Forty years ago today, the greatest rock band of all-time released the greatest rock album of all-time, Led Zeppelin IV. A powerhouse from the legendary opening vocal intro of “Black Dog” to the final notes of the hypnotic Mississippi blues-infused “When The Levee Breaks,” IV contains eight radio classics including “Rock And Roll,” “The Battle Of Evermore,” “Misty Mountain Hop,” “Four Sticks,” “Going To California,” and, of course, the ultimate rock anthem, “Stairway To Heaven.” “Hats Off” to Jimmy, Robert, John Paul, and John for creating a true work of art that only gets better with age.

Led Zep 4 is truly a rock classic and a must for any music collection.

To coincide with the UK release of Chickenfoot’s highly anticipated second album “III” (Oct 24^th) and the recent announcement of two UK concerts in January 2012, this week the band have released a new video for the single “Three and a Half Letters”. Watch the video here – http://bit.ly/nCStEu

Featuring guitar hero Joe Satriani, former Van Halen vocalist Sammy Hagar and bassist Michael Anthony, and drummer Chad Smith; “Three and a HalfLetters” is the second single to be taken from the band’s new album. The song’s poignant lyrics tackle the world’s economy and current levels of unemployment. The lyrics are taken directly from letters written to Sammy Hagar, following a suggestion from his long standing manager, Carter, who sadly passed away earlier this year during the recording of the new album.

“I’ve received letters from lots of people, mostly fans, but some people just needing help, looking for work,” says Hagar. “Carter had told me to write a song called ‘I Need a Job’ six months prior but the idea didn’t dawn on me until I received a letter from a guy who had just returned from Afghanistan. At the end of his letter he wrote – ‘Can you help? I need a job’.”

Watch a podcast of the band talking about “Three and a half Letters” here – http://youtu.be/w8An5z6q5bE

Highly anticipated would be an understatement… Chickenfoot – guitar hero Joe Satriani, drummer Chad Smith, former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony and frontman Sammy Hagar – have announced details of their second album Chickenfoot III, the follow-up to 2009’s award-winning eponymous debut album.

Following weeks of online rumours and escalating hype, the band themselves have finally set the record straight in an official announcement which confirms the album’s title, release date, and full track listing.

Chickenfoot III (not IV as previously implied) – UK Limited Edition Fan Pack is set for simultaneous worldwide release on Tuesday September 27th. The album, which was produced by Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Metallica), will come complete with specially designed 3D packaging.

The Fan Pack comes with two exclusive bonus tracks – “Down The Drain” (Live in Phoenix) and “Oh Yeah!” (Live in Phoenix) – plus a 132-page magazine dedicated to one of the worlds greatest supergroups. The Fan Pack magazine is 100% Chickenfoot-approved and contains exclusive interviews with Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony and Chad Smith talking about their new album, plus their respective careers as part of some of the biggest bands in rock.

The Fan Pack also tells the story of the making of the band’s new video, how they created a 3D album cover, an overview of their solo careers and the story behind each and every song on the new record. The magazine is also packed with rare shots of the band, an exclusive muso section as well as a Guitar Pick Pack, 3D glasses and a 3D CD digital book pack with postcards.

The non-Fan Pack version of Chickenfoot III, will be available on CD, CD & DVD Deluxe Edition & 12″ Vinyl. Due for release on Monday October 24th.

Chickenfoot will perform two UK concerts in January 2012 as part of a 5-date European tour; dates include Manchester Academy (Jan 12) and London’s O₂Academy Brixton on (Jan 14), followed by concerts in Paris, Tilburg and Dusseldorf.  These are the band’s first European shows since July 2009, and will see them perform songs from their gold-selling eponymous debut album, alongside tracks from the new album ‘III’. Tickets are available from – http://bit.ly/qs8Srm.

Following the release of their long awaited second album ‘III’, the hottest rock & roll band in the world, Chickenfoot, have announced a 5-date UK & European tour for January 2012; their first European concerts since July 2009. Including 2 UK concerts in Manchester and London, tickets will go on sale at 9am on Friday October 14th 2011; further info is detailed below, and at www.chickenfoot.us.

