And then I heard... DIRE STRAITS - Sultans of Swing (First Time Hearing!!)

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[@TheKnutselaar]

His voice is telling the story, his guitar is singing the song

[@grimmertwin2148]

Beautifully written. I'm gonna steal that sorry.

[@smsmoof8128]

Word

[@bpw8139]

@@grimmertwin2148 Strumming my pain with his fingers, singing my life with his words.

[@browniewin4121]

best comment ever

[@sergiovd7919]

Wow. Great phrase man. True story.

[@user-up1fm8bn9v]

I am a seventy-five year old woman from Charleston ,S.C. This is the millionth time of hearing this. Just as good as the first time❤

[@bju194422]

I'm right there with you. I'll be 74 next month & watch this live version frequently. It will never get old! Love seeing people react to it for the 1st time. 🥰

[@erniesteele3164]

I'm with both of you...I love watching these younger folks react to this version which, in my opinion, is one of the best live performances ever recorded... I'm 74 myself and saw more than my share of arena and stadium shows over the years... Elvis, Tina, Garth, Meatloaf and a few I can't remember.

[@bonya4585]

@@erniesteele3164Don’t forget Springsteen!

[@Gwyhir]

You have great taste

[@mattmorganRnR]

Yes! Shout out from Greenville!!

[@robertvanek1933]

Mark Knopfler (the lead singer) is quietly one of the greatest guitarists of all time. He casually does things people who have been playing for decades can't replicate. Someone told me once "Mark Knopfler is your favorite guitarist's favorite guitarist."

[@MrHaymaker]

"If you don't like this, I'm glad I wasn't born with your ears" .... That's a legendary comment

[@wikkedburn6600]

Lol😂

[@Josh_from_Jersey]

AMEN

[@TheInvisibleMan229]

"He left Earth" is my favorite comment... cracked me up!

[@windsorSJ]

No drum machine, no autotune, no sampling just guys mastering their instruments. This is the music us old buggers grew up to.

[@charlesbduke7947]

When you hear the studio version, you hear the ideal, the refined thought. When you hear the live version, you hear the soul of the group.

[@michellefrank8116]

I would have started with the studio version. But that's just me. I heard this growing up

[@Songfugel]

True now, not so much with bands of this era, when bands often had studio time for max 1 or 2 takes since it was so expensive. That is why older studio versions have so much of that live magic in them

[@benluisada]

that is a such great phrase man. you just put in beautiful words my thoughts exactly.

[@averagejoe7834]

​@@michellefrank8116This live was just the right one to launch him off on Dire Straits and especially Mark Knopfler. Insane live performance and rarely skipped a beat.

[@Reiknar]

Kinda where my thoughts were going as I watched him watch the performance. The live performance is more about the band, their skill and improvisation both in the playing and in his song delivery. Compared with the studio or album version, the album version is 'cleaner' it's more about the lyrics painting an audio picture for you.

[@SeeUsFly]

In my 70's now, I think I can say with authority, "Most people today are unaware of the richness of music made in 70's, 80's, & 90's."

[@leonardasrutkus3885]

I'm 20 and I absolutely agree, I think I'm 70 inside aswell

[@user-zm9zg2iq7y]

Amen bro

[@dannyb2580]

I grew up as a teen in the 80's and totally agree...I picked up my 1st guitar in 84 since then I have bent strings nearly every day... IMO the best finger picker ever to grace this earth... No guitar pick needed !!!

[@kayoneil4228]

ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!

[@Beluga_Too]

plenty of good music made these days my friend, just none of it is on the radio. Coming from a ~45 year old.

[@Rizla-xg8bd]

I get a little teary eyed when I see someone quite young appreciate good music. Great Reaction. Mark Knopfler is a legend. Hope he gifts us one more tour.

[@posniknelb6114]

Nobody plays a guitar as good as Knopfler

[@Paul_Oz]

"I don't care how long this video is, I gotta hear that (guitar solo) again." and that brother, is when you earned my subscription.

[@juliangarnier526]

I have to agree that’s when I signed up as well

[@TeranB.Ainslow]

​@@juliangarnier526 same

[@christinemosley1475]

Mine too.

[@aintlyon304]

Same

[@torenwallace3204]

same

[@DianeLee999]

Dire Straits came out of nowhere and Mark K. blew the doors off guitar players everywhere. He still does. 💜

[@MarkoMakela-kk7qf]

Playieng wit out plektra mekes it ven more special... with his fingers only and so sharp... nice

[@DianeLee999]

@@MarkoMakela-kk7qf Agreed 👍

[@clairewyndham1971]

His guitar playing is up there with the best alive.. let him rock...

[@user-mn1wi7bb8y]

Fact

[@clairewyndham1971]

Mark K. is currently shooting a new music video ala" We are the World" but he is utilizing 52 jammin' guitarists on it. Watch for it..

[@speakingtherealtruth]

Dire Straits drummer Terry Williams was just nothing short of FABULOUS!

[@brandontwohawks]

You know, the drumming is so in the pocket that I really didn't notice it til I saw this live version and could see him. Superb drummer.

[@morgan72359]

This is the best live performance of Sultans of Swing ever. Mark Knopfler was born with a gift, and we're all blessed he shared, and still shares, it with us.

