FIRST TIME REACTING TO | DIRE STRAITS "SULTANS OF SWING" ALCHEMY LIVE REACTION

[@farmerbill6855]

The Sultans of Swing were a real jazz band that he stumbled upon on a rainy night in London. He wrote the song about them and the club they were playing in. Now, if you'd like to hear him truly make that guitar cry and sing, search out "Romeo and Juliette", it is beautiful. As for what "box" to put them in, they're kind of just Dire Straits, they have quite a unique sound.

[@kengunter6903]

Yep. All the above bro. Sounds like u love brilliance like me. Lived through alot of it my man.

[@mikemaricle9941]

I wish someone would react to 6 Blade Knife, and Water of love.

[@jeffstevens4262]

Thanks for the info that's so cool. I wonder if the band 'Sultans of Swing' enjoyed any success on the back of this wonderful track. This is from the Alchemy tour at London's Hammersmith Odeon back in 1986 I believe. Mark Knopfler is a real songwriting genius.

[@kentl7228]

The band was supposedly terrible

[@andrew7648]

"Harry" and "Guitar George" are the legendary songwriter/producers Harry Vanda and George Young (older brother of Malcolm and Angus from AC/DC).

[@gabbyg7216]

Terry Williams on drums going ape because his dad was in the audience and it was the first time he had heard his son play. Absolute magic! Great Reaction!!!

[@yochadiaz2185]

Woa !

[@karolyn8644]

About a year ago Terry came on one of these videos to comment that he is still "bangin' on the bongos like a chimpanzee." Fans will recognize that as a line from Money For Nothing.

[@johnwelsh6065]

A son to be proud of!!

[@RB747domme]

I always thought that it was Pick Withers on the Alchemy tour, but thank you for informing me otherwise!

[@jettechdonatkins]

This is my favorite version of this song.I am so glad Mark let Terry tear it up on this one!

[@dneill8493]

One of the best guitar performances from one of the best guitarists and it's nearly overshadowed by the drummer. A very talented group all round.

[@anthonymoore8032]

Totally agree. The band is alive. But Knopfler is absolutely blazing. Don't ever remember seeing him this animated. A group of musicians, loving their music, and living in the moment. Glorious musical delight.

[@mlong1958]

Terry Williams, the drummer, is on fire. This performance is widely considered one of the best rock performances of all time.

[@andywalker8064]

The very second Mark Knopfler hits one note on guitar... you know it's him. Just a special, special and unique artist. Check out his more recent work with the legendary Emmy Lou Harris. Just extraordinary when you add it all up between the musical lives they've lived. So worth your time, Britt. Worth anyone's time.

[@jforman4406]

No pick. Mark finger picks his unique sound. InFnCredible!

[@Crespwnian]

This performance is legendary and why live shows are/used to be epic cause you can see and hear the artists really show their skills

[@reactivereplays5666]

Real artist do so many things different live to make their shows special and memorable!

[@SilverionX]

This version is almost twice as long as the original and that's because they're just jamming the heck out for several minutes. I love it. There's so much energy in this version.

[@stevenlowe3026]

A nice little tribute in the lyrics - "Guitar George" is George Young, the big brother of Angus and Malcolm Young of AC/DC, "Harry" is Harry Vanda. George and Harry were both guitarists (George played rhythm guitar, Harry played lead) in the 60's Australian band The Easybeats (biggest hit "Friday on My Mind" - well worth a viewing) and went on to mentor many Australian artists and bands - including AC/DC

[@squint04]

No matter how many times I've watched this video, I still say WOW!! Terry Williams on the drums, looks like he's fighting evil and kicking it's ass!!

[@karolvrchovsky4426]

Yes, you nailed it.

[@nickreade5429]

A legendary performance with Mark Knopfler's unique guitar style and Terry Williams on drums banging it out of the park!

