Awestruck By DIRE STRAITS - Sultans Of Swing | First Time Reaction

[@tonyclark67]

He's one of those very rare guitarists where every single note is perfectly placed - true musicianship.

[@garyneilson3075]

That word perfect,. Yes, absolutely!

[@jimlahtinen4185]

Absolutely correct. Even with my poor hearing I can pick up every note.

[@EvilSean62]

he recently found chicken picking i gueass ... so precise each timee

[@45dda]

He’s always played without a plectrum (pick)

[@scottcampbell6617]

MK has such a unique sound. He's a subtle genious. He can play two notes on someone else's album and I pick it up the first time I hear it.

[@michaelbiggs1254]

Mark is quite simply one of the finest guitar players on the planet.

[@tallwalls76]

Seriously. Chet Atkins bows to Mark.

[@vintagestrings6]

​@@tallwalls76love them both but Chet was the trailblazer. Chet knows greatness though

[@huwgriffith1138]

@@michaelbiggs1254 Clapton and Prince say Mark is the best

[@franciscoastorgaperalta5381]

Sin duda alguna 👌

[@daughteroftheking100]

Yes, He is!!!

[@orthodoxblue7252]

The drumming of Terry Williams is absolute genius.

[@ronmullard5718]

apparently his father was in the audience and he wanted to put on a good show for him....

[@gordondafoe3516]

No, that was absolute high energy. Terry played live for the first time with his father in the the audience. Watch again, and notice the other musicians turning and smiling. He reached another level that night!

[@wmcdrum13]

my favourite drummer ever.

[@SISU889]

Absolutely right in the pocket ! Great drummer .

[@michaelgodbold6247]

No way pedro ,he's just banging and crashing. He ain't got the TIME

[@jflores6628]

Mark Knopfler is one of the GOATS! This clip never gets old!

[@MarkLees-m3n]

TELEGRAPH ROAD from the same concert is a must.

[@ianrose56]

Both a must 1000% Mark K and the boys rocked.!!!

[@davidwild66]

It would be difficult to find a Dire Straits/Mark Knopfler song that isn't worthy of a reaction video.

[@christinehoughton8591]

Telegraph Road is a masterpiece

[@ianrose56]

@@christinehoughton8591 Epic.!!!!

[@elenasancho6074]

@@MarkLees-m3n Once upon a time in the west from the same concert or Planet of new Orleans from the album On every street😍

[@damianvc31]

Mark Knopfler's sound is his own, nobody else sounds like him

[@chrisfox3161]

Correct. Like May, Gilmour or Mark's hero from way back when The Shadows were around.

[@hellrose18]

The funny thing is that you could have the same exact equipment as him, and still not sound the same

[@LightningArt71]

​@@chrisfox3161Hank Marvin right up there with best. Didn't know he was Mark's inspiration. Thanks for that!

[@DavidLaw-x2e]

One of the greatest single live performances ever.

[@Andrew_dot_pls]

Probably THE greatest to be fair.

[@explorer6380]

I’m actually happy you didn’t stop it a million times and just sat back and enjoyed what you were experiencing. That is the best reaction.

[@therealdeal9698]

Well said Sir / Madam

[@flipflop1975ify]

I dare anyone to watch this live performance without grinning through pure respect and admiration of musical craft of the highest order 👏👏

[@adrianleigh7410]

I was there that night, and was one of THE most memorable gigs I’ve ever been to. It’s Mark Knopfler and the K is silent. No auto tune, no backing tape just bare bones, raw talent. He describes his style chicken picking.

[@DavideC647]

Bro I am sooooo jealous they have been my favorite band ever for a while but I was born after this concert 😢😢😢😢

[@rescuelover7891]

I am so damn jealous but happy for you😊

[@waynesworld7804]

You lucky duck!

[@alanwhitfield8934]

So jealous of you being part of that experience best live concert ever these kids of today don't appreciate music like they should it's all techno beat these days

[@raycardy4843]

Yeah, his picking style is similar to a banjo players' style of playing...!

