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{{EngvarB|date=August 2023}}
⚫
{{short description|English musician (born 1952)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}
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{{short description|British musician (born 1952)}}
{{BLP one source|date=February 2012}}
{{BLP one source|date=February 2012}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Alan Clark
| name = Alan Clark
| image = Alan Clark.jpg
| image = AlanClk.jpg
| caption = Clark in 1985
| caption = Alan Clark on stage
| image_size =
| landscape = yes
| birth_name =
| birth_name =
| alias =
| alias =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1952|3|5}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1952|3|5}}
| birth_place = [[County Durham]], England
| birth_place = [[County Durham]], England
⚫
| genre = [[Rock and roll]], [[classical music|classical]],
⚫
| occupation = Musician, producer, musical director
| instrument = Keyboards
| instrument = Keyboards
⚫
| genre = [[Rock and roll]], [[classical music|classical]],
⚫
| occupation = [[Musician]], [[Record producer|producer]], [[musical director]]
| years_active = 1960s–present
| years_active = 1960s–present
| label = Ponderosa{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}<!--Not in Discogs https://www.discogs.com/artist/252765-Alan-Clark -->
| associated_acts = [[Dire Straits]], [[Eric Clapton]], [[Bob Dylan]], [[Tina Turner]], [[Trevor Horn]]
| associated_acts = [[Dire Straits]], [[Eric Clapton]], [[Bob Dylan]], [[Tina Turner]], [[Trevor Horn]]
| website = [http://www.alanclarkmusic.com/ alanclarkmusic.com]
| website = {{URL|alanclarkmusic.com}}
}}
}}
'''Alan Clark''' (born 5 March 1952) is an English musician who was the first [[keyboardist]] and co-producer of the rock band [[Dire Straits]].<ref name="Discogs">{{Cite web|title=Alan Clark|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/252765-Alan-Clark|access-date=2021-08-30|website=Discogs|language=en}}</ref> In 2018, Clark was inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] as a significant member of Dire Straits.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dire Straits|url=https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/dire-straits|website=Rock & Roll Hall of Fame|access-date=17 December 2017|language=en}}</ref>
'''Alan Clark''' (born 5 March 1952) is an English musician who was the first keyboardist and co-producer of the rock band [[Dire Straits]].<ref name="Discogs">{{Cite web|title=Alan Clark|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/252765-Alan-Clark|access-date=30 August 2021|website=Discogs|language=en}}</ref> In 2018, he was inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] as a significant member of the band.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dire Straits|url=https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/dire-straits|website=Rock & Roll Hall of Fame|access-date=17 December 2017|language=en}}</ref>


== Early years ==
== Early life ==
As a six-year-old child, Alan received piano lessons. From the age of nine years he taught himself. At the age of 13 and while still a pupil at [[Chester-le-Street]] Grammar School, he began to play [[Hammond organ]] in working men's clubs in the northeast of England, and thereafter forged a successful career in music which included playing with a reformed [[Geordie (band)|Geordie]] which featured [[Brian Johnson]] (who would later join [[AC/DC]]), playing and recording with a duo called Splinter who were signed to George Harrison's [[Dark Horse Records|Dark Horse]] label, playing and recording with [[Gallagher & Lyle]], and playing on a tour of major UK festivals with [[Lindisfarne (band)|Lindisfarne]].
As a six-year-old child, Clark received piano lessons. From the age of nine years, he taught himself. At the age of 13 and while still a pupil at [[Chester-le-Street]] Grammar School, he began to play [[Hammond organ]] in working men's clubs in the northeast of England, and thereafter forged a successful career in music which included playing with a reformed [[Geordie (band)|Geordie]] which featured [[Brian Johnson]] (who would later join [[AC/DC]]), playing and recording with a duo called Splinter who were signed to George Harrison's [[Dark Horse Records|Dark Horse]] label, playing and recording with [[Gallagher & Lyle]], and playing on a tour of major UK festivals with [[Lindisfarne (band)|Lindisfarne]].