[@greg2976]

👍👍💯💯🔥🔥

[@hazysummersky]

One of my early memories of these guys was watching a live performance where halfway through the show, Mark's thumbnail split (as he used his nails, not a guitar pick), and rather than stop the show he ripped the rest of his thumbnail with his teeth and carried on as if he were normal. That freaked me out as a kid..but mad respect! Still freaks me out now many decades later..

[@richardhargrave6082]

Hi Britt! I like your reaction! I was at this concert, I was 18 and thought this kind of performance is normal! It was amazing at the time, although you don't appreciate how good it was at the time Every musician was amazing, world class. For me, Terry William's drumming was the best I've seen (I never saw Rush & Neil Peart) They say his dad was in the audience. I was on the balcony and the whole thing was bouncing up and down! Its nearly 40 years and I still love watching reactions to it You now have to react to Telegraph Road, it was the encore...

[@alannorris8465]

First: Mark Knopfler is a Master of the guitar. Second, he can play anything on it. He has done true bluegrass, jazz, blues. . . You name it. Dire Straits is a great rock band, and so much more. They are just a great time!

[@LuigiSpumante]

As legendary as this performance is, I am of the opinion, someone hearing this song for the first time, should listen to the original recording. I can understand, a big group after many years, on a big tour, sometimes plays a new interpretation of their signature song, but it is their signature song for a good reason. The original is much slower and the never heard before guitar playing is more iconic in it.

[@sylviafarese8837]

Agreed!

[@georgesheffield1580]

And Mark never plays something the same way twice ( like alot of good musicians )

[@polmus]

Totally agree, someone hearing it for the first time will appreciate this better after listening to the studio recording for sure! Sometimes you just need to ease in on things :)

[@PjRjHj]

Agreed, awesome song from the get go. Hearing the studio version first just enhances the epicness of this performance

[@aaronherbison7316]

100%

[@1234uz]

Mark is one of the Best Guitar Players of all time his stye is unique and he is the master of Finger Picking in my humble opinion

[@shmanmani]

This is not a jam session. This is top writing and preforming. Nothing improvised here. Pure genious.

[@TheGlobalistJew]

Mark has said he was always improvising and then had to recreate what he did while recording to play it the way it came out. Then would build on it during the live performances.

[@petervenkman69]

I would describe them as a rock band with heavy influence from jazz, blues and Celtic music. Mark describes his music as where the "Tyne meets the Delta." (The Tyne is the river that runs through Newcastle, where he grew up, near the Scottish border. The Delta referring to the Mississippi Delta). Yes the song is autobiographical, but not about the band, but the patron signing about the band. Mark was walking in London on a wet day and went into a pub where this rather down and out jazz band was playing, and he thought it ironic that they called themselves the Sultans of Swing as they were anything but kings.

[@johnm506]

I was at this concert Alchemy Hammersmith Oden London 1983 aged 29 now 68 it will always be in my top three concerts of all time. This is music in it purest form great song great lyrics and musicianship on level that will never be matched by todays lip synched auto tuned computer generated garbage

[@ConstantinCatalin]

How fortunated you were..and you re sooo right!!

[@dopiaza2006]

I assume it's top of the top three!

[@rogerramjet5302]

I've seen Straits on a number of occasions but sadly not this tour. Out of interest, what else featured in your top 3?

[@opencarrier8607]

This was filmed in 78.

[@tomphilbrook6093]

@@opencarrier8607 this was '83...same concert they played Telegraph Rd from Love Over Gold which came out in '82.

[@brentravnsborg2782]

Yes Britt, Mark Knopfler is making that guitar sing. Now you for sure have to do more Dire Straits, these musicians are immensely talented. THX.

[@shannonwoods2413]

I love this performance. Mark knopfler doing what he does on guitar is amazing. But my favorite is Terry Williams, I mean damn, he is absolutely killing on the drums. I just wished they focused on him a little more.

[@theokara]

Thanks for bringing that up. Those drums are amazing.

