Henry McCullough facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Henry McCullough
McCullough in the studio in 2008
Background information
Birth name	Henry Campbell Liken McCullough
Born	(1943-07-21)21 July 1943 Portstewart, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland
Died	14 June 2016(2016-06-14) (aged 72) Ballywindelland, Ballymoney, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Genres	Rock
Occupation(s)	Musician singer songwriter
Instruments	Guitar bass guitar vocals
Years active	1961–2012

Henry Campbell Liken McCullough (born 21 July 1943 – died 14 June 2016) was a talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter from Northern Ireland. He was famous for playing with well-known bands like Spooky Tooth, The Grease Band, and Paul McCartney and Wings. Henry also released his own music and worked as a session musician, meaning he played on other artists' recordings.

Henry McCullough: A Guitar Legend

Henry McCullough was a gifted musician. He was known for his unique guitar style. He played many different types of music.

Early Life and First Bands

Henry McCullough was born in Portstewart. He first became known in the early 1960s. He was the lead guitarist for a showband called the Skyrockets. This band was from Enniskillen. In 1964, Henry and three other members left the Skyrockets. They started a new band called Gene and the Gents. Their singer was Gene Chetty from South Africa.

In 1967, Henry moved to Belfast. There, he joined Chris Stewart, Ernie Graham, and Dave Lutton. They formed a psychedelic band called the People. Later that year, the band moved to London. They signed with Chas Chandler's management team. The group's name was changed to Éire Apparent. They toured with famous bands. These included Pink Floyd, Soft Machine, the Move, and the Jimi Hendrix Experience. They also toured with Eric Burdon and the Animals.

In February 1968, while touring in Canada, Henry returned to the United Kingdom. This was due to "visa problems." Mick Cox took his place in the band. Around May 1968, Henry joined a folk group called Sweeney's Men in Ireland.

Musical Journey in the 1970s

Around 1969, Henry McCullough went back to London. He started working with Joe Cocker. Henry joined Joe's backing band, the Grease Band. With Joe Cocker, he toured the U.S. and played at the famous Woodstock Festival. He later played on the Grease Band's album. During this time, he also played lead guitar on the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar (1970). He also played on the Spooky Tooth album The Last Puff (1970).

In January 1972, Paul McCartney asked Henry to join his new band, Wings. They planned a tour of British universities. Henry's first recording with Wings was the protest song "Give Ireland Back to the Irish" in February 1972. He was in the band for over a year. He played lead guitar on hit singles like "Hi, Hi, Hi", "Live and Let Die", and "My Love". He also played on the album Red Rose Speedway. Henry left Wings in August 1973. This was just before the Band on the Run album sessions.

In 1975, Henry joined the Frankie Miller Band. They recorded the album, The Rock. Later that year, Henry released his own album, Mind Your Own Business. It was on George Harrison's Dark Horse label.

Henry played as a session musician for many artists. These included Roy Harper, Frankie Miller, Eric Burdon, Marianne Faithfull, Ronnie Lane, and Donovan. In 1977, he briefly joined Dr. Feelgood.

The 1980s and 1990s

In 1980, Henry injured his hand. While recovering in Ireland, he decided to stay. He started playing with old friends, the Fleadh Cowboys, in Dublin. After this, he moved back to Portstewart. He formed a new band with Percy Robinson, Roe Butcher, and Liam Bradley.

In 1998, Henry went to Poland. He rehearsed with Polish musicians for a tour. After the tour, they recorded a live album called Blue Sunset. This led to another tour in Poland. When he returned home, Henry recorded "Failed Christian." This song has since been covered by Nick Lowe.

The 2000s and Beyond

Henry continued to record and perform. He released solo albums like Belfast To Boston (2001) and Unfinished Business (2003). The latter included his song "Failed Christian." Henry played concerts in Northern Ireland and Scotland. He had a backing band with Stephen Quinn and Sean McCarron.

In 2003, Henry played guitar for Alaskan musician The Rev Neil Down. He also helped organize the band for his release, When A Wrong Turns Right. The Henry McCullough Band – FBI Live was released in 2007. It was recorded at The Famous Bein Inn in 2006.

In 2007, the band Over the Rhine covered "Failed Christian." Henry also started working with Dave Sharp from the Alarm. They formed a band called the Hard Travelers. Their first show was in January 2008.

In 2008, Henry recorded Poor Man's Moon. This album was released only in Ireland. It featured new songs by Henry. Some songs were written with poet Eamon Carr. The album included the single "Too Late to Worry."

Henry attended Paul McCartney's concert in Dublin in 2009. Paul McCartney publicly thanked Henry for his work with Wings. In March 2010, Henry and his band were the main act at the Fifestock Festival in Scotland.

Later Years and Passing

Henry remained active in the European music scene. He played regular live shows with artists like Ed Deane and James Delaney. In 2011, Henry worked with Paul Doherty and the Vals. He contributed backing vocals and guitar to their song "Look to the One."

In November 2012, Henry suffered a heart attack. This left him in a very serious condition. Sadly, his death was mistakenly reported by some news outlets. Denny Seiwell, who played with Henry in Wings, said it was unlikely Henry would fully recover.

On 17 March 2015, a benefit concert was held for Henry. It took place at the Half Moon music venue. Many famous musicians performed, including Paul Carrack and Nick Lowe.

On 14 June 2016, Henry's wife Josie confirmed that he had passed away. He died at his home in Northern Ireland after a long illness. He had never fully recovered from his heart attack in 2012.

Discography

Solo Albums

Other Album Credits

Credits on Singles

See also

In Spanish: Henry McCullough para niños