The Late Late Show has produced some momentous musical performances over the years and, with the programme's return to our screens this week, we asked Ryan Tubridy what it feels like to get a closer than front row seat to some of the most memorable performances in Irish musical history.
"One of the privileges of presenting the show is to be sitting so close to so much talent, to some of the most amazing performers from this country and abroad. That could be Don McLean singing American Pie sitting right beside you or Bono and The Edge performing their latest song".
"Sometimes there are performances on the Late Late that I thought I’d never get to see live, and then it's right beside me, it is spine-tingling".
The country stood still as Sinead O' Connor gave a powerful performance of Nothing Compares 2 U in 2019, she dedicated this particular performance to Prince who wrote the song.
"There is something special when we’re having a session on the show and sitting right beside you is Christy Moore, lashing out the hits and looking at you smiling with a twinkle in his eye encouraging the crowd"
"Another highlight was shooting the breeze with the Beautiful South, Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbot - these artists are playing music that you listened to as a child and then as an adult, it is quite remarkable".
Kerry actress and musician Jessie Buckley treated the Late Late audience to a beautiful rendition of Emmy Lou Harris's Boulder to Birmingham, featured in Buckley's hit musical movie Wild Rose.
Imelda May has graced the Late Late with many memorable performances, and more recently with her powerful spoken word. 2014 saw her on the Late Late Show joined by the Clew Bay Pipe Band performing The Tears of Clew Bay.
Finbar Furey and Christy Dignam's rendition of Green Fields of France is one of the audience's favourite performances to watch again and again, with over ten million views on YouTube.
"Part of the reason I love the job is because I love music and, to be that close to that much talent and that sense of musical history is stunning. Down through the years, we’ve had so many artists that make you want to pinch yourself and I hope that translates to the people at home tapping their foot along to the music, I like to think of the show as the country’s front room - and everyone’s welcome".
The Late Late Show is back on our screens Friday at 9:35pm on RTÉ One - catch up on the RTÉ Player.
