MICHAEL McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle, three members of the BBC acclaimed Transatlantic Sessions, are set to hit The Tolbooth in Stirling as part of a unique European tour.

The musicians, who are great friends, don’t see each other or play together very often due to their busy schedules, so look forward to touring together every year.

They try to keep the gig as fresh and exciting as they can and if someone fancies playing a new song, it will be worked out at the sound check and played that night.

Ahead of the local gig John McCusker spoke to the Advertiser, from the Transatlantic Sessions tour bus that was part of Celtic Connections.

He said: “We love playing at the Tolbooth. When you go back to venues year after year they become very familiar and you feel really comfortable playing there which helps make for a great night.

“The Tolbooth is a perfect example of the audience being right there up close in front of you so they can see your fingers and hear every mistake. We get so well looked after at the venue and really looking forward to going back.” Audiences can expect plenty of instruments – they cram as many as possible in the car – and a cracking show.

He added: “It’s a really fun tour to be part of and unlike anything else we do all year. Every musician strives to keep their music as fresh and inspired as they can and this is the perfect gig for that I think as we try to play different things every night and try to make the gig as intimate and exciting as we can. We all tell stories about the songs and tunes and try have a laugh every night.

“We’re all great friends and feel really comfortable playing together. I think sometimes the simplest ideas are the best, put three pals on stage who love playing music together, don’t over think the gig, keep the high energy up and have a laugh – I think it’s a good recipe for a great night out.” John has spent a year on the road with Mark Knoplfer, lead guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for the rock band Dire Straits, an experience which turned his musical world upside down – in the best way possible.

He explained: “I was very excited about the idea of playing big venues but I had no idea of how much I would learn, not just from Mark but from the incredible musicians and crew that are part of the gang.

“Getting to play in venues like the Albert Hall are very special, but the best thing I’ve learned from Mark is to not overplay no matter the size of the venue, be yourself and enjoy it. Watching Mark draw huge audiences in while playing his guitar and singing like he’s in his front room is truly inspiring.” The last six months have been spent with wife Heidi Talbot – who is also a musician – and their two girls, in preparation for a busy 2015.

John said: “I tour with Mike and John for six weeks and then I go on tour with Mark Knopfler for five months. Myself and Heidi have been building our recording studio for the last few months which is really exciting, we have loads of records and projects planned for it. I feel lucky that I’m still loving what I do and really looking forward to all the stuff planned for the future.” McGoldrick, McCusker and Boyle will play Stirling’s Tolbooth on Thursday 26 February, 8pm, £16/£14 conc, visit www.tolboothstirling.gov.uk They will also be at The Queens Hall Edinburgh on Thursday 12 March, 8pm £17.50, www.thequeenshall.net and St Andrews in The Square, Glasgow, on Friday 13 March, 7pm, £14 www.standrewsinthesquare.com