He spent Thursday mingling with media and singing for fans at the London Eurovision Party. But Ryan O’Shaughnessy was back on home soil by Friday, giving the first TV performance of “Together” on The Late Late Show.
Ireland’s Eurovision 2018 representative kept things relatively simple, undoubtedly restricted by the Late Late’s notoriously poor staging options.
Donning a blue shirt, black jeans and white trainers, Ryan sat on a stool strumming a guitar. He was joined on stage by three backing vocalists — two female and one male. One of the ladies played a piano, while the other two were perched on stools like Ryan. The much-discussed music video played on a screen in the background.
This was the first time we’ve heard Ryan perform the track for television and with a full quotient of supporting singers. And all in all, Ryan delivered. A confident vocal combined with the live setting took the track to a new level, unlocking a power and resonance that’s not present on the studio cut.
The audience lapped it up, giving him a rapturous round of applause.
Ryan O’Shaughnessy “Together” Live on RTÉ’s The Late Late Show
Friday night’s Late Late appearance marks something of a departure for the Irish delegation. Traditionally, the Irish representative always calls in on the long-running chat show to perform their entry, but not until the Friday before Eurovision rehearsals begin.
This is most likely due to the country’s increased promotional efforts this year. After dropping “Together” with minimal hype some weeks back, the nation has since upped its PR game significantly. Ryan is set to appear at events in Tel Aviv, Amsterdam and Madrid. But his first stop was in London, where he caught up with our Deban.
The singer-songwriter is a man of many talents. Before singing, he started out acting in the Fair City soap opera. But he reveals that he can dance too. Which does he prefer?
“I prefer doing it all at the same time… Pretty sure it’s called a one-man band, so I like that”.
Eurovision runs in the family with his uncle Gary singing for Ireland in 2001. Yet Ryan never contemplated entering the contest himself until very recently.
“I saw Salvador last year winning with a song that was really beautiful… so I decided that this year would be a good year to enter a song”.
On his own song, Ryan explains how the first seeds were sown as he drank a coffee. With a friend’s personal story going through his mind, he wrote down some lyrics — “Why would true love look me in the eye and lie”. And thus, “Together” was born.
You can watch the full interview below.
Ryan O’Shaughnessy Interview at the London Eurovision Party 2018
Ryan O’Shaughnessy “Together” Live at the London Eurovision Party 2018
What do you think of Ryan’s Late Late performance? Can he break Ireland’s non-qualification streak? Let us know in the comments below.
A music to play in countless shady elevators around the globe.
Depression and some good old Guiness will do the trick on this one.
Guinness – this is the correct spelling-#
perhaps you don’y just understand the song. Pity.
He responded to a story- he did not make the story. Nothing has come of it so it has just been left behind. Why do we have to monitor and criticise every opinion,comment and response? He seems like a genuine person and is clearly talented.
The live vocal of this song has raised this up in my rankings. If he can work on his stage presence, then Ireland have a chance to qualify. Dark Horse!
I love this song. It gives me tingles when I hear it. I can relate to the message and Ryan’s voice is angelic.I can’t get enough of it.
Lacey, I agree. It is very emotional and such a lovely song.
Ireland has tried different styles beyond ballads without success so the issue is not the style/genre of the song.Ryan Dolan,Can-Linn and Nicky Byrne did not sing ballads.Black Daisy was a great song and not a ballad but was not successful. The reason Ireland has not been successful is not down to them sending ballads. Best of luck Ryan! I think this will be a qualifier.
