A Mark In Time
Mark Knopfler Discussion => Mark Knopfler Discussion Forum => Topic started by: benlitmaath on December 03, 2024, 08:58:24 PM
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Hi all,
I'm very curious to see what you guys think about the many Dire Straits coverbands out there. And the quality of the musicians in particular.
A couple examples:
I've been to The Dire Straits Experience twice with Chris White being the only DS member and liked them very much. The band plays very tight and the sound quality is very good. I do feel Terence Reis overplays at times and gives very important guitar parts his own twist, in a negative way imo. Chris White on the sax and flute is wonderful though.
Dire Straits Legacy on the other hand i can't stand. They have the most "original" members but i wouldn't go to a show even if it was free. I'm not trying to bash them or anything but i can't understand Marco Caviglia being the frontman. Maybe someone can explain this choice? I personally don't like his accent and the way he fingerpicks the songs.
I also really like the spanish coverband "Great Straits". Their frontman Oscar Rosende is an amazing guitar player and has a slight accent as well but his doesn't bother me at all. I learned how to play a lot of Dire Straits songs by listening to and watching Oscar play.
What do you guys think about the musical quality of the cover bands?
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Not for me. I've listened to one of them on Youtube (I think a Spanish one) and it all just looked so phony (the guy was using a headband, a wristband and a replica of the Live Aid jacket). Not to mention the terrible accent which rendered some of the lyrics undecipherable.
But I'm not a fan of tribute bands in general at all, so maybe it's just my bias.
P.S: If you want to learn MK songs, check out dear Pavel Fomekov's Youtube channel. There's no better source.
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I am an orthodox. A few days ago there were DSLegacy concerts in my country. I was not there. My friends were at the concerts. Opinions are mixed. It's not for me. I respect and admire Alan Clark, Mel Collins, Phil Palmer and Danny Cummings, but I am an orthodox.
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I couldn't give a toss about any of these bands. I never understood the motivation of miming as the original. The closer they get to the original, the more ridiculous it is to me. I love top 40 Bands when they are paid to make a party going, but copying artists, I just don't know why.
LE
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Not for me. I've listened to one of them on Youtube (I think a Spanish one) and it all just looked so phony (the guy was using a headband, a wristband and a replica of the Live Aid jacket). Not to mention the terrible accent which rendered some of the lyrics undecipherable.
But I'm not a fan of tribute bands in general at all, so maybe it's just my bias.
P.S: If you want to learn MK songs, check out dear Pavel Fomekov's Youtube channel. There's no better source.
Thank you for the mention :D
Yes, like you and LE I also don't understand cover bands, to be completely honest. Since I was a kid, I thought about cover bands as tremendous acts of self-sacrifice. I figured I'd rather not be a musician at all than play in a cover band, which is exactly what happened. But I'm a tough example; I can barely suspend my disbelief when I see another biopic movie with actors looking nothing like their real-life counterparts. It's a bit easier with music, but I still can't do it.
However, I do understand the demand is also huge. Live music is live music, and you can't take this demand away, so if you don't have a problem with that, why not? I follow some of them, and it seems like good fun. A lot of people check them out, and it's practically the only way to hear this music live. They keep it alive, literally and figuratively. Also, Mark's manager also manages Pink Floyd tribute band ;D
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The closer they get to the original, the more ridiculous it is to me.
LE
I think you nailed it right there. If I made a tribute band, that would be something like a complete rethinking of the material. Put a choir instead of the lead vocals, play guitar solos on a mandolin, and give the craziest ideas a go. Like Postmodern Jukebox — I like these guy's versions of songs sometimes better than the original.
The original poster asked about guitar players, and it's a tough talk. I can't discuss guitar playing as I never listen to the bands in question, but I can comment on people. Oscar is the GOAT, a really fine guy. I like his openness and attitude. Marco seems to be a little over the top with his Ferraris and whatnot, maybe not somebody I'd want to have a pint of beer with. Terence, if I remember correctly, according to Chris Whitten, gave the most faithful impression of the DS guitar player and singer's work.
Accent sucks, and it's something even I get bashed over and over with my bedroom videos, I can imagine them getting tons of hate because of that. On the other hand, it's completely understandable. Just like me, they'd rather sing songs in English that are in demand than resort to performing music in their native language, which, most of the time, is of a very mediocre quality. I'd hate to do that. Better to be in a tribute band, or like me at least do lessons on YouTube.
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People who don't like tribute bands telling how the tribute bands should be.
It's so funny.
I think tribute bands are ok if the original band don't exists anymore. The variety in their style is perfect to suit anyone who would enjoy them.
If
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People who don't like tribute bands telling how the tribute bands should be.
It's so funny.
I think tribute bands are ok if the original band don't exists anymore. The variety in their style is perfect to suit anyone who would enjoy them.
If
I completely agree, I look favorably on every sincere tribute. I've watched DSL twice and I went for the songs, especially to see them performed by Alan Clark, Jack Sonni, Mel Collins, Phil Palmer and Danny. It was an experience that was worth it for me. Those sounds of TOL, TR and BIA with Alan... it was a luxury, but for me, the tribute bands from Spain are to be congratulated, each one with their own proposal and they do it very competently. "Great Straits", Alchemy Project and Brothers in Band are the ones that have an excellent structure. Honorable mention goes to Real Straits, also from Spain, very cool. I would watch them all if I had the chance and I would have a lot of fun listening to the songs of the band I love the most, made by great fans who make up each of these projects!
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Anyone who is a Dire Straits fan and became a guitarist due to their connection and love for these songs will easily be able to play DS songs in their band, and will naturally be encouraged to have a DS tribute band. The thrill of being a DS fan, being in a band, being able to play these songs live for an audience and contemplating the synergy is something that those who have not had this experience have no idea about. If there is demand and financial return (which is fair, since all of this is an investment), they will exist and it is good that they do. After all, where and when in this lifetime will we be able to see these songs live again, especially those who have never had the opportunity to see DS live? These bands can be important both for new generations and for those who have seen a DS concert; the band has not existed for at least three decades. What would become of the music of Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Tchaikovsky... without classical music concerts with musicians reproducing these songs, offering that experience to the listeners? This could be a very worthy future for the legacy of bands like DS, the Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Police...
If there is a place with more orthodox fans than this wonderful forum, I don't know of it. :lol
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None of these guys can reproduce the magic of seeing MK live and doing his magic. And the Mozart Beethoven Bach Chopin Tschaikowsky guys had no way of recording, DS and MK had. If you are going only for hearing the compositions, you miss the most important thing from my point of view.
However if you like to go and enjoy it, please go and I am happy for you! My posts are only part of this thread's discussion and give my opinion, I don't want to convince anyone.
In Germany we have Dire Strats btw which are touring and going strong for years now and obviously make a living of it. I saw them once and it was the most cringe live music situation I ever witnessed even if I must say that they are very good. But just not my cup of tea. I missed Mark and the band more than ever during those two hours and went home sadly because I can never see the original thing live again.
LE
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The only one I've seen live was Brothers in Band and they were fantastic.
Like many here I was sceptical, for many of the same reasons. But I have to admit, it was quite something to see and hear these tracks played live by good musicians.
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I am one of those who never wanted to see a tribute band. However last year a band called Alchemy Live came to my local music venue and as I was really missing going to MK concerts we decided to take a chance and go to see them. It was a very intimate venue and I was surprised at how good they were. They didn't try to dress or behave like DS, but the songs were played as though I could have been at the Alchemy concert. I loved every minute and have now seen them twice and will be seeing them again when they next come my neck of the woods.
https://www.alchemylive.uk/about
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I have never experienced a cover band but I would certainly love it, simply to see what they are capable of since both DS and MK are no longer active and will never happen.
I remember Chris Whitten mention that DSL is a proper very good live band experience.
His recommendation is enough for me. :thumbsup
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None of these guys can reproduce the magic of seeing MK live and doing his magic. And the Mozart Beethoven Bach Chopin Tschaikowsky guys had no way of recording, DS and MK had. If you are going only for hearing the compositions, you miss the most important thing from my point of view.
However if you like to go and enjoy it, please go and I am happy for you! My posts are only part of this thread's discussion and give my opinion, I don't want to convince anyone.
In Germany we have Dire Strats btw which are touring and going strong for years now and obviously make a living of it. I saw them once and it was the most cringe live music situation I ever witnessed even if I must say that they are very good. But just not my cup of tea. I missed Mark and the band more than ever during those two hours and went home sadly because I can never see the original thing live again.
LE
Just like you, I'm not here to convince anyone. If you don't like these tribute band acts, that's fine. If you don't see magic happening in any of them, I can only say, what a shame. I can, I see magic, because it's clear to me that any big fan who is involved with these songs, the MK technique and plays these songs with passion like all those I mentioned, including Pavel, or the YouTuber Dylan Guitar, who are in another department, is not a tribute band. I see magic happening in each occasion, because they are literally "invoking" something wonderful. They are doing it with a sincere heart. First of all, they are fans like all of us here, and it's from fan to fan. This is my point of view on this subject, my contribution to this debate.
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None of these guys can reproduce the magic of seeing MK live and doing his magic. And the Mozart Beethoven Bach Chopin Tschaikowsky guys had no way of recording, DS and MK had. If you are going only for hearing the compositions, you miss the most important thing from my point of view.
However if you like to go and enjoy it, please go and I am happy for you! My posts are only part of this thread's discussion and give my opinion, I don't want to convince anyone.
In Germany we have Dire Strats btw which are touring and going strong for years now and obviously make a living of it. I saw them once and it was the most cringe live music situation I ever witnessed even if I must say that they are very good. But just not my cup of tea. I missed Mark and the band more than ever during those two hours and went home sadly because I can never see the original thing live again.
LE
Just like you, I'm not here to convince anyone. If you don't like these tribute band acts, that's fine. If you don't see magic happening in any of them, I can only say, what a shame. I can, I see magic, because it's clear to me that any big fan who is involved with these songs, the MK technique and plays these songs with passion like all those I mentioned, including Pavel, or the YouTuber Dylan Guitar, who are in another department, is not a tribute band. I see magic happening in each occasion, because they are literally "invoking" something wonderful. They are doing it with a sincere heart. First of all, they are fans like all of us here, and it's from fan to fan. This is my point of view on this subject, my contribution to this debate.