[@achebwahs1111]

You're the first person to call it for what it was. A beautiful six minute solo. A six minute solo that's in love with the song. Awesome reaction folks

[@Sword_of_justice103]

The drums were.awesome...i have to.disagree

[@bigtoe333333]

I'm not drummer, but to my personal taste, that drummer was a bit too fussy. Less would have been more. But hey, its music. I guess we all have some differences about music

[@les.gilfilan7200]

The band is from Newcastle in the UK, its a well known music city other bands to come from the City The Animals, Sting,Brian Ferry,Brian Johnson AC/DC ,Plus a few more. Enjoy the music 😅

[@davidhoward5392]

This small island off Europe, produces some serious music, and magnificent bands

[@Tass...]

My all time favourite live performance from any band. Back when there was no click tracks in their ears (you can even see the drummer counting out loud the 4 beats to the bar) no auto tune or any other technology enhancing tricks. Just raw musical skills put together in such an entertaining way from every single person on the stage. And to think that crowd had no idea they were taking part in a musical masterclass that would transcend the ages.

[@Nilmoy]

❤❤❤

[@stevecrisell108]

The Drummer Killed It.

[@MiloMtc]

Terry was a beast!!!

[@rubensdesk]

Fact!

[@rico-zaindentiana-mariepou4446]

​@@MiloMtcTerry Williams is a beast...

[@simongoff9190]

He absolutely went for it during that concert because it was the first time his father came to see them play.

[@chriszimmer5218]

Not to offend the entire thread here, but has anyone ever heard the original Dire Straits drummer Pick Withers play live versions of this song? Much more subtle and way less oppressive/over the top. Terry plays this with bombast whereas Pick is happy to let the song breathe a bit. IMO

[@davewillcox5349]

The drummers dad was in the audience for the first time, so Mark said .... just go for it. And he did !!!!

[@direwoody]

Terry's das was in the audience?!!! never knew that!!! obviously, he made his father proud...!!!

[@frankaq3951]

Nothing boring about that at all! One of the greatest live performances of all time.

[@aidiess]

without a doubt !

[@garyneilson3075]

!!!

[@nancyedmondson1395]

It always shocks me when people say they've never heard of these iconic bands. Dire Straits is magical perfect.

[@mrgclough]

The drummer was inspired. For the first time, his father was in the audience to hear him live.

[@Killermcknight]

Oh my gosh 🥹

[@alanmitchell1132]

​@Killermcknight from what I've been told this is a KZbin myth, they just played that song fast sometimes. It's a nice story but bands will often give it a bit more live.

[@andrewtims9524]

Urban myth , they had heard him play hundreds of times by then

[@bijoucat1]

If he worked any harder, he would burst into flames.

[@Erulin68]

The most amazing thing about Mark Knopfler is that he's actually left-handed yet mastered a right-handed guitar to a level most right-handed players can only dream of attaining. True virtuoso.

[@Dragonblaster1]

The opposite of Paul McCartney who is right-handed but plays guitar and bass left-handed (though not drums and keyboard).

[@Erulin68]

@@Dragonblaster1 Paul McCartney is left-handed, not right-handed. So is Ringo Starr though he plays a right-handed drum setup

[@Dragonblaster1]

@@Erulin68 Mea culpa.

[@joyceharkin3641]

I love that Mark leaves room for everyone to shine. Every musician on the stage at the top of their game and enjoying themselves so much. When the artists are enjoying it, so are the audience. Fabulous performance. It's pronounced "noff-ler"

[@Killermcknight]

Yeeeessss!

[@jjc5407]

Not long after this concert Dire Straits became the biggest band in the world with the release of the Brothers In Arms album, which sold 30 million copies and became the first CD to sell a million copies. They would have headlined Live Aid but for the fact they weren't willing to cancel their sold out gig over the road at Wembley Arena and let their fans down. Instead they played the longest set of the day in the afternoon, carrying their instruments across the car park between Wembley Stadium and the Arena. 3 years later they got back together after a massive world tour in order to headline the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute Concert which was seen by over 600m people worldwide, second in viewership only to Live Aid. It never ceases to amaze me how many folk have never heard of them. I'm glad more continue to discover and enjoy their phenomenal talent though.

[@BRYLADDEN]

My wife and I were actually at the Wembley Arena gig the night before..simply unforgettable, and Mark brought on the legend who is Hank Marvin for a couple of numbers..especially the Newcastle United theme tune.. " going home ".. we couldn't get live aid tickets so we watched it, with family, in the garden of the green man pub in Putney, along with hundreds of others...Happy days...🎶🎶🎸🎸🎸

[@jjc5407]

@@BRYLADDEN there's film of Hank joining them for Going Home. The Shadows recorded it for one of their albums not long after the Local Hero movie came out.

