A NIGHT TO REMEMBER: Big Tom’s Legacy Celebrated in Emotional Medley on The Late Late Show
The spirit of Irish country music came alive on The Late Late Show when a host of performers gathered to honor the memory of Big Tom McBride, affectionately remembered as the “King of Irish Country.” The medley, broadcast on RTÉ One, was more than just a performance — it was a celebration of a man whose voice defined generations and whose songs continue to echo in the hearts of those who grew up with his music.
For many, Big Tom was more than an entertainer; he was part of the family fabric. His songs were the soundtrack of rural dances, Sunday drives, and countless gatherings across Ireland. From the stirring “Four Country Roads” to the tender “Gentle Mother,” his repertoire carried stories of place, resilience, and love that resonated deeply with ordinary people. His passing in 2018 left a void that has never truly been filled, but tributes like this remind audiences of his enduring place in Ireland’s cultural story.
On stage, each artist brought their own style while remaining faithful to the sincerity of Big Tom’s original recordings. Backed by a live band, they moved seamlessly through some of his most beloved hits, weaving together a musical portrait of a man whose presence still lingers in every note. The arrangement highlighted both the power and the tenderness of Big Tom’s catalog, proving once again that his music transcends time.
The audience reaction was immediate and heartfelt. Viewers at home took to social media to share memories of hearing Big Tom on the radio or attending his shows in packed dance halls across the country. In the studio, applause often gave way to tears, as the performers captured not only the music but the emotion behind it. What emerged was a reminder that Big Tom’s songs were never just melodies — they were vessels of memory and identity for a nation.
The medley also underscored the unique position Big Tom held in Irish cultural life. At a time when country music was often overlooked by mainstream critics, he brought dignity and authenticity to the genre. His music spoke directly to the experiences of rural communities, giving voice to their joys and their struggles in a way few others managed. To many, he was not simply a singer, but a storyteller who carried the hopes and hardships of ordinary people in his songs.
For the artists who participated in the tribute, performing Big Tom’s music was an act of gratitude. Several spoke of his influence on their own careers, describing him as both a mentor and an inspiration. Their performances were delivered not with theatrical flourish, but with the sincerity that Big Tom himself embodied throughout his career.
The evening’s highlight was the closing chorus, where all the performers joined together in harmony. The studio filled with sound that seemed to bridge past and present, a living testimony to the way music keeps memory alive. It was a moment that drew together not only those in the room but also the countless viewers across Ireland and beyond who still hold Big Tom’s songs close to their hearts.
As the final notes faded, what lingered was not sadness but gratitude — gratitude for a life spent in music, gratitude for songs that continue to comfort and uplift, and gratitude for the legacy of a man whose voice will forever be part of Ireland’s story.
Big Tom McBride may be gone, but the medley on The Late Late Show proved that legends never truly leave us. Through music, memory, and the hearts of those who still sing his songs, his spirit remains — strong, timeless, and deeply loved.