Tribute to Dire Straits

The Rhumbelow Theatre Durban pays tribute to the music of Mark Knopfler and his band, Dire Straits, through the band The Reals, comprising guitar maestro, Barry Thomson (lead guitar and vocals), Dawn Selby (keyboards and vocals), Mali Sewell (drums and vocals), Jason Andrew (bass guitar and vocals) and guest guitarist, Shaun Dragt.

Dire Straits was a British rock band formed in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar) and his younger brother, David Knopfler. Their sound was influenced by a variety of musical styles including jazz, folk and blues, and contrasted with the prominence of punk rock during their early years. Their more conventional sound appealed to modern audiences weary of the overproduced stadium rock of the 1970s.

Dire Straits’ fifth album, Brothers in Arms, released in May 1985, was their highest-selling studio album with sales of over 30 million. It was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the first compact disc to sell a million copies, helping to popularise the CD format. It was one of the first albums recorded on digital equipment and the title track is reported to be the world’s first CD single. In August 1986, the song which launched MTV Europe was another Knopfler hit, Money for Nothing, and featured Sting in a cameo vocal role.

To date, Dire Straits have sold in excess of 120 million albums, and this show features a selection of their hit songs, including, Brothers in Arms, Walk of Life, So Far Away, Sultans of Swing, Romeo and Juliet, Tunnel of Love, Private Investigations and Money for Nothing.

The show will take to the stage on Friday, 12 June at 8pm, 13 June at 8pm, 14 June at 6.30pm, 19 June at 8pm, 20 June at 8pm and 21 June at 6.30pm.

The venue opens 90 minutes before show for a picnic dinner. Tickets are R120; block bookings (eight or more) for the first weekend are R100 per ticket; pensioners R100. Bring picnic baskets – braai facilities and bar available (no alcohol may not be brought onto the premises).

Book through Computicket or contact Roland on 082 499 8636 or roland@stansell.za.net or events.durbantheatre.com.