FOR those not old enough to remember the original band, Dire Straits were a major guitar-based band from the late 1970s, formed at the height of the punk revolution, fronted by the enigmatic Mark Knopfler, famed for his distinctive guitar picking style of playing which made their sound instantly recognisable.

They reached the peak of fame during the mid 1980s and while their hits may have faded, Mark Knopfler remains one of the most influential guitar players of his era.

It was a chat over a pint between fans, in a pub called The Snooty Fox – in Tetbury to be precise – that the idea was thrown around to set up a tribute band which became Dire Streets.

There’s no look-a-likes, so no headbands and pink suits. But what they do concentrate on is recreating in fine detail songs like Romeo and Juliet, Sultans of Swing, Twisting by the Pool and Lady Writer — all the mega hits of the 1980s from the full range of albums.

The band comprises John Brunston on lead vocals and guitar, Dik Chandler on drums, Gaz Keenan on guitar and backing vocals, Eoin McQuone on bass and Mark Drydon on keyboards.

Dire Streets will be playing Tavistock Wharf this Saturday (April 22).

See the Wharf entertainment page in tomorrow’s Times for ticket information. Article by Ellie Hudson.