Discovering Dire Straits

[@Chris.P.Lane44]

I'm going to put in my two cents because I bought their self-titled album when it was released when I was 17 . I was hooked immediately . I had to get the cassette for the car and I played it for my friends and got them hooked . I saw them live the first time for their Brother's in Arms tour but I wish I'd seen them live for Making Movies . Still , the best concert I'd ever seen and I'd seen Elton John in 1972 and Queen in '74 . I saw the Telegraph Road tour and it was phenomenal . Mark K is a great , no . Gifted , brilliant , ah , you run out of superlatives . To me he's the greatest guitarist ever not named Jimi . Mark reads an audience and plays the mood of the arena . To me there's nothing like it , his playing . Blues , country , rock , jazz licks blended into something that no one else does or did . I'm so grateful for grabbing the album on a whim . I loved 'On Every Street' and when someone asks what my favourite song is , I have no answer . Wild West End , Belladonna Belle , Solid Rock , Sultan's , sure . But I'll grab Making Movies and sing every song out loud on a Sunday morning . Skateaway is genius but they all are . His solo stuff is awesome too , to someone that feels like me should listen to George Jones's Barnyard Sessions , the White Lightning song has Mark doing the guitar . Your hair will stand up on your arm . Chris

[@musashimiyamoto586]

Portobello Belle, wasn't it?

[@aus80srockradio94]

Have to agree Chris, you nailed it there!

[@krstovic7411]

It was like yesterday when I heard Sultans for the first time, it got me instantly. 36 years later I’m still their biggest fan, having all records and watched them performing live.

[@orionrodi]

If you are the biggest fan, I will come in second!😉 I have been a fan of DS and Mark Knopfler from the first time, i heard Sultans Of Swing, when the first albumwas released. I also, have all the DS albums, and the albums of MK's solo career.

[@shils89]

I was born on late 80’s but I was so lucky that my dad introduced me DS since I’ve got memory. I remember listening money for nothing and it got me to rock forever, as well sultants, down to the waterline and calling elvis. I would never be so grateful to my dad in those terms. Two days ago, in Barcelona, i saw Mark for the first and, unfortunately, for the last time cause he’s going to retire. My dad was so happy for me to watch him live.

[@orionrodi]

Same story here...

[@beagle7622]

Unbelievable, in fact the house I lived in at the time we all asked if people had heard “Sultans Of Swing”. We just didn’t talk music back then. They just stood out from anything else at that time.

[@111oooo]

I heard Sultans on my car radio coming back from class the year it came out. DJ didn't say who it was. Had to do some searching and immediately bought the album.

[@aus80srockradio94]

Absolutely brilliant band and great guys too. Mark and John are genuine guys, the real deal.

[@firdausHITMAN]

Dire Straits rise had nothing to do with luck. It was due to Mark Knopfler being a musical genius and a bonafide Guitar God. These music journalists haven't a clue of what they're talking about most of the time in this video.

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

Journos like to say phrases that sound good! Eg. "He wasn't just good, he was great, and when he was great he was brilliant"! Get me!

[@toddeggleton6366]

you cannot plan for success in the music industry, talent is not the common denominator unfortunately , there are many talented people who will remain unknown,the fact that anyone moves to that international level is indeed a gamble for all from artist to support

[@georgetowle8903]

It’s always luck. But the lucky ones are usually very talented

[@mikedr1549]

@@georgetowle8903 Luck = when hard work meets opportunity. I won't disagree that you needed a little bit of it to reach rock legend status - but for the most part these guys made their own luck. Mark was a special talent - he doesn't get enough credit IMO.

[@factorylad5071]

Just say he is a good musicologist and the press don't yet appreciate what that means.

[@sharonthompson672]

He's so modest about not being able to read music, but he's a genius who can play by ear!!!! What a gift!

[@markwilliams2271]

Terry Williams is without doubt the best drummer on the planet and was a major part of the dire straits sound.

[@rollingthunder9579]

Terry Williams is undoubtedly a wonderful drummer, and gave Dire Straits a particular energy live ( he didn't actually appear on the Brothers in Arms album, people like Omar Hakim were bought in), but on Dire Straits' first four albums, it was Pick Withers whose own particular and skillful drumming style constituted an essential part of the classic Dire Straits sound.

