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Formed in the autumn of 2001,  has established itself as the leading Dire Straits Tribute act in the world.  Based in South West England, the seven piece lineup of lead, rhythm and bass guitars, keyboards, sax, pedal steel and drums faithfully reproduces all the classic Dire Straits hits, including Romeo and Juliet, Brothers in Arms, Walk of Life and Sultans of Swing!  The band specialises in playing the full live versions of the songs from the tours of the 1980s.  These arrangements are bursting with musical colour and are just as representative of Dire Straits in its heyday as the iconic videos that were so often featured on Top of the Pops and MTV.

The band regularly plays throughout the UK and abroad.  Past venues have included music clubs such as Mr Kyps, Poole and Cox's Yard, Stratford-upon-Avon; theatres such as The Princess Pavilion, Falmouth and Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis and community arts centres such as the Tavistock Wharf and the Ivybridge Watermark.  The band also loves playing open air gigs and recently performed on a floating stage at the Bolsward Music Festival in the Netherlands.  Other outdoor performances have included the prestigious Party in the Park festival, Bovey Tracey, and recently the Milford-on-Sea music festival where the band headlined.  The band has even played, on one memorable occasion, from the deck of a Brixham trawler!!!!





29th May, '10
The Regent Centre, Christchurch, was the venue for the Traits' latest gig and what a gig it was too!  The band welcomed an audience of nearly 250 to the theatre and everyone had a fabulous night.  The band were once again called back on stage for an encore after a particularly special rendition of Sultans, dedicated to a birthday reveller at the gig.  The Traits very much hope to return to the theatre  again next year and will be back in the area in September for their return to the fantastic Mr. Kyps in Poole.

27th February, '10
Last weekend, the Traits performed another sold out gig in the beautiful town of Tavistock at the splendid Tavistock Wharf.  The weather may have been pretty dismal- rain, wind, even a splattering of snow making an appearance - but it didn't put off the fans who turned out in force and rocked the night away.  Audience and band alike enjoyed the barbeque the Wharf had organised, washed down with a pint of Jail Ale (or two)!  The band were in top form and, like at their previous gig, the audience were obviously having as much fun as them, notably shown by the packed dancefloor and the deafening call for an encore.  The band are looking forward to their next gig in Wales on 6th March and then back on home ground at the Carlton Theatre, Teignmouth on March 20th.

14th February, '10
After a well deserved break over Christmas and New Year, Dire Traits began 2010 in style last week with two cracking gigs, one in their home county and the other in the beautiful Henley-on-Thames.  On Friday, after a dodgy beginning, (poor Ray who unfortunately broke down on his way and  spent most of the afternoon on the motorway waiting for the AA to rescue him,) the band set up in record time and played to an appreciative audience at the Grand Hotel, Torquay for a charity gig raising money for the local scouts.  The next day, the band travelled to the picturesque Henley-on-Thames where they rocked a packed audience at the Henley theatre, the crowd were on their feet and a standing ovation brought the band back onto stage for a fantastic encore.

15th October, 09
At our summer gig at the Shaftesbury Theatre in Dawlish, talented local photographer Steve Clark recorded the band in concert and you can see his photos in the dedicated folder in the Gallery.  Steve has expertly captured many bands at south west gigs as well photographing a wide variety of other subjects and you can see his work at www.flickr.com/photos/mrsony  Steve can be contacted at topref@17lt.eclipse.co.uk

29th August, 09
Just an update on the latest Dire Traits adventures!  The Traits played to a very full Sheldon open-air theatre on Wednesday 12th August.  The rain just about held off to give band and audience alike a wonderful time with a fantastic sound and atmosphere.  This was a very happy return to the venue for the band and we look forward to the chance of playing there again soon.

Last Monday, the band joined in the celebrations of Andrew (Keys) and Vickie's wedding!  The service held at Ilsington Church, which included performances from Devon County Junior Choir and the Isca Voices amongst others, was followed by a great reception at the Two Bridges Hotel, Dartmoor, where, during the evening, the band performed.  Another great local band, the Jive Jacks, rounded off the night.

Finally, last night, the Traits played the Exmouth Pavilion for the first time.  What a gig!  Andrew and Vickie even delayed their honeymoon for this one and well worth it too!  The venue and audience were both fantastic and the band has now confirmed a return visit to the Pavilion next March.  Keep an eye on the gigs page for more info!

8th June, 09
The last week or so has seen the band play two fantastic local 'pub' gigs, the first at Upton Social Club and the second at the Wyndham Arms, Kentisbeare, part of their family fun day.  Both with a great vibe and sound, these gigs really enabled the fans to enjoy the band in a much more informal and intimate setting.  Great value for money too!

As of this month, the traits are looking for a new agent / promoter / gig-getter!  Normal commission will be offered to someone with suitable industry experience.  Please contact us via the site or by email if interested.

1st March, 09
Last night, at Tavistock's Wharf theatre, the Traits played to an audience of over  250 fans.  The sound was fantastic, the atmosphere buzzing from start to finish and the show was a real hit!
This was a very welcome return for the band which last played the venue 3 years ago and looks set to return there in 2010.
Finally, a special prize goes to our most well-travelled fan, a gentlemen who had driven all the way from Leicester to see us - many, many thanks for your support sir.  We are currently negotiating a gig in Nottinghamshire so watch this space!

1st February, 09
The band is really pleased to welcome its newest member, Gus York, bringing its number to seven.  Gus is a very fine pedal steel guitarist and his playing has already enhanced the band sound greatly.  Check the band page soon for info on him.

His debut with the band, last Saturday at Cox's Yard in Stratford-upon-Avon, was a fantastic gig, the band's first of the new year.

Finally, this website can now be accessed both at www.diretraits.net and www.diretraits.com.

29th October, 08
Welcome to the band's new website!  Do check back regularly to keep in touch and find any updates.