First Time Hearing Dire Straits LIVE - Sultans of Swing || Drummer Reacts

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• Dire Straits - Sultans...
Today, I watched a concert from ‪@direstraitsofficial‬ for the first time ever! I have heard this song before (who hasn't) but it was amazing to sit down and analyze the performance. They put on a masterclass and made me miss the musicians of old! Hope you all enjoyed it and let us know in the comments what we should check out next! Thanks! #direstraits #sultansofswing #reaction #analysis #music #musicproduction #guitarsolo #concerts #livemusic
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[@setonhillstudios]

*To receive PRIORITY Requests for future videos, head on over to our Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee. Never expected, but always appreciated.❤Links in Description!* This performance was on 🔥 🔥 What a masterpiece!

[@JG-fv9bv]

You should check out soe of the interviews with Mark Knopfler talking about his guitars and music , Brian Johnson of AC/DC did a great interview with him talking about his song "Sailing To Philidelphia" .

[@setonhillstudios]

@@JG-fv9bv Will do! Thanks

[@SleepSoundsAndBabyLullabies]

Would you believe that I can sing the entire lead guitar of the Alchemy album, it drives my son insane! 🤣I've been listening to this album for 30 years and it never gets old. Insane talent, no other words...

[@setonhillstudios]

@@SleepSoundsAndBabyLullabies 🤣😂 I love that! It’s safe to say you have listened to that album a few times! Plus, if we don’t annoy or children, who will?!? 😆

[@SleepSoundsAndBabyLullabies]

@setonhillstudios LOL the truth! 😁 SOS was the first bassline I ever learned. I think it's the "diddle it dit diddle dit dit dit dit dit" method of singing that annoys my son the most 🙃😅 SOS live second solo when MK wobbles his head and smiles at the crowd making it look oh so bloody easy!

[@graciezundt4201]

I will never tire of watching this performance or watching people's reaction to seeing it for the first time.

[@setonhillstudios]

Definitely one of those moments you wish you could recapture or relive again!

[@erniesteele3164]

Agreed!

[@jorgenunesnet]

Same here!

[@kathrynadamson3886]

Exactly that! I get so much from seeing other people seeing this for the first time and I sit here commenting, 'Yeh, I know, right!'.

[@nood1e236]

Utter mastery.

[@МихаилКалинин-ш1н]

Mark Knopfler. Imo one of the most technical guitarists in history.

[@setonhillstudios]

He’s a beast! Great player

[@geordieboy1309]

@@setonhillstudiosand from my city along with Brian Johnson from AC/DC, there’s a great video of them walking around my town both chatting about music and how they started and the love of Newcastle upon Tyne they have

[@SequentialCircuitProphet5]

No. In Japan you have better.. So much better😊

[@Adayinthelife666]

Mark is one if the greatest guitarrists of all time!

[@SequentialCircuitProphet5]

@@Adayinthelife666 one of ...i agree 👍

[@mlong1958]

Terry Williams, the drummer, was on fire. He was known for hitting the drums very hard. He is now retired in Wales, at the age of 75. The lead singer is Mark Knopfler, one of the best guitarists in the world.

[@setonhillstudios]

Thanks for the info! Gotta love a drummer who lays into the kit!

[@erksworld9661]

I remember seeing a documentary about him - as a child he wasn't able to use his legs properly so he supported himself mainly with his hands when getting about. This helped him develop very strong arms which led to that powerful drumming. Saw them perform live in 1985, a couple of years after the Alchemy tour (and a week or two before they played Live Aid), they'd changed a fair few band members by then but it was still a great performance - my second big-name gig.

[@sandervanwijlick954]

His family was there that evening so he was giving it all!

[@surfwriter8461]

Mark Knopfler is recognized by other guitarists, critics and fans as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Way beyond superb technical ability, he's got fantastic touch, creativity, feeling, tone, and ability to invent iconic riffs. He's known for "clean" playing but can obviously produce a wide range of sounds and melodic runs. Yes, Terry Williams is also doing the drums with passion and skill.

[@tinapatterson5022]

@@sandervanwijlick954 I had Heard That His Dad had Never Seen or Heard him Play before. Bet he was a Proud PAPA that Night!😊

[@chrisengland3965]

This gig was probably one of THE BEST GIGS EVER, every single band member was on fire all at the same time, to do this Telegraph Road and Tunnel of Love on one night is just unheard of ...... top top musicians at the very peak of their game....and moreover playing with smiles as they actually knew just how good it was

[@setonhillstudios]

Such a cool moment in time! Appreciate you stopping by! I have to check out Telegraph Road! Lots of suggestions for that one 🤘🏻

[@chrisengland3965]

honestly if you think the dynamics were special in this, that song takes it to a whole new level....well lots of levels actually lol@@setonhillstudios

[@bepo40]

This is one of the best live performances ever! It's full of energy and keeps me goosebumped for the whole 10 minutes. What a performance, even after seeing this hundreds of times so far...

