SINCE they sat together at the same table in junior school, Olly Knights and guitarist Gale Paridjanian decided that playing in a band was what they wanted to do.

Throughout their lives the Turin Brakes pair loved performing and although they didn’t know it then, their primary school dream would lead them to the golden fields of Glastonbury and worldwide sell-out tours.

“Even then, aged nine, we loved performing, I remember we invented the Detective Club and the Ghost Club, always inspiring each other,” said Turin Brakes leader Ollys.

“We kept the dream alive through college and at 21 we released the first Turin Brakes EP.”

He adds: “There was always a distinct energy, but I find it amazing that both of us, now in our forties, are still on this amazing journey, making music.

“You have good days and bad days in any job.

“I am completely aware of what a lovely job I have.

“ It is like being a magician, instead of pulling rabbits out of a hat, you are finding songs.”

The Brakes return to the Grand next Saturday (November 30) when they stop off at the Clitheroe venue on their UK acoustic tour.

“I’ve been blown away by the reaction we’ve had from the shows, we feel amazingly energised,” added Olly.

“When you do a stripped back gig shows can take on their own identity.

“It gives the audience a window into the band, and somehow it feels like you’ve less to hide because when you do a full show (electric) there can be a barrier between a band and an audience.”

Their secret is judging the mood of their listeners and on their last album, Invisible Storm, the uncertain political climate of our times does not go unnoticed.

“My dad is 82 and he said he can’t remember a stranger time in this country,” said Olly.

“Going on tour across the UK, yeah do you pick up on people’s contrasting emotions.

“It does feel like an epidemic of separation, but there’s a lot more that still binds us together.

“We don’t have to hate each other because of politics and, deep down, I really do think that we remain a tolerant country.

He adds: “Through music we can all be friends, and when we play live, we purposefully steer clear of the political environment.”

“Live music is a coming together, and hopefully an event to inspire a communal spirit.”

Knights understands that for many Turin Brakes fans their music evokes a strong sense of nostalgia.

“We live in a fast forward world, a very different place from where the Turin Brakes started out.

“We fully understand that people will be nostalgic, and we love that, as long as there is room for other stuff as well.”

Turin Brakes, Clitheroe Grand, Saturday, November 30. Details from 01200 421599 or www.thegrandvenue.co.uk