Boyzone pay tribute to 'brother' Gately

Boyzone have admitted that their worlds have "changed forever" following the death of bandmate Stephen Gately.

Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham, Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch spoke to the media in Majorca today, describing the late pop singer as a "friend" and "brother".

"Last Saturday, our world changed forever when we lost our friend and brother Stephen. We have come to Majorca today to accompany our pal on his final journey back to Dublin, where we know he will be given an unforgettable send off tomorrow," said Keating.

"We would like to thank the authorities here for the help and for the respect they have shown our friend. Stephen and Andrew had chosen to make Majorca their second home and we know that Stephen loved the times they spent together here."

He continued: "The countless messages of love and support we have received this week and have truly overwhelmed us and the Gately family. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for each and every one of them.

"We would also like to thank the media for respecting our privacy this week and ask that you continue to do so tomorrow. Stephen lived to perform and truly loved being centre stage. You can be sure that he is looking down now wishing that we would move over so he could flash a smile for the cameras one more time."

Speaking about the boyband's future, he added: "What the future holds for the four of us, it's too soon to even think about, but we know nothing will ever be the same without our dearest friend Stephen. Rest in peace, brother."

After flying back today, the group will spend the night with Gately's body at St Laurence O'Toole's church in Dublin. A full service will be held at midday Saturday, with guests including Westlife, Louis Walsh and Gary Barlow.