Former editor of Smash Hits and Empire magazines Barry McIlheney was remembered as a leader who was "joyously rock 'n' roll and punk rock" at his memorial service. The Belfast-born journalist, broadcaster and publisher, who also launched Heat magazine, died in May at the age of 65.
The service at St Mark's in Dundela, Belfast, brought together former friends and colleagues to celebrate the life of the influential media figure. Among those paying tribute was Mike Edgar, formerly a BBC producer, who described McIlheney as "a very special man" with an "unstoppable passion for music".
Legendary music industry connections
Edgar told mourners that everyone in the music world had respect for McIlheney. "Without Barry I would never have encountered the crazy worlds of Vince Power or The Pogues," he said. "They all loved him."
The former BBC producer shared a memorable anecdote that captured McIlheney's journalistic instincts and boldness. During a live radio report from a phone box on Carnaby Street in London, McIlheney spotted Depeche Mode walking past and immediately invited them to join the broadcast.
Phone box interview madness
"As quick as anything Baz kicks the door of the phone box open and shouts: 'Hey lads, come and talk to the good people of Northern Ireland on the radio!' - which unbelievably, they dutifully did," Edgar recalled. The impromptu interview resulted in three members of Depeche Mode and McIlheney crammed into the phone box for "a great moment of showbiz madness".
Edgar praised McIlheney as "a true journalist" who "exuded confidence at the right time and never missed a good opportunity". Despite his success in London's media world, McIlheney had always remained passionate about Belfast and never forgot his roots.
Belfast swagger and punk spirit
"Like his contemporaries David Hepworth, Mark Ellen or Niall Stokes, Barry might have worn a suit on occasion but no one could ever call him 'a suit'!" Edgar said. He described McIlheney as someone who was "well read, brave in his work, always curious, never boring, always kind and always impressive".
The memorial service heard how McIlheney was "larger than life" and always greeted people "with a smile on his face, wearing his big coat with an upturned collar, a cheeky glint in his eye, a smart one-liner up his sleeve, and a well-earned loveable Belfast swagger".
Archbishop's tribute
Delivering the homily, Archbishop of Armagh Rev John McDowell said "the good that Barry did will not be interred with his bones but will live on in your memories forever". He noted that McIlheney "never forgot where he came from, but he didn't talk nonsense about it either".
The Archbishop added: "It wasn't everything and it wasn't nothing," reflecting on McIlheney's balanced relationship with his Belfast origins whilst building his successful career in the music and publishing industry.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
