Dire Straits - Sultans Of Swing (Alchemy Live) First Time Reaction

[@Steve-hq4fm]

This is widely considered the greatest performance of all-time!! Mark Knopfler is one of the greatest guitar players of all-time as well. And Terry Williams on the drums.

[@mike6174]

Really? Many would say any of Queen's live performances. Subjective is as subjective says! How wide is wide? River Amazon or Atlantic Ocean?

[@tomlorenzen4062]

Queen sucks, sorry

[@spruce381]

Hendrix, Clapton and Wilko Johnson all amazing too.

[@andrewtims9524]

I would say ONE of the greatest as it is subjective to each person

[@tomlorenzen4062]

@@andrewtims9524 totally agree

[@bunniebee2475]

Back when music was about the music! Not about costumes, makeup, back up dancers… just music and only music. The good old days.

[@viviennerose6858]

Mostly agree, but am rediscovering Glam Rock now - especially Sweet!

[@AMPR45]

Yeah he wore a red blazer with a headband every night out of pure coincidence

[@spruce381]

@@viviennerose6858- Block Buster ❤👍🏽👍☘️

[@PjRjHj]

I love Dire Straits, but don't forget this was recorded well after Glam Rock, and the New Romantics had already burnt out their flame

[@leahmollytheblindcatnordee3586]

@@AMPR45 The headband had a purpose. He said it kept the sweat out of his eyes.

[@CuzKatieSaysSo]

That's Terry Williams on drums. Story is that his father was in the audience for the first time, and Terry was pretty hyped. If you hear the studio version, it's a slower pace. But Mark and the rest stepped up and kept up with that relentless beat of Terry's. Phenomenal drumming. And even at that speed, Mark was able to play extra notes in his riffs, I know you heard them, you replayed to hear it again. For some reason the notes sound like a chicken laughing. Mark smiles while he plays them cuz he knows he's not only messin with the crowd, but absolutely slaying the song. Superb group. Mark's guitar sound and his style of playing is very unique. I'd know it anywhere. I was lucky to see them in the early 80's. Your second song into Dire Straits should probably be Telegraph Road (do yourself a favor and have the lyrics handy) also from this same concert, Alchemy.

[@richardhargrave6082]

Terry always played like that! Its a nice story but a bit of an urban myth, sorry to burst the bubble

[@andrewtims9524]

​​@@richardhargrave6082was gonna say the same thing , just an urban myth , terry was a beast on the drums , Mark has often said he has never seen anyone hit a drumset like terry

[@nicholasmilne2908]

Same.. I saw them in Australia in '85 and he played like that throughout. Awesome drummer and band with Mark just flying over the top. Great show that I will remember forever.. well until the dementia or whatever kicks in.

[@coxfire]

Welcome to the wonder that is Dire Straits live. Mark Knopfler is a guitar hero, and the rest of the band (especially Terry Williams on drums!) was on fire. They're in perfect synch, the musicianship is off the roof, they have fun, therefore the audience has fun! Per your reaction, you liked that one, you should love Telegraph Road from the same gig

[@NondescriptMammal]

Really do enjoy this kind of reaction, no pausing every thirty seconds, no in depth lyrical analysis, just someone who feels the music and let's the greatness of this performance take hold, just enjoying the ride for real, and appreciating the amazing musicians that make it happen. That's what's great about music like this. Great reaction man, keep doin what you do 😸

[@kellypickle]

You have just witnessed the best version of the best outro in guitar history. In my humble opinion.

[@margiemcpeak9304]

🎸💯 I'm thrilled to share this reaction with you‼️🔥 Dire Straits is another legendary band‼️Mark Knopfler is another 🐐on the guitar & he doesn't even use a pick to play‼️He's a "finger plucker"‼️☮️❤️🎶

[@dougieyou]

So glad you are taking some time to listen to this great band...so many great songs...try "Telegraph Road" or "Romeo & Juliette" or "Money For Nothing"... Keep rockin my man yur killing it...

[@jesselobo3213]

The Guitarist and lead singer is Mark Knopfler, and this is their signature song.

