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Author: John Maul

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On the 9th March I left for the Czech Republic ready to embark on a 16 date tour of also Poland and France with the Dire Straits Experience. By lunchtime on the 10th it had all been cancelled and our flights home had been booked for the 11th. Whilst frustrating at the time, I am now very grateful for that decision in the light of ever worsening events in the news regards this horrible Corona Virus that has put the world on hold. Needless to say I shan’t be working for a good few months at least.  I hope that this situation will change for the better soon but the realist in me knows not to hold my breath. 

Meanwhile I look in awe at those brave souls working for our essential services here and abroad. Our NHS remains one of the most incredible health care systems in the world and I am so grateful for this. Stay safe everyone. 

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What better way to start the New Year than with a bit of Rock ’n Roll with Spike Edney’s Allstar Band. Sadly the great man was unable to attend himself due to his Queen commitments. Instead, Guitar Rock Lord, Jamie Moses lead us on this fabulous gig in Madrid on the 20th Jan. (picture attached).

After this the Dire Straits Experience had a full week’s rehearsal at Soundstage Studios in Acton in readiness for the big three week tour coming up in March in Czech, Poland and France. 

Currently I’m touring on the Branden Cole UK event, The Showman having missed last year’s. Sadly I’m only able to do 12 of the 16 dates due to the imminent DSE tour.

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To be playing Christmas tunes in Dubai. For the 3rd year running, the concert promoter Raymond Gubbay has put on six ‘Jingle Bells’ concerts in the space of three days for an enthusiastic audience. It's immense fun, if not a bit strange seeing Christmas woolly sweaters being worn outside in temperatures of 25 degrees.  

To finish of the Christmas festivities Ill be playing at the Barbican on the 21st December for a double show day with an even bigger orchestra. For details click on the link below:  

https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2019/event/jingle-bell-christmas

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What a great way to finish the year with 12 gigs in just over 2 weeks covering Belgium, Holland and France. As per usual, great audiences and great venues. That just about wraps it up for 2019 - a very busy year for the Dire Straits Experience although we are awaiting confirmation of a possible New Years Eve Gig in Bucharest. The photo attached is of myself and Sax player extraordinaire, Chris White, who played with the original Dire Straits back in the 80s. It's taken by an amazing photographer, Jo Sudau, who has followed the band from venue to venue getting some terrific shots.

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A slight departure from the norm for me. Whilst not being available to play on this new show from the Raymond Gubbay team, I did however get involved with programming all the specialised sounds for the three keyboard players on the show. Nearly 150 patches prepared especially for the excellent arranging of my friend, Clive Dunstall. The show as you can imagine features nearly 30 pop hits from the 80s and includes singers, full rhythm section and orchestra. 

The tour kicked off in De Montfort Hall on the 15th November with another 6 regional shows running up until the end of November. Im sure more will appear next year. 

For more details follow the link

http://www.raymondgubbay.co.uk/whats-on/now-thats-what-i-call-the-80s-live

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It has been a very busy time with the Dire Straits Experience having just returned from a 3 show tour in Finland. With less than a day to rest in the UK we then left for South Africa having 2 shows planned in Mozambique, one in Pretoria outside of Johannesburg and then on to the French owned Réunion Island. The reaction and sheer numbers in the audiences continues to reaffirm just how far-reaching Dire Straits music was and continues to be. With age ranges from teens to 70 plus it’s clear the music strikes a universal chord with many.  

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A few days ago I received the very sad news that this year’s 80s Invasion tour would be cancelled. This promised to be one of the best lineups of 80s artists that I’ve worked with.  Eight UK shows had been planned with artists including Jason Donovan,  5-Star and Sister Sledge. 

It has however been a very difficult year for many tours with the undeniable uncertainty of Brexit and what it might entail. This impact is very clearly affecting the live music industry and no doubt played a big part in the promoter’s eventual decision to cancel. This is indeed the first time I’ve directly felt such an impact.

There are plans to possibly try again next year but for now it’s time to look forward to a more settled music industry and hope that whatever the outcome of our politicians efforts, the consequences aren’t too far reaching on ours and other businesses .

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Despite the Summer lull in DSE gigs thanks to two weather-related last-minute cancellations, we were happy to appear at the Henley Rewind Festival on August 17th. Sadly only a 40 minute appearance for us due to so many artists on the bill, but enough to keep us in trim for the forthcoming September gigs where we will be appearing in Germany, Switzerland and Israel. Come October we have gigs in Finland and Mozambique and November includes a 12 date tour in Belgium, France and the Netherlands. 

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A very unexpected but fun gig indeed. On the 8th August myself and a pretty sizeable orchestra were flown out to Sardinia to accompany Dame Shirley Bassey performing at a big UNICEF charity gig. Whilst only a brief appearance I was lucky enough to hear her 2 greatest hits performed live - Goldfinger and Diamonds Are Forever. I have to say that even at the age of 80 plus, she can still really sing. A totally class act and an honour to work for her indeed.

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The Dire Straits Experience continues with their very busy schedule this Summer. Since the end of June we’ve been to Avoine and Istres in France. Last weekend we had gig in Croatia returning the next day to Heathrow and getting straight onto a sleeper touring bus that took us overnight to the Rewind Festival in Perth in Scotland. Two more Rewind festivals remain this Summer - Macclesfield on the 3rd August and Henley on the 17th. I’m pleased to say the last couple of weeks in August will be a chance to get away with the family for a little break before the Autumn / Winter schedule starts