‘Sultans of Swing’ Dire Straits to Rock Fans of All ‘Walk of Life’ in B’luru
‘Sultans of Swing’ Dire Straits to Rock Fans of All ‘Walk of Life’ in Bengaluru on Sunday 19 March
Mangaluru: It was around midnight Thursday night, I got call a call from my friend, who is a pro-Dj at a Star hotel in Bengaluru, saying that he has a surprise gift for my birthday, which is tomorrow (18 March)- he said, “Guess, what I have for for your birthday?’- I replied “Surprise me , buddy”- he said, ” You won’t even believe- I have two front row passes for you and your friend to have close encounters with your favorite band ‘Dire Straits’ who will be storming Bengaluru on Sunday, March 19, and I bet you gonna love it!”. “Wow! That’s indeed a great gift my friend, an I will be looking forward to be there. Thanks a million”, I replied with full excitement.
For a person, who had organized a bunch of rock shows being at the helm as President of Rock Society-Mangaluru in the 80 s and 90 s, where I was the first one to bring a All Girl International British Heavy Metal band “Girlschool’, followed later by ‘Bootleg Beatles’ (Britain), ‘Osibisa’ a British Afro-pop band (London) and others; India rock bands like Rock Machine (Mumbai), 13 AD (Cochin), Salvation, Rockdudes (Chennai) etc; also Goan bands like ‘Muzik Machine’, ‘Cascades’, ‘Remo’ live, ‘Archies” etc- and also for a person who saw Mark Knopfler (founder member of Dire Straits) live twice in Chicago-USA; I couldn’t resist to accept this birthday gift from my friend to see ‘Dire Straits’ live this Sunday. I called my friend Loy to join me- so we two along with two others,the ‘Brothers in Arms’ from All ‘Walk of Life’ will be traveling in style for the much awaited concert in Loy’s brand new ‘Beamer’, to watch the British rockers the ‘Sultans of Swing’, who are ‘So Far Away’ coming to Bengaluru to sing for ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and even “Calling Elvis’ for that matter?
About the Band- The British rock band Dire Straits were formed in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar), John Illsley (bass guitar and vocals), David Knopfler (rhythm guitar and vocals), and Pick Withers (drums and percussion). During the next two decades, band membership changed to include Alan Clark (keyboards, 1980–95), Hal Lindes (guitar and vocals, 1980–85), Terry Williams (drums, 1982–89), Guy Fletcher (keyboards, 1984–95), Jack Sonni (guitar and vocals, 1985–88) and Chris White (saxophone, 1985-1995). Beginning in 1982, their touring lineup was enhanced by nine additional musicians—some of whom also appeared on Dire Straits albums.
This formidable event in Bengaluru will feature original Dire Straits band mates Chris White (sax, flute, percussion, vocals) and Chris Whitten (drums) supported in the lead by Terence Reis (lead vocals and guitar), with whom they will revive the Dire Straits repertoire in an unforgettable manner. For the fans it’s an absolute must-see as they will play some of their greatest hits including Money for Nothing, Walk of Life, Brothers in Arms, Sultans of Swing, Romeo and Juliet, Tunnel of Love and many more. 100 Pipers’ initiative ‘Play for a Cause’ will be happening this time with “The Dire Straits Experience”.This will be the first appearance on an Indian stage for the British legends and they’re doing this to help provide sustainable drinking water to villagers in Rajasthan.
The shows in India will have the original Dire Straits band members; Chris White, Chris Whitten, and Terence Reis. Also in the band are Timothy Walters, Daniel Schogger, Simon Carter, and Paul Geary. Chris White speaking to media said, “India has always been on our list and we are very excited to play in India. Our two city tour in India, in Gurgaon and Bangaluru, is to support the 100 Pipers ‘Play for a Cause’ initiative to provide water to villages in Rajasthan. The power of music is incredible and it brings together people across nations and cultures. We are happy to become a part of this great event which is bringing music and artists together to make a difference to society. We have a large fans in India, and we can’t wait to entertain them for the first time”
So, following sold-out tours of Europe and the USA, one of the most dramatic songbooks in rock history will explode into life in the hands of some of the worlds finest musicians when the Dire Straits Experience comes together for a great concert. Assembled by original Dire Straits band member Chris White and prodigious singer-guitarist Terence Reis, the musicians in this world class ensemble have performed and recorded with artists such as Paul McCartney, Mark Knopfler, David Gilmour, David Bowie, Van Morrison, Ray Charles, Rod Stewart and Tina Turner. With the breathtaking skill and showmanship of the original 120-million-selling stadium phenomenon, hear them perform all of the DIRE STRAITS greatest hits.
I know there are a bunch of Dire Straits fans in Mangaluru- because there isn’t any rock gig that takes place in Kudla without a Dire Straits number, specially “Money for Nothing’ “Sultans of Swing’, ‘Walk of Life’..So don’t miss the show that has relaunched a legend on the world stage for this strictly limited concert tour. A music review states that“The unbelievable Knopfler channeling of guitarist/singer Terence Reis… not only replicates Knopfler’s guitar and singing style in an eerily accurate manner, he performs with such gusto and passion it was easy to forget we weren’t watching the original Dire Straits in its early 1980’s prime. The music hit every target, without a false note of mimicry or nostalgia…”
The Concert will be at ‘Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, 10th Mile, Tumkur Road, Madavara Post, Dasanapura Hobli, Bengaluru’ on Sunday, 19 March 2017 from 7 pm onwards. Tickets are : Phase 1 Platinum-Rs. 7500; Phase 2 Gold Rs. 3000; and Phase 2 Silver-Rs. 2000. Book your seats online :https://in.bookmyshow.com