[@longtallshorty5791]

“without a doubt the best drummer on the planet” 🤦🏼‍♂️ Jesus christ, people say unbelievably dumb shit.

[@goesjem]

I agree, but Pick Withers for me. He had the groove. Terry had the rock. Of course, Jeff Porcaro just nailed it!

[@hcrt9533]

endlessly great music. And I have to put something right - there are no pop stars more handsome than Mark Knopfler - he should have starred in that video .. thank you for your great eternal music Mark and co.

[@ProcashFloyd]

On Every Street is a phenomenal album!

[@joebaseball17]

Agreed... and so underrated.

[@ProcashFloyd]

Sound quality alone is so top notch and arrangements are just wow, i think sound and production on that album is one of the best.

[@elrenato82]

Yes I think so too! On every Street and The planet of New Orleans are the bomb! The thing I like about Dire Straits is every song is spot on really good and the feeling it's giving you, like a soundtrack in some particular situation in your life.

[@attiylanen]

Agreed. Back in time when it was published, I admit I was a little disappointed because it was not "Brothers in arms" kind of hit album, but..it stand on its own as a great piece of work.

[@rafy0025]

Agree but the best album for me definitly is making movies.

[@rafy0025]

The sound of dire straits in the first two albums is also due to the fantastic drummer pick withers and the brilliant rythmic guitar of the brother david. After they leave, dire straits became something else, as good but different.

[@damnyankeefl]

Yep. I really can’t stand hearing the live versions of songs from the first two records after pick left. There was no more swing in the sultans after that. On the other hand, the songs from later records worked really well with Terry .

[@rafy0025]

@@damnyankeefl yep. absolutly agree

[@cooper2616]

@@damnyankeefl what are you talking about? The live version of sultans with Terry Williams is way better

[@damnyankeefl]

@@cooper2616 that’s your opinion

[@Lasse3]

Yeah, you're on point, the original line-up played with a raw swing, that's the product of real musicianship! Listen to those off-beat ride bells, and the hi-hat lifts on Sultans of Swing, that's up there with the best drums I've ever heard. Pick played it with a 'feel' and rhythmicallity that just had that unmistakable *Swing* - and that my friends, is not something you can just learn. The original line-up were musicians, who simply played their instruments. what came later were perhaps somewhat over-produced studio music. I love brothers in arms, sure. How can you not love Knopfler, regardless of which direction they took. But tracks like Water of love, Sultans and once upon a time in the West are really special stuff!

[@thedutchfisherman7078]

Best frikkin guitarplayer EVER lived!

[@bobbob-lw5ve]

100%

[@PR-BEACHBOY]

He’s no Pinky Lee! Look it up!

[@KJameson8]

He's up there for sure

[@Chris-lh7wj]

Finding it difficult not to pause this and go listen to some Dire Straits right now.

[@michaud399]

I did listened to brothers in arms on my new to me vintage pioneer cs-599 speakers and vintage sansui amp.

[@guitarbygus]

Only reason I keep watching this vid is the music. The journos are talking absolute rubbish. Money for nothing and “naff” in the same sentence. What is he smoking.

[@JTRocks4Ever]

Lets face it, Mark is an extremely intelligent man which has greatly factored into his success. He has also said in interviews that he's slightly obsessed with being a musician.

[@chadchesney3858]

Mark K my ALL TIME numero uno Fave guitar man 🎸

[@lanacampbell-moore6686]

I love this band ❤️

[@robertdamasdi7824]

Dito!!!!

[@robertweldon7909]

10/3/2023 I saw Dire Straits in Cleveland, Ohio on their first US tour. I carefully selected a seat in the balcony of the converted movie theater (front row, 1 seat (stage) left of dead center. You could never get a better seat for both view and sound. When they did Sultans, and came to the solo, Mark stepped around the mic, stuck the butt of his Stratocaster into his groin area, closed his eyes and played the exact as recorded solo and never missed a lick. I was hooked for ever. EVERY Knopfler tune tells a story, about something he either learned about or experienced, Sultans is one. Telegraph Road and Sailing to Philadelphia are other great stories too Dire Straits was and is quite unique in the annals of rock music, something that will never be repeated, and when Mark is gone, it will be a huge loss. ;-)

[@edwardhaske]

I'm a very BIG FAN! I have every album and every 45rpm. I bought Sultans of swing, When I was 17yrs old. I'm 61 now still loving it!

