By Monk
Barry McIlheney, original vocalist with Belfast punk veterans Shock Treatment, has died suddenly at the of 65.
Founded by McIlheney and guitarist Davy McLarnon in the late Seventies, Shock Treatment released three singles through the legendary Good Vibrations label before splitting in 1982 after the singer moved to London to pursue a career in journalism, initially with Melody Maker and then as editor of Smash Hits. He went on to be the founding editor of the film magazine Empire.
McIlheney reunited with McLarnon in the post-Covid era, with Shock Treatment releasing their second album, ‘Exclusive Photos‘, in February 2024.
He died peacefully, in his sleep, at his home in Spain, on Monday (26 May). On behalf of the entire Belfast music community, we at ÜRHQ extend our deepest condolences to his family and band mates, past and present.