John McCusker at The Live Room, Saltaire

In celebration of his 30th Anniversary as a professional musician, John McCusker will release ‘A Best Of’ album in 2021 featuring tracks from his solo records and TV & Film Soundtracks over the last 30 years. John will also publish a book of his tunes ‘The Collection’ featuring 100 original compositions. There will also be a brand new solo album released to coincide with the UK Tour. The John McCusker Band, featuring some of the finest traditional musicians that John has worked with over the last 30 years, will embark on an extensive UK tour in September/October 2021.

Born in Bellshill, near Glasgow, John began playing whistle and fiddle as a child and joined the legendary folk outfit Battlefield Band aged 17. During his 11 years with the band, he also released his first two solo recordings, 1995’s self-titled debut and 2000’s Yella Hoose. His most recent albums include Under One Sky and the reissues of Yella Hoose and Goodnight Ginger remastered deluxe.

John has long been renowned for his skill at transcending musical boundaries: striving to keep his music fresh and exciting, never leaving the past behind but always embracing new sonic adventures. As a live and studio guest he has shared stages with David Gilmour, Paul Weller, Paolo Nutini, Teenage Fanclub, The Proclaimers, Graham Coxon, Ocean Colour Scene, Idlewild, Eddi Reader, Julie Fowlis, Vicente Amigo, Nolwenn Leroy, Jerry Douglas… Since 2008, he has been a member of Mark Knopfler's band, playing arenas around the world including a double bill with Bob Dylan at The Hollywood Bowl & 20 nights at the Royal Albert Hall.

An expanding portfolio as a producer, features debut albums by Kris Drever and Idlewild’s Roddy Woomble. He’s also manned the controls for top folk chanteuses Eddi Reader, Kate Rusby, Heidi Talbot, Eliza Carthy and Linda Thompson. Film and TV work includes soundtracks for the movie Heartlands (2002) and 16 Years of Alcohol (2003), Billy Connolly’s World Tour of New Zealand (2004), Jennifer Saunders BBC sitcom Jam and Jerusalem (2008) & Starlings sitcom for Sky TV (2012).

John was awarded the coveted BBC Radio 2 Musician of the Year in 2003 and also The Spirit of Scotland Award for music in 1999 and again in 2009. 2016 saw John receive the Good Tradition Award and perform with his band at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards at The Royal Albert Hall. In 2019 John received the Outstanding Music Performance at The Scottish Culture Awards.

The John McCusker band features some of the finest traditional musicians and singers in the UK: Ian Carr, Sam Kelly, Helen McCabe & Toby Shaer