Photo: WENN
Boyzone have revealed that they are unable to use Stephen Gately's vocals on their new album.
The boyband were in the middle of recording an album when Gately died in 2009, aged just 33, but they cannot use the songs which have his vocals on for their upcoming 20th anniversary album.
Shane Lynch told the Daily Star on Sunday that despite the fact that the songs are already recorded, due to a dispute with Gately's estate over who owns the rights to his vocals, they may be unable to use them.
Lynch said, "We'd love to use his vocals but it's not so simple. Apparently, even though we were in a band with him for 17 years, we can't use his voice. But there you go.
"When Stephen died we were in the middle of making an album. The last thing we could have done was continue after losing Stephen. But he is very much alive on those songs."
Solicitor Gerald Kean represents the Gately family, however, and said his clients 'were unaware of any dispute' as they have not been contacted regarding the use of Gately's vocals on the album.
Shane Lynch performing live with Boyzone
However, according to the Belfast Telegraph, sources have said that there is tension between the band and Gately's husband, Andy Cowles.
Last year, Boyzone revealed plans for a tour and album to happen this year, in honour of the band's 20th anniversary.
The band are hoping that Gately's representatives will allow them to use a hologram of the singer while on tour.