Chickenfoot will perform songs from their gold-selling, eponymous debut album, alongside tracks from the critically acclaimed ‘III’, for the very first time outside of the United States. The European tour kicks off at the Manchester Academy on Thursday January 12th, followed by London’s O2 Academy Brixton (Saturday January 14th), Paris Olympia (Monday January 16th), Tilburg O13 (Tuesday January 17th) and Dusseldorf Mitsubishi Electric Hall (Thursday January 19th). Tickets for the 2 UK concerts will be available from www.livenation.co.uk/artist/chickenfoot-tickets.

Featuring guitar hero Joe Satriani and Van Halen duo, bassist Michael Anthony & frontman Sammy Hagar, Chickenfoot drummer Chad Smith has temporarily handed his sticks over to the legendary Kenny Aronoff, who will join the band for these concerts. Says Joe Satriani, “Kenny brings that same combination of super chops and wild energy to the band that we’re used to; and, offstage, he’s just as crazy as Chad”.  Watch a video of Chad Smith introducing Kenny here.

Chickenfoot fans in the UK will be treated to a special Planet Rock pre-sale, where tickets can be purchased 24 hours ahead of the October 14th general on-sale date. By visiting www.planetrock.com, tickets will be available from 9am on Thursday October 13th.

Wilko Johnson, the phenomenal guitarist and founding member of Dr. Feelgood, who has influenced everyone from Joe Strummer and Mick Jones to Steve Albini, will embark on a nationwide UK tour throughout September and October 2011. Very special guest on all UK dates will be the award-winning blues singer Ian Siegal and his band.

The tour kicks off at the Edinburgh Caves on Thursday 15th September. Tickets go on sale on Friday 15th April at 9am and can be ordered by calling the 24 Hour Box Office on: 0871 230 1101 or book online at: www.seetickets.com.

In addition to pioneering Dr. Feelgood’s distinctive mid-seventies, pre-punk British R&B sound, in 1980 Johnson went on to play guitar for Ian Dury and the Blockheads. Today, Johnson’s solo band features Blockheads’ Norman Watt-Roy (bass guitar), and Dylan Howe (drums).

In 2009 Johnson featured in Julien Temple’s "Oil City Confidential"; a fascinating feature length documentary about Dr. Feelgood. The film received many accolades including the MOJO Vision Award at the MOJO Honours List 2010.

Dr. Feelgood originally formed in 1971 as a British pub rock band who hailed from Canvey Island, Essex. Their name derived from a slang term for heroin or for a doctor who was willing to overprescribe drugs. It is also a reference to a 1962 record by the American blues pianist and singer Willie Perryman (also known as "Piano Red") called "Dr Feel-Good", which Perryman originally recorded under the name of Dr Feelgood & The Interns.

Dr. Feelgood’s distinctive British R&B sound was centred on Wilko Johnson’s choppy guitar style. The original band line-up also included singer Lee Brilleaux, and the rhythm section of John B. Sparks (aka "Sparko") on bass guitar and John Martin (aka "The Big Figure") on drums.

Dr. Feelgood was known primarily for their high energy live performances, although studio albums like Down by the Jetty (1974) and Malpractice (1975) were also incredibly popular.  Their 1976 breakthrough live album, Stupidity reached No.1 in the Official UK Album Chart.  When the band released their fourth album, Sneakin’ Suspicion (1977), Johnson left the group to pursue a solo career.

Tour Dates

• Edinburgh Caves                    Thurs 15 Sep
• Glasgow O2 ABC                   Fri 16 Sep
• Aberdeen Lemon Tree            Sat 17 Sep
• Newcastle O2 Academy        Sun 18 Sep
• Sheffield O2 Academy           Thurs 22 Sept
• Kendal Brewery Arts              Fri 23 Sept
• Holmfirth Picturedrome Sat 24 Sept
• Leicester O2 Academy            Sun 25 Sept
• Bilston The Robin                    Thurs 29 Sept
• London Islington Academy     Fri 30 Sept
• Manchester Academy              Sat 1 Oct
• Nottingham Rescue Rooms      Sun 2 Oct
• Gloucester Guildhall                Thurs 6 Oct
• Falmouth Pavilion                    Fri 7 Oct
• Exeter Phoenix                        Sat 8 Oct
• Brighton Komedia                   Sun 9 Oct

Chickenfoot, featuring guitar hero Joe Satriani, frontman Sammy Hagar, former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony and world renowned drummer Chad Smith, have confirmed multiple UK release dates and formats for their highly anticipated second album Chickenfoot III, the follow-up to 2009′s award-winning eponymous debut album.