I can see both sides of the argument on this. On one hand, there is nothing wrong with specializing in what you do best (economist David Ricardo), but on the other hand, only a fool would try the same thing and expect different results (Albert Einstein)
This is a really excellent, classy and emotional song from Ireland. I think it’s timeless and Ryan is such a great singer. A good song is a good song…..it doesn’t matter if it takes inspiration from 90’s ballads. Benjamin Ingrosso is taking inspiration from an old style of music too, but he also has a good song. It’s not a bad thing! I really like Ireland’s song and hope it qualifies (deservedly)
Comments about Ireland “living in the past” or trying to “relive the glory days” are really starting to be overdone. We actually have a pretty contemporary song this year that wouldn’t be out of place on an Ed Sheeran or Sam Smith album. I would understand the harking back to the past or reliving the glory days comments if we were sending the likes of Linda Martin or Johnny Logan back to Europe with similar songs to “Why Me” and “Hold Me Now” …which we really are not. Sure, we are not the best entry this year (France, Italy, Bulgaria,… Read more »
Very often the Irish delegation make comments like “all of our winners were ballads so that’s what we do best”, Ryan himself I think has compared his song to Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids…so I think to some degree, RTÉ are living in the past…would it really kill them to shake things up a little? What have they go to lose at this stage? Stop playing so safe. I do agree that Together is reminiscent of Ed Sheeran & Sam Smith, but unfortunately that is not a good thing in my opinion. They are both so boring, but yes, they are… Read more »
sorry youre bored Jonas#
but i study music at Trinity college Dublin- have you heard of it?
Id say this is a clever piece of music well written and it is not as simple as people here make out.
most of the negative comments here are tediously a load of nonsense from clueless individuals with zero taste in music NOW thats what I call music probably summarises their IPOD music collection!!
Ryan never compared his song to Rock n Roll Kids. He was talking about recreating the mood or atmosphere of that song by keeping it simple and relatively stripped back with him playing acoustic guitar. He never said anything about the song sounding like R n R K or being in that genre.
I keep hearing Together is like a 1990s Eurovision ballad or a Westlife song. That is complete nonsense, it’s much nearer to Ed Sheeran in style.
From what I am seeing there is as much love as there is hate for this entry. I love the song. I think the people who really love it will be loyal and vote for it compared to people who say they love another entry but not vote. I am not Irish so I can vote and I know a lot of people across Europe will vote for Ryan.
I wonder if we didn’t currently hold the record for most wins would you say that Ireland is “living in the past”. I also urge you to listen to the music of Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith, two of the biggest male solo vocalists out there at the minute and then ask yourself if Ireland is really as “dated” as you say. Just because it’s not a shout you female, belting out a Swedish produced dance floor beat and relying on some projection etc to carry the song does not mean it’s “dated”. Ireland has one of the most contemporary… Read more »
P.S. It was kinda cringey when he said “El Salvador” won for Portugal last year.
A mere slip of the tongue I think, he’s been saying Salvador in interviews all week, including to Deban on Wiwibloggs. I do believe him when he says Portugal’s win inspired him to enter this year, he’s pretty emphatic on this.
He did seem pretty nervous.
It was only the Late Late Show! I wonder how this bodes for Lisbon. Not that it affected his vocals, which is the main thing I suppose.
I hope the staging is better in Lisbon. In the past, RTÉ have always given the backing performers their moment in the sun, with camera time, name checks, hellos to their Mom, etc. They have a great team spirit, it seems, but this does not always serve the song. Keep the backing singers away from the spotlight, ditch the piano, the stage should not be crowded — this is about Ryan.
the piano has a singer
where should she go?
perhaps she could make tea?
It was in my top 5 since the song was released. Ryan is a fantastic singer. Will he do a Tom Dice like 2010?
I was thinking Tom Dice too. I think this will get to the final and do better than expected.
And Tom Dice was largely overlooked and ignored by fans before the Contest in 2010, so there’s no reason why Ryan can’t do better than expected.
I agree seeing this live he is very likable on stage I can see this being the surprise package this year
Is it just me or is this one of the best songs in the competition ?
And I am not even from Ireland .,
Agreed. For all those who want more contemporary songs recent Eurovision successes show that a good song is a good song and lasts the test of time. Irish ballads that won in the past would still win today because they are good songs. ‘In Your Eyes’ is a classic!