[@merrilynhunt7819]

Mark is now 75 and just released his 10th solo album. He has his own channel on KZbin. John Illsley, the bass player who was with Mark from the beginning just wrote a book about their time together. Lots of great background stuff. They continue to be the best of friends.

[@JanineCrainich-rj6sx]

What’s even crazier is the lead guitarist doesn’t use a pick, he finger plucks 😮💯🔥

[@dquseo]

And he doesn't break a sweat. Looks so happy and relaxed. Guess that is what you call 'in the zone'.

[@avlisk]

And he's left-handed, too.

[@maruka1716]

This was in 1983, and these guys are in their 70s now. Mark Knopfler is 75, and he's still working. His most recent album came out in April 2024, and one of the songs was nominated for a Grammy in the set that will be announced in February 2025. His last tour was in 2019, ending with a concert in Madison Square Garden, and he's said he is retired from the road. But he's still writing and recording, and he owns a commercial recording studio in London. Dire Straits existed as a band from 1977 to 1995 and made 6 studio albums. Mark wrote their songs and was lead vocalist and lead guitarist. The other core band member, who was with it from the beginning to the very end, was bass player John Illsley (the tall one in the white suit). David Knopfler was Mark's younger brother, and he was in the band when it started. He left, though, and isn't in this video. He's had his own musical career, writing and performing his own songs. Some brothers can be in the same band and some can't. Mark went solo after the band broke up and has done 10 solo albums since 1996. He also composes film scores, and he's been a session guitarist for all kinds of people.

[@viviennerose6858]

This is their most epic performance of any of their songs by far

[@andrejbrumen8739]

Except "Telegraph Road" Alchemy Live ...

[@christinerobinson3819]

Telegraph Road same show. It's a MUST

[@georginawest3927]

Yup - that's for sure what should come next and also from this live tour.

[@maryshea603]

YES! But knowledge of Telegraph Road & Detroit history. It matters ❤. I lived there and drove Telegraph Road often in the 80s. The whole thing is spot on and this version is one of my faves.

[@TheNotedHero]

💯

[@AlSnoopsReid]

You hit the nail on the head when you said, "That was, this is!". Bang on bro!

[@d.l.607]

@Kezzy Mark Knopfler is one of the best guitarist in the world, If you noticed he doesn't play with a pick but with his fingers - which is amazing how fast he can pluck the strings

[@cindyv1401]

Kezzy ❣️ Can't say how happy I am that you are expanding your music experiences 😎 🤗 😎

[@larryunsworth9573]

I understand you going back and listening to it again, I have watched this performance close to a hundred times! Actual real artists and performers! I love seeing Mark smile while he is performing because he knows how good this is!

[@richardhargrave6082]

David Knopfler had left his brothers band by the tour, Hal Lindes picked up his duties. I was at this gig, 18 with long hair, all gone now! 40 odd years later its still a stand out gig, amazing. We knew they were good musicians, but thought it might be boring! As you can see it wasn't! Foe me the star was Terry Williams on the drums, fantastic. The whole band were so tight, they were at the end of a long tour and still enjoying it and getting along. Love your reaction to this Telegraph Road next, its the law

[@xxFORDIExx]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits. Mark is ranked as one of the finest songwriters and guitarists to have ever graced our beautiful planet. True masterpiece and virtuoso. Very few are the whole package. There are many amazing musicians, lyricists, songwriters, producers etc, but Mark is all over those built into one. Singing and playing like that at the same time is a masterclass. Dire Straits are deservedly one of the biggest selling acts of all time. I look forward to your journey of discovery. Excellent reaction.

[@leroythemaster4268]

Ranked,,,,,,, yeah, ranked about 300th.

[@thekingcobra63]

Sir, you need to react to the WHOLE Alchemy Live Album. Totally epic. Glad I got to see these cats in concert back in the day, surely was a bucket list kind of moment.

[@chrizz5982]

You bet it is on my time machine list.

