Stephen updateded 17/3-2009

We snapped Stephen Gately backstage at Manchester’s MEN arena, minutes before Boyzone’s second sell-out show in the city on 14 June.

He told Pink Paper: “The culture of pop has changed so much in the 10 years since I came out. It’s a lot easier to be gay in a boy band, or the industry as a whole. Saying that, nobody should be forced into coming out because it can be very stressful.”

As for life after the tour, he confirmed a new single in October and a greatest hits package to follow thereafter. “We’ve recorded two up-tempo songs and two ballads – one of which we did with the guy behind Cher’s Believe – so we’re deciding which ones to release.

Hopefully, after that, a new album and tour will follow in 2009. That’s what I’d love, but it depends on other people’s commitments.”