One thing is to play those songs at an amateur level or even teaching others how to play, I think that's magnificent. Another is to go out on the road, selling tickets (and sometimes selling yourself with a name that fools naive people into buying tickets: Dire Strats, really?!) and making a living out of another person's work. To me, there's an element of repugnancy about the whole ordeal that makes me dislike tribute bands. I always think: why don't you write your own songs instead of leeching?
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None of these guys can reproduce the magic of seeing MK live and doing his magic. And the Mozart Beethoven Bach Chopin Tschaikowsky guys had no way of recording, DS and MK had. If you are going only for hearing the compositions, you miss the most important thing from my point of view.
However if you like to go and enjoy it, please go and I am happy for you! My posts are only part of this thread's discussion and give my opinion, I don't want to convince anyone.
In Germany we have Dire Strats btw which are touring and going strong for years now and obviously make a living of it. I saw them once and it was the most cringe live music situation I ever witnessed even if I must say that they are very good. But just not my cup of tea. I missed Mark and the band more than ever during those two hours and went home sadly because I can never see the original thing live again.
LE
Just like you, I'm not here to convince anyone. If you don't like these tribute band acts, that's fine. If you don't see magic happening in any of them, I can only say, what a shame. I can, I see magic, because it's clear to me that any big fan who is involved with these songs, the MK technique and plays these songs with passion like all those I mentioned, including Pavel, or the YouTuber Dylan Guitar, who are in another department, is not a tribute band. I see magic happening in each occasion, because they are literally "invoking" something wonderful. They are doing it with a sincere heart. First of all, they are fans like all of us here, and it's from fan to fan. This is my point of view on this subject, my contribution to this debate.
Dylan is a monster player and practices for 8-10 hours a day. I really wish he'd become a proper musician, unlike me, who'll be forever known as "the guy who talks about MK songs". I'm fine with that, though. See, there are always these thresholds where people are willing to accept things.
I can totally understand LE's point of view, as Mark's music is one hell of a music to play tribute to. It's difficult enough to match his playing, on top of which you've got a unique voice, incredible improvised chops, on top of which you've got top-notch taste and direction in everything from the tinies keyboard and synth sounds (Hi, Guy!) to how the drums and every instrument should sound, then all these little details inside songs that require attention, also the fact you need so many musicians to pull it off.
I mean, to me, people who are trying to match MK&DS in any shape or form are all heroes, especially those who are trying to do it on a large scale. It's like trying to build a replica of Titanic, you think—just grab plans and do it—but once you TRY to do it, you quickly realise this baby won't sail.
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None of these guys can reproduce the magic of seeing MK live and doing his magic. And the Mozart Beethoven Bach Chopin Tschaikowsky guys had no way of recording, DS and MK had. If you are going only for hearing the compositions, you miss the most important thing from my point of view.
However if you like to go and enjoy it, please go and I am happy for you! My posts are only part of this thread's discussion and give my opinion, I don't want to convince anyone.
In Germany we have Dire Strats btw which are touring and going strong for years now and obviously make a living of it. I saw them once and it was the most cringe live music situation I ever witnessed even if I must say that they are very good. But just not my cup of tea. I missed Mark and the band more than ever during those two hours and went home sadly because I can never see the original thing live again.
LE
Just like you, I'm not here to convince anyone. If you don't like these tribute band acts, that's fine. If you don't see magic happening in any of them, I can only say, what a shame. I can, I see magic, because it's clear to me that any big fan who is involved with these songs, the MK technique and plays these songs with passion like all those I mentioned, including Pavel, or the YouTuber Dylan Guitar, who are in another department, is not a tribute band. I see magic happening in each occasion, because they are literally "invoking" something wonderful. They are doing it with a sincere heart. First of all, they are fans like all of us here, and it's from fan to fan. This is my point of view on this subject, my contribution to this debate.
One thing is to play those songs at an amateur level or even teaching others how to play, I think that's magnificent. Another is to go out on the road, selling tickets (and sometimes selling yourself with a name that fools naive people into buying tickets: Dire Strats, really?!) and making a living out of another person's work. To me, there's an element of repugnancy about the whole ordeal that makes me dislike tribute bands. I always think: why don't you write your own songs instead of leeching?
Well, there are those who like them and those who don't. That's life.
It's a good thing that there are countless cover and tribute bands of the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, Creedence, Rush... Made by fans and good musicians. It's a good thing that there are people who offer to teach these songs and pay tribute. All of these experiences are valid for me, since it's no longer possible to see these bands perform live.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, I'll ask a question here, everyone who expressed their disapproval or dislike of tribute bands here, one question, do you play any musical instruments?
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I adore Dylanguitar and love Pavel like a brother but the thread is about cover bands so I didn't think about these two brilliant guys. They are both awesome, no doubt.
LE
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None of these guys can reproduce the magic of seeing MK live and doing his magic. And the Mozart Beethoven Bach Chopin Tschaikowsky guys had no way of recording, DS and MK had. If you are going only for hearing the compositions, you miss the most important thing from my point of view.
However if you like to go and enjoy it, please go and I am happy for you! My posts are only part of this thread's discussion and give my opinion, I don't want to convince anyone.
In Germany we have Dire Strats btw which are touring and going strong for years now and obviously make a living of it. I saw them once and it was the most cringe live music situation I ever witnessed even if I must say that they are very good. But just not my cup of tea. I missed Mark and the band more than ever during those two hours and went home sadly because I can never see the original thing live again.
LE
Just like you, I'm not here to convince anyone. If you don't like these tribute band acts, that's fine. If you don't see magic happening in any of them, I can only say, what a shame. I can, I see magic, because it's clear to me that any big fan who is involved with these songs, the MK technique and plays these songs with passion like all those I mentioned, including Pavel, or the YouTuber Dylan Guitar, who are in another department, is not a tribute band. I see magic happening in each occasion, because they are literally "invoking" something wonderful. They are doing it with a sincere heart. First of all, they are fans like all of us here, and it's from fan to fan. This is my point of view on this subject, my contribution to this debate.
One thing is to play those songs at an amateur level or even teaching others how to play, I think that's magnificent. Another is to go out on the road, selling tickets (and sometimes selling yourself with a name that fools naive people into buying tickets: Dire Strats, really?!) and making a living out of another person's work. To me, there's an element of repugnancy about the whole ordeal that makes me dislike tribute bands. I always think: why don't you write your own songs instead of leeching?
Well, there are those who like them and those who don't. That's life.
It's a good thing that there are countless cover and tribute bands of the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, Creedence, Rush... Made by fans and good musicians. It's a good thing that there are people who offer to teach these songs and pay tribute. All of these experiences are valid for me, since it's no longer possible to see these bands perform live.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, I'll ask a question here, everyone who expressed their disapproval or dislike of tribute bands here, one question, do you play any musical instruments?
I don't play any instrument. I'm a music enthusiast and I know that if I were at a cover band concert I'd be constantly comparing the songs to the original. The ORIGINAL DS versions have entered my life so deeply that I don't need a concert with songs that aren't original.
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There is no chance to see the original live anymore.
Tribute bands mission is to keep the legacy alive.
You are entitled to have your prejudice about it and loose the chance to enjoy the music you love played by people who love that music too.
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There is no chance to see the original live anymore.
Tribute bands mission is to keep the legacy alive.
You are entitled to have your prejudice about it and loose the chance to enjoy the music you love played by people who love that music too.
I understand. But albums with original music are enough for me. Really :)
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Hey LE, to be honest, I don't like the idea of mentioning me in this thread as it has nothing to do with the topic. However, it was needed to get the point across, I guess.
It's all close, like Brunno said. Some teach songs, some perform songs, and some listen to cover bands. Being a musician (even amateur) makes it harder to judge.
Haters gonna hate... Do you think I never receive comments like I have a terrible Russian accent and sound nothing like the original? All the damn time! But I don't need any comments to know that I sound nothing like the real deal because it's not my goal in the first place. The goal is to teach something and have fun playing good songs. And the general public seems to like it, which is also true with tribute bands.
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I've DSE and Brothers in Band both a couple of times.
DSE with both Chris's was great, but I agree Terence overdoes here and there.
Brothers in Band is musically amazing, but the accent is slightly irritating.
DSL has certain legendary members, but that singer/guitarist is horrible.
I haven't seen them in real life offcourse, but what I've seen is more than enough for me.
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For those who has seen DSL live, do they only play DS songs OR do they actually also play songs from the LEGACY - 3 Chord Trick album ?
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For those who has seen DSL live, do they only play DS songs OR do they actually also play songs from the LEGACY - 3 Chord Trick album ?
They used to play songs from his record when it came out. Actually they also played songs like "owner of a lonely heart" as Trevor Horn plays bass with them and sometimes others from Horn's career, but usually they only plays DS stuff.
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There is no chance to see the original live anymore.
Tribute bands mission is to keep the legacy alive.
You are entitled to have your prejudice about it and loose the chance to enjoy the music you love played by people who love that music too.
Might be the first time I agree with dear Robson in this forum, but I'm perfectly OK with not listening to that music live anymore. I don't feel the need to go to a tribute concert and listen to it.
But it's very naive to think that the tribute bands are there to keep the legacy alive. They are in it because it's an opportunity for otherwise unemployed/forgotten musicians to milk the Dire Straits name and make money. And there's nothing wrong with making money, we all have bills to pay. But my point is that DSE/DSL and others and will end the minute people stop buying their tickets.
In that sense, I have a lot of respect for David Knopfler who, as far I as know, never joined these bands and kept making his own solo albums, even if with less financial gain.
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I have seen a couple through the years. I have never seen Dire Straits live, so i really do appreciate these tribute acts. It gives the chance to see the famous arrangements of On the Night/Brothers in Arms tour and to be among other fans (and chat about DS/MK) is really enjoybable.
Dire Strats (Germany) - good guiterplaying by Wolfgang
A tribute to Dire Straits (Sweden) - overdoing the solo's way too much
The Straits - liked it, nice to see Alan Clark and Chris White (So great to hear the real sax on Romeo and Your Latest Trick)
Dire Straits Experience - several times, also with Chris W and Chris W (liked it, cool to see real band members)
Brothers in Band - 5 times now.. 6th one coming next year. Best i've heard. Solo's by Angelo Fumarola (also a member here) are really amazing. Closest to MK of all the tribute bands i've seen. Maybe his (Italian) singing accent can put you off. Many songs really gave me goosebumps and emotions, quite a difficult job for a tribute hand. Their Sultans, Tunnel, Telegraph and Brothers are really, really fantastic. They have a new show now (Brothers in arms tour).
