HOW HAVE I NEVER HEARD OF DIRE STRAITS!? Sultans of Swing (Reaction!)

This was absolutely electric. I can see why people in the comments mentioned this being one of the best live performances ever. Sultans of Swing is insane, Mark Knopfler is a boss. Everything about this was wonderful.
Thank you for hanging out and watching my reaction to my first time listening to Dire Straits' classic song Sultans of Swing.
Link: • Dire Straits - Sultans...
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[@musiciansworkbench1560]

I have the hardest time believing that anyone over the age of 10 who plays guitar hasn't heard this song.....

[@mitchdaytonam3]

Agreed, it’s like when you see “Vocal Coach reacts to Freddie Mercury” and they say it’s their first time hearing him.” 🤣

[@EbonyPope]

Hard to believe that he doesn't know that song. It is played on the radio very often. Unless one has never turned on the radio sitting in a car or never heard radio in general one should know it.

[@countspokeula539]

It's click bait haha

[@Pcytripper]

I'm 50 and never heard Marvin Gaye until I was an adult. My dad listened to classic county and I got into heavy metal in the early 80's, so it wasn't on my dial.. and I've had folks be shocked when I haven't heard some R&B hit. It's entirely possible to have not heard one song out of the thousands available.

[@musiciansworkbench1560]

@@Pcytripper I'm not outright saying "it's a lie" but man.... I don't listen to Metal at all... not a fan of any of that hard stuff..... but I know who Metallica is.... ya know? And I know "Enter Sandman" when I hear it. But I do realize some artists just fall through the cracks.... in Australia we have 2 artists that are way more beloved than AC/DC (Arguably our most famous export other than the Wiggles) but not many people know who they are.... even though I would say they are 2 of the best singers in the world....Enjoy Jimmy Barns and John Farhnam kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5nWl6tngdqigcU

[@user-qv9iw9mm2w]

Another generation figuring out what we knew 45 years ago that Mark Knopfler was simply the best!

[@albertolopez8859]

and the other groups which became famouse in these years ..77,78 79, 80 like bob Marley ,Steve Miller ,Little river band ..Steve Wonder ...peter Tosh

[@albertolopez8859]

and the other groups which became famouse in these years ..77,78 79, 80 like bob Marley ,Steve Miller ,Little river band ..Steve Wonder ...peter Tosh

[@FFM0594]

I think you'll find that was Tina Turner.

[@ChristianCoulombe]

Been a fan of DireStrait since mid 90’ awesome musicians. More of Mark Knopfler,,have a listen of Knopfler on Guitar and Chris Botti on Trompette playing What a wonderful World

[@nedlambton6602]

2nd best after JJ cale... ❤

[@MrDarkweaver]

The best description for Dire Straits songs is, "Mark's voice tells the story whilst his guitar sings the song."

[@Ryxn97]

I don’t think people give enough credit to Terry Williams here, quite honestly one of the best drum performances I’ve seen ever. Unreal! Glad I bought the vinyl!

[@burstcity3832]

Agreed, right up there with the guy from the WHO.

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

​@@burstcity3832That would be Keith Moon! ❤❤❤❤

[@jwozniak1]

I’ve been listening to Mark Knopfler for 40 years. The man is a musical genius and, quite possibly, one of the greatest guitarists that’s ever lived, in my humble opinion.

[@trschreck]

came here to say this. DS has provided the soundtrack to my life.

[@jalesbarjo4740]

And me thinking i was the only one! Can't stop listening to them since first time when i was 12. I'm 32 now. My only drug for life. No side effects. Just chills every single time. And it's well set to be for life! A blessing.

[@download77]

Possibly? No Actually!

[@bradmaj]

best guitar work IMO is still "Calling Elvis"

[@jonclegg8903]

Yes. Yes he is.

[@scottishpensioner2447]

71 years old today and I still LOVE Dire Straits. It's great to see young men discovering our music. We had the best music.

[@captainnolan5062]

Have, not had!

[@jackdedert2945]

I'm your age, and every time this song comes up on the radio, or in my personal rotation--I MUST turn it up. LOUD!

[@bosvigos9165]

@@jackdedert2945; Me too 71, 'old lady...' Ha!! We did have some of the very best music in all genres I think.

