THEY were an Irish folk band who became pop stars with stirring 60s hits like Seven Drunken Nights.

Founded in 1962 the band’s infectious music spread across Europe and they also became famous on the other side of the Big Pond with an appearance on the Ed Sullivan chat show.

Today the Dubliners music, which includes memorable hits like Whisky in the Jar and The Wild Rover, lives on through The Dublin Legends who make a Hampshire stop on Friday.

Eamonn Campbell has been a member of The Dubliners since 1987 and from that time produced all the band’s albums.

It was his suggestion that The Dubliners worked with London Irish band The Pogues in the mid-80s, giving them their biggest UK hit, The Irish Rover and a spot on Top of The Pops.

Sixty-seven-year-old Eamonn, guitar and vocals, spoke to Duncan Eaton ahead of the gig at The Anvil in Basingstoke.

Q: Last year The Dubliners celebrated 50 years in the business. What has been the secret of the band’s long lasting appeal?

A: Great songs. Great live shows and beards! – The Santa Claus effect!

Q: When founding member Barney McKenna sadly died did you think that might be the end of The Dubliners?

A: Barney was a complete one off. An amazing man and an incredible musician. We decided that we should continue on playing live as Barney would have wanted it that way.

Q: Do you still enjoy touring and what are the age group of your audiences?

A: We have to pace ourselves these days. But yes touring can be very enjoyable. The travelling can be a nuisance but once 7.30pm comes and you go on stage you forget all about that.

The audiences range from 8 to 80. I don’t think any other band can say that.

Q: Which sort of venues do you enjoy playing and what is the most requested song?

A: We enjoy theatres and festivals most these days. I guess the Wild Rover or Whiskey In The Jar.

Q: What was it like appearing in Jools Holland’s New Year Hootenany and helping the nation to see in 2013?

A: The Jools Holland show was great fun. You get to meet lots of different bands and musicians and get to talk about music etc. One of the highlights of last year for me for sure.

Q: How did you join The Dubliners and were you in any other bands before that?

A: I have been a professional musician since I was 16 years of age playing guitar in lots of different bands. I am also a record producer and I was asked to produce The Dubliners 25th Anniversary album. It was my idea to record The Irish Rover with The Pogues which became a hit single and got us on Top Of The Pops. I was asked to join the band while recording the album.

Q: Which is your favourite Dubliners tune?

A: I would have to say The Irish Rover with The Pogues or The Barley & Grape Rag we recorded with the late great Rory Gallagher.

Q: Are the band still writing songs and are there any new albums planned?

A: One of these days we will get back to the recording studio. Promise!