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The Independent
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Barry McIlheney was joyously rock ‘n' roll, memorial service told
Former editor of Smash Hits and Empire magazines Barry McIlheney was a leader who was also 'joyously rock 'n' roll and punk rock', a memorial service has heard. The service at St Mark's in Dundela, Belfast, allowed former friends and colleagues to gather and celebrate the life of the journalist, broadcaster and publisher, who also launched Heat magazine. Mr McIlheney, originally from Belfast, died in May at the age of 65. Among those paying tribute at the service on Monday was Mike Edgar, formerly a BBC producer, who said Mr McIlheney had been a 'very special man'. He said: 'Barry had an unstoppable passion for music and everyone you could think of in the world of music had respect for him, and rightly so. 'Without Barry I would never have encountered the crazy worlds of Vince Power or The Pogues. 'They all loved him.' He added: 'Barry was a true journalist, someone who exuded confidence at the right time and never missed a good opportunity if it presented itself. 'On one occasion he was live on the radio with me doing a report from a phone box on Carnaby Street in London and as ever feeding in the 10 pence pieces and entertaining us royally. 'Whilst chatting live on-air, Barry looks out the phone box window and spots Depeche Mode walking down Carnaby Street. 'As quick as anything Baz kicks the door of the phone box open and shouts: 'Hey lads, come and talk to the good people of Northern Ireland on the radio!' – which unbelievably, they dutifully did. 'There then followed a Guinness Book of Records-style moment with three members of Depeche Mode and Barry stuffed into a phone box for what turned into a great moment of showbiz madness 'Only Barry McIlheney would have the brass neck to carry off same!' Mr Edgar said McIlheney, despite his success, had always remained passionate about Belfast. He said: 'Like his contemporaries David Hepworth, Mark Ellen or Niall Stokes, Barry might have worn a suit on occasion but no one could ever call him 'a suit'! 'Barry was a leader, but he was also joyously rock 'n' roll and punk rock.' He added: 'He was well read, brave in his work, always curious, never boring, always kind and always impressive. 'Barry was larger than life, he always greeted us with a smile on his face, wearing his big coat with an upturned collar, a cheeky glint in his eye, a smart one-liner up his sleeve, and a well-earned loveable Belfast swagger.' Delivering the homily at the service, Archbishop of Armagh Rev John McDowell said 'the good that Barry did will not be interred with his bones but will live on in your memories forever'. He said: 'Barry never forgot where he came from, but he didn't talk nonsense about it either. 'It wasn't everything and it wasn't nothing.'
BBC News
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Results of Your Ultimate 80s Duet as voted for by BBC Radio 2 listeners revealed
BBC Radio 2 listeners have been voting on their favourite duets from the 1980s, and today we can reveal the winner is Fairytale Of New York, by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl (1987). Under Pressure by Queen & David Bowie (1981) takes second place, and Islands In The Stream by Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers (1983) comes in third. The full Top 40 countdown, hosted by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, is available on BBC Sounds now and a two-hour special of the Top 30 will be broadcast on Radio 2 on Saturday 9 August from 1-3pm, produced by Platform Media. Listeners to BBC Radio 2, which is the UK's most listened to single radio station with a weekly audience of 12.6 million (RAJAR Q2, 2025), were asked to vote for up to five of their favourite duets from the much-loved era, with voting open from 7 – 21 July. The countdown forms part of 'Radio 2 Loves the 80s', a wider season of specials, which celebrate the iconic decade. Jem Finer, who wrote the song with fellow Pogues bandmate Shane MacGowan, said: 'A huge thank you from us to the Radio 2 listeners for voting A Fairytale Of New York your Ultimate 80s duet. It's amazing the song's had such a life, such longevity. It took a long time to come together with about three years of endless revisions before we successfully recorded it with Kirsty MacColl and it became the version you know now. Then it took much good fortune and actually got to be heard by enough people to find its way into the charts and onto enduring popularity. So, thanks to you all, thanks to everyone through the years, thanks for listening.' The full top 40 as voted for by listeners is: 1 The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl - Fairytale Of New York 2 Queen & David Bowie - Under Pressure 3 Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers - Islands