Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms | REACTION | Poignant. Atmospheric. Reflective.

[@SalvoG]

My full thoughts at the end, after the studio version and music video. Incredible!

[@daveking9393]

I think I shared this with you before but just in case you missed it.... It was completely phenomenal live. I hope you get to watch more live but I have to admit there's studio cuts sometimes are better.... My dire straight story. It was my second year at college in Boston, week of midterms, Tuesday or Wednesday I believe, 6:30 p.m. . A friend of two of my roommates comes in and says he has won two tickets via a radio DJ to tonight's "Brothers In Arms" tour show (1986) at the Boston garden and he can't find anyone to go with him because of midterms. The concert starts in about an hour and a half and these two guys both say no, he looks at me and says would you want to go? I responded in a heartbeat yes even though I had two midterms the next day. We picked up the tickets at the door. I couldn't believe it They were 6th row center on the floor. I've never been so close to a major rock and roll band for such a long time, it was absolutely unforgettable. His fingers fly, no pick... Folks didn't want to leave they came back out for a second encore song. It was really a very well done show. I didn't do all that well on those two midterms but it was worth it.

[@luattack123]

Thank you, I am so in love with this song. I firs heard back in 1985 I guess, another masterpiece.

[@MarkoMakela-kk7qf]

I think this is at the same time as anti-war song as it can be but also a tribute to those who don't start any wars but has to die nevertheless leaving behind greaving mothers, fathers, wives and children and friends. Our humanity can be both Mr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and no wonder we won't recieve any contacts from space( if there even is any other intelligent life out there ) but surely not ever if they know what we do to each others... Not all and not all are responsibele, but as a whole. Our kind has been not murderous towards all other living thongs but especially cruel to each other. Our history isn't anything less than the most horrible horror movie ever... and it is as we speak going on right now. This song is about this monstrocity... When my best co-worker some years ago went on holiday to India and wanted to have a one week on a safari and one week in turist beach town the local Turist firm asked my friend and his mates to take official guide from the state to help them and before they even left the turist area, this guide asked that have you guys went to the army and do you know how to use an assault rifle. Ofc practically veryman in Finland can, but as in a turist place that is a bit weird question. But they had the answer to that as the tigers or elephants or what ever animals were not the risk, but armed criminals who wanted to rob turists... I think that just tells it all and my friend didn't quite believe on that story until they got umbushed in a small forest road later on with cutted trees on the road and the guide commanded everyone out of the jeep with their rifles... they managed that situation well as the guide shouted to the attacers and told that 'we were armed'... but so much of the dangers of the jungle... jeez...

[@ronparsons8786]

Guitar is the singer. Knopfler is the narrator. If this song doesn't make you emotional you've got a problem

[@MW15962]

100%

[@janettehayati5445]

Totally agree

[@gerhanahikmat8931]

Exactly

[@Georgedaniel70]

YOU ARE THE FIRST REACTION PERSON WHO LISTENED TO THE WHOLE SONG BEFORE OPENING HIS MOUTH

[@niallmcentee9400]

You found the jewel in the crown of Dire Straits tracks.

[@timbrom]

Not only is Knopfler arguably as great a technical guitarist as anyone, his musicality is second to none. No one can make a guitar sing and cry like him.

[@franckb8279]

Can't get enough of this wonderful song. Can hear it million times and cry a million times

[@Bonovin]

I bought the vinyl in the 80this . it is gold .... Army vet , retired . Greetings from Sweden

[@karenglenn6707]

My beautiful nephew did 2 tours of Afghanistan with the ADF and came home with severe PTSD, curled into the foetal position in the back of his mum’s car. The family were worried sick, the ADF do not care. He ended up joining the Victoria Police (not the best choice for him) but they are the ones who took care of him and paid for his treatment. He has lost so many brothers, who took their lives. He has a 9 month old daughter now and is engaged, and is the happiest I have seen him in years. Still has some dark days though. Love you D.

[@kernow9324]

It's the same in the UK. The complete lack of care for veterans is an absolute disgrace. Wishing him a good recovery.

[@stephensmith4480]

@@kernow9324 💯% My friend. People who served their country sleeping in the streets while we house those that shouldn't even be here. Our Veterans deserve the very best including professional help to help them to deal with what they have gone through 🙏

[@AceAnnie1-7]

We never learn do we. Our governments send far too many people to fight their battles and fail to protect them when they return home, broken. I wish your nephew and family well x

[@MarkJones-w9d]

Tell him I appreciate his service and I hope he has a wonderful life ❤️

[@charanjitsidhu4733]

@karengienne6707 • PRAY YOUR NEPHEW GETS BETTER. WHEN FAMILIES SUPPORT THEIR LOVING ONES , THERE IS HOPE ALWAYS.

