Dire Straits | One Heck of a Performance | Sultans of Swing Reaction

[@stevew585]

Terry Williams on drums, breathtaking!!!

[@_eclipz_]

Must have watched this 800 times lol, flawless!

[@tootallsvlog103]

Yea, the drummer nearly stole the shoe. So good.

[@mlong1958]

This is the Alchemy Live, 1983 performance. One of the best live rock performances ever. The drummer is Terry Williams, and he was on fire during this.

[@AceofBadeReacts]

Oh he really was. The whole band was

[@douglasmarkussen8529]

Terry's father was in the audience for the first time and Mark told him that this was his chance to put it all out - and he really did.

[@neilholland3415]

Mark is self taught, left handed and learned to play right handed so he didn't look different from other guitar players and he didn't know how to read music. He doesn't use a pick and plucks the strings with the tips of his fingers in what is known as the banjo roll. He plays guitar like a banjo creating his unique sound.

[@AceofBadeReacts]

It's so cool

[@joyceharkin3641]

What I loved about this is that all of the band were having such a ball playing together. They all know they're great and the song is great, so they just have fun. When they enjoy it, we enjoy it!

[@AceofBadeReacts]

oh 100%

[@Cjmatthews87]

No matter how many times I watch this o get goosebumps and a huge adrenaline rush just magic every single time

[@andrewchristou2857]

Outstanding drumming here has me addicted to this version, absolutely fantastic 🔥🔥🔥

[@leahmollytheblindcatnordee3586]

To me the way they change the tempo is like playing with a fish, reeling you out and then pulling you back in with the tempo uptake. They were so fantastic. I keep listening over and over to it.

[@orangeandblackattack]

Yes on the Bob Dylan style delivery. Mark has a deeper voice like you said. The drummer, Terry Williams, had his dad in the audience and Mark told him to go off, and he did!

[@AceofBadeReacts]

Oh very cool. That would be the time to go off

[@peterlewis5151]

Mark knopfler has just released his tenth solo album (One Deep River) and it's superb. He's also released a charity single with over fifty of the best musicians on the planet.. Dire Straits released six studio albums and Brothers in Arms sold over 30 million copies. Mark Knopfler has also released many film soundtracks, including The Princess Bride, Last Exit to Brooklyn and Local Hero. His catalogue is immense!!

[@AceofBadeReacts]

Wow that's very impressive

[@xxFORDIExx]

Apart from one little section from Hal Lindes on lead guitar, the majority is all played by the virtuoso Mr Mark Knopfler. Sings and plays at the same time. Musical genius.

[@musashimiyamoto586]

If I am not mistaken this is Mark's brother on rhythm guitar who was still with the band on this tour.

[@larsrosberg3321]

​@@musashimiyamoto586no it is Hal Lindes

[@musashimiyamoto586]

@@larsrosberg3321 You are right. For some reason I made him Mark's brother and never thought about it again.

[@AceofBadeReacts]

Wow that's awesome

[@ehcro]

They are the best 70’s rock band of the 80’s😊😂

[@brigittereimprecht8334]

"Alchemy" was one of the best concerts ever and the band in this line-up was perfect. Terry on the drums was awesome, and yes, I also like that John on bass is always dancing. But the rest of the band is also really good and they have fun. Make sure you also watch "Telegraph Road" from the same concert. And "tunnel of Love" Wembley live 85 unbelievable

[@richardhargrave6082]

July 1983, Hammersmith Odeon Mark Knopfler - guitar, vocals Alan Clark - keyboards John Illsley - bass guitar, backing vocals, Hal Lindes - guitar, backing vocals Terry Williams - drums Additional musicians Tommy Mandel - keyboards (and a bit of dancing) Its one of the most epic performances by any band, I was lucky enough to be there, I was 18 and you don't appreciate how brilliant it was until later. I thought this sort of musicianship and performance was normal, but its not normal at all, its exceptional. The star (apart from Mark, of course) was Terry Williams, his drumming was outstanding, he played like that all night! You now have to react to telegraph Road from the same concert, totally different and epic as well

[@evanhayward1502]

Williams live was insane. I went to two of the Brothers in Arms concerts - where MK delivered the outro solo - and it was years before I considered the quality of the guitar work. The drumming was that good.

[@hennagaijin100]

Hal Lindes and Alan Clark are severely under-rated.

[@katwestrich761]

Lucky you!

