Big Tom & The Mainliners

b. Thomas McBride, 18 September, Moy, Drumakill, Castleblayney, County Monaghan, Eire. A stalwart of Irish country music, McBride grew up on the family farm and achieved some success as a footballer, before relocating to work in England in the early 60s. While employed in London's building industry, he bought his first guitar and began singing in local pubs, before the death of his younger brother saw him return home to work the family farm. In 1965, he and six other local youths formed the Mainliners and began playing local venues. In May 1966, McBride (who also plays saxopho...