Goodbye Stephen Gately

Looking at these pictures literally brought tears to my eyes.

Stephen Gately, former member of the Irish group Boyzone was laid to rest today, a week after he died of natural causes while vacationing in Majorca. The singer was 33 years old.

A private memorial service was held last night for his family and close friends while the funeral service was held today in Dublin, Ireland. Ronan Keating, one of the remaining members of Boyzone broke down in tears while eulogizing Stephen.

"The world has lost one of its brightest stars, we have lost our brother."

The remaining guys also rendered a tribute to their fallen bandmate.

Boyzone was first formed in 1993 by Louis Walsh who is also responsible for putting together my heartstring band Westlife.

For me the group's song No Matter What stands out in my mind as Stephen's Song as his vocals are features prominently.

I can't embed the video but it can be viewed here.

Rest in peace Stephen.

Gone too soo....

This is the ultimate shock for me tonight. Michael Jackson died this afternoon after suffering cardiac arrest at his LA home.

According to the L.A. Times, Jackson was not breathing when paramedics arrived at his home which usually does not bode well for cardiac arrest victims.

Michael was 50 years old and set to embark on a major world tour next year.

He will be sorely missed.