[@lizgray5750]

Mark wrote this for a friend who was killed in the Falkland war. He has also donated many of his guitars to raise money for young artists. He is 74 or 75. Still writing & performing.

[@vinsgraphics]

Just released his 10th solo album in early April. It’s gorgeous!

[@lizgray5750]

The new album is great. I saw Mark Knoffler & Dire In concert in Toronto, Ontario about 30, maybe 40 years ago. He is one of a kind.

[@vinsgraphics]

@@lizgray5750 Lucky you! I was 19 and too shy for my own good when they toured Australia in ‘85… didn’t have anyone to go with so I skipped it. Still kicking myself all these years later.

[@joannagodfrey5111]

he recently auctioned a collection of guitars raising £9 million for Teenage Cancer Trust, and has followed with creating a record featuring over 50 top guitarists playing "going home" also raising money for the charity

[@anthonycutt]

Makes me cry every time I hear it, the futility of war, and that's from a Brit!

[@wingedwraith]

Written for the soldiers, airmen and sailors who lost their lives in the war for the Falklands Islands in the early 1980s. As ex-military this brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it. It's perfectly written and executed, the "every man has to die" line gets me every time.

[@brucefelger4015]

This song is personal for so many soldiers.

[@davidmalarkey1302]

Mark Knophler is a genuine guitar legend .His music with Dire Straits is excellent he still has a brilliant solo career with his new album out this month.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

Wow, really? Cool! I’ll have to look for it.

[@quintondees4501]

🎯🎯🎯

[@michaelnorman3393]

Mark Knopfler on my Mt Rushmore of favorite musicians!! ❤

[@davidfeltz8697]

Mine too. Such an amazing story teller, song writer and his guitar work is as good as anybody.

[@davidfeltz8697]

He guitar work is so emotional and evocative....classic M. Knopfler. Freaking brilliant!

[@gerhanahikmat8931]

Me too...i'm from indonesia hear dire straits since 1980

[@RegenaCox-yy1rl]

This song is fantastic. I love this song but it makes me want to cry. His guitar playing is like making his guitar cry.

[@willowvons]

Can't overlook the genius of the illustrator of the video.

[@helenabeanor]

This is a masterpiece (like all songs from the Dire Straits), a musical and emotional journey, and the most moving song ever. Having survived a war as a child, this song speaks volumes to my soul…Mark’s astonishing storytelling (from the perspective of a dying soldier in the Falkland Islands War, adding some anti-war morals in the last verses) and musical genius send shivers to my whole being. The heyday of this song is Mark’s guitar mourning and weeping. Listening to this song (and the original video clip) should be mandatory to those who stand for wars or segregation. Thank you for reacting to the best band ever, with top musicians, and to one of their best songs. These guys are Gods of music! Also check their performance Live Mandela Tribute 1988 at Wembley

[@Escapee5931]

Romeo & Julliet is a great song. "Yeah, I used to have a scene with him"

[@moirabaker458]

From Alchemy Live

[@juliehamilton1270]

I lost 2 good friends in the Falklands. This always makes me think of them. Very poignant. Thanks Sal.

[@lesliedavis2185]

This also re minds me of a fried, also a Falkland vet that we lost last year.

[@meme4013]

There is a version with Falklands war footage on KZbin. Powerful stuff.

[@sebdudu1836]

Romeo and Juliet is a great choice for the next one... Then Private Investigations / Your Latest Trick / Walk of Life / Telegraph road / ... you cannot make a bad choice with Dire Straits...

[@guidogallopyn]

an incredible song about a soldier who went to war and got badly hurt in battle but was saved by his Brothers in Arms. Now he's dying and reflects on life and war in a weak voice. The (unbelievable) guitar is like the choir in a ancient greek tragedy, that wails over the fallen soldier. This song was written during the Falkland war in the 80's but the song transcends space and time, it essentially speaks to all wars including Ukraine and Israel in 2024. This is a powerful, deep and heavy anti-war song that gives a powerful tribute to soldiers on the battlefield, their hopes, their suffering, their valor, their sadness, their memories and their sacrifice: their service.

[@tonym480]

Written by Mark in the aftermath of the 1982 war following the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands, this is a lament for the death and waste of war. I think it can be applied to all wars and I find it immensely moving.

[@triple_f327]

Wars aren't started by the ones who have to fight them.

[@TreVader1378]

We're fools to make war on our brothers in arms, very wise words.

[@williamschrom1584]

I had forgotten how beautiful this song was. 🎵 🔥🔥🔥

[@rufullmtit]

Had the honor of seeing this tour at Red Rocks. Am 64, I still tear up abit every time...

