Dire Straits - Sultans Of Swing (Old Grey Whistle Test, 16th May 1978)

'Dire Straits - Live 1978-1992' is out now: direstraits.lnk.to/live78-92
Dire Straits performing 'Sultans Of Swing' in their first ever TV performance live on BBC's The Old Grey Whistle Test in May, 1978. This performance took place three days before the UK release of their debut single of the same name.
Footage licensed from BBC Studios Distribution. All rights reserved.
#direstraits
#sultansofswing
#markknopfler
#moneyfornothing

[@malcolmelliott1876]

That was Studio A BBC Manchester and i was operating camera 1 (lleft side - 1st shot of video) and remember it like yesterday.. one of those majic moments when all the camera, sound lighting crew (the "old greys") were blown away by a band they had not seen before.. Dire Straits 1st time on TV, gone 11pm BBC. The late Mike Appleton, producer, was the king of discovering new talent.

[@KatsCats2619]

Wow amazing 😊

[@FenderGreg]

That's awesome.

[@frankjoy2455]

Good memories those of yours

[@fatlarry1184]

What year?

[@andrewdrummond1244]

He looks like he is pushing thirty here. Why was such an incredible guitar player unheard of?

[@juanmartinferrari1073]

Mark Knopfler is a legend rockstar. No pick, no heavy distortion, no fireworks. His sound is all.

[@dudenamedchris3325]

I'm glad there are people out there hating picks and distortion of all things

[@Its_ree_93_]

Facts

[@stacybuchkowsky6376]

Skills

[@Hilux244]

In a league entirely of his own

[@rileyengler7439]

so true

[@gloriamadaffari5404]

At 81 years old, I still never tire of watching Mark and his group perform this song. I remember as a young woman hearing it on the radio when it was a hit here in America. Loved it then...still do.

[@padmanathan5653]

That's why it is an all time classic!.

[@marklutz8499]

I'm 61. When I was 14, I shot darts professionally in the Wall Street bars of NYC. I was the shark. Metro Dart League. When Sultans of Swing played on the jukebox, I was UNSTOPPABLE. Crazy memories!! Days long gone by.

[@kennethpack1963]

Hell I'm 82, and can't get enough ..... Chet Atkins said he loved playing with Mark, he said I learn something new every time we play with him...

[@johnjeffery6638]

@@kennethpack1963 Its cause knopfler aint no slouch-

[@KoganYYaa]

Respect ✊

[@ronfowlermusic]

Nothing is better than when a band is in "the groove", in sync with each other. This performance is all time!

[@bruce5799]

The Jam were good like this too

[@arielvela4438]

for sure. amazing

[@whiteyfisk9769]

This is the studio recording audio though....

[@ronfowlermusic]

@@whiteyfisk9769 are you sure? It sounds different to me. Regardless, the original Dire Straits was perfection. A super tight rhythm section, and Mark free to improvise lead lines while singing.

[@whiteyfisk9769]

@@ronfowlermusic no, i was definitely mistaken. After listening to all of it, it is a different mix than the studio version but nonetheless impressive

[@graysonmichael4819]

This is probably my favorite rendition of Sultans. The alchemy live one is great, but this one has that raw crunchy edge that is just special.

[@fortunato1957]

They are the "Sultans" ...

[@mircotorreggiani]

i think alchemy is better cause its a real simphony, the drummer was fire in that live and the solo of mark was literally the best execution ever in a live

[@PeterStrachanMusic]

He is, without doubt, one of the best guitarists in the world...

[@jamesdakis826]

Sad that you never hear his name mentioned when they list "The greatest of all time".

[@mcraft2240]

Very sad. There are days I can’t get out of bed thinking about it.

[@user-ie8dg5hy4t]

His NO1 guitar is Pensasuhr！😂

[@anacletodalivasr.2230]

Strongly agree!

[@rob-c.]

@@jamesdakis826​everyone’s ‘Top 10 Guitarists’ should be a Top 11 if they forgot Mark first time around.