The album will initially be released in the UK as an exclusive Limited Edition Fan Pack, and will coincide with the international album release date of Tuesday September 27th. Produced by Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Metallica), the album will come in specially designed 3D packaging.

The Fan Pack includes two exclusive bonus tracks - Down The Drain (Live in Phoenix) and Oh Yeah! (Live in Phoenix) – and a 132-page magazine dedicated to the band. 100% Chickenfoot-approved, the fan pack magazine contains exclusive interviews with Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony and Chad Smith, talking about the new album and their respective careers.

The Fan Pack details the making of the band’s new video, how they created the 3D album cover, an overview of their solo careers and the story behind each song on the new album. The magazine is also packed with rare photos of the band, an exclusive muso section, a Guitar Pick Pack, 3D glasses, and a 3D CD digital book pack with postcards.

On Monday October 24^th, Chickenfoot III will be released in the UK on CD, Deluxe Edition CD & DVD, and 12″ vinyl. The Deluxe Edition CD & DVD will include a Chickenfoot III EPK, Big Foot promotional video, Turning Left (live in Phoenix) and the Sexy Little Thing promotional video.

Today, Chickenfoot posted the official promotional video for the Big Foot single on YouTube. Details of the band’s September 27^th worldwide web simulcast concert, will be announced shortly.

Cardiff Central Library has teamed up with Alan McGee, the man responsible for bringing Oasis, Primal Scream and Wales’ own Super Furry Animals to our attention.

Alan is back with a new band called Broken Vinyl Club who hail from Aberdare and will perform a special performance at the library on Saturday, August 27 at 1pm.

It’s a free event and provides a great opportunity to see the band perform their 60s style rock.

The band is already proving popular with their first single “I Want You Girl’ doing well with even Liam Gallagher tipping them for the top.

Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Nigel Howells, said: “Central Library has a history with Welsh rock bands, with the Manic Street Preachers officially opening the library back in 2009. This is a great opportunity to see the next big thing live and free in Cardiff.

“Broken Vinyl Club are certainty one to watch for the future and I am delighted that Cardiff Central Library are supporting them on their ascent to the top.”

Further information on events at Cardiff Central Library can be found at www.cardiff.gov.uk or by visiting out twitter page

@cdflibraries

The Straits have just announced a special one-off “warm-up” concert at the Brighton Concorde2 on Tuesday September 20^th.  Tickets go on sale at 10am GMT on Friday August 12^th from 01273 673 311, www.concorde2.co.uk/news.

The intimate one-off warm-up concert precedes the band’s 10-date nationwide UK tour “The Sound of Dire Straits” which kicks off at the Birmingham Symphony Hall on Monday October 3^rd.  Very special guest on all dates is Jon Allen.  The UK tour also takes in dates at Newcastle City Hall, York Barbican, Cardiff St Davids Hall, Bristol Colston Hall, London HMV Hammersmith Apollo, Ipswich Regent Theatre, Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and Manchester O2 Apollo.

Due to huge public demand to hear Dire Straits’ hits performed live, original Dire Straits keyboardist Alan Clark formed new band ‘The Straits’ – including Alan on keyboards, Dire Straits’ saxophonist Chris White and guitarist Phil Palmer, Tom Petty’s drummer Steve Ferrone, bassist Mick Feat (Mark Knopfler, David Gilmour), and keyboardist Jamie Squire.  Clark, who first joined Dire Straits in 1980 for the “Making Movies” album, recruited South African singer/guitarist, Terence Reis, to step into Mark Knopfler’s shoes as front man.

In May 2011, The Straits performed their first concert at the Royal Albert Hall in front of 4,000 Dire Straits fans.  The stunning set of greatest hits, including ‘Money for Nothing’, ‘Romeo & Juliet’, ‘Sultans of Swing’, and ‘Tunnel of Love’ went down a storm with the audience.  In June they performed at the Cornbury Festival, Oxfordshire to a crowd of 14,000.  “I was very sceptical about The Straits before I saw them,” said one fan. “I couldn’t believe that they could be the same without Mark Knopfler. How wrong I was. For me, The Straits were the absolute highlight of the festival. I was moved to tears at almost every track.”

White Willow, one of Norway’s most successful Progressive Rock bands of recent times, return after a five year absence with Terminal Twilight.

