The history of country music in Ireland has become indelibly linked with the McBride family from Oram just outside Castleblayney. Mention the town of Castleblayney anywhere in Ireland and the first thing people think of is Big Tom. From the rolling hills of Monaghan came forth the King of Irish Country, a man whose outreach touched the hearts of countless thousands on both sides of the Irish Sea.
The history of country music in Ireland has become indelibly linked with the McBride family from Oram just outside Castleblayney. Mention the town of Castleblayney anywhere in Ireland and the first thing people think of is Big Tom.
From the rolling hills of Monaghan came forth the King of Irish Country, a man whose outreach touched the hearts of countless thousands on both sides of the Irish Sea.
Big Tom was the ultimate legend of the entire era. His passing back last April evoked an outpouring of sadness seldom seen on the island of Ireland.
His son, Tom McBride Jnr (Thomas) will feel the warmth of the amazing adulation bestowed on his father when he launches his new band on Sunday night (24 February), in Watters Old Coach Inn in Castleblayney.
The event is generating a huge buzz and already people from as far away as Waterford, Limerick, Clare, Mayo, Galway, Dublin, and around the Ulster region have booked accommodation in the town.
Tom Jnr says it will be an emotional night for him when he takes to the stage in his hometown.
“It is something that hardly ever crossed my mind in other times. I did a fair bit of drumming but was never one to come out front and sing the songs even though I did a bit of singing with my cousins in the past.
"There were four of us in the band, Jerome McBride, Margaret Murray, Peter Brady and myself and we were all cousins.
He always spoke plain and simple and wouldn’t overdo it. But those words stuck with me and gave me a will to go on with it
“I remember a Christmas Day around three years ago out home in Oram when we were all there and had a bit of a sing-song. I sang a song or two and dad said ‘By God, you’re not too bad at all at the singing’.
“He always spoke plain and simple and wouldn’t overdo it. But those words stuck with me and gave me a will to go on with it.
"They were what inspired me to go ahead with what I am doing this weekend in ‘Blayney.”
You can’t help but notice the same laid-back country style of Tom Jnr and that of his legendary father.
“Patsy (Pakie) McDermott is band-leader for the launch night and it is a brilliant connection with my dad’s career as Patsy was the lead guitarist with The Travellers when dad fronted them. He is pure class and regarded as one of the top musicians in the country. We also have a few other good ones on board so it should be a mighty night in ‘Blayney.
“We’ll see how things go and we’ll take it from there. I would love to do a few shows around the country but we’ll take it one step at a time.”
Recent days has seen Tom and the band in regular rehearsals.
“I’ll be doing a lot of the songs that were associated with my father. My opening song is The Pain of Loving You and others include Back to Castleblayney, Gentle Mother, Old Love Letters, Give My Love to Rose, Dim Lights Thick Smoke and Loud Loud Music and Going Out The Same Way You Came In.”
As the big night draws near, Tom senses the buzz and expectation building up around it.
“All the McBride family will be in for the night and it will be lovely to have my siblings – Dermot, Aisling and Siobhan – and the family circle and close friends in attendance. I know some of dad’s many followers are coming here from around the country too.
“I was a bit apprehensive about the big occasion and I went to the grave in Oram and said some prayers and asked mam and dad to guide and be there for me.
“Big Dan (Murtagh) pushed me all the way and put me under pressure to do it. I’m glad I did now. I am looking forward to it in a special way with such great support from so many people. I hope everyone who comes along will enjoy a great night in ‘Blayney.”
The launch of Tom McBride Jnr and his band on Sunday night is part of the 10th anniversary weekend celebrations at Watters Coach Inn. It starts with John Glenn and The Mainliners on Friday night and Mick Flavin and his band are there on Saturday night.
Read more
The enduring love for Big Tom
Heard it on the grapevine
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