OES rehearsal and preparations

[wayaman]

Hi Chris. I am sure you just missed my question earlier in this thread. Just from a musicians point of view, how highly did you rate Mark's guitar playing ability from your vantage point?

No offence intended but, I understand very clearly why Chris didn't answer your question.

[Chris W]

People in the past have asked me how much I was paid.
I reserve the right to answer questions I'm happy to answer.
Mark is obviously (and rightly) a world class guitarist. What difference does my opinion make?
I don't believe in music as a sport, top ten lists, or even awards like The Grammy's and Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.
It's all too subjective.

[qjamesfloyd]

I didn't think you would have any issue answering my question. Thanks Chris.

[diremania]

People in the past have asked me how much I was paid.
I reserve the right to answer questions I'm happy to answer.
Mark is obviously (and rightly) a world class guitarist. What difference does my opinion make?
I don't believe in music as a sport, top ten lists, or even awards like The Grammy's and Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.
It's all too subjective.

I’ve noticed that you played with headphones on. Was that for click (tempo) and did you do this with macartney too or how did that come about?

[Chris W]

I had a click for the first three songs (I think it was).
It just set the show off on the right foot every night.
They were Sony EarPods type things, not the hi-tech solutions we have today.
On McCartney I played 'Coming Up' to a click, due to all the loops and samples. But the rest of the show was wild, running free.

[Marnix]

Chris I was wondering you played with Paul McCartney at the Knebworth festival in 1990 and the Dire Straits also. Did you met Mark that day or someone else from the band? Came there the idea maybe to ask you for the OES tour?

[Chris W]

The McCartney band flew in and out pretty quickly (helicopter).
I didn't see anyone else play. I wanted to watch Pink Floyd.
I believe John at least saw some of our show and that influenced the invite to go on tour with DS.
But I never asked anyone about it.

[diremania]

I had a click for the first three songs (I think it was).
It just set the show off on the right foot every night.
They were Sony EarPods type things, not the hi-tech solutions we have today.
On McCartney I played 'Coming Up' to a click, due to all the loops and samples. But the rest of the show was wild, running free.

How was your monitor signal mixed, e.g. lots of bass and marks vocal? Did the stage design had an impact on your monitor mix? Sounds like the stage sound volume  must have been at the same level as the afterburner on a jet 🫨🫨

[Chris W]

I can't remember. Mostly drums.
Marks voice and guitars (all) for sure. Alan - who I had to follow for a few important cues.
There was enough volume on stage that you could hear plenty without monitors.

[diremania]

I remember seeing and hearing you in Dortmund in 91 and twice the summer of 92 in Copenhagen, and still remember the splash of your snare.. it was very firm and distinctive.. actually the whole Horizon set sounded out of the world

[Chris W]

Great drums