THE family of Henry Mount Charles will open the gates of Slane Castle this weekend for fans to pay their respects.
The legendary Slane host died on Wednesday, aged 74, following a brave battle with cancer.
Henry’s son Alex revealed that a book of condolence would be available to sign for those who wished to pay tribute to the rock ‘n’ roll peer.
The castle will be open tomorrow and Sunday between 10am and 6pm.
Alex said: “With this profound sense of gratitude and in recognition of the shared affection for Lord Henry, the Mount Charles family would like to open their arms and the iconic gates of Slane Castle this weekend to people who would like to pay their respects and celebrate Henry’s life by signing a book of condolence.”
He added: “We have been truly touched by the strength of public sentiment and are deeply grateful 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 memories created within the walls and on the grounds of Slane Castle over the decades hold a uniquely special place in so many hearts, reflecting Lord Henry’s own passion for heritage, culture, Slane Castle and its community.”
Pals have revealed that Lord Henry never stopped thinking about the next big concert at his beloved Slane Castle, even in his final days battling illness.
MCD co-founder Denis Desmond, who collaborated with the aristocrat on a string of massive concerts at Slane Castle, joined in the tributes.
The music supremo said: “Even while in hospital battling poor health during his later years, he 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.”
Hailing Henry as a “visionary with an enormous sense of fun and a tremendous work ethic”, Denis added: “The phrase ‘rock ‘n’ Roll Icon’ can sometimes be used too lightly but Henry Mount Charles truly was one who earned the title.
‘ENORMOUS IMPACT’
“Over more than 40 years, he put and kept Slane Castle on the map as an iconic global music venue.”
He continued: “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.
‘BRILLIANT MANNER’
“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.”
Top promoter Desmond also highlighted the hurdles that Henry faced trying to hang on to his ancestral home on the banks of the Boyne.
Denis explained: “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.”
