21st December in Helsinki, The Dire Straits Experience. And what an experience that was.
I’ve been a huge fan of the band since the early 80’s but the concert in Helsinki took me by surprise. I have to admit I have never seen Dire Straits live, but this was an outstanding show!
I hope to experience the same again, the earlier the better. With this no one can afford to be a penny pincher…
The concert in Rotterdam,The Netherlands…
Brilliant and Fantastic.
Yesterday I visited the concert in den Bosch. What a night! Great musicians! It was the old sound and, for me, it was a revival of the past. The music is timeless. Without doubt I will visit the band again!
For me, Dire Straits’ music is a symbol of the first years of my marriage. Now a widow for almost 3 years, those lovely times returned tonight in Amsterdam. I enjoyed the music very much… just like 40 years ago. You guys are great!
PS. I’ve had a crush on Chris from the beginning.
The best show I have seen and listened to ever.
They start exactly at the announced time. They do not talk to the audience in-between the songs. They play for more than 2 hours straight.
Brilliant.
Saw the Dire Straits Experience in Newcastle. These guys were every bit as good as the originals!!!
Mark Knopfler eat your heart out!!!
I agree with Tony. What a night in Newcastle. I took my partner as a surprise. Man, what a night. I hope we can get another chance ‘cos we will be there. Amazing, man.
Simply the most awesome experience! Singing along with the band like it was the eighties! Musical geniuses! I could watch them again and again! Simply brilliant!
A fantastic performance. Just love the music. Once again; please come back to Perth when you tour Australia again.
Absolutely amazing show! The band put on a magical performance that I just didn’t want to end. Cannot fault it and I would go back again in a heartbeat.
Congrats on completing your Australian Tour! What a show you finished with in Perth! You transported us to a place of music utopia… pure perfection and technical brilliance by all of the band members.
I saw Dire Straits back in 1986 and this was every bit as good. It was extra special to see Chris White perform again… a living legend! You could have played all night to a completely captivated audience.
Just one comment – please play in more open venues. Your audience so desperately wanted to dance and sing but we were confined to our seats.
Thanks so much for believing in your music. You simply must keep this music alive.
Can’t wait for you to come back and see us again.
What a magic experience the show in Perth was. Within 5 minutes tears were rolling down my face listening to Telegraph Road. Brilliant musicians. If you love Dire Straits you must not miss this concert.
Just come home from seeing the band here in Perth, Western Australia. Totally outstanding. Hope they will return to Australia in the near future so we can repeat the experience.
As an 18 year old I would get home from a hard day’s work, lay in the lounge and listen to Making Movies. I recently stated to my 17 year old son that I thought Tunnel Of Love was the greatest song of all time. I went to the show in Newcastle with my son on September the 29th and, for the first time in my life, I was moved to actual tears by the performance of this song. Amazing experience.
Wow… My wife and I went to see the Newcastle show on the 29th September. These guys are the real deal – great performance, great sound and we both thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
I have seen Dire Straits three times and I must say that this line up gave me everything and more. I can’t recommend the show highly enough. We would go back again to see this show again for sure. It’s worth every cent of the ticket price. As our Molly Meldrum would say: “Do ya self a favour.”
Thank you to Chris and his band for keeping this music alive and so authentic. And for bringing it to our doorstep. How lucky we are…
Tony
Central Coast, NSW
My son, Alex and I caught the Dire Straits Experience concert at Hamer Hall, Melbourne on Tuesday, 25th September. What can I say… The band was sensational. It was just such a brilliant evening of brilliant music played by brilliant musicians. It’s that simple. And the songs!!!!!! From the amazing Telegraph Road, to the moving Brothers In Arms, to the “take that” attitude and 80’s statement of Money For Nothing, it was pure class. You could see the band enjoying the night, and the crowd just lapped it up. This music is timeless, but the delivery is just full of energy, a great light show and just sounds extraordinary. From drums, keyboards, piano, guitars, clarinet, flute, saxophone… all gel together like a jigsaw. It’s that tight. Well done to all. You are all so talented and please come back. We’ll be waiting…
Steve H
Melbourne, Australia
Out of this world. Such passion and exquisite musicianship. Totally put the Dire Straits songs in a new dimension for me. So glad I got the opportunity to see these guys in Auckland, NZ.
Auckland September 27th. What a truly amazing night full of fantastic music, joy and nostalgia. These guys are absolutely fabulous. When I closed my eyes it was like being transported back in time. The attention to detail, quality of the musicians and the lighting and sound was outstanding. A must see show. Can’t wait for the next one. Awesome, guy. Thank you. Please come back to NZ soon!