[@MikeFranklin31690]

I crossed the car park with them as I was at the Arena the day before stewarding Live Aid in the Stadium. Dire Straits are simply the best.

[@Dakota-g90-s7q]

I am 73 ,those years were the best music ,will never be again !

[@daphnethurlow5388]

Correct

[@steakman9113]

72 here…and you’re bang on..!!

[@jenniferhaldane2819]

Best times ever for music. 75 here

[@Dr.K.Wette_BE]

41 here, I hope something will change to get great artists famous again... Because there ARE great artists but almost NONE gets famous anymore. Anyway, I'll listen to "old" music until then, or until I fold my umbrella.

[@danbrown3460]

I’ve watched this over 100 times and I still get goosebumps and get emotional listening to this masterpiece!!

[@Killermcknight]

I can see why!

[@kinasc1575]

I've been listening to this for 41 years and I still get goosebumps and emotional. This was recorded in Hammersmith ODEON in West London, I remember seeing the crowds at the time.

[@doloresneilson5349]

Me too!! I never tire of it!! Genius. Just pure musical genius.

[@SamKnause]

Magical Mark Knopfler and the wonderful sound of Dire Straits. Perfection !!!

[@henridelia5505]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@aliampb6949]

My friend and I had the utter joy of seeing DS Alchemy at Hammersmith. Over two hours of joy, tears, energy. We lost our voices for a week. We were standing upstairs We thought our hearts, ears and chests would burst. Utterly fabulous and joyous. Thank you Dire Straits ❤❤❤❤

[@daphnethurlow5388]

Saw that at Wembley..seen lots of concerts back then..Dire Straits by far,,the Best. Still love them.

[@matthewdavis4579]

Still have the Alchemy t-shirt with the arrows.

[@doloresneilson5349]

Mark's solo here brings me to tears. It's an experience Melodic, no overplaying...his guitar speaks like no other. I never tire of it.

[@elenasancho6074]

Welcome to the fantastic world of Dire Straits/Mark Knopfler music. About the headbands, Mark explains that he didn't wear them as a fashion thing, but out of necessity. The bulbs back then were so hot that they made him sweat a lot, so much so that it made it difficult for him to see well, so he wore them to stop the sweating. When the lights became less hot he stopped using them,

[@The_Stranger1986]

Yeah it would have been a big thing back then for some people with the lights. With the technology at the time to get that brightness they would have had to have been so hot when pointed directly at you. LEDs changed the game lol

[@xbia1]

They were so hot because colour tv required a lot of light in those days.

[@jcc-t9b]

i am never tired of listening to that tune ....i have seen them in concert once in the 90ies and it was fabulous.... But ...That performance was totally INSANE !

[@mikerelf1362]

I was there that night in the audience, 1983 Hammersmith Odeon, they could fill 50000 seat stadiums, but the Odeon maxed out at 2,500, I jumped in the air when he sang "way down south, in London town" BRILLIANT NIGHT

[@foxbyday4300]

Dire Straits ! They were a different level - You must do the live version of Telegraph Road - Same concert

[@ypey1]

The origin story of Detroit

[@TheOligoclonalBand]

A hundred percent.

[@OriginalNiceButOdd]

Dire Straits are just proof that the UK makes the best music

[@TristanandIsolt]

Best bands, but America has Elvis and Michael Jackson as solo artists.

[@deanhill8396]

Chris cornell so far clear of them both, best vocalist the world has ever seen​@TristanandIsolt

[@deanhill8396]

​@TristanandIsolt not to mention prince is so far clear of anymore as a musician its ridiculous

[@TristanandIsolt]

@@deanhill8396 Prince is great. He played basketball against my high school and that's pretty good for a 5'2" dude. I didn't know him personally, but I knew a lot of his friends. As for being so far ahead of all other musicians that depends on what you're looking for. Freddy might be better based on vocals alone, but all around singing and instruments Prince was probably the best.

[@TristanandIsolt]

@@deanhill8396 Your joking regarding Chris. He's good, but not on Elvis or Michael level. Not even the same realm.