[@xeotic1991]

Well, I'm in my early thirties & my best song if anyone asks me is Brothers in arms by Dire Straits. While Sultan of Swings is a masterpiece, made by genius who arranged melody onto written words, then smashed solos while being first guitar under the microphone into this marvelous feature we've witnessed.

[@timb9363]

My dads 73 and I grew up on his music taste every Sunday whilst he ironed his shirts for the week. Sultans made me come downstairs and ask him who it was, glad I’ve got an older Dad

[@catothecensor]

I can’t believe anyone in the world has never heard of the greatest guitarist of all times… and yes, there are better electric guitarists and electric solos, but Mark was a genius of the guitar, and his style is a different game. We all would like his touch, we all would like his sound.

[@davidwatkin5929]

Your remark on how the sound of the vocals makes him accessible on a personal level is so profound! Based on that alone I have subscribed! Mark just sold his guitar collection at Christies in London for around $10 million, the funds of which will be donated to the teenage cancer fund! This man is a legend!

[@lynnb6990]

Only 25% is going to charity, and that one is not mentioned.

[@lindabergman3127]

Yes he is❤

[@drbobs8267]

It’s truly hard to imagine a guitarist that hasn’t heard of Mark Knopfler. He’s commonly listed as one of the top five rock guitarists of all time. Admittedly, I’m 73 years old and have known this song since its release but Knopfler is my favorite. There are others right up there (pick your favorites) but I love his work.

[@Knasende]

Definitely top 5 of all time! Hard to believe a guitarist openly admitting to not have heard of knopfler and I had to watch this video just because I was slightly offended by the title, lol. But its really fun to watch him experience Knopfler for the first time

[@pablomandryk5433]

@@Knasende no respect at all for a guitar player who 'hasn't heard' about dire straits. Or it is a straight up lie or he is just too ignorant

[@hepphepps8356]

It is just a pretend game. A way to gather wievs from «fair use» of others original work. Of course he has heard it before. There are channels of «professional musicians» pretending to not have heard The Beatles. Including a Harpist pretending to not having heard She’s leaving home. It is beyond ridicolous.

[@graemes52]

No man. young American Dude, British band from 3 decades ago.@@pablomandryk5433

[@Ditcha1]

@@pablomandryk5433Or you live on the moon

[@deennaemilio]

Terry Williams on drums can't be overlooked. He is brilliant and there are no words for Mark Knopfler. He is at the very top of his craft.

[@katearmiger8535]

I heard that Terry’s father came to see him for the first time at this concert so the band told him to just go for it. Totally agree , one of the best guitarists ever in Mark Knopfler. ❤

[@RKDriver]

I'm a guitar player and can't appreciate Knopfler enough but when I saw this live performance for the first time, it was Terry's drumming that just blew me away. That guy could put on a clinic on how to play drums live.

[@professornuke7562]

Formerly of a brilliant band called Rockpile.

[@MattiasSchonning]

Especially on the Album Communique. The Song News has some of the best drums I've ever heard

[@nudenut1916]

I'm here for this! Terry Williams is a powerhouse in this song and the whole Alchemy concert album.

[@BillYovino]

"This tennis player is the best guitarist I've ever seen" That is the funniest comment ever!

[@RUHappyATM]

From an angle in the dark, he did look like JPMJ.

[@jmp01a24]

The expression towards the end solo... like "WTF bro, what is this? It's not normal or possible".... It made me laugh so hard looking at his face. He knows because he's a good guitarist and knows the amount of work that goes behind playing like that. Wonderful. It was one of the best "reaction videos" ever....

[@liolebg]

Came here in the comments for that 😂

[@User_Albert_V]

Hahahahaha

[@kingshearer2]

You cannot be serious

[@tazm1945]

"I don't understand how a song can rock so freaking hard without distortion" 0 dude, you have missed out on a HUGE universe - a treasure trove of rock music!!! Like a lifetime supply!! Welcome to the clean sound of the guitar strings, without any electronic wizardly disguising their soul! Glad you've been enlightened! :D

[@volkoff6357]

Watching people fall in love with music that I love is one of my favorite human experiences.

[@stephenthomason5983]

I know, it brings tears to my eyes...be well OK 🇬🇧

[@TPRM1]

Beautifully put. Mark Knopfler is simply the greatest guitarist since Jimmy.

