LEGENDARY Chris White and Terence Reis. DH PHOTO
The Dire Straits Experience’ has captured many hearts since inception. The band, comprising Chris White and Chris Whitten (from the original ‘Dire Straits’), Terence Reis, Tim Walters, Simon Carter, Danny Schogger and Paul Geary, were in the city to perform at the Seagram’s 100 Piper Music CDs ‘Play For A Cause’ recently. In a chat with Tini Sara Anien, Chris White and Terence shed light on the band’s musical journey so far.
How different is ‘The Dire Strait Experience’?
Chris: We are a band which is delighted to be able to tour with the original ‘Dire Straits’ music across the world. We thought we were doing this for just a night, but it moved on to much more.
Terence: We are a live show. Our shows are experiential moments.
How much has the music changed?
Chris: The music hasn’t changed much. We try as honest musicians to keep the music intact, but we don’t try to copy anyone. What we try to present is what I experienced with Mark Knopfler — everyday would be different.
How has internet changed the world of music?
Chris: The internet has influenced music immensely! It has helped spread music across boundaries. It’s nice for young people to be able to follow their passion at their fingertips.
Your favourites from the ‘Dire Straits’ originals...
Chris: I loved ‘Romeo and Juliet’ when it came out and I also love ‘Private Investigation’. ‘Brothers in Arms’ is a stunning piece — it’s one of the most moving pieces we have performed. The emotion stays the same, even now, when we perform it. People would express their solidarity by waving lighters earlier, now it’s mobile phones — that’s the only difference.
Some interesting onstage experiences that you can share...
Chris: I used to do these stunts where I would run across the stage, past the drummer, go beyond the piano and leap in the air. On a night in 1986 in Australia, when I was performing ‘Two Young Lovers’, I got overexuberant and leapt high up in the air. From the corner of my eye, I could see the manager going ‘Yay!’ and then ‘Oh!’, seconds apart. I was close to Mark and he excitedly smiled and then immediately made a worried face. That’s when I thought I was in trouble. Thankfully I landed on my feet but my knee gave way and I fell. I completed the rest of the set though!
Terence: There are these personal stories that people share which have shaken me up. An interesting moment was when a ‘Dire Straits’ fan came upto the stage and asked me to sign a lifesize poster of Mark. People forget that I am not Mark. That is a lot of pressure! (smiles)
Your inspirations...
Terence: I listen to all sorts of music and all of them inspire me.
Chris: When I started off, I used to listen to a lot of jazz music and wanted to be a jazz saxophonist. But I grew out of that quickly (smiles). As an influence, I would definitely say Mark Knopfler. I learnt a lot of things from him.
How does it feel to be here?
Chris: The organisers had heard our music and wanted us here. The Delhi edition was our debut in India and we are excited to be here.
Terence: The cause is beautiful and we are glad to be able to use our music for
the same.