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Irish Times
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
How Henry Mount Charles brought Dylan, Springsteen and The Rolling Stones to a former rock'n'roll backwater
When Henry Mount Charles , who died on June 18th at the age of 74, first reframed his ancestral home of Slane Castle as a signature rock venue in 1981, it must have been more in hope than expectation. Ireland was then a rock'n'roll backwater rarely included on the touring schedule of the big international acts of the day, as it had a severe shortage of decent-sized venues. The backdrop of violence and the hunger strikes in the North did not help, but the Republic had succeeded in making itself a dispiriting place on its own. Fintan O'Toole, in his book We Don't Know Ourselves , outlined the grim picture. 'The number of unemployed people had doubled over the course of the 1970s. Mass emigration was back. There was a balance of payments crisis and government debt was out of control ... The whole project of making Ireland a normal Western European country was in deep trouble.' Yet there must have been some optimism in the music business, as in 1981 Slane had to compete with music festivals in Macroom, Co Cork, Ballisodare, Co Sligo, Castlebar, Co Mayo, and Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare. Most of those events were headlined by Irish acts, however – as indeed was Slane. Thin Lizzy were nearing the end of their career at the top, but supporting them that day in August was a four-piece on the rise from Dublin: U2 . READ MORE Although only about 25,000 people attended the first Slane concert, its success paved the way for future events and for Henry Mount Charles' emergence as a public figure of note. Slane's natural amphitheatre could safely accommodate numbers much greater than the modest first event. In addition, it was near Dublin and could be reached by bus or car in a relatively short time. [ Henry Mount Charles: A Lord in Slane – The strange blend of fact and fiction around one of the last Anglo-Irish eccentrics Opens in new window ] Rock music is a business. The bigger the audience, the easier it is to attract leading acts. Pay them the money and they will come. And so it proved, with the likes of The Rolling Stones , Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen happy to park their caravans down by the Boyne. Springsteen's concert in front of an estimated 65,000 fans marked an important shift in his career: it was the first time he and the E Street Band played in front of a stadium-sized outdoor audience. It would be the first of many lucrative concerts. As the profile of Slane grew, Mount Charles lapped it up. Although concerts were generally partnerships with the likes of MCD Productions and Aiken Promotions , Henry was the public face of the event. He was no less a performer than those artists he welcomed to Slane. Concert days were celebrated in high style with the great and the good in the castle. [ Foo Fighters, Oasis, U2, the Rolling Stones and more: Slane's 15 greatest acts – in reverse order Opens in new window ] He was keenly aware of the value of good publicity and no slouch when in search of it. The money generated by the concerts was a windfall of sorts, but, crucially, it allowed him to underpin the finances of the castle and its grounds, developing other projects, such as the Slane whiskey brand , and helping to provide the resources to overcome setbacks such as the fire of 1991. Although a very public personality, the young Henry Mount Charles – he was in his early 30s in 1981 – was good and genial company, interested in the world beyond his castle walls and indeed beyond his elite social milieu. Embracing the rock'n'roll world afforded him the opportunity to experience the thrill of meeting great artists and celebrities while banking enough to retain and maintain his beloved Slane Castle for future generations. That concert idea was good fortune indeed. Joe Breen wrote about rock music for The Irish Times from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I'm the Irish artist who created world's most famous image but refused cash – I lost my home but my reason mattered more
HE created the iconic image that's adorned the walls of millions of homes across the globe - but passed up the opportunity to make hundreds of thousands in royalty cash. And Dublin artist 10 Artist Jim Fitzpatrick created the iconic poster of Che Guevara Credit: Reuters 10 Jim met Guevara by chance in Co Clare during the 60s Credit: Alamy 10 Jim created the famous image of Che in 1968 Credit: Jim Fitzpatrick 10 Jim also did various artwork for Thin Lizzy which An Post made into stamps He told The Irish Sun: "I never sought royalties for the The artist, who is also famous for his work designing Explaining the move to leave the potential cash unclaimed, he said: "I never wanted to accumulate money, all I wanted was to put a roof over my head." The Skerries native, who battled