John Illsley & Greg Pearle live in London. 07/10/08

[Best Brown Baggies]

Hi all.
I was one of the lucky winners of the comp to see JI & GP live in London next week.
I was just wondering if anyone else was going, and if so, if they wanted to meet up before the gig.?

It'll be GREAT to see John again. I've not seen him since the last Straits tour in 91/92.
I've heard clips from his new album. It sound AMAZING.
And they'll be playing some Straits numbers too. (I understand Chris White will be playing too.)

Hope too meet up with some of you.
Draad from this forum is coming as my guest as well.

Cheers BBB

[jbaent]

Wow, congratulations!!!!

Yes, Chris White is playing with them 

Any chance to tape anything even in a mp3 player? Would be great to hear anything from that show 

[Pottel]

yes to a recording, but pls no mp3, let us try to do it decently....maybe someone with a recording device can help out, and nigel can record it???

[jbaent]

yes to a recording, but pls no mp3, let us try to do it decently....maybe someone with a recording device can help out, and nigel can record it???

The key word in my post is "Even" 

I would be very happy if someone could do a great and not loosy recording, but as I know maybe there is not a chance to that, if its possible to have a listening "even" made with a mp3 player that would be great as I can

[draad]

Nigel, myself and a lady called Slavi, that many of you know well, had the pleasure of attending this concert last night. Nigel will go into it in more detail I'm sure, so just a little taster from me.

The venue was tiny - a few tables up the hall's sides with some chairs, standing for the rest. Capacity 350. The three of us were right at the front of the stage, standing beside what would turn out to be JI's  mike. There stuck to the floor was the setlist - so we knew what was coming! Nigel took this away at the end so he can give you all the details. When the band came on we were close enough to have reached up and played the great man's guitar! Set started off with Once Upon a Time in the West, which was great. Several other DS favourites scattered throughout the set inc Sultans and R@J, but in the main, the setlist comprised pretty much the whole of Beautiful You. Pearle's voice was great and JI's lead guitar was brilliant and so like MK at times. Chris White played some good sax - what a handsome and elegant man he is - and Slavi chatted with him at several points throughout the night - making her first trip to the UK one she won't forget! 10 out of 10 for a very close up musical experience! Nigel - the invite was much appreciated. Thank you. 

[Pottel]

a..r...e...c....o....r....d....i....n....g.....??

[superval99]

Did you see MK or Guy in the audience?   

[draad]

Sorry guys.

No recording, No Mark and no GF.

 

[superval99]

Thanks draad.  I'm glad you had a great time.  I would have loved to have been there with you all!   

[draad]

TY Val. All a bit of a voyage this for me. So nice to feel welcome and at home here, and to now be meeting you guys at concerts makes everything even more special.

[allen]

Thanks for sharing your reviews.  I'm searching the net to see if we can find some pics for that night.

Wishes
Allen

[draad]

I know that Nigel and Slavi took loads of pics. I'm sure they will be able to get them out to all in the near future.

[Best Brown Baggies]

I will post a short review now, and add to it later.

It truley was an AMAZING night.
I met up with Slavi & Arthur (Draad) from the forum.
The venue is tiny, but beautiful, with diamond chandeliers.
Before the gig, Chris White was walking amongst the audience. He is such a great, warm, genuine man.
It was weird to think that i saw him on the great BIA & OES tours.
The support were very good, but i was just itching to see John, Chris & Greg on stage.
I got to stand right in front of John at the front of the stage with Slavi & Arthur.
The concert blew me away.
John was superb on the lead guitar,(strange to see him playing lead instead of bass).
Greg's voice was out of this world, and Chris was as usual perfect in his playing of the Sax, Claranet & Flute.

Set list was a dream...........................(which i took, after asking someone, from the stage at the end of the gig)

Expresso Love
First We Take Manhattan
Secret Garden
Shine
Love Let Me Breath
Once Upon A Time In The West
Romeo & Juliet
Loving You
Crazy Kind Of Life
Sultans Of Swing
Demons
Got No Plans
Where Do You Think Your Going
I Believe
One
Money For Nothing
Beautiful You

I was surprised to see so many Straits songs.

I met John & Chris afterwards. True legends in my eyes.
John signed my Dire Straits 1st album cover, & Chris signed my KTGC album cover.

If you get a chance to see them in Ireland. YOU MUST GO.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Someone who i did see at the end of the gig was Paul Cummings, who i'm pretty sure was part of Dire Straits management in the 80's & 90's.
He was talking to John. I didn't see anyone else though. Guy said he may turn up, but i didn't see him.

Hope this review isn't too bad. I may add or change it later.

BTW, unfortunately i didn't get a chance to record it, but i did take some great pics, which i hope to share soon.

Cheers BBB.

[draad]

BBB is the man who unstuck and picked up the setlist from the stage floor, so I must have got the kick off wrong! Apologies to you all. Those beers we had before the gig may have been too strong!

[Rollergirl]

Nigel = BBB