[@stangovers7441]

One of the most lyrical, great guitar solos ever!! I've seen it written out. It even looks amazing.

[@Blaskor314]

Being someone who loves stories...this is based on time when the lead singer went into an empty pub in 1977 and witnessed an average jazz band. The Sultans of Swing was the bands name.

[@user-sj8vm9bq7p]

Prince was once asked "What's it like being the best guitarist in the world?" His reply was "Ask Mark Knopfler." He makes it talk. And he doesn't use a pick. The drummer is simply fantastic, a man ironically named Pick Withers.

[@twalbert123]

I think it was Terry Williams on the drums - Pick had already left the group. But awesome quote from Prince!!!

[@user-sj8vm9bq7p]

@@twalbert123 Quite right about Pick. He was with them during their first four albums (which included the studio recording of Sultans of Swing), and left just before the Alchemy tour. Thanks for the 411.

[@patrikrafael]

Terry Williams is the he drummer

[@brucethrasher8551]

Although knopfler is my all time favorite, you got the quote so wrong I have to correct it. First it was not prince. It was Hendrix. Second he never said it about Knopfler. He said it about several other guitarists. One thing he did say was Terry Kath from the group Chicago was the best guitarist in the universe. Go check out 25 or six to four, by Chicago, live in Tanglewood and you'll see why he said that.

[@hmichaelr1]

The studio versions of Romeo and Juliet and Tunnel of Love are two pieces of musical genius! I hope you'll give 'em a listen - if not on the channel, then just for your own guilty pleasure.

[@kimacronym2521]

This was my first vinyl double album (Alchemy), and I treated it as a piece of gold when it came out. It was so unique, first time I appreciated live albums in my life....Mark Knopfler one of the 10 best guitarist in rock history in my mind. Also because the sound of his Fender is so characteristic, you instantly recognise that he is playing.

[@PjRjHj]

Agreed, they're 2 songs I prefer the studio version of.

[@jonathanwetherell3609]

@@PjRjHj Carried unanamously.

[@RB747domme]

Agreed. Although afterwards Britt needs to check out Romeo & Juliet Wembley stadium 88 Mandela birthday. For me I think that was their best ever live version. Chris White's Sax is perfection and beautiful.

[@greg2976]

As a guitar player myself. To jam like that without a pick is amazing! Very few can do that, that I know of. Another great reaction! You will reach 100,000 subs by summer! You are taking the Music reactors by storm! Keep it up!

[@bradarchbell1748]

Mark Knopfler and Lindsay Buckingham stand apart as the greatest rock fingerstyle players, in my opinion.

[@greg2976]

@@bradarchbell1748 Forgot about Lindsay!

[@patrickcorliss8878]

I've heard that there are only two - Mark Knopfler and Lindsay Buckingham. Check out " Go Your Own Way ~ Live 1982". I am really stuck which to prefer of the two, but I think Mark Knopfler has the edge.

[@markoehler2752]

That is one of if not THE greatest live performances in the history of music!

[@ConstantinCatalin]

1000% agree

[@morinkhuur4945]

Yes. But I would also rank The Talking Heads' Stop Making Sense live performance right up there as well.

[@ebeefhart]

Stevie Ray Vaughan has one with Texas Flood Live At Mocambo

[@deborahdennehy9937]

I was in my 20's then, & just went wild listening & hearing them. Just superb. So funny I never really listened to what he was saying, just adored the music!! Mark Knopfler was the main songwriter & a gifted influential guitarist. His brother also played on bass guitar. 🥰🥰

[@utvoltz1728]

YESSS i love their Alchemy live performance! Thank you for this

[@paulnelson5713]

These guys have it all ,they play all their instruments,write their own stuff, lead singer Mark Knopfler is a genius ❤

[@twwtjohns]

Mark Knopfler isn't just a brilliant guitarist, songwriter he's an amazing showman as well.

