Well this was definitely a departure from the norm for me. A chance to play the original sound track to the 1982 Blade Runner movie (one of my all time favourites) . I was invited by my friend and colleague, Pete Billington, to join him and 10 other musicians on stage at the Palacio Municipal de IFEMA in Madrid to play 2 nights. Anyone who knows the original Vangelis soundtrack will know its ‘synth heaven’ for us keyboard players. But we also had 3 ‘electric’ violins and an electric Cello - 2 percussion players plus bass, 3 synth players and a sax player. Whislt not the most technically demanding from a players perspective, the show does however require immense concentrations as the notated score is written to allow perfect synchronization to the movie - It was a great experience and hopefully not the last time.
Author: John Maul
The Power of Sax !
It was a real treat to do a one-off gig with my dear friend Lisa Grahame. She’s an amazing Sax player who played for Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra for nearly 20 years. Lisa and myself had spent a few days in my studio recording ideas for her new songs. As a result she decided to book a gig herself at her local Village Hall near Henley. We had some amazing players in the band too including Pete Brown on Guitar, Carlos Hercules on drums and Steve Walters on Bass all of whom played for George Michael.
It was a packed hall of enthusiastic new fans for the band. I really hope we get a chance to do it again.
More Nordic and Celtic adventures with the DSE
I’m pleased to say my total hip replacement operation just before Xmas 2025 went very well. However, not being allowed to fly for 6 weeks, meant I had to miss the Dubai gig at the end of January with the Dire Straits Experience. So it was great to be back for our trip to Finland, Sweden and Norway 17th - 23rd March . Yes it was cold and snowy, but a lot of fun. Within a week of getting back, we were then off to my 2nd home, Ireland, for a 4 date tour covering Cork , Killarney, Castlebar and finishing in Dublin at the famous Olympia venue. As always, great audiences and so appreciative.
Luther and Friends
I was delighted to be asked back to play on a new format of the ‘Luther Live’ show I played last year. It now includes ‘Velvet Voices’ covering repertoire from Alexander O’Neal, Marvin Gaye, Bobby Brown, Freddie Jackson and many more.
It’s my kind of music and a total pleasure to play. Try staying in your seat for this show, you won’t last long before getting up to dance, thanks to the dulcet tones of Gamal John (from Britain’s Got Talent golden buzzer).
Check the link below for this years UK dates
A Full October Schedule for the DSE
It’s always an absolute pleasure to tour France. Fantastic audiences, amazing venues and the best of crews made up of our guys and the French team. From the 2nd October for nearly three weeks we played 14 shows. Immediately after we made our way to Madrid for a one-off gig in the Plaza De Toros , the breath taking bull fighting ring, steeped in tradition if not a little controversial. But what an audience, an absolute packed auditorium, with the passion you’d expect from Spanish fans. Muchas Gracias
Orchestral ABBA comes to Portsmouth
A welcome diversion from the norm for me - I had the pleasure of working not only with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, but a fabulous rhythm section, 4 world class singers and a super conductor, Pete Harrison.
The open air event took place at the Guildhall in Portsmouth on the 2nd August - no rain I’m pleased to say. Just an evening celebrating the iconic music of ABBA . With an audience of 1500, dancing away, fun was had by all.
The Keyboard Chronicles Interview
Hat’s off to Mr David Holloway, the founder of the YouTube site - ‘The Keyboard Chronicles’. His tireless efforts interviewing keyboard players from all over the globe is fast making this the ‘go-to’ resource for professional 1st hand advice and experience, hopefully with a few laughs along the way.
I was delighted and honoured to be invited to chat with him about many things including my career in music, pop artists I’ve worked with over the years and even talk about keyboard development with Roland and Yamaha and the challenges that the retail industry faces nowadays.
Britfest ’25 at Ashley Showground
A year later (almost to the day) on the 5th July, we were back for more 80s mayhem. Midge Ure, The Fizz (formerly Bucks Fizz) . Katrina, Hue & Cry and Cutting Crew were the artists. Once again I was lucky enough to have an absolutely superb house band - all stunning musicians in their own right. Even the weather held after last year’s wet and windy performance.
Homage to Elton
Following my Facebook Post on the ‘We Grew Up In Watford’ Group, I was contacted by journalist Panayiota Demosthenous. She was interested in knowing a little more about a letter I received from Elton John back in February 1978 , having written to him at Watford FC only a few days before. It was a source of inspiration for a young musician like myself and I’ve forever been grateful to the Pop Icon for taking the time to write to me. So if you live in the Watford area you may have seen the article in the April edition of Watford News. A fitting tribute in recognition of Elton’s kindness.
Luther Live !
Well that was fun. Just a couple of stand-in gigs for a fabulous show featuring the amazing vocals of Harry Cambridge and his fabulous singers plus an awesome 5 piece band. The first at Central Theatre in Chatham at the end of January and the second at the prestigious Symphony Hall in Birmingham. If you love the music of Luther Vandross, check out this show - it’s something very special indeed.