[@arbitram]

So True Cannot believe he is a guitarist and hasn't listened to MK

[@dcnole]

What is indisputable is that Mark Knopfler's sound is totally unique. You ALWAYS know it's him.

[@alainstasse4602]

Agree. When I first bought and listened to Bob Dylan's 'Slow Train Coming' back in '82, I knew straight away that Knopfler was on guitar. Totally unique.

[@lez0n]

Clean, low gain Strat. and his unique picking technique. No mistaking his sound.

[@Knasende]

​@@alainstasse4602dude! Came to the replies to mention this album myself. Im probably a bit younger than you as I still wasnt born in 1982, but when I first listened to slow train, I heard Knopfler straight away and that alone made the album even more awesome to me. I love this legend of a guitarist

[@ausfuhrpramienjagar]

@@lez0n ... Lindsey Buckingham from Fleetwood Mac was a finger picker as well.. He could do some pretty good plucking back in the day.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@lez0n Duncan APS-1s.

[@isftish]

Mark Knopfler is like a voodoo magic man on the strings. He just plays with a unique fingerstyle, and it's so clean, and his bends so hypnotic. He doesn't have to blow your brains out with distortion, he just coaxes it out, and your brain just gets dreamy and intoxicated and exits your skull willingly. It's great that the newer generations like you recognise such music from the argubly the best era of music 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s. Play with feel, soul, emotions

[@LonegunmenNZ]

You are so right. It was played with passion and controlled by the band, not some promoter pushing repetitive pop songs with loop overs. Dire Straits "lived" their music, that's why it holds up today. Played with passion.

[@KSS_1806]

How is it possible not to know dire straits as a guitarist 😮

[@juliagraham1995]

No kidding!,,

[@marcieharreld286]

The drummer's dad was in the audience for the first time, so the lead singer, Mark Knopfler, told him to go for it!!! One of the most spectacular live performances ever!!!🎶🎼🎵🥁🎹🎧🎸🎤🔥🔥🔥🤘🤘🤘

[@CorePathway]

They are playing uptempo AF

[@hoviswilliams1548]

Terry Williams on drums, this guy was great. Alchemy was a brilliant live album which i bought in 1984. My favourite album.

[@boj99]

Fun fact I didnt know. Cool 👍👍 When I was like 16-17 I wanted my hair to look like Terry’s so I let it grow and had curls made 😅 Let just say that I didnt quite match up 😂. But had it for like a year or 2. Damn I was a DS fan 😂🎸🙈

[@marcieharreld286]

@@boj99 that's a great memory!!🤘🤘🤘

[@boj99]

The Alchemy album is proberly the best album EVER made. I know every song, every little note and every little beat from that performance. Its ALL about the Music. No dancing or any other crap. Just the band and their songs ❤️❤️🇩🇰🇩🇰

[@dagmar.6954]

Dire Straits are a great British rock band from the 70's-90's. Mark Knopfler is one of the best guitarists around. They have had so many hits including "Walk Of Life", "Brothers In Arms", "Money For Nothing", "Telegraph Road", "Romeo & Juliet", "Private Investigations", "Twisting By The Pool", "So Far Away" etc. They don't have a bad song.

[@KWC33]

And their best song industrial disease in my opinion

[@shard841]

Tunnel of love Best live at Wembley.

[@hellohi2163]

@@shard841on the night is my favourite

[@stephenhickman304]

Hard to pick their best song imo - they are all superb. When these 4 played it was if they had all been totally connected telepathically

[@mnels5214]

Mark Knopfler is amazing and way underrated, at least in my view.

[@clelanj]

Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I saw Dire Straits multiple times over the years and Mark's guitar playing raised the hairs on the back of my neck. Sultans of Swing Live is still one of the greatest live show experiences I ever had. Terry Williams on drums is also out of this world - as a professional photographer I had the honor of shooting Terry's portrait at his home nearly 40 years ago. I was a student in Swansea and after some investigative work, found where Terry lived, and literally knocked on his door and asked if we could arrange a shoot. You have to remember that at this time he was in one of the biggest rock bands in the world, and yet he didn't turn me away, instead arranging for me to go over later that week and giving me nearly two hours of his time. A true Gentleman in every sense of the word!

[@chuchu33]

What always blows me away with Knopfler is the way he can change the feel of his solos in his variations in live performances to make them feel so different with his energy levels. Guy was a madman.