[@setonhillstudios]

It truly is amazing!!! Such a talented group! Can’t wait to check out more of their tunes! 🤘🏻

[@wendyw4487]

Keep your eye on Mark Knopfler throughout the entire video. He is directing the entire time with a look, a nod, eye contact.......there is never a second that he is not in control of that stage. It is how he performs at every concert and how he leads his band. And that is what makes him 'next level.' Along with being arguably the greatest guitar musician of all time.

[@setonhillstudios]

So talented!

[@surfwriter8461]

So true. That kind of subtle direction and weaving of the band's contributions is itself an art. But you can be sure that these guys practiced a lot before going on the road.

[@dongubelman2283]

Thought I was the only one noticed

[@AdamJackson-k9c]

He still does. Seen him many times solo as well as DS and he still conducts the band as the music swells and fades. He's always seemed to just enjoy playing with other talented musicians - he has a very sweet habit of standing with his back to the audience and playing with the band, then remembers the crowd and turns around again. Magic.

[@SilverHolland]

He knows exactly where he wants to make it cry or sing.

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

This is a superb line up. Hal was a cracking back up for Mark and John is the perfect bass foil for him. His bass lines are just right and are a delight to play. Terry's drumming in this version is sensational

[@44Tloc]

the drummer is crazy,unbelievable performence👍👍👍👍this guy knows how it works

[@setonhillstudios]

So good!

[@thenortherner3890]

Gets me that the youngest's of today don't know musicians like Mark Knopfler who for me is in the top 5 greatest Guitarists of all time - but now its about the video and the six packs and crouch shots and not the music - so glad I was born at the right time 🙂

[@AlexnPeter-t9w]

A journalist once asked Prince how it felt to be the best guitarist in the world. Prince is said to have replied, "I wouldn't know about that; you'd have to ask Mark Knopfler."

[@Heathcoatman]

Urban myth. This is one of those stories you hear about nearly every guitar player. First time I heard this was 'when Eddie Van Halen was asked what it's like to be the greatest guitarist in the world he said I dont know ask Alex Lifeson'. It's a great quote that actually never happened and just keeps making the rounds, with the guitarists names being interchangeable. When asked for an attribution none is ever found.

[@keithwright433]

@@Heathcoatman It originated with a tv interview of Jimi Hendrix being asked what is it like being the greatest guitar player in the world, and he replied “I don’t know, you have to ask Stevie Ray Vaughn, he’s the greatest in the world. He plays my riffs better than I do.”

[@bobmiller9313]

Iam 82 and just tuned in to see what today’s music lovers think of real talent from back in the day. The guitar player in influenced by Chet Adkins

[@setonhillstudios]

Hey there Bob! Thanks for swinging by! I think this group is absolutely amazing along with a lot of the bands from that era! Such a great time for music! 🎶

[@chriscorbin2059]

Before Dire Straits Mark was in the US getting session work and was mentored by Chet Atkins. While their styles were different his influence was huge. They did an album together titled Neck and Neck which was described as two of the best guitarists in the world getting together in the basement and just making music.

[@setonhillstudios]

That sounds incredible!

[@davidpaterson2309]

And here they are playing together - kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6i3h39_j8arg80si=1Ors5Gd-VSq7WDho demonstrating what two “finger style” masters can do - and make it look easy.

[@ezraburgess895]

Not bad for a self taught guitarist. Go Mark Knopffler. Terry Williams's father was in the audience to see his drummer son, for the first time, perform on stage so Mark told him to go crazy, and he did. You could tell these master musicians loved their performance as much as the audience did. There is no doubting this performance was epic and I have watched it many, many times and still can't get enough.

[@setonhillstudios]

Straight 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@Certifried-uv7jh]

@@setonhillstudios Terry's dad had seen him plenty of times live... that's an urban legend. It was, however, his dad's birthday

[@paullynch928]

​@@setonhillstudiosplus he is left handed but taught himself to play right handed. How I will never know. 😮

[@PaulEngineer]

Thanks Mate! You gave us a great ride on that reaction/review. You caught most of the important stuff - Mark Knopfler's magical finger-style guitar, the band dynamics, the drummer's intensity, the story-telling aspects of the song and music. For me one of the greatest live performances recorded.

