David Knopfler LEAVES Dire Straits: Interview with Mark Knopfler & co. (1981)(ULTRA RARE)

Dire Straits Interview (1981)(ULTRA RARE)
TV Broadcast in Norway, 1981
Band members:
Mark Knopfler, John Illsley, Alan Clark, Hal Lindes, Pick Withers
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[@KRAZEEIZATION]

Mark smirking like a godfather when John quickly tells a credible version of the “David Story”!!!!

[@MimreTV]

Yeah, we did not quite believe that version though 😃😃

[@dannyboy7715]

Yep what an idiot. Both Mark and John actually.

[@benjaminluscombe7199]

That was more likely in the edit, not actually directly after John talked about David. ie MK was reacting to something else that had been said but not included in the final edited interview.

[@tommynickels4570]

@@MimreTV hh

[@josearqco]

That was so noticeable that I almost jump out of my chair, and I felt bad for David. He's actually a very good bloke!.

[@brucejenner4800]

I'm so glad Mark Knopfler learnt to finger pick, he, and his bandmates have given us all untold listening pleasure.

[@miltinhogooglejr8620]

In 2022 I have been able to help my 7 yr old granddaughter fall in love with Dire Straits......; and I was only 14 when I first heard Sultans of Swing. Thanks Mr. Knopfler.

[@MelancholyPageyBoy]

That’s amazing! I’m 14 NOW and just discovered Sultans of Swing and Dire Straits

[@MrSteeeevo]

Every great band has it's problems and personality clashes. For a start - if you are as talented as MK, you're not going to suffer fools or mediocrity. They were all great musicians in their own rights, as was Terry Williams when he joined (see Sultans of Swing - Alchemy tour for an example of this). Maybe this was the good old days - when bands were not overly polished for interviews - you actually see the nerves and fidgety responses rather than rehearsed answers to scripted questions of promotional tours today. At any rate, I'm very thankful for the fantastic content they produced over the years - even if they didn't always get on, they made millions of people happy and so did a lot of good.

[@fatimaluz777]

Ok! Disse muito bem...concordo! 💋

[@ManchesterBlackSheep]

Really? I thought Terry Williams murdered the old songs on Alchemy. He lacks Pick's finesse.

[@leocmen]

Terra Williams made The impossible... Took the drums up to the level of Mark's guitar

[@letsgococo288]

This was always Marks band. He wrote the music, wrote the lyrics crafted the feel. When the little brother gets salty because he's not as talented it's time to cut him loose. There is no Dire Straits without MK.

[@carlosdeno]

Nothing salty about it, he left and has been very successful. I’d do some research before posting uniformed comments, left during the recording of the 3rd album.

[@Martin-iv6lq]

He hasn't been successful at all. He made a stupid decision to quit the band after acting like a child.

[@FoardenotFord]

Mark Knopfler is my musical hero, and the reason I play guitar, but I feel for David Knopfler. It’s gotta be tough to be second fiddle to someone with such extraordinary talent, even though David is clearly talented himself. I get the sense that there was a lot of sibling power dynamics, and Mark could be a bit of a “my way or the highway” kinda guy. Hard to blame him, too, being as brilliant as he was, but I don’t blame David for wanting to go his own way. Apparently, they’re on friendlier terms these days, which makes me happy.

[@jeshkam]

Are they talking to each other again?

[@FoardenotFord]

@@jeshkam Yes, David has said so in a couple of recent interviews.

[@timeepass_media]

Mark on every interview: i didn't have an amplifier 😂❤

[@High_Voltage_1953]

And he sounds like a small kid who's telling his parents all the time, so they finally give him one.

[@francksol0946]

Great Great Great rhytmic guitarist was David Knopfler..Bravo David .

[@tribeshift]

This is one band I'd like to see reform, if only for one gig. The original line-up had such a distinctive sound and it's be a real shame if Mark and David never played together again.

[@rainblaze.]

I wouldn't hold my breath. Though mark and john are still freindly i believe. Bar pick and john the others were just industry "guns for hire". Though Allan became a true member of sorts through the process of osmosis and working with mark on other projects like local hero for example

[@waynem4791]

I would love to see at least Alan and John back for a tour or album.

