Latest news with #LordHenryMountCharles
Irish Times
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Where would rock and roll be today without Henry Mount Charles?
Where would rock and roll be in Ireland today without Lord Henry Mount Charles? God bless Henry – few called him Lord Mount Charles - and the odd socks he loved to wear when I first met him. Kudos too for hanging in there, despite setbacks in the early days that might have forced lesser mortals to throw in the towel. In 1981, I hopped on a bus to Slane to watch my favourite rock band Thin Lizzy inaugurate Slane Castle as an outdoor venue to rival the Hollywood Bowl. READ MORE A natural amphitheatre if ever there was one, it is perfectly situated on the green grassy slopes of the Boyne and overlooked by a storied 18th century castle. On a hot August day, in a country mired in mournful news around the 1981 hunger strikes and despite threats that the concert should not go ahead, Phil Lynott strode out on stage with his cheeky grin. At the height of his vocal powers, he lifted the spirits of 20,000 fans, the largest crowd he would ever sing to in Ireland. The occasion subtly marked an imminent changing of the guard. Lizzy were supported by northside Dublin upstarts U2 and their set already included two crowd-pleasing anthems, Out of Control and I will Follow. Phil Lynott was back in the castle grounds the following year drinking champagne from the boot of a limo in the VIP area, while waiting for the Rolling Stones to take to the stage. I was back too at the end of a weeklong assignment covering the build-up to Ireland's biggest ever rock concert, courtesy of the Irish Press newsdesk. Unable to get a room in Slane's Conyngham Arms Hotel, I persuaded a local housewife to allow me to pitch a tent in her garden in case I needed to spend an overnight in the village. Henry was greatly amused when I told him about my fallback plan as he toured the village one evening with Bill Graham, the America impresario overseeing the Stones tour of Europe. One afternoon I found myself unexpectedly standing beside Mick Jagger as he surveyed the stage a couple of days before the concert. He was just telling me how much he loved Ireland when Bill Graham rocked up on his quad and demanded to know if I had submitted a request to interview Mr. Jagger. Hardly, I said, I had no idea I was going to bump into him. A muscle-bound bodyguard moved between me and the now silent Mr Jagger. Bill was only too happy to talk about his own exploits in the music industry, but he did keep one thing to himself. As later reported, Keith Richards sent him a note threatening to cancel the July 24th concert if all profits did not go to the families of the eleven soldiers who were killed by the IRA during military ceremonies in Hyde Park and Regent's Park, just four days before the concert. The threat of cancellation must have been stomach-churning for Henry and the local promoter Jim Aiken given the work already done preparing the site for 80,000 fans. The gig was a game changer for the Irish music industry but the following year there was no Slane as Henry took a breather. Would he be back? In 1984, Bob Dylan was announced for Sunday, July 8th, as the headline act. I wasted no time booking into the Conyngham Arms Hotel. On the Saturday, the sun was beating down and I cooled off in the River Boyne, swimming behind the backstage area. Early in the afternoon, I got an uneasy feeling mingling with the large crowds of people drinking and smoking on the main street as tractor-loads of hay trundled by. Darkness was falling when a disturbance broke out. An arrest led a drunken crowd of youths to attempt setting fire to the Garda station. And so began a long day's journey into night with gardai being drafted in from Dublin and elsewhere to quell the rioting which quickly spread. Eventually, I went to bed, figuring Sunday would be a busy day but with any luck I would still get to see and hear Mr Dylan. That was not to be as more bad news followed. Two young men drowned trying to swim across the Boyne to see the concert. The tragedy is immortalised in the Paul Durcan poem that begins: 'I saw close up the make-up on Bob Dylan's face!' It was a devastating blow. Henry voiced doubts about staging any future concerts. Jim Aiken had a few cross words with me over breakfast in the hotel about the Monday morning headline 'Slane says never again.' But both men were made of sterner stuff. They bounced back the following year when Bruce Springsteen played to what was then the largest crowd of his career to date. So nervous was he, that, to Henry's delight, the Boss decided to play the full set for a small audience in the Castle the night before. 'After Slane, it just got bigger and bigger for him,' said Henry. And, thereafter, a steady procession of rock royalty beat a path to his lordship's door. It's only rock and roll but Henry liked it, and he stuck with it, yes, he did.