[@ratsters7]

This reaches another level live! Wembley Dec '85 is one of the very best performances of this. With Dire Straits, the albums give you the gist of the songs, but the live performances bring them well and truly alive! One of those bands who are actually even better live than in the studio.

[@edh3709]

Sometimes a video takes away from a song. Just the opposite here. The video just adds to the depth and feeling of the song. Always a tear jerker. One of the best and emotional reactions I've seen on youtube was BroAction with this same song. Definitely worth a watch.

[@guyturbide6348]

🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 Your really gonna love 🎶🎵Romeo and Juliette 🎶🎵 Song Keep the good work my friend 👍💪👌👏

[@danacasey8543]

My dad was a US Navy fighter pilot for 27 years (3 times in Vietnam). This song reminds me of him and the men he served with (back then there were no women on aircraft carriers), and those that were taken POW or MIA or KIA. It gives me chills and tears.

[@jeffmartin1026]

Mark Knopfler & Chet Atkins - Neck and Neck album - pure joy.

[@Naty_Sousa]

Still here for the video version, this is so good 😊 Yes, Romeo and Juliet next 👍🏼

[@chefskiss6179]

The first time I came across this playing midway on the radio and I swear I thought it was some long lost b-side from Pink Floyd. I just sat there frozen. I mean, I'd already heard their Romeo & Juliet and was blown away with the delicacy and strength in his voice, but then to hear this track... speechless.

[@jameswormington9978]

I think the song " Your Latest Trick " is really underrated. Although well known ... it still does not get its due.

[@jonathanmurphy3141]

I saw in a documentary, music influence, on PBS, a moment about this song, which made Mark K' proud. His father, who was Jewish and Hungarian, had fled before Nazi conquest in the late 1930's. His father served in the British Army, as many who could escape Nazi-conquered Europe, and get to Britain, pilots, soldiers, intelligence units were formed of national troops. During the 1st Gulf War, (1991-Jan/Feb) a group of British tank corps who went into the Iraq desert, in the initial night attack, paused to refuel, and the men to eat or rest (Iraq did not suspect foreign army to attack through the desert - they didn't have GPS tech' like the West did) The British troops listened to "Brothers in Arms" through their tank radios, someone had the CD. Comfort and unity. Mark Knopfler says in this documentary, that he felt very proud when he heard of this; letters from soldiers after.

[@marilynumstead6100]

My husband of 41 years was a Vietnam Vet. We lost him to a heart attack on June 17th 2023. He suffered from PTSD and this song was very meaningful for him. Thank all you veterans for your service. God bless you!

[@andrewpetik2034]

I appreciate his service and I am sorry for your loss. I pray that your good memories with him will bring God's Peace to your spirit. ✌️🙏

[@jameswright2036]

Romeo and Juliet is a brilliant song too. Give it a listen.

[@witsend236]

I'm 68 now and I know its old hat but I have an iPod with loads of albums dating back through the years of my life, everyday whether I am building motorbikes, patios, fixing the car, decorating the house and so on... I listen to my music including Dire Straits. I have been to many great concerns Queen, Genesis, ACDC, Pink Floyd, DS, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, the Moody Blues and so on. I still listened today, and as I do I feel so sorry for this who come after me. We had great music and gave the World so much. We are all now dying out and many great people have now gone. Todays youngsters need to step up if the great music of the future is to happen.

[@direlyon]

poignant song. Dire Strais at its best. touching every soul,every heart

[@ElizasGrammy]

Thank you for watching the official video. It adds so much.

[@AllShadesAreGray]

Romeo and Juliet is such a good song. Give it a listen!

[@KariJari-kn8yr]

You Absolutely have to listen to the live version of this

[@maryhuhnke4706]

I identify with these lyrics...Know Me❤

[@philipbillington2314]

He has just released a new album One Deep River he has been on UK tv recently and comes across as a lovely man PS please listen if you want to to his music on the film Local Hero a great film with Burt Lancaster based in Scotland

[@MrCome4numb]

Also good are "Walk of Life" "So Far Away" & "Calling Elvis"

[@iainweller452]

I’ll happily listen to this song twice in a row.

[@thabudmaster]

the live version from the Nelson Mandela concert is really one of the greatest moments I've seen 💗💗✌🏼✌🏼☮☮

[@donnacorey5682]

Love that you are diving back into Dire Straits!❤ Love them so much. Check out Romeo and Juliet next. My all time favorite! Also Tunnel of Love is incredible (my 2nd fav).

[@toniw725]

You need to watch Telegraph Road from the 1983 Alchemy live concert. Will blow you away!

