The Straits Return To Deptford For Albany Show On March 9th 2013


The Straits Return To Deptford For Albany Show On March 9th 2013

Dire Straits played their first ever gig in Deptford in 1977 when they shared a council flat on the Crossfields Estate. In the 80s they went on to play the Albany before finding global success. This March sees former Dire Straits members The Straits return to Deptford and the Albany to perform the band's much loved catalogue of hits including 'Sultans of Swing', 'Money for Nothing', 'Walk of Life', 'Romeo & Juliet', and 'Brothers in Arms'.

Former members of Dire Straits have reunited because of the substantial demand to hear their songs, The Straits features Alan Clark and Chris White plus world class musicians Steve Ferrone, Terence Reis, Adam Phillips, Mick Feat and Jamie Squire. Since the launch of their current line-up, The Straits have gone from strength to strength, performing Dire Straits greatest hits all over Europe. This intimate show is part of the Albany's 30th anniversary celebrations, continuing into spring 2013.

A special PRS Music Heritage blue plaque marks the spot at Farrer House, Church Street in Deptford, as the 'performance birthplace' of Dire Straits where the original group, Mark Knopfler, David Knopfler, John Illsley and Pick Withers once lived and performed their debut gig. For fans and local residents this will be a rare homecoming for the music that put Deptford on the map.

Albany Chief Executive Gavin Barlow says of this exclusive London show: 'We're really excited to welcome The Straits back to Deptford and the Albany - it promises to be a nostalgia trip for both the band and our venue. Deptford remains a seeding ground for musicians and our 30th celebrations are just as much about looking to the future as to the past, hopefully all the new artists in the area can emulate some of the success of Dire Straits and play their own homecoming gigs here in 30 years time.'

Alan Clark joined Dire Straits in 1980 as their first ever keyboard player and played a significant part in the decades to come.  Acknowledged by his fellow band members as Dire Straits unofficial musical director, he co-produced their last studio album On Every Street. Alan has also played and recorded with renowned artists. Credits include a four-year stint in Eric Clapton's band, two Bob Dylan albums, Tina Turner's classic Private Dancer and the Bee Gees hugely successful Still Water album.

Chris White is best known for his saxophone work with Dire Straits including the Brothers in Arms and On Every Street world tours and the On Every Street and On The Night albums.  He also performed at the Live Aid and Mandela concerts.  More recently, Chris has performed on two Mark Knopfler solo albums.  Other credits include work with Paul McCartney, Ray Charles, Joe Cocker and Robbie Williams.

Originally from Maputo, Mozambique, Terence Reis grew up playing guitar in the idiosyncratic style of the local finger picking street musicians, which is remarkably similar to Mark Knopfler's own style. It was his voice that first attracted the attention of The Straits as well as his accomplished guitar skills with elements of Knopfler while remaining unique to himself.

Ferrone has been a member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers for the past 18 years and has played with a huge list of high profile acts including The Average White Band, Eric Clapton and Quincy Jones. 

Adam Phillips moved to London in the early nineties and began playing with veteran singer songwriter Tom Robinson.  Since then, Adam has worked in the studio or touring with a wide variety of artists including Cher, Tina Turner, Lionel Richie, Richard Ashcroft, James Morrison, Hamish Stuart and Enrique Iglesias.

Mick Feat is an internationally renowned bassist whose work includes being the in-house bass player at Island Records and recording and touring with a host of artists including Mark Knopfler, Art Garfunkel, Van Morrison, and David Gilmour. 

Jamie Squire, the youngest in The Straits line up at 24, is a highly accomplished keyboard player, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, with a voice that will one day surely make him a star in his own right.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience The Straits in their original London home this spring at the Albany. 

Show date:

Saturday 9 March, 7.30pm doors
The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8 4AG
£25 in advance




MORE INFORMATION:

http://www.thestraits.com/
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