Festival Royalty
Is there another music event as iconic as Slane Festival, asks Domhnall O'Donoghue
If you've ever travelled from Dublin to Slane, you'll notice the straightness of the route. Given the higgledy-piggledy nature of some of Ireland's roads, you might wonder why the capital city connects so effortlessly with a small village in the north of County Meath. If you credit the world-famous castle, you'll be correct - but that's only one part of a surprisingly scandalous story…
For over 250 years, this stunning property has been the family seat of the Conynghams, originally a Scottish protestant family. And rumour has it that Elizabeth - the first Marchioness Conyngham - was romantically involved with none other than King George IV of England.
While their extra-marital relationship was complex, it didn't mean the roads between the two lovebirds had to be as well – and so, when the red-blooded monarch visited the castle in 1821, the route was made as straight and direct as 19th-century engineering allowed!
Over the past 40 years, high-profile figures have continued to use this impressive route to Slane Castle – although British royalty has since been replaced with music royalty.
Being a Meath man, I'm aware of my bias, but is there a more iconic music event on this island than Slane Festival?
IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE…
Dominating the verdant countryside and overlooking the River Boyne, Slane Castle opened its gates in 1981 when Thin Lizzy wowed 18,000 rock fans with their many hits, including The Boys are Back in Town. There are many reasons why this inaugural festival was so special – notably, the performance from one of the support acts, then relatively unknown.
"We'd like to think Phillip Lynott for letting us to open the show," the lead singer said while introducing the song 'Out of Control'. "We are a band from the north side of Dublin. We are called U2, and this is our first single. We hope you like it."
The rest, as they say, is history. In fact, Slane had made such an impression on the band that they later recorded their 1984 album, The Unforgettable Fire, inside the castle.
"Unforgettable" is the perfect word to describe a festival at Slane Castle. Its sloping lawns form a natural amphitheatre, and since its debut, millions of music lovers have descended here to sing along to Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Queen and REM.
Irish people can often forget how renowned this venue is around the globe. Many of the 80,000-plus ticket-holders hail from America, Germany and even China, who are inspired to travel to the Royal County - year after year - because of the castle's robust musical heritage.
And it seems that performing here is just as addictive with numerous acts also returning - although Guns N' Roses, the Rolling Stones and U2 remain the only bands to boast the distinction of headlining more than once.
CLEAN-UP ACT
Slane Castle is just a country mile from my hometown of Navan, and my relationship with the festival began not as a concertgoer but as an unglamorous rubbish collector, cleaning up trash the morning after the night before.
Thankfully, I later exchanged sweet wrappers for musical rappers like Eminem – and, every August, happily overworked my tonsils by singing along to The Verve, Stereophonics and my personal favourite, Madonna, who remains the only female to headline the event. Her acclaimed performance was even documented in her film, I'm Going to Tell You a Secret.
Speaking of secrets, in 1999, a pal and I were both ticketless and desperate to gain entry to see Robbie Williams. When some inebriated reveller was assisted into an ambulance outside the grounds, we boldly accompanied him, knowing that the First Aid tent was conveniently located beside the VIP area.
As soon as we were safely within the venue, my friend and I – not known for missing golden opportunities - then left the chap in the capable hands of a nurse and slipped into the exclusive, celebrity-filled area to sing along to the former Take That star. It was a bold, rock'n'roll move but worth every minute – just like Williams, we were also loving our 'Angels' for helping us join the sold-out gig!
FORTY YEARS AND COUNTING
Like so many other artists who graced the stage, Williams later described playing Slane Festival as a career highlight. And whether it's music stars or music lovers, millions of people claim a wealth of unique memories to treasure for life.
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Slane Castle organised numerous on-site and virtual events last year - including an interactive tour named 'Some Noises are Louder than Others'. This initiative united past attendees by allowing us to share our various experiences - like hijacking ambulances! They make for wonderful reading.
And no doubt, many, many more joyous moments will be created in Slane over the next 40 years.
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