[@joeuser633]

I don’t know about that. Have you ever seen them Live at Wembley with Eric Clapton sitting in on rhythm guitar? Even better.

[@kayrunhaar7114]

The drummers parents were in the audience for the 1st time, thats why he (and the rest) went all out, one of the best live performances ever.

[@veiregor]

damn thats precious

[@GarethEdwards-oj7qh]

Yep Terry Williams from Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 👊killing it!!!

[@jamesquinn1773]

Very true

[@liakosvag]

The best ever live performance!!!

[@bigbromiki1]

Quit making bullshit up

[@j.t.3798]

My friend, you've come across Mark knopfler, one of the guitar goats. Incredible band. Great reaction!

[@MrVvulf]

Agreed. I love guitarists who play "clean and technical".

[@fiverx2159]

@@MrVvulfnot just clean and technical. But a unique style and beautiful songs

[@Steve_K2]

After Tommy Emmanuel, the greatest, but I'd hate to choose between the two.

[@davidelliott5843]

Mark Freuder Knopfler is not only a great guitarist he is totally self-taught and an amazing composer. Sultans of Swing were a hotel band who clearly don’t care.

[@davidelliott5843]

@@Steve_K2. There’s no need to choose. They both have their own place.

[@maruka1716]

The guy in red with the headband is Mark Knopfler. He's 34 years old in this video. He's 74 years old now, in April 2024, and bald as an egg, but he's got a new album out that's currently #3 on the U.K. album charts. Right behind Beyonce. He did 6 studio albums with Dire Straits from the late 70s to the early 90s, and 10 solo albums since. Also collaborations and film scores and guest appearances with other artists. He played lead guitar for Bob Dylan, wrote a song for Tina Turner, and he even wrote the walk-out music for the professional soccer team in his home town of Newcastle, England. And apparently he's got a TV show coming out in Britain where he interviews music legends. Not sure if we'll get to see it here in the States.

[@jncg2311]

Great comment, and much appreciated, I didn't know he's making a telly show, I'll look forward to that.

[@ozymandiastheking2139]

The drummer absolutely fucking killed it!!!

[@michellekaylan6926]

Mark Knopfler is incomparable. His strat sound is so clean, you can never mistake his sound once you hear it.

[@fredericwolf9137]

But on this track he uses a Schecter Red 1980

[@c8Lorraine1]

Brian May also up there with Knopfler

[@K777John]

But more to the point-how come Polo has never heard of Mark or Dire Straits-where has he been hiding…..he’ll be saying he’s never listened to Eric Clapton next…….

[@DevonPatrick16]

Couldn’t agree more! His duos with James Taylor are some of my favorite pieces of music of all time

[@hellsbunniestv584]

I strongly disagree! His strat sound can be super dirty too! Look at Private Investigation, for example!

[@gadgetmansbees]

I was at this concert! I was 17. Absolutely amazing then and still so now. I whistled really loudly at one point during Private Investigations so I'd know it was me, so I'm on the album! 😂. I even met the band afterwards, got their autographs, and had to borrow £5 from Tommy Mandel (2nd keyboard player) because I'd missed the last train and had to get a taxi! Happy days.

[@danasmith9415]

Amazing story

[@davidthompson7817]

Great and good for you being a super fan but still confident enough to ask for fair!

[@TheNotedHero]

You lucky lucky bastard! **turns green**

[@kariy2187]

I really envy You... I saw Mark Knopfler many many years ago, but it was nothing like this.

[@CaptChaos1964]

That is an incredible story!

[@carolcampbell2041]

I am 71 years old. Whenever I have a home project...like painting a room.... I put on Dire Straits. Listening to Mark Knofler singing Sultans of Swing makes me feel like I can do anthing! Project done. Best guitarist ever.

[@dominikblazic555]

Haha me too! Cheers brother!😁

[@sistermarycatherine5388]

I love this so MUCH!!!❤❤❤

[@kjaaroe196]

Every time you turn and look into the camera and smile, I smile back, knowing that we 2 strangers are enjoying a beautiful sound and performance.

[@minerva_rxqueen]

And i just want to say THANK YOU to whoever requested this song!!! Ive never seen this live version and HOLY CRAP!!! 😍😍😍🔥🔥🔥

[@donnaewe3692]

Ditto 😊 facts! ❤

[@justkiddin84]

Yes and I wish I had been there! Lucky audience!

[@autoscanremaps]

I grew up on this stuff, saw a lot of amazing bands but regret not getting to see Dire Straits. It's never too late to discover new (or old) music, it comes your way when your ready to take it in and not before.

[@rxlxviii]

I don't know if you've ever heard it, but check out the live version of Tunnel Of Love from Wembley. I think you'll enjoy it. While I love this song, I think that live version from Wembley is even better than this song.

[@mathewdoeckel6867]

This concert is called 'Alchemy' and they actually released this whole concert on blu ray, etc., I recommend it!

[@joaquincastellvi7295]

Please notice that he doesnt use a pick to play the guitar, he uses his fingers mixing folk fingerstyle and flamenco with his right hand. Mark Knopfler one of the best guitar players of the world for his innovation and style.

[@gerald2295]

He’s doing multiple notes with his right hand, like most players do with the left .