[@hennagaijin100]

@@musashimiyamoto586 David Knopfler left the band in 1980. This Alchemy performance from July 1983 is indeed a young Hal Lindes.

[@musashimiyamoto586]

@@hennagaijin100 I stand corrected. Somehow I thought that blond chap must be Mark's brother.

[@michaelhanning2321]

I knew we were in trouble when you stopped the video at 4:18 to read the liner notes that said : Video recorded at Hammersmith Odeon July 1983, and you said "So I'm going off the assumption that this was in the 1980's ...?" You then smiled and bobble-headed through the next six minutes of one of the most praised concert footage ever recorded. Knopfler alone is held at such high esteem by some of the most revered guitarists of all time, as this band is crushing it without lame auto tune or in-ears click track and your sumation "Response" at the end was "That was really cool" ... 🤷‍♂️ Thank goodness for the knowledgeable information in the Comments section pointing things that you were oblivious to React to. This concert went down 31 years ago, and has been just sitting there waiting for subsequent generations to enjoy - Which begs the question : If quality music such as this isn't on your go to list of music to experience on a daily basis - Just what is it that you listen to ?

[@AceofBadeReacts]

This is on my go to list of music to experience on a daily basis. I think I might have edited part of what i said out to be fair, but I also have a bit of a sarcastic personality. Also there was no mention in the description of the year this was performed. The only thing I had to go off of was the copyrighted track

[@juliecrane9647]

Don't fret what this wrote. I guarantee u he's same age as me...68...or close to it and retired probably. Nothing to do but write a snarky and too long "critique". I hear ppl my age complain about "this" generation. I quickly remind em that we raised them 😅. Then I add...my 3 kids make me proud. I'd like to toss in....Dang ya old fart....can you find no joy in your twilight yrs ? But I don't. I'm too kind... I enjoyed your reaction and yall of thus generation are ready to take over the world ...ignore the old farts 😅

[@xxFORDIExx]

1983 for sure. The whole concert was perfectly captured at the end of their 1982/3 Love Over Gold Tour

[@lilianakarapas9112]

I saw them on that tour. This was the last 2 concerts of that tour.

[@AceofBadeReacts]

Awesome

[@joclark224]

I also agree that Telegraph Road from this concert is a must-watch ❤

[@bobmiller9313]

Mark used3 finger pickin like on a banjo. Awsome sound

[@AceofBadeReacts]

It really is cool. I didn't catch that at the time

[@kaysie11dh]

You get a shiver in the dark it’s a raining in the park but mean time. South of the river you stop and hold everything 😎😎😎😎

[@44Tloc]

this drummer,i think its terry williams?,knows how to do it,unbelievable 👍👍👍from austria

[@JanineWilson-r2f]

love this Alchemy live performance, play it everyday...its 💋perfect

[@MassiAlbert]

"Telegraph road" bro, from the same live. Mind blowing

[@AceofBadeReacts]

It has been added to the list

[@reallymysterious4520]

The live version of Tunnel of Love is even better !!!

[@MinistryOfDarkness11]

Hey, nice reaction. Telegraph Road from this concert is also epic. Also check out the song called Calling Elvis from DIRE Straits-Live "On The Night" 1993. There's a few surprises towards the end that you definately dont see much anymore these days. Anyway cheers all the best from Australia 👍🎸🎸🎸

[@AceofBadeReacts]

Very cool. I'll add them to the list

[@ricodogface7139]

I do believe you found out who the lead guitar was :)

[@AceofBadeReacts]

I did indeed

[@gordondafoe3516]

Terry Williams (drums) was performing live for the first time with his father in the audience. Did you notice the guitarists looking back at him laughing? He was really jacked for this show! I saw them during there fist Canadian tour in "78. They sounded like the studio version then. All night I was thinking "Come on boys, let "er RIP"! This was the greatest performance of their careers!

[@AceofBadeReacts]

I think I did notice it at the time. I just thought they were having a great time. That adds more context to it

[@lilianakarapas9112]

I saw them for this Love Over Gold Tour. I was just blown away at how much better they were live even better than the studio records. One word is how this band made you feel is HAPPY. Now I love to see young people see what we Baby Boomers got to enjoy x

[@AceofBadeReacts]

It's always awesome when a band is even better live

[@Just-another-opinion]

All skills aside: Mark doesn't play only as a shredder and think in olny a few bars comming up, But plays the composision as a whole in his mind. So he exactly know when to hold back and use perfect licks and solos. that whit his skills and some ohter mayor thing (like arpeggios). Contracted @ '77 'live @ '78. That's what maks him (on of) greatest ever.