[@karl-70]

...was NOT a boring reaction to watch. The reaction was written all over your face and is the most appropriate reaction to a video like this. Your stunned silence "and" reaction was a joy to behold

[@Killermcknight]

Thank you so much ♥️ so glad to hear that!

[@christinehoughton8591]

Agree

[@nomdaploom]

Well said.

[@therealdeal9698]

This comment; Scotland claims Mark Knopfler

[@45dda]

@@therealdeal9698 Only until he was 7…he considers himself a Geordie…

[@nickshields1011]

I saw this tour. Unforgettable. Mark Knopfler is a genius, Dire Straits were one the biggest bands of the 80s.

[@lucyFV]

Mark Knopfler is in the top 20 guitarists of all time. His unique style of finger picking is amazing. This is also one of the best guitar riffs ever in concert. He is still playing today. I have watched this performance at least 30 times and I never get tired of it! Truly a master! ❤️🔥👍

[@jamesdossor4838]

Top 5

[@lucyFV]

@@jamesdossor4838 Thanks! I agree, I was just being careful because I saw a post one time about the top 20. 😊

[@Wombat32]

He's top 5. I'd include Chet Atkins, Roy Clark, Glen Campbell, and Rory Gallagher in the mix.

[@rickynorwood7229]

Top 5 him and gilmour the 2 best for me

[@paulsuddes1144]

A group of exceptional musicians, fronted by a genius…..the best band ever….no argument

[@eturfrey]

Mark Knopfler, Lead guitar Hal Lindes, Rhythm guitar John Illsey, Bass guitar Terry Williams, Drums Alan Clark, Keys And for these shows July 22/23 1983 additional guest keys, Tommy Mandel.

[@eturfrey]

@@kdblamire it’s Hal Lindes. This is 1983 David Knopfler left the band in 1980.

[@michaelhanning2321]

​@kdblamire No, Mark's brother David had left the band three years earlier - By the time this 1983 'Love Over Gold' tours was happening it was Hal Lindes, the only American in the band playing rhythm guitar ...

[@drum253]

@@eturfrey I went to see Art of Noise years ago, at Hammersmith Odeon. Probably 85-86ish. When they played their version of Peter Gunn 4 guitarists came out dressed as cowboys, all in black. They stood in a line out front and did the corny Shadows walk. They were all different heights and lined up short to tall. A few years later I found out that the shortest was Hal Lindes and the tallest was Lemmy. Don't think I ever found out the identity of the 2 others, long time ago so memory is slight on details.

[@dopiaza2006]

@@eturfrey Mark even refers to 'Hal Lindes on guitar' at the end of Two Young Lovers, along with 'Mel Collins on the saxophone'

[@Maxley..]

@@dopiaza2006 Hah, yeah, I can hear it now - "Mel Collins on the sax...o...phone!"

[@Holme00007]

Singer/guitarist Mark Knopfler had written it in 1977, after going into a pub where a lousy jazz band was playing. their lead singer finished the set with “Goodnight and thank you. We are the Sultans Of Swing.”

[@xxFORDIExx]

My sentiments are the same as many here, welcome to the incredible world of the incredible Mark Knopfler. He is one of the greatest songwriters and guitarists of all time. He has created some of the most outrageously incredible songs that stand the test of time. He has not only created these incredible tapestries, with all the other wonderful musicians in dire straits, he's managed to do it through his solo career too. He's my number one for sure. Changed my life. Mark is highly regarded and rightly so. A virtuoso for sure. Also, Terry Williams on drums, John Illsley on Bass, Alan Clark on keys, Hal Lindes on guitar and Joope De Corte on 2nd keys. All musicians are of the highest quality. I look forward to you discovering more Knopfler and Dire Straits. Great reaction. 😊

[@MrKurmann]

"Ate that up", yes, that's a great reaction by itself. These Brits are amongst the best of artists.

[@87leeb]

This drummer is a BEAST

[@andrewmcfarlane7015]

Mark is a great singer/songwriter and is truly a master at finger style, but then you find out he's actually naturally left handed and not only taught himself to play guitar right handed but play LIKE THAT!! IMO he's one of the greatest of all time 🎸

[@stevengray8663]

Yes

[@LoneRanger100]

Like Wilko, who also didn’t use a pick.

