From sold out arena performances across Europe, and six years since their last visit to this part of the world, the celebrated and critically acclaimed The Dire Straits Experience is returning to Australia as part of their ‘Shiver in the Dark’ 2024 World Tour for three special east coast shows.
Saturday 19 October Sydney State Theatre
Tuesday 22 October Melbourne Palais Theatre
Wednesday 23 October Brisbane QPAC
Assembled by Brothers In Arms and On Every Street veteran Chris White and prodigious singer-guitarist Terence Reis, this world class ensemble reignites the greatest hits from Mark Knopfler’s platinum catalogue with the breathtaking skill and showmanship of the original 120-million-selling stadium phenomenon.
Money for Nothing, Walk of Life, So Far Away, Brothers in Arms, Sultans of Swing, Romeo and Juliet, Tunnel of Love, Telegraph Road, Private Investigations …and much more… in a two-hour show with full concert production. The seven-piece ensemble has been handpicked from the highest echelons of the international touring circuit, with combined experience spanning Paul McCartney, Joe Cocker, Ray Charles, Roachford, Robbie Williams, ABC, Tears For Fears, and Mark Knopfler himself.
It has been more than 40 years since the opening line of Sultans Of Swing was first heard broadcast around the world. In the process, it introduced us to a majestic guitar player and songwriter in Mark Knopfler, and to what has become a musical universe unto itself: the music of Dire Straits.
Dire Straits holds a special place in the hearts of Kiwis and Australians – in the ‘80s and ‘90s the band broke multiple records for concert attendance and records sold. The 1986 Brothers In Arms tour sold over 900,000 tickets in Australia and New Zealand and held the record for over 30 years as the biggest concert tour in Australasian music history.
“Finally, after the disaster of COVID and the prolonged aftermath of reschedule and delay, I can’t tell you how how excited I am that after 6 LONG YEARS, we will at last be returning with The Dire Straits Experience to play for all of our friends in Australia and New Zealand.
It has absolutely made my year that we have been able to make this happen. Can’t wait to be with you again in October!” – Chris White.
Whilst Mark Knopfler and the band permanently parted ways in 1995, their music has never waned in popularity and continues to be heard on music platforms across the world. The Dire Straits Experience celebrates this musical legacy.
TOUR VIDEO HERE.
THE DIRE STRAITS EXPERIENCE
TICKETS ON SALE FROM 9AM LOCAL TIME – WEDNESDAY 10 JULY VIA www.direstraitsexperience.com.au
Saturday 19 October Sydney State Theatre
Tuesday 22 October Melbourne Palais Theatre
Wednesday 23 October Brisbane QPAC
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
TATIANA MARCHANT – ESTELLAR PR
0410 655 020 | tatiana@estellar.com.au
THE ARTISTS:
Chris White
Saxophones, Flute, Percussion & Vocals
Chris White’s first real break in the music industry came in 1981 when he was asked to play on Nick Heyward’s album “North Of A Miracle’’. Following this success, his reputation continued to build, playing and recording with artists such as Paul McCartney, Aztec Camera, Chris DeBurgh, The The, and Mark Knopfler, the latter leading to what he is best known for – the saxophone sound of Dire Straits.
His work with Dire Straits included the “Brothers in Arms” and “On Every Street” World Tours, the “On Every Street” and “On The Night’’ albums, and the legendary “Live Aid’’ and “Mandela’’ concerts. More recently, Chris has also guested on two of Mark Knopfler’s solo albums. Outside of this association, he has recorded and toured with many artists, including Joe Cocker, Ray Charles, Mick Jagger, Suggs and Robbie Williams.
Terence Reis
Lead Vocals & Guitars
Of English, Portuguese, Welsh, Irish and Australian descent, Terence Reis grew up on the east coast of Africa in the Portuguese capital of Lourenço Marques (now called Maputo) in Mozambique.
It was here that he was first exposed to music and the guitar: the instrument of choice for the rhythmic, finger picking street musicians. This sound, mixing with the European rock ‘n’ roll radio stations of his youth, began a journey of musical inquiry that has taken in Blues, Folk, Rock, African, Celtic, Americana and an ungodly mix of roots music.
After completing an honours degree at the University of Witwatersrand School of Dramatic Arts, Terence embarked on an award-winning career as a professional freelance actor and voice artist. At this time that he was also developing his life-long love of music into a parallel career as a guitarist, singer and songwriter. It has seen him playing, writing, singing for and fronting various bands. However, it was a decision to take a sabbatical that led to a move to Canterbury in the southeast of England. It was here that he formed the band Waterhorse. A decision that would introduce him to The Straits and ultimately The Dire Straits Experience.
