Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Tributes to Big Tom.. the King of country
Shock and sadness as music star passes away just weeks after wife
IRISH music legends have led tributes to “The King” of country Big Tom Mcbride after he died yesterday aged 81.
The Monaghan singer passed away surrounded by his family after more than 50 years in the music business.
It was also revealed in a statement his death comes just months after losing his wife Rose.
Speaking to Ryan Tubridy on RTE Radio One, singer Daniel O’donnell said he was “speechless” at the news.
He added: “We all referred to him as the king.
“He reached out to people in Ireland, and those who had emigrated, in the days so many lived in England and their connection with home was music and dances at the weekend.
“He meant so much to people and to the country singers in Ireland.
“He will be missed so, so much. He was the greatest.”
The Donegal crooner also spoke of Big Tom’s sadness after his wife Rose passed away in January. He said: “It’s just so sad. On the other hand, he was probably heartbroken without Rose. Maybe for him, it’s a gift from God.
“His family, I’m sure they are just devastated at his passing. It’s so sad to lose him – I’m just speechless.
“I’m sure since Rose died his life was darker. Every step Tom took, Rose was a step behind him.
“I can’t assume anything, only there is a great reunion in heaven today.”
Big Tom, who received the Irish Country Music Awards’ Hall of Fame honour in June 2016, was still performing on the country music circuit up until late last year.
Singer Philomena Begley described yesterday as a “sad, sad day” for music after news of the death broke.
She said: “He was a character in his own right. When he came into the room, he would light it up.
“He’d be full of devilment and you’d always have great conversations with him.
“I used to always say, ‘If you can’t dance to Big Tom then you just can’t dance’. He was great to dance to.” Country music star Declan Nerney told how Big Tom’s fans followed the singer like “a religion”.
He said: “He created something in that music genre that nobody else has ever equalled.
“No matter how far the music has maybe gone away from its roots, he was the roots of what country music was all about.
“The people who bought into Big Tom’s style of music, it was like a religion in a way because they lived their lives by the songs – particularly the emigrants in London, Manchester, Birmingham and further afield in New York. It was like a piece of Irishness they held on to that they got great comfort from. He reminded them of home, he was part of the culture of it.”
Margo Mcdonnell – who previously recorded with Big Tom – said she was heartbroken by the news of his passing.
She told RTE: “He was respected so much in this area because he had the common touch.
“Neighbours could come to him for anything. He has tractors and he used to give them to the neighbours to do the work.
“I’ve recorded with many, many people, even Dolly [Parton], but I was never as proud as the day Tom and I recorded together.
“This morning, my heart is broken. The only thing I’m happy about is that he’s with Rose.”
Young country singers Nathan Carter, Lisa Mchugh and Una Healy also took to social media to share their tributes to the music legend.
Irish President Michael D Higgins said lovers and supporters of Irish country everywhere will have heard of the death with sadness.
He added: “As one of the most charismatic and influential artists in Irish country music, Big Tom was widely respected and through his five decades of music-making he leaves a lasting legacy.
“His name will be recalled with fond memory by those who listened, and danced to, his and his band members’ generous nights of entertainment all over the island of Ireland.
“A big personality and one of the country’s greatest country stars, his love of music and his passion and skill have enriched Ireland’s music scene.
He was probably heartbroken without Rose. There is a great reunion in heaven today DANIEL O’DONNELL ON RTE RADIO ONE YESTERDAY
As president of Ireland I wish to express my deepest sympathies to his children Thomas, Dermot, Aisling and Siobhan, the members of his family, his friends and to the countless numbers of people at home and abroad who loved the man and his music.”
Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also said he was “very saddened” at the news of Big Tom’s death.
He added: “Big Tom was certainly a giant in Irish country music for over 50 years.
“His songs were a reflection of Irish life and an important connection for the Irish diaspora.
“Not many people are known by their first name, but that was Big Tom.
“It shows his popularity and his legendary status as the king of Irish country music.”
Fans of Big Tom will be able to pay their respects to the late star today between noon and 8pm at a public wake in Oram Community Centre, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan.
The funeral will then take place at 11am on Friday at St Patrick’s Church in Oram.
The singer was the lead vocalist of Irish showband Big Tom And The Mainliners, who were formed in the 1960s.
He went on to become one of the most popular acts on the country music scene with songs including Back To Castleblayney, The Same Way You Came In and Four Country Roads. A bronze statue of him is scheduled to be put up in his hometown of Castleblayney later this year.