John Glenn and Mainliners

The Mainliners, fronted by John Glenn, will make a nostalgic visit back to the Royal Ballroom Theatre in Castlebar on 1 December.

This was the venue where Big Tom and the band established all kinds of records over many years, and where there was never any doubt about who was the king of country music in Ireland.

With the sad passing of Big Tom McBride back in April, The Mainliners took a break for a few months before heading out on the road for a select number of dates with John Glenn as lead singer. John was the only possible choice to front the band, as he held that position for three years from 1975 to 1978 when Big Tom fronted The Travellers.

On the weekend of the unveiling of the Big Tom monument in Castleblayney, John Glenn and The Mainliners headlined a big tribute night in The Glencarn Hotel in Castleblayney. They were joined on stage by Dermot McBride, son of the late Tom and Rose, and he received a huge welcome.

The Mainliners and John Glenn will be on stage at 10.30pm.

Camillus goes for 60s classic

Camillus Egerton has been keeping it country in the midlands since he can remember. The Mullingar singer has released a number of quality albums over the years.

This week sees the release of his new radio play single, Talk Back Trembling Lips. This song was a huge hit in America for Johnny Tillotson back in 1963. It was also a sizeable success for Roy Drusky and has had many covers over the years.

Camillus is hoping that this country standard will once again find favour with radio listeners and dancers alike.

Mary’s launch in Irishtown

Waterford-based Mary Prendergast will launch her new single, I Love Hello, in Bourke’s of Irishtown in Co Mayo on 7 December. The night will serve as a fundraiser for the local Brickens Meals on Wheels. Joining her will be Kevin Prendergast from Mayo and John McIntyre from Cavan. Tickets are €10.

Michael is Holding Things Together

Offaly singer Michael Farrell has released his latest album, Holding Things Together. Michael is a staunch fan of the music of Johnny Cash and previously released a tribute album in honour of his hero.

Holding Things Together, named after the Merle Haggard song, features 18 songs which Michael includes in his regular gig dates around the midlands.

“This is my third album and I have chosen songs that I like to do every now and again at my shows. They always go down a treat and are all well known country classics,” says Michael.

Among them are Pretty Little Girl from Omagh, Dim Lights Think Smoke, Little Ole Wine Drinker Me, Diane, I Dreamed of an Old Love Affair, I Could Never Be Ashamed of You, Yonder Comes a Sucker, Railroad Bum and Truck Driving Man.