== Career ==
== Career ==
Clark joined Dire Straits in 1980<ref name="thetelegraphandargus.co.uk">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/10899216.strait-talking-with-alan-clark-as-he-returns-to-the-stage/|title=Strait talking with Alan Clark as he returns to the stage}}</ref> and remained a major influence on the band's music until the band's eventual dissolution in 1995. He co-produced the band's final album, ''[[On Every Street]]''.<ref name=Discogs />
Clark joined Dire Straits in 1980<ref name="thetelegraphandargus.co.uk">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/10899216.strait-talking-with-alan-clark-as-he-returns-to-the-stage/|title=Strait talking with Alan Clark as he returns to the stage|date=27 December 2013 }}</ref> and remained a major influence on the band's music until the band's eventual dissolution in 1995. He co-produced the band's final album, ''[[On Every Street]]''.<ref name="Discogs" />
[[File:AlanclarkJacksonni.jpg|thumb|Alan Clark w Jack Sonni on stage w Dire Straits Legacy ]]

In 1983 he played on [[Bob Dylan]]'s album ''[[Infidels (Bob Dylan album)|Infidels]]'' and also on Dylan's following ''Empire Burlesque'' album. Clark also worked with Knopfler on some of his film soundtrack work, most notably Knopfler's most successful soundtrack on the film ''[[Local Hero (album)|Local Hero]]'', in which he also makes an appearance as a piano player. He has also worked with Mark's brother [[David Knopfler|David]] on his solo albums. Throughout his time with Dire Straits, he was also [[Tina Turner]]'s musical director and played on/arranged her hit "[[Private Dancer]]", toured and recorded with [[Eric Clapton]] ([[Journeyman World Tour|Journeyman]]) as well as playing in the "Orchestra Nights" performances with the [[National Philharmonic Orchestra]] and [[Michael Kamen]] during Clapton's ''[[24 Nights]]'' concerts at the [[Royal Albert Hall]] in 1990 and 1991. He co-wrote with Clapton the score for the movie ''[[Communion (1989 film)|Communion]]''.
In 1983 he played on [[Bob Dylan]]'s album ''[[Infidels (Bob Dylan album)|Infidels]]'' and also on Dylan's following ''[[Empire Burlesque]]'' album. Clark also worked with Knopfler on some of his film soundtrack work, most notably Knopfler's most successful soundtrack on the film ''[[Local Hero (album)|Local Hero]]'', in which he also makes an appearance as a piano player. He has also worked with Mark's brother [[David Knopfler|David]] on his solo albums. Throughout his time with Dire Straits, he was also [[Tina Turner]]'s musical director and played on/arranged her hit "[[Private Dancer]]", toured and recorded with [[Eric Clapton]] ([[Journeyman World Tour|Journeyman]]) as well as playing in the "Orchestra Nights" performances with the [[National Philharmonic Orchestra]] and [[Michael Kamen]] during Clapton's ''[[24 Nights]]'' concerts at the [[Royal Albert Hall]] in 1990 and 1991. He co-wrote with Clapton the score for the movie ''[[Communion (1989 film)|Communion]]''.