[@JD987abc]

I can’t get enough of Dire Straits. Enjoy them more now than when they first came out.

[@user-wz8bd6jx7d]

Mark deserved more recognition for his work. His guitar work is exceptional. His singing voice is very very good. I never tire of listening to Dire Straits

[@ckdpraha]

The beauty of stripped down sound, no autotune, no postproduction, just hard work and repetition. Been there, done that. No contest.

[@andrewpoules9109]

Mark did it for the love of his work and it shows that the music came first and that's why he's a legend

[@PrimitiveInTheExtreme]

This song is a piece of music history, great version. 🤘🎸🤘

[@johnjeffery6638]

Its some how Tighter than in the studio!

[@phenixreturns]

the best was in 83 +92

[@markjamesmeli2520]

Amazing! Almost 45 years later and I'm still dumbfounded.

[@sunroy1]

Where have all the years gone? Can’t remember what year, late 70’s and I was thinking who is this! This guy can play like anything! 😎

[@ezequielfernandez7536]

It gives me so much life seeing these four young men playing so energetically, so happily, everyone in the studio is amused by the music of these guys. Knopfler is truly a storyteller. He introduces you in his own world, his own novel, marked with that essence of nostalgia and memories that he treasures and he shares with you... While he leads you all around the story with his incredible skill for the guitar that is literally an explosion of feelings. Mindblowing. I'm so glad I'm alive to enjoy this everyday.

[@wordreet]

I hear you my man, but let's not forget that Mark was born in 1949, so that "young man" may actually be older than you. 😉👍

[@luizridrigues12]

🎉😂

[@carlosparodi5526]

Hermoso comentario ❤

[@user-un6qv1fv4r]

​

[@skykingimagery899]

This song never ever gets old. One of the all time masters. Sweet and melodic

[@patthewoodboy]

agree and I rejected it at the time as I was a Punk Rocker

[@bamanjpg803]

Who still listening the song will be a blessing man...!!!

[@MrSRTRAC]

The bass player and the Drummer are so important in this song. Guitar George, who knows all the chords is just as important. Lest we forget. Pure class

[@charleskofflermusic9051]

A masterpiece in the rock history. What an awesome and brilliant live!!! Thank you!!!

[@Dragonblaster1]

And the Pulse version is even better!

[@gloriamadaffari5404]

I never tire of watching Mark and his awesome group perform this song. I am 81 years old and have a long history of enjoying music from many performers. One thing that sets Mark in front of many others, is you can see that he does not need to be “high” when he is on stage. He is a breath of fresh air and a fine example of true professional demeanor.

[@anacletodalivasr.2230]

Agree

[@user-ue6tp7rm6q]

Согласна совсем и Марк супер !

[@user-te8ev6gy4x]

This version has so much energy, on every player's part. Illsley looks collected and focused as always. Pick is in his own world on those drums. And Mark and David jamming in sync on their guitars, like the brothers they are. Few things in the world are more beautiful than when musicians come together and share their songs with the world. And these four were some of the greatest.

[@elaineproffitt1032]

I just love this song, none better.

[@rob-c.]

I much prefer it to the Alchemy version everyone goes nuts for. Don’t get me wrong the Alchemy version is obviously good, but this is quintessential Knopfler; driving along at great speed, but with all the groove and feel of the studio version.

[@LhDominator]

@@rob-c.very well said. I love Dire Straits, but nothing tops their earlier years. I feel like they got too big and lost some of that soul and tightness that made them so appealing. Still good, don't get me wrong, but definitely not the same.

[@tulyar57]

I remember Mark being interviewed when this album came out and he tried to deflect the critics' adoration by saying "What I do is one thing up from strumming". Yeah, right. No distortion, no effects pedals, no plectrum. Just fingers, thumb and talent.