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I have seen a couple through the years. I have never seen Dire Straits live, so i really do appreciate these tribute acts. It gives the chance to see the famous arrangements of On the Night/Brothers in Arms tour and to be among other fans (and chat about DS/MK) is really enjoybable.
Dire Strats (Germany) - good guiterplaying by Wolfgang
A tribute to Dire Straits (Sweden) - overdoing the solo's way too much
The Straits - liked it, nice to see Alan Clark and Chris White (So great to hear the real sax on Romeo and Your Latest Trick)
Dire Straits Experience - several times, also with Chris W and Chris W (liked it, cool to see real band members)
Brothers in Band - 5 times now.. 6th one coming next year. Best i've heard. Solo's by Angelo Fumarola (also a member here) are really amazing. Closest to MK of all the tribute bands i've seen. Maybe his (Italian) singing accent can put you off. Many songs really gave me goosebumps and emotions, quite a difficult job for a tribute hand. Their Sultans, Tunnel, Telegraph and Brothers are really, really fantastic. They have a new show now (Brothers in arms tour).
I actually thought Angelo did a good job with the voice when I saw them (with you!), sounded very like MK.
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None of these guys can reproduce the magic of seeing MK live and doing his magic. And the Mozart Beethoven Bach Chopin Tschaikowsky guys had no way of recording, DS and MK had. If you are going only for hearing the compositions, you miss the most important thing from my point of view.
However if you like to go and enjoy it, please go and I am happy for you! My posts are only part of this thread's discussion and give my opinion, I don't want to convince anyone.
In Germany we have Dire Strats btw which are touring and going strong for years now and obviously make a living of it. I saw them once and it was the most cringe live music situation I ever witnessed even if I must say that they are very good. But just not my cup of tea. I missed Mark and the band more than ever during those two hours and went home sadly because I can never see the original thing live again.
LE
Just like you, I'm not here to convince anyone. If you don't like these tribute band acts, that's fine. If you don't see magic happening in any of them, I can only say, what a shame. I can, I see magic, because it's clear to me that any big fan who is involved with these songs, the MK technique and plays these songs with passion like all those I mentioned, including Pavel, or the YouTuber Dylan Guitar, who are in another department, is not a tribute band. I see magic happening in each occasion, because they are literally "invoking" something wonderful. They are doing it with a sincere heart. First of all, they are fans like all of us here, and it's from fan to fan. This is my point of view on this subject, my contribution to this debate.
One thing is to play those songs at an amateur level or even teaching others how to play, I think that's magnificent. Another is to go out on the road, selling tickets (and sometimes selling yourself with a name that fools naive people into buying tickets: Dire Strats, really?!) and making a living out of another person's work. To me, there's an element of repugnancy about the whole ordeal that makes me dislike tribute bands. I always think: why don't you write your own songs instead of leeching?
As Ed said, both he and MK started out in cover bands playing covers - the tribute acts just focus on one particular act's material.
It's surprising in a way that there is a market for it, but if people are happy to pay and they enjoy it, who cares? I'm surprised that so many people would pay to see Michael Buble, yet millions do, so who am I to tell other people what they should or shouldn't do?
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It's (his accent) not bothering me, but i heard some others talking about his singing accent. His playing is so damn good, that really attracts me again and again. In comparison, Terence doesn't do THAT for me.. so i stopped attending DSE shows.
But that's all personal taste
I feel lucky that Brothers in Band is touring the Netherlands intensely the last years. So fellow Dutch members.. go see Brothers in Band if you haven't seen them. You won't regret it, i promise!
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None of these guys can reproduce the magic of seeing MK live and doing his magic. And the Mozart Beethoven Bach Chopin Tschaikowsky guys had no way of recording, DS and MK had. If you are going only for hearing the compositions, you miss the most important thing from my point of view.
However if you like to go and enjoy it, please go and I am happy for you! My posts are only part of this thread's discussion and give my opinion, I don't want to convince anyone.
In Germany we have Dire Strats btw which are touring and going strong for years now and obviously make a living of it. I saw them once and it was the most cringe live music situation I ever witnessed even if I must say that they are very good. But just not my cup of tea. I missed Mark and the band more than ever during those two hours and went home sadly because I can never see the original thing live again.
LE
Just like you, I'm not here to convince anyone. If you don't like these tribute band acts, that's fine. If you don't see magic happening in any of them, I can only say, what a shame. I can, I see magic, because it's clear to me that any big fan who is involved with these songs, the MK technique and plays these songs with passion like all those I mentioned, including Pavel, or the YouTuber Dylan Guitar, who are in another department, is not a tribute band. I see magic happening in each occasion, because they are literally "invoking" something wonderful. They are doing it with a sincere heart. First of all, they are fans like all of us here, and it's from fan to fan. This is my point of view on this subject, my contribution to this debate.
One thing is to play those songs at an amateur level or even teaching others how to play, I think that's magnificent. Another is to go out on the road, selling tickets (and sometimes selling yourself with a name that fools naive people into buying tickets: Dire Strats, really?!) and making a living out of another person's work. To me, there's an element of repugnancy about the whole ordeal that makes me dislike tribute bands. I always think: why don't you write your own songs instead of leeching?
As Ed said, both he and MK started out in cover bands playing covers - the tribute acts just focus on one particular act's material.
It's surprising in a way that there is a market for it, but if people are happy to pay and they enjoy it, who cares? I'm surprised that so many people would pay to see Michael Buble, yet millions do, so who am I to tell other people what they should or shouldn't do?
I am not telling other people what they should or shouldn't do. I really don't care if people go to those concerts or not.
The OP asked about our opinions on cover bands and I was just explaining why I am not interested in them.
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I remember Chris Whitten mention that DSL is a proper very good live band experience.
His recommendation is enough for me. :thumbsup
DSE!!! Not DSL
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Just a few lines on 'what's the point', the ethics etc....
Neither Mark or John are playing the DS back catalogue in a rock stadium way any more. 'Rock stadium' as in the 85 BIA tour or the 92 OES tour.
DSE regularly sell out large arenas across Europe. That is happening because they do a great job, they put on a great show, and word of mouth has built their audience significantly every year.
Terence and Chris are sticklers for detail. They work hard at making it the show it is. Having played with them, it IS hard work. Long hours, travelling and playing, The show itself is full on, high energy and exhausting. I haven't seen any other cover bands play with that level of detail and energy.
As to why?
Both Chris and Terence would probably be playing small clubs for very little income if it was their own material and not DSE.
But they have worked hard to put DSE into sell out arenas. Having seen them a few times in the last year, it is VERY much like seeing Dire Straits. There is an electricity in the audience before the show, when the lights go down the audience are already screaming and shouting, and at the end they get lengthy standing ovations.
So why walk away from that? They are ordinary working guys entertaining many thousands of people, meanwhile Mark and John are multi-millionaires who never need to work another day in their lives.
You don't have to like it, you don't have to go.....fine. All I would say is give credit where credit is due.
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The live version of Communiqué that Terence Reis arranged is awesome:
https://youtu.be/zazYADqqRTo?si=550ZsmRySMzyHjBo
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Why not DSL? Is that based on the people in the band, or the music? I have heard DSL once, and absoluteuly loved it. I finally got to hear BiA the way I have alwas dreamed of (that is, with beautiful organ, not Jim Cox style), and their version of "Setting me up" was cool. The main vocal was much better than feared. I felt guilty for going to the concert, as a MK fan you're not supposed to like them. I feel it is much to do with the people behind, not the music. I don't know any of them and I am not a musician so it is impossible for me to say, but both I and the rest of the audience had a great time.
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Chris Whitten played in DSE (Dire Straits Experience, not in DSL (Dire Straits Legends)
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I know that. See further up the page, he strongly emphasized it was DSE. I wonder if the musicians in DSL are that bad, or it is the people itself that affect the opinion of the band.
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I've only attended one tribute band concert two years ago, it was from the Alchemy project guys and I enjoyed it a lot. Somebody have already mentioned them, they are Spanish and they recreated the whole alchemy concert except portobello belle and industrial disease. What I liked the most was that it felt like they were recreating the Alchemy experience, every song was played like the Alchemy version with all the guitar licks and solos. Robero Sanchez the front man who plays lead and sings must be a true MK fan, he puts a lot of dedication and has mastered Mr Knopflers style. Also they are so friendly and down to earth they recently let a 15yo go on stage with them during a sound check the kid plugged his own guitar and had a great time.
I may sound like a fanboy but from all the main cover bands this is the only one I like and that's the reason I attended their concert, keep in mind that I've never had the pleasure to go watch MK live, much less any DS since I was born in 98. So for me the experience was happy and positive and for some minutes I could imagine going back in a time machine to 1983 at hammersmith odeon.
Some links for reference to their work:
https://youtu.be/Igcv0Dc54i4?si=XRjVaFZY7w0wwVU_
https://youtu.be/l0J9kZzlgCc?si=HBAoEoMU0zm525lz
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I know that. See further up the page, he strongly emphasized it was DSE. I wonder if the musicians in DSL are that bad, or it is the people itself that affect the opinion of the band.
After the last concerts in my country, I read the most negative opinions about the vocalist DSL.
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Hmm, he must have had a good day at work that day I heard him. Or my ears was plugged :lol I was worried about the vocalist before the show, but to my surprise I had no problems with it, it was mostly fine. The vocal do has a lot to say. Just found this version of BiA. The first half minute gave me goosebumps, then the singer starts and it was all destroyed. It doesn't matter if she sings well, it is still destroyed to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eCsC8g2cwE
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I know that. See further up the page, he strongly emphasized it was DSE.
I've never seen DSL, so I was correcting the incorrect quote that I highly recommended DSL.
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I remember Chris Whitten mention that DSL is a proper very good live band experience.
His recommendation is enough for me. :thumbsup
DSE!!! Not DSL
OK, Chris sorry my mistake.
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I remember Chris Whitten mention that DSL is a proper very good live band experience.
His recommendation is enough for me. :thumbsup
DSE!!! Not DSL
OK, Chris sorry my mistake.
Can't blame you, it's only two little dashes of difference! To be honest, I also started to confuse all these official bands once they got out of hand. I know I can look it up in one of the big posts from Julio somewhere on the forum here which perfectly explains it, but you really need a map to figure out who's the Legacy and who's the Experience.