BreakingNews.ie
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Family of Slane Castle's Lord Henry Mount Charles say to ‘party on in his memory'
The loved ones of Slane Castle's Lord Henry Mount Charles will 'party on in his memory', his funeral service has been told. His funeral was held at St Patrick's Church of Ireland in Slane on Wednesday, following his death at the age of 74 last week after a long battle with cancer. Advertisement During the service, Alex Conyngham said his father 'truly loved' Ireland despite initially struggling with his Anglo-Irish identity. Since 1981, Lord Henry, a rock fan, hosted a series of open-air concerts at his ancestral home of Slane Castle in Co Meath. The Slane estate, which acts as a natural amphitheatre due to its sloping lands, has played host to several top acts including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, U2 and Madonna. The last Slane Festival was in June 2023, when Harry Styles performed for 80,000 fans. Advertisement His son, the ninth Marquess Conyngham, recalled a joke by Frank Kelly that described his father being 'born with a silver dagger in his back' with his unconventional but privileged position at Slane Castle. Lord Henry Mount Charles. Photo: Hayden West/PA He said his father was 'immensely lucky' to have had a 'colourful string of people' working on the estate for which he was grateful as they 'rolled through the good times and the occasional dark days' including when the castle was significantly damaged by a fire in 1991. Alex Conyngham said: 'Dad initially struggled with his Anglo-Irish identity, and described it as feeling like he had a leg either side of the Irish Sea with each side treating him as something of an outsider. 'It was when he went to Harvard and immersed himself in the study of Irish history that that fog of uncertainty lifted.' Advertisement He said it was there that he realised that, as an Anglo-Irish aristocrat, he belonged to one of the 'many streams' that fed Ireland and could make positive contributions towards the country. 'Politically, he was a passionate constitutional Republican, and he truly loved this country, its culture and people, and he counted himself blessed to be an Irishman.' However, he noted that not everyone agreed with this perspective and the castle walls had previously been defaced with aggressive, negative graffiti. 'But this only emboldened dad to strive all the harder.' Advertisement Alex Conyngham said his father had a great commitment towards peace, and it also came to him that he had to open up the castle gates while being 'driven by a conviction that music is a universal language that brings people together.' The first 'real breakthrough' came with a Thin Lizzy concert in 1981, with U2 and Hazel O'Connor also on the bill. Adam Clayton (right) arriving at St Patrick's Church of Ireland in Slane. Photo: Mark Marlow/PA At a time of financial difficulty, he said Slane Castle was 'saved by rock and roll'. Alex Conyngham also paid tribute to Lord Henry's interest in politics, saying his father 'loved to connect'. Advertisement Although his political ambitions were unrealised, he found other ways to express his opinions – including the 'Lord Henry' column in the Irish Mirror. After saying Lord Henry was blessed to enjoy the love of two remarkable women – his first wife Eileen and his second wife Iona, he thanked his father for trusting him with his legacy. He added: 'Dad's thanks and mines to all of you in Slane and online who have gathered here to say 'slan' to Henry.' The service featured readings by Lord Simon Conyngham and Wolfe Conyngham, as well as U2 member Adam Clayton. Lord Henry's daughter Tamara read a tribute called 'lessons from my dad', which included: 'Never give up, ever.' She said: 'Dad was one of the most determined people that I know and he proved what can be achieved when you truly put your mind to it.' Also recalling an anecdote about being admonished for going to bed before the last of our guests, she added: 'He fought for so long because he didn't want to leave the party and all we can do now is party on in his memory.' The final tribute during the service came from Lord Henry's friend Nick Koumarianos. Mr Koumarianos said he knew Lord Henry as a 'hell of a cool dude', adding: 'He was tall, he was handsome, he was titled and, by the way, he knew it.' However, he said there was 'no silver spoon' for the aristocrat, saying the castle needed serious attention. Amid stories about Henry's business abilities and 'sense of mischief', he said his friend had 'put Ireland on the map' for generations of pop music fans around the world. In a remark met with widespread laughter, he added: 'He had real commercial skills although on one occasion I do remember him saying: 'always do your accounts in pencil – and don't press too hard'.' Ireland Slane Castle revealed as location for The Traitors... Read More Mr Koumarianos said Lord Henry was a glutton for punishment who seemed to be refreshed by adversity, including clashing egos at concerts, the fire at the castle and its reconstruction, success of Slane whiskey and then his final illness. He said Lord Henry was 'always relished the challenge, adding that he was a 'mighty man' who bore his illness with 'remarkable courage'. Following the service, his coffin was carried out of the church while Bad by U2 played.