Creating a distinctively mysterious Scandinavian sound that encompasses mellotron-drenched retro prog, gothic folk, art pop and post-rock, the band’s ambitious compositions combine sophisticated structures and harmonies with powerful playing and uncluttered production.

Main songwriter Jacob Holm-Lupo is joined by fellow band members, Sylvia Skjellestad, Mattias Olsson (Anglagard), Lars Fredrik Froislie (Wobbler’s vintage synth maestro), Ketil Einarsen (Jaga Jazzist) and Ellen Andrea Wang. No-Man’s Tim Bowness guests on the poignant Kansas Regrets.

Soaring Hackett-esque solos collide with demented Crimson-influenced riffs counterbalanced by compelling and ethereal song sections.

The Burning Shed page for this album features a nine minute promo video.

1. Floor 67 (9.34)
2. Kansas Regrets (4.39)
3. Mountain (7.10)
4. Natasha (6.30)
5. Red Leaves 8.41)
6. Rumour Of Twilight (2.35)
7. Searise (13.14)
8. Snowswept (4.13)

Merthyr Rock is offering some lucky band the chance to play on the main stage at Merthyr Rock on Saturday 3 September. The winners will also get a Schecter guitar worth £500.

They are teaming up with CLIC & Promo Cymru to give unsigned talent the chance to share a stage with their heroes by winning the MERTHYR ROCK / CLIC BATTLE OF THE BANDS.

The winning band will open the main stage at Merthyr Rock on Saturday 3 September, and receive a Schecter guitar worth around £500. Two runners-up will play the second stage – one on Saturday, one on Sunday. We will be holding regional heats around Wales at the end of July, with the grand final in Cardiff in August.

HEATS

EVI, Ebbw Vale – 29 July

Pop Factory, Porth – 30 July

Sin City, Swansea – 13 August

Bridgend Hobos – 14 August

FINAL

Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff – 18 August

HOW TO ENTER

Please send your music via MySpace, Bandcamp, Facebook or Soundcloud link to botb@cliconline.co.uk. Make sure you specify which regional heat you’d like to compete in.

Closing date for applications is 12 July 2011.

Good luck!

Please note that the Merthyr Rock / CLIC Battle Of The Bands is only open to young people aged 14 to 25 living in Wales. All band members must be aged 14 on or before 3 September 2011.

In October 2009, Uriah Heep released their 40th Anniversary ‘Celebration’ album, containing new studio recordings of 12 of their most successful, classic tracks, plus two brand new songs. This recording heralded an exciting new phase for the band, taking their classic sound right into the future.

The band hit the road to celebrate 40 years at the top and opened new frontiers in Eastern Europe, Australia, South Africa, Japan and America. The band has played 53 different countries in total. The band’s motto has always been “if the people cannot come to see and hear Heep music, we will take it to them” and based on that when the band was invited to play for the first time in Armenia, they did not think twice and went for it. So when the band agreed they were approached by TV and film crews to document this concert which shows an epic performance and an incredibly strong and powerful audience reaction.

“It was unique because it was a first for us, and the fact that our music meant so much to so many people, was just wonderful” says Mick Box. “It cannot get any better than that. There were some technical problems to overcome, as we played on hired equipment, but the emotion of the night won through, and if asked, we would indeed go back and play again“.

Uriah Heep, who indisputably invented Hard Rock in conjunction with Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, have sold in excess of 30 million albums since their inception in 1969. From their early incarnation as The Gods and Spice, through record breaking tours, gold and platinum selling albums, timeless chart scaling anthems and a fiercely dedicated fan base of worldwide proportions, Uriah Heep can rightly claim to be one of the greatest U.K. Progressive Heavy Rock bands of both the 20th and 21st centuries.

“Live in Armenia” will be exclusively released in a glossy digipak 2CD+DVD package and on a limited 2LP gatefold sleeve version (including only the audio portion). Full tracklisting is below:

CD1: Wake the Sleeper; Overload; Tears of the World; Stealin’; Book of Lies; Gypsy; Look at Yourself; What Kind of God; Angels Walk With You; Shadow.
CD2: July Morning; Easy Livin’; Sunrise; Sympathy; Lady In Black.
DVD: Wake the Sleeper; Overload; Tears of the World; Stealin’; Book of Lies; Gypsy; Look at Yourself; What Kind of God; Angels Walk With You; Shadow; July Morning; Easy Livin’; Sunrise; Sympathy; Lady In Black.
Dvd Stereo mix 2.0 – Screen 16:9; format: NTSC Region Free / Length 100 mins.

