Penrose pays tribute to the late singer Big Tom

Labour TD Willie Penrose has paid tribute to the late singer Big Tom McBride who has died at the age of 81.

Deputy Penrose said:

“As someone who has always been very supportive of the Irish music industry, I am really saddened to hear of the passing of Big Tom today, and would like to offer my condolences to his four children, family, friends and all those who listened to and loved his music.

“Big Tom will always be remembered as the King of Irish country music; he was a true icon and his passing is a great loss to his many fans at home and around the world.

“Big Tom’s music was hugely popular not only here in Ireland but also with the Irish diaspora abroad, and I grew up listening to his music myself.

“I recall attending one of his big gigs in the Galtymore at Cricklewood in London in the 1970s, and just like most of his gigs, there was a huge queue at every Big Tom venue.

“One of the earliest memories I have of Big Tom’s music is my late mother learning the lyrics to ‘Gentle Mother’ back in the 1960s. The simplicity of the lyrics of all his music resonated with so many people.

“Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”