[@ninochkalove]

Damn straight!!

[@MarkoMakela-kk7qf]

This is some of the most unpreciated thingd about Mrk Knopfler... He uses his fingders only...

[@liviofazi4017]

wow - blows my mind - I can hardly snap my fingers in time

[@FairyRat]

"Chicken picking" I think they call that? Also notice how there is zero overdrive and distortion, pure clean guitars.

[@rickthreebears184]

I saw this performance live and when they were done, it was all I could to do to just hang on to the chair in front of me and laugh quietly. I realized I was in the presence of greatness.

[@garyneilson3075]

So COOL!!! Thanks for sharing.....

[@bahalama]

When was this version performed? Please tell me where to find it!

[@lokephoenix1039]

I wasn’t born when this happened but I always love hearing stories from this Alchemy festival, this imo is the most legendary live performance of a song EVER

[@jayderrett7362]

I was there on that night at Hammy Odeon. My first ever gig as a 15 year old, and still the greatest gig I've ever been to. Absolutely electrifying, all night long.

[@MaraxisArcanist]

I'm a hardcore metal head and even I can admit Mark Knopfler is a generational talent on guitar. Brothers in Arms is my favorite by them.

[@bluewolf5925]

I could not agree more. Check out song for sonny liston by Mark Knopfler if you have not heard it. It is pure genius.

[@marksimpson1991]

Hard not to shed a tear or three listening to that one.

[@biostud666]

Same, if you want great music and take a break from death metal, dire strait is simply put extremely well made rock.

[@davidanon1568]

I have the LP Making Movies downstairs in my record collection, I'm 60 and I bought it in High school in 1980.

[@kelliesalome1115]

@@davidanon1568 I heard Sultans of Swing on the radio and immediately went out and bought the album. Have everything MK has done since

[@johnpeterson3386]

Yep. Mark Knopfler is that impossibly rare combination of freakish talent, absurd technical chops, and amazingly tasteful musicianship. And Dire Straits is definitely one of the tightest bands on the planet.

[@Rystefn]

For real. He's not just good, he's good in a way that even other excellent guitarists are not. And the rest of the band are no slouches, either. Absolute legends.

[@teressareeves5856]

Dire Straits, one of those groups that you know the first time you hear them that you've heard genius at work. I will stop whatever I'm doing every time I hear Dire Straits. Just straight up wow

[@masudtv]

Humility as well, a real down to earth guy as well!

[@benghiskahn3673]

He's also incredibly modest.

[@TheSpaghetti64]

One of the greatest guitar masters of all time.

[@speakingtherealtruth]

I am old now. I lived in Israel for a year employed by the U.N. in 1979. We danced all over Israel to this band. In 1980 I had the privilege to attend this bands first ever U.K concert in Glasgow Scotland where Mark and David were born!

[@speakingtherealtruth]

Might also say, what you are seeing and hearing is exactly how this band delivered! Nothing short of just one of the best rock bands and musical performances!

[@antonnym214]

Mark Knopfler is acknowledged as one of the greatest guitarists ever, but I STILL think he's underappreciated. This is a good selection, because it was their first big hit, and certainly the first song of theirs I ever heard a few years before Money For Nothing.

[@amd4022]

He doesn’t get recognition he deserves. What I appreciate is that he makes it look so effortless. Mark has complete control over his sound and instrument.

[@max420thc]

MTV,

[@anneschaff4153]

some day Clapton is the greatest, but even he will agree Knopfler is the best of our age

[@MrMambott]

I actually like a few other songs more than ''Sultans Of Swing"" on their first album like ''Six Blade Knife'' "Setting Me Up"" ''Southbound Again''' and my Favourite "" In The Gallery"" LOL I only missed 4 songs that included ''Sultans Of Swing"" in my Favourites

[@tricky2055]

Agreed! Just watch the man play! Fingerpicking the whole time. Trying to play his shit is difficult, and he makes it look so simple. . .

[@gpeddino]

Knopfler famously plays with his fingers instead of with a pick, which allows him to fingerpick in a very unique way. An absolute legend of the guitar.

[@blackman5867]

That explains how some of his riffs sound like they're from the bass guitar

[@debrakron9049]

Much like Lindsey Buckingham!

[@margaretflounders8510]

Same as Lindsey!@@debrakron9049

[@mikdavies5027]

@@debrakron9049 . Only better!!!

[@jiros00]

Best guitarists are finger pickers in my opinion. So expressive.

[@marthawoodworth]

Imagine having a set that is so iconic, so brilliant, so addictive, that it lasts down the ages, constantly drawing new fans! I'm addicted to it.

[@nood1e236]

You can just tell they were feeling every second so hard.

[@paulhood5950]

The drummer's dad was in the audience, hearing his son play for the first time. Guaranteed that was one proud father.

[@mammuchan8923]

OMG his heart must have almost burst out of pride

[@davidroberts2777]

The Drummer is Terry Williams. He is an amazing dummer. Fun times for a man. My generation of Music.

[@michellesirois6954]

Really? Wow...thats cool."Hey dad...look what i can do"😊

[@MSalt69]

Urban myth. They’d heard him many times before.

