Former editor of Smash Hits and Empire, Barry Mcllheney, has passed away.
A legendary figure in British magazine publishing, Barry, originally from Belfast, came into his own during the punk era, playing in the band Shock Treatment. Despite a planned single for the influential Northern Irish label Good Vibrations – known for releasing The Undertones' 'Teenage Kicks' – being canceled, his passion for music remained strong.
After moving to London, Barry Mcllheney quickly became prominent as a writer, securing several notable by-lines in Melody Maker. He was appointed editor of Smash Hits in 1986, leading the magazine through a remarkable period that saw weekly sales peak at 800,000.
When Dave Hepworth, a former colleague from Smash Hits, proposed starting a film publication, Barry readily agreed. As the founding editor of Empire, he played a crucial role in establishing it as an essential voice in UK film criticism.
In 1994, Barry Mcllheney took on the role of managing director at EMAP Metro, overseeing publications like MOJO, Q, FHM, and more, and he was instrumental in launching Heat magazine in 1999.
Later transitioning to consultancy work, Barry Mcllheney's wealth of experience led to his appointment as Chief Executive of the Professional Publishers Association.
Multiple sources close to Barry Mcllheney have confirmed his unexpected passing at the age of 65.
In a statement, his brother Colin McIlheney shared:
With a heavy heart, I must convey the news that my brother Barry passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of yesterday morning, Monday, 26th May, at his home in Spain. This news has come as a tremendous shock to our family, particularly to Lola, Frankie, and Mary. We all cherished Barry deeply, and I had a special bond with him. He will be greatly missed by all of us.
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Barry McIlheney, the former editor of Smash Hits and Empire, has passed away. A genuine icon of British magazine publishing, the Belfast native matured during the