Saw these guys for the first time in Auckland on September 27th 2018. We were expecting them to be good after reading other reviews. They completely blew us away and exceeded all expectations. I have never known 2 hours go by so quickly! Absolutely fabulous musicians, the attention to detail was awesome along with great support from the lighting team and assistants. We would see them again in a heartbeat. If you get the opportunity to hear these wonderful, talented musicians don’t miss it! A wonderful night and trip down memory lane. Simply wonderful!
Outstanding performance in New Zealand. Completely speechless and already counting the days for your return. Don’t miss these guys!
From the very first note of Telegraph Road to the final Going Home, I was absolutely catapulted back to Brisbane’s Festival Hall in the early 1980’s. To when I first heard MK and Dire Straits… There is only one better.
Absolutely fantastic show. Come back to Brisbane every tour, please.
Sat to the right of the stage. The last two seats, last minute, up in the box. Best 2 seats. So close. Such an amazing night. I could not wipe the smile off my face from the emotion. You guys were just brilliant. Don’t miss tomorrow night NZ. Thank you so much.
Absolutely awesome. I think Mark Knopfler has been cloned. The concert was better than I could ever have imagined. The guitar licks were wonderful.
Loved the show in Adelaide. I was not sure what to expect and was overwhelmed! I was even considering heading to Melbourne on Tuesday evening to catch you guys again! Please don’t leave it too long to head back to Australia!
Wow, wow, wow! Loved every song. Amazing artists. So close to Mark’s voice. Went with my 13 year old son who plays sax. He will cherish this for ever. Will come back to see it again.
Loved the whole show (Melbourne), genuine chills during Private Investigations and Telegraph Road. Just brilliant!
Tonight was a superb show in Melbourne. I’d given up hope of seeing Dire Straits live; and the quality of musicianship and respect for the music was inspirational… I really enjoyed it and the standing ovation at the end was truly deserved.
One nit pick: Why do the guys chat to each other on stage during songs, even during solos? It insults the audience. It says, “we’re just having another day at the office and there is nothing special in what we are doing”. It grates terribly and detracts from a great show.
I will come again next time and bring my family.
Thanks for coming – keep going…
Went to the show tonight at Hamer Hall. Absolutely amazing. We loved every minute. Chris White and Terence Reis… the best. As was the rest of the band. A must go to see. You will love it.
Blown away in Sydney last night. Close your eyes and it’s the Horden Pavilion 30 or so years ago. Absolutely amazing. Don’t be strangers!
Awesome show. They must have cloned Mark Knopfler in a test tube and grown another one. That’s how to entertain and play real music and create nostalgia. Please let me know when they come back to the State Theatre. It was a great venue.
Just saw the band in Sydney. I’m a huge fan. Closed my eyes and I was transported to Sydney 1986 for the Brother’s In Arms tour. Amazing. Lead singer was as good, possibly better, than Mark.
I would encourage anyone who enjoys listening to beautiful music to attend.
Saw your show last night in Canberra, Aust. Wow, Wow, Wow. What a fantastic show last night, Dire Straits Experience. I thought it was going to be good considering what I heard on radio. So 8pm arrives and the lights go down, there are explosions and the lights to match, the band moves on and they start with the intro to Telegraph Road and it sounds sooo good, then the lead Vocal opens his mouth and I am gob smacked. It could have been Mark, if you closed your eyes. Absolutely fantastic show. Well done guys, unbelievable.
Just been to the Canberra show last night, 2:15 hours of pure bliss by Chris White, Terence Reis, Tim Walters and the band. Mark Knopfler would be proud of Terence’s performance, chapeau. Unbelievable experience. I can’t wait to see them again. Please come back soon.
Please come to the US. Been a fan since the eighties.
What a great show. I didn’t know of them before but the band sound yesterday filled the forest at the Göttingen KWP Festival.
All I can say is many thanks, boys. Long may you run!!!
Please, please, please… come to the U.S.!!!!
What a fantastic performance you all put in at this week’s concert in Liverpool. I have been a Dire Straits fan since the late seventies and your professionalism and musicianship is absolutely first class. In fact it’s one of the best concerts I have ever been to. The sound quality was fantastic and all my friends, and my son, who came to the concert were just amazed how great you all are.
Please, please, please come back to Liverpool soon.
All the best to you all with your tour to Australia and New Zealand.
Many, many thanks for a wonderful evening.
Great night at Shepherds Bush last night – the perfermances just get better and better! At the end it reminded me of the old Dire Straits shows, but in miniature. Shame there’s nothing in the UK now – guess I’ll have to get on the ‘plane to Holland!