In The Stream 4 Aretha Franklin & George Michael - I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) 5 Peter Gabriel & Kate Bush - Don't Give Up 6 Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballe - Barcelona 7 Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes - (I've Had) The Time Of My Life 8 Pet Shop Boys & Dusty Springfield - What Have I Done To Deserve This 9 The Communards & Sarah Jane Morris - Don't Leave Me This Way 10 Elaine Paige & Barbara Dickson - I Know Him So Well 11 Kylie Minogue & Jason Donovan - Especially For You 12 Meat Loaf & Cher - Dead Ringer For Love 13 David Bowie & Mick Jagger - Dancing In The Street 14 Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes - Up Where We Belong 15 Philip Bailey & Phil Collins - Easy Lover 16 Eurythmics & Aretha Franklin - Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves 17 Marc Almond & Gene Pitney - Something's Gotten Hold Of My Heart 18 David Bowie & Bing Crosby - Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy 19 Barbra Streisand & Barry Gibb - Guilty 20 Lionel Richie & Diana Ross - Endless Love 21 Tears For Fears & Oleta Adams - Woman In Chains 22 UB40 & Chrissie Hynde - I Got You Babe 23 Bronski Beat & Marc Almond - I Feel Love / Johnny Remember Me 24 Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville - Don't Know Much 25 Bryan Adams & Tina Turner - It's Only Love 26 Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder - Ebony And Ivory 27 Prince & Sheena Easton - U Got The Look 28 Gary Moore & Phil Lynott - Out In The Fields 29 Patti Labelle & Michael McDonald - On My Own 30 Phil Collins & Marilyn Martin - Separate Lives 31 James Ingram & Michael McDonald - Yah Mo B There 32 Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson - Say Say Say 33 Roy Orbison & k.d. lang - Crying 34 Stevie Nicks & Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Stop Draggin' My Heart Around 35 Billy Preston & Syreeta Wright - With You I'm Born Again 36 David Grant & Jaki Graham - Could It Be I'm Falling In Love 37 Cherrelle & Alexander O'Neal - Saturday Love 38 Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney - The Girl Is Mine 39 Al Green & Annie Lennox - Put A Little Love In Your Heart 40 Michael Jackson & Siedah Garrett - I Just Can't Stop Loving You Songs needed to be two individual voices, united in song, and released as a single between December 1979 and December 1989, and made the UK Top 50. This vote is a part of 'Radio 2 Loves the 80s' a season of programming available on Sounds now and in August, and broadcasting across Radio 2 throughout the month. In Don't You Forget About Me: The Accidental 80's Anthem, Sunday 3 August (00:03 – 00:30), Jo Whiley tells the story of the breakout song from the cult American 'brat pack' movie The Breakfast Club. Back in 1985 Don't You Forget About Me became one of the most iconic 80's anthems ever. Recorded for the film by the Scottish rock band Simple Minds, the song reached No 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 and several other countries, catapulting the group to international stardom. Now, 40 years on, as it surpasses 1 billion streams on Spotify, frontman Jim Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill talk about how they went from refusing to record the song to embracing it - even adding the distinctive 'La la la la' lines that audiences in packed stadia across the globe still chant today. The programme includes contributions from musicians K.T Tunstall and Billy Idol. Produced by The Big Light. Following last year's unforgettable night, BBC Radio 2 and the BBC Concert Orchestra return to Malta for a high-energy celebration of the greatest hits of the 80s, with 70 world-class musicians and four powerhouse vocalists, in Ultimate 80s: Live! Sunday 9 August (8-10pm). The host of Radio 2's Sounds of the 80s show (Saturday nights, 8-10pm) Gary Davies takes 80s fans on a journey through the decade's most iconic anthems, including show-stopping performances of classics from Madonna, Whitney Houston, Elton John, WHAM! and more, in a night of nostalgia and energy. Produced by Get On Media. Gary Davies returns to a revolutionary era for dance music, with four new Dance Sounds Of The 80s programmes, exclusive to BBC Sounds. The rise of Hip Hop and Synth-Pop, the evolution of Disco, the birth of House, the gay abandon of Hi Energy, the marriage of synths and Soul…it's all here. The Threemix is back – this time, highlighting the producers and remixers who kept us on the floor whilst crossing over into the charts, taking underground sounds into the mainstream. Listeners will be reliving their nightlife adventures on Dance Hall Days. Produced by Bengo Media. Other programmes that can be found on BBC Sounds under the Radio 2 Loves the 80s, include The Story of the 12' single with Jo Whiley, Sounds of 1985 – 40 Years On, and Live Aid: The Fans' Story. BBC Radio 2 is the UK's most