[@setonhillstudios]

Thanks so much for watching!! Such a killer performance with so many magic moments! Appreciate you swinging by! 🤘🏻

[@jgwimmer]

Completely agree

[@janeanguy3389]

I am always a little disappointed when I read comments or listen to the person presenting this to us that th e keyboard contribution to this isn't mentioned. Also, and I can't swear to this, but Knopfler, in addition to his mastery of the guitar and his vocals along with writing all of the lyrics and music, was also responsible for arranging all of the instrumentation. And I know that he loved the piano. It was all of the elements combined that made this performance so amazingly fantastic!

[@debnbhuy]

Indeed the "good old days " real musicians playing real music !!

[@setonhillstudios]

True!

[@SH1974]

The lead singer of the band is the guitar in Mark Knopfler's hand. But it's not just the guitar, the whole Band was just MINDBLOWING! They don't play solos, they play instrumental parts longer than today's songs.

[@setonhillstudios]

That’s a great way of putting it!

[@MsGeoffh]

100% the GOAT period. I'm calling it.

[@MsGeoffh]

love J Page and etc but him he could have been so much bigger.

[@toby9999]

What does GOAT mean? I must be getting old.

[@MsGeoffh]

@@toby9999Greatest Of All Time

[@StevenQ74]

Alchemy was 1983, the album the song was on was released in 1978. The drummer, Terry Williams, was trying a little harder at this performance since this was the first time his parents were in the audience. Terry had just joined the band after the first drummer of Dire Straits left the band after recording the "Love over gold" album. Mark Knopfler rarely uses a pick, just on a few select songs, he also wrote all Dire Straits songs. Funny thing about Mark is also that he is left handed. But you certainly need to see more Dire Straits songs: "Telegraph Road" from the same Alchemy tour, "Tunnel of love" from the Wembley 1985 concert, "Private Investigations" and "Calling Elvis" from "On the night" in 1992. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqqXZmqIpsehaqs

[@setonhillstudios]

More Dire Straits coming! Thanks for the info and stopping by the channel! 🙏🏻

[@johnlovenhill1]

Very much enjoyed watching you enjoy this :-).

[@setonhillstudios]

@@johnlovenhill1 Means alot! Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@chucklee347]

That's actually a fabrication of the Truth. Not sure how the fathers first time started but it isn't true.😮

[@tjrivers]

I had this album…lived in Knopfler’s world for a year, loved this new sound, crazy beats, beautiful melodies and wow the drums!

[@daveking9393]

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

[@setonhillstudios]

Wow!!! That’s such an epic story and what an experience!!! Imagine if you would have said no, then you would have regretted it forever! Thanks for sharing! 🤘🏻

[@dmitch1177]

Nothing wrong with those values!

[@fenackerpan]

So so envious...

[@thejam69]

For me one of the best live performances by anyone ever! ❤️🇦🇺

[@setonhillstudios]

So amazing!! Thanks for watching!

[@MsGeoffh]

Silence please the GOAT of guitar is plying now.

[@setonhillstudios]

🤣😂🤣 He is a beast!

[@MsGeoffh]

@@setonhillstudios Beyond a beast

[@russellpensonjr.7136]

I do believe it is one of if not the best drum performances of the era.

[@ricodog3652]

One of the best drum, bass, piano, guitar and vocal performances ever. It was a perfect storm.

[@russellpensonjr.7136]

@@ricodog3652 yep

[@peo4989]

This music means alot to me im born 1981 and my old papa used to put my legs on his feet at just 5 years old and made me learn the rythm in this music. I Swear this music made me appreciate dancing and rock in general. I will forever cherish this memory thanks to Dire Straits music. My old father is gone 7 years past now but memory remains. cheers from Sweden. We are the sultans of Swing

[@setonhillstudios]

Thanks so much for sharing! That makes it all worth it doing what we do! Sorry to hear about your father passing but it’s so cool that he created a legacy and sharing some amazing music with you! Cheers and have a great one! Thanks for stopping by! 🙏🏻

[@donaldcook3112]

God bless your father!.. Where I grew up, we were barked at by our dad for any music being played without headphones. Think I ‘shared’ about 20 sentences in 20 or so years. God bless your dad ! A l l b e w e l l .

[@peo4989]

@@setonhillstudios Thank you, yes i have real great memories of my dad growing up. Not everyone were so lucky. Life is too short however.

