for a dance-off? Let's go. The best bars and nightclubs in Abu Dhabi if you want to dance Atlon This place in Souk Qaryat Al Beri may be small but boy, does it pack a punch. With events almost every day of the week, you can pick from karaoke nights, Afro beats, Amapiano, RnB – the list goes on… Tue-Thu 7pm-3am, Fri 4pm-3.30am, Sat 3pm-3.30am, Sun 2pm-8pm. Souq Qaryat Al Beri, @atlonabudhabi (058 575 3414). Barbossa Not only is Barbossa one of the best Latin American restaurants in the capital, we're also a little bit in love with how smoothly it transitions into one of the best dance floors around. This is especially true on Thursdays, the same day they have a ladies' night. You'll come for the Mexican mixed drinks and the delicious tacos, but you'll stay for the fiery Latin beats and the occasional Mariachi band performance. Sun-Wed 12pm-1am, Thu-Fri 12pm-3am, Sat 1pm-3am. Yas Bay Waterfront, @barbossa_auh (050 185 8068). Café del Mar While the tunes never actually stop at Café del Mar (the temperature-controlled pool makes it the ideal beach club all year round, FYI), it's the recently opened 360 Lounge that you should be heading to for your next night out. Panoramic views over Yas Bay, talented DJs on the decks and truly excellent vibes – what more could you want? We thought so. Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri-Sun 6pm-3am. Yas Bay Waterfront, @cafedelmarabudhabi (050 402 2283). Iris Credit: Iris With a weekly line-up that doesn't light up, it doesn't matter what day of the week you're feeling a night out. From RnB and Hip-Hop to Latin and Afro beats to 80s and 90s tunes, there really is something for everyone. Plus, the view over Yas Marina? 10/10, no cap. Mon-Sat 6pm-3.30am. Yas Marina, Yas Island, @irisyasisland (55 160 5636). Fueeltkl x ADHM This isn't technically a venue, but these two groups are both responsible for some of the funnest nights in Abu Dhabi. First up, you have Fueeltkl, who organise reggaeton and Latin music events everywhere from the W Abu Dhabi to Iris Yas Island. Then we have the Abu Dhabi House Movement, who are taking on the very important mission to bring more house music to town, organising events at places like Ilios Beach Club and Fahid Island Beach Club. The best part is that they've started collaborating, which is great if you have a variety of music tastes in your friendship group. Various locations and times, @fueeltkl, @adhousemovement. Lock, Stock and Barrel Abu Dhabi's self-proclaimed party bar knows how to make you move and its full-on approach is sometimes what you need to shake it off. The two-level, industrial-style bar has a great view of Yas Bay Waterfront, but really the fun is inside. From endless deals to live music and Ladies' Nights, what's not to love? Mon-Wed, 4pm-2am. Thu 4pm-2am, Fri & Sun noon-3am, Sat 2pm-3am. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, @lockstockabudhabi (04 423 8308). McCafferty's We couldn't round up the best nightlife in the capital without an Irish pub, could we? Since it opened in 2023, McCafferty's quickly became a Yas Island staple and you'd be pressed to find anyone who hasn't started or ended their night here. With live music and DJ performances, it's definitely a favourite among locals. Open daily 9am-2am. Hilton Yas Island, @mccaffertysyas (058 598 3623). Zuma It's one of the best restaurants in town but did you know it actually has a flawless party vibe too? Head over after 10pm on the weekend and you can witness the classy jaunt get its party mode ON. Sun-Thu 7pm-1am, Fri-Sat 7pm-2am. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, @zumaabudhabi (02 401 5900). White Abu Dhabi's largest club knows how to make you hit the dancefloor, with high-tech sounds, lasers and projections and 360-degree projection mapping – plus the globally renowned DJs, of course. Fri-Sat 11pm-3.30am. Yas Bay, Yas Island. @whiteabudhabi (50 639 8934). More things to do in Abu Dhabi Everything happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025 From new openings to big events, this is shaping up to be quite a year The 43 best Abu Dhabi ladies' nights you need to know about Enjoy a night out for less at these brilliant bars and restaurants Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted
What's On
3 days ago
- What's On
8 lovely things to do in Dubai this week: June 9 to 12
Things to do in Dubai: sorted… Looking for some things to do in Dubai this week? There's plenty, from a delicious business lunch to a unique art exhibition, a daycation deal you can't skip, and more… Here are 8 fun things to do in Dubai this week. Monday, June 9 Steak Monday s Beat the Monday blues away at Girl & the Goose with its cool new Nicaraguan Steak offer. For just Dhs399 for two, you and mate will tuck into a 400g striploin steak board (sliced, so there's no battle) with chimichurri, roasted garlic, tomato, and sweet pepper. Your sides include sweet plantains, wild corn salad, and your choice of gallo pinto or crispy ancho fries. And there's more… it includes a bottle of grape and a sweet treat – churros de la Casa. Cost: Dhs399 for tw0 Timing: every Mon, lunch and dinner Location: Girl & the Goose, Anantara Downtown Hotel Contact: 04 575 3760 Treat yourself Need an escape? One & Only Royal Mirage is calling out your name. Its summer daycation package is designed for pure rejuvenation. You will begin your day at Olives, unwind at the Palace pool and private beach before a luxurious 60-minute spa (or salon) treatment. Pick from a massage, facial, a hammam ritual, and beauty services. All yours for just Dhs750 per person. Book your spots in advance here. Cost: Dhs750 daycation pass Timing: 7am to 5pm until Sept 30 Location: One & Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina Contact: 04 399 9999 Tuesday, June 10 Taste of Ireland This summer, Bord Bia – the Irish Food Board, is teaming up with Mama Shelter to take diners on a journey to the Emerald Isle. The limited-edition Taste of Ireland menu starts from Dhs175 per person