Boyzone announce UK tour details

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 aged 33 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.

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."