[@goldhelmchen2634]

rly?! ❤😊

[@poloreacts27]

The drummer was such a joy to watch. I’ve never seen anyone play the guitar like that and with such poise! One of the greatest I’ve witnessed so far

[@rodbrown8934]

Terry really pulled all the drumming stops out on this as his dad was in the audience hearing and seeing his son play drums for the first time

[@user-yn1sf9mq3z]

well said. there aren't many shredders that play with "poise". the only other one that comes to mind is eric johnson. if you've never seen eric johnson - cliffs of dover, it's also up there.

[@markjohnson5876]

check out their epic song "Money for Nothing" it was an influential music video back in the day too

[@jjc5407]

None of the overdubs that usually get added to live recordings to 'correct' any flaws either. This is exactly how it sounded on the night. Just watch Mark Knopfler's right hand. It never stops moving. This isn't someone picking a simple, repeating pattern or strumming along while singing and then throwing in some fills between lines. He's playing with a level of complexity while singing that few if any could begin to match. And then there are the solos. Such speed and clarity on a Stratocaster with not a note out-of-place - just awesome.

[@billc.5861]

There’s a few special guitar players and drummers in the same band over the years. Joe Satriani.” Satch Boogie”. Live Satriani It has the incredible Jeff Campatelli on drums having fun doing their thing with smiles.

[@GongMaster]

I just have to leave this comment here. My father had the vinyl and I grew up with Dire Straits. Sultans of Swing is my all time favorite not only because of this being my first ever favorite song. I heard them live in 1992 in Germany at their On Every Streets tour. First I heard them in the Olympia Stadium in Munich and I could not resist and followed them to the next concert in Nuremeberg. Mark Knopfler is for sure one of the best guitar players of all time. You can hear instantly when he touches a guitar. Even if you never heard that track. When you know his sound, the way he plays notes, and his vibrato, then you recognize any of his tracks at an instant. I am surprised POLO did not know Dire Straits and in particular this track. I mean... Money for Nothing with Sting singing the backing vocals, because he just happened to be there in the studio... Stories like this and how the track Money for Nothing was written... Actual workers exchanged those words in a store while looking at MTV and Mark was overhearing their conversation, writing all down. Another top track of them. I could go on and on and I have to thank my father to introducing me to such music. I am 52 years old now and this music is with me basically all my life. I never get tired of hearing those tracks.

[@bphat68]

One of the greatest things about Knopfler's playing is that even though he can clearly pay a zillion notes, he has a beautiful sense for knowing what NOT to play, and when. Very strategic pauses in the midst of seemingly chaos, letting certain notes just linger...it's like the silence makes you hear the sounds more.

[@mattking5936]

Mark Knofler rarely gets mentioned when people talk about guitarists. For me he is as good as anyone at what he does and other people can't play the way he does.

[@justkiddin84]

AND he is singing!

[@wthiem11]

I'd also suggest Polo to check out J.J. Cale who's sound certainly seems to have influenced Mark Knopfler. I'd like to hear a reaction on "Magnolia" from the album "Naturally".

[@mojomusica.0169]

What's even more amazing is that he's naturally left handed but taught himself righty.

[@ekstradycja]

Are you joking? MK is always highlighted as one of the greatest and unique ones, very influential with his own sound instantly recognised. Plus he's an amazing songwriter and singer as well

[@DornishVintage]

I know. I feel the same way about this guy called Frank Zappa.

[@nobodysbusiness566]

Back in the day Dire Straights were so huge, they were household names and most peopele loved them. Now I am older, it surprises me how fast the world forgets. It is good to see oyunger people discovering these great old bands.

[@michaelchialastri1088]

Right on

[@bobmiller9313]

Todays younger musicians hear what real talent is. Iam 83 and not a rocker but this band is Awsome .Mark is a student of Chet Adkins and master musician and great person

[@alisontunny9362]

I’m starting to appreciate what wonderful musicians we had in my day ( 72 years now). My mother dismissed it and said nobody would ever listen to it in the future. She was also wrong about our marriage. She said it would last 6 months. It’s 60 years now and still going strong! There are no words to describe Dire Straits except brilliant!

[@QuicknStraight]

Mark Knopfler is one of the greatest guitarists who ever lived. Incredible skill and nothing OTT or flashy, just incredibly lyrical sound from that guitar. It's like an extra voice duetting with Knopfler.

[@kevinfrancis1583]

Going Home man. Going Home might be the greatest piece of guitar playing of all time. Understated and just magical.

[@ibrstellar1080]

He makes look so effortlessly and just floats between riffs.

[@pattricklewis]

I've always loved Mark Knopfler's dueling style between voice and guitar.

[@eatthisvr6]

Marks 1 of very few who can make it sing and talk. Jimmy page and David Gillmore have the same incredibly rare ability

[@huwjennings2695]

I think Mark and his guitar being a duet is a great description.

[@permie46]

One of the world's best guitarists-Mark Knoffler. Dire Straits

[@T-bone1950]

He is one of the few musicians I know of who does not use a guitar pick, only his thumb and fingers. This probably explains his phenomenal speed. I miss this group.

[@speakingtherealtruth]

As a live playing band, this performance is beyond description! This was 1980 ffs. No special effect, or back up singers, no dancers, no anything, JUST DIRE STRAITS delivering!