and infuses premium Irish ingredients into its dishes. Options include salmon ceviche, Irish duck leg salad, and a wood grill platter with Irish duck and smoked brisket plus silky mashed potato. You will end your three-course meal with pistachio ice cream and dehydrated coconut and an Irish cheese platter. The menu is only available until the end of June. Cost: From Dhs175 per person (three-course menu) Timing: daily until June 30 Location: Mama Restaurant, Mama Shelter, Business Bay Contact: 04 527 0888 Last chance: A one-of-a-kind a rchitectural exhibition But this isn't just any architectural exhibition. It's one brought to life by children ages six to 16. Running only until June 10 at Alserkal Avenue, this first-of-its-kind exhibition showcases work developed over a year. It's an interactive journey where visitors can explore design principles, spatial awareness, and creative problem-solving, through engaging stories and immersive displays. Both children and adults are welcome to visit. Admission is free, and the exhibition is open from 11am to 5pm on June 10. Cost: free admission Timing: 11am to 8pm on June 9, 11am to 5pm on June 10 Location: Warehouse 67, Alserkal Avenue @b.a.s_architecture_school Wednesday, June 11 Work hard, play harder Looking for a refined yet relaxed business lunch? Head to Leen's at Emirates Towers. For Dhs115, indulge in a three-course menu including a starter, a main, and dessert. There's chicken gyoza, avocado hoso maki, roasted chicken, beef tagliata salad, salmon poke bowl, and plenty more options to choose from. For dessert options, there's coconut matcha cheesecake, sticky date pudding and vanilla crème brûlée Cost: Dhs115 per person for a three-course menu Timing: daily 12pm to 3pm Location: Leen's Emirates Towers, DIFC Contact: 04 388 0553 @leens_ae Swim under the stars Barasti Beach Bar's pool is welcoming guests to enjoy tropical summer vibes, ice-cold drinks and delicious bar bites. This night swim is priced at Dhs150 on weekdays and Dhs200 on weekends, fully redeemable, and goes from 9pm to 2am. For entertainment, you can watch live games from the pool, and of course, the DJ will be spinning live beats all night. Cost: Dhs150 on weekdays and Dhs200 on weekends Timing: daily 9pm to 2am Location: Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, Dubai Marina Contact: 04 511 7373 @barastibeach PS. Here are 12 other spots to enjoy night swims in Dubai this summer Thursday, June 12 Oysters and champagne Love oysters? Did you know you can pair it with champagne at RARE Brasserie & Bar for just Dhs80? Yes, really. The award-winning brasserie has an all-new Champagne Happy Hour where you can enjoy a glass of premium champagne along with an oyster for a total of Dhs80 every day from 4.30pm to 7pm. The perfect way to unwind after a long day. Offer: Dhs80 Timings: Daily, 4.30pm to 7pm Location: RARE Brasserie & Bar, City Walk @theraredxb Try a new ladies' night Need to catch up on the latest from the gals? Head to StreetXO for its all-new Girls Gone XO deal. From 8pm to 10pm every Thursday, pay just Dhs199 for three drinks and a tasting menu of experimental street food. Cost: Dhs199 for three drinks and a tasting menu for the ladies Timing: every Thurs, 8pm to 10pm Location: StreetXO at The Link Contact: 04 666 1617 @streetxodubai
Broadcast Pro
03-06-2025
- Broadcast Pro
Amman International Film Festival announces details of sixth edition
This year, the festival welcomes Ireland as Country of Honour, focusing on Irish cinema with a specific section dedicated to it. The Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film has announced the details of its sixth edition, set to take place from July 2 to July 10 in Jordan's capital. This year's theme, 'A World Unscripted,' celebrates the raw, unpredictable nature of storytelling that mirrors the unscripted nature of real life. Festival President Princess Rym Ali explained that the theme reflects a commitment to showcasing films that defy convention and embrace the authenticity of lived experience. 'This edition embraces the unpredictable and the deeply human in the midst of a volatile and rapidly changing world,' she stated. 'Life doesn't follow a script; and recent years have certainly been unscripted. So, in this edition, we pay tribute to storytellers who dare to explore and narrate moments that feel more lived than written.' The festival's official poster, designed by HUE Innovation & Design, captures this spirit with a visual style that introduces both a playful tone and a subtle message of hope, reinforcing the core message of spontaneity and resilience. This year also marks a significant milestone for the festival with the introduction of its first-ever 'Country of Honour.' Ireland has been selected for this role, with a dedicated spotlight on Irish cinema featured in the programme. Festival Director Nada Doumani highlighted the thematic synergy between Irish and Arab films, noting that both cultures use cinema to explore identity, resilience, and the path toward peace. She emphasised that within the framework of 'A World Unscripted,' Irish and Arab stories find common ground in their exploration of human experience. Doumani also pointed to Ireland's principled stance and strong support for Palestine and human rights, which further resonates with the region and the spirit of this year's edition. Irish Ambassador to Jordan, Marianne Bolger, added: 'I am exceptionally proud that Ireland has been selected as the Festival's first Country of Honour, and I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the President of the Festival and its organisers. Ireland has a long history in cinema and filmmaking, and we are delighted to work closely with the AIFF to bring a collection of Irish films to Jordan that will hopefully resonate with audiences. I believe each Irish film on display will speak, in its own way, to the theme of 'A World Unscripted', and I look forward to seeing how these movies are perceived by Jordanian viewers.'
