POWERHOUSE trio Virgil and the Accelerators play Burnley Mechanics on Saturday night as part of the Burnley Blues Day line-up.

Guitar protege Virgil McMahon, his brother Gabriel on drums and bassist Jack Timmis have established themselves as one of the brightest young bands in Britain in the past six years.

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Still only in their early twenties, they now have three albums under their belt and a host of rave reviews from explosive live shows all over Europe.

Virgil took some time out to answer a few questions ahead of Saturday night’s show.

How and when did you all get together?

We formed as the trio in Jan 2009. We’d just parted with my dad and Hugh Morgan (the founding members of The Accelerators).

Which artists influenced you the most in your early days?

We are influenced by SRV, Jimi Hendrix, ZZ-Top, early Joe Bonamassa and John Mayer’s Trio amongst others. That was our starting ground.

How would you describe your band and music?

Sleazy Blues influenced balls-to-the-wall rock.

When would you say your musical career really start to take off?

In 2010 when we were added to the New Generation Blues tour with Joanne Shaw Taylor and Oli Brown.

You seem incredibly popular in Europe.Why is this?

We love mainland Europe, the folks over there are very supportive and have been very good to us. We love performing all over and Germany, Holland, Czech Republic are some of our favourite places. Shamefully there’s definitely a better scene for live music over there.

Any special experiences when playing in Europe?

Meeting so many wonderful people.

The food is also a big part of being away from home. Gabriel and I are always open to trying new things and we love sampling different European cuisines!

Looking back on your career, what would you say is your greatest achievement?

There are a lot of things we are proud of as a band but there’s not something we could single out as a greatest or favourite...

How does playing live make you feel?

It fills your heart with warmth and makes you feel necessary. That’s when you walk off stage with a pounding heartbeat and a smile.

Who have you enjoyed playing with most on stage and why?

We enjoyed all the shows we’ve played. We had good times touring with for Uriah Heep, Wilko Johnson and Michael Schenker.

What advice would you give to younger emerging musicians?

Try another vocation! This isn’t as glamorous as it seems and there are no guarantees. If your heart is set on it then devote yourself 100 per cent to the cause.

  • Burnley Blues Day with King KIng, Mike Zito and the Wheel and Virgil and the Accelerators, Burnley Mechanics, Saturday, May 2. Details from 01282 664400.