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(For anyone who has dreamed of being a full-time musician, let all this be a stark reminder.)
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Legacy, Experience, Brothers in Band, Dire Wherever...
Let these guys earns their money.
It's a job.
ps. Chris comments are just perfect.
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not interested in them whatsoever (DS ones) but i have no problem with them as long as they are clearly stating to be just that, a cover band.
recently saw a (german, but amazing english pronounciation) Floyd coverband and was truly amazed at how close they stayed to the original (in a well done way) and still managed to sound "different"
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Legacy, Experience, Brothers in Band, Dire Wherever...
Let these guys earns their money.
It's a job.
ps. Chris comments are just perfect.
They earning money by playing someone else's work. They're artistic leeches.
It's good for them that Mark is only bothered enough to write a song about it (and a few lines in another song).
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not interested in them whatsoever (DS ones) but i have no problem with them as long as they are clearly stating to be just that, a cover band.
recently saw a (german, but amazing english pronounciation) Floyd coverband and was truly amazed at how close they stayed to the original (in a well done way) and still managed to sound "different"
Right. But a few of them have come milimeters close to branding themselves as the original thing. I personally know a couple of people who have bought tickets for this kind of show thinking they were going to see the actual Dire Straits. And then being extremely disappointed when they realise it isn't. Their mistake for not reading the miniscule letters below "DIRE STRAITS".
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Legacy, Experience, Brothers in Band, Dire Wherever...
Let these guys earns their money.
It's a job.
ps. Chris comments are just perfect.
It's funny that some points of view seem to be full of spite. You're absolutely right, Rolo. I'll add one more thing: Mark Knopfler only has something to gain from tribute bands like DSE or DSL. As far as I know, they have to pay a fee, a percentage of each ticket that goes into MK's account. I don't know if the same thing happens with Spanish bands like Oscar's band, Alchemy Project or Brothers In Band, but for MK, there are only advantages. He makes money while sleeping, brushing his teeth... while cover and tribute bands provide entertainment for those who want to pay for it. I have no doubt that there is a lot of effort and dedication in each of these projects to bring something that matches the quality attributed to a Dire Straits show. It's never the same, but they fulfill the role of any quality cover or tribute band. If there are people who think they are paying to watch a Dire Straits show, without a doubt it is someone who only knows a couple of songs that they are able to recognize by name, SOS, SFA, MFN or WOL at most, so it is not the bands' problem, it is their problem that they do not inform themselves in the information age.
-
Legacy, Experience, Brothers in Band, Dire Wherever...
Let these guys earns their money.
It's a job.
ps. Chris comments are just perfect.
It's funny that some points of view seem to be full of spite. You're absolutely right, Rolo. I'll add one more thing: Mark Knopfler only has something to gain from tribute bands like DSE or DSL. As far as I know, they have to pay a fee, a percentage of each ticket that goes into MK's account. I don't know if the same thing happens with Spanish bands like Oscar's band, Alchemy Project or Brothers In Band, but for MK, there are only advantages. He makes money while sleeping, brushing his teeth... while cover and tribute bands provide entertainment for those who want to pay for it. I have no doubt that there is a lot of effort and dedication in each of these projects to bring something that matches the quality attributed to a Dire Straits show. It's never the same, but they fulfill the role of any quality cover or tribute band. If there are people who think they are paying to watch a Dire Straits show, without a doubt it is someone who only knows a couple of songs that they are able to recognize by name, SOS, SFA, MFN or WOL at most, so it is not the bands' problem, it is their problem that they do not inform themselves in the information age.
In addition to spreading the songs written by Mark Knopfler, making them travel around the world, entering people's daily lives, that is, they promote them, make these songs live, because they are invoked and in essence are presented by fans to fans, this is keeping the flame of the band's memory alive, since we will no longer have the opportunity in this existence to see Dire Straits again, Mark Knopfler nullified all possibilities. When they reversed the time machine and I was able to travel back in time to watch the performance at Rockpalast 79, Alchemy... in person, the tribute bands or covers won't make as much sense to me. 😅
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Just for fun
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I personally know a couple of people who have bought tickets for this kind of show thinking they were going to see the actual Dire Straits. And then being extremely disappointed when they realise it isn't. Their mistake for not reading the miniscule letters below "DIRE STRAITS".
That would be odd seeing as Dire Straits ended their live performances in 1992 and officially disbanded just a few years later.
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They earning money by playing someone else's work. They're artistic leeches.
It's good for them that Mark is only bothered enough to write a song about it (and a few lines in another song).
Have you ever done anything original?
Mark is making money off all these cover bands playing his songs. It is also extremely hard work to play the songs at the right level to pay respect to the originals and attain the high standard that modern audiences expect.
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I See that, to a die-hard fan, tribute bands could be offensive.
It's strange, however, there is a thin line between being cool or being offensive.
If a pub-band plays a very well played DS set during the concert, It's fine. This little band is paying their respect do DS.
However, when this little band realises there are enought audience interested on more DS songs and they turned themselves into a serious DS cover band.... Oh, no. This is outrageous.
And if this little band starts touring as DS Cover Band... Ufff. It's a deadly sin.
If you don't like DSL, don't watch them.
The same as for any cover band that you dislike.
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In the end MK makes money without doing anything so that comment that these bands are milking him it's quite nonsense.
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I See that, to a die-hard fan, tribute bands could be offensive.
It's strange, however, there is a thin line between being cool or being offensive.
If a pub-band plays a very well played DS set during the concert, It's fine. This little band is paying their respect do DS.
However, when this little band realises there are enought audience interested on more DS songs and they turned themselves into a serious DS cover band.... Oh, no. This is outrageous.
And if this little band starts touring as DS Cover Band... Ufff. It's a deadly sin.
If you don't like DSL, don't watch them.
The same as for any cover band that you dislike.
I see no problem when it's done by fans, for fans. However, when ex-band members step in, it becomes a little bit weird to me and deserving of all the hate. Also applies to ex-band LEADERS who resurrect their old, money-making projects obviously only to pay off their mortgage. Just imagine all the tankers, trucks and freight trains full of money Mark avoided by not resurrecting DS in any shape or form. If I had a tribute band and had a chance to bring an ex-member on board, I would say no to them.
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I personally know a couple of people who have bought tickets for this kind of show thinking they were going to see the actual Dire Straits. And then being extremely disappointed when they realise it isn't. Their mistake for not reading the miniscule letters below "DIRE STRAITS".
That would be odd seeing as Dire Straits ended their live performances in 1992 and officially disbanded just a few years later.
Yes, but there are always those people who only know the hits and are completely out of what happens in the music world, or may even have forgotten that the band has ended. They might be led to think that the band is back, which is of course their fault, not the tribute bands.
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They earning money by playing someone else's work. They're artistic leeches.
It's good for them that Mark is only bothered enough to write a song about it (and a few lines in another song).
Have you ever done anything original?
Mark is making money off all these cover bands playing his songs. It is also extremely hard work to play the songs at the right level to pay respect to the originals and attain the high standard that modern audiences expect.
Yes. The work that I do daily for my employer (which happens to be a Government) is original. It all comes out of my head, as I'm sure is the case with most of us here. I'm certainly not (directly, at least: for example, I use a laptop which is not my creation, but you understand my point) using someone else's templates or ideas to make a living.
That's why I always have tremendous respect and support for young artists/songwriters who are creative and come up with their own work, even if today in the streaming era, it gets very difficult.
My conclusion is that the guys involved in these tribute acts are not creative or talented enough to come up with their own material (or at the very least material that can pay their bills) so they resort to playing someone else's stuff to make a living.
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In the end MK makes money without doing anything so that comment that these bands are milking him it's quite nonsense.
I don't know if this comment is direct response to my comments, but that's not what I said at all.
I don't care if Mark is making money with it or not. My point is that tribute bands are not talented or creative enough to create their own work, so they resort to play someone else's work to pay their bills, which I'm pretty sure is artistically reprehensible at least (I'm not even going into legal Intellectual Property details).
I'm pretty sure they're nice people and put a lot of work into it, but I find it difficult to give them credit when they're selling themselves with work that's not theirs.
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I See that, to a die-hard fan, tribute bands could be offensive.
It's strange, however, there is a thin line between being cool or being offensive.
If a pub-band plays a very well played DS set during the concert, It's fine. This little band is paying their respect do DS.
However, when this little band realises there are enought audience interested on more DS songs and they turned themselves into a serious DS cover band.... Oh, no. This is outrageous.
And if this little band starts touring as DS Cover Band... Ufff. It's a deadly sin.
If you don't like DSL, don't watch them.
The same as for any cover band that you dislike.
I see no problem when it's done by fans, for fans. However, when ex-band members step in, it becomes a little bit weird to me and deserving of all the hate. Also applies to ex-band LEADERS who resurrect their old, money-making projects obviously only to pay off their mortgage. Just imagine all the tankers, trucks and freight trains full of money Mark avoided by not resurrecting DS in any shape or form. If I had a tribute band and had a chance to bring an ex-member on board, I would say no to them.
Yeah, that's it. I wouldn't mind going to see a DS cover band playing in their yard or garage or something like that. It would be fun. It just tickles my mind a bit that these tribute bands go around the world selling themselves and then you start thinking: "very nice, but that's not your work."
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I See that, to a die-hard fan, tribute bands could be offensive.
It's strange, however, there is a thin line between being cool or being offensive.
If a pub-band plays a very well played DS set during the concert, It's fine. This little band is paying their respect do DS.
However, when this little band realises there are enought audience interested on more DS songs and they turned themselves into a serious DS cover band.... Oh, no. This is outrageous.
And if this little band starts touring as DS Cover Band... Ufff. It's a deadly sin.
If you don't like DSL, don't watch them.
The same as for any cover band that you dislike.
I don't know if that was your intention or not, but in its own irony, your comment aligns perfectly with what I said in previous comments.
"If you don't like DSL, don't watch them.
The same as for any cover band that you dislike."
Right. I don't. You don't need to tell me to not watch them, I just find their modus operandi artistically and morally reprehensible. And I'm just commenting on online forum... it really doesn't matter what I think.
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Legacy, Experience, Brothers in Band, Dire Wherever...
Let these guys earns their money.
It's a job.
ps. Chris comments are just perfect.