[@hallawagner]

11:30; "This tennis player is the best guitarist I've ever seen!" I love it!! Thanks for letting me watch your reaction. It's gold!!

[@MsGeoffh]

"this tennis player" lmao love it!

[@dcnole]

That line made me laugh out loud too! I knew I wouldn't be the first to want to comment on it.

[@onapicture]

That comment was great :D

[@RedDogMamaHD]

😂😂😂😂 This really made me laugh!!!

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Mark Knopfler is the EXACT OPPOSITE temperament of John McEnroe!

[@satjinder]

Knopfler was originally a journalist which explains his sophisticated lyrics and self taught on the guitar which is amazing in itself. Brits just own music

[@petravh4711]

satjinder: Also taught English. Such a poet, as well as the rest plus great orchestration. A genius

[@user-xg9lg8yd6x]

Glasgows finest

[@vickydalsanto]

When I was 18, my brother took me to an Eric Clapton concert at Royal Albert Hall. Mark Knopfler was on stage with him. As amazing it was to see ol "slow hand" live, I was utterly transfixed by Knopfler. Glorious!

[@Dianelee999]

Mark Knopfler just blew the doors off the hinges with his mastery of the instrument and his melodic understanding. He has a new album that just dropped - One Deep River. These days he makes fewer moves, yet they are all EXACTLY where they should be. He is a humble and intentional artist with an extraordinary songbook to his name. 💜👏👏

[@thevahandbook]

Proper talent, no autotune, everyone having a good time, audience not watching it from behind a sea of phone lights. I miss music like this.

[@Fakeaorta]

Great music is still being made. It's just not on commercial radio and harder to find.

[@Dwangoo]

Exactly! Thank you for pointing this out. 🙂

[@andrew097]

Watching behind a phone is a good point.

[@browndog4299]

Definitely no auto tune..😂 of course it’s hard to mimic the original recording and that is boring for musicians…but this live version is way to much monotone/talking. Must say though, I love the band and guitar excellence..top shelf.

[@lakritzpiranha]

"audience not watching it from behind a sea of phone lights" exactly describes it.. Miss those old times ..

[@guyray1504]

Being a U.S.A.F. veteran of 20 years a feel in love with their song " Brothers In Arms". It was written for the British soldiers in their Falkland war.

[@otrame]

I have to prepare for Brothers in Arms. It makes me cry every time I hear it. I'm honestly getting tears just thinking about it.

[@aidiess]

didnt know that ! somehow I got the idea that it harked back to Vietnam !! Thanks for that.

[@joclark224]

So beautiful, I love it so so much xxx

[@PanglossDr]

It is an anti-war song.

[@MegaChoo2]

Falkland was a war? He he he.

[@BillYovino]

This is one of the top live rock performances of all time. I love how he smiles like it's nothing while he absolutely shreds it. Your analysis is spot on.

[@onlylexus]

If you have never heard of Dire Straits, then you aint no music lover! Mark Knopfler would kill you! I worship them since I was a kid. and now I am 70 years of age! Where you been pal? Listen to the work of art by them called "Tunnel of love" if you don't cry you are not human. Listen to all of it!!

[@BritishBeachcomber]

I'm the same age as you. Rushed out and bought the vinyl on release day. Been playing it ever since 👍👍👍👍👍

[@hushcolours]

Hi, There’s a music seldom played. The Long Road. I have the impression that it’s a solo work from Mark, but not sure.

[@robsmith8997]

The funny part is that this was the first time their drummer had played in front of his Dad. So the band told him to go crazy and they were enjoying it with him! That's why they're laughing with each other!

[@robsmith8997]

Your logic seems pretty sound as I'm not that familiar with rock bands backstage. My experiences made me accept the story as possible. The fact that the drummer had been in dire straits less than a year when the video was recorded made it possible, at least that his dad hadn't seen him play with dire straits before. I've always been a blues music fan and so the idea of a band setting every second in stone and never changing it on the fly seems kind of sad. Pathetic even. Blues bands are not like this. They rehearse and practice, sure but I've seen duets switch verses, players move or extend or shorten solos and do all kinds of things. In the final analysis, i have no more reason to believe you than the previous place i got info. I'll find out for myself, just found a documentary about him called 'The Drummer in the Band' and a few other sources, not that it's truth or untruth matters to any one for any reason, rofl!!!