[@Pomdownuder]

Drummer Terry Williams father was in the crowd seeing his son perform properly for the first time, Mark Knopfler told Terry to "just go for it" 😅 This was when musicians could actually play and bands cared about the fans, we were always part of the performance - fekn loved the 80s / 90s UK gigs

[@andrewtims9524]

Sadly just an urban myth , Terry's parents had seen him play lots of times before this

[@jjc5407]

Mark Knopfler, lead singer, guitarist extraordinaire, songwriter supreme, film score composer, producer... the greatest musical genius on the planet.

[@SamKnause]

The magical, musical, genius Mark Knopfler and the extraordinary Dire Straits. Mark writes the lyrics, the music, composes, sings, and plays lead guitar. The amount of talent on that stage is otherworldly.

[@johnathanstruble1064]

The drum kit was immediately taken off stage in critical condition on a stretcher after this performance..... thankfully, it pulled thru! ❤

[@JoWilks]

One of the best live performances ever! 👏👏👏

[@williamjones6031]

Best concert video clip EVER 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.🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@juliecrane9647]

They were making money for nothing and the chicks were free. 😅

[@CLAWCUZBRO]

Dire Straits is a shipping term ..meaning treacherous waters ahead ..saw them live in 97 bro A..mazing

[@BradLeroy]

Mark Knopfler doesn’t use a pick when he plays . He’s absolutely unique and one of the best guitarists in history.

[@andrewchristou2857]

Perfectly said about the drummer in this Terry Williams, absolute fire 🔥🔥🔥

[@BobcatGil]

I don’t smoke, but I always feel like a cigarette every time I watch this. ;)

[@michaelwalker5257]

"This guy" is one of the true musical geniuses of rock and roll. Singer/songwriter/guitarist extraordinaire. . . and one hell of a human being. Go deep on both them and him. Start with Telegraph Road from the same Alchemy Tour! (And how about Terry Williams on drums!?!)

[@TeresaMosby-sm4js]

I will watch this performance over and over for the rest of my life and will always love it! Same with the live performance of Whiter Shade of Pale in Denmark.

[@leahmollytheblindcatnordee3586]

Absolutely love this one. Mark Knopfler is one super talented dude. He wrote this as well. Yes, yes you can rewind as much as you want. Love it. No cell phones and the audience feels like a part of the band. There are 64 Million views on one of their videos, 255 Million on the other one. Also Telegraph Road. The members did change so the ones you saw were Mark Knopfler - Guitar and Vocals , John Illsley - Bass , Alan Clarke - Keyboards, Hal Lindes - Guitar , Terry Williams - Drums and Tony Mandel -additional Keyboards

[@rigs6874]

I remember this song in 1979❤❤ Mark plays lead without a pick .. all that greatness in his fingers

[@DennyPichette]

Tragically Hip New Orleans is Sinking

[@subwaygoddess1]

I had the joy of seeing them in concert at the Nassau Coliseum back in the 80s, pure joyful rock’n roll!

[@DreamJeanne1111]

I LOVED watching with this with you! You looked exactly like I must have looked the first time I watched it. My jaw was on the floor. It just kept getting better and better. I'm so glad you played the best over again too! I love the park towards the end where it looks like the guitar is almost getting away from him I'm flying out of his hands! The lighting and choreography in this video was so cool too! The two other guitarists shaking their heads around real fast and advancing forward, with their guitars, The first long shot of the three guitarists where you see the bass player bending over and taking a bow. SO COOL! Mark Knopfler prowling around the stage, the coolest cat ever! I can tell you one thing for sure, those sweat bands on his wrists and his head are not for fashion purposes. I've watched this video hundreds of times since I discovered it last summer. And I love watching reactions to it. I don't watch it daily now, but when I see reactions I'm reminded all over again about how good the music makes me feel. And I remind myself that if I'm ever feeling low to listen to this song everyday for a while and I find my spirits are lifted. This is one of those performances that I like to say capture the magic. You can see lots of live versions that are great on KZbin but none are like this. This was my first time watching your channel and it was really fun. Thank you so much! I'll just put a couple of suggestions at the bottom that I feel fit the category of capturing the magic. Ball and Chain Janis Joplin 1967 Monterey Pop Festival San Francisco Just 24 years old, this was Janis Joplin's breakthrough performance. She would come to be known as the Queen of the Blues. But she made it possible for a female to sing in a rock and roll band, she was the first. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmLdd6GvespmpKcsi=NCq-rqvwqEQ5teJw If you do that one, I know you're going to want another one so here's my favorite. Cry Baby Toronto Music Express 1970 27 years old, she passed the same year from an accidental drug overdose. Never was before and never will be again another Janis Joplin. She wasn't with us long, but boy did she burn bright. And this amazing live TV performance of Unchained Melody sung by Bob Medley of the Righteous Brothers. There there have been lots of covers of this song including the righteous Brothers studio version which a lot of people know from the movie Ghost. So you might have heard it before but you've never heard it like this. His voice is simply amazing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2Goc6Zsqreaqtksi=z5FT7dP6Agrc69Ss Again, it was so much fun watching this reaction thank you so much!