[@MrT67]

​@@LoneRanger100 I read somewhere that he did use a pick in his very early days, but for some reason borrowed or bought a guitar that he could only play to his satisfaction by finger picking. He said that from then on finger picking felt more natural. I also saw an interview of him recently where he briefly demonstrated the differences in sound / style between using a pick and finger picking. Not surprisingly he appeared to be more than proficient with a pick, although he demonstrated only fairly briefly.

[@orinolsgaard1755]

One of the greatest performances of all time - guitar and drums.

[@mickem4322]

The thing with this performance is that it gets better for every time watching it.. Absolute MasterClass !! :D

[@merrilynhunt7819]

at first look, this has been viewed 247M times.

[@normasnokas]

This performance is ethereal. It is beyond great.

[@mrzoinky5999]

I was in my early twenties when Dire Straits came on the scene. If I hadn't watched your show I would never have known about this amazing live show. Had a guitarist friend that said Mark Knopfler (Lead singer) was one of the best guitarists of the day.... he showed it here.

[@lesleywright8880]

@@mrzoinky5999 he still is. His 10th solo album came out earlier this year and he's been nominated for yet another Grammy (not that I think he cares too much!).

[@paulad-ms4vx]

Mark Knopfler! When Prince was asked who the greatest guitar player in the world was, he said,”I don’t know. You would have to find Mark Knopler and ask him.” That says it all.

[@fabrizio_prina]

Mark Knopfler is the King of fingers style and this "insane" and wonderful drummer is Terry Williams 🤘🤘🤘

[@ianrose56]

Yes his still the unbeaten master. Finger picking good.!!! Like KFC.

[@ianrose56]

@AretaicGames yes OK that was his inspiration. But I'm talking of his time,our time. I've played guitar badly since I was 12 I'm now 56 , and I'm still no master.!! I can play, I can gel into a 4 - or 5-piece band, no problem. I can even finger pick quite well. But Mark has taken that style of picking to his own level. Hence my comment, and I still stick by it.!!!

[@RobinC63]

@AretaicGamesI remember an interview with him when people were discovering what an amazing guitarist he is and he basically said what you wrote. He was extremely humble about it.

[@steviesvideos319]

J.J.Cale 🤴

[@hahnfelt]

I was at that age back then. When this very song started playing on the radio and discos it broke a ‘pop rut’ we weren’t even aware we were in, but no one had ever played the guitar like this. It was a revolution and changed how pop/rock was played from then on.

[@dsands47]

London was not aware that they were going to witness perfection that night.

[@rickynorwood7229]

London was spoiled by this and pulse by pink Floyd

[@peem1244]

I heard that when Bob Dylan heard this for the first time shortly after it's release, he called Mark to say he wanted to work with him. Wow.

[@starshapedtambourineman]

'License to kill' is a tune 🎉

[@IanDarley]

You NEED to check out Telegraph Road from this concert! It is progressive rock defined, glazed with a cherry on top.

[@dongubelman3013]

You just witnessed the most unique technician with the guitar I've ever heard....your expressions said it all...now go to Telegraph Road, same concert.

[@maruka1716]

It's worth remembering Mark Knopfler's name, because he did 6 albums with Dire Straits (writing all the songs as well as playing and singing them) but has done 10 since then as a solo artist. He's 75 years old now (as of August 2024), and his latest album came out in April 2024. Dire Straits had a lot of membership turnover. Mark and bass player John Illsley were the core members who stayed with the band the whole time. Most of the band members were British, but there were various Americans in the band over time. The Americans in this lineup were the rhythm guitarist and the second keyboard player, the one behind the rhythm guitarist. In his songwriting, Mark was interested in the back-and-forth between American musical styles and English and Celtic styles, and he worked with artists from both countries.

[@jimbo6457]

That wasn't boring to watch at all! You treated a lovely piece of guitar playing with the respect it deserves, and reviewed it with knowledge and passion.

[@Killermcknight]

Thank you very much!

[@drum253]

Welshman Terry Williams is the fantastic drummer. At this performance Terry's parents were in the audience and it was the first time Terry's dad saw him play a big live concert. Great drummer. Pik Withers was the original drummer on the studio version...one of their first ever singles, possibly the first....but Pik left early on and Terry came in and the sound became "rockier". As an old(ish) drummer myself, albeit amateur, I have always rated Terry's performance here greatly. Superb playing. Wales is very proud of Mr Williams. Incidently, Terry also had previously played with Dave Edmunds (knock on wood).