Great stuff Boys – just love it.
June 28th, O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
Phenomenal experience, electric atmosphere, outstanding performances enhanced by brilliantly designed and executed sound and lighting and the charismatic personalities of the band coming through.
No words to describe this experience. You will leave exhilarated. You feel every beat and note – physically and emotionally – in your chest, your heart and throughout your whole being.
Guys, you’ve got thousands and thousands of us wanting you back home. What are you waiting for? We’ll see you soon
x
Liverpool Philharmonic, June 26 2018. A set of musicians at the very top of their game, playing a legendary set list and playing it as it was meant to be played; with power and passion. Exciting and moving at the same time. Absolutely amazing experience.
Great to see the whole audience up on their feet enjoying a very special night.
Thanks guys
26th June 2018, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. This show was truly brilliant. So faultlessly professional. Even a fly found its way into the act!! I always admired Dire Straits’ music and this show did superb justice to it all – well done guys!!
G-Live Guildford June 2018.
Absolutely amazing show. All the classic tracks were performed with immense skill from all the performers. Chris White is a superb and engaging saxophonist and percussionist. Terence Reis did a brilliant job leading the band with his own distinctive (non karaoke) style. Best tribute band I’ve ever seen.
Loved it.
3 generations of us came to your recent Cheltenham gig – and all 3 of us were blown away. I vividly remember buying my dad “Making Movies” for his birthday and carrying it through Cheltenham when I was about 11 – so the music’s been with my dad and me for a long time. My son’s obviously new to this but has been playing the songs on repeat ever since!
I wanted to say an ENORMOUS thank you for my son’s birthday soundcheck experience. He was so shocked – I hadn’t said anything to him and smuggled his drumsticks in my rucksack. I think he was SO overwhelmed on stage that he could barely talk (and afterwards he couldn’t speak for at least half an hour!). I think he’ll remember that moment for ever.
The gig was fantastic. I don’t know how you do 2 and a half hours without a break, and everything was SO on point. The sound was great, the performances brilliant – amazing playing, really moving on many occasions. I go to a lot of gigs, and I judge music by how it makes me feel – a successful gig to me is one that has at least one ‘hairs standing on end’ moment – and you guys did that MANY, MANY times last night. (I even welled up in the soundcheck which might be a first!).
https://radio13.co.nz/articles/concert-review-quite-the-dire-straits-experience/
21st December in Helsinki, The Dire Straits Experience. And what an experience that was.
I’ve been a huge fan of the band since the early 80’s but the concert in Helsinki took me by surprise. I have to admit I have never seen Dire Straits live, but this was an outstanding show!
I hope to experience the same again, the earlier the better. With this no one can afford to be a penny pincher…
The concert in Rotterdam,The Netherlands…
Brilliant and Fantastic.
Yesterday I visited the concert in den Bosch. What a night! Great musicians! It was the old sound and, for me, it was a revival of the past. The music is timeless. Without doubt I will visit the band again!
For me, Dire Straits’ music is a symbol of the first years of my marriage. Now a widow for almost 3 years, those lovely times returned tonight in Amsterdam. I enjoyed the music very much… just like 40 years ago. You guys are great!
PS. I’ve had a crush on Chris from the beginning.
The best show I have seen and listened to ever.
They start exactly at the announced time. They do not talk to the audience in-between the songs. They play for more than 2 hours straight.
Brilliant.
Saw the Dire Straits Experience in Newcastle. These guys were every bit as good as the originals!!!
Mark Knopfler eat your heart out!!!
I agree with Tony. What a night in Newcastle. I took my partner as a surprise. Man, what a night. I hope we can get another chance ‘cos we will be there. Amazing, man.
Simply the most awesome experience! Singing along with the band like it was the eighties! Musical geniuses! I could watch them again and again! Simply brilliant!
A fantastic performance. Just love the music. Once again; please come back to Perth when you tour Australia again.
Absolutely amazing show! The band put on a magical performance that I just didn’t want to end. Cannot fault it and I would go back again in a heartbeat.
Congrats on completing your Australian Tour! What a show you finished with in Perth! You transported us to a place of music utopia… pure perfection and technical brilliance by all of the band members.
I saw Dire Straits back in 1986 and this was every bit as good. It was extra special to see Chris White perform again… a living legend! You could have played all night to a completely captivated audience.
Just one comment – please play in more open venues. Your audience so desperately wanted to dance and sing but we were confined to our seats.
Thanks so much for believing in your music. You simply must keep this music alive.
Can’t wait for you to come back and see us again.
