About John, they are more than friends, I think it is not the same thing, when at the beginning you shared 120 bucks and you had nothing but just enough to eat and you still playing and enjoying it, you have the right to play those songs and be proud of it.
Yes of course, thats out of question. My point was that the balance is just not my preference as I would prefer more of his own songs instead. But I fully agree, John is a totally different thing than the straits or other tribute bands.
John is the ideal number 2, who never complains and is faithful to the boss no matter what - a real saint, really. Must be very tough to cope with MK's temper...
John is highly respected for that among MK fans and has earned his little place under the sunshine. Time for him to shine a little bit. Yes I also would have preferred him to play more of his own songs... But at least he made some songs of his own !
Alan's case could have been similar. After all he joined DS as a full member
In 1980, not so long after it all started, and he probably brought many things and ideas. His keyboards skills are quite outstanding (see TOL on Alchemy/Wembley !). His major faults are not that much "The straits" per say, but all these interviews saying that he co-wrote TR and that MK was not that a big part of DS. Had he be contented with playing some old songs with a few ex-members that probably Mark would have smiled and not cared much. But all this tralala about it as if it was a major event, a reformation of DS... This is like Icarus: if you go to close to the sun, don't be surprised to be burnt. My 2 cents.