It's funny that some points of view seem to be full of spite. You're absolutely right, Rolo. I'll add one more thing: Mark Knopfler only has something to gain from tribute bands like DSE or DSL. As far as I know, they have to pay a fee, a percentage of each ticket that goes into MK's account. I don't know if the same thing happens with Spanish bands like Oscar's band, Alchemy Project or Brothers In Band, but for MK, there are only advantages. He makes money while sleeping, brushing his teeth... while cover and tribute bands provide entertainment for those who want to pay for it. I have no doubt that there is a lot of effort and dedication in each of these projects to bring something that matches the quality attributed to a Dire Straits show. It's never the same, but they fulfill the role of any quality cover or tribute band. If there are people who think they are paying to watch a Dire Straits show, without a doubt it is someone who only knows a couple of songs that they are able to recognize by name, SOS, SFA, MFN or WOL at most, so it is not the bands' problem, it is their problem that they do not inform themselves in the information age.
In addition to spreading the songs written by Mark Knopfler, making them travel around the world, entering people's daily lives, that is, they promote them, make these songs live, because they are invoked and in essence are presented by fans to fans, this is keeping the flame of the band's memory alive, since we will no longer have the opportunity in this existence to see Dire Straits again, Mark Knopfler nullified all possibilities. When they reversed the time machine and I was able to travel back in time to watch the performance at Rockpalast 79, Alchemy... in person, the tribute bands or covers won't make as much sense to me. 😅
Dear friend Brunno, people like you, the moderators of this forum, the Spanish group who film the concerts, who have the Tracker, the Dutch guys including the legend Jeroen, Pavel Fomenkov, etc. All of you are the ones keeping the flame of the band's memory alive.
Not Alan Clark or Phil Palmer or any other. They couldn't give a hot shit about Dire Straits. They will go silent the moment people stop buying tickets, as they were before DSL, DSE, DSZ or DSY, because it's obvious that for them it's just a money machine.
-
Legacy, Experience, Brothers in Band, Dire Wherever...
Let these guys earns their money.
It's a job.
ps. Chris comments are just perfect.
It's funny that some points of view seem to be full of spite. You're absolutely right, Rolo. I'll add one more thing: Mark Knopfler only has something to gain from tribute bands like DSE or DSL. As far as I know, they have to pay a fee, a percentage of each ticket that goes into MK's account. I don't know if the same thing happens with Spanish bands like Oscar's band, Alchemy Project or Brothers In Band, but for MK, there are only advantages. He makes money while sleeping, brushing his teeth... while cover and tribute bands provide entertainment for those who want to pay for it. I have no doubt that there is a lot of effort and dedication in each of these projects to bring something that matches the quality attributed to a Dire Straits show. It's never the same, but they fulfill the role of any quality cover or tribute band. If there are people who think they are paying to watch a Dire Straits show, without a doubt it is someone who only knows a couple of songs that they are able to recognize by name, SOS, SFA, MFN or WOL at most, so it is not the bands' problem, it is their problem that they do not inform themselves in the information age.
In addition to spreading the songs written by Mark Knopfler, making them travel around the world, entering people's daily lives, that is, they promote them, make these songs live, because they are invoked and in essence are presented by fans to fans, this is keeping the flame of the band's memory alive, since we will no longer have the opportunity in this existence to see Dire Straits again, Mark Knopfler nullified all possibilities. When they reversed the time machine and I was able to travel back in time to watch the performance at Rockpalast 79, Alchemy... in person, the tribute bands or covers won't make as much sense to me. 😅
Dear friend Brunno, people like you, the moderators of this forum, the Spanish group who film the concerts, who have the Tracker, the Dutch guys including the legend Jeroen, Pavel Fomenkov, etc. All of you are the ones keeping the flame of the band's memory alive.
Not Alan Clark or Phil Palmer or any other. They couldn't give a hot shit about Dire Straits. They will go silent the moment people stop buying tickets, as they were before DSL, DSE, DSZ or DSY, because it's obvious that for them it's just a money machine.
But we, the fans who don't play any instruments, too:)
-
Legacy, Experience, Brothers in Band, Dire Wherever...
Let these guys earns their money.
It's a job.
ps. Chris comments are just perfect.
It's funny that some points of view seem to be full of spite. You're absolutely right, Rolo. I'll add one more thing: Mark Knopfler only has something to gain from tribute bands like DSE or DSL. As far as I know, they have to pay a fee, a percentage of each ticket that goes into MK's account. I don't know if the same thing happens with Spanish bands like Oscar's band, Alchemy Project or Brothers In Band, but for MK, there are only advantages. He makes money while sleeping, brushing his teeth... while cover and tribute bands provide entertainment for those who want to pay for it. I have no doubt that there is a lot of effort and dedication in each of these projects to bring something that matches the quality attributed to a Dire Straits show. It's never the same, but they fulfill the role of any quality cover or tribute band. If there are people who think they are paying to watch a Dire Straits show, without a doubt it is someone who only knows a couple of songs that they are able to recognize by name, SOS, SFA, MFN or WOL at most, so it is not the bands' problem, it is their problem that they do not inform themselves in the information age.
In addition to spreading the songs written by Mark Knopfler, making them travel around the world, entering people's daily lives, that is, they promote them, make these songs live, because they are invoked and in essence are presented by fans to fans, this is keeping the flame of the band's memory alive, since we will no longer have the opportunity in this existence to see Dire Straits again, Mark Knopfler nullified all possibilities. When they reversed the time machine and I was able to travel back in time to watch the performance at Rockpalast 79, Alchemy... in person, the tribute bands or covers won't make as much sense to me. 😅
Dear friend Brunno, people like you, the moderators of this forum, the Spanish group who film the concerts, who have the Tracker, the Dutch guys including the legend Jeroen, Pavel Fomenkov, etc. All of you are the ones keeping the flame of the band's memory alive.
Not Alan Clark or Phil Palmer or any other. They couldn't give a hot shit about Dire Straits. They will go silent the moment people stop buying tickets, as they were before DSL, DSE, DSZ or DSY, because it's obvious that for them it's just a money machine.
Dear marques821, we have a different perspective on this topic. It seems to me that you think it is immoral or lacking in creativity, inability to create original material... Well, how are they going to create original material with the proposal of a tribute band or cover?
Do you really think it is lacking in creativity to have a cover band or do a tribute? Do you have any idea what it is like to recreate arrangements, solos, that is, to reproduce Mark Knopfler's parts as frontman, sing and play at the same time (take into account the effort that often English is not the person's language), and here, I speak from my own experience, it is not easy, even for great musicians, but it is not impossible. So, look at the roles of the musicians to interpret the level of Alan Clark, Terry Williams, Pick Withers, Chris White...have you thought about the effort involved in this?
I appreciate the recognition in mentioning me as someone who keeps the band's flame alive, probably because of my contributions shared here, on the blog Universo Dire Straits, on Instagram or in groups on Facebook, but, just like me, Pavel and everyone you mentioned, when I look at a guy like Óscar Rosende, a big fan, a guy who has a vast knowledge of MK equipment, technical sound aspects of the DS, the same goes for the great tribute bands in Spain (they are the greatest, in my opinion), they all keep the flame of Dire Straits alive when they are playing with their projects, because at the front of each one of them, there is a big fan who dreamed of learning to play these songs with a band and play for audiences, but, to materialize this, they became professionals to deliver a quality product, (isn't that exactly what DS did?). I'm a guy who still dreams about this, everything I've done and do in this regard is on a micro level, just a few sporadic performances with a band among friends in my city, where we play classic rock, my own music, and of course, Dire Straits. I'm sure many here dream, or have dreamed of playing Dire Straits songs in a band, especially if you're a guitarist. I have a red Fender, when I play Sultans of Swing, Down to The Waterline, Lady Writer... I use this guitar and it's like a ritual, if there's a Dire Straits fan present, he'll connect immediately, if I respect the arrangement with my band, he'll be enchanted, I've seen it with my own eyes, the same happens when I see Óscar using a replica of the Schecter Sunbuster for Tunnel Of Love, or the Pensa for Calling Elvis, Ramon using a Les Paul for MFN, or the rhythm guitarist of Brothers In Band using a Steinberg for MFN, like Jack Sonni used to do in 85/86. This applies to DSE, Terrence also respects this aspect. The role of these bands is not to equal Dire Straits, but to try to bring the spirit of a band that no longer exists. They respect the arrangement, there is a demand, there are people wanting this experience. Each project has its own way of bringing this experience, whether it is reproducing Alchemy or On The Night. They respect the work. There is nothing that makes them an immoral or false act in what they are doing. It depends on the eyes of the beholder. Or if they were selling themselves as the return of the legendary band Dire Straits that ended its activities in the early 90s, which has not happened so far and if it does, it will be disapproved by all of us. (I doubt that will happen.)
Sorry for the long text, but it is an attempt to show a little more of my perspective on this. I do not want to convince you, but dialectics is always a way to break some paradigms.
-
Legacy, Experience, Brothers in Band, Dire Wherever...
Let these guys earns their money.
It's a job.
ps. Chris comments are just perfect.
It's funny that some points of view seem to be full of spite. You're absolutely right, Rolo. I'll add one more thing: Mark Knopfler only has something to gain from tribute bands like DSE or DSL. As far as I know, they have to pay a fee, a percentage of each ticket that goes into MK's account. I don't know if the same thing happens with Spanish bands like Oscar's band, Alchemy Project or Brothers In Band, but for MK, there are only advantages. He makes money while sleeping, brushing his teeth... while cover and tribute bands provide entertainment for those who want to pay for it. I have no doubt that there is a lot of effort and dedication in each of these projects to bring something that matches the quality attributed to a Dire Straits show. It's never the same, but they fulfill the role of any quality cover or tribute band. If there are people who think they are paying to watch a Dire Straits show, without a doubt it is someone who only knows a couple of songs that they are able to recognize by name, SOS, SFA, MFN or WOL at most, so it is not the bands' problem, it is their problem that they do not inform themselves in the information age.
In addition to spreading the songs written by Mark Knopfler, making them travel around the world, entering people's daily lives, that is, they promote them, make these songs live, because they are invoked and in essence are presented by fans to fans, this is keeping the flame of the band's memory alive, since we will no longer have the opportunity in this existence to see Dire Straits again, Mark Knopfler nullified all possibilities. When they reversed the time machine and I was able to travel back in time to watch the performance at Rockpalast 79, Alchemy... in person, the tribute bands or covers won't make as much sense to me. 😅
Dear friend Brunno, people like you, the moderators of this forum, the Spanish group who film the concerts, who have the Tracker, the Dutch guys including the legend Jeroen, Pavel Fomenkov, etc. All of you are the ones keeping the flame of the band's memory alive.