[@kevinbegin586]

Love the music... Love the man!

[@NToombes]

Basically, Mark created the soundtrack to my life. Each of their songs reminds me of a time in my past with people who are no longer here. Thanks Mark

[@attiylanen]

What do you think of Mark's solo albums? Sailing to Philadelphia is certainly pure gold. Privateering is my absolute favorite and I'm starting to think the latest one "Down the Road Wherever" (2018) is also a masterpiece.

[@mikef2813]

His solo work is some of the best music I listen to.

[@dinodigger8807]

Brilliant. I was so fortunate to see him

[@patriothippie5881]

Agreed ! I also really love "All the Road Running" with Emmy Lou Harris.

[@ulisollweck5144]

All of his solo albums are phenomenal. Pure Knopfler classics. I love them all, but if I had to pick just one it would be Shangri-La.

[@gb4353]

all brilliant!!

[@picturewill8117]

Would love to see the full recording of Lady Writer live, love that raw early stuff.

[@philippinestroppoholic7996]

Influencers for Mark K would have to have been JJ Cale and Bob Dylan (vocals). But no one has figured out nor tried to analyze how the F he managed to know his way around the guitar so perfectly in his 20s. That's the big mystery that only he can understand

[@jamesmoore3694]

i had the joy of seeing dire straits 3 times at 3 different venues in portland oregon. the pramount , the civic auditorium, and the memorial, 3 great shows

[@mattanthony3963]

October 1980 @civic auditorium.....right?

[@jamesmoore3694]

@@mattanthony3963 yep

[@indieshack4476]

Quite a nice, if not very deep, documentary about Dire Straits - the journo's who provided commentary were unusually well chosen and gave good informed opinions. I remember reading the classified ads in Melody Maker/NME/Sounds in the mid 1970's and constantly seeing Dire Straits listed as performing at places like Dingwall's etc. and thinking what a stupid name for a band. After a friend lent me his Dire Straits album in '79 I was hooked. Eventually got to see them at live at Hammersmith Odeon Christmas '85 (Nils Lofgren and Hank Marvin guesting) and they were great!

[@diegoruizguitar]

Totally agree about the JJ Cale influence, not only because of the singing style, but also for the CLEAN guitar sounds

[@lshort8842]

Dire Straits single handedly saved the world from Disco!

[@mrs.mcnamara1669]

L Short True story. I was there.

[@attiylanen]

But now I'm back on the dance floor.

[@wolfgangmarkusgstrein8522]

The thing is, there is room for everything. Especially in music!

[@Moyetniishiswa2000]

I love DS. Self titled is my favourite album of all time. But I love disco man. You need a girlfriend.

[@paultown6572]

Prefer Disoo to on Every Street and Brothers in Arms

[@birgariphukukcu]

Mark’a hayran olmak herhangi bir sanatçıya hayran olmak gibi değil. Başka bir şey, adamda bir büyü var sanki ❤️

[@javierst7474]

I think On every street is the best album talking about sound, because it has a crystalline sound and powerful at once, no one has like this. But it should include Milloionaire blues and Kindom come , two masterpieces. And the sound of the guitar of Knopfler, is also the best, including all the Knopfler´s albums in solitary

[@attiylanen]

Before I found out that Mark composed Private Dancer, I heard a similarity between 1. "I'm your private dancer ...A dancer for money...I'll do what you want me to do" and 2. "It takes love over gold ...And mind over matter...To do what you do that you must" I thought Tina Turned had copied that chorus from Love over gold. ;)

[@bjpannell4057]

Nice pick-up. Right two artists involved. Most people wouldn't even get that close. Trust your gut. I can hear them both in my head. You're 100% right. Now I can't not hear it! Lol

[@firdausHITMAN]

Mark Knopfler did not see the band sultans of swing in Ipswich but in a pub in Deptford south east London.

[@jaythornton9929]

On every Street is an exceptional album .

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Have you heard the B-side singles?

