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RTÉ News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Lord Henry – king of the castle who made Ireland rock
He was the lord of the manor who helped bring rock 'n' roll to the masses in Ireland, ushering in a whole new era of music at the Big House and attracting huge names to play on his lawn at Slane Castle. Lord Henry Mount Charles, who has died at the age of 74, may have been known as the rock 'n' roll peer, but he also lived a life dedicated to family lineage and local legacy. Over the past 44 years, he brought the likes of Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Queen, Metallica, U2, and Oasis to perform in the natural amphitheatre in the rolling hills around the River Boyne. Even Madonna, a woman who once fostered her own visions of being a lady of the manor, deigned to take to the stage at Slane on a stormy night in 2005. Sure, there had been big outdoor rock gigs in Ireland before, but the country was not quite the mecca for big names it is now — and we had certainly never seen anything like the monster gigs held at Slane. Lord Henry (and the "Lord" part was made up by the Irish media) changed the face and scale of live music in Ireland - annual events like Electric Picnic, All Together Now, and numerous boutique festivals around the country are testament to that. Not far from the site of one of the most consequential battles in European history, Slane Castle was the perfect venue for live music, as crowds of up to 80,000 flocked to Ireland's new stately home of rock 'n' roll. Slane was always an event. The well spoken, dashing, and gentlemanly 8th Marquess Conyngham never looked or sounded like anyone's idea of a concert impresario. But behind that accent and tousled elegance, he was a self - styled 'Sixties kid' and an avid fan of The Kinks, The Who and The Animals while at school in Harrow. As soon as he gained control of the expansive lands around his Boyne - side ancestral home, his rock 'n' roll dreams began to take shape. After leaving university, Lord Henry initially wanted to forge a career in publishing and worked for Faber & Faber in London. He also worked for the world - famous auction house Sotheby's and spent time in South Africa as part of an agricultural commission. But then came the phone call from his late father, Frederick, that was to change his life. "My father rang me," he told Brendan O'Connor on RTÉ Radio 1 in 2021. "I knew that one day I would have to shoulder that responsibility but I didn't expect it at that stage in my life, and I was hardly going to say no, because the alternative was selling the place — and I couldn't bear the thought of that — so back I came." On his return to Slane in 1976, he inherited a bankrupt estate and so, not unlike Lord Grantham and his perennially leaking roof, he set about rescuing his family home from ruin by staging huge outdoor gigs in the grounds. Thin Lizzy, with support from U2, played the first show at the picturesque venue in 1981, followed by The Rolling Stones in 1982. Recalling that first gig, the man who would become one of Ireland's leading rock 'n' roll dandies said: "Those were heady days — it was in the middle of the hunger strikes and it was a pathfinder event. We wanted to lift people's spirits, we wanted to do something different, and we were accused of all sorts of things — turning the place into Stalag 17, opening the biggest public urinal in Ireland — all this sort of stuff. But rock 'n' roll prevailed." Since then, Slane has played host to 26 concerts and some of the most memorable shows in Irish rock history, including Bruce Springsteen's debut Irish gig and two emotionally charged back-to-back shows by U2 in 2001, just days after the death of Bono's father. The place has entered Irish rock mythology. Croke Park and the Aviva are all very fine, but Slane always had its own unique sense of magic — and even mystic. Where else would you witness Henry's friend, then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Mo Mowlam, sporting a pair of Zig and Zag zogabongs at Robbie Williams in 1999? Or gnarled behemoths Metallica belting out Whiskey in the Jar in front of a sea of 80,000 people? Or the moment Liam Gallagher swaggered up to the mic in 1995 when Oasis supported R.E.M., only to be hit full on the mouth with a sod of turf that came hurtling from the crowd — a moment Noel Gallagher later told me was the funniest thing he'd ever seen in his life? And for the Springsteen show in 1985, Henry took a leaf from Lord Iveagh's book and gave free tickets to the Dunnes Stores strikers, who were campaigning against the grocery chain's refusal to stop selling South African produce during Apartheid. Given Ireland's troubled history with the Anglo-Irish ascendancy and Ulster Scots plantations, here at last was a lord of the manor we could get behind. However, not everyone was happy with the rocking aristo. To some, he was the ultimate Hooray Henry. Speaking in 2021, he recalled: "I got some really nasty mail and unsettling threats. 