[@davidkarunakaran2129]

Never tired of listening this beautiful masterpiece

[@donathandorko]

Imagine going on TV in the late 70s when people were either obsessed with punk or intrigued with new wave and playing this straight up rock song. Arguably the greatest ever song of all time as it turns out.

[@comfortablynumb9342]

What a poet, story teller and guitar player.

[@shelleycrowe8624]

My favorite band EVER EVER and I’m old as dirt!! 😁❤️

[@giuseppezingariello4408]

, 🕜🍒👌♦️♥️♣️♠️🕡🕡🕡

[@mikaylachapman9036]

16 and absolutely love them. Watching these old concerts, I like to close my eyes and pretend I lived through the 70s. Must've been amazing

[@FactualKoala69]

@@mikaylachapman9036 Same

[@keithamyx1215]

WOW! First time I've seen this. Been a Fan since 1976. Good job guys.

[@janetdavies9612]

Same here! 😉🥰💖 Never seen them perform live either even though I’ve always loved this song, The Brothers in Arms Album & all their music … 🎼🎶🎤🎸🥁🥰💖🌻🌈

[@Michael-zc7nm]

As a guitar player myself, I always try to explain to people how impressive this is that Mark finger picks a strat, but they don't get it. Underrated guitar player

[@rodmanschroeder9217]

The dude is badass 4:44

[@kozerogmoskva112]

Почему недооценённый? Марк Нопфлер входит в число 100 лучших гитаристов мира.

[@eduardoandradecosta8897]

Ele é o Pelé da guitarra

[@mickeymisa9350]

Because he makes it look easy, I noticed he wasn't using a plectrum. One of my favourite songs ever.

[@TriteNight1218]

I didn’t realize how difficult it was until I sat down and tried to learn some Knopfler stuff. He’s got an incredible touch.

[@alanmartin1949]

45 years later and it still sounds great to me ...

[@sebastienrobert5179]

Mark knopler is the best guitarist ! My uncle is a huge fan and he had been several times to dire straits concerts in France! It’s just awesome to looking Mark playing it’s unbelievably beautiful 👍🌹

[@mr.thai_i2]

It's another beautiful song from the legend.

[@filize8546]

İncredibly Charismatic, super song and voice❤

[@petr3788]

It's amazing how so many rock'n'roll blockbusters you know and love for ages have actually been composed by people in their 20s... Mark is so charismatic.

[@McDonnell-Douglas_DC-10]

Thank you for this great song, KZbin!!!! 👍👍❤❤❤❤

[@nistock]

Was it more than 44 years ago that I watched this on BBC2? In the middle of Punk, the vitality, clean sound, and virtuosity of Knopfler, hit home immediately and I was hooked. Shortly afterwards I dragged a somewhat reluctant girlfriend to see them perform at a small hall at Queens University, Belfast, before less than 300 people. Since then I have been to many Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler concerts and that music has been the soundtrack of my life. But nothing will surpass the wow factor of that short TV appearance.

[@eduardom800]

And that's how it's played. There you have 44 years and the song is as strong as then. Thank you.

[@Svetlana__Den]

Надо же, спустя вечность, а мне 46, я его только слышала, а тут старое исполнение✌✌✌я не оторву глаз, эмоции ❤❤❤

[@giuseppezingariello4408]

⚔️🦂🍒🕡

[@joeflanagan1603]

Mark Knopfler is one of the most underrated guitar players in history. He is a phenomenal talent...

[@Blackadder75]

how is he underrated? everybody I know rates him among the all time greatest

[@joeflanagan1603]

@@Blackadder75 Everyone you know has great taste in guitarists. My comment meant he is not mentioned a lot. He is one of my favorites.

[@truejohnsolo]

​@@joeflanagan1603yeah he's definitely underrated by the general public. I think by people who are guitar geeks and fans of rock and roll, he has more recognition as he should. He's definitely one of the greats.

[@YAUUN]

If by underrated you mean the general public tend to think Clapton is the best rock guitarist, rather than Knopfler, Frampton or a couple other geniuses, then that's true.