Seems like Ireland still can’t get over the fact that they didn’t send Eoghan Quigg’s Movie Song in 2014 and it bit them back when
the stripped back entry Calm After Storm did very well. That’s why their delegation has been choosing these sorts of entries for 3 straight years now starting with Molly in 2016. Let’s hope it works this time now. Its a great song with a simple performance.
Reminds me of paul Brady
Paul Brady wrote paradise is here
Became a huge hit for Tina turner
Not sure you get eurovision fans on this forum with a proper understanding of good music
Calm after the storm was much better than Eighan Quigg and did well because it’s a good song and not because of the genre. Style is irrelevant. It is about if a song connects with the viewing and listening audience.
Fabulous live performance that really brings out the emotions and the beauty of this song. This could very well qualify.
Ireland, this an average performance, I’m still not buying the gay thing. Your not getting voted from me that for sure.
This songs sounds like a Westlife reject from 1999.
Hope Ireland copes without your single vote !
Westlife? Are you mad? No connection whatsoever. How can people call this dated when it would not be out of place if recorded by Ed Sheeran,Sam Smith and the like?
Westlife’s songs were power ballads with about 20 voices on them and big orchestral productions. Ryan’s song sounds nothing like one – it’s much nearer to Ed Sheeran or Sam Smith, as you say.
Allexo, who is getting your vote?
I agree. It is a grower ;needs a few listens)but on first listen a good vocal will make it stand out on the night. The juries will like it.
Nice song. It will qualify. Lose the piano-too much of a cliche. Is it possible to get him amongst the crowd with his guitar and then dancers on stage to make it visual and memorable and capture all the senses?
I’ve always enjoyed this sweet and gentle ballad and if he can recreate this level of intimacy in Lisbon (and why shouldn’t he) I think Ireland should have a good chance for the final. It’s a really beautiful song if only people would take the time to listen to it.
I agree with the intamicy. It works! I like this too. I think it will qualify because it does have a lot of fans who will bite and be loyal to the song. With some of the other songs the fans say they like it but won’t vote or will vote for more than 1 song.
Intimacy*
Beautifull song IRELAND
Beautifull video
Ryan sings great.
I am gay and love this song but if I wasnt I would love it too.
Muack
He co-wrote the song.
My Ireland review didn’t charge on the Wiwi Jury page so I’m bringing it here. Ah, Ireland, the forgotten gem that Eurovision had in the 90’s. It’s incredible that a country with much Eurovision history is going through such a drought. To be fair, Ireland has always been in a soft spot for me (I miss Graham Norton counting the points for Ireland as well as the UK in the Grand Final), and I believe their entrants such as Can-Linn and Kasey in 2014 and Molly in 2015 deserved to fare better. Heck, I even liked Nicky Byrne’s “Sunlight” and… Read more »
I’ve been saying it in a Facebook group I co-admin to another member: they’re focusing too much on re-living their glory days of the 90s by sending dated ballads. They seriously need an Edoardo Grassi-like HoD who knows what could potentially work in the contest and how to connect a good artist with a good song – look at what he has done for France in just two short years! Ireland could take a few pages from their playbook themselves
Eugene, I don’t see how the Shaun Mendez song is very different from Ryan’s effort- similar songs on the same spectrum and close on the spectrum. I think they got it wrong last year with ‘Dying to try’ but Molly’s ballad and Ryan’s ballad are good songs.
I do prefer the Shaun Mendes song (if I had to choose).The great thing about music is that it connects in different ways to different people
.I never get the ‘dated’ argument as a song if any style and era can make a connection with a listener. It’s success depends on the range of connection. Last year’s winner was also considered ‘dated’ but the performance brought it to life.I think it is less about a song being ‘dated’ but more about everything falling into place(time,date,contexts,emotion, performance etc).
I wouldn’t say ‘everyone’. There was and still are a lot of people who did not connect with the song or Salvador’s quirky performance.At the same point there are people who find a closer connection to Ryan’s vocals,lyrics and video. A connection is personal. It is not a done deal on Ryan’s song now: it will be if the whole package comes together and enough people connect enough to want to vote.
