Opinions on Dire Straits coverbands?

[quizzaciously]

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.

[Brunno Nunes]

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?

[Love Expresso]

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

[Robson]

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.

[wayaman]

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.

[Robson]

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

[quizzaciously]

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.

[Vesper]

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.

[peterromer]

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 ?

[wayaman]

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.

[rmarques821]

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.

[Dutchessy]

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).

[dustyvalentino]

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.

[dustyvalentino]

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?

[Dutchessy]

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!