He told us: "I never thought I'd still be on the planet at this age. It's way beyond my expectations. "I had cancer in 2017, but survived that, and I am still walking around even after a hip replacement. "Getting to 81 means I am getting to do all the things I wanted to do and that's sending me down all sorts of highways and byways." And Jim's focus remains keenly on revolutionary figures - but this time just closer to home. He continued: "I was working on a project about the women of 1916 and now I am switching over onto a series about the rebels of 1798." Aside from creating stunning album sleeves for the likes of Thin Lizzy, Some of the notable album covers he's produced over the years include Sinead O'Connor's Faith And Courage and Thin Lizzy's Black Rose: A Rock Legend - which has been a tattoo choice for celebs such as Jim also produced a striking portrait of But despite commissions from around the world throughout his long career, Jim lost his house to vulture funds a few years ago, and now owns an apartment where he creates his art. The talented craftsman missed out on a fortune by refusing to copyright or charge for his most famous work - arguably the world's most recognisable image. The renowned piece on Marxist revolutionary and guerrilla leader Ernesto 'Che' Guevara was based on a photograph by Alberto Diaz Gutierrez - known as Korda - in German magazine Stern in 1967. 10 Jim's artwork of Che Guevara was based on a photograph by Alberto Diaz Gutierrez Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 10 One of Jim's latest pieces is of 1798 Irish Rebellion hero John Kelly Credit: Jim Fitzpatrickv 10 The artwork for Thin Lizzy's album Black Rose: A Rock Legend Credit: Jim Fitzpatrick While the image was later reproduced on t-shirts, cups, posters and other merchandise worldwide, Jim did not assert his copyright until 2010, more than four decades after its creation. In 2013, Jim attempted to hand over the rights to the picture to the Cuban people to be administered by the Guevara family. However, because Che's family never signed and ratified the documents, the copyright on the picture remains with Jim. He said: "It's not valid until they sign those papers, but the family don't want to be dragged into the courts for every copyright violation, and I don't want to spend my time in the courts either. 'ACT OF SOLIDARITY' " "I've been told I need to be patient. All I want to know is that when I pop my clogs, that piece of paper exists and I have done the right thing. I never wanted to accumulate money, all I wanted was to put a roof over my head." Jim created his two-tone masterpiece by making a line drop-out of Korda's photograph. He then submitted it to Dublin's Scene to accompany a feature about the revolutionary's move from Cuba to Shortly after, Guevera was captured and killed by the Bolivian army. The following year, when Fitzpatrick showed his stark poster at the Viva Che exhibition in 'DEMAND WAS INSANE' Jim explained: "The demand was insane. It went off like a rocket. I just kept supplying, supplying, supplying. "I couldn't afford to keep getting it photographed, which is why I had to make all these variations." Pop artist Despite his image gaining popularity, Fitzpatrick didn't pocket a penny from its global success due to his copyright stance. 10 Jim has done a collection of works on Irish revolutionaries, including James Connolly Credit: Jim Fitzpatrick 10 Jim has previously said he thinks Johnny The Fox is the best Thin Lizzy album cover he produced Credit: Jim Fitzpatrick 10 A close-up section of Jim's original painting titled Oisin And Niamh Tir Na Nog Credit: Jim Fitzpatrick He explained: "I never sought royalties for the Che image because I was absolutely enraged by the manner of his death. "He was shot in the neck and left to drown in his own blood, because they didn't want to harm his face. "The Bolivians wanted his face intact so they could prove it was him. I was trying to get people to notice this man had been murdered." "I never thought I'd still be on the planet at this age. It's way beyond my expectations." Jim Fitzpatrick Fitzpatrick said he took the murder personally because he met the doomed CHAT WITH CHE Jim said: "What happened was Che was flying back from "He ended up staying the night in Ireland and walked into the pub I was working in. I recognised him straight away. "I remember him saying his father's grandmother, Isabel Lynch, was from "He was very proud of the fact that the Irish were the first to begin to bring down the AN IRISH ED ON HIS SHOULDERS THIN Lizzy album designer Jim Fitzpatrick has said that Ed, 34, came under attack on However, Celtic artist Jim has defended the Shape Of You hitmaker. He told The Irish Sun: "Yes, Ed Sheeran is entitled to say his father's family are Irish. Anybody with Irish blood is entitled to be Irish, it's that simple. "My friend Phil was born in West Bromwich, outside "Like Phil, Ed Sheeran is an amazing, talented songwriter, and I'd be very