[@toniw725]

Yes, must see Telegraph Road from the same concert. Mark is a genius! Not only does he sing and play wicked guitar, he also wrote the songs. He is an extraordinary human!

[@danielbritton8588]

The last word in the band name is pronounced "Stray-ts

[@BL00DRIDER]

"straights"

[@jjc5407]

Dire Strats is about as far from the truth as you can get. That Strat playing is phenomenal!

[@davewilson4493]

It's so wonderful that people decades later can experience this greatness.

[@viviennerose6858]

These are all true Musicians!

[@Steinerssbr]

In this show, the band is: Mark Knopfler - guitar, vocals Alan Clark - keyboards John Illsley - bass guitar, backing vocals Hal Lindes - guitar, backing vocals Terry Williams - drums Mel Collins - saxophone Tommy Mandel - keyboards Joop de Korte - percussion

[@avlisk]

Mel Collins from King Crimson? I didn't know that. Cool. Thanks.

[@kevinmoore3761]

Mark plays like the guitar is an extension of his body. And he's a world class athlete!

[@Anthony-mi7ob]

Amazing knack for not overdoing the music, goes up and down, shifts, carries you along. A lesson lost on technocrap, hiphop, whatever, the latest social media wannabes who don't waste time practising.

[@sokyoutdoors588]

Some more crazy guitar solos you might be interested in: 1. Lynard Skynard Free Bird Live 2. Anything live by Stevie Ray Vaughn 3. Roy Clark Mala Guena on the Odd Couple 4. Anything Jimi Hendrix live

[@jimmyabort8763]

Crazy train - ozzy and randy rhoads Highway star (made in Japan) - deep purple

[@spruce381]

1980 Recorded Makin’ Movies & Communique into a C90 while raiding my mate’s big sisters LPs - never saw them - but the albums blew me away. Also recorded Moondance and Wavelength - must have found 50 albums old and current that year, jam, specials, Dexys, A/DC, Squeeze, Costello - ❤

[@davidvant1047]

Telegraph Road. From same concert. Can’t go wrong.

[@michaelgrantham125]

I think Romeo and Juliet from this concert is the mozt beautiful song I've ever heard. Its magical.

[@christinehoughton8591]

Telegraph Road is a masterpiece please do this one.👍

[@aidiess]

a beautiful sentiment !

[@georginawest3927]

I feel a bit old to know I first heard this in high school but it's so fun to see someone discover the this great band and the amazing Mark Knopfler.

[@nealmyers8274]

That performance is just pure smoke it's on fire from the beginning

[@deanwimbridge9318]

Legendary band and classic song . Mark plays with no distortion or pick 👏

[@maryshea603]

Story was the drummer was added (true. He is not the drummer on the LP) and his dad was in the audience. Everyone wants to show Dad that Music is the right choice ❤ Mark is STILL making music and just recently dropped a new LP. He's top of the heap for all categories, and now especially longevity. ❤

[@BradLeroy]

Dude, that reaction was so great I won’t even come after you for pronouncing the bands name wrong. Lmao Watching the amazement on people’s faces the first time they see amazing bands we grew up in the 80’s like Dire Straits is awesome! Love the videos bro!

