by Adam Williams

awilliams@thekmgroup.co.uk

A guitarist will fill the shoes of one of his idols this spring.

At the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, May 22, Terence Reis will realise a lifelong dream, playing the greatest hits of Dire Straits before thousands of fans.

For the first time in 20 years, the band will play a live show, but without guitar legend and lead vocalist Mark Knopfler.

Terence, 48, frontman of popular Kent band Waterhorse will take Knopfler’s place and share the stage with legends and former members Alan Clark, Phil Palmer and Chris White.

The band, called The Straits, will play a one-off charity show supporting Eric Clapton.

Born in Mozambique and educated in South Africa, Terence moved back to Johannesburg last year after seven years living in Canterbury.

Wife Joanna, 41, a former occupational therapist at Kent & Canterbury Hospital and two-year-old son Junot had not long returned to South Africa when the call came.

He said: "A man rang up one day and said 'I’m Alan Clark, keyboardist for Dire Straits, I’ve heard your music, would you like to be part of the comeback?"

In less than two months Terence, who used to live in King Street and Wincheap, will perform iconic hits including Sultans of Swing, Brothers in Arms, Money for Nothing and Romeo and Juliet.

He said: "There was a rich tradition of lively guitarists around me when I was growing up, like Jethro Tull and Jeff Beck.

"The finger-picking style Mark Knopfler is so distinctive for was a huge part of my musical education."

Between now and May, Terence will be busy travelling between two continents rehearsing with The Straits and also putting the final touches on Waterhorse’s album.

He admits nerves are already jangling ahead of his big night.

"I’m trying not to think about it at the moment," added Terence.

"I’m probably going to have a heartbeat of 200 when I step on stage, but I just want to go out there and enjoy myself.

"There’s such a lively buzz in every rehearsal, it’s really helping me and the rest of the band are really good guys who are so down to earth.

"There’s such a huge reaction around the world to see this music played on stage again. It still gets people going and so many generations love to hear it."

For ticket information visit www.thestraits.com or call 0844 3380000.

Are you a die-hard Dire Straits fan? What do you make of the comeback without Mark Knopfler? Email kentishgazette@thekmgroup.co.uk or write to Gazette House, 5-8 Boorman Way, Estuary View Business Park, Whitstable, CT5 3SE