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Big Tom McBride was undoubtedly one of the biggest names ever associated with Irish country music and tributes have been paid from the country music world and far beyond following his death this morning.
With a career spanning over 50 years, Big Tom was best known as the frontman of Big Tom and the Mainliners.
The iconic star’s passing at the age of 81 was announced in a statement on Big Tom’s official Facebook page.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father Big Tom McBride (RIP) this morning.
“Dad passed away peacefully in the company of his family. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace."
His wife Rose, who was very well-known in country music circles, passed away at the beginning of February.
At the Irish Country Music Awards 2016 he was the first inductee to the RTÉ Country Hall of Fame. On the night his performance of The Same Way You Came In very nearly blew the roof off RTÉ.
The king
In a tribute to Big Tom on RTÉ Radio One this morning, Daniel O’Donnell said: “We referred to him as the king."
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