[@AllanLynn-kg9dk]

For a live performance that rivals this, please check out :Chicago 25 or 6 to 4 Live at Tanglewood

[@martinstubbs7974]

Telegraph Road from the same concert (Alchemy live) is absolute genius!!! Amazing reaction! Thank you and best wishes from the UK

[@JanineWilson-r2f]

great reaction!!!!! 😎 Its cool to see somebody truly listen and appreciate the talent. ty

[@davidlukey5189]

Telegraph Road, Tunnel of Love, Once Upon a Time in the West from this same Alchemy Live concert = even better!

[@th.burggraf7814]

Brothers in arms - definitely a must !

[@JoyceLove-m4z]

The drummers father was in the audience that night, it was the first time he had ever seen him play 😊

[@andrewtims9524]

Sadly just an urban myth

[@CoolCoyote]

best ever mark knopfler finger picking guitar legendary, hes using his fingers not a pick.

[@sharonpeterson5415]

The drums on this just are so great.

[@StevenQ74]

at this concert Mark Knopfler- Lead guitar and vocals(also songwriter) Hal Lindes- Rythm guitar and backing vocals John Ilsley- bass guitar and backing vocals Terry Williams - drums Alan Clark- keyboard and piano Tommy Mandell-keyboards

[@billc.5861]

Yeah Mark Knopfler knows his way around the electric twanger 😂

[@soldierscove65]

I’d say you are 100% right on just what a historic performance that was. MK is my fave musician. 🎸

[@Downbull]

Some of the members of dire straits did change around a little over time (Mark always there). So the drummer here is Terry Williams who was part of the band for about 6 years in the mid 80’s.

[@roberteatwell6827]

Congratulations; you just stumbled on the greatest live performance ever; and I am a Zeppelin fan. Credit where credit is due.

[@richdickson2174]

Amazing performance

[@ememnicholas565]

This Alchemy tour and live album can be added to the list of must-see historic performances, with the likes of the Pulse concert. There is at least another song from this concert that you really should do, "Telegraph Road". Notice that Mark Knopfler finger picks when he plays. That is what makes his playing sound so different. Factoid about Mark - he has both a planet and a dinosaur named after him 😁😁

[@ronmullard5718]

One of the greatest live performances....

[@philtully8431]

Treat yourself to Telegraph Road from Alchemy Live. Every band member on their A game. Unbelievable talent!

[@aidiess]

same concert - Telegraph Road IS the Biggie ! PHENOMENAL - the greatest live performance ever - IMHO (ps. that was not the line up you quoted - it was different on the night! from memory it Was Mark Knoffler,(lead) John Ilsley,(bass) Hal linde(rhythm), Alan Clark(keyboards), and Terry Williams on drums. The Alchemy Live album was for me the definitive live rock album. Did you notice that Mark plays with his fingers - no pick !

[@musashimiyamoto586]

Watch Telegraph Road from the same Alchemy concert. It is even better, if you can believe that. EPIC! That said, they do NOT have ONE bad song.

[@frittibreezedancer]

"What just happened?" Mark Knopfler just happened. Under 'virtuoso' in the dictionary is a picture of him. And the Alchemy tour was when they were at their peak. React next to "Telegraph Road" from the same Alchemy concert, and you OWE it to yourself to watch the entire concert.

[@SeanSham]

Kezz that was a fantastic video, I was one (of many no doubt) that requested you to listen to it so I am grateful that you did…keep the reactions coming they are epic

[@johnathanstruble1064]

Tap that thang backwards!! 😂😂❤...Epic reaction ! ❤❤

[@ADVJunkie]

Love your reactions to the classics man 🔥

[@PaulWalker-hz6zp]

Pure talent.

[@shivaunt71]

Great reaction to a truly magnificent tune 🙌

[@StevenCosta-tp2sw]

Watching Mark Knopfler finger picking with his thumb, index and middle fingers, occasionally including his ring and pinky fingers. It allows him to pluck multiple strings at the same time to pick chords, not strumming them like a typical player. It's a banjo style of playing.