[@grokur9714]

@@RideAcrossTheRiver Ticket to Heaven is greatest

[@CB-xr1eg]

What this documentary doesn't mention is that Dire Straits made on of the best Live albums of all time...Alchemy Live. I still have it on vinyl and it still gets played.

[@cosmiceon]

I love this band

[@mimispeike793]

The lyrics, brilliant. The sound, celestial. Mark himself, so much fun. I'm sorry, they talk here about his merging English Rock and American Blues as a choice. As a writer, you process what you've experienced, and your own take on the world falls into place. If you're lucky. Mark was lucky, and smart, and schooled in language, and knew what he wanted and needed to say. Choice is a very small part of it. You diminish his brilliance when you say choice. Most of his choices are the result of stunning perception. You find it not only in the music, in the interviews also. His direction was sunk into, then pulled out of, his soul. Not a handsome man, no. Someone on these comments (elsewhere) called him an nerdy fucker. I can't see that. All I see is how incredibly sexy he was. And, is.

[@mimispeike793]

Mimi Speike OK, they hit it on the head. Doesn't sound like anyone else. Vision, with a capital V. Too many don't have their own voice. Never find it. He had it, from the start.

[@hemana3859]

Ha ha. Good on you.

[@chrisglockler6809]

Well said!

[@yagmurcamd]

They are a miracle.

[@oldfart4751]

Personally I am not interested in looks or fashion, it starts and finishes with the music, melody, lyrics and musicianship, mark has it all in abundance. Dire Straits were and still are my favourite band. I belief if you go for looks in a band, then your not into music.

[@uh1c-chiefna996]

Which is proven by "KISS"

[@lapelcelery42]

Damn straight

[@DaviMourao]

Yeah, that's partly why DS and Mark Knopfler are partly overlook and underrated by the critics/media. Knopfler never cared about flashy looks or being a "handsome man". He never had famous affairs or parties with dwarves carrying trays of cocaine on their heads. He was a professional musician, not a celebrity or a performer.

[@Lola-AreaCode212]

Mark was damn HOT.

[@ste118]

10:08 what was he talkin about??? And by the way yes, Mark Knopfler was very very handsome in those years

[@ufotofu9]

ste118 ya think? Here's not conventionally handsome by any means... Especially compared with David, who looks like David from Karate Kid. Mark looks like Jonathan Banks.

[@ste118]

Of course beauty is subjective, so I think (and not just me) that Mark Knopfler was very handsome in 70s and 80s. In an unconventional way surely, he has obvious flaws but when he held his guitar he was really sexy. For example I find his brother David featureless. John Illsley is way more interesting. Points of view :)

[@tpjp4100]

ste118 I reckon you should ask mark out la

[@maaikeroeleveld2415]

Was amazed at that remark, plus the matter about the R & J video. I don’t get it, why did it need to be a “good looking” man in the video. Hmpf….., thought it was about the music, not about looks………. As for Mark, guitar skills and songwriting skills are the things that make him special. Well…., hi hi, I guess, from a woman’s viewpoint, when we look at men, I’d say a man’s smile and eyes are important. Aspects about Mark’s appearance I happen to like. Other than that, music = mood, I always thought early Dire Straits had this laid back yet sort of brooding vibe……..

[@annetteturner5972]

Mark is a very attractive man rather than handsome. His intelligence shines through

[@alanshepherd4304]

In the 80's I played Dire Straits constantly, my wife hated it and I grew to almost dislike it. But after watching this video, I'm going to binge out on a diet of Dire Straits!!!😂😂🇬🇧

[@justjakewolverine4619]

My favorite genius band, Dire Straights reflects much of my favorite songwriter, Dylan. Off the hook rock and classic, timeless lyrics.

[@al1976-v7m]

Yeah funny they never mention him as an influence here

[@Nuron666]

Sultans of Swing will always be Dire Straights greatest ever hit. Even thou all their other works were brilliant. Sultans of swing can never be beaten

[@caveweta]

Sultans has been my ring tone for 15 years, never fails to make all the old buggers smile when that song starts

[@Nuron666]

@@caveweta Still sounds great after 40 years.