'West Brit' was used frequently as an insult, but the more abuse that was heaped on me, the more it stiffened my resolve to forge ahead. The other thing was that I wanted an event where people came together from all four corners of Ireland to have fun and enjoy themselves by the banks of the Boyne — that in itself being symbolic. "But it was in the middle of the hunger strikes. There were mock funerals being held in County Meath and I was a son of a peer of the realm. But I was also a guy who had worked on an agricultural commission in South Africa and had gone to Harvard. I was a different person to the veneer. "I've always felt that Ireland is a sea fed by many streams," he added. "I just happen to belong to one stream, which is the Anglo-Irish tradition. I have every right to call myself an Irishman as the person next door." Like many of his class and religion before him, Lord Henry was committed to a united Ireland and held the view that Unionists must be brought along and convinced they could have a life where their rights are recognised in a "new Ireland". His own political aspirations, however, came to nought. He unsuccessfully contested the Louth constituency for Fine Gael in the 1992 general election and, in 1997, stood for election to Seanad Éireann for the Dublin University constituency — again without success. At the 2004 European Parliament election, he was approached by Fine Gael to enter the contest for selection as its candidate for the East constituency. However, when television presenter and agricultural journalist Maireád McGuinness emerged as a potential candidate, he withdrew. Amid all the highs and celebratory days out at Slane, there were low points. In 1984, Bob Dylan's gig was marred by a riot in the nearby village, and in 1991, the castle was almost completely destroyed by fire. His gamekeeper, Timothy Kidman, was killed by poachers on the estate in 1989, and there were two tragedies in the River Boyne on the day of the REM concert in 1995. His greatest challenge began when Lord Henry, who gave up smoking over 45 years ago and was a recovering alcoholic, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013. He fought it bravely and with characteristic good humour. For a man who was dedicated to family and to Slane itself, it is quite charming - and again, magical - to think that globally famous acts like The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and U2 were a huge part of keeping Co Meath history alive and rocking. In one of his last interviews, he said: "Part of who I am, and what I am, and what I've done is keeping this estate together. And now I know my son, Alexander, and his wife are there in the castle, the future is assured. "Slane — it has a draw, a pull, a fascination, and touches the spirit. I feel like a child of that. To me, there is no other place quite like it, nor will there ever be." The very popular and much-respected rock 'n'' roll peer will be missed - as a person of great human decency and as a man who brought joy to many, many people. Slane will forever remain a monument to his vision.
Extra.ie
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Major new acts announced for All Together Now line-up
Over 50 new acts have been added to the lineup for this years sold-out All Together Now festival, set to take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend from July 31 to August 3. Newly announced performers for the County Waterford festival include Primal Scream, The Voidz, The Boomtown Rats, Biig Piig and Buena Vista All Stars. Also returning is the 360-degree Arcadia Afterburner stage, along with the debut of a new creative space, Flourish, in collaboration with the Irish Music Rights Organisation. Talks In The Tent will feature appearances from Blindboy and Tommy Tiernan. View this post on Instagram A post shared by All Together Now (@ Organisers have warned fans not to purchase tickets or campervan passes from unofficial sources, citing a rise in reported scams. Those still seeking tickets are encouraged to register their interest via the festival's website in case more become available. This years headliners include Fontaines D.C., Nelly Furtado, London Grammar and Bicep. Now in its sixth year, the festival, which takes place in Curraghmore House Estate, has previously hosted major names like Nick Cave, Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, The Prodigy and The National.
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
50 more acts announced for sold-out All Together Now festival
All Together Now has announced another 50 acts for the August Bank Holiday festival. The festival returns to Curraghmore Estate in Waterford from Thursday, July 31 to Sunday, August 3. Headliners for the weekend include Nelly Furtado, Fontaines D.C., and London Grammar, with other musical acts such as CMAT, Michael Kiwanka, and Wet Leg also set to perform. On Wednesday, another 50 acts were announced as part of the line-up, including Primal Scream, The Void, The Boomtown Rats, and 49TH & Main. Biird, Special Request, Funk Assault, Sally C, Georgia Morgana, Matador, Florence Road, Sarah Story, and Sexy Tadhg are also among the new 50 acts announced. All Together Now also confirmed the return of its Arcadia Afterburner; the fire-breathing stage built from recycled materials and powered by pyrotechnics and cutting-edge technology, delivering