FIPP pays tribute to media legend Barry McIlheney

It was with great sadness that FIPP learnt about the sudden death of the former CEO of the PPA and legend of British magazine publishing Barry McIlheney on Monday. The Belfast-born founding editor of Empire magazine, former editor of Smash Hits and one-time vocalist for post-punk band Shock Treatment died in his sleep at the age of 65.

His brother Colin McIlheney shared news of the journalist and broadcaster’s passing on Facebook, writing: “It is with a very heavy heart that I have to share the news that my brother Barry died unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of yesterday morning, Monday 26th May at his home in Spain.

“This has come as a terrible shock to our family and especially to Lola, Frankie and Mary. We all loved Barry very much and I shared a close bond with him […] He will be very much missed by us all.”

Paying tribute to Barry, FIPP CEO Alastair Lewis said: “Barry Mac was a legend of our industry and one who was always a proud partner, member and friend of FIPP and so many of our members around the world. We are truly saddened by the news of his passing and wish to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and many, many friends.

“It is perhaps fitting that I first met Barry on the dancefloor at a PPA Awards. I remember being somewhat starstruck by the man who had edited all those many issues of Smash Hits I had devoured in the mid to late 80s in my early teens, and then Empire in my student years.

“He truly was a titan of our industry. In his time at the PPA, Barry ensured a close and fruitful partnership with FIPP. Without a doubt, FIPP would not be where it is today without Barry’s support and partnership during that period, and his presence at and contributions to FIPP Congresses, DIS events and more over the years were always insightful and very often highly amusing. 

“Our industry will mourn the loss of a great and endearing character who inspired a generation of music and movie fans and then helped lead an industry through a period of dramatic change and transformation.”

Born in Northern Ireland’s capital, Barry McIlheney first made a name for himself as the singer of Shock Treatment, rubbing shoulders with the likes of U2 and The Skids on the local live music scene. After being accepted onto the City University journalism course in London, he started his writing career at local newspapers.

He landed a job at Melody Maker in the early 1980s before being appointed the editor of Smash Hits in 1986, where he led the publication through a golden era – the magazine selling one million per issue at its peak in 1989.

Following a suggestion from an old Smash Hits colleague, Dave Hepworth, McIlheney became the founding editor of the world’s leading film magazine Empire in 1989, enjoying a three-year reign at the helm. He next became the Managing Director at EMAP Metro in 1994, overseeing iconic titles, including Q, FHM and Mojo, and later spearheading the launch of Heat magazine in 1999.

His wealth of media industry experience eventually led McIlheney to the PPA where he joined as CEO in 2010. In an interview published on the PPA website in 2020, McIlheney listed the privilege of running the PPA and bringing the whole industry together like never before as one of the highlights of his career.

Mourning the loss of McIlheney, the PPA said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Barry, former CEO of the PPA. Barry was a passionate champion of our sector, the magazine brands it represents, and the talented journalists at the heart of it.

“During his time as CEO of the PPA, he worked closely with members to champion the industry’s role in UK culture and business, helping keep publishing relevant and respected through times of change. We will pay our respects to his career and various roles in the publishing sector and at the PPA in the coming days. On behalf of the PPA and our members, we extend our deepest sympathies to Barry’s family, friends, and former colleagues.”