[@marianocomensoli1883]

....It would be fantastic but I believe will not happens🤷

[@andyboyd126]

It would be nice if Mark and David actually spoke to each other never mind getting back together (that's brothers for you I suppose) think David was out of his depth which is why Mark wanted him out of the band. I could be wrong though.

[@FoardenotFord]

I couldn’t agree more - David might not be Mark’s musical equal, but he’s got talent to be sure. Apparently, they’re on friendlier terms these days-saw this in a couple of interviews. That makes me very glad at least.

[@hoviswilliams1548]

Mark Knopfler… living legend.

[@lindagarcia8826]

Thank you for sharing this is a true gem. I appreciate it very much.

[@MimreTV]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂😀

[@wombatboter]

I saw an interview with David Knopfler in which he said that it was hard as a brother to be the only one to stand up to Mark from time to time and that all the others were bowing for Mark : "How can you hold your position when there are people around him who even bring him an ashtray in the right colour if he asks for one.."

[@lylyc8315]

Maybe sometimes your older brother actually knows what he is doing and other people are not willing to let your younger sibling need for defiance ruin their musical careers?

[@pallhe]

I haven't read any books on Dire Straits (although I would love to). But I have a hunch that David was also a big personality and being Mark's brother made him somewhat subversive. David is also talented but Mark's talents are so off the charts so he was going to be the leader, and this probably created some awkward "family friction" within the band.

[@danielfisch389]

I just finished John‘s memoir. Quite entertaining, though he doesn‘t go too deeply into the brothers‘ troubled relationship (of course), as he has remained friends with both Knopflers, especially Mark who lives near John. I‘ve read elsewhere from a reliable source that Mark became too bossy, wouldn‘t accept any of David‘s songs into the DS repertoire and would even command how to play the rhythm guitar parts. In a nutshell, David was too restricted in the band.

[@pallhe]

@@danielfisch389 Thanks, I´ll have to get hold of John's memoir!

[@lebe220]

Same with CCR.

[@barttheanorak]

Mark Knopfler was really a solo artist all along as he sang and wrote everything in Straits.

[@johnnynbk]

not a one man band though, were they?

[@evobirkz8]

Actually you can see that Pick and John had some influence and later Alan clark had great input at love over gold! But it was always Marks band! Shame Pick left i think 1980-1983 is their best era, great prog rock actually! I love brothers in arms ofc but it became so big and mainstream

[@miloslavpokorny2358]

hi from Czech republic pals, so I must confess that this english is very difficult for me, but I am very glad for this video, so have a good time and sun not only in the sky

[@MimreTV]

Thanks for watching! 😀🤓

[@robertstewart239]

Everyone in this interview looks as if they're facing a death sentence. So nervous and at some points lying through their teeth. Spooky! Why not just say David and Mark had a big bust up and the younger one left? Independent record producer? Gimme a break!

[@onenessbe9991]

Yeah , MK looks totally embarrassed like a brother who has done the wrong thing by his sibling and has to answer for it . Egos always exist in the performing arts . You've got to have one to want to do it - to show off , win approval at some level . Mark has admitted in interview that he was an a88hole back then . There are things he regrets . Thing is - artful genius nearly always ruffles feathers . MK was on a huge roll artistically and no one can argue with that . I'd always thought of David as the little brother , the rhythm guitarist , backup singer - but the more I look at it I see how good he was and is . Especially now as an older guy with nothing to prove but some great songs to deliver he has come into his own . Funny how much his voice sounds like Mark, and they both are now writing classic folk songs with Celtic influence . I knew a sax player in Melbourne Aust . Paul Williamson - who at age 23 was picked up by Dire Straits to fill in part of their tour through Australia , NZ and Asia in the early 80s . (must have been before Bros in Arms album) . Paul was already (obviously a good sax player ) but he was pretty surprised to be asked . He was playing little Jazz clubs around Melbourne mostly at the time . DS were in Australia on tour and they'd lost their sax player , and someone suggested that Paul was capable . He told me it was a great experience , and that Mark was a good boss , was nice to him , and he was well looked after ...not to mention getting great money compared to what he normally earned . You've also got to remember that at the time Dave left , the band was being driven hard by management . 3 or 4 years of being pushed through the grinder with everyone else making shiploads of money while the band sweated their asses off . I just finished John Ilsley's book . It was quite shocking how hard the management pushed the touring schedule , while the band members were still only making peanuts . Sure , they might get driven to a gig in a flash car to look good , but the record companies charged every cent for their keep , luxuries , planes , trains , cars , food and lodgings - all to come out of any profits before they saw a cent for themselves . Show biz is brutal , and my point is that it would stress anyone out , and people sometimes act badly when they're stressed .