Richard Barrett
Guitars & Vocals
Richard got his first real guitar aged 9, having mimed enthusiastically along with his brother’s record collection for several years. After studying classical guitar at school and then jazz at college, Richard began his career in music as apprentice to a luthier, repairing guitars and tuning harps. As one does…
Now a veteran of both stage and studio, Richard has toured and recorded with artists such as Tony Hadley, Roger Daltrey, ABC, Go West, Gary Barlow, Nik Kershaw and many, many more.
Richard released his own album, “Colours“ in 2021.
When not performing or recording, Richard is a regular contributor to “Total Guitar”, “Guitar Techniques” and “Guitarist Magazines” from which his monthly column, “Blues Headlines” features on YouTube, as well the “Guitar World” and “Music Radar” websites.
He has also been a fan of Dire Straits since 1980…
John Maul
Piano, Organ & Keyboards
Since graduating from the Royal Academy of Music some 35 years ago, John has been a professional musician with a skill set ranging from pianist, keyboard player, musical director to composer, arranger and programmer. He has performed all over the world in all kinds of venues from concert halls, arenas, TV studios, London West End Theatres to jazz clubs, dance halls and even living rooms.
He has worked with over 100 artists from the Rock and Pop world, both as a keyboard player and musical director. Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Nik Kershaw, Howard Jones to name just a few of the ever-growing list. He was Rick Astley’s MD for many years, culminating in Rick’s come-back album “50” which toured in 2016. John’s varied appearances include playing for the BBC Concert Orchestra, playing for the BBC Strictly Come Dancing Band on Live TV and touring with shows such as Brendan Cole’s (BBC Strictly Come Dancing) All Night Long and the Forty Years of Disco tour with original artists such as Rose Royce, Sister Sledge and Tavares.
His music programming skills in recording, sequencing and music notation have also been put to full use in his studio where he has worked on numerous projects for international publishers and artists. He also has had a strong link with musical the instrument manufacturer, Roland and currently works for Yamaha’s R&D international team.
Michael Bramwell
Piano, Organ & Keyboards
Having studied piano at the London College of Music, Michael Bramwell has performed, recorded and toured internationally as a pianist and keyboard player and musical director. He has performed and/or toured with Uli Jon Roth, Steve Via, Barclay James Harvest, Suzi Quatro, Hot Chocolate, Bobby Kimbell (Toto), Bic Runga, Enrique Iglesias, Andrea Bocelli and many others. In addition he was musical director for Italian singer Patrizio Buanne for many years.
Michael has also worked in theatre as musical director for the Beatles show Let It Be and as Associate Musical Director for the Queen show We Will Rock You in London, Cologne, Zürich and Stuttgart.
Danny Schogger
Piano, Organ & Keyboards
After studying at the Royal Academy of Music, Danny Schogger was quickly in demand as a session keyboard player, recording with Paul Young, Chris De Burgh, Wham and George Michael, to name but a few.
While touring with Gallagher and Lyle, Hot Chocolate and Wham, Danny began to develop a writing career, which has seen him writing songs for artists such as Bananarama, Celine Dion and Heather Small. A growing reputation and demand as a producer led to working with artists as diverse as Nick Heyward, Sam Brown, Breathe, Jimmy Nail and Worlds Apart. Danny remains a very active producer/writer.
YoYo Buys
Bass Guitars & Vocals
Born and raised in South Africa, YoYo Buys started performing at a very early age. It did not take long for him to build a solid reputation and his ability and professionalism soon earned him a place in numerous bands, doing studio session for commercials, as well as contributing to the recording of numerous albums.
In 2001 YoYo relocated to London where has been an active professional musician ever since.
He has recorded, performed and worked as a session musician with over 200 bands and artists all over the world. Amongst others, Andrew Roachford (Roachford, Mike & the Mechanics), Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet), The Christians, Latin Quarter, Lisa Hannigan, Ravid Hang, Limahl (Kajagoogoo), Dana Gillespie, Bastian Baker, Martina Topley Bird (Tricky, Massive Attack), Vusi Mahlasela, eVoid, The Usual and Robin Auld.
He has also contributed to film soundtracks (The Brothers Grimsby and The Infidel) with composer Erran Baron Cohen.
Luke Naimi
Drums
From South Wales, UK and inspired by a variety of music styles from a young age, Luke picked up the sticks at the age of 10. From Arabesque to Motown to heavy metal, an open mind and passion for playing drums has led to a busy live performance career. It was at The Academy of Contemporary Music where he was invited by tutors of the academy to play in their bands. Through this Luke got his first named artist gig, playing for Limahl of Kajagoogoo.
This opened up more opportunities and he has since performed live with iconic 80’s artists such as Katrina (formerly of The Waves), Altered Images and Roachford, who he has now been the live drummer for since 2017) playing regular European and UK tours as well as festivals such as Isle of Wight, Glastonbury and the 80’s Rewind festivals along with TV appearances and Radio promotional material.