[@janetf23]

A Dire Straits epiphany is always fun to watch❤‍🔥

[@cameronabel3527]

This song tells a story about a bunch of hobbyist musicians. Nobody comes to their gigs but they name their band the "Sultans of Swing" anyway. Classic.

[@lastpenny849]

Guitar George is a guy called George Young. He has two younger brothers called Malcolm and Angus. He's an Aussie.

[@truckrboat]

True story kind of: The lyrics were inspired by a performance of a Dixieland jazz band playing in the corner of an almost empty pub in Deptford, South London. At the end of their performance, the lead singer announced their name, the Sultans of Swing; Knopfler found the contrast between the group's dowdy appearance and surroundings and their grandiose name amusing. Mark knopfler is a legendary guitarist for his use of finger picking not strumming which allows him to get those very different sounds

[@dang1086]

tunnel of love is pretty slick too.

[@melissagerber7231]

​@@lastpenny849I may have heard of them. /j

[@Eric2624]

​@@lastpenny849wait, Guitar George was a real person?!?

[@stevhill]

“If you don’t like this, I’m glad I wasn’t born with your ears,” is the best reaction music of this quality could possibly have. Only fortunate enough to have seen them live once, and it wasn’t this gig, but I will never forget it.

[@kierstenridgway4634]

I'm going to borrow that line! ❤️✌️

[@jimwhite3719]

Damn...that quote was one fine, spot on statement right there...👍👍

[@SusanDollar]

We used to ride around in the car listening to this when I was in high school. I’m 62 now and your appreciation of it has increased my own.

[@silverdawn76]

I’ve heard this song all my life. I’ve always loved it, but hearing it from your perspective gives me a whole new appreciation for their talent. Beautiful!

[@cliffbetton8893]

The band was Dire Straits and they originated in the North East of England; same place as Sting. This was their first single and it was written by Mark Knopfler, the lead guitar player and singer. He was in London and one wet evening in Deptford, heard a band playing in a pub, so he went in and the song is about that band, the Sultans of Swing, and what it is like being a semi-pro band doing gigs in pubs and clubs at the weekends. The same way that The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and all the great British bands started out. No X-Factor, no XX had Got Talent, no Auto-Tune, no false anything. Just people who can play, have got the drive to go and play to half a dozen people on a wet Friday night, and earn their trade. IF you like this (and who wouldn't) try their Live Aid Set, where they play just 2 songs, this one, and Money for Nothing (with Sting), another song that was written by Mark after hearing two workers talking in a cafe. Other bands to look at live are: The Who (anything but Who Are You? and Baba O'Riley in particular; Pink Floyd (the whole Pulse album, recorded live at Earl's Court; Jethro Tull, live at Madison Square Garden (try Thick as a Brick); Cream, live at the Royal Albert Hall (whole concert is breathtaking and in particular, watch the 72 year old Ginger Baker on drums). If you ever visit the UK, use the Underground and check out the musicians who play there; they have to pass an audition to get a licence to perform and they are all good - some are breathtaking.

[@clarenancy77]

Queen - Somebody to Love live version is also worth watching.

[@yoursoulknows6444]

Excellent suggestions - Pulse, Pink Floyd live at Earl's Court and Jethro Tull omg! Ian is incredible! Love both bands!! Haven't seen Cream live at the Royal Albert Hall, going to check that one out for sure!! Thanks for your comment, you're so right!

[@jackori6685]

Well said!

[@tuguybear930]

Same place as Sting? And the Shadows, The Animals,

[@nirfz]

If you ever listen to the Intro of "Money for nothing" by the Dire Straits you can hear Sting. He was there when they recorded it and is the one doing the "I want my MTV" part.

[@tgsgardenmaintenance4627]

Sultans of swing is possibly the greatest live performance ever! So great to see the younger generation appreciate true musicians without autotune !

[@vanessadaiderlopez7725]

Sin lugar a dudas esta es la mejor canción hecha en la historia

[@rapsack7058]

Hmmmggmhmmm NO, Its Queens Live at The Live Aid Concert...But it is one of best life performances ever that for sure.

[@liquidminds]

while my guitar gently weeps, in the tribute version with Prince, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne and Steve Winwood comes pretty close. But that only shows how many talented people it takes to get to this level.

[@littlemouse7066]

They're great but in my opinion not the greatest live performance ever you should watch Nightwish live at Wacken 2013 and you would understand why I'm saying this.

[@tomconnolly7420]

I with you ❤❤❤

[@luzecheverri9161]

My favorite all time song!!! It’s a master piece!!! Timeless!!! ❤

[@lhilare]

The Sultans of Swing is the name of a group they're describing that they saw in a small club. Mark Knopfler wears a headband because he sweats too much; when he plays it gets in his eyes. I love how much the group is enjoying playing this. Having a good time while entertaining the rest of us. Too cool!

[@Jackormesher]

I am 24 years old. I stand by saying that the music of Dire Straits takes me to a place no other music does. Technically and soulfully perfect. Goosebump music

[@markar6395]

Youve got it man. So good

[@baddnurse5443]

❤

[@Deus_Ubique]

great taste for a such young guy ! mark nails it when it comes to music !

[@pamstuckey8349]

Since you're younger I'm hoping you also know Steely Dan. They don't get the same media attention I think but really everyone needs to know them

[@bunchlead]

Great music never dies as it's timeless.