Not Alan Clark or Phil Palmer or any other. They couldn't give a hot shit about Dire Straits. They will go silent the moment people stop buying tickets, as they were before DSL, DSE, DSZ or DSY, because it's obvious that for them it's just a money machine.
Dear marques821, we have a different perspective on this topic. It seems to me that you think it is immoral or lacking in creativity, inability to create original material... Well, how are they going to create original material with the proposal of a tribute band or cover?
Do you really think it is lacking in creativity to have a cover band or do a tribute? Do you have any idea what it is like to recreate arrangements, solos, that is, to reproduce Mark Knopfler's parts as frontman, sing and play at the same time (take into account the effort that often English is not the person's language), and here, I speak from my own experience, it is not easy, even for great musicians, but it is not impossible. So, look at the roles of the musicians to interpret the level of Alan Clark, Terry Williams, Pick Withers, Chris White...have you thought about the effort involved in this?
I appreciate the recognition in mentioning me as someone who keeps the band's flame alive, probably because of my contributions shared here, on the blog Universo Dire Straits, on Instagram or in groups on Facebook, but, just like me, Pavel and everyone you mentioned, when I look at a guy like Óscar Rosende, a big fan, a guy who has a vast knowledge of MK equipment, technical sound aspects of the DS, the same goes for the great tribute bands in Spain (they are the greatest, in my opinion), they all keep the flame of Dire Straits alive when they are playing with their projects, because at the front of each one of them, there is a big fan who dreamed of learning to play these songs with a band and play for audiences, but, to materialize this, they became professionals to deliver a quality product, (isn't that exactly what DS did?). I'm a guy who still dreams about this, everything I've done and do in this regard is on a micro level, just a few sporadic performances with a band among friends in my city, where we play classic rock, my own music, and of course, Dire Straits. I'm sure many here dream, or have dreamed of playing Dire Straits songs in a band, especially if you're a guitarist. I have a red Fender, when I play Sultans of Swing, Down to The Waterline, Lady Writer... I use this guitar and it's like a ritual, if there's a Dire Straits fan present, he'll connect immediately, if I respect the arrangement with my band, he'll be enchanted, I've seen it with my own eyes, the same happens when I see Óscar using a replica of the Schecter Sunbuster for Tunnel Of Love, or the Pensa for Calling Elvis, Ramon using a Les Paul for MFN, or the rhythm guitarist of Brothers In Band using a Steinberg for MFN, like Jack Sonni used to do in 85/86. This applies to DSE, Terrence also respects this aspect. The role of these bands is not to equal Dire Straits, but to try to bring the spirit of a band that no longer exists. They respect the arrangement, there is a demand, there are people wanting this experience. Each project has its own way of bringing this experience, whether it is reproducing Alchemy or On The Night. They respect the work. There is nothing that makes them an immoral or false act in what they are doing. It depends on the eyes of the beholder. Or if they were selling themselves as the return of the legendary band Dire Straits that ended its activities in the early 90s, which has not happened so far and if it does, it will be disapproved by all of us. (I doubt that will happen.)
Sorry for the long text, but it is an attempt to show a little more of my perspective on this. I do not want to convince you, but dialectics is always a way to break some paradigms.
"Well, how are they going to create original material with the proposal of a tribute band or cover?"
They are not. They came up with a tribute band precisely they have nothing else to offer.
"Do you really think it is lacking in creativity to have a cover band or do a tribute?"
Obviously.
"have you thought about the effort involved in this?"
Doesn't really matter the effort, my friend. At the end of the day, they are playing what someone else already created. No matter how difficult the solos, the arrangements, the lyrics, the farts or the coughs, etc. It's already there, it's been created and it's been done. Finito. It's a replica. It will ALWAYS be more difficult to come up with original stuff.
I also don't want to change yours or anyone else's view. I understand you're very passionate about this topic and I respect that a lot. It might also be that I just don't care about Dire Straits that much, anymore. So these tribute bands rank even lower in my list of consideration. I just wanted to answer the OP's question and explain my point of view.
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It's interesting as I can't argue with both of you, you are both right. It's probably the nature of life, the road less travelled is always going to be harder.
What I realised is you can't ask too much from people. rmarques821 said any cover band is a replica. Well, yes, because having an original (successful) band is a lot of work, an order of magnitude more work than having a tribute band. Even having an original thought is a lot of work. This is why AI is unlikely to succeed in ever beating us. Only a human's brain is capable of having an original thought; the computer is just manipulating ones and zeroes.
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter whether what you create is 100% original and successful. If it is, chances are you're gonna be wealthy and famous, it will pay off in spades. So I do not worry about that. For us mere mortals, we are stuck with what we have and need to make do regardless. The only thing we should think about is whether we are doing bad things or whether what we create is shit. And I also learned it happens to be difficult to do.
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All these absolutist comments make me laugh.
Of course people who are employed by an employer have never had to create something original then slog it out for years in tiny clubs for no money.
They can't imagine the hard work that goes into these shows, and the weeks away from hoe and family.
That's fine, I expect nothing less from the usual forum members.
Anyone who claims to know that these former DS members 'care nothing' about Dire Straits are obviously making stuff up and maybe projecting their own emotions on to people they absolutely don't know.
In the end, DSE (for one) perform in front of thousands of ecstatic DS fans at every show they play.
If you don't like it, you don't like it, but don't imagine stuff you really don't know or don't understand.
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All these absolutist comments make me laugh.
Of course people who are employed by an employer have never had to create something original then slog it out for years in tiny clubs for no money.
They can't imagine the hard work that goes into these shows, and the weeks away from hoe and family.
That's fine, I expect nothing less from the usual forum members.
Anyone who claims to know that these former DS members 'care nothing' about Dire Straits are obviously making stuff up and maybe projecting their own emotions on to people they absolutely don't know.
In the end, DSE (for one) perform in front of thousands of ecstatic DS fans at every show they play.
If you don't like it, you don't like it, but don't imagine stuff you really don't know or don't understand.
I completely agree and would add that the same thing happens with other projects like the tribute bands from Spain, led by big Dire Straits fans and experts in the Knopfler technique, shows with full houses, perfect for more experienced audiences, who really know the songs. If it weren't for these projects, much of Dire Straits' sound would be limited to Classic Rock radio stations, songs like Lady Writer haven't been played by MK since 1979, Down to The Waterline since 1981, Tunnel Of Love, last played in 1992... Anyway, these projects provide a wonderful opportunity to CELEBRATE Dire Straits' music, especially for those who never had the opportunity to see the original band, for me, in essence they are acts of celebration.
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I always find it intriguing the level of emotion that the tribute band topic brings forward. This seems to stem from the time when "The Straits" made their first outing comprised of Alan Clark, Phil Palmer and Chris White amongst other top level session musicians.
I saw that band three times. For me, I really enjoyed hearing the songs played by players involved in some capacity in the history of Dire Straits. Yes, the absence of Mark was a gaping hole but you could still hear elements that I'd longed to hear live but couldn't because I was too young and missed DS play live. For me I think at that time they filled a "gap in the market" for fans like me who felt slightly adrift with MKs solo output, even hearing DS songs played live by him. There was originality in the arrangements too to some extent, notably their version of Iron Hand which was a respectful update to the original. I don't care for the politics or personalities of it all, I can just say for me that to some extent it satisfied a hunger.
That was some time ago. Most recently I've been impressed by hearing solo musicians play informally... when someone played the Theme of Local hero unexpectedly on a campsite piano in the south of france last summer, or seeing that busker in Liverpool on social media play Sultans. At the end of the day, these are good songs, and for me I don't mind who plays them if they do it well and respectfully.
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At least one of the musicians can claim to have created their own work of note.
Kind of bizarre that he was playing bass in a Dire Straits tribute band but there’s a good chance people will be listening to Trevor Horn’s records long after MK’s have been forgotten.
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At least one of the musicians can claim to have created their own work of note.
Kind of bizarre that he was playing bass in a Dire Straits tribute band but there’s a good chance people will be listening to Trevor Horn’s records long after MK’s have been forgotten.
And why is that ? Because you think TH is/was more popular ?
Personally I did not even know who Trevor Horn was before I read about the tribute band and him joining it.
I am danish not british :-)
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At least one of the musicians can claim to have created their own work of note.
Kind of bizarre that he was playing bass in a Dire Straits tribute band but there’s a good chance people will be listening to Trevor Horn’s records long after MK’s have been forgotten.
And why is that ? Because you think TH is/was more popular ?
Personally I did not even know who Trevor Horn was before I read about the tribute band and him joining it.
I am danish not british :-)
Excerpt of Trevor Horns work:
1982: The Look of Love – ABC
1982: Leave It – Cinema/Yes
1983: Owner of a Lonely Heart – Yes
1983: Moments in Love – The Art of Noise
1983: Relax – Frankie Goes to Hollywood
1984: Dr. Mabuse – Propaganda
1984: Welcome to the Pleasuredome – Frankie Goes to Hollywood
1984: Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid
1984: The Power of Love – Frankie Goes to Hollywood
1985: Slave to the Rhythm – Grace Jones
1989: Belfast Child – Simple Minds
1990: Crazy – Seal
LE
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At least one of the musicians can claim to have created their own work of note.
Kind of bizarre that he was playing bass in a Dire Straits tribute band but there’s a good chance people will be listening to Trevor Horn’s records long after MK’s have been forgotten.
And why is that ? Because you think TH is/was more popular ?
Personally I did not even know who Trevor Horn was before I read about the tribute band and him joining it.
I am danish not british :-)
There's no way of knowing what will go down in history. I always give the example of Bing Crosby, who was the biggest star in the world for decades in the 20th century, bigger than Taylor Swift or whoever, and is now completely forgotten, unless someone happens to know who it is singing White Christmas each year. :)
As I have said before, the DS legacy for whatever reason has been allowed to wither on the vine, unlike peers like Queen, Fleetwood Mac etc who have done a good job of keeping the "brand" alive. So I'd be surprised if anyone was listening to DS in 50 years time. Band Aid might still be getting played though, at least here in the UK, unless it gets cancelled.