Monday 5th September sees the UK release of Derek Sherinian’s new solo album ‘Oceana’ – released on the Music Theories Recordings label via the Mascot Label Group.

Great Derek Sherinian deals from Amazon

If this were the 1970′s, the heyday of such keyboard titans as Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman and Jon Lord, he would be among that elite circle of players whom were superstars – back in a time when such talent was not only appreciated, but celebrated in popular music. This is, however, 2011, and in this age, Derek Sherinian is the premiere rock keyboardist of his generation, a member of the supergroup Black Country Communion, a core member of Dream Theater, and a prolific solo artist.

Derek has played with a diverse range of artists including Alice Cooper, Billy Idol, Yngwie Malmsteen and KISS. In addition to being a part of Dream Theater, Derek was also a member of the prog rock band Platypus, and the founder of the progressive fusion/metal band Planet X.

Oceana is mixed by the legendary drummer Simon Phillips (whose drumming credentials include Toto, The Who, Jeff Beck, 10CC, Roxy Music, Mick Jagger, Mike Oldfield).

The new album features contributions from Joe Bonamassa (Black Country Communion), Tony MacAlpine (Planet X), Simon Phillips (Toto), Steve Lukather (Toto), Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake), Jimmy Johnson and Tony Franklin (The Firm, Blue Murder).

Sherinian has carved out a niche for himself within the progressive metal scene. His solo albums have featured the best technically proficient and creative musicians, including luminaries as diverse as Al DiMeola, Steve Lukather, Yngwie Malmsteen, Slash, John Petrucci, John Sykes and Zakk Wylde.

With Oceana, the album is yet again an assemblage featuring some of the most talented players to ever strap on a guitar, all of whom have joined Sherinian in the studio.

[click for hi res] Steve Lukather once again collaborated with the keyboardist on the tracks Mulholland, Euphoria and Seven Sins, and former Planet X guitarist and fusion legend Tony MacAlpine performed on Five Elements and Mercury 7. Acclaimed session musician Steve Stevens is featured on Ghost Runner and the title track Oceana, while Black Country Communion band-mate Joe Bonamassa makes an appearance on I Heard That. Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake) performs on El Camino Diablo, and Jimmy Johnson plays the bass on all tracks with the exception of Ghost Runner and Oceana, which both feature Tony Franklin. Toto’s Simon Phillips performs drums across the whole album.

Favouring a guitar heavy rock based approach to fusion ala Jeff Beck, Sherinian’s music creates a certain energy that comes through the recordings, setting him apart from other jazz fusion artists. His music also appeals to fans of technical heavy metal.

Thanks to his relentless touring schedule with a wide range of well-known artists, Sherinian easily adapts to ever changing musical genres, while always maintaining his signature style.

Earlier this year record producer Kevin Shirley opened the door for the keyboardist to join Glenn Hughes, Jason Bonham and Joe Bonamassa in the rock supergroup Black Country Communion.

BCC’s two acclaimed album releases have set the stage for ‘Oceana’ to reach a more mainstream audience, a move which will surely continue to cement Derek’s legacy as one of the premiere rock keyboardists of the 21st century.

To promote the release of ‘Oceana’, Derek will embark on a solo tour in early 2012.

DEREK SHERINIAN – OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY

Keyboardist Derek Sherinian is a man out of time. Raised in Santa Cruz, California, he began playing piano at the age of five, then came under the spell of Elton John’s music, and the early influences of The Beatles and Bob Dylan.

While still a junior in high school, Derek was offered a scholarship to the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. After three semesters he was introduced to Buddy Miles (Jimi Hendrix’s Band of Gypsys), who was putting together a touring band. After an ultimately impressing audition, he earned his spot.

After leaving Miles, he landed a gig with rock legend Alice Cooper. He toured with Alice and performed over 250 shows in support of his ‘Trash’ album. Alice nicknamed Sherinian, “The Caligula of the Keyboards.”

After another tour, in 1991 he became offstage keyboardist for hard rockers KISS. However, it was with him joining prog metal superstars Dream Theater that his profile began to rise. More technically challenging musically than anything he had previously been a part of, he was named the band’s keyboardist just prior to the tour in support of the album Awake. After spending four years with the band, Sherinian went solo in 1999 and released his first solo album Planet X.

