So, how did those wonderful 5 guys come together? Well, that's a good question...
Boyzone was, at first, Mark Walton's idea. Impressed by a Take That's video tape, he thought he'd be able to do the same. All his mates but Shane laughed at him. Shane Lynch decided to follow his friend's dream. They heard about a guy called Louis Walsh, an ambitious man already working in the show-business. Louis thought it was an excellent idea. The papers and the TV shows began to talk about Shane and Mark and their project. Lots of Irish lads sent their applications to Louis Walsh. Eventually, in November 1993, Louis Walsh hold auditions at the Ormond Centre.
The 300 candidates had to sing George Michael's Careless Whisper Only 50 of them were allowed to come back for the second test. Keith didn't attend to the 1st audition but, luckily, Louis Walsh spotted him, dancing in a night-club, and asked him to come to the 2nd audition. During this 2nd audition, the guys had to sing two songs : they could only choose one of them (Ronan chose 'Father And Son', a song he always loved). Ten candidates were asked to come back for the final audition. Shane and Mark also had to take part at that audition to prove they were able to be a member of the group. Louis Walsh finally chose Stephen Gately, Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, Keith Duffy, Mark Walton and Richie Rock (the son of a famous Irish singer). Mikey wasn't in the group yet.

The next night of their formation, the boyz had to perform on The Late Late Show (click HERE to see piccies from the show), a very famous Irish TV show. Basically, they had to dance on 'Burn Baby Burn' but, mostly 'cause of their lack of experience and rehearsal, they just made a fool of themselves. They don't like a lot to be reminded about that show...
The beginnings of the band were very difficult. Louis Walsh faced money problems and had to ask to John Reynolds (the owner of the Pod) to co-manage Boyzone with him. Richie had difficulties to cope with the waiting for a record deal and Mark with the fame. He was the first to quit BZ, followed a little later by Richie. Mikey Graham was called to replace Richie.
A couple of months later (six months after the formation of the group), the boyz finally got a record contract with Polygram Ireland. Working My Way Back To You was their first single. It has been a huge hit in Ireland and changed the life of the lads forever...