We're delighted to be opening for the legend that is Bruce Springsteen, says Starsailor frontman James Walsh

Jun 14 2009 Billy Sloan

STARSAILOR'S smash hit Good Souls is a homage to their music heroes Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young.

So they are delighted to be sharing the bill with both stars this summer - before headlining at HMV Picture House in Edinburgh on August 24.

Today they play the Isle Of Wight Festival on a bill topped by Canadian guitar hero Young.

And on June 28, Starsailor open for The Boss at Hard Rock Calling in London.

Singer James Walsh told me: "We did a US tour playing in Hard Rock Cafes from coast to coast. It was a slog so to say 'thank you' the organisers asked us to open for Springsteen at Hyde Park.

"We couldn't believe it. I'm a massive fan and I think he'll surprise a lot of people, proving he's up there with Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones."

The first time James saw The Boss was at Wembley Arena in London in 2002, a year after they hit the big time with Good Souls.

He said: "I was amazed at his boundless energy. I never thought I'd ever end up on the same bill." James also can't wait to meet Neil Young backstage on the Isle of Wight this afternoon.

He said: "Neil was one of the reasons I picked up a guitar in the first place. I loved his 1970 album After The Goldrush."

Starsailor's Edinburgh gig in August is part of The Edge - the alternative music festival which will star David Byrne, The Stranglers and The Streets.

The band will also appear at T In The Park on July 11.

James added: "Playing with Springsteen and Neil Young can only help make us a better band.

"They both know how to work a crowd.

"I'm sure we'll have learned a few tricks by the time we hit Scotland."