Clark has also played and recorded with other artists including, among others:
Clark has also played and recorded with other artists including, among others:
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* [[Jon Anderson]]
* [[Jon Anderson]]
* [[Joan Armatrading]]
* [[Joan Armatrading]]
* The [[Bee Gees]]<ref name="thetelegraphandargus.co.uk"/>
* The [[Bee Gees]]<ref name="thetelegraphandargus.co.uk" />
* [[The Blessing (rock band)|The Blessing]]
* [[The Blessing (rock band)|The Blessing]]
* [[Rory Block]]
* [[Rory Block]]
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* [[Phil Collins]]
* [[Phil Collins]]
* [[Robert Cray]]
* [[Robert Cray]]
* [[Roger Daltrey]]
* [[Roger Daltrey]]
* [[Bo Diddley]]
* [[Bo Diddley]]
* [[Dire Straits Legacy]]
* [[Dire Straits Legacy]]
* [[Escape Club]]
* [[Escape Club]]
* [[Gallagher and Lyle]]
* [[Gallagher and Lyle]]
* [[Geordie (band)|Geordie]]
* [[Geordie (band)|Geordie]]
* [[Al Green]]
* [[Al Green]]
* [[Buddy Guy]]
* [[Buddy Guy]]
* [[George Harrison]]
* [[George Harrison]]
* [[Mary Hopkin]]
* [[Mary Hopkin]]
* [[Mick Hucknall]]
* [[Mick Hucknall]]
* [[Billy Joel]]
* [[Billy Joel]]
* [[Elton John]]
* [[Elton John]]
* [[Brian Johnson]]
* [[Brian Johnson]]
* [[David Knopfler]]
* [[David Knopfler]]
* [[Mark Knopfler]]
* [[Mark Knopfler]]
* [[Lindisfarne (band)|Lindisfarne]]
* [[Lindisfarne (band)|Lindisfarne]]
* [[Matt Monro]]
* [[Matt Monro]]
* [[Jimmy Nail]]
* [[Jimmy Nail]]
* [[Pet Shop Boys]]
* [[Pet Shop Boys]]
* [[Prefab Sprout]]
* [[Prefab Sprout]]
* [[Gerry Rafferty]]
* [[Gerry Rafferty]]
* [[Lou Reed]]
* [[Lou Reed]]
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* [[Shakin Stevens]]
* [[Shakin Stevens]]
* [[Sky (English/Australian band)|Sky]]
* [[Sky (English/Australian band)|Sky]]
* [[Sly and Robbie]]
* [[Sly and Robbie]]
* [[David A. Stewart|Dave Stewart]]
* [[Dave Stewart (Eurythmics)|Dave Stewart]]
* [[Rod Stewart]]
* [[Rod Stewart]]
* [[Van Morrison]]
* [[Van Morrison]]
* [[Robbie Williams]]
* [[Robbie Williams]]
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In 2001 Clark composed the music for the long-running paranormal show ''[[Most Haunted]]''. He has also composed music for TV shows and commercials.
In 2001 Clark composed the music for the long-running paranormal show ''[[Most Haunted]]''. He has also composed music for TV shows and commercials.


In 2004 he performed the theme from ''Local Hero'' with Mark Knopfler at the opening of [[Alan Shearer|Alan Shearer's]] bar in [[Newcastle United]] football ground.
In 2004 he performed the theme from ''Local Hero'' with Mark Knopfler at the opening of [[Alan Shearer]]'s bar in [[Newcastle United]] football ground.