[@irishfairground]

Personally for me Money for nothing was a statement from Dire Straits that they were nesting their pensions and the whole Dire straits sound was secondary. Earlier albums were for me more what Dire Straits were all about. I think albums like making movies were outstanding. Mind you If I could even play one rift on a guitar of any bit of music that Dire Straits produces I would leave this world a happier man. Also I don't thing Mark really cares what we think as he is one of the best guitarists ever to be heard on this planet and will be remembered longer than most of us mere mortals could ever hope for . .... Toro Toro see you tommorrow my son

[@mikaylachapman9036]

" I swear, she let a big truck grease her hip..."

[@nordinrabia3568]

Ahhh le bon vieux temps !

[@emmacartwright9747]

WTF.....No "Love Over Gold".......quite possibly their musical high watermark ?

[@yagmurcamd]

Eternal love and music = MK

[@johnmiller0000]

What load of overanalysed nonsense. They were just a f**king amazing band with a great sound. That's the reason for their success.

[@hemana3859]

Journos love the sound of their own bullshit, lol.

[@TheSilentMiaow]

Having just finished John Illsley’s ‘My Life in Dire Straits’ autobiography, I would agree. There’s a huge amount of bollocks being spoken in this.

[@EdMcF1]

Sultans of Swing in a pub in Ipswich? He was living in London, and he refers to the park way on down south London Town (Greenwich park).

[@nigelgunson1025]

Song is local hero 11 50.

[@gardengirl7446]

Mark doesnt have to be "handsome." He's sexy AF and a musical genius.. So much better!!

[@nofomo1222]

Mark is handsome and sexy. Look at those eyes. He has it all. He's the love of my life.

[@ocan1033]

Yeah that seemed a weird comment .. that he’s not “handsome.” I mean, he doesn’t look like the dude in the Romeo video, but who would want him to?

[@SuzyQ334]

@@ocan1033 Actually, to me the "dude in the Romeo" video looked like a serial killer. I think Mark has a lovely face, a lovely smile and most women will take talent and personality over looks any day.

[@ocan1033]

@@SuzyQ334 Well to be fair, they decked Romeo Dude out in some Elton John frames and an ascot and made him walk around like an effete mannequin, so it wasn't a best foot forward kind of deal.

[@olemanwinter1]

I always liked Dire Straits but I LOVE Mark Knofler's solo work.

[@PeterJohnson76]

Best Rock band hand downs

[@robertkirk4387]

The first two albums were, for me the best

[@joannehack7588]

💟

[@joannehack7588]

My hero

[@nofomo1222]

This very handsome and sexy man is definitely Mark. Speaking from a woman's viewpoint :) DIre Straits / MK transformed my life. Saw MK 25 times these past 10 years.

[@bh9225]

Dylan's. Slow Train Coming, with Mark Knopfler is well worth a listen. It is a perfect album

[@carlosyanezlozada8809]

¿Porqué nunca mencionan a "Love Over Gold"?. ¡Es un excelente álbum!.

[@retroelectronz]

Great video!

[@hpawebster65]

I love On Every Street.....under-rated

[@PeterJohnson76]

Quiet Naff he says, re the money for nothing riff, ? It's one of the best All time riffs ever written with plenty of nuances to keep the listened entertained. Also, On Every Street was received very well. I recall it was an amazing time for radio, where in a rather short time period, you could hear Metallica's black album singles, or Calling Elvis, and/or Santana's smooth played regularly on radio. Believe me, It was totally delightful to hear amongst the crap usually being played, and all 3 artists put guitar music back on the radio map... Much of older dire straits, as does old 80's Megadeth have more relevance today then it did 30 years ago.

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

Mark didn't produce Dylan's 1979 Slow Train Coming. It was the 1983 LP Infidels he produced and it didn't work out too well due to Dylan being at odds with the sessions. On Every Street was a success with a massive tour. Country music was big and at a new peak by the mid 90s. It was more like a Knopfler solo album that's all.

[@joseandoain9418]

Why no automatic subtitles in video?I am spanish

[@jamessugrue1827]

Just goes to prove the line, "those who can do, those who can't write about it"

[@samnivas8197]

OES tour was the bigger and more concerts than BIA world wide and I think it was their best album on the day as I was there in person to compare.

