This is a subscriber-only article
Although one is a comedian and the other a singer and musician, both Brendan Grace and the late Big Tom McBride are known as entertainers. With two long careers “on the scene”, over the years they were always friendly and respected each other as entertainers, but in the 10 years prior to Big Tom’s passing they became firm friends.
On a recent visit to Castleblayney, Brendan paid tribute to the man he refers to as the “daddy” of them all.
Brendan and his wife Eileen were away at their home in Florida when Big Tom died on 17 April 2018. “The news hit me in a profound way and was a major shock at the time. He was a big strong man and always looked the part.
While I was busy doing my own comedy and cabaret circuit during the 1970s and 80s, I was always aware of the mass appeal of this big man from Co Monaghan
“I knew when Rose died, it was very obvious it had taken a lot out of him. I watched the tributes to Tom and the coverage while in Florida. The sincerity of the people and the genuine tributes made you realise what an icon he was in showbiz.
“While I was busy doing my own comedy and cabaret circuit during the 1970s and 80s, I was always aware of the mass appeal of this big man from Co Monaghan.
“Big Tom was such a part of the fabric of life for so many people in Ireland. It was only in more recent years that I really got to know him so well and we became special friends. I always knew him the same as everyone else did, but getting to know him on a personal level was something else.
“Myself and Eileen used to go to a few of Tom and The Mainliners shows and we would meet them, we’d stand at the bar and he’d knock back a few brandies. I always remember everytime I met Tom down through the years, I’d say: ‘How are things, Tom?’ His replay was always: 'Making a bob or two!'”
We arrived in the town and Margo and Dermot took us around to see the famous statue. Of all the monuments of this nature I have seen over the years, this was the most realistic
Brendan, a veteran of The Late Late Show appearances himself, recalls the night Big Tom featured on the first country music special back in October 2015. “It was clear for everyone who was watching that night, the respect that existed for him on The Late Late Show, there was nothing to compare with it, nothing. It was absolutely incredible.”
It was a case of back to Castleblayney for Brendan and Eileen after contacting Big Tom’s son Dermot McBride and Margo. “We arrived in the town and Margo and Dermot took us around to see the famous statue. Of all the monuments of this nature I have seen over the years, this was the most realistic.
“The sculptor, Mark Richards from England, did an amazing job. I was tearful at the statue. I found it very emotional seeing Tom looking across at where he had The Log Cabin pub for a good many years.
“The song he did with Margo was also a fitting tribute. It was as if he had an inkling that it might be among his last recordings. I love him singing Going Out The Same Way You Came In. It is just fantastic.
“People were in awe of Tom. I am friendly with so many of the big names in Irish showbiz all through the years, but Tom was the ‘daddy’. He totally and genuinely never realised how much he was loved and respected by countless thousands for over half a century.”
As well as remembering Big Tom, Brendan is currently in the middle of recording a new three-hour documentary for RTÉ which focuses on the theme of memories.
“They commissioned Brian Reddin and we are about half way through it at the moment. It is called Thanks for the Memories and features guest contributions by Foster and Allen, Mike Denver, Sandy Kelly Louise Morrissey and an outreach to the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Society choir. It is due to air towards the end of October or early November.”
Brendan Grace is undertaking a 15-date Irish concert tour in July and August. For a full list of dates, see tomkellypromotions.com.
SHARING OPTIONS: