Latest news with #rockconcerts
New York Times
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Henry Mount Charles, Whose Castle Was a Mecca for Rock, Dies at 74
In 1976, Henry Mount Charles was 25 and living happily in London when his father summoned him home to Ireland to save the family castle from bankruptcy. Taking over the property, Slane Castle, with its vast expenses and minimal income, Lord Mount Charles first opened a restaurant there, the ancestral home of his aristocratic family. Then he contemplated the possibilities of the front lawn: a natural amphitheater sloping down to the Boyne River. He hit on the idea of open-air rock concerts. The first, in 1981, featured a young Irish band named U2. The next year, the Rolling Stones played for 70,000 ecstatic fans, and Mick Jagger stayed for dinner. Slane Castle, some 35 miles north of Dublin, in County Meath, became internationally known as a rock destination. Bruce Springsteen, Guns N' Roses, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Queen, Madonna, Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bryan Adams, Eminem, 50 Cent, R.E.M. and Oasis all performed there, while V.I.P. concertgoers wandered in an out of the owner's 18th-century hilltop Georgian pile, resembling Downton Abbey. Lord Mount Charles, an Anglo-Irish peer turned rock 'n' roll promoter, died on June 18 in a hospital in Dublin at 74. His family said the cause was cancer. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
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
Irish Times
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Lord Henry Mount Charles of Slane Castle dies aged 74, family announces
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. " A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and custodian of Slane Castle, Lord Henry's courage, and unwavering spirit inspired all who knew him," the statement said. 'Lord Henry (74) 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. His visionary leadership and generosity touched countless lives, while his warmth, humour, and resilience endeared him to friends, colleagues, and admirers across generations.' READ MORE [ Lord Henry Mountcharles praises 'one of the best Slanes ever' Opens in new window ] 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. The family said they '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.' [ 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 ] More to follow.