[@peo4989]

@@donaldcook3112 Sorry to hear that buddy. Thank your for your blessings. God bless to you too.

[@xxFORDIExx]

The virtuoso Mr Mark Knopfler. Certainly one of the outerworldly beings to ever grace this planet. Written some of the most amazing songs ever put to tape. Remarkable. There's a reason hebis regarded as one of the finest ever songwriters/guitarists of all time. Great reaction.

[@setonhillstudios]

Thanks so much! Yeah he is a beast and his technique separates him from so many guitarists. Can’t wait to dig into more! 🤘🏻

[@xxFORDIExx]

@@setonhillstudios I was so lucky to see Dire Straits live in 1992. It will be etched in my brain until I leave this world. I was 16 and had never thought I'd get the chance. So lucky that Mark got the band back together for a final album and tour. Huge tour. I never thought they'd reform but the dream came true. They sold 7.1 million tickets for that final 'On Every Street' tour. It was mind-blowing. Knopfler was on a whole new level by that point. Anyway, he's my musical hero, if I was religious, he'd be my God lol. I look forward to you discovering more of the genius that is Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits. 😎

[@setonhillstudios]

@@xxFORDIExx I bet that was an amazing experience! So cool! Appreciate you sharing! More reactions to come of Dire Straits for sure! 🤘🏻

[@stillbaddad]

THIS CONCERT WAS 1983... You have to also listen to Telegraph Road from the same concert, it would be naughty not too. The Drummer Terry Williams was a master at his art. He is from Wales (Welsh) one of the greatest. Mark and his Brother are from Whitley Bay North East England 3 miles from me. They were absolutely massively respected up North before they became famous.

[@setonhillstudios]

Appreciate all the info! Other people have suggested Telegraph Road so I gotta make it happen! Killer band and can’t wait to hear more! 🤘🏻

[@davidfeltz8697]

Yes. Telegraph road is the best!

[@SilverHolland]

@@davidfeltz8697 Dire Straits songs are very competitive with each other. Hard to find a dud.

[@terryroberts623]

I read that Mark K (the guitarist) planned out the live performances to a T. They actually practiced this until they reacted like a team. So much was planned. It points out that Mark K was great and deserved his top 10 ranking all time in rock guitar.

[@kaczmogal]

Mark is a lefty and when he was young his sister said you’ve got to turn the guitar around and play right handed. Amazing. He attributes having a strong left hand on the the strings/cords and could “strangle” the strings together making some great sounds.

[@setonhillstudios]

Unbelievable!! Appreciate the info! Such an amazing musician!

[@doughaviland1729]

No pick. Master of the finger pluck!😂❤

[@irabourstein]

In the presence of such musical and theatrical greatness it's easy to overlook the incredible performances by the band's supporting crew. The stagelighting, spotlighting, and videography are damn near pefection, and that guarantees that the audience will always be focused on the right musician at all times. When it's done this well, it often goes unnoticed. but if you've ever watched a musician perform a great solo in total darkness, or a camera aimed at the guitarist doing nothing during a drum solo, then you'll understand how much a backstage crew can add to, or subtract from, the overall live experience. Dire Straits didn't just have incredible musical chops; they also had the insight to understand the importance of backup, and select an absolutely top-notch technical crew. It helps explain how they could create terrific studio albums, but still be even more incredible live.

[@janeanguy3389]

Amen to that!

[@richardhargrave6082]

The line up was: 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 I was at this gig in 1983, I was 18, second ever (First was The Rolling Stones!) They are, as you say masters. We didn't think, based on studio recordings, that they'd smash it like they did, it was amazing at the time, but you don't appreciate it so much at the time. We knew Mark could play and the others too, but for me, Terry Williams was the star, every fill perfect, he played like that for over two hours, some work out! I think he always played like that, the urban myth about his parents first time seeing him, not sure if that's true The whole thing was amazing and still right up there after 40 years! You have to react to Telegraph Road, it was the encore

[@setonhillstudios]

Thanks for the info! Telegraph Road has been suggested quite a bit also!

[@janeanguy3389]

There were actually two keyboarders in this performance.

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

You lucky lucky bastard! 😊

[@kathymarie3723]

Mark is definitely gifted. Everyone in that band is gifted. Mark is left-handed and doesn’t use a pic.

[@Julie-o4c]

I have seen so many reactions to the best live performance there is. A lot of people miss out that there is 2 playing keybord/piano!❤❤

[@setonhillstudios]

Thanks so much for watching! It truly was an amazing performance! Can’t wait to see/hear more!! ❤️

[@janeanguy3389]

So little is ever said about the guys playing keyboard, and it always disturbs me when their contributions are overlooked.