[@elektrycerz74]

I've been Dire Straits fun since I was a boy.The way you refreshed that wonderful Alchemy concert moment Is so fresh, so true, nice. charmy and wise.The evolution of your emotions and mind set development when listening to the song is the best possible way you pay back a credit to this unique performance for all of us and it is so positive and cross generational travel with no regrets but open mind and soul.Thank you Lady.Thank you so much.

[@rhender3911]

There have been many great artists and many great performances over the years but I see and hear this as one of the all time greatest live performances on the world stage by any group ever. They were all just getting it. Brilliant performance. Mark Knopfler along with the drummer and all in the group were truly off the charts on this night.

[@ndboulton]

Dire Straits: Telegraph Road (Live Alchemy Tour)!!!

[@reactivereplays5666]

I have heard this song on the radio 1000 times and NEVER has it had this long trio guitar solo and the song played to the point I literally tuned it out and literally got tired of hearing it... Thank god I watch many reactions to all kinds of genres of music because I came across this one day a year or 2 ago now... Watching this and seeing the added guitar rift and the band together in all its glory jamming while the drummer goes nuts the entire song.... REALLY had me rethinking the way I tuned this song out... TRULY masterful performance I get chills every time I watch it and can't help but to WISH AND PRAY I were in that crowd... Just an added note Mark Knopfler went out there live every night and KILLED it with this 3000 (THREE THOUSAND!!) note, FINGER picking, note bending cord progression and never missed a note. A TRUE underrated guitar legend!

[@michaelkearney2186]

Yeah Mark Knopfler def has a unique cadence to his vocals. Very laid back. Great guitar player as well

[@georgesheffield1580]

Interesting fact ,Mark never plays something the same way twice , lots of really top musicians do this , they are that talented

[@erniesteele3164]

One of the single greatest live performances ever recorded.

[@pamagnolia]

Britt, from an article about the song’s origin: Dire Straits’ standing as MTV megalords belied the absurdly humble origins of Sultans Of Swing. Singer/guitarist Mark Knopfler had written it in 1977, after ducking into a deserted pub one rainy night and witnessing a lousy jazz band. Undeterred by the lack of both talent and punters, their lead singer finished the set with a mildly enthusiastic, “Goodnight and thank you. We are the Sultans Of Swing.”

[@rxlxviii]

Mark Knopfler is an amazing guitarist. Notice how he fingerpicks instead of using a pick. Another song by Dire Straits that I highly recommend where you can see more of his guitar performance is the live performance of Tunnel Of Love from Wembley Stadium. Also listen for the piano that comes in near the end of the solo.

[@justafreethinker]

Dire Straits' genre of music is: Dire Straits.. they are their own thing.. that is why they rock.

[@JMartin0409]

Love, love, love them! Phenomenal musicians and Mark Knoefler is incredible 🎼❤️

[@carldarbyshire4]

Britt, thank you so much for reacting to this. I've been waiting to see what your take on it was. As previously mentioned by other comments here, the song is a true story of Mark Knopfler when he was in London and went into this jazz club while he was there. There was a jazz band playing, as you can guess, called the Sultans Of Swing. He talks about how the club was not really packed out and virtually empty, because of more popular clubs in the area ("competition in other places") but this band don't care as they're just there to play their music (or have a jamming session as they would call it today). As for Dire Straits genre? well their music is heavily influenced by rock, soul, blues, R&B. This Alchemy Live performance was late 1970s by the way. 1978 I think. Keep up the good work Britt.

[@markbrooks8144]

The song is not about themselves. Like most Mark Knopfler’s songs, it’s written about something he has seen or experienced. It’s about a very average band he saw in a small venue, with a name he felt was a little too grand for their ability. Sultans of Swing. And oh yes. He can really play that guitar.

