From Big Tom to Nathan Carter, the country music story will unfold over what should be two glorious hours. Such has been the response to the breaking news about the show that many at RTÉ now believe that – with the exception of the annual Late Late Toy Show in December – this Friday night will register the next largest viewing figures for the season.

It has become the talk of the week in country circles and the show is set to provide a unique insight into what has made this genre such a part of the Irish psyche for close on six decades.

Ryan Tubridy is no stranger to life down the country. The Dubliner has long been a regular visitor to Connemara and the west, Ardmore in Waterford and other regions of the country and he has an acute awareness of the popularity of country music around Ireland.

Part of life

Ryan Tubridy said: “In many villages and towns you cannot but help notice the posters promoting country acts and dances. It is such a part of life for so many people. I have taken an interest in country music since I took over as host of the Late Late Show and we have had several of the well-known singers do guest spots over the last few seasons.

“I realise how popular this music is with so many people. But this Friday night is going to be the pinnacle. We are aware of the huge buzz being created around the country, but we have the same buzz here at the show ourselves. Dermot McEvoy, our music director, has been so supportive of this night and is very excited about the show. He is making sure that this is going to be one amazing night on RTÉ television.”

A trip to Memphis cemented Ryan’s fondness for country music in a special way.

“Country with a rock ’n’ roll twist has always appealed to me. I have always loved Elvis singing country songs and others like Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. I sat in the famous Sun Studios in Memphis and listened to the Million Dollar Quarter Sessions of 1956 featuring those legends. It was awesome. Modern rock ’n’ roll has a lot to thank country music for too.”

Ryan’s enthusiasm for Friday night knows no bounds: “I am so much looking forward to meeting Big Tom. Everyone in the business has something good to say about this man. And we are so honoured that The Mainliners are reforming for this night as well.

“We will have so many of the stars of Irish country on the show. I can’t wait to see Philomena Begley and Mike Denver do a duet on Blanket On The Ground. Nathan Carter is such a professional and bringing a whole new audience to country music. I love what they are doing by expanding the horizon of the music and I love the mix of generations involved in the country music scene.

“It is our great pleasure to present this night on national television and we feel it will introduce the appeal of country to a whole new generation. We genuinely believe it is going to generate an enormous response on Friday night,” enthuses Ryan.

milestone

Joe Finnegan from Shannonside-Northern Sound Radio, who has been liaising with RTÉ in the run up to this show, says it will be a milestone night in the history of The Late Late Show.

“RTÉ has done tribute shows to individual Irish legends on occasions over the years, but this is the first time that an entire genre of music and its heroes are being honoured on the same night. It will have a colossal impact and will be a huge boost for the country scene.”

Dermot McEvoy from RTÉ says no effort is being spared in preparing for what will be a truly special night: “I have a great feeling about this show. The people are going to love it. I am proud to be associated with it and I know Ryan will do a terrific job on the night.”

Declan Nerney, Margo O’Donnell, Dominic Kirwan, Ray Lynam, Robert Mizzell, Patrick Feeney, Jimmy Buckley and his daughter Claudia, are among the many artists on The Late Late Show this Friday night. Don’t miss it.