[@gerdapons5730]

I am a 80 year old woman from the Netherlands,I rock again on Dire Straits..love it!!

[@davidrains3918]

An 80yo rock and roll grandma, I love it!

[@carloakley5367]

Keep rocking ❤

[@juliusfucik4011]

Ik wens je nog 80 gezonde jaren! ❤

[@Marianneduetje]

Ja meid, dat waren tijden, sta nog te swingen met 72 jaar!

[@marinanononsense]

Joh meieieid , k heb ze dit live zien doen in Groningen met mn toenmalige vriendje 😁❤️

[@lokephoenix1039]

I’m 29 from the UK, Mark Knopfler is my favourite guitarist ever and I think probably Alchemy Sultans is my favourite thing on all of KZbin. Hearing a young American refer to it as a masterpiece is brilliant. You got a new sub mate :)

[@RJ-ko7fu]

I am 65 and so proud and deeply honoured that I can say that music performers such as Dire Straits and so many other rock bands of my generation have had an influence on my life, I thank each and everyone of them for bringing so much joy and happiness into our lives, the sad thing for me is that I could not react with such awe and amazement to any artists performing today.

[@GraupeLie]

"That guitar is crazy" - YES! That's Mark Knopfler, undoubtedly one of the best guitarists out there - and he makes it look so effortless, as if it was just nothing at all.

[@IsyAweigh]

I grew up with Dire Straits .. the 70s & 80s were such fantastic decades for music ❤

[@lmc4964]

Alchemy was probably my most played album as a teenager , as close to a movie experience listening to music if that makes sense.

[@tinasjostrand2677]

Absolutely agree. I'm so happy I was there for it. My 36 year old son always asks me why I still mostly listen to 70s and 80s music when there is "so much good, new music". HA! This. This is why.

[@coaulsi]

i cant process the info that the guy in his obv 30s dont know about dire strats, and a top10 songs ever, alongside smoke on the water, by deep purple, etc, etc, its very hard to pick just 10 rock songs, let alone all modern music, but thgese are the cult songs

[@chrisappert2184]

The music was amazing back then. I loved it then and still do.

[@mauricestanley5763]

Me too

[@browniewin4121]

I'm a big fan of Dire Straights, always have been, always will be. I feel so lucky to have been able to see them perform live one time they were on tour. Incredible musicians, talent to blow the roof off. Agree this live recording is a masterpiece.

[@M00159]

Fantastic reaction. Fantastic. So satisfying to see a reactor recognize the brilliance in a live performance. Bravo!

[@anyone4tennis50320]

I've had the pleasure of hearing this track for the last 45 years. A legendary story: A group called Steely Dan often brought in guest guitarists for their albums and they were famously tough critics. They would have their guests redo the solo time after time until they thought it was good enough. Mark Knopfler came in, played his solo and they said "Well, that's fine. Thank you very much". Such a genius.

[@JBAKER97]

I had a friend that worked with me everyday. He played the trumpet. This song used to come on the radio and I’d say, “ Don’t wanna hear no trumpet playing band.” Guess you had to be there. 😂

[@bju194422]

😂

[@cherylklaver7233]

Naaa...we get it 😊

[@shawnpriest2119]

Welcome to light, mate. Been one of my faves since the late 70s. Great body of work but Brothers In Arms is their best album. Their sound defies classification.

[@republicoftexas3261]

The guys name wasn't Freddie was it?

[@JBAKER97]

@@republicoftexas3261 no it was David Peace

[@FEvogelfrei33]

This version of sultans is guaranteed to give chills every dang time. Ive listened to this song , all versions ,thousands of times. Its a song you can use to get a feel about someone and you said it well ... Im glad i dont have your ears if you dont like this song so true. Thanks bro, great react.

[@katherinebosse5706]

This brings me nothing but joy, joy and more joy. Every time. And there has been many, many times ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@nurofen3940]

The whole Brothers in Arms album is iconic. I could listen everyday and never be bored.

[@timsmethurst3508]

The title track had me, even in my teens

[@uliwehner]

@@timsmethurst3508 same here. i did listen to this album every day for years.

[@redsidebiker]

But is the title track the best song? To me,not. "The Man's too Strong" is the best track on "BiA". BTW, I loast friends in The Falklands

[@dkmi]

@@redsidebiker that track is wonderful. It's a really diverse album. The tracks don't all sound alike. "Ride Across The River" has always been one of my favorite chill songs. The acoustic guitar on "The Man's Too Strong" jumps out of the speakers. The whole album sounds amazing and makes me glad that I have a fantastic sound system.

[@jbeargrr]

Me too, I love the whole album. All the Dire Straits stuff is incredible, and Knopfler's just magical. The whole band is magical.

[@andrewobrien6671]

Terry Williams is the drummer. This was the first time his dad had seen him perform and so put on a show. The rest of the band if you look at them keep joking among themselves about what he is doing. One of the best drum performances ever.

[@MSalt69]

IT’S NOT TRUE!

[@3wL7]

@@MSalt69 Why? Do you know it's not true?

[@TheGeomsu]

Im so so happy that the young generations are falling in love with Mark Knopfler. He's an absolute guitar genius. I listened to SoS hundreds of times and get goosebumps every time. Keep listening!