In 2005 he wrote, directed and scored a film, ''The Inspiration'', to commemorate 25 years of the [[Great North Run]], which was screened and performed live with the northern Philharmonic at [[Sage Gateshead]].
In 2005 he wrote, directed and scored a film, ''The Inspiration'', to commemorate 25 years of the [[Great North Run]], which was screened and performed live with the northern Philharmonic at [[Sage Gateshead]].
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== Collaborations ==
== Collaborations ==
{{div col}}
* '' Lonesome No More'' - Gallagher and Lyle
* '' Love over Gold'' - Dire Straits
* '' Lonesome No More'' – Gallagher and Lyle
* '' Alchemy'' - Dire Straits
* '' Love over Gold'' – Dire Straits
* '' Twisting by the Pool'' - Dire Straits
* '' Alchemy'' – Dire Straits
* '' Brothers in Arms'' - Dire Straits
* '' Twisting by the Pool'' – Dire Straits
* '' On the Night'' - Dire Straits
* '' Brothers in Arms'' – Dire Straits
* '' On every Street'' - Dire Straits
* '' On the Night'' – Dire Straits
* ''[[Sleepwalking (Gerry Rafferty album)|Sleepwalking]]'' - [[Gerry Rafferty]] (1982)
* '' On every Street'' – Dire Straits
* ''[[Sleepwalking (Gerry Rafferty album)|Sleepwalking]]'' – [[Gerry Rafferty]] (1982)
* ''[[Infidels (Bob Dylan album)|Infidels]]'' - [[Bob Dylan]] (1983)
* ''[[Infidels (Bob Dylan album)|Infidels]]'' – [[Bob Dylan]] (1983)
* ''[[Private Dancer]]'' - [[Tina Turner]] (1984)
* ''[[Private Dancer]]'' – [[Tina Turner]] (1984)
* ''[[Empire Burlesque]]'' - Bob Dylan (1985)
* ''[[Empire Burlesque]]'' – Bob Dylan (1985)
* ''[[Down in the Groove]]'' - Bob Dylan (1988)
* ''[[Down in the Groove]]'' – Bob Dylan (1988)
* '' Wild Wild West'' - Escape Club
* '' Wild Wild West'' – Escape Club
* ''[[North and South (album)|North and South]]'' - Gerry Rafferty (1988)
* ''[[North and South (album)|North and South]]'' – Gerry Rafferty (1988)
* ''[[The Shouting Stage]]'' - [[Joan Armatrading]] (1988)
* ''[[The Shouting Stage]]'' – [[Joan Armatrading]] (1988)
* ''[[Journeyman (album)|Journeyman]]'' - [[Eric Clapton]] (1989)
* ''[[Journeyman (album)|Journeyman]]'' – [[Eric Clapton]] (1989)
* ''Still Water'' - Bee Gees
* ''Still Water'' – Bee Gees
* ''Big River'' - [[Jimmy Nail]] (1995)
* ''[[Big River (Jimmy Nail album)|Big River]]'' – [[Jimmy Nail]] (1995)
* ''Crocodile Shoes II'' - Jimmy Nail (1996)
* ''Crocodile Shoes II'' – Jimmy Nail (1996)
* ''Andromeda Heights'' - Prefab Sprout (1997)
* ''Andromeda Heights'' – Prefab Sprout (1997)
* ''[[Life Goes On (Gerry Rafferty album)|Life Goes On]]'' - Gerry Rafferty (2009)
* ''[[Life Goes On (Gerry Rafferty album)|Life Goes On]]'' – Gerry Rafferty (2009)
* '' Three Chord Trick'' - Legacy
* '' Three Chord Trick'' – Legacy
* '' Zero il Folle'' - Renato Zero 2019
* '' Zero il Folle'' – Renato Zero 2019
* '' Zerosettanta'' - Renato Zero 2020
* '' Zerosettanta'' – Renato Zero 2020
* '' You're in my Heart'' - Rod Stewart
* '' You're in my Heart'' – Rod Stewart
* '' Rest in Blue'' - Gerry Rafferty 2021
* '' Rest in Blue'' – Gerry Rafferty 2021
* '' Backstory'' - Alan Clark 2021
* '' Backstory'' – Alan Clark 2021
* '' I changed Many Houses'' - Tiromancio 2021
* '' I changed Many Houses'' – Tiromancino 2021
{{div col end}}


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
*[http://www.alanclarkmusic.com Official Website]
*[http://www.alanclarkmusic.com/ Official website]
*[http://www.lindisfarne.de/hullstory/ths_reviews_photos.htm The Hull Story] information from www.lindisfarne.com
*[http://www.lindisfarne.de/hullstory/ths_reviews_photos.htm The Hull Story] information from www.lindisfarne.com


Latest revision as of 14:26, 14 June 2024

Alan Clark
Alan Clark on stage
Alan Clark on stage
Background information
Born (1952-03-05) 5 March 1952 (age 72)
County Durham, England
GenresRock and roll, classical,
Occupation(s)Musician, producer, musical director
InstrumentKeyboards
Years active1960s–present
Websitealanclarkmusic.com