[@shemanic1]

Such a powerful anti-war song. Yet still honouring the fallen.

[@stevenewcomer8837]

My favorite Dire Straits songs will always be “Romeo and Juliet”, “Tunnel of Love”, “Where Do You Think You’re Going”, “Why Worry”, “Once Upon a Time In the West”, “Brothers In Arms”, then just about the entire Love Over Gold album.

[@susanbarker9367]

Their best song, in my opinion.

[@pauls478]

Glad you've found Dire Straits! As others have said - no matter what you do, you can't miss with this group. Other tracks you shoudld listen to: Telegraph Road (studio verson), Romeo & Juliet, Calling Elvis, Lady Writer, Communique, Private Investigations... the list is not endless, but it's pretty darned good. The music world will be a poorer place when Mark Knopfler passes on.

[@SPGhettus]

That's Knopfler's National on the cover. You can understand Paul Simon's line in Graceland “The Mississippi delta was shining like a National guitar.” It's not heard in this song, which is done with one of his Stratocasters, but he does open "Romeo and Juliet" and "Telegraph Road" with it. The latter is his master epic, much like "Love Lies Bleeding..." is for Elton.

[@tamifaulkner4103]

Mark Knoppler is a musical genius who is still making meaningful music. I still buy his contemporary albums and never regret it. Telegraph Road is another fantastic song.

[@ErnestoBrausewind]

Especially the live Version from Alchemy

[@bwilson5401]

Nobody but Mark ,Jimi and Eric can actually make a guitar cry.

[@LoisChisholm]

This is a Dire Straits song I didn't know about until Home Free Covered it. I love the guitar on this version.

[@McDowell1923]

and now you have found Brothers in arms - BTW - Telegraph Road

[@catherinehoffpauir6323]

You have a long wonderful way to go! Try Telegraph Road and Why Worry, both under Mark Knopfler after Dire Straits was no more.

[@triple_f327]

Brother in arms in the truest sense is a solidarity of shared suffering.

[@markkremser]

Decades ago, the television show West Wing used an extended version of this song to end a season finale. The most powerful 5 minutes of television.

[@DavidG-u2k]

Great review as always. Romeo and Juliet from the Nelson Mandela concert 1988 has Eric Clapton on rhythm guitar - great version.

[@gs8191]

True fans only bought the albums, we didn't buy singles. The album Brothers in Arms is 9x platinum in the US. Yes, we loved this song, but we listened to it on the album. I think it's one of the best albums of the 80s along with Making Movies.

[@ErnestoBrausewind]

was the first CD I ever bought :)

[@gs8191]

@@ErnestoBrausewind Great choice as your first pick, an album with no fillers is always a good way to start. I bought the album, still hadn't made the conversion to CD yet.

[@CMOT101]

True fans bought both.

[@lydiabodrato1637]

Chaque fois que je l entend et que je vois le clip j ai les larmes aux yeux😢 Magnifique! Cette chanson a une vrai histoire malheureusement...ce groupe était et restera phénoménal pour moi. Le meilleur groupe ❤

[@chelseahaley8350]

The whole Brother's in Arms album is amazing! Your Latest Trick is one of my favorite songs!

[@charlesyateschalfant]

Great song, even live. His guitar playing is superb as usual. I've seen them live 6 times and was never disappointed, only blown away!

[@cottontopprintshop452]

HOME FREE the Acapella Group, covered this song...and it is Stunning! You wouldn't regret giving it a listen. I promise~ Thanks for your time

[@donnadubyak6504]

One of my favs from Dire straits.

[@DRHHUB]

That to me is a Top 5 Rock Album of all time.

[@robhenerey]

I appreciate how you allow the video window to be fairly large, true to the artists video, and include extra info. We'll done!

[@KathyMacDonald-im3sv]

This track is appreciated by veterans from many fields from many countries.

[@Duci66]

ICON

[@EchoesDaBear]

Great reaction Salvo! I have family and friends in the Services - various branches, and this song always makes me tear up. While it was written with a specific conflict in mind, it's applicable to all, and what the majority of the service members see, feel & experience - and how they long for peace! We are fools to make war on our brothers in arms! Cheers.

[@quintondees4501]

Mark Knopfler is absolutely INCREDIBLE.......One of a kind definitely

[@alvarocoutinho9143]

The album is great. "Walk of Life", "So Far Away" are amazing.

[@Fallopia5150]

One of the finest albums ever made.

[@ManuelGdeP]

Telegraph Road live alchemy, another masterpiece, don't miss it!!!!!!!!

[@davidsavage5630]

This song elevates a particular Miami Vice episode to top 5 of the series..