a 360-degree sensory experience. Talks in the Tent have also been announced following the demand for the festival's Brunch on the Bandstand last year. Taking place on Saturday and Sunday afternoon in the Something Kind Of Wonderful tent, Talks in the Tent will feature two of the festival's firm favourites, Tommy Tiernan on Saturday and Blindboy on Sunday. Flourish with IMRO is a new stage at this year's festival, showcasing some of the best new music and emerging voices and many Irish debuts, including Chloe Qisha, BBY, Martin Luke Brown, Radio Free Alice, and Heartworms. Another 50 acts were announced as part of the line-up for this year's All Together Now festival, including Primal Scream, The Void, The Boomtown Rats, and 49TH & Main. The festival also announced its Perform Together Now initiative with IMRO, which amplifies IMRO's commitment to championing up-and-coming talent both in Ireland and abroad. Over 1,000 artists and bands applied to play at this year's sold-out festival through the Perform Together initiative. 10 emerging artists out of those who applied have been chosen to join the festival for its sixth chapter. Ticket information All Together Now has reminded people that all tickets and campervan tickets for this year's festival are completely sold out. All boutique and pre-pitched tickets are also completely sold out. There will be no day tickets available for All Together Now 2025. People are advised to be cautious and avoid scams of counterfeit or unofficial tickets being sold online. Those who missed out on tickets or campervan passes can register their interest by clicking here. Travel by bus The festival has shared public transport information with festival-goers, encouraging people to leave the car behind and travel with Bus Éireann. Bus Éireann's Expressway services are working with All Together Now again this year to provide return services from Dublin, Cork, and Waterford to and from the venue. This year, the bus drop-off location will be beside the main ticketing entrance. Timetables and prices can be found by clicking here.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Beware' – Festival bosses issue urgent warning to thousands ahead of sold out gig as new acts announced
FESTIVAL bosses have issued an urgent warning to thousands of music lovers ahead of this year's sold out All Together Now. The huge three-day event is returning to Curraghmore Estate in Co Advertisement 3 All Together Now is returning to Curraghmore Estate in Co Waterford this August Bank Holiday weekend Credit: Instagram 3 Many huge acts are set to perform across the weekend 3 Bosses have issued an urgent warning to festivalgoers Credit: Instagram Ahead of the event, organisers are urging fans to avoid falling for fake ticket sellers, plan They've stressed that the In a statement, bosses said: "Once again, we strongly urge all festivalgoers to be cautious and avoid scams of counterfeit or unofficial tickets being sold online." The warning comes as excitement builds with this year's All Together Now set to be the biggest and best yet. Advertisement READ MORE ON FESTIVALS An extra 50 acts have just been added to the lineup, including major names like Primal Scream, The Voidz and The Boomtown Rats. Organisers have also revealed a fresh wave of rising talent including Biird, Funk Assault, Georiga Morgana, and Metador. And returning this year is the fan-favourite Brunch on the Bandstand - and it's going to be bigger than ever. The surprise guests for the popular stand will be revealed "very soon". Advertisement most read in the irish sun Due to the incredible demand last year, they are also expanding their delightful afternoon offering with a new feature called Talks in the Tent. Comedy fans are in for a treat too, with Kneecap perform surprise gig in London hours after rapper Liam O'Hanna, 27, charged with terror offence The iconic Afterburner stage, the festival's fire-breathing centrepiece, is also back and bringing a full 360 degree sensory experience that organisers promise is "unlike anything else". This year will also see the launch of Flourish, a brand new stage created in partnership with IMRO to shine a spotlight on some of the best new music, emerging voices and many Irish debut acts. Advertisement As part of the Perform Together Now initiative, ten up-and-coming artists have been selected from over 1,000 applicants to perform over the weekend. FESTIVAL FUN Some of the fresh faces announced include Chloe Qisha, Martin Luke Brown, Radio Free Alice and Heartworms. And to make getting there easier, Bus Eireann and Expressway is running return services from Already included in the major lineup across the weekend is noughties icon Nelly Furtado, who is sure to excite fans with her hits, I'm Like a Bird, Promiscuous, and Maneater. Advertisement Additionally, Irish dance musicians Le Boom, Cork-born singer Darren Kiely, Connemara's Maria Sommerville, and New York R&B band Infinity Song are some of the other artists added to the mix. Previously announced acts include, Dublin-based Fontaines D.C., Dunboyne's own CMAT, and 2024 Mercury Prize winners English Teacher. Also playing across the weekend are Wet Leg, Bicep, John Grant and Gurriers.
