In the mid-1980s, Chris White was a key member of Dire Straits, one of the biggest bands in the world. In an interview with RNZ’s Music 101, the saxophonist and percussionist reflected on the band’s meteoric rise during the Brothers in Arms tour.
“It began like any other tour, playing decent-sized venues,” White recalled. “But as Brothers in Arms took off, we quickly graduated to much larger arenas. We even upgraded from economy to business class on flights!”
White highlighted the positive atmosphere among the band. “We were a genuinely happy group, which isn’t always the case in music. Often, there are tensions, but on this tour, every night felt like a celebration.”
A significant moment came when Dire Straits was set to perform 13 consecutive nights at Wembley Arena, coinciding with the Live Aid concert across the parking lot.
“On July 13, 1985, we decided to head to the stadium instead. The atmosphere was electric, and backstage was packed with every musician you could imagine—it was chaotic yet exhilarating.”
After performing at Live Aid, the band returned to the arena for their show. “Many people from Live Aid came over to join us, and some even played on stage with us that night. Plus, it was my 30th birthday—the best birthday party I could have asked for!”
When Mark Knopfler decided it was time to move on from Dire Straits, White wasn’t surprised. “Mark is incredibly creative and had done all he could with the band. The On Every Street tour had nine musicians on stage, which was a big production to manage. He wanted to pursue something more intimate.”
There was no acrimony surrounding the band’s split. “Unlike some groups, we didn’t have any major conflicts like Oasis. Mark simply wanted to explore new projects, and we all respected that.”
White went on to share how the Dire Straits Experience began from a one-off charity show at the Royal Albert Hall. “It was meant to be a single event, but it sold out and was well-received. I started getting requests to perform more shows, and it eventually turned into the Shiver in the Dark world tour.”
Among their songs, White enjoys performing “Romeo and Juliet,” despite the original recording lacking a saxophone part. “During rehearsals for the Brothers in Arms tour, I always wanted to add sax to that song.
One day, while we were rehearsing, I picked up my sax and started playing when Mark paused. He glanced at me, smiled, and then nodded, so I continued. By the end, he said, ‘I think we’ll keep that.’ That’s how saxophone found its place in ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ which suited me perfectly.”
White also noted the changing role of the saxophone in rock music. “During the ’80s and ’90s, the sax was definitely in vogue, and I feel fortunate to have been part of that era.”