What a magic experience the show in Perth was. Within 5 minutes tears were rolling down my face listening to Telegraph Road. Brilliant musicians. If you love Dire Straits you must not miss this concert.
Just come home from seeing the band here in Perth, Western Australia. Totally outstanding. Hope they will return to Australia in the near future so we can repeat the experience.
As an 18 year old I would get home from a hard day’s work, lay in the lounge and listen to Making Movies. I recently stated to my 17 year old son that I thought Tunnel Of Love was the greatest song of all time. I went to the show in Newcastle with my son on September the 29th and, for the first time in my life, I was moved to actual tears by the performance of this song. Amazing experience.
Wow… My wife and I went to see the Newcastle show on the 29th September. These guys are the real deal – great performance, great sound and we both thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
I have seen Dire Straits three times and I must say that this line up gave me everything and more. I can’t recommend the show highly enough. We would go back again to see this show again for sure. It’s worth every cent of the ticket price. As our Molly Meldrum would say: “Do ya self a favour.”
Thank you to Chris and his band for keeping this music alive and so authentic. And for bringing it to our doorstep. How lucky we are…
Tony
Central Coast, NSW
My son, Alex and I caught the Dire Straits Experience concert at Hamer Hall, Melbourne on Tuesday, 25th September. What can I say… The band was sensational. It was just such a brilliant evening of brilliant music played by brilliant musicians. It’s that simple. And the songs!!!!!! From the amazing Telegraph Road, to the moving Brothers In Arms, to the “take that” attitude and 80’s statement of Money For Nothing, it was pure class. You could see the band enjoying the night, and the crowd just lapped it up. This music is timeless, but the delivery is just full of energy, a great light show and just sounds extraordinary. From drums, keyboards, piano, guitars, clarinet, flute, saxophone… all gel together like a jigsaw. It’s that tight. Well done to all. You are all so talented and please come back. We’ll be waiting…
Steve H
Melbourne, Australia
Out of this world. Such passion and exquisite musicianship. Totally put the Dire Straits songs in a new dimension for me. So glad I got the opportunity to see these guys in Auckland, NZ.
Auckland September 27th. What a truly amazing night full of fantastic music, joy and nostalgia. These guys are absolutely fabulous. When I closed my eyes it was like being transported back in time. The attention to detail, quality of the musicians and the lighting and sound was outstanding. A must see show. Can’t wait for the next one. Awesome, guy. Thank you. Please come back to NZ soon!
Saw these guys for the first time in Auckland on September 27th 2018. We were expecting them to be good after reading other reviews. They completely blew us away and exceeded all expectations. I have never known 2 hours go by so quickly! Absolutely fabulous musicians, the attention to detail was awesome along with great support from the lighting team and assistants. We would see them again in a heartbeat. If you get the opportunity to hear these wonderful, talented musicians don’t miss it! A wonderful night and trip down memory lane. Simply wonderful!
Outstanding performance in New Zealand. Completely speechless and already counting the days for your return. Don’t miss these guys!
From the very first note of Telegraph Road to the final Going Home, I was absolutely catapulted back to Brisbane’s Festival Hall in the early 1980’s. To when I first heard MK and Dire Straits… There is only one better.
Absolutely fantastic show. Come back to Brisbane every tour, please.
Sat to the right of the stage. The last two seats, last minute, up in the box. Best 2 seats. So close. Such an amazing night. I could not wipe the smile off my face from the emotion. You guys were just brilliant. Don’t miss tomorrow night NZ. Thank you so much.
Absolutely awesome. I think Mark Knopfler has been cloned. The concert was better than I could ever have imagined. The guitar licks were wonderful.
Loved the show in Adelaide. I was not sure what to expect and was overwhelmed! I was even considering heading to Melbourne on Tuesday evening to catch you guys again! Please don’t leave it too long to head back to Australia!
Wow, wow, wow! Loved every song. Amazing artists. So close to Mark’s voice. Went with my 13 year old son who plays sax. He will cherish this for ever. Will come back to see it again.
Loved the whole show (Melbourne), genuine chills during Private Investigations and Telegraph Road. Just brilliant!
Tonight was a superb show in Melbourne. I’d given up hope of seeing Dire Straits live; and the quality of musicianship and respect for the music was inspirational… I really enjoyed it and the standing ovation at the end was truly deserved.
One nit pick: Why do the guys chat to each other on stage during songs, even during solos? It insults the audience. It says, “we’re just having another day at the office and there is nothing special in what we are doing”. It grates terribly and detracts from a great show.
I will come again next time and bring my family.
Thanks for coming – keep going…
Went to the show tonight at Hamer Hall. Absolutely amazing. We loved every minute. Chris White and Terence Reis… the best. As was the rest of the band. A must go to see. You will love it.