[@alphaomega7191]

He's also name checking the guitarists from the Easybeats Harry Vanda & George Young - listen to "Friday on My Mind" sometime and you'll get the reference about knowing all the chords because he's playing rhythm guitar but doing insanely tough chord progressions just because he can - it's a real guitarist nod to another thing. They went on to become writer/producers and produced the first 5 or 6 albums for George's younger brothers (Malcolm & Angus) band AC/DC. One of the great beauties of Mark's writing is the way he layers his songs with lots of joking references - something like "Money for Nothing" is on it's surface just a story about a couple of working class jerks being jealous of Rock Stars but there are lots of other joking references to things in their too to music videos taking over, new wave music fashion style etc.

[@scottnokes]

Mark Knopfler is one of the most talented guitar players in history. He plays without a pick, and is able to make music like this. Unreal!

[@ememnicholas565]

This song actually came out in 1977. This concert was a few years later. Mark Knopfler is my very favorite guitarist, hands down. You need to see the song "Telegraph Road" from this same concert. As far as I know, Mark Knopfler is the only rock star to have a planet, 'Markknopfler (28151)', and a dinosaur 'Masiakasaurus knopfleri' named after him. Strangely enough, as I'm listening to this reaction, the news comes across that Jack Sonni, who was called "the other guitarist" in the band, has passed at age 68. RIP Mr. Sonni, thanks for the music.

[@tattoodude8946]

Mark Knopfler, the singer for Dire Straits is one of the best "non-singers" I have ever heard. The relaxed style and tone just makes it sound like he is telling a story more than singing and I love it.

[@jimwhite3719]

Miss Britt...I present to you Mr. Terry Williams on drums. Easily one of my top 5 live drum performances.

[@martinstubbs7974]

I absolutely love your reactions!! Thank you so much!! If you want to experience all round musicianship you might want to listen to the epic Telegraph Road from the same concert. It's quite an experience!! Take care and best wishes from the UK.

[@thekingcobra63]

Baby you have to go listen to the whole Alchemy album, totally amazing. Was glad I got to see Dire Straits in concert.

[@elmarwinkler6335]

In UK there was a law for PUBlic houses, they had to close down at, I think it was 10 a clock in the evening. This law does not exist anymore, for many years. As I am 63 yo I witnessed it when I was visiting England at that time. Mr. Knopfler wrote this song, so the lagend has it, in that pub, listening to this musicians. You know not every legend is true, but it fits. Elmar from Germany.

[@jbsmarklinmodellbahn1728]

My first live concert in cologne was the alchemy tour. I remember how fascinated i was about these guitar skills. I will never forget this event.

[@cajunsushi]

I was working in a small warehouse at night back then and would put the phone intercom next to the radio. Always loved hearing Dire Straits in the warehouse and the guys enjoyed the background music of course.

[@robjohnson4592]

Had front row seats for this show.Incredible show. The electricity from the crowd was insane. The song is about a guy who walks into a bar and listens to a less than par playing. Thand was called the "the sultans of swing." One of the best shows I ever seen.

[@richiewall5380]

“Sultans of Swing” is a song by Mark Knopfler that appears on the self-titled Dire Straits album - 19781. It is a story song, told as a second person narrative about the London Jazz experience and is based on Knopfler watching a band perform in a pub in Deptford, who called themselves The Sultans of Swing1. The song is about guys who go to a club after work, listen to music and have a good time2. The song was bold for the times and was a marked change from the waning disco style and the nascent punk movement23.

[@bradclarke2770]

First, my all-time favorite, The Moody Blues-"Nights in White Satin", Lesley West and Mountain, Jethro Tull, Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, Santana, Jimmy Hendricks, Fleetwood Mack, Enya, The Cheiftans, Cappercaille, Chris Ledoux, too many more to list, NEVER LET THE MUSIC DIE! Thanks Kiddo! Luv Ya Stories and Messages in almost ALL music!

[@michaelmcgillivray1624]

Oh yeah, he can really play that guitar,...and without a pick! All fingers and talent.

