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The phrase “Rock ‘N’ Roll Icon” can sometimes be used too lightly but Henry Mountcharles truly was one who earned the title. Over more than 40 years, he put and kept Slane Castle on the map as an iconic global music venue.
He was a visionary with an enormous sense of fun and a tremendous work ethic. Onsite morning, noon and night, he was across so many details and always the last man standing when the lights went out and the show was over.
Henry had an enormous impact on the acts who played at Slane. Long after the final note sounded, world-class performers would talk about him and the spectacular home he opened out to music lovers. Hundreds of thousands of fans from Ireland and abroad made lifelong memories at shows in Slane over the decades and so much of the credit for that is due to Henry and his hospitality. He wanted everyone to have a great time, stay safe and come again.
Even while in hospital battling poor health during his later years, he was seldom fully off and stayed connected to what was happening in the live music business – always thinking of what was coming next and which emerging acts or established artists he’d most like to see at the Castle. He had a brilliant manner and style – almost always getting his way but also always treating people with respect. His laugh was infectious and he had a sense of humour that was often at its best in darker moments when the laughs were harder to come by but more important than ever.
His wasn’t an easy life and there were huge setbacks like the terrible fire in 1991 but he never let these grind him down and always worked towards a better tomorrow.
To his loving family - especially his wife Iona and children Alexander, Henrietta, Wolfe and Tamara - as well as his extended family and wide circle of friends in Ireland and far beyond, we send our sympathies. Truly, we will not see his likes again and the world is a poorer place for his passing but also a better and brighter place for his life.
Ireland has lost a real Rock ‘N’ Roll legend.
RIP
Denis Desmond and all at MCD