[@williamjones6031]

The studio version of this is one of the best songs for cruising. 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.🤩🤩

[@carlybarra6374]

Lol i love how no one knows how to react to Mark's playing hes one of the best ever

[@evanhayward1502]

Nobody picks strings like him.

[@AceofBadeReacts]

It's incredible to see someone play like this

[@jeffreyiancampbell842]

Knopfler is the lead.....the other is rhythm

[@nurofen3940]

I highly recommend you watch Telegraph Road from the same concert if you want to see that keyboard skill showcased.

[@AceofBadeReacts]

I may or may not have already checked it out actually and just need to edit the reaction

[@TheNotedHero]

You should check out "Telegraph Road" from the same concert. More emphasis on that brilliantly talented pianist.

[@DUGGER1947]

Mark Knopfler is the lead guitarist.. period! He plays a "finger-style" technique, that is very unique for rock music. He is left handed, but plays the guitar as a right-handed player would. So his fingering hand (on the frets) is the "strong" hand, and the picking is done using the thumb and 2 fingernails (sometimes 3) on the "weaker" hand. No pick (plectrum) is used. IMO, Mark's style was influenced greatly by his admiration of the finger-style sounds created by certain guitarists, most notably, Chet Atkins.

[@neilholland3415]

The banjo roll as it is known.

[@AceofBadeReacts]

That is so cool. I didn't even notice it during the reaction. Now I can't unsee it and it's fantastic

[@HG-kr5dc]

from JAPAN.　　Dire Straits is one of my favorite bands, along with BAND-MAID.　The vocals show the influence of Bob Dylan.　Most notable is Mark Knopfler's fingerpicking guitar.　His guitar solos are technical, very emotional, and full of his personality.　They are also very accomplished as a live band, and have a sophistication that you don't find in rock bands that approach you with loud music.　Anyway, I really enjoy listening to this band.

[@AceofBadeReacts]

That is very true

[@HG-kr5dc]

@@AceofBadeReacts 👍😃

[@zwieseler]

The Guitar George and Harry he mentions there are from an Australian band called The Easybeats. Worth a look. George Young is the older brother of Angus....

[@steveryall7669]

Try Telegraph Road from the same concert

[@AceofBadeReacts]

I'll add it to the list

[@maruka1716]

Mark Knopfler (in red with the headband) wrote the song in 1977, and the band recorded a demo the same year. The studio version came out in 1978 and was the break-out hit for Dire Straits. Dire Straits existed as a band, with shifting line-ups, through the early 90s, with Mark K. and bassist John Illsley (the tall guy in white) as the only constant members. This live performance is from 1983. Dire Straits doesn't exist as a band anymore, but Mark is still working at age 74 and released his latest album in April 2024. It went to #3 on the British album charts, right behind Beyonce.

[@maruka1716]

Also, Dire Straits in 1978 was a 4-man band, with no keyboards. The slow part in the middle depends on keyboards, so of course they didn't do that until the expanded the band.

[@AceofBadeReacts]

Thank you for the information. It's crazy when someone who loves music plays that long

[@AceofBadeReacts]

Oh even cooler

[@jarmolehtonen7594]

Best living guitarist ❤

[@jaynicholas523]

1978 this was their first single

[@carlybarra6374]

The song was made in 78 this show is 83

[@earlellison7533]

Just pure fun & joy

[@orangeandblackattack]

It's a lesson in dynamics.

[@Andrew_dot_pls]

That's Mark's 61 red Strat as well, which he obvs didn't sell in the recent auctions :)

[@AceofBadeReacts]

Does he still have it?

[@kianpa1]

Oh how I wish I were there. ❤ Thank you!

[@reallymysterious4520]

Just like the Eagles & The Police, Dire Straits had a short career but an amazing 5 album run that very few bands could match

[@JFinSD2]

The Eagles had a short career? Really?

[@reallymysterious4520]

@@JFinSD2 How many studio albums did they ha ve ? How many did the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Rush, Neil Young have ? I assume Math was not your best subject

[@AceofBadeReacts]

I mean the Eagles are still together, they just haven't released an album since 2007. Although I don't really know much about The Eagles and as far as I'm aware can't react to them on KZbin

[@reallymysterious4520]

@@AceofBadeReacts All the music they are known for is from the first 5 albums. After that it was greatest hits & live albums. The 2007 album wasn't even remotely close to the first 5 albums

[@skaye19]

Telegraph Road from the same Alchemy concert proabably better and anything else from that concert is amazing.