[@jackrobinson6277]

That is one insane drummer. One of the best live performances in my opinion. Its well worth looking at the whole concert, it is truly amazing.

[@setonhillstudios]

I bet the whole concert is amazing!

[@Weareeverything2023]

The drummers father was at this concert, and it was the first time he had ever heard him play live, so the story goes. Either way, not many people grab more comments than Knopflers amazing guitar playing, but Terry Williams was truly on fire this time.

[@firstfreonwarrior]

The very best of British music, we grew up with such wonderful talent.

[@alanwhitfield8934]

Local hero ,,going home live performance both versions with and without the saxophone for an instrumental he makes the guitar 🎸 talk to you definitely worth watching

[@elaines5750]

Been touted as the greatest live rock performance...ever.

[@setonhillstudios]

I can see why!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@NondescriptMammal]

Which, like any "greatest" thing having to do with music, is a meaningless title

[@Pomdownuder]

Terry Williams(drums) father was in the audience for the first time that night. So he notched it up to 11. Check Mark Knopfler is a finger picker, (developed from his acoustic guitar) he found he got the best sound playing clean. Check Marks face towards the end "fookin' nailed it"

[@setonhillstudios]

That’s super cool! Yeah they were on 🔥 I love those extended solos and jamming off of each other. You don’t get that much anymore

[@Pomdownuder]

@@setonhillstudios nah no more music hero's for this old bastard 😂

[@setonhillstudios]

@@Pomdownuder 🤣😂🤣

[@ah6352]

My mom saw these guys in Dallas at the Palladium in 1979. I grew up listening to these guys. I remember jamming this on my dad's turntable when I was a teenager.

[@setonhillstudios]

So awesome!

[@kyotocoversjimanderson782]

Great reaction. What gets me is how everybody in the band was totally into it, and so they all brought it together.

[@setonhillstudios]

Right?!? So awesome!

[@benmeltzer]

At 13:11 you can see Mark mouth an instruction to the band to take it uptempo again. At the end they're all looking at him. He gives that tilt back to the left of his head and jerk of his body at 15:56 to signal the band to go into the coda. Then they watch for him to bring his hands up and then down at 16:45 so they all end in unison.

[@setonhillstudios]

Great observation! They are in sync with one another and making so many musical decisions on the spot! So cool!

[@gregusmc2868]

I saw DS on this tour when I was 16 years old. Mark is just a singular player. You know it’s him on the first note. Good memories. 👍🏼🫡

[@setonhillstudios]

That’s awesome! I love how music can take you back years and sometimes decades and you can relive an amazing experience! Thanks for sharing!

[@Badmungo]

Mark is one of the best guitarists in the world. Oh, and I heard somewhere the drummers dad was in the audience and had never seen him play before..... MAXIMUM EFFORT.

[@setonhillstudios]

That’s what a few people have said! Mark killed it and the whole band was on 🔥 Thanks for sharing!

[@Almcosta25]

Thank you for sharing with us your reaction to this masterful live version of "Sultans of Swing"! Being a drummer gives you all the authority based on knowledge and experience to point out how brilliant Terry Williams is as a drummer. Thank you and greetings from Porto, Portugal.

[@setonhillstudios]

Glad you enjoyed it, I know I did!

[@joyceharkin3641]

Everyone in the band was on fire. All superb musicians who were having a lot of fun. When they have fun, the audience does too!! I think you might really love "Brothers in Arms" (official video) It's very moving and something of an anthem for UK military.

[@miguelpanta]

this live performance is off the charts - I like how appreciative you were of so many layers which happened there, a true connoisseur!

[@just-a-yt-guy]

One of the best ever live performances I've ever seen and heard.

[@jezfrench9435]

Apparently the drummers dad was in the crowd and it was his 1st time seeing him live so he was giving it 110%

[@Lisa-ye8cu]

They have amazing chemistry! The grins they are having a blast.

[@Jerry-b2i]

Thanks for your excellent reaction. Mark Knopler one of the greatest. 1983 alchemy live, cannot get enough of it.

[@setonhillstudios]

Thanks so much for watching! Means alot! Definitely a new fan here of Dire Straits and can’t wait to hear more! 🤘🏻

[@kyotocoversjimanderson782]

I just love this every single time I watch it. It's just so great to see all the members of a band so obviously loving every minute of what they're producing as a band..... having fun!

