The Straits UK
The Band
Founded in 2018, The Straits UK are made up of six musicians all with a passion for delivering quality music and performance every time.
Residing in the North East of England, the idea to form a tribute to Dire Straits originated with the frontman and drummer, who happen to be father and son. They have both been life long Dire Straits fans, meaning attention to detail is second to none.
Performing all the hits from The Dire Straits back catalogue, with authenticity that has been likened to ‘listening to the real thing’ by many.
Come with us to experience and re-live the unmistakable guitar and keyboard sounds of the Alchemy, Wembley ’85, On Every Street tours and much more!
Andrew Lartey
Guitar/Vocals
Studied all things guitar and drums since around the age of 12. Spent a couple of years playing lead/rhythm guitar in a pop/rock covers band in pubs and clubs in his native North East of England. His parents are to blame for his love of Dire Straits. Other influences are Steve Harley and most things Ska/reggae. This is his first time fronting a band and doing vocals . . . not doing a bad job either!
Alan Mceachin
Bass/backing vocals
The man behind the Bass and high backing vocals. Macca’s been round the block once or twice and just like Harry . . . . he’s saving it up for Friday night!
Dez Lartey
Drums
The heartbeat of the band. Just like Macca he’s been many times around the block, though he’ll tell you it was a much smaller block!! His love for Dire Straits dates back to the late 70’s when he got hooked by those Sultans of swing after seeing and meeting them at Newcastle City Hall. This band has been 25 years in the making for Dez who says he never dreamt he’d hear anyone play or sound like Knopfler, the fact it is his son doing just that is the icing on the cake for him!
Ian Reah
Keyboards
The man on the Ivorys. Ian started playing piano when he was 8 years old and reckons he became a Huge Dire Straits fan as a teenager (were they were even formed then Ian!!).
Ian spent a chunk of the 80’s and early 90’s playing keys in various rock bands in and around Newcastle. After a short rest, Ian came out of retirement somewhere around 2006 to join a covers band. This took him around the North East pubs and clubs where he notched up a few hundred gigs before taking the plunge with The Straits UK.
Ian spent a chunk of the 80’s and early 90’s playing keys in various rock bands in and around Newcastle. After a short rest, Ian came out of retirement somewhere around 2006 to join a covers band. This took him around the North East pubs and clubs where he notched up a few hundred gigs before taking the plunge with The Straits UK.
David Bosher
Rhythm guitar and backing vocals
Rhythm guitar and backing vocals. Bosh is an Electrical engineer and a self-confessed computer Nerd with a passion for rock music and all things 80’s. Bosh has been in several rock bands down the years and is relishing this new challenge.
Mark Dunston
Saxophone
The man with steel lungs - Look out for Mark leaping around with a new spring in his step thanks to his brand new knee, and never fluff a note . . . . or so he tells us!! The Straits UK started life without a Sax but couldn't imagine the band without it now!