[@evanhayward1502]

Buy the album. Seriously. Alchemy is gold beginning to end.

[@AceofBadeReacts]

What is your favorite song by Dire Straits?

[@xxFORDIExx]

The impossible question for me. It changes on different days. That is the joy of a band with so many masterpieces. Great reaction sir.

[@AceofBadeReacts]

Like I said I've only heard a couple of songs, but I was definitely impressed by what I saw

[@StevenQ74]

Telegraph Road is IMHO the best song Mark Knopfler ever wrote, but he wrote so many great songs

[@viliko4308]

Maybe Mark's most personal song Romeo and Juliet. But it's impossible to say... Love MK and DS sooo much ❤

[@martynjones8073]

Has to be Telegraph Road from the same concert and Once upon a time in the West. You won't see anything better live.

[@gibbopg]

The song was a hit in the late 1970s.

[@AlanCook-x5z]

Thiis a great song and performance but the live oerformance of Telegraph Road at the same concert is even better in my opinion. Sultans of Swing is great fun but Telegrah Road is a masterpiece of song writing and a perfect performance by the whole band. Check it out.

[@AceofBadeReacts]

I'll add it to the list

[@peteryarnold9707]

You wont go nwrong with Dire Straits

[@garrycroft4215]

If you like keyboard then checkout “Telegraph Road “ the last song from this gig.❤

[@hakannorlings2439]

You said that the singer..... Yes, that's Mark Knopfler, one of if not the best guitarist in the world (he's finger picking)!

[@jaystevens1965]

I agree with the vlogger's Bob Dylan comment - I think it's because of the drawl in the voice.

[@AceofBadeReacts]

I think that's pretty accurate

[@evanhayward1502]

Both lead guitar LOL. Wait. So glad to see another younger person feel what we felt forty years ago. OMFG, really?

[@AceofBadeReacts]

Haha just thoughts happening during the reaction without time to process

[@JFinSD2]

Definitely influenced by Bob Dylan vocals-wise.

[@lizz5235]

This version is Alchemy Live not Hammersmith.

[@tynzolav]

Alchemy Live, Recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon 23rd July 1983..

[@BypassOne]

Still haven't watched your reaction, just commenting for the sake of it... 👍

[@AceofBadeReacts]

haha fantastic

[@Davey_bfg71]

Newly subscribed here bro, I generally lend my support to anyone posting reactions to this masterpiece! You’ve maybe already been recommended this but def check them out performing Telegraph Road (from the same show I think ‘Alchemy Live’), it WILL NOT DISAPPOINT 😊

[@AceofBadeReacts]

I do believe that reaction is dropping this week

[@hdebard]

one man on keyboards

[@philtully8431]

There's 2 keyboardists in video.

[@AceofBadeReacts]

I was pretty sure there were 2

[@katwestrich761]

There are two, one had dark curly hair and dances an jumps a lot in the background…second keyboard is light straight hair I think his name is Alan.

[@leighplant3593]

No one person on all keyboards

[@gregsteele806]

Nope, two keyboardists. One on either side of the drums. The one on the left is clearly the "Lead" keyboardist, but there's another doing sustains and effects and such.

[@AceofBadeReacts]

Yeah I was pretty sure there were 2

[@barbarabisson2551]

# dire straits

[@neilclark4709]

Yanks need to get into the song more... he's putting me to sleep commenting on such a fantastic song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@AceofBadeReacts]

You must be yanking my chain. This is a fantastic song and I was blown away

[@scottlewis7057]

Get a life

[@AceofBadeReacts]

Did you mean Walk of Life?

[@ThomasGourley-ww1hk]

Hi Ace, great reaction with only one interruption thank god, and a decent size screen......More Live Dire Straits please, maybe Telegraph Road live, for one.

[@AceofBadeReacts]

Yeah I typically do 1 break inbetween a song to discuss (sometimes two, depending on how long the song is)

[@ronaldgoebel2174]

The reason for 2 keyboard players is they are playing different boards. 1 will be playing like piano and electric piano while the other will be playing like synth and organ.

[@AceofBadeReacts]

Oh see now that makes sense