[@Swat-ed5bt]

Love Pick Withers❤

[@bojanarezina2352]

pick witnes :D

[@WarmerMusicVideos]

David left because he wanted more input.

[@saturn3598]

43 years ago. Now in 2024 hearing. Mark knopflers new album One Deep river. Any body there?.

[@AzErradi]

Wow never saw this, very precious, Thanks a lot for sharing

[@MimreTV]

You are so kind 😃😃

[@tarteampion8039]

Dave left and we have Pick Witnes.

[@albrigo]

In this interview the leader is clearly Mark Knopfler, no doubt.

[@MimreTV]

Yeah, Mark Knopfler is the man

[@cedricchevrot4560]

Thanks a lot for sharing. 🎸

[@MimreTV]

Our pleasure! 😃😃

[@garyhall2953]

Strange interview. A rather uneasy feel and a heavy atmosphere, as if they didn't want to be there.

[@ericchubb1025]

Bravo d avoir retrouvé cette pépite.

[@fillymarada7264]

I think its just a sibling rivalry. Also, David wants another kind of music...

[@ronyjacobutube]

wow, this is surely a rare video

[@MimreTV]

Yeah! 😃😃

[@Alvispalvis07]

Mark has the cutest smile ever

[@Andyc515]

Should reform they’d make millions what a awesome band n sound they had

[@ronnygrnhaug2524]

Do you have the full interview? Would be awesome.. Where did you get this from?

[@MimreTV]

I will check my video tape(s) and if there is more, then I will post it on my channel. Back in the 80's video tapes were damn expensive, so I do have a few short clips here and there on my tapes...

[@johnnyvee3339]

@@MimreTV Vet du hvor dette ble tatt opp?

[@johnnynbk]

These guys are *really* British.

[@TopSpeedTR]

Pick Witnes?? :)

[@korkenknopfus]

He was witnes that Mark played with a pick

[@timothyclaffey9138]

Would like to know how you attach and hold the pick. Great playing!!

[@samnivas8197]

Input MK : strong confident believer with genius visionary and talent with control freak, micro detailer, persistence with commitment to his agenda Results: egocentric mania and believing his own confidence who must rise above others and show leadership or autocracy to protect his own agenda and take care of business as all others will then need get behind him or vanish into ash. That’s format of DS a solo artist dedicating and take control and opportunity for his music. Straits were never a band with equal say or lyrical credits only apply to MK see DS copyright

[@ivanskavinskiskavar6242]

Lips Against The Steel by DK is a masterpiece!

[@juanjoseoterolourido5674]

me gustaba mucho como tocaba, sencillo pero mantenía la estructura de la canción. pero se cansó de no pintar nada y de ir de concierto a concierto y de un país a otro. una pena. sobre todo para Mark, perder un hermano. Pink withers era para mi otro puntal.

[@ivanskavinskiskavar6242]

MK was Dire Straits. That said, I would have had more respect for MK in this interview if he had just spoke up and said something on the lines of "Sibling rivalry meant that David had to go." Instead of which, he gets JI to tell some unconvincing lies while he smirks in the background. Bit sinister, me thinks.

[@9000jeremy]

It was the best line-up of Dire Straits

[@timbaker4253]

Mark’s solo albums are just as good (maybe even better) than DS

[@ivanskavinskiskavar6242]

Lips Against The Steel is a masterpiece!

[@brttmartin9]

Wow it is rare!

[@MimreTV]

Yup 😂

[@Bikerbuoy]

Is this really a 3m 26s video or should it be longer and has some been cut out? I never heard any mention of David Knopfler. Where is the rest of this interesting early interview with MK and DS? Incidently, there's a Terry Williams YT video of his attendance at a local Swansea drum clinic (kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJzUi4h6ltOKisU ). At 8m 10s, he explains why he left DS during the recording session in Guadaloupe. I love DS and MK's music but reading between the lines of what Terry says, MK must have been a strong, decisive, perhaps 'difficult' man to work with. In my business life, I've noticed that ultra-successful men are almost always incredibly demanding, pernickerty and fussy about ALL the details (I actually agree with this approach) so it doesn't surprise me that it looks like MK fits into this mould. I've never met a mild-mannered, wilting violet, successful businessman. Even Richard Branson's 'woolly pully' image was manufactured by image consultants.