Irish Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Fest your eyes on this: Our guide to the biggest events this summer
Summer has arrived and no matter what you're into, there's something for everyone happening all over the country. Bloom arrived in Dublin's Phoenix Park two weeks ago to kick off the festival season, with Taste of Dublin, Beyond the Pale, the Clifden Summerfest and All Together Now all taking place this summer. As our evenings get longer and sunnier, here's a handy guide to some of the best events happening in Ireland this summer. Taste of Dublin – June 12–15th, Merrion Square, County Dublin Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Taste of Dublin is back in the familiar surroundings of Merrion Square for a celebration of Dublin's vibrant culinary scene, with a broad mix of top chefs, local restaurants, and artisan food producers. Ticket prices vary depending on the day and time – early entry tickets start at €18 on the 12th and 13th of June, before rising to €32.50 after 6pm. Weekend tickets start at €26, while children under 10 go free. Dalkey Book Festival – June 12-15th, Dalkey, Co. Dublin Dalkey's annual book festival encompasses the entire town, as the event operates through many different locations and businesses on the peninsula – and this year's star guests include David McWilliams, David O'Doherty and Andrea Catherwood as speakers. Attendees are also encouraged to explore the town in between events, with the Walkie Dalkey guide and the Dalkey Island Ferry the area's key attractions. Beyond the Pale Festival – June 13–15th, Glendalough Estate, County Wicklow Set in Wicklow's scenic Glendalough Estate, Beyond the Pale offers an eclectic lineup of acts this year, with Jon Hopkins, Róisín Murphy and TV on the Radio headlining each day. Tickets for the Tier 2 area are priced at €109, with child tickets starting at €39. Clifden Summer Fest – June 13–15th, Clifden, County Galway Billed as the 'Best Festival in the West', Clifden's annual Summer Fest is set in the picturesque surroundings of Connemara. Derek Ryan, Paddy Casey, Mundy and the Whistlin' Donkeys are set to headline across the three-day event. Tickets start at €27.59 and go up to €81.35. West Cork Chamber Music Festival – June 27–July 6th, Bantry, County Cork For more classically-minded festival goers, the West Cork Chamber Music festivals offers a tasteful, eclectic lineup, with classical music discussion and candlelit concerts sprinkled throughout. Ticket prices vary from event to event, but are typically within the €10 range. Night and Day Festival – June 27–29th, Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle, County Roscommon Though a newer festival, Night and Day offers a balance of music, art, and nature to be envied. Internationally renowned acts such as KT Tunstall and the Wailers are joined by local legends like Paul Brady and Something Happens. Families are also well-catered for, with plenty of activities for younger patrons. Kaleidoscope Festival – July 4–6, Blessington, County Wicklow Proclaiming itself as Ireland's favourite family festival, Kaleidoscope counts Ocean Colour Scene, Texas and the Coronas among its most prominent acts for this year. Weekend tickets cost €97.55 for adults and €72.55 for children – although single-day tickets present a cheaper option. Cairde Sligo – July 6-12th, County Sligo Sligo's arts festival brings the town to a standstill for six days in July, with a variety of theatre, performance art and written word features. Ticket prices vary based on event, but some are free, including the popular clothes swap. Galway Film Fleadh – July 8–13th, Galway City, Co. Wicklow Held in the city since 1989, the Galway Film Fleadh has become an important rite of passage for all budding Irish filmmakers. As well as being an opportunity for unknown Irish filmmakers to gain exposure, the Fleadh is famed for its pitching competition – where aspiring filmmakers submit their written ideas to a panel of judges and a live audience. All Together Now Festival – July 31–August 3rd, Curraghmore Estate, Co. Waterford With a wealth of music, art, food, wellness, and comedy, All Together Now Festival offers a diverse lineup for its sixth edition, mixing Irish stalwarts Fontaines D.C and CMAT with established acts such as Nelly Furtado and Groove Armada. Set in the storied Curraghmore Estate, it's a festival that celebrates multiple forms of creativity. Dublin Horse Show – August 6–10th, RDS, Dublin One of Ireland's premier equestrian events, the Dublin Horse Show showcases the best in show jumping and renowned Irish horse breeding. As is the case with many showjumping events, the social aspect is as important as the action itself, with prizes for the best dressed attendees to close out the event. Puck Fair – August 10–12th, Killorglin, Co. Kerry Dating back to at least 1603, Puck Fair is one of Ireland's oldest festivals that includes the crowning of one lucky local goat as King Puck. Set to the music of street performers and bookended by firework shows, it's a unique festival, and one well worth a visit. Body & Soul – August 16-18th, County Meath After a sabbatical in 2024, Body and Soul returns this summer – but not as we know it. The festival's website has been updated and rebranded as with organisers promising a 'ceremonial farewell' to the event. Attendees can register their interest by the 11th of June on the festival's website – tickets are set to start at €250. Ukulele Hooley – August 23-24th, People's Park, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin Europe's longest-running ukulele festival, Dún Laoghaire's Hooley offers a unique four-stringed take on a typical park festival. A wide range of performers will take to the stage in the People's Park over the weekend, including Victoria Vox and the Dublin Ukulele Collective. Electric Picnic – August 29–31st, Stradbally, Co. Laois The spiritual successor to the likes of Féile and Oxegen, Electric Picnic has sat at the top of the Irish festival heap for the past decade. Headliners this year include Hozier, Chappell Roan and Sam Fender, though the festival – held by Stradbally Hall since 2004 - has also leaned into comedy, art and food more in recent years – making for a more all-encompassing experience.