[@alanlantz8663]

The lead singer, Mark Knopfler, has some good solo work. Notibly the album Sailing to Philadelphia

[@TheNotedHero]

Mark Knopfler is the GOAT! Check out their performance of "Telegraph Road" from the same concert. It's beautiful. And Mark is the most recognisable guitarist out there, his style is very unique. Welcome to the part of your existence where you know about Dire Straits!

[@kellypickle]

Dire Strats! I love you kez

[@sumonjamal1653]

Mark Knopfler (vocals/ lead guitar) formed Dire Straits ("dyer straights") in the 70's w/ his brother David Knopfler, bassist John Illsley and drummer Pick Withers... debuting in 1978. 'Sultans of swing' ... was an early hit. Eventually, both David Knopfler and Pick Withers left Dire Straits by the early 80's as the band grew in popularity... Mark Knopfler wrote all the songs and incorporated various musical influences in their music, including jazz, rock, blues, pop, country, prog rock and R&B... In 1985, Dire Straits scored a massive hit single 'Money for nothing'... on MTV from their 5th album 'Brothers in arms'... which sold 30 million copies worldwide, 9 million copies in the US alone. However, Mark Knopfler was unhappy w/ Dire Straits' massive success and the pressure that came w/ being an arena/ stadium band... Dire Straits released their last album 'On every street' in 1991 and completed a massive tour in 1991 - '92. After releasing a live album 'On the night' in 1993, Mark Knopfler disbanded Dire Straits and has refused to reunite the band to date. He revealed years later that the last Dire Straits tour ended his 2nd marriage and wrecked the relationships between the band members. Apparently, Mark Knopfler decided that he had made enough money and had enough of the demands of Dire Straits... Mark Knopfler released his solo album 'Golden heart' in 1996 and began touring again as a solo artist, playing small venues and has continued to do so until today...He seemed much happier making music and playing on a smaller scale... his latest album (10th solo album) was 'One deep river' in 2024.

[@rolando3503]

Dire Starits' "Tunnel of Love' alchemy live same concert, thanks bro!

[@NotBenCoultry]

This is the first I *really paid attention to the beat (I'm a guitarist so I lock in on that) and that shit is incredible

[@maryshea603]

What to listen to next? Nah, Im listening to this one Again! Thanks for the react.

[@PapaFresh2012]

Prince. “I can never take the place of your man”

[@johnnull8470]

Thank you for that reaction you made my day a lot better 😊

[@damosanchex]

Pink Floyd Comfortably Numb Pulse would blow your mind

[@Disgruntled_Hoarder]

"Dire strats" is a mad triple bar. GG's

[@Smitty8858]

Guitar is CLEAN

[@baronchrisbennett4032]

Long live The Knoflemiester General 🎉

[@suemorency4089]

Deep Purple, Child in time ( long version)

[@PaulWalker-hz6zp]

Walk of Life!

[@GryLi]

It's my morning song, gets me going in a great mood

[@brigittereimprecht8334]

DS were great and perfect and better live than in the studio. Mark is a god on guitar, Terry on drums was awesome (for me the best they had) Alan on piano was out of this world and John on bass was always dancing and also perfect, but Hal on guitar was great too. Check out more of this concert, “Telegraph Road” a masterpiece and from the live Wembley 1985 concert “Tunnel of Love” so good.

[@alabang100]

A live performance to match that is hard to come by, but I will give you one. The Who live at Shepperton doing "Won't get fooled again"

[@Earlofdavetona]

Kezzy, you just witnessed Mr Mark Knopfler, one of, if not, the best guitarists to ever walk this planet. When asked by a journalist what it was like to be the best guitarist in the world, Prince just answered- go ask Mark Knopfler!! You also just witnessed one of the best live performances by anyone EVER. That is the Hammersmith Odeon, a small venue in London, Dire Straits would later be one of the biggest most successful stadium bands ever.