[@DeOmnibusDubitandum76]

Hate MK's grin at the first question. You know why he left, don't you? What a piece of work he was.

[@Suela567]

Merci 👍

[@MimreTV]

Our pleasure! 😃😃

[@fatimaluz777]

Uau! Que lembrança boa!! Herois! 🎸💕👏🏻💥👏🏻💥

[@peterwright5249]

Wasn’t soon after this that pick left as well

[@letsgococo288]

Drummers come and go. When you write the songs and lyrics the band is yours!

[@johncollins5552]

​@@letsgococo288Acoustic Mark solo album is a different kettle of fish entirely from Dire Straits. Really chalk and cheese.😂

[@robertrouse470]

Never had mark pegged for a smoker

[@mikaylachapman9036]

It was the 80s, you could almost bet on everyone being a smoker, especially rockers like them.

[@rodwoodruff5493]

He was a heavy smoker into the 90’s. He said in a more recent interview that was why his voice sounded rougher on his first solo record, that was when he was smoking the most.

[@diffbreak2366]

Oh well, he had his share of substance abuse problems. Nothing exceptional came after Brothers in arms. MKs best was behind him, unfortunately.

[@mikaylachapman9036]

@@diffbreak2366 On Every Street was a bit disappointing, but Mark's solo work is pretty solid. Shangri-la and Golden Heart are really awesome albums.

[@diffbreak2366]

@@mikaylachapman9036 I too liked the said albums but the music tastes and sound changed by the late 80s and, though his faithfuls stayed with him, he was unable to capture the imagination of the younger generation. His collaboration with Chet was a great study for any guitarist though.

[@evobirkz8]

Love this era of ds! Wish they kept this line-up longer! Pick was a great drummer and it seems they were more of a "band" when he was there! After Love over gold this really became MK's solo band! I love brothers in arms ofc, but i really like this version of ds before they became huge!

[@coversbyshubham2556]

Alan is having tea. Literally how British can it get😂

[@ColtraneTaylor]

Yeah, only the British drink tea.

[@albertarthurparsnips5141]

@@ColtraneTaylorHa ha ! You’ve obviously NEVER been to Australia, NZ, Ireland, India, Japan,..shall I go on ? What an ignorant thing to say ! Get off KZbin & GO to sone other countries ! Good Heavens !

[@kerrybarnes7289]

Dave knopfler wanting to be a record producer Hahahah what Rubbish

[@MimreTV]

🙂😀

[@AliciaBalzano]

​​​​​@@vidaexuberanteLook carefully, there is a cut in the video editing. Illsey's arm from resting on the sofa then rests on the table. Furthermore both MK and JI played on David's debut album and live shows. David wasn't just a great rhythm guitarist and clearly couldn't find a place in Dire Straits as a songwriter and lead singer, although I would have loved him to stay

[@jayrum7303]

And finger pick he can!

[@carmensilva9206]

Q buenoo❤❤❤

[@paullb2440]

Wry smile on MKs face on cut away from John explaining why David left…..

[@josearqco]

From the very moment that I saw that nasty smile, I couldn't tell that MK is a good fellow!

[@paullb2440]

@@josearqco well they were so young and it must be very hard not to let things go to your head when you’re a recognised musical genius. I reckon Mark knows he gave a mediocre musician (David) a shot at stardom because he is his brother, but he turned it down and let MK down in the process, so there’s bound to be bad blood.

[@AgentRafa]

@@paullb2440 Exactly👍

[@donnachamcgowan]

David was Shafted out of the group some people have said ?

[@gregorydetroyat6905]

MK big "bad" boss....but a genious; John trying to communicate with a big lie..........Pick still trying to have fun.........Hal overplaying his joy, Alan not quite sur of what he can say...................This interview stinks hypocrisy .....

[@meneerjansen4095]

Pick Witnes?

