BOYZONE: No matter what (Sky Documentaries, 2, 9, and 16 February, and on demand) is the latest in a string of documentaries about boy bands in the 1990s and 2000s, which were the heyday of this cultural phenomenon.
Having watched pretty much all of the programmes over the past year, including Boybands Forever (BBC1) and Dirty Pop: The boy band scam (Netflix), I found this latest offering about the Irish chart-toppers to be by far the most enjoyable. In this three-part series, the former band members — Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, Keith Duffy, and Mikey Graham — reflect on their experience in Boyzone, including the good, the bad, and the distinctly ugly.
There is also previously recorded footage from the late band member Stephen Gately, who died in 2009. Also providing insight (some of which he might not have intended) is their former manager, Louis Walsh, who comes across very poorly indeed, as an unashamedly exploitative figure who cared more for success than he did for his young charges’ well-being.
Once again, this is the well-worn story of working-class teenagers and very young men seduced into fame and fortune by a charismatic figure — and, ultimately, into believing their own hype.
Disclosure: Kids on the psychiatric ward (BBC1, Monday of last week) is challenging viewing, but important not to shy away from.
As has been widely reported, the mental health of children and teenagers is in crisis. More than 100 children are referred every day to mental-health services just in Scotland, which are the focus for the programme — specifically, Skye House, a psychiatric hospital for children in crisis. Teenagers and young people who are former patients bravely tell their harrowing stories of their time there.
What stood out for me was the courage that they showed in the face of traumatising memories. Among the reflections were stories of self-harm, suicide attempts, over-medication, violent restraint, and anguished parents. What emerges is a picture of a culture of cruelty and a systemic lack of compassion. These precious children of God were sent to the hospital to be made well; what happened was anything but.
I was so impressed by these young people. Their heartfelt and articulate offerings had a quiet dignity, in stark contrast to the interview with the board member for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, with responsibility for Skye House. His response to the allegations of cruelty was the kind of robotic and repetitive script that I have come to expect from those in power who prioritise the political over the personal. “First, do no harm” is increasingly a forgotten aspiration. That is why it is vital that the Church should model this in its own mission.