The Saw Doctors, who came together in the small town of Tuam, in the west of Ireland, in 1987, play Morecambe on December 5. We spoke to keyboardist and accordionist Derek Murray.

The band's first hit, N17, paved the way for the band whose hit singles are akin to the national anthem in Ireland, outselling U2 and Sinead O'Connor.

What inspired you to go into music?

I always loved songs and good tunes. Getting into music was like trying to give other people what I got out of it -- then there was Abba, The Stranglers, Blaze X, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Hank Williams . . .

What is your idea of happiness?

Out on Lough Corrib having dinner on an island half-way through a day's fishing or sitting down having an interesting conversation over a nice pint.

What is your idea of hell?

A place where there is eternal fire and the Devil comes round and makes it even worse every now and again, forever. That's what Sister Fabian said anyway....

What's been the highlight of your career?

Bringing the big day to Tuam.

What is your all-time favourite song and why?

Sometimes it's Summer Feeling by Jonathan Richman -- it almost captures the un-capturable.

What's the most rock'n'roll thing that's happened to you or that you've done?

A friend of mine said we should call an album It's Nearly Rock And Roll But I Like It.

Who is your all-time hero?

Heroes are all around you, looking after children with special needs and people with difficult things to deal with. I know I sound like a Rose Of Tralee contestant but it's true.

What's the worst trouble you've been in?

I've not been arrested for anything yet . . .

What's your greatest talent?

Making the most out of a small amount of talent.

Upon whom would you most like to exact revenge and why?

Louis Walsh hasn't done the young, ambitious and talented singers in Ireland any favours. Neither have the bishops who turned a blind eye for decades, if not centuries.

What's your most treasured possession?

The best piece of technology I've ever owned is my 1990 Toyota Carina, with over 294,000 miles on the clock and still going like a mouse's heart.

What have you most regretted doing while drunk?

Usually arguing with someone.

What can you cook?

A few things -- simple pastas, curries, stir-fry, roast, bacon and cabbage, fish and stuff. All simple, mind you.

Can you read music?

No.

What's the best piece of advice you've received?

Can't remember any one standing out.

What would you do if you were invisible for a day?

I'd like to be invisible sometimes when the support band is playing and I want to hear them from out in the audience.

Any regrets?

Of course, if it means there are things you'd wish you'd done differently, but not if you don't mind making mistakes.

The Saw Doctors are playing Morecambe Dome on Monday, December 5. Box office: 01524 582803.