listened to single radio station, with a weekly audience of 12.6 million (RAJAR Q2, 2025) and The Radio 2 Breakfast Show is the most listened to Breakfast show in the UK with 6.2 million listeners (RAJAR Q2, 2025). Vernon Kay is the most listened to radio show in the UK with 6.6 million listeners (RAJAR Q2, 2025). The network's presenters include Richie Anderson, Michael Ball, Zoe Ball, Tony Blackburn, OJ Borg, Revd. Kate Bottley, Rylan, Fearne Cotton, Sara Cox, Jamie Cullum, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Gary Davies, Paul Gambaccini, Mark Goodier, Angela Griffin, Bob Harris, Vernon Kay, Shaun Keaveny, Cerys Matthews, Paddy McGuinness, Scott Mills, Jason Mohammad, Trevor Nelson, Dermot O'Leary, Elaine Paige, Mark Radcliffe, Romesh Ranganathan, DJ Spoony, Liza Tarbuck, Jeremy Vine, Michelle Visage, Jo Whiley and Owain Wyn Evans. SVDG Follow For More
Irish Daily Mirror
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ray D'Arcy prepares to say goodbye to his mam as funeral details announced
Devastated Ray D'Arcy will prepare to say goodbye to his beloved mam Mary today after she passed away last week. The RTE star has been left heartbroken after the mother-of-nine passed away "peacefully" at Naas Hospital in Co Kildare on July 18. Her death notice reads that she will be "sadly missed" by her "loving children" Joe, Jackie, Ray, Hughie, Anne, Paul, Marianne, Claire and Joan, sons and daughters in law, her 16 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, sister Angela, brother Bill, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends. In 2001, Mary D'Arcy interviewed and sang with star of The Pogues, Shane MacGowan, in her kitchen in Co Kildare for her son's radio show, The Ray D'Arcy Show, which was airing on Today FM at the time. In 2019, Ray said he didn't hug his mum until six or seven years ago. He said that having children changed his view of the world and brought him even closer to his mother. "I didn't hug my mum until six or seven years ago," Ray told the RTE Guide at the time. "But I hug her all the time now and tell her that I love her. I'd never have done that years ago but as you get older, especially when you have your own children, you see the world differently. "Also when you have children, you want to keep the generations connected and you feel more of a pull home. You want your children to be part of this family and to know the mother that you knew." Ray said his mother would've been referred to locally as a "saint". "She's probably referred to locally as a saint. My mum is amazing, a very thoughtful, insightful and intelligent woman. She's now in her 80s but travels to Dublin most Wednesdays to go to a movie and can chat about any current news story." Her removal by Glennons Funeral Directors will be on Wednesday morning to arrive at St. Brigids Parish Church, Kildare Town for requiem mass at 11am. Burial will take place afterwards in St. Conleths cemetery, Kildare Town. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Irish Independent
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Ray D'Arcy's ‘amazing' mother Mary to be laid to rest on Wednesday
Mother of nine children, Mary D'Arcy, passed away 'peacefully' at Naas Hospital in Co Kildare on Friday, July 18. Kildare born radio and television presenter Ray D'Arcy had a close relationship with his mother. In 2001 Mary D'Arcy even interviewed and sang with star of The Pogues, Shane MacGowan, in her kitchen in Co Kildare for her son's radio show, The Ray D'Arcy Show, which was airing on Today FM at the time. In 2019, during an interview with the RTÉ Guide's Donal O'Donoghue, Ray, who has two children, Kate and Tom with his wife Jenny, said that having children changed his view of the world and brought him even closer to his mother. 'I didn't hug my mum until six or seven years ago,' Ray told Donal. 'But I hug her all the time now and tell her that I love her. I'd never have done that years ago but as you get older, especially when you have your own children, you see the world differently. "Also when you have children, you want to keep the generations connected and you feel more of a pull home. You want your children to be part of this family and to know the mother that you knew.' Describing his mother Mary, Ray added: 'She's probably referred to locally as a saint. My mum is amazing, a very thoughtful, insightful and intelligent woman. She's now in her 80s but travels to Dublin most Wednesdays to go to a movie and can chat about any current news story.' Since news broke of Mary's passing, has been flooded with tribute messages remembering a lady who brought 'sunshine to everyone lucky enough to have crossed her path'. 