[@user-gs5wm2tq8u]

I'm so happy for you that you discovered this gem of music history

[@kittencreates2785]

People have told me to stop listening to my "old" music...I tell them not a chance. I just found you tonight & it's 4am & I have to try to sleep soon. Except that I'm 71 and retired & I can sleep whenever! I absolutely LOVE that you're discovering the music I grew up with.

[@gbormann71]

Heh, that's like asking you to stop being you.

[@kittencreates2785]

@@gbormann71 Yeah... never gonna happen.

[@laswan5]

We grew up with the best music. Born in 1952 I'll be 72 this August.

[@michaelchialastri1088]

I'm an old dude and I love your reaction to this amazing group!

[@kittencreates2785]

@@michaelchialastri1088 I'm an old Hippie Chick 😂

[@leesilverness4296]

I never get tired of watching this performance. The talent is off the scale.

[@DioSanford]

This is THE ERA when singers could sing.

[@spaceghost8995]

Knopfler CAN'T really sing dude. 😂😂

[@eileenmahoney3250]

It's heavenly. It goes from guitar strings, and then to your heartstrings. Incredibly beautiful.

[@Jack-D-Ripper]

Mark Knopfler is a stupendously amazing guitarist. He's so laid-back but intricately fast too! Telegraph Road and Brother's In Arms are very moving too. This British lads are excellent.

[@christinestanding]

you forgot Latest Trick !!!

[@lazarlazarov7857]

Not only Mark, the whole band are fckng great musicians..

[@UpChuckLiberals]

Pure dedication and a hell of a lot of practice,. His interviews are worth every second, he's humble as all get out,. Rolling Stone has him as one of the top 10 guitarists.

[@emmanuela7528]

Man, Telegraph Road is so good 😅

[@michaelsimpson4400]

Absolutely smashing a guitar solo whilst looking like he is out on a Sunday walk

[@cherylwoodward]

This song just came out of nowhere. It was so distinctive, we all stood up and recognized it for its uniqueness. It broke through all the noise in the late 70s. It was special. Mark Knopfler is still creating terrific music today.

[@JeanetteFaith]

No. I think he died.

[@jaapbruijn1300]

YESSSS

[@jaapbruijn1300]

@@JeanetteFaithno he didn‘t

[@JeanetteFaith]

@@jaapbruijn1300Yes, I just looked it up. He's still alive. I thought I read that he died.

[@speakingtherealtruth]

I absolutely love @Iampolomars, "I don't care I have to see that again"!

[@MythicalMystic]

US reactors tend to be obsessed with 'studio version' songs but you have to bear in mind that virtually anyone can sound good on a studio version after being produced to death with the mixing desks etc, the true worth of any band is live where there is nowhere to hide.

[@Neillybob63]

Dire Straits are one of those bands who's live performances nearly always outshine the studio versions, a testament to the musical virtuosity of all the band members, not just Mark, as iconic as he is....

[@iTracking]

I feel robbed of a part of music history by the studio recordings. Before this I only listened to Dire Straits on the radio, and while it's good and catchy, it's still just good and catchy like any pop-song. This is a musical experience on a whole other level. I'm 41 years old and only now found out about the genius of this band.

[@FCBayernMuenchen1900]

Like Pink Floyd... absolutely outstanding music!

[@lenpepe6208]

After 40+ years of knowing this band’s musical genius I’m so stoked to see the next generations learning about it and loving it! These guys had years of paying their dues before reaching this status! Masters of the craft for sure!

[@sheridenney7405]

Me too!

[@jasonq111]

And Mark is picking that guitar with his fingers on his right hand. The crazy thing is that u younger generations don’t understand how good musicians were back then bc there was no pro tools, autotune, etc. U had to be able to play/sing or whatever. There was no faking it. Mark is an incredible guitarist. So many greats from back in the day and some are gone but many are still around.

[@joepa87114]

Sultans of Swing from Live Alchemy is without a doubt one of the top 5 greatest performances ever recorded and I have no clue who the other 4 could possibly be.

[@JAshton1973]

Polo "That guitar is crazy". Me : "wait for it......." Keep in mind, this song and Dire Straights height of popularity was during the middle part of the 80's. When synth music and pop ruled MTV and radio. Here comes this little blues rock band with a unique sound and excellent musicians turning out hits that people still listen to 40 years later. Mark is one of the best guitar players with his own unique style. Glad you like the track.

[@2BestPonies]

Yes! I kept thinking, "yes, but just wait. ..." every time he paused the track! 😅

[@kbjcda]

@@2BestPonies Haha I did the same thing

[@alexhusko]

“If you don’t like this, I don’t know what your hearing “. The wisest words one could say about this song!

[@lindalala5813]

Honey..he left earth and so did everyone else within listening distance! Love This! Lifts my life every time I hear it! TRUTH!

[@gretchenboyd7186]

Baby boomer here. So fortunate have grown up with this music. Beautiful reaction!!! Thank you 👍

[@user-zm2kd9ps7u]

Yup!

[@segueoyuri]

not a boomer here, but I grew up with these too. When people tell me music nowadays gets close to this I just laugh.

