ALTHOUGH they now have a new name, there’s certainly nothing different about the vibe of the band formerly known as Dire Straits.

With the three former members joining together as The Straits — but without original singer and guitarist Mark Knopfler — they have promised not to change the standard of performance on the band’s first UK tour.

“We are doing things pretty much the same as we did with Dire Straits.

"And although we have new members, it is not us trying to imitate a new energy.

"We are just as relaxed as ever delivering rock music,” said Chris White, who joined Dire Straits in 1985.

Other original members include guitarist Phil Palmer and keyboard player Alan Clark.

Chris said: “I have seen quite a few players come and go and I have met lots and lots of great people.”

The band will perform songs from the classic albums Dire Straits, Communiqué, Making Movies, Love Over Gold, Brothers In Arms and On Every Street.

This time round Chris is accompanied by new members, drummer Steve Ferrone, vocalist Terence Reis, bassist Mick Feat and 24-year-old Jamie Squire, who is the youngest band member and multi-instrumentalist.

Chris said: “The new members are just great and it feels good. Terence is the key man, with vocals just like Mark, but he brings his own style with that.

“He's a really great guitarist, but it was his voice that convinced us that he was the perfect front man for The Straits.”

Following his success, Chris has played and recorded with artists such as Paul McCartney, Aztec Camera, The The and Mark Knopfler, the latter leading to what he is best known for — playing the saxophone with Dire Straits.

The 53-year-old said: “I have been very lucky in my field of work and it’s great to be back delivering music to our fans. We are not doing anything different, I am not doing anything different, we are just looking to perform the band’s greatest hits.”

His work with Dire Straits included two world tours, the On Every Street and On The Night albums, and the legendary Live Aid and Mandela concerts. More recently, Chris has performed on two of Mark Knopfler's solo albums and he has recorded and toured with many artists, including Joe Cocker and Robbie Williams.

He said: “The plan for me is to work with other people and I have ideas for my own stuff that will be a bit more bluesy.

“But for now I am concentrating on The Straits and we are all looking forward to the tour delivering music to fans who know how we rock.”

The Straits, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Sunday, October 16.