Hi all,
No polemic, just my point of view !
In spite of all the debate with the Straits ( Mark and John seems to be a little bit disappointed on the band's name , but it's not the subject )w
Alan clark updated his site and shows big respect on the MK's choice :
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Since Dire Straits played their last gig in 1992, the magnificently talented, musical genius that is Mark Knopfler has made 6 solo records and, understandably, prefers to leave Dire Straits behind him and concentrate on this solo material. He has made it clear that he does not want to reform the band or play the band's music. We formed The Straits to satisfy the huge demand to hear Dire Straits' music. When we play Dire Straits' music it is being played by the people who made it. I was involved in the creative process of most of Dire Straits' music. A part of me is woven into it. Chris White has been a part of the band since 1985; Phil joined in 1990. Mark's brilliant music is in very safe hands. We love it.
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Alan is an outstanding musician (better according to me than Guy, but I do not speak about compos) as well as do all other members of the Straits, it is indisputable, but look - not for the price of fame???
I think as for myself, that when we are taken in the whirlwind of the glory during a decade and when we are lucky to play with one of the biggest and best band of moment, which owes mainly its success to the quality of its compo and the brilliance (almost indecently nature) of a certain Mark, that must be hard to stay in the shadow during 20 years. It can be an opportunit for this musicians ( excellent musicians) to exist again. If Mark, John, Guy, compose, record, play live in a band , it is not the case of the remainder of the band.
Spent good time with old friends? To make profitable the experiences and knowledge of the past? I hope that Mark will have the same fairplay that Alan.
About the RAH performance , I shall not carry a judgment (too much DS live music in my ears ) even if Alan and Chris lost nothing, it misses the master touch which drives and makes all the difference; it says in any objectivity, what will be a DS gig with MK today ? would have we not the same nostaly of past in front of a Mark not offering to his fans for what they wait and want to listen of a concert of DS?
After all I think that the choice of each is fair and sensible.
Riton