Four decades after Dire Straits entertained Australian audiences on their landmark 1986 tour, fans will have the chance to relive the experience when tribute band Telegraph Road comes to Nundah this month.
On Saturday, 26 September, Telegraph Road will perform two hours of Dire Straits’ biggest songs at Royal Quarters, celebrating the music of the influential rock band.
Lead vocalist and lead guitarist Mick Melit said the anniversary was a significant milestone for Dire Straits fans.
“I’ve always loved this music, and as a guitarist of many years, it’s a great joy and a great challenge to play and sing this music,” he said.
“Our set list draws from the biggest and well-known hits from all of their albums, and we include five of the songs from Brothers in Arms, which came out in 1985 and was the basis of the tour in 1986.”
The show is also a chance for Mick to revisit his own memories of seeing Dire Straits live. He attended the band’s 1983 concert at Festival Hall before seeing them again during their 1986 tour at the QE2 Stadium.
“For fans like myself, who saw them in 1983 and 1986, we hope to bring back memories of an 80s supergroup with the power and intensity only a live tribute like Telegraph Road can deliver,” he said.
“Telegraph Road the band delivers not only the power and energy from songs like Money for Nothing and Sultans of Swing but some intimate musical moments from songs like Romeo and Juliet, Private Investigations, and Telegraph Road (the song).”
Bringing Authenticity to the Tribute Stage
Another career highlight connected to Dire Straits’ music came when Mick worked with acclaimed Australian guitarist Phil Emmanuel.
“I toured with the late Phil Emmanuel for a number of years as the lead vocalist and second guitarist in his Dire Straits show and have very special memories of working with one of the world’s great guitarists and characters,” he said. “I learned a lot from Phil.”
Mick, who performs in several tribute bands, said audiences appreciate the effort that goes into bringing a tribute show to life.
“Importantly, the music has to sound authentic, and we strive to perform the set with passion and accuracy,” he said.
“Attention to musical detail, like using the appropriate instruments, is really important, so I use a red Stratocaster, which he (Mark Knopfler) did; I use a Gibson Les Paul, which he did; and I use a Dobro guitar or a resonator,” he said.
“I’ll even wear the sweatbands and an 80s-style suit for the vibe.”
Tickets start at $39.80.
Telegraph Road: A Tribute to Dire Straits
- Saturday, 26 September, 7.30pm (doors) 8pm (band)
- Royal Quarters
- 1259 Sandgate Road, Nundah
- Get your tickets here.
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