[@setonhillstudios]

It’s so great to watch people enjoying what they do! Makes the experience that much better for sure ❤️

[@doughaviland1729]

The Drummers parents were in the audience, so he was letting it all hang out!😂❤

[@aliampb6949]

Mark Knopfler amazing guitarist. He has just released a CD for charity. With out a second ask 60 top, worldwide guitarist gave their time and craft for him. Awesome. He has also just had a sale of some of his guitar collection.. £8.8 million, people buying history. A percentage going to charity. Dire Straits, from the word go have given, quietly with no razzmatazz, to their local city charities. What gentlemen

[@colingoode3702]

Just one big jam session from my favourite band. Saw them a few times in the '80's. This is the best version of Sultans. The whole Alchemy live recordings are fire.

[@setonhillstudios]

I bet! This one was killer

[@Bry293]

Best version of Sultans was at the Nelson Mandela birthday concert in 1988, also best Brothers in Arms. Eric Clapton on rythmn guitar too!

[@nickshelley3118]

i remember when they were blasting on the radio in the late 70's, awesome, such a different sound than anybody else,

[@Spirit-Wolf74]

The entire show was a masterpiece and just a massive jam session

[@setonhillstudios]

A masterpiece indeed! Thanks for watching!

[@felixfriedrich8534]

Mark Knopfler (since born to a Ungarian father, likely to pronounced WITH the "K") is one of the most prolific guitarist of all time in part he's not usually playing with a pick. I was present in a 1985 live concert including Sultans Of Swing and found it even more full of expression as it was in the Alchemy tour in 1983. That's the beauty of life-versions, they always add a little twist here n there. Sultans Of Swing is perhaps my all time favorite.

[@setonhillstudios]

Super cool! Thanks for sharing!! Such an amazing performance! 🤘🏻

[@WassPogoreloff]

1984. According to "John Illsley: My Life in Dire Straits": - one very entertaining book by the co-founder and the bass behind Dire Straits - the headband comes from the days of playing tiny, hot, smoke filled clubs in mid 70s. Pouring sweat burns your eyes and the only reasonable solution was the tennis headband - that became iconic. :) Terry Williams on drums - his dad was in the audience and Mark Knopfler told him to go all-in!

[@setonhillstudios]

And he definitely went “ALL IN.” Thanks for the insight and stopping by! 🤘🏻

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

Terry's fills are simply awesome in this gig

[@viviennerose6858]

There's a lot of bad stuff happening in the UK at the moment, but listening to this makes me SO proud to be English 😊

[@johnathanstruble1064]

The style of playing without a pick in that fashion, is called " Chicken Picken"...it's a style adapted from banjo players in Bluegrass..the thumb runs the bass top 3 strings, while fingers run the treble bottom 3 strings. Chet Atkins made it mainstream on hits in 40s thru 70s, and Mark was a fan. Other famous chicken pickers..Stephen Stills, Lindsey Buckingham ( Fleetwood Mac)., Vince Gill, Derek Trucks and Brad Paisley...❤

[@janfitzgerald3615]

They actually had two keyboard players, it’s not until close to the end when the camera pulls back that you see them on either side if the drummer, but at certain points you can hear both of their separate parts. Mark Knopfler is one of the few guitarists that doesn’t use a pick. Also he said in an interview that the sweatband was functional, he wore it so sweat didn’t drip in his eyes during concerts.

[@setonhillstudios]

Makes 💯 sense! Appreciate you watching and sharing some info! Thanks!

[@nickabbott6278]

A few years after this they played two concerts in my home state, 10% of the states population went to the concerts.

[@setonhillstudios]

Haha…that’s wild! Basically shut the state down for the day! 🤣

[@tonybaker55]

First released in 1978 and it changed my world! This was performed in 1984 though.

[@williamharding9753]

Best band ,best concert, best song in the history of the world ❤

[@setonhillstudios]

So good!

[@CaptainCaveman1170]

Fun fact, as undeniably great as "Sultans of Swing" is (especially this version), the whole song is kind of them ragging on a random "house band" that they stumbled upon in a bar or lounge. I guess they heard them say something like "Good night folks, we are the Sultans of Swing" and Dire Straits found their band name to be ironic/funny/sad enough to make a song about them lol.

[@huwgriffith1138]

Their set at Live Aid was iconic

[@DarrellFanning-bx7xz]

So well said, the art and the passion is missing from so much of today's music.

[@setonhillstudios]

It does seem that way! Appreciate the comment and you stopping by the channel!