[@Triton_Secure]

@@robsmith8997 remember... Dire Straits has ONLY ever been Mark Knopfler and John Ilsley (the bassist). Everyone else has been temporary.

[@stephenwhite345]

​@@Barry41049well said sir, this tripe about mothers, fathers, uncles, aunties and pet dogs being in the audience adds nothing to brilliant performances, Terry Williams was on fire, like so many other times

[@stephenwhite345]

@@Barry41049 I've noticed it too Barry, and thanks for your reply. I believe what you said, to be honest and true. I think the people who do these "add ons" do it entirely to boost their own ego's and the dopamine "likes", straight talking Barry, they're addicted to lying because the truth is not good enough on its own. I read the OP's reply to you, i found it wholly dishonest why would you repeat something you can't prove to be true? In any field of life, ? It was insulting to say the least. He repeated garbage without checking its veracity or who the source was. Worse, he didn't put a name to the source, thanks again and enjoy this fabulous performance

[@leejohnson6516]

Hi Dad was Ron Williams from Swansea Wales. Terry was in so many local bands and his father worked in the clubs, so yes, he'd seen him plenty of times 😁

[@ngervat]

One of my favorite lines ever said by any KZbin music reviewer is "Dude, this tennis player is the best guitarist I've ever seen."😂😂 I had the pleasure of actually meeting Mark Knopfler in the early 90's when my father made a lot of their equipment storage trunks and boxes for their U.S. tour in 1991+1992. he gave me a signed copy of their brother in arms record, and I still have it to this day. He is in my opinion one of the top 5 guitarists of all time, and I still love watching this performance.

[@borabingol6797]

You know I would have killed a man for somethşng like that, but as far as I have ever seen in my 49 years of life the people who listen to Dire Straits are kind and lobing people who wonçt hurt anybody! I am happy for you you had an experience with Mark, wonderful.

[@cking989]

Would you sell it? My dad would love it

[@teaohar2]

Dude, welcome to the Renaissance of Rock Music! Keep digging back. There is a treasure trove of amazing music in the past for you to experience. Don't miss it. I am so glad I was alive during those years.

[@user-wg6gc3pz4z]

Completely understand what you said about the lyrics talking to you. I first heard this tune in 1977 as a 16 year old Rocker, It was if someone had reached inside me and connected my heart and my brain for the first time. Can't believe you have never heard this. Still makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck after all these years, That's the definition of a truly great tune

[@Midlifereise]

Yes my hairs are also standing straight up when I see and hear this performance. It remembers me to the ol times when I was young and heard it first time in radio. Next day I went to get the record....

[@renebrioso960]

Mark knopfler is on virtually every top 10 guitarists list I've ever seen

[@duffyt26]

It's not just Marks technique and plucking, his sense of musicality is completely off the charts!

[@markieveeYT]

“He could play that guitar like he was ringing a bell” 😊

[@dodgedandle8311]

Mark Knopfler is so great a Guitarist, words fail me .. MEGA ❤️❤️🌞🎸🤦‍♂️❤️

[@jwmson7791]

You always know without a doubt when the guitarist is Mark Knofler. He has an unmistakable style. ♥️

[@ricklee5845]

Yes, his style is truly unique and you recognise it instantly!

[@buggyapp]

He did the music score for Princess Bride. The first time I watched it and heard the first note, I knew it was him. You'll never watch that movie the same way from now on. Truly unmistakable!

[@deborjhablackwell6162]

Yesssss. The voice as JUST another instrument! ❤ Your analysis and understanding are spot on! I’m 75. We have been so lucky to have so much brilliant music in our lives!!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 Warms my heart that you are seeing it!

[@davidrichter5327]

You really didn´t know them? Wow. I´m from Germany and even here the dire straits are just legend.

[@andrewglover9608]

As a classical violinist I'd NEVER HEARD of Mozart! I was blown away!!!

[@billfly2186]

Knopfler transcends rock. A true artist who has composed many movie soundtracks. A one of a kind guitarist who created a unique style. Good reaction Sebs.

[@Triton_Secure]

You have to watch the movie Local Hero - Mark did the sound track. When I watched it in a cinema with a pal, we were the only ones who knew we were watching a comedy. We were laughing our socks off while everyone around was shushing us!!!