[@burkhardbergmann6248]

Heros

[@stephen-truthseeker]

Only tea for these guys? Lol 😆

[@mauricebrocklehurst2358]

Very first cord and bong the string snaps off, now we know why Mark only uses his fingers. 👋 😂

[@ricardolopes7558]

Pick Withers

[@izitsomojo]

Fans are like sheep. Even here, you can see the ego personality of the "star". If you listen to the last 10 albums, there is little there to want to play twice. But i challenge all reading here to dig up Davids album listing and have a listen. Brilliant stuff, and clearly who was the main talent for the soul of Dire Straits. Mark had the prominent "sound", and mouth, but thats all. Notice that there is nothing of substance since David had the guts to turn his back on arrogance and walk away. If you're angry at my comment, go listen before you attack. You may be musically enlightened by the truth.

[@tatsumaru1970]

You cannot possibly be serious, while David is hugely talented as a writer and musician his brother mark is another level.

[@planetterror649]

Shame pick withers left

[@ninonero3202]

Missing badly real D S sound but not the MK as a: "My way" or the hghway type of personality. EC is so relaxed on stage no matter who plays solo guitar next to him. MK all in a knots next to EC, barely managing to have sincere smile.. Long live y'all guys ✌ 7

[@AgentRafa]

You're talking absolute nonsense. I shouldn't even respond to such rubbish comment but I really think you should go and watch them play 'Layla' together from Montserrat, Eric on acoustic and Mark's doing the solo with his Les Paul, Mark's tone is divine and he looks super happy and confident. Clapton respects Mark and so should you. Dire Straits was Mark Knopfler and Mark Knopfler was Dire Straits, he's the only one you can't replace, not under any circumstances and that's just a fact. He wrote the songs (and that's a hell of a job only someone very special can do) he did the singing and he was the one pulling off the kick ass guitar solo's with his unique tone, no one else could've done it like he did. The others were sidemen and they need to accept their roles. John understood that but David didn't.

[@mickb44]

you being saying next ec is a better guitarest please spare me

[@becauseseltaeb7025]

Love Eric, but what does he have to do with this🤣

[@johnrofsocalgroover2645]

Well know that MK is an ogre to work with

[@letsgococo288]

Wrong. MK has worked with major artists and written songs for them.

[@johnrofsocalgroover2645]

Members of the OES touring band have made it well known MK is not easy too deal with@@letsgococo288

[@TedBoyRomarino]

David quit because he was not up to the task. He was weak, he still is.

[@lordeverybody872]

The two albums I like from dire straits are the first two. The contribution by David is underestimated by yourself.

[@garryroberts5106]

I guess you must know him well ...

[@TedBoyRomarino]

@@garryroberts5106 I'm not talking about him. I'm talking about his playing. I know his playing, and it's weak, not up to the task that mark was planning.

[@mjuza7114]

@@TedBoyRomarino Do you think anybody remember Hal Lindes's or Jack Sonni's playing? Totally irrelevant...it wasn't about playing, I would say it was more that Mark didn't want David's songs on DS albums and wanted complete control of everything...other members would listen for good money and for being in huge band like Dire Straits used to be, but two brothers is different situation and younger brother couldn't listen older brother

[@karenwoo9068]

In John Illsley's memoir he says that when they were recording Making Movies in NYC David was falling behind and he was asked to practice his part but the next day it was obvious he didn't practice. And they couldn't move forward because of this. David decided to leave. In the BBC Arena documentary, David says the Communique tour was too much for him, they played too many concerts, and he lost touch with the majority of his friends, which he said was bad. This was not what David wanted, and I agree he was not up to the task. Mark was up to the task; this is what he wanted; musically he is far superior to David. I heard Mark in an interview where he says you need to have the constitution of a truck to do what he does.

[@samnivas8197]

Bull shit pr

[@jacobhansen6450]

JOHN ILLSLEY was, in this interview, the one who got (probably for him) the VERY uncomfortable task of presenting the propagandic version of why David had to leave the Straits!! Cause David was literally FORCED out, you can't question that!! And John was acting like a news anchor, if you know what I mean?? The hugest liar of them all is Mark, and no one else!! Regards...me...

[@lebe220]

Mark has no backbone. He makes entertainment to keep the people from thinking. Otis Redding, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton and especially Roger Waters are real artists with backbone, doing what real artists should do.

[@jamesmcdermott1050]

Gran banda

[@nigel8247]

Control freak comes to mind?