DS:UK – the UK’s quintessential tribute show to Dire Straits – are midway through their UK Tour and are making a stop off at the Melksham Assembly Hall on Saturday 12th October.
DS:UK played to a packed house at the Assembly Hall in 2018, and the theatre were quick to re-book the into the band’s Alchemy UK Tour for 2019.
The iconic “Alchemy” album was Dire Straits’ first live album, recorded in 1983 at Hammersmith Ocean during the final nights of the band’s World Tour.
“Alchemy is a beloved album by Dire Straits fan and this tour is our opportunity to perform many classic favourites that aren’t often heard on stage.” said the band’s leader, manager and Lead Guitarist Dave Phillips.
DS:UK came into some controversy at the beginning of the year after they were contacted by the real Dire Straits regarding their original name.
DS:UK began life as Dire Straits:UK and enjoyed a very quick rise to touring the UK theatres after being set up in 2016. Following their first Alchemy show of the year at Hazlit Theatre in Maidstone, the band were contacted by Dire Straits LTD, and asked to change the name from Dire Straits:UK to something that didn’t include the words “Dire Straits”.
“We don’t really know why – there are plenty of tribute shows across the world that are using the name of the band that they’re tributing that are being allowed to continue as is. We didn’t think we’d have any trouble from the real Dire Straits over our use of the name, but evidently we did. It’s possibly that Mark Knopfler’s team were clearing the Google space in preparation for selling his UK tour – not that he’d need any help!” says Dave.
The name change hasn’t dulled the band’s enthusiasm or the interest in DS:UK’s shows – and they’re currently enjoying a successful tour of the theatres and venues across the country.
You can buy tickets for DS:UK’s Dire Straits tribute show on 12th October 19 at www.direstraitstribute .co.uk or visit the Assembly Hall’s website- www.melk shamassembly. co.uk