[@richardgoddard37]

The whole Alchemy Live performance is right up there with the very best shows ever recorded.

[@LordRahl1975]

The thing that makes this performance even better than the already awesome studio version is the extended coda at the end. As for genre, sort of their own niche within rock or blues rock.

[@pcard10]

I saw them in 1978 when this was their first radio played song. They had such a small catalog of songs, they played this twice. HA HA It was awesome!

[@michaelreeder9931]

Check out "Walk of Life" but do the official video version. It's fun.

[@dimitrimartins6561]

I bought the Alchemy Live album in vinyl when I was 14 years old...and that was years and years ago. I have no clue how many times I've listened to it. Best of the best !!!

[@basbeest2238]

Great reaction! About the volume etc... the sound (and image too!) quality is just truly amazing for a now 39/40 year (depends on the month :) ) performance

[@derekshirley5543]

The song is about the lead singer walking into a London bar to find the band playing Jazz / Creole music. There were not many people in attendance but the performance must have had an impact on Knopfler, hence he wrote the song. In rock and roll there are 2 kinds of guitar playing, rhythm and lead. Mark Knopfler plays lead which is why he makes it cry and sing. The other guitar player in the band plays rhythm and often goes unnoticed. In the 3rd verse he is saying that the London crowd didn’t care about the Jazz / Creole music (trumpet playing band) because it ain’t what they call rock and roll (Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Beatles). It should be noted that Jazz Creole is distinctly American music from Louisiana, perhaps not appreciated enough by the English in Knopfler’s view.

[@alphaomega7191]

The names are also references to Harry Vanda & George Young of the Easybeats. Listen to George's work on "Friday on my Mind" and you'll understand the "knows all the chords" reference as he does insanely complicated work just for the fun of it. George's younger brothers are Malcolm & Angus from AC/DC and Harry and George produced their first 5 or 6 albums.

[@eturfrey]

Mark Knopfler, lead guitar Hal Lindes, Rhythm Guitar John Illsey, bass guitar Terry Williams, Drums Alan Clark, keys And for these shows 22/23 July 1983 guest keys Tommy Mandel

[@jennywren7822]

Again Mr Knopfler wrote the words and music, arranged it, sang it and played his guitar as only he can. All this masterpiece has come from the genius that is Mark Knopfler, this is 1983, 40 years ago, long before you were thought of, and it's still amazing. Well done yet again 👏👏

[@kaylabarker4567]

George and Henry were part of a band from Australia called the Easy Beats Gorge's last name was Young and went on to produce brothers Malcom and Angus Young's band AC/DC

[@bigglesharrumpher4139]

I like the way you break it down and your immediate reaction to the twists and turns of this song....well done!

[@Wallydaft]

'The time bell rings' refers to the bell in British pubs...When during the old days and the old licencing laws, the closing time in the pub was 10.30pm. The landlord of the pub would ring a bell ie the time bell. He would occasionally shout LAST ORDERS,please. Now that pubs don't close at 10.30pm I guess the bell is no longer used.

[@WassPogoreloff]

Head/wrist bands come from the times Mark was doing gigs in tiny pubs/clubs in 70s - dark, hot, smoky. Sweat is burning your eyes and face when you are this energetic.

[@nickgrazier3373]

Ye! They stumbled into a small club in the south of London and the band was playing and he’s telling the story of that band as he saw them! They just did their thing on stage. The rhythm guitarist just played and didn’t want to make the guitar cry and sing he just wanted to play in the band! Baggies was baggy trousers (pants to you) 70s fashion trend in the UK. Have you heard Dire Straits and Brothers in Arms yet?? Totally different just 2 years after the Falklands War! Look it up.

