Ronan Keating after Liam Payne’s death: Ex-boy band star criticizes music industry

Ronan Keating (47) criticized the music industry after the death of Liam Payne (1993-2024). The Irish singer, who was part of a boy band with Boyzone for a long time, describes Payne as the “nicest guy”.

Keating said he was still shocked. Like him, Payne was only 16 years old when he joined the group One Direction. “These guys are put together at such a young age and the industry is a really difficult and tough place,” Keating said. There was no one to help him back then. “Nobody gives you any kind of media training or helps you deal with what’s coming your way.” He further explained that on television shows such as “The X Factor” or “The Voice”, in which he appeared as a judge, there were always psychologists who would help the candidates. But: “When a record company or management forms a band, there is no such thing.”

All they care about is “making it work financially,” added presenter Kylie Sandilands, to which Keaton agreed: “Exactly.” Nevertheless, the singer was hopeful and added that Payne’s tragic death could bring about a positive change in the music industry: “I see a change in the industry.”

Keating became famous as Boyzone in the 90s with his boy band mates Shane Lynch (48), Keith Duffy (50), Mikey Graham (52) and Stephen Gately (1976-2009). The group achieved international fame with hits like “Words” and “No Matter What”. The band officially broke up in 2000, but continued to reunite for reunion tours. The last time they performed as a five-piece band was in 2009. That same year, Stephens died of a congenital heart defect at the age of 33.

One Direction singer Payne fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on October 16th. He was only 31 years old.