proud to add him to the list of Irish diaspora. "President Jim claims he is delighted that we are living in a time where Ed can boast of his Irishness. He said: "I knew "Once it was viewed in England as a sign of inferiority and then during The Troubles people clammed up about Irish pride and heritage, but now The Troubles are over, groups like "I only wish Phil was around to see this because he was proudly Irish at a time when it was wiser to keep your mouth shut about your Irishness in Britain. "But Phil never tried to hide or disguise it. He strutted around England being an Irish man." The creative talent added: 'When Che was murdered, the first thing his father said was, 'Che died like a true Irish revolutionary'. That kind of stuff had a lot of resonance with me." Jim recently donated a print of 1916 hero Elizabeth O'Farrell to The Moore Street Preservation Trust, which is And, like most of Jim's work, the limited edition signed print quickly sold out. This Friday, Jim is donating another new work, a painting of 1798 Irish Rebellion icon John Kelly - who was immortalised in the Dubliners' song Kelly, The Boy From Kilanne - to the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy,
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Lord Henry Mount Charles was one of the nicest people I ever met'
Lord Henry Mount Charles, who died after a long illness yesterday, was one of the nicest people I ever met in my life. He might have had a Harvard education, a posh voice, the owner of beautiful Slane Castle which he loved with a passion, but he was down to earth and as honest as they come. I met him as a cub reporter in 1981 when he was running his first ever Slane rock concert which starred Thin Lizzy and U-2. I was 19 and he was 30 and we became friends ever since. We had some great times together over the years. Parties after Slane, dinners in Beauparc which later became his home, drinks out and about in Dublin, and many intense political discussions on everything from the then Troubles in the north to the state of the Irish economy, and the political shenanigans in Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. I was a working class boy from Brookville Park, Drogheda and he ,a member of the Anglo-Irish aristocracy - but as the late John Hume would say we have more in common than what divided us. When Henry inherited the Slane estate he inherited a headache. He had to reinvent Slane and make it pay, easier said than done. The devastating fire at the Castle made it even more difficult but yet he never complained. He never saw himself as the owner but as the custodian of the estate to protect it for the next generation. But Henry had the drive, passion and energy to make it work and wow what a legacy he has left. He made Slane one of the most famous rock and roll venues in the world and created Slane Whiskey and the fantastic distillery with the help of his beloved son Alex and it is now one of the top selling brands in America. When I became editor of the Irish Mirror one of the first things I did was ask Henry to write a weekly column and this he did with great pride and passion for almost three decades. No matter where Henry was in the world he still wrote his column every week and as he battled lung cancer over the last ten years, there were many weeks when he was extremely ill but he never missed his deadline. He thought it amusing and yet inspiring that he had direct access to the working class people of Ireland and he loved and respected all of his readers. I last spoke to his Lordship as I always affectionately called him a few weeks ago and although his voice was weak he was still in good spirits. Every time I asked how are you he would respond "I am alive thank God.' Such was his low immune system and the risk of catching a killer infection Henry had to stay away from people during the last few years of his life. But yet he didn't complain and enjoyed every second of his daily walks along the river Boyne around his Slane and nearby Beauparc estates. We nearly lost him a few times but he lived to tell the tale. Every time we spoke he always praised the wonderful staff at St James Hospital in Dublin where he was treated for his illness. For a fella with a posh voice Henry was as down to earth as they come and never looked down his nose at anyone. His roots were the people of Slane, the people of Meath and the people of Ireland. Nothing pleased him more than the Good Friday Agreement and to see peace finally arrive in ireland. The late former Northern Ireland Secretary of State Mo Mowlam was a great friend of his and he was devastated when she died from a brain tumour. His lordship may have gone to the great rock concert in the sky but he left nothing behind on this earth, he lived every minute of every day and left nothing behind. He adored his wonderful wife Iona and his children. They were his pride and joy. Henry was a legend and it was a privilege to know him. Ireland is a poorer place without him.