[@VickiS-7080]

Let's hope this never gets lost or forgotten❤

[@acmcbride-olson9320]

Gen X here. Dire Straits is incredible. Music then was not manufactured by synthesizer or computer. It was a product of oneness, artist with instrument, mixed with freaking magic.

[@marksimpson1991]

A true legendary band. Set all kinds of records for consecutive night sold out concerts around the world. And then just when they were on top of the world Mark Knopfler called it quits and went solo. A tremendous catalog and very influential. "Alchemy", their live album, is one of the very best live albums ever. Too many songs to even think of what to suggest next.

[@marybethbrown7944]

My kids were born in the 80s-this is what they grew up with, and it was one of our best gifts to them. Mark Knopfler just sold a raft of his guitars for charity. Go watch the video of the interview where he talks about them like they were people.

[@danroth3514]

Telegraph Road is their best song, but Sultans is up there too. Polo will enjoy the guitar work.

[@dougmacaulay3105]

Telegraph Road, maybe Brothers in Arms…. Lots to choose from

[@Prone2Thrill]

Ah yes for sure that is a mandatory listen for Polo. Great song!!

[@CoastPropertyBuyers]

Telegraph Road is an absolute masterpiece 🙏🏼

[@markar6395]

Agree. Telegraph Rd is my all time best song

[@sainsy907]

Second this - and again the live Alchemy version is a must. Long time Dire Straits fan and T Road is my favourite, closely followed by everything on the first 2 albums

[@annettemunnich3533]

About 40 YEARS of loving this song. Never get tired of it!!! Sultan is another word for KING ❤

[@israteeg752]

I recall listening to Dire Straits. I was a soldier at the time, and I was "jumped" out of bed in the middle of the night and taken to some road in the middle of nowhere and set up a checkpoint on a cold, dark night in the desert. After a few hours, we took a break to sleep on the side of the road, and a friend of mine gave me a tape cassette, recorder, and earphones, allowing me to listen to "The Straits" for the first time. Suddenly, I forgot about the cold, grime, and discomfort and focused solely on the music. It was the best escapism I'd ever experienced.

[@crissyb65]

Way back in the late 70’s/early 80’s I was a teenager and hAtEd this song. Along comes my 30s and I developed an appreciation for it. Now, I love it. It’s not that I didn’t have taste in music. I had and have excellent taste. But sometimes a song comes into your life too early and you’re not ready for it. Brothers in Arms and Romeo and Juliet are my favorites along side this one.😊

[@foxmulder8139]

The drummer goes sooooo hard on this version! Knopfler is a guitar GOD and an amazing lyrical storyteller

[@dopiaza2006]

Can you believe they got rid of him for Brother In Arms album? The only part he plays on that is the intro to Money for Nothing.

[@bjmcmahon722]

​@@dopiaza2006true....but Mark still took Terry on that World Tour....

[@dopiaza2006]

@@bjmcmahon722 Understandable!

[@Weareeverything2023]

Terry probably put something extra into his performance that night, his dad was in the audience for the first ever time seeing him play. You know he is good when people talk more about the drummer than even Knopflers amazing guitar playing. True world class live performance. You can see Knopflers and the rest of the band seeing the effect Terry was having that night, great band having a great time.

[@bhelliom3]

Coming from someone who’s been watching reactions for like 3 years now, I would much rather someone pause the song and geek out, rewind, replay, etc. for half an hour than someone sit in silence for the entire song and say “thanks for watching with me”… and that’s the whole reaction. There are plenty like that out there, even if you don’t have anything but enthusiasm to contribute it’s still great to watch someone enjoy something I love.

[@franciet99]

AGREED!🖕

[@poloreacts27]

I just did a poll on this in my community section. You can vote there. Oh, and thank for watching

[@wesleyashton9813]

My dad sat me down when I was 11 and put headphones on me and played his Direstraits album, he said you will enjoy this and sat back with a smile as he watched me experience their sound for the first time. What a gift for both me and him as he got to share and educate me on something so spectacular.

[@buzzcity01]

Hard to believe this song was on their first album in 1977. YEAH, almost 50 years ago

[@imagseer]

This is what happens when artists with real musical talent are on fire. Different to the original, but perfection live!

[@memkiii]

This song NEVER gets old. Glad you liked it.

[@flyingbeaver57]

And it never will.

[@francesh1903]

Homegrown British talent #proud!!!

[@jogooge6384]

I was fortunate enough to be in the audience of this performance in London, and even more fortunate to see them twice on the same tour, there are no adjectives to describe how brilliant they are.

[@2010ChairmanMao]

You are so lucky!

[@jroskott]

One of the best songs ever. The sound he gets, the speed, the melody, it is just stunning. And did we mention the drummer?

[@carlosnorris352]

Terry Williams

[@irenestubbings7856]

When Mark Knoffler and the band went to see a band in a pub, they were called The Sultans of Swing. So this is the song he wrote about that evening. Here in the UK most bands from the 70's and onwards started their careers in pubs and bars. This is an amazing song and the band are so tight you would never believe it was live. Thanks for reveiwing it.

[@jflores6628]

Wow! Thanks for that information. I always love to hear the back story stuff! Love MK and the band!

[@irenestubbings7856]

@@jflores6628 Your welcome!