[@buckhorncortez]

@@YAUUN Yeah...then Chet Atkins is underrated John McLaughlin are underrated...etc. Going by what your perceptions of the "general public" think is fruitless. The "general public" regularly puts complete idiots into public office as only one example...

[@elvisriccio16]

I love the sound of this live!!!🎸🎸🎸

[@joansmith8215]

The best guitarist ever in my opinion

[@ceciliamazza5857]

I couldn’t agree more, he is amazing!

[@ECCENTRICERIC69]

@@flightforensics4523 Wow, what an insightful comment!

[@matteoromenghi]

Memorable, timeless, historic.

[@andrewgent5887]

And that is why the master can still fill stadiums the world over! A very humble man with a massive talent.

[@logan_e]

One of the top 5 leads ever written and played! Only Mark knopfler has this rhythm!

[@MikeLike8]

This TV show, Old Grey Whistle Test, on BBC needs to be brought back to TV. It's about music!

[@rogerharwood861]

You're right mate. Sadly there ain't no real music makers out there no more.

[@elipsis620304]

Centuries from now people shall enjoy, study, perform this music, wishing they had lived in this time. Mark Knopfler shall become a "classic", and I am so glad I lived in his time - and attended a concert of his.

[@elipsis620304]

(Oh, and I even got his autograph ;) )

[@paulgiaconi-bonaguro4055]

Knopfler leaves me speechless! Sheer brilliance. This tune was stuck in my mind for almost a year after it was released. I knew then that Dire Straits would become GIANTS!

[@chuckcribbs3398]

And this was 1978! In the midst of the disco craze. What an amazing song and Knopfler is amazing as well.

[@TexterinSanja]

Yes! And his red Fender is legendary! 🎸He is my hero on the guitar. ☺

[@pamelaprivette5361]

BRILLIANT riffs and licks throughout this entire piece---on of the best ever! It is HYPNOTIQUE---I love it! I'm 71 and I can't get enough of it! It's a classic in my book!

[@thegasolinetree]

Simply superb..I was lucky enough to be studying in the UK around the period..the sound of the Sultans of Swing on the radio daily accompanying me on my way to College

[@FLAME-XIII]

Immortal music

[@bhaskarganguly9643]

Oh how I love these old live performances!.. classic early Dire Straits stuff.. just the guitars and drums..this was much before they became wildly famous and graduated to more refined and heavy productions in their later albums..and although Mark's Alchemy performance of this number is the most popular, I have a personal soft corner for these songs, played so close to the studio version.. just a gang of incredibly talented musicians creating magic on the stage!

[@marklenepveu]

Mark Knopfler. Smooth as a quality single malt

[@timothyhetherington]

This song is so awesome! Mark knopfler is just one of a kind. His voice and playing to me is just magical.

[@coconuciferanuts339]

Mark looks young & keen.I'm proud to have seen them live.Dire Straits up there with the best.

[@ismihaidar2181]

This 16th May 1978..was my seven's birthday.... I only came to enjoy this song when I was 20yr old at high school..introduced by my roomate..

[@alicefernandes8562]

There's no alternate to this masterpiece, specially the final 30 seconds of the song (guitar play) is magic. It can't get better...

[@user-kt7qo1ld6d]

Шикарное исполнение, браво👍легенда👍❤️

[@elvisriccio16]

This live is magnificent... Chapeau, Mark🎸🎸🎸

[@marisameloni9021]

❤❤❤❤stupendaanche questaversiome❤❤❤❤

[@marisameloni9021]

❤❤❤❤❤che meraviglia che suono❤❤❤❤❤

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

Knopfler was always humble about his abilities on guitar, the band flying against the prevailing winds of punk rock and 80s digital pop new wave, by bringing in blues, country, and jazz influences drvien around his story-telling lyrics. It was a recipe for success for the band, and he established himself as one of the greatest guitarists of a generation...

