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A hearse carrying the remains of former Boyzone member Stephen Gately arrives at Jennings Funeral Home in Dublin - Source: Reuters -
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The surviving members of the Irish pop band Boyzone are to mount an all-night vigil with the body of singer Stephen Gately.
They have accompanied the 33-year-old's casket on the journey home from Mallorca, where he was found dead in his holiday apartment.
The singer will be farewelled in a service on Saturday night, in the area of Dublin where he was brought up.
His fellow band members - Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, Keith Duffy and Mikey Graham - are planning a musical tribute at the funeral.
Manager Louis Walsh has vowed to give his friend "the best send-off ever".
"In Ireland we've a tradition of funerals where we can be sad and happy," he says.
The group - who will act as pall bearers - are currently considering what to sing at the service, which will be attended by stars including Westlife, members of Take That, Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish.
Thousands of fans and well-wishers are expected to line the route from Gately's home to the church.
Walsh has also confirmed that a memorial service is being planned in London, but admits he, Boyzone, Gately's husband Andy Cowles and the rest of his loved ones are "too upset" to focus on details yet.
"The family are devastated. In a few weeks we'll have a celebration in London. Everyone is welcome to that but for now we are all still in shock."
