Dire Streets

About

The classic songs of one of the world’s greatest guitar bands is brought back to life. Dire Streets is at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts on Saturday 7 October at 8pm. Tickets are £20.

With a level of musicianship and attention to detail that makes them the stand out Dire Straits tribute in the UK. The two-hour theatre show includes faithful renditions of classic studio tracks along with extended live versions from some of the legendary Dire Straits concerts.

For over a decade, Dire Streets have performed Dire Straits’ incredible back catalogue to thousands of theatre goers across the UK. The six piece band is made up of some of the country’s top tribute musicians and delivers a stunning show that fulfils their mission of doing justice to one of the most original and talented bands the UK has ever produced.

John Brunsdon is on lead guitar and vocals. He was influenced initially by the fingerstyle guitar of Mark Knopfler, and later by country, folk and blues greats such as Richard Thompson and Jimi Hendrix. John has played in a variety of bands playing his own material and covers.

Graham Twist is on drums and has been playing since the age of 14. He has performed thousands of gigs including tribute bands such as Whole Lotta Led, Noasis and Pure Purple. Graham also runs his own music school in Gloucester where he lives.

Tom Goble is on guitar and backing vocals, and followed his passion to be a professional musician after leaving the Royal Air Force. Tom works with many artists from a wide spectrum of genres, with an emphasis on playing country guitar for UK based acts.

On bass is Eoin McQuone and aims to do justice to Dire Straits’ bassist John Ilsley’s clever yet understated bass lines. Eoin was a teenager when Dire Straits had amazing global success. He lays down his bass lines using a Lakland Skyline 5-string bass and a Genz-Benz bass rig.

Mark Dryden plays keyboards and has been a professional keyboard player since 1988. He has worked across the UK and Europe, including a stint as part of GMTV’s Rustie Lee’s band and has played with Dire Straits’ legendary drummer Terry Williams. Mark has also been involved in theatre shows, various cabaret backing bands and travelled as a solo keyboard player and vocalist.

On saxophone and flute is Steve Wiltshire who was classically trained, then turned professional in 2000. He travelled extensively with orchestras, Big Bands and rock bands. He has recorded in many studios as a session player on various albums. He also teaches saxophone, clarinet and flute privately at his home and in local schools.

See this stand out tribute show live in the Courtyard Theatre.