[@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 your living like that wouldn't suck.

[@setonhillstudios]

The dream! I wouldn’t mind cruising along jamming to this song 🎶

[@ytcarol]

Love your reaction! You noticed specific things about each player plus dynamics and communication of the group. Excellent observations! Subscribed.

[@setonhillstudios]

Thanks so much!

[@RichardJones-rx2iz]

Drumer the great Terry Williams from Swansea S Wales! Between him and a guy called Brian Breeze, an amazing guitarist, Swansea was honoured!

[@setonhillstudios]

Such a beast! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@yessroman]

Wow ! What energy. I’m on the throne, thought I was finished. But this song… I pushed another kilo.

[@johnreynolds6369]

Me too. Straining, mind you.

[@bensly9194]

Too many guitarists today are way too focused on scales as opposed to using the guitar to really express yourself through sound and music which is what Mark and other legendary guitarists are good at. This performance has to be in the top 5 geatest of all time. Good reaction bro.

[@setonhillstudios]

Appreciate it! Yeah I loved it! So much to unpack! 🤘🏻

[@dcnole]

One thing that I love, which I didn't catch until many listenings, is how they drop this really cool foreshadowing of the final build-up riff quite a bit earlier in the song. At 6:45, for just a few seconds, you hear the keys player in the background drop this little melody line that we haven't heard up until that point, and won't hear again for another ~4 minutes (12:10 in the vid) when Mark picks it up. Then Mark and the keys have that great sequence (12:28-12:53) where they exchange the riff back and forth, at which point it comes back to Mark & it's GO TIME!

[@setonhillstudios]

Such a cool detail! Absolutely killer musicians and writers!

[@MattHarris85]

You're right about no pick. I feel like a massive part of the Dire Straits sound is just 'what if we played 70s rock but with all finger picked guitar'

[@margaretervin8895]

The drummer's Dad was in the crowd, so Mark told him to go for it. Man that drummer rocked !

[@setonhillstudios]

Oh wow, that’s so awesome!

[@mootzartdev]

I know its gonna be a genuine reaction when people raise their eyebrows to that chicken picking right at the start haha

[@setonhillstudios]

Haha 🤣 No doubt!

[@neiledwards6531]

beaty and originality at his fingertips, genius.

[@setonhillstudios]

💯 Thanks for watching!

[@brucemattes5015]

This concert was recorded live at the *Hammersmith Odeon* theater in London, England on July 22 & 23, 1983. There are multiple recordings from those two days that are perhaps Dire Straits's best performances of those songs in the band's career. Just 5 years later Mark Knopler disbanded the Band, to embark on a solo career that has arguably been as good, if not better, than his time with Dire Straits. His tour several years back with Emmylou Harris, *All the Roadrunning,* was epic.

[@heartwork8318]

Those were the days! I love Mark Knopfler! This was early 80’s I am pretty sure! Great reaction!❤️‍🔥✌🏻🫶🏻

[@setonhillstudios]

Appreciate that! Thanks for the info! Yeah it was alittle before my time but that generation shaped my musical taste for the rest of my life! 🤘🏻

[@markcall1982]

Love watching this dude. been playin since i was 4 and the many styles still amaze me. So fun to watch the drummers in all shows. this is fun to watch. one had to have the talent to be able to pull this of live.

[@setonhillstudios]

4?!? Wow! That’s crazy young to start! To play at this level in front of all those people is amazing! Thanks for watching and appreciate the comment! 🤘🏻

[@twalbert123]

Amazing how the "Sultans of Swing" didn't want to make that guitar cry or sing, but boy could Dire Straights! Absolutely my favorite performance by them (along with Money for Nothing/Sting for Live Aid)....

[@setonhillstudios]

Haha…good point! Yeah, phenomenal performance and band!! 🤘🏻

[@samuraidarryl]

Musical genius!!!! Just amazing. Awesome reaction!

[@MsGeoffh]

once Prince was asked " what is it like to be the greatest guitarist ever? " his answer was Go ask Mark Knopfler...they know mate they know.

[@setonhillstudios]

That’s high praise coming from Prince! Definitely a beast and can’t wait to hear more from him! Thanks for watching!

[@philipwhitty2838]

I think that tale has been used quite a bit. Eric Clapton was asked the same question, his reply, ‘You better ask Prince’. All true masters of their craft are usually very modest.

[@markw.8455]

Lead guitar & singer is Mark Knopfler. Back in the 80's the stage lights were pretty hot-- (incadescent bulbs of 500 to 1000 watts) Mark said he would sweat and had trouble seeing, so started using a headband.

