In 1986, dIRE sTRAITS played the final gig of their Brothers in Arms tour, celebrating the last of 248 shows in 12 months.
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The band was at its peak, the music was at its most popular and after performing in Sydney 21 times, the audience still wanted more.
The final show pulled out all the stops.
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A live TV broadcast, simulcast on 2MMM FM radio and a show that was a true celebration of all that is dIRE sTRAITS.
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​aLCHEMY, tHE dIRE sTRAITS eXPERIENCE are not just a group of professional musicians performing the music to a standard not seen since the heyday of dIRE sTRAITS themselves.
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We're much more than that. We're dIRE sTRAITS fans too.
If we weren't in the band? We'd be in the audience.
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mEET tHE bAND
​is a group of Australia's finest musicians, brought together to faithfully reproduce the band and the feel of the concert event.
CLAY PHILLIPS
BRUCE HODGES
PAUL PHILLIPS
TOM RUKI
MITCH FARMER
Guitars & Vocals: Clay has been performing dIRE sTRAITS music since Sultans of Swing first hit the charts. He has also performed in shows such as Desperado the Eagles Show, Frankie 4 All Seasons, the Crowdies and OzRockUnlimited. Clay performs the vocal and guitar style that gave dIRE sTRAITS their unique sound.
Keyboards, Guitar & Backing Vocals: Bruce has performed in such shows as the Stormy Monday Big Band, the One Hit Wonders, Crowdies, OzRockUnlimited & BornJovi. Bruce actually recorded the 1986 'Triple M Simulcast' final Sydney concert that was the basis of this show.
Saxophone, Guitar, Keyboards, Percussion & Backing Vocals: ​Paul is another legend of the Australian music scene, playing in bands such as The Blues Brothers Show & the Kites (renowned for their faithful reproduction of Steely Dan).
Bass Guitar & Backing Vocals: ​Tom has been part of the fabric of the Sydney music scene for decades, spending years playing in bands like the legendary Matt Finish & the Golden Years of Bowie.
Drums/Percussion: ​It would be easier to list the bands that Mitch HASN'T played with. From his performance at the Sydney 2000 Olympics with the Emmanuel Brothers to regular appearances at the Carols in the Domain, Mitch has been a keystone of the Australian Music scene for decades.