'Aunty Mary was such a warm and welcoming presence in my life,' wrote one of hundreds of mourners paying tribute to Mary on 'I have such fond memories of her open house during my visits to Kildare. She always made me feel right at home, with her kindness, her generous spirit, and her lovely homemade bread. "She was also a truly remarkable woman who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Thinking of you all during this very difficult time and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.' ADVERTISEMENT "What a wonderful, strong woman Mary was,' added another mourner. 'A true lady who brought help, encouragement and sunshine to everyone lucky enough to have crossed her path. "Condolences to all the family on your very sad loss. Thinking of all of you. Rest easy now Mary, your work is done. You will be sorely missed in Kildare Town.' Mary's remains will repose at McWey's Funeral Home, Abbeyview in Kildare Town from 4pm on Tuesday July 22, concluding with rosary at 7pm. Follow Independent Kildare on Facebook Removal by Glennon's Funeral Directors will take place on Wednesday morning, July 23, to arrive at St. Brigid's Parish Church in Kildare Town for requiem mass at 11am. Burial will take place afterwards in St. Conleth's Cemetery in Kildare Town. "Mary D'Arcy née Bonar, Campion Crescent, Kildare Town, Co Kildare,' read her death notice on 'Peacefully on July 18, 2025, at Naas Hospital. "Pre deceased by her husband Ray (Snr). Sadly missed by her loving children Joe, Jackie, Ray, Hughie, Anne, Paul, Marianne, Claire and Joan, sons and daughters in law, her 16 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, sister Angela, brother Bill, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.'
Irish Independent
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Ray D'Arcy's ‘amazing' mother to be laid to rest on Wednesday
Mother of nine children, Mary D'Arcy, passed away 'peacefully' at Naas Hospital in Co Kildare on Friday, July 18. Kildare born radio and television presenter Ray D'Arcy had a close relationship with his mother. In 2001 Mary D'Arcy even interviewed and sang with star of The Pogues, Shane MacGowan, in her kitchen in Co Kildare for her son's radio show, The Ray D'Arcy Show, which was airing on Today FM at the time. In 2019, during an interview with the RTÉ Guide's Donal O'Donoghue, Ray, who has two children, Kate and Tom with his wife Jenny, said that having children changed his view of the world and brought him even closer to his mother. 'I didn't hug my mum until six or seven years ago,' Ray told Donal. 'But I hug her all the time now and tell her that I love her. I'd never have done that years ago but as you get older, especially when you have your own children, you see the world differently. "Also when you have children, you want to keep the generations connected and you feel more of a pull home. You want your children to be part of this family and to know the mother that you knew.' Describing his mother Mary, Ray added: 'She's probably referred to locally as a saint. My mum is amazing, a very thoughtful, insightful and intelligent woman. She's now in her 80s but travels to Dublin most Wednesdays to go to a movie and can chat about any current news story.' Since news broke of Mary's passing, has been flooded with tribute messages remembering a lady who brought 'sunshine to everyone lucky enough to have crossed her path'. 'Aunty Mary was such a warm and welcoming presence in my life,' wrote one of hundreds of mourners paying tribute to Mary on 'I have such fond memories of her open house during my visits to Kildare. She always made me feel right at home, with her kindness, her generous spirit, and her lovely homemade bread. "She was also a truly remarkable woman who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Thinking of you all during this very difficult time and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.' ADVERTISEMENT "What a wonderful, strong woman Mary was,' added another mourner. 'A true lady who brought help, encouragement and sunshine to everyone lucky enough to have crossed her path. "Condolences to all the family on your very sad loss. Thinking of all of you. Rest easy now Mary, your work is done. You will be sorely missed in Kildare Town.' Mary's remains will repose at McWey's Funeral Home, Abbeyview in Kildare Town from 4pm on Tuesday July 22, concluding with rosary at 7pm. Follow Independent Kildare on Facebook Removal by Glennon's Funeral Directors will take place on Wednesday morning, July 23, to arrive at St. Brigid's Parish Church in Kildare Town for requiem mass at 11am. Burial will take place afterwards in St. Conleth's Cemetery in Kildare Town. "Mary D'Arcy née Bonar, Campion Crescent, Kildare Town, Co Kildare,' read her death notice on 'Peacefully on July 18, 2025, at Naas Hospital. "Pre deceased by her husband Ray (Snr). Sadly missed by her loving children Joe, Jackie, Ray, Hughie, Anne, Paul, Marianne, Claire and Joan, sons and daughters in law, her 16 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, sister Angela, brother Bill, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.'