Ultimately I won't be around to find out if I was right or not :)
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Currently Band Aid is experiencing a second youth (And exactly the fourth youth) :)
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Currently Band Aid is experiencing a second youth (And exactly the fourth youth) :)
Yes but it's also receiving criticism from some quarters about perpetuating negative stereotypes about Africa (just stating this, not looking for a debate about the topic, there are plenty of more appropriate places people can argue about it if they want to :) )
Not sure how easy it is to view outside the UK but there is currently a fantastic documentary on the BBC iPlayer about the making of Band Aid... interesting for DS fans as you get a good look inside the studios where the debut album was recorded :)
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At least one of the musicians can claim to have created their own work of note.
Kind of bizarre that he was playing bass in a Dire Straits tribute band but there’s a good chance people will be listening to Trevor Horn’s records long after MK’s have been forgotten.
And why is that ? Because you think TH is/was more popular ?
Personally I did not even know who Trevor Horn was before I read about the tribute band and him joining it.
I am danish not british :-)
Excerpt of Trevor Horns work:
1982: The Look of Love – ABC
1982: Leave It – Cinema/Yes
1983: Owner of a Lonely Heart – Yes
1983: Moments in Love – The Art of Noise
1983: Relax – Frankie Goes to Hollywood
1984: Dr. Mabuse – Propaganda
1984: Welcome to the Pleasuredome – Frankie Goes to Hollywood
1984: Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid
1984: The Power of Love – Frankie Goes to Hollywood
1985: Slave to the Rhythm – Grace Jones
1989: Belfast Child – Simple Minds
1990: Crazy – Seal
LE
Thanks LE. I guess he has been behind more hits to my youth than I was aware of :thumbsup
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At least one of the musicians can claim to have created their own work of note.
Kind of bizarre that he was playing bass in a Dire Straits tribute band but there’s a good chance people will be listening to Trevor Horn’s records long after MK’s have been forgotten.
And why is that ? Because you think TH is/was more popular ?
Personally I did not even know who Trevor Horn was before I read about the tribute band and him joining it.
I am danish not british :-)
Excerpt of Trevor Horns work:
1982: The Look of Love – ABC
1982: Leave It – Cinema/Yes
1983: Owner of a Lonely Heart – Yes
1983: Moments in Love – The Art of Noise
1983: Relax – Frankie Goes to Hollywood
1984: Dr. Mabuse – Propaganda
1984: Welcome to the Pleasuredome – Frankie Goes to Hollywood
1984: Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid
1984: The Power of Love – Frankie Goes to Hollywood
1985: Slave to the Rhythm – Grace Jones
1989: Belfast Child – Simple Minds
1990: Crazy – Seal
LE
1992: Tubular Bells 2 - Mike Oldfield
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https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDVsC7wvwmT/?igsh=MXdodDlpb2w0enl2Mg== (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDVsC7wvwmT/?igsh=MXdodDlpb2w0enl2Mg==)
When I see these images, the first thing that comes to my mind is: what energy and power these songs have. I've been there before to see them up close, it's pure fun, it's possible to get emotional with these songs through musicians like Alan Clark, Mel Collins, Phil Palmer, especially when Jack Sonni was there. I would have had no doubt that I would have had fun there, as well as the other projects already mentioned here. For me, the most important dimension of these acts is the celebration of Dire Straits' songs, it's a fair exchange, everyone involved is profiting, the band, the audiences, and MK himself, who has his work preserved through the projects that exist today, DS has been deactivated for more than three decades, all we have are these songs, many of them were left aside in DS and MK shows, if they exist, why not celebrate them in this way?
My full support for all celebration of the work of DS and its various manifestations.
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Trevor Horn also released a cover of Brothers In Arms with Simple Minds in 2018 on his album, Trevor Horn Reimagines the Eighties.
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Trevor Horn also released a cover of Brothers In Arms with Simple Minds in 2018 on his album, Trevor Horn Reimagines the Eighties.
Live Simple Minds/DS mash up with Danny on vocals :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1b_q8W_eks
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Trevor Horn is one of the most important global record producers of the 1980's.
He has his place in history. Whatever he does recently is not on that level and presumably mostly driven by fun.
It's always funny that non-musicians think full time musicians should stop performing after a certain age....and shouldn't perform great songs if they din't write them themselves.
Odd.
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Trevor Horn is one of the most important global record producers of the 1980's.
He has his place in history. Whatever he does recently is not on that level and presumably mostly driven by fun.
It's always funny that non-musicians think full time musicians should stop performing after a certain age....and shouldn't perform great songs if they din't write them themselves.
Odd.
Who said something like that?
LE
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People on forums state it all the time.
I did touch on the point made in this thread that people should only perform original work, not someone else's. Like Frank Sinatra???
But aside from this particular discussion I'm just commenting on the point often made that musicians should stop playing live after a certain age....presumably as they aren't deemed to be as good as they were in their 20's.
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People on forums state it all the time.
I did touch on the point made in this thread that people should only perform original work, not someone else's. Like Frank Sinatra???
But aside from this particular discussion I'm just commenting on the point often made that musicians should stop playing live after a certain age....presumably as they aren't deemed to be as good as they were in their 20's.
Don't know about their or your defintion of good, but it's obvious that one's technical abilities dwindle with age. For Mark that has been an issue because fleet-fingered guitar playing was part of the deal for such a long time. That aside, many older artists simply lose their creative spark and become a shadow of their former selves. At that point I think indeed it's time to call it a day. Others have their creative juices flowing till the very end. Cohen comes to mind. Paul Simon. Dylan.
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People on forums state it all the time.
I did touch on the point made in this thread that people should only perform original work, not someone else's. Like Frank Sinatra???
But aside from this particular discussion I'm just commenting on the point often made that musicians should stop playing live after a certain age....presumably as they aren't deemed to be as good as they were in their 20's.
I really didn't want to come back to this thread but I read all the comments in it and not a single person said that people should only perform original work.
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Hmmm.
Lack of personal creativity and invention has been brought up multiple times..... by you!!!
My conclusion is that the guys involved in these tribute acts are not creative or talented enough to come up with their own material (or at the very least material that can pay their bills) so they resort to playing someone else's stuff to make a living.
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Don't know about their or your defintion of good, but it's obvious that one's technical abilities dwindle with age. For Mark that has been an issue because fleet-fingered guitar playing was part of the deal for such a long time.
For professional musicians performing it's much more about the songs than the technical ability.
Many great songs have been created by musicians with limited technical ability in the first place (in their 20's).
I just completed a world tour with a bunch of over 65 year olds and we sounded exactly the same as we did as 35 year olds. Same ability, same energy.
The problem is also people who aren't musicians stating certain musicians should retire. That's fine if you don't like it, don't buy a ticket, don't go to the shows. McCartney is still packing out 80,000 seater stadia. DSE just finished a sell out tour of Zenith's in France (average capacity 3,000).
If they aren't delivering you'd expect them to be playing pubs and clubs in front of 200 hardcore fans.
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Don't know about their or your defintion of good, but it's obvious that one's technical abilities dwindle with age. For Mark that has been an issue because fleet-fingered guitar playing was part of the deal for such a long time.
For professional musicians performing it's much more about the songs than the technical ability.
Many great songs have been created by musicians with limited technical ability in the first place (in their 20's).
I just completed a world tour with a bunch of over 65 year olds and we sounded exactly the same as we did as 35 year olds. Same ability, same energy.
The problem is also people who aren't musicians stating certain musicians should retire. That's fine if you don't like it, don't buy a ticket, don't go to the shows. McCartney is still packing out 80,000 seater stadia. DSE just finished a sell out tour of Zenith's in France (average capacity 3,000).
If they aren't delivering you'd expect them to be playing pubs and clubs in front of 200 hardcore fans.
Just curious.
@Chris: Do you know the reason why Chris White and also yourself are not part of the DSL band/lineup?
If you guys replaced the roles that are currently taken by others and both of you played there, it would be even more authentic. That would obviously include a great deal of the former layout.
Anyway, I just placed a request on the DSE website to come to Denmark. I would go see both DSE and DSL if I got the chance.
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Hmmm.
Lack of personal creativity and invention has been brought up multiple times..... by you!!!
My conclusion is that the guys involved in these tribute acts are not creative or talented enough to come up with their own material (or at the very least material that can pay their bills) so they resort to playing someone else's stuff to make a living.
But that does not relate at all to what you said. You said there was a point made, in this thread, that "people should only play their own material". That is just not true, I didn't read a single comment saying this.
I don't really have a problem with amateur musicians or cover bands doing the odd performance (which is what you're trying to implicate in your statement) or teaching or even coming up with their own interpretations of the songs, I like that a lot.
It's just the fact that a bunch of guys are using someone else's work to sell themselves and catapult themselves to a status-quo that, if they weren't using that material in the first place, would be unreachable. Or maybe wouldn't be unreachable if they were talented or creative enough to come up with new songs/material/work that could engage the public or pay their bills, etc. With this in mind, myself, and probably quite a few others on this forum, find the modus operandi of bands like DSL very dubious and/or reprehensible.
"Marco Caviglia who is widely regarded as the world’s leading authority on Mark Knopfler’s unique guitar-playing style." DSL has this statement on their website. I mean, do these guys not feel self-conscious when selling themselves this way? Who even thinks this/says this? Regarded by who? Himself?
I hope what I'm saying is understandable this time and doesn't get diluted away.
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Hmmm.
Lack of personal creativity and invention has been brought up multiple times..... by you!!!
My conclusion is that the guys involved in these tribute acts are not creative or talented enough to come up with their own material (or at the very least material that can pay their bills) so they resort to playing someone else's stuff to make a living.
But that does not relate at all to what you said. You said there was a point made, in this thread, that "people should only play their own material". That is just not true, I didn't read a single comment saying this.
I don't really have a problem with amateur musicians or cover bands doing the odd performance (which is what you're trying to implicate in your statement) or teaching or even coming up with their own interpretations of the songs, I like that a lot.
It's just the fact that a bunch of guys are using someone else's work to sell themselves and catapult themselves to a status-quo that, if they weren't using that material in the first place, would be unreachable. Or maybe wouldn't be unreachable if they were talented or creative enough to come up with new songs/material/work that could engage the public or pay their bills, etc. With this in mind, myself, and probably quite a few others on this forum, find the modus operandi of bands like DSL very dubious and/or reprehensible.
