Former Celtic Thunder star Paul Byrom recently paid a touching tribute to his late bandmate George Donaldson, sharing a behind-the-scenes story that few fans had ever heard before silencing the entire hall with an emotional performance of “Remember Me (Recuerdame).”
The singer, known for his humor and powerful voice, reflected on his days with Celtic Thunder, recalling how George went from building buses in Scotland to performing at Radio City Music Hall. “George thought his dreams of being on stage were over,” Paul said.
“But suddenly, in his late thirties, he was living the dream. Every night he was out there signing autographs, meeting fans — he was so happy. I’d love to say when my time comes, I could go knowing I was as happy and living the dream like he did.”
As the first notes of “Remember Me” began, the audience fell silent — a rare, reverent moment that spoke louder than words.
Despite leaving Celtic Thunder years ago, Paul hasn’t lost his trademark wit. Between songs, he joked about the group’s early days, from nervous rehearsals to elaborate stage setups. “We were set up in this aircraft hangar,” he laughed, “George was somewhere on the other side of the village — and there I was, stuck in a wall singing a miserable love song!”
Fans online were quick to share their love. One longtime listener wrote that Paul’s voice “never gets old” and that his humor always “lifts the spirit.”
Others called him a “true showman” with “the voice of an angel” and praised the way he still honors George’s memory. Many agreed — Celtic Thunder was never quite the same after George’s passing, and Paul’s tribute was a reminder of the brotherhood they shared on and off stage.
Paul continues to tour, bringing the same warmth, charm, and emotion to every performance. As one fan put it, “He makes us laugh, then leaves us in tears — that’s the magic of Paul Byrom.”
