For many years my Irish friends took me round the Irish pubs and dancehalls of London. My friends favourite band was Big Tom so I saw him quite a few times. Although all of the songs might not be brilliant the music were great for dancing and the atmosphere was great. Big bands are still popular with the Irish both in Ireland and England - and I presume the US.After all outside folk dance clubs and festivals where can you go to a ceilidh? How long has Big Tom been going anyway? He must be in his 70's by now.