Strait Up Dire Straits at Empire Rochdale – 15 August 2026
If you're a proper Dire Straits fan, Strait Up delivers the goods with a full-throttle tribute to one of rock's greatest bands. This is your chance to relive the magic of Mark Knopfler's guitar mastery and all those classic hits without breaking the bank on a reunion tour that'll never happen. Whether you're after "Sultans of Swing" or "Money for Nothing," these lads nail the lot with serious musicianship and genuine passion for the material.
Empire Rochdale's a cracking venue for live music, sitting right on the edge of Manchester's gigging scene with proper sound and a buzzing atmosphere that gets fans in the mood. It's intimate enough to feel the energy but big enough to pack in a decent crowd without feeling rammed in. The venue's got a solid reputation for hosting quality tribute acts and touring bands alike.
It's 18+ only, so leave the kids at home and bring your mates for a proper night out. Getting there's easy from Manchester town centre – grab a tram or drive over, and there's decent parking nearby. Show starts at 8pm, so arrive early to soak up the pre-gig buzz at the bar and grab yourself a pint before the main event kicks off.