Between 2000 and 2009, Sherinian released several albums including Universe (2000), Inertia (2001), Moonbabies (2002), Black Utopia (2003), Mythology (2004), Blood of the Snake (2006) and Molecular Heinosity (2009).

In 2010 he toured extensively with Billy Idol. In the same year, he joined the rock supergroup Black Country Communion alongside Joe Bonamassa, Glenn Hughes and Jason Bonham. BCC’s first two albums went to No.1 in the Official UK Rock Album Chart. The band is currently in the midst of a European tour which includes London’s High Voltage Festival.

Following their recent stunning debut show at the Royal Albert Hall in May 2011, Alan Clark, Phil Palmer and Chris White from Dire Straits will embark on an 11-date UK tour in October due to the overwhelming demand to hear the band’s much loved catalogue of unforgettable songs. 

The Straits includes three original members and some of the top session players to form a powerful, driven, and compelling live rock band not to be missed.

The band will perform songs from the classic albums Dire Straits (1978), Communiqué (1979), Making Movies (1980), Love Over Gold (1982), Brothers In Arms (1985) and On Every Street (1991).

Experience the unforgettable hits – Sultans of Swing, Romeo and Juliet, Tunnel of Love, Private Investigations, Money for Nothing, Walk of Life, So Far Away and Brothers in Arms.

The Straits – Official Band Biographies

Alan Clark (Keyboards)
Alan joined Dire Straits in 1980 as their first keyboard player and played a significant part in their transformation into one of the world’s biggest bands. Acknowledged by his fellow band members as Dire Straits’ unofficial musical director, he co-produced the band’s last studio album On Every Street. Alan has played and recorded with many other high profile artists including Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Tina Turner and the Bee Gees. Visit Alan Clark’s official website – www.alanclarkmusic.com.

Phil Palmer (Guitar)
Phil joined Dire Straits for their On Every Street tour, having come to their attention after quietly and consistently building a career out of playing tasteful, intelligent and musical guitar with a long list of well known artists that includes Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Sting, Roger Daltry, Take That, Wishbone Ash and producer Trevor Horn. As a result, Phil is regarded as one of the UK’s foremost session musicians.

Chris White (Saxophone)
Chris White’s first real break in the music industry came in 1981 when he was asked to play on Nick Heyward’s album “North of a Miracle”. Following this success, his reputation continued to build.  He was asked to play and record with artists such as Paul McCartney, Aztec Camera, The The and Mark Knopfler, the latter leading to what he is best known for – the saxophone sound of Dire Straits. His work with the band included two World Tours, the “On Every Street” and “On The Night” albums, and the legendary “Live Aid” and “Mandela” concerts.  More recently, Chris has performed on two of Mark Knopfler’s solo albums.  Outside of this association, he has recorded and toured with many artists, including Joe Cocker and Robbie Williams. He is currently also working on material for his second album of original work.

Steve Ferrone (Drums)
Acknowledged by his peers as one of the world’s greatest drummers, Steve first came to the world’s attention with The Average White Band and has since played with a long list of high profile acts including Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Eric Clapton, Quincy Jones, Scritti Politti, Chaka Khan and Slash.  Steve endorses Gretsch drums, Sabian cymbals and Pro-Mark drumsticks.

Terence Reis (Lead Vocals, Guitar)
Born in Maputo, Mozambique, Terence grew up playing the guitar in the idiosyncratic style of the local finger picking street musicians, which is remarkably similar to that of Mark Knopfler. It was his voice that made him the perfect front man for The Straits, which has elements of Knopfler, JJ Cale and Steve Earle mixed in with his own unmistakable, original sound.  An honours graduate at the University of the Witwatersrand School of Dramatic Arts in Johannesburg, Reis is also an award-winning actor and has starred in several major films while continuing a parallel career as a musician.

Mick Feat (Bass)
Mick is an internationally renowned bassist who began his career as session bassist for Island Records, and has since gone on to work with many artists including Mark Knopfler, Art Garfunkel, David Gilmour, Van Morrison, Tina Turner and Justin Haywood. A master of most string bass instruments, Mick is also a respected composer and singer.

Jamie Squire (Keyboards)
As well as being a fine keyboard player, 24 year-old Jamie is a highly talented multi-instrumentalist and singer, destined to become a star in his own right, having recently signed a recording contract with I.M.Port Records. Jamie is an enthusiastic and ambitious young man who is considered a major asset to the band.