Interesting point of discussion.
As a musician, like many here, in 20 years playing guitar or bass, i tend to affirm that the drummer is the main vehicle for a great band performance.
Dire Straits was one kind of band with Pick and other with Terry. Even the LOG songs (recorded by Pick and played live by Terry) has a different feel.
Funny thing that i like Chris playing during the OES Tour. The whole band was great. There some different approaches, the songs were played in a slower tempo (many of them). But the overall sound was too processed. The band was playing flat.
In my opinion, The DS Concerts always was a 'product'.
The reharsals pushed the band to perfection. But, the concerts was mostly the same (with some few inspired ones). So, the OES tour was not different. Mostly of the concerts had the same feel. The concert was great if Mark was in the mood. And there's nothing wrong about it.
I like Chris perfformances and his touches on some songs, i believe, are still great.
Sorry my poor english.
Cya