[@billfly2186]

@@Triton_Secure Yes. Great movie.

[@ZZMJo]

@@Triton_Secure Wonderful,....the last scene...

[@richardnanian2446]

“Local Hero” is one of my favorite films, and Knopfler’s soundtrack is wonderful. Then he went on to do another stellar soundtrack for “The Princess Bride.” Other films he scored include “Comfort and Joy,” “Last Exit to Brooklyn,” and “Wag the Dog.” That’s quite a track record.

[@jonathanmurphy3141]

Yes, Local Hero, a grand Scottish film, and Mark’s theme “going home” is magic! 🎸🥃

[@simontemplar3359]

This makes my day! You have found a gem. What blows me away about this song is that like you said, Knopfler plays it totally clean. Not only that, he's on either the 2nd or 4th position on the strat's toggle switch, so he's even got a specific almost glassy, shimmery tone dialed in. But the killer is rather than playing the chords in their "normal" form, he's playing inversions of them. Same notes, but gives a slightly different voicing. I love this stuff! Hey Happy Thanksgiving!

[@Jims_Camera_at_dawn]

The vocals are better on the studio version, but the instrumentals here are mind-blowing.🔥🔥

[@lindabergman3127]

❤😂Agreed100 and hope your Thanksgiving is great also👏👏👏

[@Sonnell]

Yes, his mixing the neck and middle pickup tone is a kind of a trademark of his. I think, he is a proof that the music is not in the effects, but is in the melody and the feeling of playing.

[@Para2normal]

I don't know if this is true or not but I remember reading a story that in the early years Mark bought a cheap Strat copy with only two pick ups and the shifter broke off stuck, so he was playing permanently out of phase . Mark liked the sound so much he kept it on later, more pricey guitars

[@terrygray6475]

I'm not really a rocker, but how can you not heard of Dire Straits. I want my MTV!!!

[@tobastianandersson]

When people do these “first time listens” to songs that I listened to endlessly and which defined my whole life I always have three reactions: 1. Hope in young people 2. Envy of hearing song for first time 3. I’m getting old

[@stacyb316]

Welcome to the world of realizing this 1985 live version of "Sultans of Swing" during the Alchemy Live tour is the greatest live performance of any song ever. Mark Knopfler is a genius and this song was WAY ahead of its time. It's by far my favorite Dire Straits song and my favorite live song.

[@Triton_Secure]

sorry... I agree it's great... but "Comfortably Numb" from the Pulse concert is the greatest live performance ever!!!

[@sgover2002]

I agree Comfortably Numb is a masterpiece , but if you wanna go perfection - Prince - Whilst my Guitar Gently Weeps - man, a Tele just isn't supposed to sound like that. @@Triton_Secure

[@mrneal9079]

@@Triton_Secure agreed......

[@dneill8493]

Completely agree. This my favourite song ever.

[@shmanmani]

Not 85. 82 I think.

[@eadsst1]

Note that guitar legend Chet Atkins heard Mark play and invited him to tour with him. Greatness recognizes greatness. They toured and recorded an album together.

[@brianjohnson6086]

Thanks for sharing that. I love learning uncommon info re great artists. For Mr Atkinson to support him is quite an accomplishment. Duh, right? lol. Anyway, thanks and Peace.

[@tjeffpowellful]

The video of Mark Knofler with Chet Atkinson and the Everly Brothers singing “Why Worry” is superb and is on KZbin

[@Cloxxki]

Dylan heard him play in LA and immediately chatted him up. A few years later they were recording a Dylan album together, with some of Dylan's most loved songs. Find "Blind Willie McTell". Mark plays 12-string on that. Get the demo, not the later album version.

[@robertenis3794]

Atkins bestowed the title ‘Certified Guitar Picker’ on him, a title he only bestowed on three guitarists in his life. IMO, he set Mark up to succeed him in country and pop as the reigning guitar legend in Nashville.

[@darrellkissick9513]

They recoded four albums together.

[@254967conwell]

The drummer's dad was in the audience to see his son for the first time and wanted to put on a show. His dad said before the show he wanted to see what his son really did to buy that fancy house and car and making sure its legal

[@emisor73]

The smile of Sebs is Amazing. Knopfler has been pulling that smile on me for 50 years.

