Boyzone 5 Star Performance but fans share their concerns for Mikey Graham following the band's London farewell performance.

Editor Stephen Hill  6th June 2025

Boyzone, one of Ireland's biggest exports, has sold over 25 million albums worldwide and garnered numerous awards throughout their remarkable career. However, the decision to hold their farewell tour at the Emirates Stadium felt misplaced. For two nights, the group sold over 50,000 tickets, yet I believe smaller venues, like the O2 Arena, would have been a more fitting choice. 

The group's farewell performance on Friday, June 5th, at London's Emirates Stadium brought in a sold-out crowd, and as a lifelong fan, I wondered if they would struggle to fill such a large venue. Still, I was eager to see the band once again. Having witnessed their live performances numerous times over the years, I’ve always been captivated by their genuine vocals. Unlike Take That  who rely heavily on elaborate stage props or gimmicks, Boyzone has remained a band focused on live music.

Unfortunately, this particular show felt rushed, leading to an experience that fell short of the expectations typically associated with a stadium event. However, despite some shortcomings, I cannot fault the overall emotional impact of the show. The performance was beautiful, and the guys’ vocals were nothing short of amazing. Mikey Graham's standout moment during his performance of "Word" was particularly touching for me; as a man, I won’t hesitate to admit that I teared up.

The crowd was electric that night, and the band’s heartfelt tribute to Stephen Gately was a poignant highlight. However, concerns arose among fans about Mikey Graham's well-being after his limited participation in the farewell performance. At 53 years old, he sang only a handful of songs and spent much of his time seated on stage, which understandably worried many of his loyal fans. One user on X questioned, “Why did Mikey Graham not do the full show? He came out halfway through for three songs and just sat there. What’s the reason?” Another pointed out, “He’s obviously facing health challenges—it's really none of anyone's business! Top man!” A third noted, “You can see Shane is looking out for him; he’s obviously unwell.”

Despite the concerns, fans expressed their excitement for the gig, celebrating the band's iconic 30-year career. “With one fan saying " If that was their last ever gig, it’s a shame—they were fantastic. But I’m glad I was there; it was a poignant yet fantastic party!” remarked another concert-goer, the end of an era. 

Like many fans, I watched the recent Boyzone Sky documentary, which was at times heartbreaking, particularly listening to Mikey discuss his struggles within the band. I hoped this reunion would serve as a celebration of all four surviving members standing together.The screams when the band took the stage, the tears during “Words,” and the nostalgic feelings evoked by songs that defined a generation were unforgettable. Seeing Ronan quietly support Mikey added a layer of emotion to the night as we remembered Stephen. I wholeheartedly appreciated the experience, filled with moments that brought tears, smiles, and a rush of memories from my teenage years.

However, as I exited the Emirates Stadium, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this reunion wasn’t quite what many of us had envisioned; it lacked the polish and planning we had hoped for.