Published Sunday, 29 November 2009
As crowds of fans gathered in the pouring rain in London's West End, a string of celebrities showed their support for the event.
The Irishman's Boyzone band mates Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham, Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch looked solemn and did not stop to speak to waiting press as they went into the Palace Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue for the private evening of performances.
Among the celebrities on the red carpet were pop stars Duncan James and Lee Ryan from Blue, Chesney Hawkes, the actor Leslie Phillips, Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli and even Cherie Blair.
Gately's parents and partner Andrew Cowles also attended.
The 33-year-old died of natural causes due to a pulmonary oedema in October at his holiday home on the island of Majorca.
TV presenter Kristian Digby said Gately's partner Cowles had "gone through hell and back" and criticised "negative" reporting of the singer's death.
"He has got so many people wanting to show their friendship and love," he added.
"Both of them are lovely guys - Stephen was, Andy is."
Of the concert, Digby said it was "amazing" and showed how much "emotion and feeling" there was for Gately.
"This is very much a public showing of support for Stephen and the gay community."
Digby described Gately as a "really fun, charismatic, loving, really gentle guy".
As well as fans, the audience also included comedian Alan Carr, model and radio presenter Lisa Snowdon and ice skaters Christopher Dean and Jayne Torvill.
Performers scheduled to pay tribute to Gately were singers Liz McClarnon and Beverley Knight while a string of stars including Graham Norton were set to say a few words in his memory.
Sir Ian McKellen was due to read poetry during the event, which was compered by Christopher Biggins.