Ireland is a ballad country
A country of talent tradition and song writing
Good for them they are not going to be getting on the Russia bandwagon of laser shows gimics etc to try and win a SONG contest
And I hope when Ireland do win the eurovision again they ban all these gimmicks so we really see the singer and the song for real
Now that would be something to laugh at
Btw, his backing singers are Mark Caplice on the far right (co-composer), Janet Grogan (X Factor UK 2016) and Laura Elizabeth Hughes on piano (co-composer).
I remember Janet. She was a good singer.
It isn’t hopeless! I genuinely think Ireland is upping its game this year. I’m still cautious, but I am far from ruling it out. The live performances have it inching up my rankings.
Rule it out at your own caution.
That comment looks like a shame Dawson conspiracy video ?
haha 😀 But yea the ban thing was kinda bad move from him.
It kinda grew on me… And I believe ,that, if he goes for the quiet, gentle ”guitar guy” Kind of Performance, he could actually qualify. Tell me I’m crazy, but I get these vibes here… Maybe it’s not really remarkable for the ESC-Bubble, but in this semi, it’ll get Attention due to it’s simplicity. It’s a freaking tough semi and I still think he is more likely to not qualify, but I wouldn’t say that he has no Chance.
This simple staging with him the backing vocals and piano actually works. The song is ok but the constant use of the high voice irritates me.
strongly believe this will be a shock qualifier. Ryan is amazing and very friendly, song is so simple and beautiful, i cant help but smile everytime
it’s not actually a bad song and he can sing live, but i still think its not good enough to qualify …
I still don’t like the song, but damn, I have to admit it – the guy can sing. Good job.
This is a contender to qualify. It’s the only real tender ballad in the first semi final other than Lithuania. Of the other male ballads Armenia and Iceland are more power driven where this is gentle and stands out. I think this is going through.
Sorry we don’t send plastic pop divas belting out the latest export from Sweden and all, but we rather do our own thing. However uncool that seems to the Fandom. (who would actually love this if it was one of the cool countries’ songs)
Ehh a song similar to this won Melfest in 2016, Belgium have a 60s style bond theme, if that’s not dated, I don’t know what is, but hey, they’re one of the favourites for some reason. Bulgaria have yet to even sing live. But hey, continue proving my point, I don’t mind.
I believe it won’t qualify but I think it’s best we sent from the last three years but Molly sterling is still best of all These ballads
This is… If Belgium or Bulgaria were sending this song people would probably be raving about it. This is different from everything this year. I’m bored of all the female diva’s this year. Ireland is a breath of fresh air.
Hold on, did you see Melfest this year? You must be absolutely out of your mind if you think this wouldn’t have got into a semi-final.
This would have easily been in the top 5 of the final. Melfest is usually quite strong but this year was so bad.
Welp. Ireland’s goona qualify. Didn’t see that coming.
Seriously underrated entry this year (as per usual). I hope the audience in Lisbon and the audience watching at home can appreciate this. Flawless vocal too which is saying something considering how bad the acoustics are on the Late Late Show. I will say something though, staging wise, I hope we don’t get a return to the “pub band” style that ruined Molly Sterling and was out of place on Nicky Byrne’s attempt (Granted his vocals were bad too, but the staging didn’t help). Ryan’s a good lad! I hope people realise it though as Ireland’s entry this year seems… Read more »
I’m sorry y’all, but this is a dark horse for me…
Oh I so wish wish this is the case. I would just be happy with a 10th place qualification at this rate, anything else would be a bonus.
It will happen. Ireland will be back
In the final this year.
Just love this song! so underated… :'(
And the live is awesome! I wish him the best 🙂
He really deserves to qualify even in a semi as difficult as the first…
You guys should create a Eurovision forum. It would be really great to share your opion and discuss all about eurovision so easily that way 🙂
opinion
Yes, please, let’s do this!