[@KevinPugh-hq8rc]

He was from the North and down south is London town in Britain. The story is a band playing in a pub - a small venue . . . on Friday night at the end of the week - people went kind of wild. And yes, in the 70's high shoes were in, look at the glam rock of the time. Look at Slade for instance :)

[@crsounddoctor4937]

Hey Britt, This is an absolute "VIBE" and a "BANGER!!!" These guys are musical "BEASTS!!!" The guitars scream on this track but the drummer jams "out of his mind" in this performance!!!

[@marcmiller6532]

So to help try and explain the guitars. in the lyrics, he is describing a band that he saw in a night club in London. If you apply it to the guitarists of Dire Straits in this performance, guitar George who doesn't make it 'cry and sing', is probably referring to the guy in the striped outfit, who is playing the 'rhythm' guitar. The lead guitar, who is Mark Knopfler, definitely can make it cry and sing, as you noticed! You may also notice that he is doing this without a pick. The third guy playing guitar, in the white, is playing the bass guitar. I hope this helps explain it! :)

[@johnburton4577]

Loved the reaction. Dire Straits are a great live band (lucky to see them once). And this is a great live track. But they also put a lot of effort into their studio albums and some tracks I prefer their studio versions. Can recommend Romeo and Juliette and Telegraph Road (amongst many others) if you've not done them already already.

[@Hicock1]

Dire Straits are an amazing band live they just rock

[@stevew3196]

Mark is a story teller. This was the band's first major hit. The song describes going into a bar late at night in Greenwich South London late one rainy night listening to a band in the bar which was quite empty (you don't see too many faces). Mark drscribes the scene in a 1 on 1 interview he did with Brian Johnson from ACDC. He said the band weren't that good the bar manager had to tell them to stop playing as he had to close the bar and as they finished the singer said "Thankyou Good Night we are The Sultans of Swing." He describes the clothes the drinkers are wearing "Dressed in their baggies and best Kings Road" "Baggies" loose fitting trousers. "Best Kings Road" Fashionable outfits bought in the Kings Road in Chelsea London . Singer lead guitarist Mark Knopfler has a unique style playing blues style with his thumb and 2 fingers. The bass player John Ilsley was an original band member. The guitarist with the blonde hair was American Hal Lindes. Drummer Terry Williams.from Wales UK. The 2 keyboard players both English Alan Clark and Guy Fletcher.

[@donrobbie1461]

I told you this is epic - the best live performance caught on video

[@deoncruywagen5191]

There are so many great Dire Straits songs- Private Investigations, Romeo and Juliet, Walk of Life, Brothers in Arms, So Far Away, Telegraph Road, Money For Nothing, The Man’s Too Strong, and many more. Please go down this rabbit hole so that we can enjoy it with you.

[@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.

[@chuckyost6973]

Britt, Britt, Britt!! Mark's "finger picken" a Fender Strat! Who else has ever done that?!? Then he went on to score The Princess Bride?!?!?!?!?

[@RB747domme]

Dear Britt, as a recent subscriber of yours, I just want to say that you are one of the most intelligently analytical people on KZbin. Not only that, but you seem to be a beautiful person both inside and out. I now look forward to your videos whenever they are posted, and can't wait to see your reactions to some band or other types of media. Your smile is beautiful and infectious, your eyes are full of hope and sweetness, and enviously, your skin is flawless! I simply adored your reaction to one of my big heroes Mark Knopfler on the guitar - he is recognised as one of the world's greatest guitar string pickers, and loved seeing you vibing out today amazing music and incredible chemistry. All Dire Straits music is fantastic. Your channel is just wonderful to watch and listen to, and I wish you the very best for the future. Clint xxx (PS. I think you are adorable too lol x)

[@pambennett3390]

This song actually came out in 1978. Back when music was not all about making video. This played on album-oriented rock radio stations and in every bar. Great times.

[@timtravasos2742]

So melodic and iconic. Beautiful weaving of familiar guitar phrasing.