[@andrewtongue7084]

I remember that night well on the OGWT; for me, it was (& still remains) the best rendition Knopfler ever put out for that iconic track. 'Whistle Test was a real musicians programme - no fannying around with 'celebrities' throwing their toys out of the pram - Bob Harris in presenting - brilliant days !

[@dangerousandy]

Love this recording

[@Angela-vl6xg]

I remember the day this CD came out..The first day the CD players went for Sale. Definitely, one of the best bands Ever! The first Video for MTV as well.. Legends..

[@whoatherejohnny]

Why is this the highest quality video of this song between 1978 and the new millennium? Really a wonderful capture.

[@paulorobertosoaresjr.6436]

This will never get old.

[@Viktoria-2020]

I am wildly delighted with this record. The emotions of the young Mark are simply amazing!!! And interestingly, the microphone in Mark's early performances was always set low. ❤

[@firdausHITMAN]

it was set low due to the height of the volume pedal.

[@poulerikb]

Wow, just one of my few all-time favourites ❤

[@Gregorovitch144]

I remember well when this song was released in 1978. I saw this performance as I always watched Whistle Test. Then the song exploded on the radio within days. It's impossible to underestimate the impact it had on the music scene in the UK even though at that time the two "cool" genres were punk and reggae. Then the album came out and those of us who had half decent stereos were gobsmacked by the impeccable playing and production as well as the songs. Every hi-fi shop in the country was playing it 24/7 to show off their gear. Just goes to show, don't matter what you look like or were you're from, or even what kind of music you play, if you can write a song like that and play it as well as that the whole world will stop what they're doing for five minutes and listen to you.

[@grenvillephillips6998]

It knocked us dead at the time, and still does!

[@antoniospano4725]

Ero a militare e ti ascoltavo già. Ne ho 64 e ti ascolto ancora la tua chitarra che parla mi incatta ! Come tutto il resto del gruppo !

[@ScienceFTW]

It's so incredible hearing the evolution of Sultans from this beauty to the masterpiece from Alchemy Live.

[@nick39]

Mark, in my opinion is one of the most underrated guitarists and vocalist. His unique singing voice and extremely active style of guitar playing puts him on the pedestal of one of the greatest, most gifted musicians ever! I can, sort of, sing. I can, sort of play the guitar. Neither one independently is anywhere close to his caliber. When I try to combine the two together? Every dog ( including my wife JK) starts howling… not in a good way either!😂😂😂 I started listening to dire straits in the 7th grade… they’ve always been one of my favorites. Mark Knopfler will always hold one of the highest spots on the top as far as I’m concerned! Mark if you’re reading this… keep rocking forever brother! Thanks for all the wonderful music that you’ve given us the privilege to listen to!

[@WhizzingFish12]

He's an interesting singer - not great but it fits his music. Now as a guitarist... One of the most talented of all time - totally unique style - fast, fluid, and effortlessly slinky. He's up at the top of favorite guitarist for many great guitarists. I got to see him with Clapton in 1988. Freakin AWESOME how well they played together.

[@nick39]

@@WhizzingFish12 I definitely agree! BTW thats cool that you saw them play together! Must have been a great experience!

[@WhizzingFish12]

It was. Only time I was able to see Knopfler perform, sadly. And Phil Collins played drums. :-)

[@nick39]

@@WhizzingFish12another legend!

[@rbk7876]

Mark dosen't just play that Strat, he makes it talk ! Genius 🎸

[@bh8365]

Yes. He makes it cry and sing. Wonder if he still has that red Strat?

[@rbk7876]

@@bh8365 🎸😥🎤🎵🎵

[@cindiereinhold3003]

Joy! Reliving my misspent youth listening to this song.

[@alcord2540]

I love this version of sultans.Ive seen numerous versions and over the years. They get board with playing it the same and make many alterations.This early recording just shows what a brilliant band they were ,right from the start.

