Hi!

Hope you've all had a good summer.

Well, it's getting very busy here again. I'm sure you will be pleased to hear that the reason for this is because the group are about to launch into activity once more. 1984 has been comparatively quiet with nothing happening on the 'group' side of things, although of course everyone has been involved with different projects (Mark's soundtracks, John's solo LP, Hal and Alan's tour with Tina Turner and Terry's session work). But now all that is done, it's time to think about Dire Straits records and tours again.

This autumn, the band start rehearsals for a new studio LP. Mark has written at least 10 songs so far - I can't tell you what they are like till I've heard them rehearsing though. The LP will probably be recorded during December and January (maybe in Montserrat) and we hope to get it released by the end of March, with a single just before (it's hard to be definite at this stage though).

Then comes touring. This is all very tentative at the moment, but it looks like the group will be undertaking the biggest world tour they have ever done between April and December 1985. We have been busy here checking out halls etc., and at present it looks like we'll be visiting the following countries: Israel, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, France, Spain, Switzerland, Luxembourg, the UK, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Naturally I will let you know details as they are set, but please don't start ringing me up about specific cities and venues or tickets yet. Remember, none of this is finalised, and it might all change (those of you who have been on the mailing list for a long time will know that we do change things quite a lot!). As soon as I can I will let you know more.

It looks as if the line up of musicians for the touring will be Mark, John, Hal, Alan and Terry (of course), plus Mel Collins on sax, Guy Fletcher on additional keyboards, and two other brass players.

One effect of all this will be that the office is going to be incredibly chaotic for about the next 18 months. There are still only three of us here - Ed (manager), Paul (tour manager) and me (press/promotion/secretary), so I may not be able to answer your individual letters so often. Some of you write every week asking different questions, and could I ask you to keep these letters to a minimum. If you live in the UK, please phone instead if you

can (01 723 5640). We have a temp. secretary starting next week, so I'll do my best!

Now just a quick note on what is happening right now: Mark is in Nashville playing guitar with Chet Atkins. I don't know whether it is for a future LP or just for fun, but I'll let you know. Hal is in New York seeing Twiggy, who is a very good friend. He's helping her record some songs. Alan is back from holiday and is now relaxing before the onslaught (rehearsals actually start 1st October). John has spent the summer doing bits of promotion for his LP - he and I visited a few European countries for interviews which you may have seen in the press or heard on the radio. Terry did some shows with Paul Brady, and has just been moving house. Otherwise, everyone is just waiting to start work...

I'll be doing another newsletter November/December with more definite news - till then,

Best wishes,

PS. Thanks to all of you who sent birthday cards to Hal, John and Mark!