IF YOU are a regular reader of our newspaper, you will know I’m too young for my own music taste.

It’s clear I never had the chance to see my favourite bands live, so I try not to miss any opportunity to watch cover bands/tribute acts.

So, after Pink Floyd, last week was Dire Straits’ turn.

‘Money for Nothing’ were at The Brewhouse last Friday delivering a great performance by playing a perfect set list that pleased every true Dire Straits fan.

The lead guitar and singer, impeccably dressed like Mark Knopfler throughout the show, led the band by starting the night off with a few songs from Brothers in Arms - Walk of Life, Your Latest Trick, and Why Worry.

The band then played some of the band’s early success, Down to the Waterline and Lady Writer, beautifully executed by the lead guitarist without a pick, just like Knopfler himself.

But the real gem during the first set was a classic from Making Movies, Romeo and Juliet, featuring a resonator guitar tuned to Open G just like on the record, and an additional saxophone solo.

The second set started with other two very popular songs – Telegraph Road and Sultans of Swings.

Both songs were perfectly played with the drummer providing the same energy as Terry Williams.

I was slightly surprised to notice that Telegraph Road (inspired by a book called Growth of the Soil, written by Knut Hamsun), seemed a little faster and rushed compared to the song record for Love Over Gold.

In my opinion, Mark Knopfler does not get enough credit for his song-writing skills, and I would have preferred a version closer to the one on the original record to highlight what the lyrics and the story behind the song.

Sultans of Swing, however, was simply perfect.

The band played a longer version which included a jam session played by Dire Straits during their live performances which also showcased the ability of the rhythm section.

The night ended with three more classics - Tunnel of Love, Brothers in Arms, and Money for Nothing – and the band kept the same level of energy they showed from the get-go.

The band will play The Brewhouse again in September 2025, but they will be back in Somerset next month, on October 17, in Weston-super-Mare.

If you missed them in Taunton last week, I would really recommend getting a ticket for their show at The Playhouse Theatre.