John McCusker Trio

John McCusker Trio brings together Scotland's foremost fiddle player with singer-songwriter Sam Kelly, and multi-instrumentalist Toby Shaer to launch a new album of folk music.

Celebrating 35 years as a professional musician, John McCusker's new album will be released in 2026, launching with a live performance at Edinburgh's The Queen's Hall. 

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, Eric Clapton, Paul Weller, Paolo Nutini, Teenage Fanclub, The Proclaimers, Graham Coxon, Ocean Colour Scene, Idlewild, Eddi Reader, Julie Fowlis, Vicente Amigo, 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. 

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. 

Presented by The Queen's Hall