When the curtain closed on the 2018 Late Late Show Country Music Special, it did so with a moment that left not a single dry eye in the room. In a heartfelt and unforgettable tribute to Big Tom McBride — the beloved “King of Irish Country” — a lineup of Ireland’s finest country music stars came together to honor the man who paved the way for them all.
From the opening chords, the tone was clear: this wasn’t just a performance. It was a homegrown celebration of a giant.
Legends like Daniel O’Donnell, Susan McCann, Cliona Hagan, Patrick Feeney, and many others filled the stage to perform a medley of Big Tom’s most cherished songs, including “Gentle Mother,” “Four Country Roads,” and “The Old Log Cabin for Sale.”
As the voices blended in harmony and the crowd softly sang along, the emotion in the room became almost tangible. It was more than music — it was memory, legacy, and gratitude.
“Big Tom wasn’t just a singer,” Daniel O’Donnell said in his tribute. “He was the voice of a generation. The soundtrack of our lives.”
Big Tom passed away in April 2018, but this tribute showed his spirit remains ever-present — in every lyric, every voice, and every heart that still beats for country music in Ireland. His influence shaped the careers of those on stage that night, and his memory continues to inspire new generations.
The medley closed to a standing ovation, with fans visibly moved — many wiping away tears. It wasn’t just the end of a TV special; it was a collective goodbye, wrapped in song, love, and reverence.
If you’ve ever been touched by the sound of Big Tom’s voice, or the stories his songs told, this performance is a must-see. It reminds us that while legends may leave the stage, their songs never stop playing.