Producer Trevor Horn On Joining DSL Dire Straits Legacy & What Else Is Coming Up For Him
A British record band formed in the late 1970s, Dire Straits would go on to become one of the world’s best-selling music artists with our 100 million records sold. Hits like “Money For Nothing,” “Sultans Of Swing” and “Walk Of Life” remain radio staples decades later, and reportedly the album Brother In Arms alone has sold more than 30 million copies. But weirdly, Dire Straits has not toured in decades.
Enter DSL Dire Straits Legacy, a collection of world-class musicians and former Dire Straits members. The participating musicians that were not part of Dire Straits, you ask? That includes Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers drummer Steve Ferrone and legendary pop and rock producer Trevor Horn. Per the Dire Straits band members that are part of DSL, there are four participating within this band — which released an album called 3 Chord Trick — those are Alan Clark (piano/keyboards), Danny Cummings (percussion), Mel Collins (saxophone) and Phil Palmer (guitar/musical director).
Currently DSL Dire Straits Legacy is on the road, and its upcoming dates includes St. Petersburg, Florida’s Mahaffey Theater on October 5th and Long Island, New York’s NYCB Theater At Westbury on the 6th. I had the pleasure of doing Q&A with Trevor Horn about his DSL work and more.
The group itself can be visited online at www.dslegacy.com, while Trevor Horn can be followed on Twitter via @Trevor_Horn_ and on Instragram as @TrevorHornMusic.
When did you first become aware of Dire Straits?
Trevor Horn: In the early eighties when I first heard “Sultans Of Swing.” I thought it was a brilliant lyric.
Before joining DSL, around how many Dire Straits songs did you know how to play?
Trevor Horn: Just one. “Money For Nothing.”
What do you think separates DSL from other Dire Straits tribute shows?
Trevor Horn: The fact that there are five members who used to be in Dire Straits makes it more authentic. These guys played that s**t.
What is the setlist like? Does it focus on a particular era? Is it a mix of hits and deep cuts?
Trevor Horn: Yes, with a couple of other tunes thrown in.
DSL aside, what are you currently working on? Any projects you can talk about?
Trevor Horn: I have just finished an album called The Eighties Reimagined, which is the first album I have ever released under my own name. It features a lot of singers — Robbie Williams, Seal, Rumer, Gabrielle Aplin, Simple Minds, etc. — including myself and a 70-piece orchestra.
When not busy with playing music, where does your free time go?
Trevor Horn: I have four children and three grandsons. They take up most of my time.
What was the last concert you attended for fun?
Trevor Horn: Crosby Stills & Nash.
Finally, any last words for the kids?
Trevor Horn: See you at the show.
About the Author
Darren Paltrowitz Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal. Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."
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