Irish Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
Slane Castle owner Lord Henry Mount Charles dies following cancer battle
TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of Slane Castle owner Lord Henry Mount Charles at the age of 74. His family issued a statement today confirming his death, following a 'long and valiant battle with cancer'. 'It is with profound sadness that the family of Lord Henry Mount Charles, The Marquess Conyngham announce his peaceful passing in the late hours of June 18th following a long and valiant battle with cancer,' they confirmed. Slane Castle owner Lord Henry Mount Charles pictured in 2002 In a statement on the Slane Castle Facebook page, the organisation added: 'Today we remember and celebrate the remarkable life of Lord Henry Mount Charles — visionary, rock 'n' roll trailblazer, and the man who dreamed big for Slane Castle.' They issued a photo of Lord Henry with Thin Lizzy's Phil Lynott which was taken at the very first Slane Concert, held in the in t he castle grounds in 1981. 'That day, a tradition was born, one that would bring the world's greatest artists to the Boyne Valley and turn Slane into a symbol of live music in Ireland,' they state. 'Lord Henry's passion, courage, and rebellious spirit shaped not just a place, but a legacy, they added. 'We honour him today with gratitude, pride, and music in our hearts." Lord Henry pictured with the Stereophonics in 2002 (Pic:Gareth Chaney/Photocall Ireland) President Michael D Higgins also paid tribute this morning. "Lord Henry's contribution was quite unique and a very important turning point in live music in Ireland when he decided to begin using the natural amphitheatre at Slane Castle as a venue at which public performances could be held by some of the most contemporary makers of music," he said. "It wasn't just in relation to very well known events that Henry was involved, he had a deep interest in promotion of music including new and young talent," he added. :I have been saddened over recent years to hear of his struggles with cancer, about which he spoken personally and helpfully of his experiences. "May I express my condolences to his wife, Lady Iona, to his children Alexander, Henrietta, Wolfe and Tamara, and to all of his family and friends.' Funeral details have yet to be confirmed. See More: Lord Henry Mount Charles, President Higgins, Slane Castle
Extra.ie
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Slane Castle's Lord henry Mount Charles dies aged 74
Lord Henry Mountcharles, the owner of Slane Castle has passed away after a long battle with cancer. HIs family announced the news in a poignant post this morning saying 'It is with profound sadness that the family of Lord Henry Mount Charles, The Marquess Conyngham, announce his peaceful passing in the late hours of June 18th following a long and valiant battle with cancer. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and custodian of Slane Castle, Lord Henry's courage, and unwavering spirit inspired all who knew him'. Lord Harry Mountcharles. Pic: Collins Photos Henry who was 74, is perhaps best known for bringing rock concerts to the sleepy village of Slane in County Meath, from the first gig in the castle grounds in 1981 when Thin Lizzy headlined and were supported by an 'up and coming' Irish band called U2. Since then the castle grounds, a natural amphitheater, with views looking down on the castle and out across the River Boyne, have played host to the biggest stars in the world of Rock Music, from Bruce Springsteen in 1985 to Queen in '86, Bon Jovi, Robbie Williams, Prince and most recently Metallica, the list is too long to mention, suffice to say, if you didn't play at Slane Castle, can you even call yourself a rock star? Bob Dylan at Slane Castle: Pic: NUTAN/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images Lord Henrys family said their father and grandfather 'leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as a passionate steward of Ireland's heritage, dedicating his life to preserving Slane Castle and transforming it into a beacon of culture, music, and community'. 'The family wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional staff at St. James's Hospital, as well as the many caregivers who supported Lord Henry with compassion over the last decade. They are also deeply moved by the outpouring of public kindness and solidarity during this difficult journey. As they navigate this time of loss, the family kindly requests privacy to grieve and reflect on Lord Henry's remarkable life. Funeral arrangements will remain private'. Lord Henry Mountcharles. Pic: Photocall Ireland 'Lord Henry's light will continue to shine through the lives he enriched and the enduring contributions he made to Ireland's cultural landscape. He will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten'. A sad loss indeed to the cultural landscape of County Meath and indeed Ireland as a whole, a hugely charismatic man whose vision and can-do attitude created a major Rock Concert Venue that played host to dozens of memorable gigs and a legacy that holds a lifetime of memories for millions of music fans around the world.