[@jennywren7822]

TELEGRAPH ROAD, ALCHEMY LIVE, the same concert as SULTANS you reacted to, with another experience of his, and just as good. All written by Mr Knopfler Thank you for reacting to both ❤

[@aliciasaracino1233]

Well said, love your reactions to the music of this decade. It truly is hauntingly beautiful.

[@capetowntrikeman]

Telegraph Road, live at the Alchemy concert...a true masterpiece. It will blow your mind.

[@user-tz3nc6bs3t]

You need to hear “ Home Free” sing this version also, it was very poignant, all the best from England.

[@Bonovin]

It is about the Falkland war or Malvinas war Argentina calls it..

[@jackiefloyd8003]

I am so glad that you listened to this song; it’s brilliant. My late father was career military and war changed him forever, but he persevered. This song reminds me of him. Please listen to Romeo and Juliet, you won’t regret it.

[@darcyfam5]

This is one of my favorite songs ever. Mark Knopfler is not just one of the best guitarists ever, he is very talented at making you feel the music. If you do not feel emotional after listening to this song, there is something wrong with you!

[@MinistryOfDarkness11]

Hi, loving your channel. One of my favorite Dire Straits song is Planet Of New Orleans from the 1991 album On Every Street. It is so beautifully haunting and very catchy at the same time. Anyway, cheers all the best from Australia 👍🎸🎸

[@richardnewmeir7683]

Telegraph Road!!! It’s a wonderful musical journey

[@ndboulton]

Listening to this while going through the Ukrainian countryside is heartbreaking

[@richsalm7474]

Romeo & Juliet Is Great also. You really can't go wrong with Dire Straits period.

[@robertchinnery9806]

So pleased you reviewed this one mate.

[@paulmcmahon4552]

if you do Romeo & Juliet, don't do the radio version, do a live performance, IMHO and I'm making that clear here, i feel the studio is clean, but it just misses a lot of the emotion and feeling the song really needs and gets in its delivery from live. id say the alchemy version scraps first, although the 1993 On the night performance is close., if you can do as you have done in this video format, watch the live version and then the studio and compare for yourself. great reaction

[@kevcall]

Yes but don't watch the music video, it's dreadful

[@sherry640]

This song is pure poetry & tears @ my heart every time I listen to it. Mark Knopfler is an amazing song writer! The despair in his weeping guitar is haunting

[@AmyW-qo4se]

Man... the instruments are so good together. Way they did the video is cool too.

[@leecollison8795]

Bro glad u did second vid on here respect 😊😊😊

[@chrisindie]

What a fantastic song, so glad you discovered it. It is one of those that stick with you forever.

[@bkkintegral]

This album was among the first to exploit a brand new digital technology. Compact disc technology hit the market. Back in the day, you could join a record club. Special deals allowed you to buy 8 CDs for $1. The catch was you agreed to buy one full priced CD every month for a year.

[@j_clarkson]

Romeo & Julliet is a great song, but really you need to check out Telegraph Road.

[@mortenslettmyr6143]

Thanks for the reaction! Yes, Romeo and Juliet is a great song to react to next. Try one of the live versions: Alchemy Live, On the Night or Real Live Roadrunning. This is the song Mark Knopfler has played the most times live. Then you could try the epic Telegraph Road and Tunnel of Love. I like the live versions best, from Alchemy Live.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

This song is very much in the Celtic vein….the melody is instantly recognizable as influenced by old Celtic songs. And no one does melancholy and poignancy like the Celts (For those who don’t know…..Irish, Scottish, Welsh). Mark Knopfler was born in Scotland, and this is part of his musical heritage.

[@craigpimlott204]

Don’t forget Cornish .Kernow ,celtic for Cornwall

[@ministry_of_code]

@@craigpimlott204 Isle of Man and Brittany

[@craigpimlott204]

@@ministry_of_code australia Patagonia Argentina chile

[@StuartHanson-fo7iw]

Northern english

[@CMOT101]

Celtic nations is a myth. Go read some actual history books

[@JontyMaster]

The guitar solo at the end is brilliant!

[@woodch]

I got this album sort of by accident as a gift in 1985. My folks knew I liked the song Money for Nothin', and just bought me a tape of the album that song was on. I had no idea I'd fall in love with the whole album from start to finish. It's one of those albums that I can almost recite in my mind from beginning to end, but hearing it still gives me the same chills and sensations as back then. This song may not have charted here in the states, but it is probably my favorite from this album. There's a lot of competition there, though. Definitely try to make your way through all the tracks-- they all have their own distinct flavor, and it's just... I can't say enough good things about it.