DS:UK... in tribute to Dire Straits.

That's the way you do it

"…the epitome of a tribute band…"

"…[Dire Straits are] a band that means a lot to me…you won't be disappointed…"

"…a show that utterly captures the sound and soul of Dire Straits…"

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Dave Phillips Music · DSUK - Why Worry

DS:UK -THE Dire Straits Tribute Show

"The Alchemical Tour" is DS:UK's 4th Tour. Taking fans, once again, back to a seminal moment in the band's history - the release of "Alchemy": the band's first live album.

As the UK's most successful Dire Straits Tribute show, DS:UK's performances bring a genuine and unique experience that bring fans the tracks they love from the early days of Dire Straits, performed by a group of world class musicians who demonstrate their love and respect for Mark's music night after night, and show after show.

The "Alchemical" Tour has been DS:UK\s most packed and exciting tour so far - don't miss the remaining dates across 2024.

Let it rock and let it roll!

The game commences…

Don't miss our other show:
50 Years of Fender

An innovative show that tells the fascinating story of the Fender Stratocaster.

David Knight - Lead Guitar and Vocals

David’s been a full time musician since leaving College at the age of 18 and is one of the busiest and diverse musicians in the UK today.

David has a 1st class honours degree in Performance Industries, studied Audio Engineering at SSR in Manchester, is an educated and experienced recording engineer, a certified Pro Tools Engineer and instructor for Avid. And just for good measure, Dave also has a Degree in Law - making him one of the few musicians in the country that actually understand how contracts work!!!

He lectures Audio Engineering for Point Blank Music School (and previously Academy of Music and Sound) and has developed courses in Audio Engineering for multiple Universities.

Alongside managing and performing with dS:uK, he works as a musician and recording engineer, producing local artists at White Room Studios in Southampton which has him playing and composing for other musicians on a weekly basis. He also provides live PA for venues and groups across the South through his PA company "Prestige Sound" and he also currently performs Keys for Phil Collins Tribute "Seriously Collins" and fronts "50 Years of Fender".

Dave has been managing and fronting bands consistently as a lead guitarist and lead vocalist since the mid-90's, and is known for having magnetic stage charisma and a terrific voice, although that doesn't help much when you're performing Mark Knopfler's vocal!

Mark Knopfler is David’s inspiration for starting to play the guitar and the opportunity to perform Dire Straits’ music as a tribute to the band is a dream come true.

Find out more about Dave at www.davephillipsmusic.co.uk | www.prestigesound.co.uk
www.seriouslycollins.com | Www.50yearsoffender.co.uk

Jade Gall - Saxophone and Keyboards

Jade Gall is a highly celebrated UK-based saxophonist and flautist, hailed as having a “big, strong tenor sound with a beautiful sense of melody and swing…a musician to look out for in the future” by top UK trumpeter Steve Waterman.

Experienced in pop, classical and jazz fields, she has performed alongside top-class musicians from around the world, including: Allison Adams Tucker, Claire Martin, Clare Teal, Jason Rebello and Duncan Lamont; and has featured on BBC Radio broadcasts.

A regular feature of horn sections across the UK & Europe, Jade has performed to sell-out crowds at The Welsh Millennium Centre, Glastonbury Festival and Boomtown Fair. She featured as regular saxophonist of the smash-hit touring show ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered’ and has also played for ‘The Magic of Motown’, ‘Soul Legends’, ‘DS:UK’ and ‘Seriously Collins’ shows as far afield as Barcelona and Belgium.

As a classical saxophonist, Jade is a Fellow of Trinity College London (FTCL) in saxophone performance. She graduated with an MA in Music Performance from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2013 and has studied with top classical saxophonists Hannah Marcinowicz, Nigel Wood and Gerard McChrystal.

As a jazz artist, Jade released her debut quintet album ‘Out With The Blues’ to critical acclaim in 2016, and has since performed as both bandleader and sideman at top jazz venues across the country.

Jade has a passion for sharing her musical skills and education projects are a key part of her musical life. She is an experienced woodwind tutor, teaching saxophone, flute and clarinet at a number of educational institutions and worked with South West Music School whilst studying for a BA (Hons) in Performance Practice at Dartington College of Arts.

Find out more about Jade at
www.jadesax.co.uk

Alistair Begg - Bass

Alistair Begg is a formidable and versatile talent, since graduating from BASSTECH in 1995 he has been making a living from playing and teaching bass in various bands in the South of England including EverClare and Seriously Collins with David. Alistair is one of the few Chapman Stick players in the world, joining the ranks of Tony Levin and Nick Beggs as formidable ‘stickists'.

He has played in Originals bands, Function bands, Tribute bands, Theme bands and countless depping situations, performing pop, funk, soul, rock, metal, prog, latin and jazz, plus a couple of genres best forgotten and at least one that was never named. He has played barns, boats, pubs, parties, clubs and cruises.

Alistair teaches Bass guitar at College and Degree level in Southampton, successfully guiding the next generation of young bass guitarists.

Find out more about Alistair at
www.alistairbeggmusic.co.uk

Alec Heald - Drums

After graduating from University in 2012 with a degree in Popular Music Performance, specialising in Drums, Alec been involved in countless projects around the country.

From recording and live sessions with young and upcoming artists, private tuition, drumming in high street brand nightclubs, acoustic sets and working with numerous bands on the corporate and event circuits , Alec’s solid feel and creativity behind the kit has solidified him as one of the South coasts most in demand drummers working today.

Alongside his performance work, Alec works in audio in a slightly different capacity - installing residential and commercial AV systems via his own company, Equinox Audio Solutions.

Find out more about Alec at
www.alechealddrums.com

Joe Boult- Guitar

Our resident Northerner!

Check out Guitar Joe, he knows all the chords - and some of them fancy!
But it’s strictly rhythm, it’s up to Dave to make it cry or sing.

Between a hectic schedule of various gigs and training the next generation of rock-stars with a busy private teaching business, it’s amazing he has time to find his snazzy shirts for the stage while nailing every detail from the records.

Joe cut his teeth with a thousand functions and various tributes ranging from Robbie Williams, to Duran Duran and even Level 42, and spends his days in a home studio recording music.

He might even release some one day!

You can find out more about Joe at www.josephboult.com

Kingsley Sage - Keyboards and Piano

Kings is a classically trained pianist who has played in bands since his teens, and established a small independent music label in Brighton in the 1990s.

From 2000-2009 he was the keys player and songwriter for the rock band Anemo, who were signed to a US record label, with their last single briefly reaching the UK charts.

These days, as well as playing keys with DS:UK, Kingsley runs a music publishing and production company in Sussex.

Together with many fellow musicians encountered over the years, he produces a diverse range of music from dance, rock, pop, early music and ambient sound for use in film, tv and on-line.

When not playing with DS:UK, he also plays keys with an 80s band and the Sussex based function band “No Mustang”, and teaches at the University of Sussex.

DS:UK Lockdown Sessions

During the COVID19 lockdown of 2020, we spent a little time preparing some home-brewed tracks for our followers to enjoy.

"…Lively, full of energy, and the music was extraordinary…"

"…they perform with a passion and love for Dire Straits - they are far more than a tribute band…"

"…I was skeptical as to whether it was possible to replicate Mark's distinctive guitar style, but my doubts quickly evaporated…"

Some of our recent Social Media posts

Lovingly • Faithfully • Recreated