Since 2007, Ireland’s Celtic Thunder has been making amazing music, and this breathtaking performance of ‘Home’ is no exception!
Recorded live in Ontario, Canada in 2015, the video features the youngest member of Celtic Thunder, Damian McGinty. Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, Damian is now 31 years old, but he was only in his twenties at the time of this performance. And, he began singing with Celtic Thunder years before that—at the age of 14!
A few years later, in 2011-2012, Damian played Rory Flanagan in 18 episodes of the hit show Glee, and most recently he competed in Ireland’s version of Dancing with the Stars. One thing is for sure, Mr. McGinty has not let the green grass grow under his feet. He has been busy!
Several Celtic Thunder fans commented on the YouTube video, saying that they watched Damian grow up as a member of the group and that George [Donaldson] would be proud. Mr. Donaldson was a past member of the group; he died in 2014.
As the performance starts, Damian strolls down the stage steps and tosses his jacket beside him as he takes a seat. The stage resembles a rock wall and a lighthouse in the sea fills the giant screen behind the musicians. The song’s lyrics are printed in a distinctively Irish-looking font on an emerald green band that nearly matches the color of the singer’s eyes. The Celtic Thunder Band, the stage design, the mood that is created, and Damian’s pristine voice together create a beautiful—a bonny—cover of Michael Bublé’s 2005 song!
At 2:55, the singer lands perhaps the longest “home” before tossing his microphone from one hand to the other, bounding up a few steps, and spinning back toward the audience. It’s a fun few moments. He then picks up his jacket, throws it over his shoulder, and sings the final lyrics.
Here are those final perfect lines:
It’ll all be alright
I’ll be home tonight
I’m coming back home
Who doesn’t understand the joy of simply heading home? Home is sweet.
