AN Inverclyde singer songwriter performed not once but twice on a world-renowned US stage which helped launch the career of global megastar Taylor Swift.

Joe McMahon travelled to Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife Liz in the hope of securing a spot at the iconic Bluebird Cafe. 

The well-known venue kick-started the singing career of stars including Vince Gill, Keith Urban, and Garth Brooks. 

With thousands of people from all over the US and beyond vying for the chance to perform, it's notoriously difficult to get onto the stage. 

But with determination and a bit of luck, Joe got the opportunity to play two shows at the intimate venue. 

Joe, 60, said: "It was a phenomenal experience.

"It's such an iconic place and such an historic venue. 

"It was amazing to be on the same stage that so many famous artists have been on before.

"The reaction from the audience on both nights was fantastic."

Joe, who lives in Gourock, registered for the open mic session on April 15 and was completely shocked when he found out he would be playing. 

Greenock Telegraph:
The date of the performance also fell on the third anniversary of the passing of Joe's beloved mum, Molly.

He added: "I was quite emotional on that day, as we hadn't been away on holiday since she passed. 

"It's really difficult to get a spot at the Bluebird so I wasn't really expecting anything. 

"You have to sign up at exactly 11am and places go really fast. 

"I couldn't believe it when I got into it on the first attempt."

The musician and singer said he was really nervous in the days leading up to the gig but felt his nerves ease as he took to the stage. 

He played his own songs 'Trouble' and 'Open Stage', and said he got a great reaction from the crowd. 

Joe added: "The first night was full of Canadians, and I got a big cheer when I said 'Hi I'm Joe, and I'm from Scotland'. 

"A lot of people came up to me afterwards to tell me they had Scottish relatives."

Joe took to the famous stage again just a week later when he managed to secure another spot. 

For that performance, he played 'In Her Time', a song written in memory of his mum. 

He added: "It was very emotional but the song seemed to land really well.

"I'm very proud that I got to play a song for my mum."

The guitar Joe played on stage - a Gretsch Jim Dandy acoustic - was a gift from his wife Liz who purchased the six-string from the shop at the Country Music Hall of Fame just a few days before the gig. 

Greenock Telegraph:
Joe and Liz visited Nashville a total of three times on the holiday which also saw them travel to places including Graceland in Memphis, and New Orleans. 

The trek celebrated the couple's 10th wedding anniversary, and Joe's 60th birthday. 

Joe says he could be heading back to Nashville in the summer to take part in a course run by the team at the Bluebird. 

He has no doubt that his musical US adventure will have a big impact on him for the rest of his life. 

Joe added: "We factored Nashville in three times to give me a chance to get onto the stage at the Bluebird as we didn't think I had a chance of getting on even first of second attempt. 

"It was the trip of a lifetime. 

"I've made amazing contacts with singer songwriters from all over the world."