[@oykugoktug2142]

mark was not handsome?? so is it just me that finds him tremendously handsome? he is definitely more handsome than the man that is playing in the Romeo and Juliet video

[@annetteturner5972]

Yes agree

[@catrionahall8435]

Interesting looking certainly

[@MakairodonX9434]

They single-handedly saved the world from Disco! just when it was getting close to driving Rock music to extinction with the fall of the Beatles…that’s why Dire Straits will always remain my favorite 80s British rock band.

[@athousandsuns3222]

Song at 11:50 please

[@alfonsoramirez9709]

That song Is "Going Home", that performance Is taken from The "On Every Street World Tour"

[@athousandsuns3222]

THANKS. Sonuds Awesome.

[@Mind-your-own-beeswax]

As Alfonso stated it's Going Home from the film ' Local Hero'... These version is the Wild Theme and the best version there is bar non

[@JTRocks4Ever]

I think Mark Knopfler is handsome, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

[@TheNomadicview]

There's a heavy dose of BS in this documentary.

[@the4spielburgs]

calling money for nothings riff "naff" like wtf

[@corbe1970ify]

All you'll ever need in life is Mark knopfler on the 58 👌🏼

[@adamlangdon2245]

I bet his first wife was like, "ahhh fuccckkkk..." Haha... I'm just being a dork. I love these songs.

[@nicklevan8058]

Does anyone know where this documentary original came from/who had produced it? Thanks in advance!

[@hodgheg]

The journalists here talk such drivel most of the time; they don't apparently even know how 'Money for Nothing' came about. Mark Knopfler was in a department store in New York and MTV was on all the TVs on display. In walks the store's delivery guy who has to install microwave ovens etc and he starts mouthing off about MTV "Look at them yoyos, that's the way you do do it, should have learned to play the guitar, get your money for nothin and your chicks for free.' Etc. Knopfler asks the sales assistant for pen and paper and writes it all down. Should have paid the guy 10%!

[@NatasjavanDijknah]

' Should have paid the guy 10%!' But they're not about the money, rght? :P :) Like the music, though :)

[@bassAssassin187]

Best his first love was upset when he went huge!

[@ufotofu9]

All of these second and third party sources are kind of cool but I would have loved to have seen interviews with the band members. Or have gotten a little bit more context into the making of each album. But I guess you have a limited amount of time to say what you want to say. Thanks

[@EdMcF1]

Lyrics invariably in Britain? Telegraph Road anyone.

[@Retroscoop]

They were exceptionally brilliant... But I wouldn't go as far as saying they looked exceptionnally brilliant :) They were just ordinairy guys like you and certainly me, no hipsters like The Police (also exceptionally brilliant by the way) or The Who in their early years. Maybe that too was the key to their success. They didn't look like gods whose UFO just crashlanded on Earth and wanted to be taken immediately, subito presto to our leaders. They looked like they stepped out of the Lesney-Matchbox factory or out of the garage where the local baron's MG gets repaired every now and then. Or like the milkman and the grocery shop owner. Similar laid back attitude after concerts, I was told....

[@miguelcardoso5903]

❤️🎸

[@DeOmnibusDubitandum76]

MK has a place of honour in my top five guitarists. Huge influence when I discovered popular music and the electric guitar in my teenage/formative years. It would be a long time before I learned what a bankrupt human being he is. What a shame! Fond memories, a bit tarnished by his mistreatment of David and Pick.

[@AnneDowson-vp8lg]

I don't think Mark mistreated David and Pick. David just wasn't committed and thought he could make it alone. Well, who has heard anything from him since. And the same with Pick. Whatever happened to him?

[@dutchbeef8920]

I want my MTV

[@Sasukecheeky]

Can someone please tell me the name of the song starting at 11:22? Thanks. Just fell in love

[@elrenato82]

Your latest hero from Local Hero. :)

[@utopro]

'Going home' theme from the film Local Hero(1983) sound track . kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZLKqpWJqpefhNE

[@jkmorrison1013]

what was the chick's accent? Irish, Scottish or Northern English?

[@ianrutherford878]

Good question...Camilla Pia.I'll see if google has any clues

[@ianrutherford878]

I'm usually good on accents but can't tell.She went to Glasgow university.

[@JobyJonesJnr]

She is scottish, definitely

[@kirilcherry7612]

Is it just me ? Dire Straits and Def Leppard are the most American sounding British bands.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

That's what everyone said who called Charlie Gillett in 1978--"who was that band last night you played who sounded so American?"