[@contessa.adella]

Checkout the story behind the song….Inspired by Mark going into a small London pub one evening where he saw a not famous band were doing their own thing despite it not being in character for the venue, but not caring and being immersed in their own style… This song is about them.

[@jjc5407]

Mark Knopfler, musical genius, guitar player extraordinaire, and incredibly prolific songwriter, composer and performer. Dire Straits: 6 studio albums, 3 live albums and 2 EPs (plus compilations) The Notting Hillbillies: 1 studio album Solo: 10 studio albums and an EP Duet: 2 studio albums (one with Chet Atkins and one with Emmylou Harris) and 1 live album (with Emmylou Harris) Movie soundtracks: 9 including Local Hero and The Princess Bride In addition to all that he's produced albums, including Bob Dylan's Infidels, and played on numerous records for other musicians. He wrote Tina Turner's Private Dancer and toured with Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan. His songs have been covered by such diverse acts as Joan Baez, The Killers, Home Free, Metallica, The Everly Brothers and Mary Chapin Carpenter. He's just turned 75. Earlier this year he released his 10th solo album and followed that up with an EP and then a handful of additional songs on an extended download version of the album. A new version of Going Home, the main them from Local Hero, was produced by Mark's longtime friend and collaborator Guy Fletcher, a former keyboard player in Dire Straits. Recorded to raise money for teenage cancer charities in the UK and US it brought together 66 musicians, the majority of them guitarists including Mark, Eric Clapton, Hank Marvin, Dave Gilmour, Pete Townshend, Bruce Springsteen, Keith Urban, Slash, Vince Gill, Brian May and Tony Iommi to name just a few. It features Sting on bass and Ringo Starr and his son Zac Starkey playing drums and opens with the very last notes recorded by Jeff Beck. Collectively this supergroup was billed as "Mark Knopfler's Guitar Heroes". That so many incredible artists were so keen to contribute just shows how highly regarded Mark Knopfler is by his peers.

[@georgesheffield1580]

Also a University lecturer w/ 3 PhD's

[@jjc5407]

@@georgesheffield1580 he's got a degree in English and 3 honorary doctorates, but he hasn't got any PHDs. He also lectured at a further education college not a university in his pre-Dire Straits days.

[@heldinahtmlhell]

He's played on Dylan albums as well. As a mental Dylan fan, I love his collaborations with Dylan. Particularly Slow Train and Blind Willie McTell.

[@markw.8455]

Mark said that back in the day, the stage lights were so hot that he would sweat, which made it hard to see-- so he wore a headband. It's mind-boggling to see such a BRILLIANT composer and performer. Thanks for your reaction.

[@Killermcknight]

Oh so it was more for a purpose than for a style, interesting!

[@terrythomas8482]

I was at this show London Hammersmith Odeon 1983 😎you really need to watch the entire concert the album Alchemy Live was recorded at this show 😉

[@zinnia2980]

Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler are so legendary ❤️ Incredible musicians and songwriters. They made so many great records. Romeo and Juliet is a very special track 🧡

[@colingoode3702]

Didn't know it when we watched this live but we witnessed an epic performance that would go down in history.

[@williamjones6031]

The studio version of this is one of the best songs for cruising. Including road tripping. It's nice that you enjoyed it so much. What I love about this clip is how much fun they're having. Making a living like that wouldn't suck.🤑🤑 Shout out to the production crew. The filmography of this LIVE concert is incredible.🤩🤩

[@Killermcknight]

Yes!!

[@mangelwurzel]

Speaking of magical fingers, Wes Montgomery, the legendary jazz guitarist, used just his thumb. No kidding!

[@frederickmurray5766]

Drummers always have the most fun.

[@edwardgibson4466]

Knopfler is pure genius. One of the greatest guitarists EVER!

[@bordersw1239]

Great performance, I’m classically trained - not on guitar! he doesn’t waste a single note, great use of repetition, building solos, adding tension - and relief just at the right time. Masterful performance.

[@eddsod70]

I’m 54 and discovered Dire Straits pretty late but realised it’s one of the best bands. Six Blade Knife is a favourite. Mark Knopfler living legend. 🙌

[@brianwhitish5898]

Simply one of the greatist live performances ever.

