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.
Category: Concert
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.
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.
80s Symphonic comes to ‘Beatles’ City
I had the pleasure of working with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra last December at the infamous concert Hall on a Symphonic 80s gig. It was a fun packed evening of classic hits from the decade performed by 4 amazing singers (Emma Kershaw, Katie Birtill, Oliver Tompsett, and Patrick Smyth) with maestro Rob Eckland, conductor and arranger of many of the songs played . It was so lovely to see the orchestra dressing up in full 80s regalia and no doubt enjoying a break from the usual demanding repertoire.
Click on the link below for details of the concert
A Return To ‘Gigging’ Life
I’m glad to say some normality has finally returned to gigging life, albeit slowly and cautiously.
The Dire Straits Experience have at last been busy. March included a two week tour of France with no less than 11 shows, all with fantastic audiences, food and hospitality. After a brief 3 day respite back home we then had a gig in Prague followed by two in Austria , again fabulous audiences. And just last weekend we performed at the Magma Art Venue in Tenerife. Coming up is this month is the Azores, Finland and Germany. So it’s good to be back and seeing living breathing audiences, even if wearing face masks. Here’s to the promise of a good and busy year in 2022.
’Tis The Season….
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
Now That’s What I Call The 80s
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
To Africa And Beyond With The DSE
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.
DSE – Summer Travels In Europe
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
Nashville Comes To Liverpool
On the 13th July I had a very enjoyable diversion from the usual kind of gigs I do. I was working alongside the Liverpool Philharmonic in a ‘Nashville Classics’ concert with full orchestra and rhythm section. The show was the brainchild of pianist/arranger/conductor Kennedy Aitchison and Annie Skates, singer and vocal arranger. Also featuring on vocals, Zoe Nicholas, Stephen Weller and Lance Ellington (BBC Strictly band singer). One particular highlight was working with Sarah Jory, one of the finest pedal steel guitarists in the world.
Nice to be reminded of some fo the most amazing country music and artists - everything from Glen Campbell to Dolly Parton. Phenomenal music and whilst working alongside seriously great musicians including Andy Pask on Bass, James Pusey and Pete Callard on guitar and Andy McGlasson on Drums - not forgetting Mr Dave Hartley on piano.