Aristocrat who brought world famous music acts to Ireland dies

Lord Henry Mount Charles, who was custodian of Slane Castle in County Meath, passed away on 18 June after a battle with cancer at the age of 74

RTÉ A man wearing a blue blazer and shirt, he is also wearing a tan hat. He has grey hair. Behind him is a castle — Lord Henry Mount Charles, who was custodian of Slane Castle in County Meath, passed away on 18 June after a battle with cancer at the age of 74

Lord Henry Mount Charles, whose ancestral home has played host to world famous music acts such as Queen and Bruce Springsteen, has died aged 74.

Lord Mount Charles, who was custodian of Slane Castle in County Meath, died on Wednesday, after a “battle with cancer,” his family said.

In a statement they said he left 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.”

Lord Henry Mountcharles with Lady Iona Mountcharles, pictured surveying the scene as the Simple Minds concert crew set up their gear in 1986

Getty Images
Lord Henry Mountcharles and Lady Iona Mountcharles, pictured surveying the scene as the Simple Minds concert crew set up their gear. 27/6/86 Photographer Jim Walpole. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images) — Lord Henry Mountcharles with Lady Iona Mountcharles, pictured surveying the scene as the Simple Minds concert crew set up their gear in 1986

His family said he would be “profoundly missed, but never forgotten”.

Pictured, left, with U2 band member Adam Clayton at the Meteor Ireland Music Awards in 2010

Getty Images DUBLIN, IRELAND - FEBRUARY 19: Lord Henry Mountcharles, who received the Industry Award, poses with U2 band member Adam Clayton at the Meteor Ireland Music Awards at Royal Dublin Society on February 19, 2010 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Phillip Massey/WireImage) — Pictured, left, with U2 band member Adam Clayton at the Meteor Ireland Music Awards in 2010

The 8th Marquess Conyngham got an Industry Award at the Meteor Ireland Music Awards in 2010.

World-renowned acts

The late Freddie Mercury in 1986 at Slane Castle

Getty Images
Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Queen, performing at Slane Castle. 5/7/86 Photographer Martin Nolan. (Part of the Independent Newspapers Ireland/NLI Collection). (Photo by Independent News And Media/Getty Images) — The late Freddie Mercury in 1986 at Slane Castle

Lord Mount Charles became a household name in Ireland in the 1980s as some of the world’s biggest music stars took to the stage at Slane Castle.

Thin Lizzy headlined the inaugural concert in the summer of 1981.

The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Queen, Bob Dylan, Robbie Williams, David Bowie, U2, Eminem, Bruce Springsteen, Kings Of Leon, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Oasis, REM and Metallica are just some of the world-renowned acts that have also headlined the venue.