[@justdynee]

Don't burn out with endless concerts to support albums. Do Album then 50 or so shows over 8 months and 6 months off after that to do what you want. Back to studio. 2 year timeline. 8 years 4 albums 20 years 10 albums etc...and you don't burn out, creative juices always flowing. That is unless you are stoned or drunk.

[@mikef2813]

Knopfler was largely influenced vocally by JJ Cale.

[@ehid3x826]

Different mix’s of sultans if swing

[@paultown6572]

Dire Straits were an excellent band although I think by about LOG they began to lose their way a bit. Funny how bands get forgotten about and I'd put Dire Straits in this category. Glad they never reformed as MKs solo stuff I very good. ..

[@christopherobrien4471]

I don't pay too much attention to appreciating music. Nor do I need to grasp the hidden meanings.I just enjoy listening to music. I have listened to Dire Straights for decades, but I enjoy it, I don't appreciate it. Does this make me some sort of Philistine?

[@halvardlundnorway]

I can´t believe that Mark Knopfler is not American, I think all the time. And at the same time there is something english about it. Maybe they were the perfect 80s type of Mid-Atlantic. And I can´t believe they were more dominant in the 90s..

[@simonettamilani3567]

Io invece, penso che walk of Life sua una canzone fantastica. Stile diverso dalle altre, comunque bellissima.

[@johnlamb2754]

There would have been no Dire Straits without the influence of JJ Cale,do some research andl look behind and see where they came from.

[@samking4179]

Dire Straits was and will always be great. The 1990's was the beginning of the end for pop music. Mark's music is still great but the tastes of the masses has been dumbed down to the point where there is no such thing as well orchestrated pop music that has wide spread appeal. I would even go so far as saying that what is being played on the radio is not music because the people producing the noise have no talent. They produce beats. There is no harmony and there is no song writing ability behind the lyrics. We are in a dark age of pop music. So-called "grunge" was the last nail in the pop music coffin. Even that stuff had no real popular appeal. It was niche crap and that is why it was so short lived. Artists like Mark Knopfler are virtuosos with real talent with mastery of their instrument. Name me one musician making music today that has real talent and popular appeal. They don't exist and it's just strange that this is the case.

[@simonettamilani3567]

Dai 30 ai 50 anni circa, era bellissimo, affascinante, con un fisico invidiabile. Qualcosa in contrario?

[@LUZ-zv6pq]

They keep calling it bluesy but it's more country to me..

[@Paul8342]

The comment about them being out of vague in 1991 is a joke surely - do they realise how long that On Every Street tour went on for? Dire Straits may never have been 'cool' but do I care - hell no!

[@vibefrequencyable]

Ummm ..they skipped right over their best album ..love over gold.

[@Ttw1976]

They are definitely a good band but I always thought "Walk of Life" was a Bruce Springsteen song🤦‍♂️🤣🤦‍♂️🤣🤦‍♂️ they had so many different sounds from the same band

[@jewellyboy19]

I know majority of people here (including myself) would be biased. But there’s no such thing as a bad dire straits album or song. That div that said their wave crashed clearly never listened to on every street with ears 😂.

[@johnwhite3015]

Music critics what do you know good music if it kicked them straight up the arse how dare they say that they are lucky they worked their arse off right from the very beginning

[@richardfreedland6451]

Mark is a great writer and guitarist. But Dylan is the greatest writer but not a great musician. Both are geniuses but different. You can’t compare the two. Dire Straits are a talented group of musicians. Dylan is Dylan.

[@hemana3859]

Im afraid i dont hold much stock in the music "journos" here and their personal opinions. So much silly conjecture about looks and other shallow observations. Conjecture on David leaving, so many, maybes, i thinks, all the stuff thats just pure conjecture, and journos always with half an eye on titillating the audience rather than sharing straight facts.

[@danielmcdermott138]

'It would sound creepy if a guy sang it' stunning lack of imagination.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Well, there's "Les Boys"

[@johnmcintosh5413]

Yeah total nonsense about the people of Britain not taking to them right away Saultans of swing was played on every jukebox in every bar on a Friday evening instantly recognisable that this was a special tune.