Boyzone to tour without Stephen

Boyzone have announced their first tour since the death of Stephen Gately.

The group - who were left stunned when their 33-year-old bandmate died last October - are to play 12 UK concerts early next year in support of their current album 'Brother', despite previously admitting they were unsure if they could play again without Stephen.

Singer Ronan Keating said: "There was a time when the lads and I didn't know whether we would ever get back up on stage together again.

"We just didn't know whether we could do it as a four-piece. We played three tracks live at the Royal Albert Hall a couple of weeks ago and the reception was just unbelievable. We all came off stage buzzing, knowing that we had the full support of the fans, and it all just suddenly felt so right. We can't wait to get back on the road together."

The tour starts on February 21, 2011, at the Liverpool Echo Arena, taking in a further 11 cities, including two dates in London.

Tickets go on sale this Thursday (25.03.10).

The group - also comprising Mikey Graham, Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch - recently revealed they were looking at ways of paying tribute to their late bandmate in live shows.

Mikey said: "Maybe a hologram would be a fitting way to do it because then it'd be like he's on tour there with us."



Boyzone's 'Brother' tour dates:

February 21, 2011 - Liverpool Echo Arena

February 22, 2011 - Cardiff CIA

February 26, 2011 - London Barclaycard Wembley Arena

February 27, 2011 - Sheffield Arena

March 1, 2011 - Newcastle Metro Radio Arena

March 2, 2011 - Birmingham LG Arena

March 3, 2011 - Nottingham Trent FM Arena

March 5, 2011 - Manchester MEN Arena

March 6, 2011 - Brighton Centre

March 8, 2011 - London O2 Arena

March 10, 2011 - Aberdeen ECC

March 12, 2011 - Glasgow SECC