Blown away in Sydney last night. Close your eyes and it’s the Horden Pavilion 30 or so years ago. Absolutely amazing. Don’t be strangers!
Awesome show. They must have cloned Mark Knopfler in a test tube and grown another one. That’s how to entertain and play real music and create nostalgia. Please let me know when they come back to the State Theatre. It was a great venue.
Just saw the band in Sydney. I’m a huge fan. Closed my eyes and I was transported to Sydney 1986 for the Brother’s In Arms tour. Amazing. Lead singer was as good, possibly better, than Mark.
I would encourage anyone who enjoys listening to beautiful music to attend.
Saw your show last night in Canberra, Aust. Wow, Wow, Wow. What a fantastic show last night, Dire Straits Experience. I thought it was going to be good considering what I heard on radio. So 8pm arrives and the lights go down, there are explosions and the lights to match, the band moves on and they start with the intro to Telegraph Road and it sounds sooo good, then the lead Vocal opens his mouth and I am gob smacked. It could have been Mark, if you closed your eyes. Absolutely fantastic show. Well done guys, unbelievable.
Just been to the Canberra show last night, 2:15 hours of pure bliss by Chris White, Terence Reis, Tim Walters and the band. Mark Knopfler would be proud of Terence’s performance, chapeau. Unbelievable experience. I can’t wait to see them again. Please come back soon.
Please come to the US. Been a fan since the eighties.
What a great show. I didn’t know of them before but the band sound yesterday filled the forest at the Göttingen KWP Festival.
All I can say is many thanks, boys. Long may you run!!!
Please, please, please… come to the U.S.!!!!
What a fantastic performance you all put in at this week’s concert in Liverpool. I have been a Dire Straits fan since the late seventies and your professionalism and musicianship is absolutely first class. In fact it’s one of the best concerts I have ever been to. The sound quality was fantastic and all my friends, and my son, who came to the concert were just amazed how great you all are.
Please, please, please come back to Liverpool soon.
All the best to you all with your tour to Australia and New Zealand.
Many, many thanks for a wonderful evening.
Great night at Shepherds Bush last night – the perfermances just get better and better! At the end it reminded me of the old Dire Straits shows, but in miniature. Shame there’s nothing in the UK now – guess I’ll have to get on the ‘plane to Holland!
Great stuff Boys – just love it.
June 28th, O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
Phenomenal experience, electric atmosphere, outstanding performances enhanced by brilliantly designed and executed sound and lighting and the charismatic personalities of the band coming through.
No words to describe this experience. You will leave exhilarated. You feel every beat and note – physically and emotionally – in your chest, your heart and throughout your whole being.
Guys, you’ve got thousands and thousands of us wanting you back home. What are you waiting for? We’ll see you soon
x
Liverpool Philharmonic, June 26 2018. A set of musicians at the very top of their game, playing a legendary set list and playing it as it was meant to be played; with power and passion. Exciting and moving at the same time. Absolutely amazing experience.
Great to see the whole audience up on their feet enjoying a very special night.
Thanks guys
26th June 2018, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. This show was truly brilliant. So faultlessly professional. Even a fly found its way into the act!! I always admired Dire Straits’ music and this show did superb justice to it all – well done guys!!
G-Live Guildford June 2018.
Absolutely amazing show. All the classic tracks were performed with immense skill from all the performers. Chris White is a superb and engaging saxophonist and percussionist. Terence Reis did a brilliant job leading the band with his own distinctive (non karaoke) style. Best tribute band I’ve ever seen.
Loved it.
3 generations of us came to your recent Cheltenham gig – and all 3 of us were blown away. I vividly remember buying my dad “Making Movies” for his birthday and carrying it through Cheltenham when I was about 11 – so the music’s been with my dad and me for a long time. My son’s obviously new to this but has been playing the songs on repeat ever since!
I wanted to say an ENORMOUS thank you for my son’s birthday soundcheck experience. He was so shocked – I hadn’t said anything to him and smuggled his drumsticks in my rucksack. I think he was SO overwhelmed on stage that he could barely talk (and afterwards he couldn’t speak for at least half an hour!). I think he’ll remember that moment for ever.
The gig was fantastic. I don’t know how you do 2 and a half hours without a break, and everything was SO on point. The sound was great, the performances brilliant – amazing playing, really moving on many occasions. I go to a lot of gigs, and I judge music by how it makes me feel – a successful gig to me is one that has at least one ‘hairs standing on end’ moment – and you guys did that MANY, MANY times last night. (I even welled up in the soundcheck which might be a first!).