[@23theseeker50]

BRILLIANT JUST BRILLIANT WE ARE LUCKY TO HAVE MARK KNOPFLER IN THIS COUNTRY BLESS HIM HE'S A GENIUS ON THAT GUITAR.

[@starcaster]

Saw this when it was first broadcast in the UK. Was blown away then and still blown away now!

[@HTN3]

One of THE best bands emerging from the new dawn of rock-and-roll post-disco in the later 70s.

[@user-dv4go6se7u]

I was only 4, but this is the song that made me love music. Nearly 50 now and this song has never diminished in stature and my appreciation of it has never waned.

[@user-yn2qp2ny4i]

Это можно слушать бесконечно. ❤

[@user-kv5vs9zc2h]

👍

[@skifkalif7337]

так и получается

[@pheddupp]

This in my top three favorite songs of all time.

[@johnallright6847]

These were great times for music and music lovers and Mark came up and gave his all...

[@renderizer01]

Brillant version with great image and sound quality. All hail the Old Grey Whistle Test and 70s Dire Straits (still with Mark's brother David on rhythm guitar). They really ain't makin' 'em like that anymore.

[@chipsterb4946]

Amen on the sound quality! This is excellent.

[@teresalanham2678]

I never really liked live versions as they always changed the sound (I guess for good or bad) but this song, God this song makes me close my eyes and thinking was there in the studio

[@kamaldeep662]

Would also love such version of Tunnel of love 👍🙏

[@Heart_and_Soul]

⚜ THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC ⚜🕊

[@apolloreaz4873]

Missing those days 😍😍😍

[@sieglindewebb]

Das Lied laß ich auf meiner Beerdigung spielen☝️👍🥁

[@calibratingmind6055]

Legendary work started with him.

[@Zohairshanteer]

This song will never cease to amaze me

[@fishface8464]

A masterpiece..👌

[@IROCMAN666]

All versions of this song are fantastics !

[@donniccolo]

For anyone who’s ever having a bad day, just come here and listen to the song and read the comments ☮️💚🤘🏼

[@aleponts585]

Música boa fica para a eternidade...amo Dire Straits 🎸

[@salomaocardoso5213]

sabia que eu ia achar um brazilian por aqui!

[@aldrincastro2009]

Vdd eu canto todos os dias rs 📀

[@giuseppezingariello4408]

🕡♠️♣️♥️♦️👌🍒🕜🕜🕜🕜

[@comfortablynumb9342]

A mi también. Soy un gringo pero hablo español. Dire Straits es uno de mis favoritos. Saludos desde Carolina del Norte.

[@lucianoxx9210]

Mark Knopfler, uma aula de bom gosto.

[@apagueyvamonosayv4811]

Ése sólo de guitarra de Mark knopfler en Sultans of swing, es una obra de arte musical.

[@allaningpdang9761]

In every seasons,every moods I will always remember this song

[@BernieTheBoxer]

Never thought I would get to see this done as the original simple 4-piece. Sounds so much better than I ever imagined

[@off-the-record6613]

Now....this is music....

[@patricialima0702]

Isso sim é música, é banda Que nostalgia maravilhosa!!!!🖤🎶😍🤩💃

[@giuseppezingariello4408]

🕡♠️♣️♥️♦️👌🍒🕜🕜🕜🕜

[@NiranjanDandekar]

Goosebumps... What a skill what a song... Amazing

[@diogenessousa7271]

The song of my life ♥️🙏🏼

[@mariafeiteirafeiteira3597]

Great music, ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Sr Mark knopfler ❤️ and Agustinknopfer ❤️, and Dire Straits ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🙏🙏🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹!!!!

[@giuseppezingariello4408]

🕜🍒👌♦️♥️♣️♠️🕡🕡🕡

[@fireside007]

Smoke’n!! . . . YOU ~ ROCK ! ! 🎸 🤛

[@ravibhatia5654]

Mark , has a healing effect for the soul . Singing Yoga🙏