Campaigners are pushing to establish a permanent memorial in Portstewart for late Wings and Joe Cocker guitarist Henry McCullough, who remains the sole artist from the island of Ireland to perform at the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
The Push for a Permanent Hometown Tribute in Portstewart
Calls have intensified to honor McCullough in the County Londonderry town where he was born in 1943. Josie McCullough told BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today programme that a statue or dedicated marker would properly recognize his unique contributions to rock history.
“A statue would mean a lot… he deserves to be recognised for the very unique person that he was,” Josie said in the broadcast interview. She emphasized that despite his international tours with major acts, her husband never forgot his roots and always considered Portstewart home.
Did you know? Henry McCullough is the only musician from the entire island of Ireland to take the stage at the legendary Woodstock Festival in August 1969, performing alongside Joe Cocker.
Musical Legacy: From Woodstock with Joe Cocker to Wings with Paul McCartney
McCullough’s career spanned decades of rock history. He started out playing with local bands in Northern Ireland, including Eire Apparent, a group that toured alongside Jimi Hendrix. By the late 1960s, McCullough joined The Grease Band, serving as Joe Cocker’s backing ensemble during their iconic performance at Woodstock.
In the 1970s, McCullough spent 18 months recording and touring with Paul McCartney and Wings after a series of impromptu jamming sessions. Sir Paul later praised McCullough’s standout guitar work, calling his solo on the US number one hit “My Love” a classic. Beyond Wings and Cocker, McCullough also toured extensively with rock legends such as Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd.
Next Steps for the Campaign
Local efforts to honor the guitarist are gaining momentum. Musician Wes Gilmore confirmed he has opened discussions with the Causeway Coast and Glens Council regarding a permanent memorial. Gilmore is also consulting with local MLAs and planning upcoming talks with Northern Ireland’s Arts Council.
“I am hopeful something will happen,” Gilmore said, noting that McCullough’s distinct playing style heavily influenced his own musical upbringing. BBC News NI has reached out to the Causeway Coast and Glens Council for an official statement regarding the proposed memorial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Henry McCullough?
Henry McCullough was a renowned Northern Irish guitarist born in Portstewart in 1943. He played with Joe Cocker at Woodstock, toured with Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd, and spent 18 months as a member of Paul McCartney’s band, Wings.
Why are campaigners seeking a memorial?
Campaigners, led by his wife Josie and local musician Wes Gilmore, want to permanently honor McCullough in his hometown of Portstewart to recognize his historic musical achievements and deep ties to the local community.
What was Henry McCullough’s most famous musical contribution?
He played the celebrated guitar solo on Paul McCartney and Wings’ US number one hit single “My Love,” which Sir Paul famously described as a classic.
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