[@dimcegjakovski6275]

Guitar, bass, rhythm guitar, synthesizer, piano and everything accompanied by drums, this is the synchronized best performance of the group live.

[@keithstewart148]

You'll have to watch Telegraph road and Tunnel of love from the same concert.

[@samlawrence4670]

Tunnel of love Wembley ‘85 for me.

[@lepint6671]

Mark’s guitar sound was fabulous, really unique for that time.

[@brigittereimprecht8334]

Yes, the whole "Alchemy" concert was brilliant, make sure you watch "Telegraph Road", a masterpiece. Alan Clark on keys will blow you away and Terry on drums is out of this world, for me the best the band has had. Also watch "Tunnel of Love" live at Wembley, the autograph is so phenomenal

[@roypalfrey5694]

I would liked to have given your comment 4 thumbs up. One for each of your totally valid points.

[@rk41gator]

Such a great melodic solo. Mark Knopfler is one of the best and most musical guitarists. How does England produce so many wonderful musicians?

[@medo_pg7786]

I remember when I first heared Sultans of Swing back in '98. My jaw literally dropped.

[@raycornford283]

Great review, guys. The whole concert was crazy, but as mentioned below, 'Telegraph Road' is a must to follow up this. Mark's surname is pronounced 'Noffler'

[@Killermcknight]

Thank you!

[@Coreytrevor8732]

Give that man any instrument and he will make it speak volumes. Finger picking. The tone. The absolute control. Master of his craft. Thanks Mark for all the albums.

[@raymondhill8973]

Sometimes no reaction is better, we could clearly see that you were immersed in the awe of the perfect live performance.. Great reaction.

[@Killermcknight]

Thanks so much!

[@Tattedup85]

Your in for a blast..one of the best bands EVER🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@peterbowerman1109]

Mark wrote nearly all their songs as well, including that one.

[@kinasc1575]

ALL!! 👍

[@fredt8038]

"Sultans of Swing" is great indeed... but "Telegraph Road", in my mind, is exceptional! A real pop-rock symphony with Mark Knopfler's story telling at its best. I remember playing the Alchemy vinyl album over and over on my hi-fi in my younger years. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4mVn2WcqceXkLc

[@arnodobler1096]

👍

[@StevenQ74]

Yes, Telegraph Road is even better

[@zarakthuul8070]

A Story about the foundation, the rise and the fall of a settling.

[@ypey1]

@@zarakthuul8070Detroit to be specific😅

[@colinkhan2936]

Alchemy version is sweet, but this version from the On the Night tour is pretty amazing too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4CbpqaAjbefpJI

[@LHarris-h8y]

Pay attention to how little he actually looks at his gùitar as he plays. Hes awesome.

[@martinstubbs7974]

I loved your reaction. Reactions are so much more than verbal! It was great to see you immersed in the music without interruption! Telegraph Road from the same concert is absolutely sublime and showcases the brilliant musicianship of each and every band member! I’m sure you will be blown away by it! Thank you!

[@paulgutzke348]

Mark is one of the best guitar players of time. Just another level. His playing goes right to your soul.

[@Rackelhane]

The sun was hot..The beer cold and the women beautiful as ever. It was August 1978 and I was happy on the Greec Island of Naxos. The same music came from every pub..every restaurang...every radio. It was the year of "Sultans of swing". Cheers from a finn in Sweden.

[@Killermcknight]

Oh I love this. You painted a whole picture.

[@MaryB-tx2xq]

Yep, left the cold UK went to Kavos, Greece, only to hear what we’d been listening to at home - it was great

[@novanights2chevy597]

My Scandinavian relatives are crazy Knopfler fans.

[@stephaniefain1863]

A drummer drives the song. Guitarist get the deserved fame. A vocalist can pull it all together. But, the drummer is the driver, and this kid pulls out all the stops, and pushes everyone forward.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

The story took a sad turn during recording for _Brothers In Arms,_ though.

[@TheNotedHero]

Mark Knopfler is one of the greatest. He impresses other guitarists. Their song "Telegraph Road" from the same concert is beautiful, definitely add it to your list!

