Boyzone fans have received an early festive gift with the news that the iconic Irish pop group will reunite for a special performance this New Year's Eve. The surprise appearance will serve as a tantalising preview of their planned major comeback in 2026.
A New Year's Eve Party with Friends
Ronan Keating confirmed the exciting reunion during an appearance on The One Show. He revealed that bandmates Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch will join him for 'Ronan & Friends: A New Year's Eve Party', a special broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The trio will be bolstered by fourth member Mikey Graham for their upcoming live shows, marking their first performances together since a five-night residency at the London Palladium in 2019.
"I'm very excited to have my friends come along," said the 48-year-old singer, who will also be joined by musical guests including Calum Scott, former Eternal star Louise Redknapp, and I'm A Celebrity alumna Shona McGarty. The show will feature a broadcast of London's famous fireworks, followed by more performances to welcome 2026.
Preview of a Major 2026 Comeback
This festive gathering is designed to give fans a taste of what's to come. The group has announced two huge concerts scheduled for June 2026 at the Emirates Stadium in London. These shows represent a significant return for the band, who first found fame in 1993 and secured six UK number one singles and five chart-topping albums.
The band's story has been one of immense success and profound tragedy. After splitting in 2000, they reunited in 2007, only to suffer the devastating loss of member Stephen Gately in 2009. Earlier this year, the Sky documentary No Matter What explored their rise and the impact of fame on their mental health, sparking a huge wave of renewed interest from fans and the industry alike.
A Celebration, Not a Full Reunion
Despite the excitement, the band members are keen to frame their 2026 plans as a celebratory event rather than a permanent reunion. Keith Duffy expressed his desire for the upcoming gigs to be a 'celebration' of their achievements, a sentiment echoed by Ronan Keating.
"We thought our story was over after 30 years," Ronan explained. "With the documentary, we thought that was it, and the reaction was incredible. We're not getting the band back together. We're not going on tour again across the world, but to do something special. A big celebration." He has previously teased that 2026 will be a "great" year for Boyzone, suggesting these stadium dates will be a fitting and final homage to their enduring legacy.
