Anglo&Celtic talks to Melbourne couple Tom and Meaghan McGlynn about their life journey from Riverdance to Home and Away and The Wiggles. The couple will be giving a talk in Melbourne Celtic Club’s Celtic Connections series this month.
Dublin-born Tom McGlynn was the lead singer for Riverdance in 1994, and Meaghan McGlynn was one of the first female Australian Irish dancers recruited by Riverdance. Tom is also brother of Michael and John McGlynn, singers, songwriters and producers of famed Irish vocal ensemble Anúna.
First up, we speak to Tom.
What was it like to be the original lead singer of Riverdance during its early years?
“I didn’t know how big it was. It was enormous… selling out first The Point Depot, then Hammersmith Apollo for nearly two years. Back then it was called simply Riverdance, one show, and those were the glory days. It was a sellout everywhere it landed. Being in it was like not knowing about it. We were part of a vast wheel, endlessness turning, we were just hanging on for the ride.”
Can you share some memorable moments from those times?
“Working with Flatley was a great experience. He was a man’s man, tough, strong, unbeatable. The man knew no limits and his like will never be seen again. A good pal. He behaved himself like a gentleman wherever we went. When he appeared on the stage in a blast of dry ice, he was like TNT, he was Chicago, his own dynamite.”
For a time, you worked in Stockholm, Sweden, with chimney sweepers. What led you to such an unconventional job?
“I went there with no concept of what I was going to see, and how to live, but was always prepared to work at anything. I educated myself through working and learning Swedish, it’s a very hard language, not for the faint-hearted.
“I loved being a ‘sotare’, or chimney sweep. Your office was the sky, and very dark passages and no interference. It could be -7 to -15 degrees up there but it was a winter wonderland.
“There was a lot of danger involved, we had no safety harnesses, so if you slip you’re going get very hurt or die or end up disabled.”
You used to play punk music with a band called Splitz, then worked with choir Anúna. Can you describe your musical journey?
“One-way ticket. My brain could only go forward.
“People used to say to me the stage is the same no matter what you type of it you do. Well, they were never a lead singer in a punk band, you could be wearing the stage by the time you left.
“Anúna touched me very deeply, its music haunts me in different moments of my life to this day. It was run and owned by my brother Michael, composer extraordinaire, a genius with sound and composition. Placing the right voice in just in the right place, he is pitch-perfect and if you sing out of tune, you’d know it.
“Anúna provided music and choreography now being copied all over the world and was pivotal in the success of Riverdance.”
You wrote songs for The Wiggles and your son’s Godfather is Blue Wiggle Anthony. How did this connection come about?
“I’ve got my wife to thank for that. She had previously worked with them and was friends with Anthony. He had seen Riverdance before and knew who I was. He was well astute to the world, and it showed. I liked him instantly.
“He employed me to help with merchandise. He then asked me to sing and appear on The Wiggles’ Let’s Eat album and I couldn’t refuse. Armed with ruffled notes and a lot help of all on set, off I went, but he knew I could do it and so did I.
“The album landed Anthony with another Aria award to add to his collection. He then asked me could I write songs, so off I went and wrote Irish Stew, a hot favourite for Irish Wiggles fans.
“And then there was the song Superanto.
“My son Danny was five, obsessed with superheroes and with a keen ear for music. He was humming a song that was in his head, and I wrote it down, and added lyrics, co-wrote it with my son. And low and behold, Superanto was born.”
Next up, we speak to Tom’s wife and former Riverdance dancer, Meaghan McGlynn.
As one of the first Australian female Irish dancers to secure a contract with Riverdance, how did you feel when you got the role?
“We had just watched Riverdance in Australia, and were amazed at the talent that we saw at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. My Mum, who has run a very successful Irish dance school for 60 years, came to me, and said: ‘Hey Meaghan, would you like to audition for Riverdance?’ I said: ’Pardon?’ She said: ’Riverdance are auditioning here in Australia in three weeks.’ I was shocked. I had three weeks to get ready with intense training, and practiced everyday, something I was well used to!”
You’ve had the opportunity to perform at prestigious venues like the Sydney Opera House. What were your most memorable times there?
“It was a brilliant experience, I performed there from a very young age at the Folkloric festival. I was about seven when I did my Opera House debut. It was such a huge honour to perform at Australia’s most prestigious venue. We did this for several years, representing Ireland in the Folkloric festival.”
Tell us about your experience working in TV and film, including shows like Home and Away and Power Rangers.
“I used to take days off school and travel with my Mum to Channel 7, to work on Home and Away. I joined a talent agency, Sydney’s No. 1, through a friend and pleaded with Mum to be able to work in TV. The jobs came in, and I absolutely loved it. I got to attend ‘Summer Bay’ both on the beach, and in the studios, and became a bit of a regular.
“Power Rangers was a whole different experience. It was an American production in Sydney, on a huge set, with what I imagine was a much bigger budget. I was an extra, and we were treated like kings and queens. It was incredible to see all the cast at crew at work on such a big production.”
Performing with The Wiggles must have been an exciting opportunity. Could you share your favourite moments?
“I am fortunate to know Anthony Wiggle for 30 years. He advised he was coming to Melbourne to film with The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and asked did I want to perform with them.
“To participate with The Wiggles in action, and as a Mum of a two-year-old, I was so excited that I would have something to show my child, that their Mummy was able to do, at the ripe old age of 37!”
Tom and Meghan McGlynn will take part in Celtic Connections on Thursday, 19th October, at Victoria Hotel, Melbourne. Click here for more information.
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