[@binxbolling]

Swing is a type of jazz from the 40s typically using big bands. Dixieland is another kind of jazz from New Orleans . The lyrics are mainly from a spectator, but the line "We are the sultans of swing" comes from the jazz band leader. Mark Knopfler actually saw a small, sad little jazz band say that line.

[@Jack-pu4rf]

They are just brilliant and all of them are great musician's this is one of the greatest live performance's ever

[@montybrecheen8124]

notice that various forms of music are mentioned. dixie, Jazz, honky-tonk (country), creole, rock n" roll, swing. Mark Knofler stated that they did not play any of those genres when he walked into the bar in London England. (true story)

[@Grumpyoldman60]

The song was written about a long practice session that they decided to take a brake from, so they ended up the street at a little jazz club where there was a crummy band of old musicians playing who called themselves the Sultans of Swing. that's where Mark Knopfler got the inspiration for the song. He wrote it the next day and as they say that's how they got they're first big hit.

[@kendibble9963]

Mark Knopler was born in Scotland but came to live in northeastern England. The song is about his youth, experiencing the music scene when he came to London--"way down south" from his home. It's certainly a reference to the history of rock 'n' roll, which came from the American south. He's talking about a jazz band where tired, part-time musicians worked every weekend. He does contrast that down-and-dirty experience of being a professional musician in small clubs, barely making a living, with his dream of making that guitar cry and sing. Mark Knopfler is, in fact, one of the greatest rock, country, and folk guitarists alive today. You're hearing one small example of his virtuosity here--and this is truly a great performance of this song. He is also one of the most poetic, heartfelt guitar performers who ever lived in modern times. You picked a great man to listen and react to. You need to seek him out and hear more--much more.

[@palexander5090]

Mr. Knopfler has made more than guitars sing and cry. That is, many a guitarist has probably shed a few, once they hear just WHAT he can DO with that thing! Alas, the tears of envy are bitter, indeed.

[@WillFox-js2hu]

I read somewhere Knoppfler's father used to play in a jazz/swing band and this is a homage to those time guys.

[@simonround2439]

"When the time bell rings". British pubs usually close at 11pm and at this time a bell rings to announce that drinks are no longer being served at the bar.

[@vickielewallen3799]

Great song, and great reaction/review! Subscribed.

[@georgesheffield1580]

Mark is besides a fabulous guitar player and composer ,is a story teller of the first order

[@elvishemeon389]

Saw these guys live .... what an awesome group ... lit up the 80's .

[@ibjensen8626]

Loved your reaction. Yeah thats Mark Knopfler. The best guitarist in the world. Im so glad I got to see them perform in Copenhagen around 1987. We were actually told by the venue to remain seated at all times during the concert. At the second song we were ALL off our seats and ON our seats dancing.... "slightly" encouraged by mr Knopfler himself. After all they couldn't throw all of us out. So we were up there dancing throughout the concert -everyone! And Sultans is the best Dire Straits song ever ♥️ Cheers Susan

[@billwalker7556]

They were stars on MTV in the 80's. They even had a song they did about MTV.

[@annmarieknowles7462]

There's a music competition in a club, they have Dixie, jazz honky tonk & rock & roll, but they are the sultans of swing, bringing it all together

[@njchas]

BYW, I’m very excited to see you react to this great song/jam. As Farmer Bill said, this is a true ‘story’, so if you go back and reread the lyrics, it will make sense to you. It’s NOT autobiographical. I strongly urge you to read the lyrics and then see the live version of “Telegraph Road”

[@ooshta]

Hi Britt 👋. I used to listen to them in the 70s and 80s back in HS and College. This concert was known as legendary. I love their songs "Brothers in Arms" and "Ride across the river" and 5he one 6ou just reacted to. Use just sit back and vibe out to them. You react to the 2 I just mentioned. 🙂👍❤

[@robertstoner8244]

Mark got the idea of this song going into a pub. And the band was playing there. They were the sultan of swing

[@yougotmossed3592]

A guitar virtuoso! Incredible performance!