Fans from the early period as far as I can recollect were mainly either 'curious' music lovers or guitarists (like myself).
When I first heard the Dire Straits album - a friend of mine and myself were in awe of the guitar playing and would try to emulate the sound and the style. When the band played in Durham (my hometown and at the University Students Union building where I used to watch bands every weekend) it was like heaven. Going to see my new hero on a small stage with an intimate (500) audience.
To be honest it was 30 years ago and all I remember is that it was almost like listening to the record (with your eyes shut and after a few pints of beer). But I was literally stood a few feet away from the man (and the band) that I knew would make it 'BIG'. There was I think, only myself and a few others that had actually heard the album and we knew every song, every lick, note for note - probably to the amazement of the band as well as the rest of the audience!
It wasn't until the following May that he played the bigger halls and although I love the City Hall at Newcastle - for a band playing there for the first time and the type of music DS played (and also the fact that the 'fans' had not really established themselves by then) it was quite a sombre affair. Although I was right at the front and took a few pics with my polaroid camera!
That is where I got MKs and the bands autographs (as in my pic) straight after the show. He was a shy/quiet/reserved person then as he is now and he had time to chat and pose and sign etc.
Compare that to the recent KTGC concert which in my own mind was the best ever concert I have attended at the City Hall.