[@3000FAst]

Love from England ❤ my fave song. That guitar ❤

[@locorolo4942]

And now look for "Telegraph Road" from the same concert. In my opinion even better. 😃

[@grahamedney2432]

It's so clear to see that Telegraph Road is always up there when it comes to song suggestions, rightfully so, it like tunnel of love are amazing, but mark never liked it that much, saying it was too long and drawn out, but we all love it, it could be even longer and I would still love it, take care😊

[@MGman100]

I'm from the UK and I've just come across this. Your reaction and enthusiasm were brilliant. This is from their first album that came out in 1978, I have this and all their other releases. In my opinion Mark Knopfler is the best guitarist of all time. A rare talent. Dire Straits were an awesome band!

[@madwelshbiker3710]

this is the dire straits you thought you were coming into when you started "brothers in arms". mark is a master virtuoso that others can only dream of getting close to

[@stevenbarlow7088]

Probably,arguably one of or widely regarded as one of the all time great guitarists

[@joet.7980]

I was fortunate enough to see this tour live, and it's still maybe the best concert that I ever saw.

[@aidiess]

I'm jealous and at 77 years old I shouldnt be saying things like that !

[@Killermcknight]

That’s amazing!

[@terrybrown3486]

Me too, phenomenal

[@wowwowwow185]

No, he learnt to thumb pick lead as no one told him it was wrong

[@lilianakarapas9112]

Glad you enjoyed it. Mark Knopfler pronounced NOPFLER. Hungarian name but British (Glasgow) born with English mother. Raised in Northumbria England. All this band are great musos, but Mark is a guitar god & a Virtuoso. He is one with his guitar. He is the best ever. This concert was 41 years ago & on the 12 of August Mark turned 75 years old. I hope he plays his guitar forever. Mark is left-handed playing a right-handed guitar. Finger picks with his right hand like a banjo . It makes sense to use a right-handed guitar because his left dominant hand does all the heavy lifting. Those fingers going up & down the neck of the guitar not seen done as well as that. Mark wrote all the music & arranges it too. A very talented man. xo If you get a chance to watch all of this concert as I saw them live you will be blown away at the quality & mastery of these musicians. No tricks just talent. Watch all of that aLCHEMY lIVE concert. It was life changing seeing it live. and music leaves us feeling high.

[@jeremysanderson9673]

Great job. You did the music justice by not interrupting too much. Your reaction was pitch perfect. Too many reactors just want to yap throughout the whole song. You guys have some class.

[@Killermcknight]

🫶🏻

[@ChrisOsborne-pr1iy]

the one "live" performance where you think,damn!!! wish i was there!!!

[@seanstevenson9891]

Telegraph Road from the same concert is a must. Storytelling, with a masterful musical performance. Dire Straits is always better live. Thanks again. 🤟🤪

[@RamiroAlonsoPando]

And the drummer was incredibly ballistic!!

[@bydavidmitchell]

Welcome to the start of your Dire Straits journey. The lead singer and guitarist is Mark Knopfler, pronounced "naw fler". What can I say? Dire Straits have always been my favourite band, and Mark Knopfler my hero. His song writing is exceptional and some of the songs Dire Straits produced are among the best in the world. Mark went on to have a solo career in 1996 which has been quite different to his stadium days with Dire Straits, but equally astonishing. If I can recommend a next track from Dire Straits, it would be Telegraph Road from the same Alchemy concert. You absolutely won't regret it. It's a masterpiece. Truly, a masterpiece. The lyrics, guitar, drums and especially the piano, are just second-to-none. You guys owe it to yourselves to listen to it. Even if you don't react, just make sure you hear it. It's out of this world. Thanks for the reaction. I only recently found your channel and have subscribed. I hope to see more Dire Straits reactions from you in the future. Much love.

[@scatmanjohn895]

He was a child geek guitarist and he is one of my favourites of all time. I love this man. He’s such a nice person not up his own arse.

[@kevcall]

Watched this so many times over the years.. You just don't want it to end

[@vvsingh11]

Hi guys, glad you got to experience dire straits! They have been my favorite band since I was in high school (1980s). DS was once the world #1 band, with multiple album & song hits. Mark writes all his songs, composes the music, and arranges the recordings. Dire straits sold more than 100 million records and has been inducted into the R&R Hall of fame. Post DS, Mark had a long solo career too. I have been to at least 15 of his concerts, and have had the opportunity to meet him too.