The Independent
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Family of Lord Henry Mount Charles say to ‘party on in his memory'
The loved ones of Slane Castle's Lord Henry Mount Charles will 'party on in his memory', his funeral service has been told. His funeral was held at St Patrick's Church of Ireland in Slane on Wednesday, following his death at the age of 74 last week after a long battle with cancer. During the service, Alex Conyngham said his father 'truly loved' Ireland despite initially struggling with his Anglo-Irish identity. Since 1981, Lord Henry, a rock fan, hosted a series of open-air concerts at his ancestral home of Slane Castle in Co Meath. The Slane estate, which acts as a natural amphitheatre due to its sloping lands, has played host to several top acts including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, U2 and Madonna. The last Slane Festival was in June 2023, when Harry Styles performed for 80,000 fans. His son, the ninth Marquess Conyngham, recalled a joke by Frank Kelly that described his father being 'born with a silver dagger in his back' with his unconventional but privileged position at Slane Castle. He said his father was 'immensely lucky' to have had a 'colourful string of people' working on the estate for which he was grateful as they 'rolled through the good times and the occasional dark days' including when the castle was significantly damaged by a fire in 1991. Alex Conyngham said: ' Dad initially struggled with his Anglo-Irish identity, and described it as feeling like he had a leg either side of the Irish Sea with each side treating him as something of an outsider. 'It was when he went to Harvard and immersed himself in the study of Irish history that that fog of uncertainty lifted.' He said it was there that he realised that, as an Anglo-Irish aristocrat, he belonged to one of the 'many streams' that fed Ireland and could make positive contributions towards the country. 'Politically, he was a passionate constitutional Republican, and he truly loved this country, its culture and people, and he counted himself blessed to be an Irishman.' However, he noted that not everyone agreed with this perspective and the castle walls had previously been defaced with aggressive, negative graffiti. 'But this only emboldened dad to strive all the harder.' Alex Conyngham said his father had a great commitment towards peace, and it also came to him that he had to open up the castle gates while being 'driven by a conviction that music is a universal language that brings people together.' The first 'real breakthrough' came with a Thin Lizzy concert in 1981, with U2 and Hazel O'Connor also on the bill. At a time of financial difficulty, he said Slane Castle was 'saved by rock and roll'. Alex Conyngham also paid tribute to Lord Henry's interest in politics, saying his father 'loved to connect'. Although his political ambitions were unrealised, he found other ways to express his opinions – including the 'Lord Henry' column in the Irish Mirror. After saying Lord Henry was blessed to enjoy the love of two remarkable women – his first wife Eileen and his second wife Iona, he thanked his father for trusting him with his legacy. He added: 'Dad's thanks and mines to all of you in Slane and online who have gathered here to say 'slan' to Henry.' The service featured readings by Lord Simon Conyngham and Wolfe Conyngham, as well as U2 member Adam Clayton. Lord Henry's daughter Tamara read a tribute called 'lessons from my dad', which included: 'Never give up, ever.' She said: 'Dad was one of the most determined people that I know and he proved what can be achieved when you truly put your mind to it.' Also recalling an anecdote about being admonished for going to bed before the last of our guests, she added: 'He fought for so long because he didn't want to leave the party and all we can do now is party on in his memory.' The final tribute during the service came from Lord Henry's friend Nick Koumarianos. Mr Koumarianos said he knew Lord Henry as a 'hell of a cool dude', adding: 'He was tall, he was handsome, he was titled and, by the way, he knew it.' However, he said there was 'no silver spoon' for the aristocrat, saying the castle needed serious attention. Amid stories about Henry's business abilities and 'sense of mischief', he said his friend had 'put Ireland on the map' for generations of pop music fans around the world. in a remark met with widespread laughter, he added: 'He had real commercial skills although on one occasion I do remember him saying: 'always do your accounts in pencil – and don't press too hard'.' Mr Koumarianos said Lord Henry was a glutton for punishment who seemed to be refreshed by adversity, including clashing egos at concerts, the fire at the castle and its reconstruction, success of Slane whiskey and then his final illness. He said Lord Henry was 'always relished the challenge, adding that he was a 'mighty man' who bore his illness with 'remarkable courage'. Following the service, his coffin was carried out of the church while Bad by U2 played.
