Tommy Tiernan returned to screens on Saturday night with the highly anticipated ninth season of his hit chat show, The Tommy Tiernan Show, set against the backdrop of heartfelt tributes and insightful discussions. The premiere had viewers captivated, but it was one poignant moment during the show, particularly a tribute to late Cork musician Eoin French, known professionally as Talos, which truly stole the spotlight.
Eoin French, who passed away at the young age of 36 last August after battling cancer, was celebrated by Tiernan and his guests through music, emotion, and memory. The episode featured esteemed guests including musician Pete Doherty, acclaimed author Irvine Welsh, and Gaelgeoir Aedín Ní Thiarnaigh, who shared their experiences across various topics from personal struggles to the cultural significance of art.
Pete Doherty, who opened up about his musical influences and personal life, offered reflections on his artistic journeys. "Without it being comfortable, or without it being amicable, I feel I’ve settled all my debts," he stated during the show, contemplating the ups and downs of his career and relationships.
Welsh, known for his iconic novel Trainspotting, shared insights from his own childhood and creative inspirations, discussing how his past shapes his writing. His honest commentary on life and the struggles therein added depth to the show, allowing viewers to connect with his narrative. Aedín Ní Thiarnaigh added to the evening by discussing her work with Irish biodiversity, emphasizing community and connection within her island life. "If you don’t want to be lonely, you never have to be. There’s always somewhere to go," she expressed, highlighting the importance of belonging.
Despite the intellectual exchanges and humorous anecdotes, the emotional highlight of the night came as the show transitioned to its tribute segment. A touching performance of ‘We Didn’t Know We Were Ready’ was delivered by various musicians including Dermot Kennedy and members from Sounds from a Safe Harbour. The performance not only honored Eoin French’s memory but also highlighted the impact of his musical contributions on the Irish music scene.
Viewers were visibly moved, taking to social media to express their appreciation and sadness at the tribute. Comments flooded platforms, with one viewer stating, "A breathtaking tribute to a talent lost far too soon x," reflecting the shared sentiment of many who tuned in. Another remarked, "Gorgeous tribute to a beautiful man," reminding everyone of the legacy French left behind.
The collective performance featured several musicians, including Jófrídur Ákadóttir, Kate Ellis, Sandrayati Fay, Steph French, Louise Leahy, The Staves, Ye Vagabonds, and Christ Van Der Ven, showcasing the power of collaboration and the deep connections within the music community. Viewers described the experience as "absolutely stunning" and noted it could easily qualify as RTÉ's greatest musical moment in over a decade.
The tribute not only reflected the beautiful artistry of Eoin French but also stirred intense emotion, providing solace to those mourning his loss. Social media was filled with praise for the performance with viewers sharing their goosebumps, having experienced such heartfelt rendition. One commenter noted, "Wow," with many adding emojis to express their emotions succinctly.
The Tommy Tiernan Show resumed its runtime following the touching tribute, emphasizing Tiernan's ability to navigate between laughter and tears, from humor to heartfelt discussions on life's impermanence and the impact of artistry.
The show continues to be relevant, and with its unique format, it perfectly encapsulates the essence of human experience—where joy and sorrow coexist, and where memories of those lost are revered through art. Tiernan's humor and sincerity create a space where guests can openly share their truths, making The Tommy Tiernan Show not just another chat show, but rather a platform for real connection.
With the emotional tribute now behind them, viewers were left anticipating how the shows to follow would continue to blend the humorous with the heartfelt, intertwining the legacy of Eoin French and the arts through the weeks to come. The Tommy Tiernan Show returns to RTÉ One next Saturday at 9:45 PM, promising more engaging conversations and emotional moments.