03.08.2007 : Kristina Curren wrote I saw Tommy perform in a stadium full of semi-inebriated revellers at a festival in the early 1990s. He was the last act of the night, and I was worried that the hecklers would turn on him next. He came onto the stage, dressed like a janitor, with nothing but a stool to sit on and his old banjo, and silenced the bawdy crowd before the end of his first song. No one even spoke while he was singing. He had them *mesmerized*. I've never seen anything like it before or since.

Rest ye well, Tommy.

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03.08.2007 : Matt Chasco wrote I saw Tommy with Liam Clancy at Irish Fest in Milwaukee many years ago. I met him after the show and we talked about music for a few minutes. I felt honored that such a great musician readily offered his time and advice to an ordinary kid like me! I kept up with music lessons thanks to his kind words and I am forever grateful. Music is a tremendous part of my life and Tommy Makem played a part in that. Thanks, Tommy.

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02.03.2008 : claire phillips lucy wrote I first saw Tommy Makem and the Clancy brothers on the Ed Sullivan show. Being Irish, thought of them as heroes. I really got caught up in their music in the 70s. I never ever dreamed I would see them in person. After moving to S. MD in the late 80s I found out that they frequented the PUBS in DC each year. I was fortunate to see them many many times in person. On one such occasion when Tommy and Liam were together I saw them in concern. Before the concert we were having dinner and they walked in and sat next to us. I couldn't eat my dinner for staring at them. We walked back to the theater and had my picture taken with them. It is still one of my most prized possessions. I just found out tonight at a festival that he died. May he rest in peace. I am sure he is still singing for everyone in heaven and teaching the angels the chorus.

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10.06.2009 : George Locke wrote In 1978, I was considering recording "Trinity" by Leon Uris through the Books for the Blind service.. I am an ex-radio announcer and also play and sing, and since I lived a few short miles from Dover NH where Tommy resided, I reasoned I would call him and arrange a time to sit down to learn the proper pronounciation of several Gallic words

Lo and behold, he answered the phone and after a moment or two, I asked him if I could drop by? "Of course." A few short days later I found myself with him, face to face, talking about Ireland.

It wasn't for ten or twenty minutes or even an hour, but for three solid hours that I listened and came to understand in a small way, the powerful history,and complicated story of his native land It was as though I was a nephew and he a wise old uncle. He set me straight about a few things.

There is so much more I would like to say about this powerful voiced, yet gentle spirited man. He made an enormous impression on my life and how I perform to this very day.

God bless you, Tommy.

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