Irish Times
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Book of condolences for Henry Mount Charles opens at Slane Castle
The grounds of Slane Castle in Co Meath were opened to the public on Saturday to allow people celebrate the life of Lord Henry Mount Charles, who died earlier this week . The 74-year-old, who is best known for staging rock concerts at his home in Slane, died at St James's Hospital on Wednesday from cancer. He was first diagnosed with lung cancer more than a decade ago. In a statement, his son Alex Conyngham, the Marquess Conyngham, expressed his gratitude for the 'countless expressions of sympathy and shared memories'. 'Dad's warmth, spirit and dedication to Slane, its people and its legacy forged friendships that extended incredibly far and wide. The depth of feeling shown is a testament to the extraordinary connections he made throughout his life.' READ MORE A book of condolences will be available for signing at Slane Castle this weekend. The grounds are open until 6pm on Saturday and from 10am to 6pm on Sunday. [ Ireland was a rock'n'roll backwater when Henry Mount Charles brought Dylan, Springsteen and The Rolling Stones to Slane Opens in new window ] The family say this will be an opportunity for all those who knew Lord Henry, enjoyed the magic of Slane or simply wish to express their sympathies to come together in his memory at the place he loved deeply. The 8th Marquess Conyngham is survived by his wife Iona, children Alex, Henrietta, Wolfe and Tamara, his brothers Patrick and Simon, family and friends. He will lie in repose at Slane Castle on Tuesday. Those wishing to pay their respects are invited to do so between 3pm and 7pm. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday at noon in St Patrick's Church of Ireland, Slane. Due to very limited space inside the Church, seating will be reserved and allocated for family, with provision made for those outside.
Irish Times
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Lord Henry Mount Charles: a life in pictures
Lord Henry Mount Charles , owner of Slane Castle in Co Meath, has died at the age of 74, his family has announced. In a statement, the family said he died on Wednesday night. He had been suffering from cancer. He was best known for introducing a series of rock concerts to Slane Castle. Bands who played there include U2, the Rolling Stones, Queen, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Guns N' Roses, REM and Bruce Springsteen. Lord Henry Mount Charles and Lady Iona Mount Charles ahead of Simple Minds at Dublin's Croke Park in June, 1986. Photograph: Jim Walpole/Independent NewsLord Henry Mount Charles on the grounds of Slane Castle. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill In October 2012, Bon Jovi were announced as headliners of the following summer's Slane concert. Photograph: Eric Luke/The Irish Times Lord Henry Mount Charles poses with U2's Adam Clayton at the 2010 Meteor Ireland Music Awards. Photograph: Phillip Massey/WireImage Lord Henry Mount Charles (left), Donie Cassidy, Michael Keating TD at the Queen concert in Slane Castle, 1986. Photograph: Martin Nolan/Independent NewsLord Henry Mountcharles and his son Alex in the Slane Castle whiskey tasting room. Photograph: Ciara Wilkinson Noel Gallagher poses alongside Lord Henry Mount Charles as Oasis are confirmed to play at Slane in 2009. Photograph: Matt Kavanagh/The Irish Times Spice Girl Mel C and Lord Henry Mount Charles pose for photographers at Slane Castle Music Festival, August 26th, 2000. Photograph: Reuters Lord Henry Mount Charles with his William Brocas RHA oil on canvas purchased at Adam's auction of Country House Collections. Photograph: Matt Kavanagh/The Irish Times Lord Henry Mount Charles below a motorbike stunt rider to announce details of the Red Bull X-Fighters World Series. Photograph: Eric Luke/The Irish Times