Alan Clark (born 5 March 1952) is an English musician who was the first keyboardist and co-producer of the rock band Dire Straits.[1] In 2018, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a significant member of the band.[2]

Early life

[edit]

As a six-year-old child, Clark received piano lessons. From the age of nine years, he taught himself. At the age of 13 and while still a pupil at Chester-le-Street Grammar School, he began to play Hammond organ in working men's clubs in the northeast of England, and thereafter forged a successful career in music which included playing with a reformed Geordie which featured Brian Johnson (who would later join AC/DC), playing and recording with a duo called Splinter who were signed to George Harrison's Dark Horse label, playing and recording with Gallagher & Lyle, and playing on a tour of major UK festivals with Lindisfarne.

Career

[edit]

Clark joined Dire Straits in 1980[3] and remained a major influence on the band's music until the band's eventual dissolution in 1995. He co-produced the band's final album, On Every Street.[1]

Alan Clark w Jack Sonni on stage w Dire Straits Legacy

In 1983 he played on Bob Dylan's album Infidels and also on Dylan's following Empire Burlesque album. Clark also worked with Knopfler on some of his film soundtrack work, most notably Knopfler's most successful soundtrack on the film Local Hero, in which he also makes an appearance as a piano player. He has also worked with Mark's brother David on his solo albums. Throughout his time with Dire Straits, he was also Tina Turner's musical director and played on/arranged her hit "Private Dancer", toured and recorded with Eric Clapton (Journeyman) as well as playing in the "Orchestra Nights" performances with the National Philharmonic Orchestra and Michael Kamen during Clapton's 24 Nights concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in 1990 and 1991. He co-wrote with Clapton the score for the movie Communion.

Clark has also played and recorded with other artists including, among others:

In 2001 Clark composed the music for the long-running paranormal show Most Haunted. He has also composed music for TV shows and commercials.

In 2004 he performed the theme from Local Hero with Mark Knopfler at the opening of Alan Shearer's bar in Newcastle United football ground.

In 2005 he wrote, directed and scored a film, The Inspiration, to commemorate 25 years of the Great North Run, which was screened and performed live with the northern Philharmonic at Sage Gateshead.

In 2009, Clark reunited with Dire Straits band member John Illsley for a concert in San Vigilio, Italy, and with Illsley and Phil Palmer in 2010 at the XRoads club in Rome, playing a set of Dire Straits songs.

In 2011, he formed a band, the Straits, to play the music of Dire Straits at a charity show at the Albert Hall, which featured drummer Steve Ferrone from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Dire Straits' guitarist Phil Palmer. They went on to perform other successful shows as the Dire Straits Legacy, which included Dire Straits members Danny Cummings, Mel Collins, Jack Sonni, and producer/bass player Trevor Horn.[4]

He is a member of a band called LEGACY, which features himself, Phil Palmer, Steve Ferrone, Trevor Horn, Danny Cummings, Mel Collins, Primi de Biasse and Marco Caviglia, and in 2017 he wrote and produced, with Phil Palmer, an album for LEGACY called Three Chord Trick.

In 2017 he recorded in Real World studios with Italian artist Pacifico.

He is a member of Trevor Horn's band and works/records with Horn on other projects.

In 2019 he co-produced with Trevor Horn and Phil Palmer, Renato Zero's hugely successful record Zero Il Folle and played on several major records including Trevor Horn Reimagines the Eighties and Rod Stewart's You're In My Heart.

In June 2019, he played a solo piano concert at the Milan Piano Festival.

In 2020, he co-wrote and co-produced several tracks on Renato Zero's hugely successful Zerosettanta album.

In Sept 2021, he released his solo piano record Backstory.

Collaborations

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Alan Clark". Discogs. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  2. ^ "Dire Straits". Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  3. ^ a b "Strait talking with Alan Clark as he returns to the stage". 27 December 2013.
  4. ^ "Interview – Alan Clark Talks Dire Straits, Their Legacy, + More". 2 October 2018.
[edit]
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