[@setonhillstudios]

Makes perfect sense! Absolutely incredible performance! Thanks for watching!

[@robertlindsay6671]

Seen more reactions to this than I could count but this is one of the best reactions for an observation you made. You commented on Mark's "touch" and not many people do... Mark has, in my opinion, the best touch or feel of any guitarist in history. His feel is so perfect and can add so much emotion to songs and you could pick out his style from thousands of guitarists from his unique mastery of it Great review, subscribed 👍🏼

[@setonhillstudios]

Definitely unique! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@terryroberts623]

I loved your analysis of this great bit of work. As a non-musician I didn't know much except that it resonates like mad.

[@setonhillstudios]

Really appreciate that! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@PaulArnold-z1o]

An absolute masterclass in band timing, dynamics, phrasing, continuity etc etc etc !!!

[@setonhillstudios]

💯 Agree! They were out there putting on a clinic! Phenomenal!

[@paulharper4196]

I'm an early 80s baby so my late teens and early 20s were during the peak years of the anthem trance Era, and the reason I absolutely adore this amd am riddled with goosebumps no matter howany times I listen to it is the structure is very similar to those great trance anthems with the builds, drops, breakdowns, key changes and them crescendos at the end before it fades away again Just magnificent.

[@CaptainCaveman1170]

Great point, and in my view it's because everything like that is based off of Classical Music whether we want to accept it or not lol. The great composers used to take the listener on the same type of trips as well. Something about humans, we have always loved this type of musical rollercoaster, and Dire Straits really nailed it with this performance.

[@paulharper4196]

@@CaptainCaveman1170 it's no coincidence that many of the all time great trance anthems have heavily sampled classical music.

[@musashimiyamoto586]

There are two more long and epic pieces in "Telegraph Road" and "Tunnel of Love", also from the Alchemy tour, although there are other live versions which are also great and brilliant in their own right. Very thrilled that people from a younger generation can appreciate the aweseomeness that was and is Dire Straits.

[@setonhillstudios]

So good!

[@Blaggard]

Perfect

[@setonhillstudios]

So good!!! 🔥 🔥

[@ShelleyCrowe]

Terry Williams beatin the brakes off them drums huh???

[@setonhillstudios]

💯

[@kevannoble5550]

Brilliant! I am very fortunate to have been at that actual concert at Hammersmith Apollo London during the Alchemy tour. An experience that has never left me. I often pull out the DVD and watch it to enjoy the experience over and over again. I also saw them live at Wembley London for the ‘On the Night’ tour. Just incredible! My favourite band!

[@BringItMAGA]

Terry Williams the drummer is the winner! Majestic drumming.

[@setonhillstudios]

So good!

[@peterarmstrong6928]

This was the first time Terry's parents saw him play live,,my inspiration for playing drums 🤟🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@setonhillstudios]

Wow, that’s so cool! 🤘

[@KaiLiedtke]

One of the Best Live Bands i've ever seen, and ihave seen a lot...

[@setonhillstudios]

I bet it would be awesome to see them live!

[@LibertyLeslie]

Sultans Of Swing (Live At Hammersmith Odeon, London / 1983 The writer of the song is the guitarist and singer Mark Knopfler was friends with Chet Atkins and learned some legendary guitar techniques from him. The younger guitarist is his brother.

[@janeanguy3389]

Actually, David Knopfler had left the band before this performance. That was Hal Lindes, not David.

[@LibertyLeslie]

@@janeanguy3389 Thanks for straightening me out I even did a search before I posted. ...lol It changes things for me cause I watch and listen to this song a lot and really thought they were brothers. I don't follow much else of their work. Just this song on this day.

[@samaratn33stewart78]

You nailed it right on the head when you talked about the peaks and valleys of the song because that's the same thing that the fictional band, the 'Sultans of Swing' are going through after playing music for two or three decades in small clubs where a lot of the audience came in to get out of the rain. But they keep on keeping on because when they get on stage to perform the same songs again and again, they are eventually able to find that groove that they had when they were a teenage garage band. But they're in their middle 40's now, which are the valleys you spoke of. But they don't give up or quit. Maybe Music won't let them stop.

[@setonhillstudios]

Thanks so much! Sometimes the music doesn’t let you stop no matter what the age! Thanks for watching! 🤘🏻

[@terryroberts623]

Crummer gets this one rolling. Then Mark K and band takes over for the amazing guitar solo in the middle-end