"Marco Caviglia who is widely regarded as the world’s leading authority on Mark Knopfler’s unique guitar-playing style." DSL has this statement on their website. I mean, do these guys not feel self-conscious when selling themselves this way? Who even thinks this/says this? Regarded by who? Himself?
I hope what I'm saying is understandable this time and doesn't get diluted away.
Touché... I never knew they went so far. I know Guy said about Oscar's band it was like hearing themselves play, that's a genuine quote, and coming from Mark's left-hand man, it says a lot. But all this "world's leading expert" is a self-imposed construct every single time. Not to offend Italians (I will), but those guys are sometimes comically too in love with themselves. There's a great Italian YouTuber who breaks down The Beatles' music, but I can't stand his "world's leading expert" attitude. The funniest thing to me is to imagine when they edit the video, they put the word "expert" on the screen while looking at themselves. Damn... Rick Beato is also of Italian descent, which you don't even need to look up, just watch ANY of his videos. It's just funny to me. I love Italy, don't get me wrong.
What baffles me is the thought that these guys can't make mistakes and can't go wrong. Everybody makes mistakes. "Human" is a synonym for "Mistake". You absolutely CAN stay in the ring for too long, you can make stupid mistakes, you can be overly in love with yourself or overly confident, you can advertise yourself like the world's leading expert, and you can advertise your band as if it's the real thing. But by doing so, you need to accept the consequences and pay the price of a lot of people disliking your work, famous people writing diss songs about you, and people on the forums beating the crap out of you. I can't stand bullshit, and when I see one, I say it's bullshit. If I see something great, I say it's great. Like Great Straits.
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Just marketing at the end of the day, lol
The Rolling Stones have been calling themselves The Greatest Rock n Roll Band in the World for over 50 years :)
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Touché... I never knew they went so far.
You're both talking about DSL. I don't think DSE market themselves as the greatest at anything.
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Just curious.
@Chris: Do you know the reason why Chris White and also yourself are not part of the DSL band/lineup?
I can only speak for myself....
It's about a different vision. To me it seems like DSE are more aiming to replicate the Dire Straits live shows of 1985 and 1992.
The DSL stuff I've seen on YouTube seems like much more low energy. They have also incorporated original songs, covers of other bands (Yes etc).
I have no interest in that personally.
I'm not a fan of the Italian accented vocals either.
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It's just the fact that a bunch of guys are using someone else's work to sell themselves and catapult themselves to a status-quo that, if they weren't using that material in the first place, would be unreachable.
No, their status, selling out 3000 seater arenas, reflects the hard work they've put in. The success of the band is built on word of mouth, people coming back to see them every year when they come to town. When DSE started out they were playing very small provincial theatres. When I played with them we were doing out of the way places in Romania and Bulgaria.
Chris White absolutely deserves his place on the world stage, being a major part of the Straits sound from 1985 onwards. Are you saying he should stop playing live unless he plays solo...without the rest of the band.
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Just marketing at the end of the day, lol
The Rolling Stones have been calling themselves The Greatest Rock n Roll Band in the World for over 50 years :)
The problem here is that they are probably right ;D Love them or not, but damn, they can play and have fun.
Tommy Emmanuel in his early years in Australia used to come on stage with a sign "The greatest Australian guitar player" or something.
Bernard Purdie used to hang a sign in the studio that read "You done it.", "You done hired the hit-maker, Bernard ‘Pretty’ Purdie."
Having huge balls is not bad, but saying you have big balls and actually having them are two different things...
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Touché... I never knew they went so far.
You're both talking about DSL. I don't think DSE market themselves as the greatest at anything.
Considering everything, especially your comments, it really does seem to me like DSE was much closer to a great official tribute band than the monstrosity DSL has become. Original songs, attempt at an album, covers of other artists, the Trevor Horn situation, and things like that... Seems like they don't know what they want to be.
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The Trevor Horn situation is just that both Alan Clark and Phil Palmer work on his productions very often, a bass player was needed for DSL so they asked Trevor and well, a paid gig is a paid gig
Actually Palmer and Cummings worked a lot with Horn from long ago so they are probably friends more than colleagues.
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The Trevor Horn situation is just that both Alan Clark and Phil Palmer work on his productions very often, a bass player was needed for DSL so they asked Trevor and well, a paid gig is a paid gig
Actually Palmer and Cummings worked a lot with Horn from long ago so they are probably friends more than colleagues.
He said in an interview he did it to keep his bass chops fresh, and he was never a fan of MK&DS but liked the music after being presented with it. Why I call it "the situation" is because it's still a renowned music producer playing in a tribute band with a foreign singer. Certainly not Bruce Springsteen's band like he wanted ;D I don't think anyone will be able to convince me it's not strange. Vince Gill refused to join even the full-fledged Dire Straits with Mark Knopfler and all, and Trevor's like—I'm gonna do my friends a favour. Different people have different standards, it seems. But then again, he already had a cover band for years, playing stuff even from Russian bands like t.A.T.u., I just learned this fact myself and now have no questions for Mr Horn. If you like t.A.T.u., then yeah, no problem with playing bass in a Dire Straits tribute band with a foreign singer.
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I really see no problem. You said it, friends, fun, paid. Music is also about PLAYing, have fun. I don't know tatu's music but the list of his work shows a broad range of styles. So he seems to be an open minded chap, exploring this and that. I wished MK had shown more of this mindset during his solo years, keeping things fresh, working with different people from different spheres, different producers and so on. I also didn't get the Vince Gill connection.
LE
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I really see no problem. You said it, friends, fun, paid. Music is also about PLAYing, have fun. I don't know tatu's music but the list if his work shows a broad range of styles. So he seems to be an open minded chap, exploring this and that. I wished MK had shows more of this mindset during his solo years, keeping things fresh, working with different people from different spheres, different producers and so on. I also didn't get the Vince Gill connection.
LE
Tatu is like the poppest of pop, even in Russia, generally speaking, you won't find any serious music lovers here who like their stuff. It was popular in the early 2000s among 14-year-old girls, if even that old. And it was always about two supposedly open lesbian singers. Open-minded, you say, yeah... He'd better work with a heavy metal band or something other than this.
For Vince Gill, I meant he refused to join even real Dire Straits. What I meant was that you can always say no to all sorts of things, including playing in a tribute band or producing Tatu. Saying yes to everything doesn't mean that you're open-minded, it means you say yes to everything.
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I really see no problem. You said it, friends, fun, paid. Music is also about PLAYing, have fun. I don't know tatu's music but the list if his work shows a broad range of styles. So he seems to be an open minded chap, exploring this and that. I wished MK had shows more of this mindset during his solo years, keeping things fresh, working with different people from different spheres, different producers and so on. I also didn't get the Vince Gill connection.
LE
Tatu is like the poppest of pop, even in Russia, generally speaking, you won't find any serious music lovers here who like their stuff. It was popular in the early 2000s among 14-year-old girls, if even that old. And it was always about two supposedly open lesbian singers. Open-minded, you say, yeah... He'd better work with a heavy metal band or something other than this.
For Vince Gill, I meant he refused to join even real Dire Straits. What I meant was that you can always say no to all sorts of things, including playing in a tribute band or producing Tatu. Saying yes to everything doesn't mean that you're open-minded, it means you say yes to everything.
Thank you for explaining. I suggest we agree to disagree in this case as I still can't find anything wrong in this way of working.
LE
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Fair play to Trevor for being open to different things, I might even note the contrast between MK who has more or less made the same album and played the same tour since 1996...
A couple of points:
All The Things She Said by Tatu is a classic pop banger.
Trevor Horn playing bass in his 60s/70s with a DS tribute act was a surprise, but it was is in no way comparable to Vince Gill declining an offer to join DS as sideman to pursue his solo career.
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People in an argument always reach for extremes. Tatu???
My understanding is that Trevor Horn is a long time friend of Alan Clark.
There is absolutely not one shred of doubt that Horn is one of the best and most important record producers of my generation. I personally think 'Slave To The Rhythm' is a masterpiece. Frankie Goes To Hollywood and Seal were both massive projects.
Horn is to record production what Knopfler is to song writing.
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For a slightly more offbeat Trevor Horn production I recommend Dear Catastrophe Waitress by Belle & Sebastian, fantastic record.
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Why did Trevor Horn and Simple Minds cover BIA. Possibly one of my favourite DS covers. Its really good.
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In that sense, I have a lot of respect for David Knopfler who, as far I as know, never joined these bands and kept making his own solo albums, even if with less financial gain.
Yeah but DK used to perform Dire Straits songs at his own gigs and a couple of other covers as well.
He did "Six Blade Knife"
"Wild West End"
"Whats The Matter Babe"
"Bernadette"
"Once Upon A Time In The West"
"Where Do You Think You"re Going"
And he would talk about MK. My view on tribute bands is if they make people happy then thats fine as long as the composer gets some back pay out of it. But to cover a "Dire Straits" song is never really going to sound good because MKs voice and guitar playing was 85% to 90% of the track. If you took him out of the mix you have a huge gaping hole.
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In that sense, I have a lot of respect for David Knopfler who, as far I as know, never joined these bands and kept making his own solo albums, even if with less financial gain.
Yeah but DK used to perform Dire Straits songs at his own gigs and a couple of other covers as well.
He did "Six Blade Knife"
"Wild West End"
"Whats The Matter Babe"
"Bernadette"
"Once Upon A Time In The West"
"Where Do You Think You"re Going"
And he would talk about MK. My view on tribute bands is if they make people happy then thats fine as long as the composer gets some back pay out of it. But to cover a "Dire Straits" song is never really going to sound good because MKs voice and guitar playing was 85% to 90% of the track. If you took him out of the mix you have a huge gaping hole.
Nothing wrong with David performing the DS material, just like John who played a lot of DS stuff and even guested in some of the tribute bands as far as I'm concerned. They were a part of the band, so why not include some DS songs in their gigs? But the core of their work is still solo stuff.
I also want to remind people that nobody here wants to offend anyone. I, for one, always wished Alan and other talented MK-related people doing more than just copying Mark's music. And my Vince Gill rant was about that — choices. You can be an ex-member playing some DS music in your solo gigs, you can be a sought-after session player like Chris or Vince and even guest in a tribute band, the other thing is to organise and lead the damn thing.
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"Shut up and deal, let's see you do better
Shut up and deal, let's see you get it on
Shut up and deal, and put it all together
Let's see you
Let's see you"
;D
Let's see you do it all