[@jeffstevens4262]

Don't you just love the way Mark looks into the camera at the end while he's playing an incredible crescendo...and smiles into the camera as if what he's just done throughout the song was nothing to get too excited about. Just amazing.🙋‍♂

[@lindabergman3127]

He’s unbelievable!! This song is a true masterpiece 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@MsGeoffh]

He can play like that because he is the real GOAT

[@user-ke6xt1yl1l]

I just do not understand how is it possible to be a guitarist and to never have heard about this band, and especially this song! 😮

[@Rok_Weiler]

I will never understand how ANY guitar guy could have never heard of Sultans and Mark Knopfler ! ... :(

[@timsullivan4566]

How can you have guitars on the wall and NOT know this???? Perhaps one of the top 10 all-time - if not THE top!

[@maerten1]

My thought!

[@ari613]

Me too

[@Bowwow30]

better late than never. I'm glad for the guy that he got to know it.

[@MrChappy39]

I guess if you're only living in the now and forward this will happen.

[@salguodrolyat2594]

And not know mark knopfler either.😔

[@NondescriptMammal]

Yeah Knopfler's trademark style is his ability to seamlessly combine rhythm and lead into one coherent unity. So smooth and pure and clean. Your appraisal of the musical style is very astute, and rather than just analyze it to death, you show your true appreciation for the music.... very much enjoyed the reaction 😺

[@julienmarquet8612]

But, he took this to JIMI HENDRIX....😄👍✌️

[@NondescriptMammal]

@@julienmarquet8612 That's like comparing a leopard to an eagle. Why bother trying, they're two completely different animals. 🐱

[@firatsanliturk]

"I don't understand how a song can rock this hard without distortion". EXACTLY! That's the magic of Dire Straits for you. These guys are crazy. They probably ate their guitars and regurgitated them back out at some point. Sheer madness.

[@barbaracerny4123]

My daughters listened to our music, they really enjoyed it. This was when music was music.

[@potooleftl]

When a band is on fire like that they know it and don't want it to end.

[@camorbz]

I love it when youngsters who've been listening to music factory music since they first started listening turn on to the old geezers and how good they were and how good the music was. Dire Straits' music, like the Beatles", Stones" etc will last a very long time.

[@markanderson2904]

That's the same as when I discovered the "old geezers" playing big band music from the 30's and 40"s. I'm 76.

[@walkindalight]

The lead singer’s voice (Mark Knopfler) REALLY reminds me of Bob Dylan in this.

[@davidwalker5054]

You can tell by the way they are looking at each other and smiling as though they can,t believe how on fire and in the zone they are they know there is something magical in the air and they are going to give the audience something they won,t forget. Just pure musical perfection by the whole band

[@RadGuy8541]

It is one of the biggest crimes in music history that Mark Knoppfler is so "tragically underrated"! He is an absolute guitar God. This magnificent performance demonstrates that beyond any doubt. The entire band are virtuoso level musicians, and the unadulterated joy that each band member displays is awe inspiring.

[@briancampbell7712]

I think most people know of him quite well...more people should get a premium subscription to KZbin...one can learn quite a lot about all musicians and bands...

[@janswaans7703]

He is my god

[@lm5730]

He is no9t underrated

[@billbitterman9487]

Absolutely not underrated.

[@user-qz2gq7sz1n]

He's rated and rewarded and has played and created wtth many major names. And he writes great lyrics too. Glad you've found him now you've a huge back catalogue to discpver.

[@JosephHuntelvisnspiders]

The drummer was so excited he started too fast, it was his birthday and his parents were in the crowd. Deadly! Love it!

[@GibsonFender]

Haha didn’t know that

[@michaelgodbold6247]

A fact about mark is he's left-handed but aa a young boy his parent s could only afford to buy him a right handed one

[@Weareeverything2023]

It was the first time Terry Williams father had ever seen his son play the drums live, one reason he played out of his skin.

[@3.k]

@@michaelgodbold6247 You can string a right handed guitar for left handed playing. AFAIK, Mark learned playing the violin at first, and they made him play it right handed, just like pupils were made to learn writing right handed.

[@ingridgabelo2934]

​@@Weareeverything2023: Yesssss!!!

[@bradmenpes809]

When this song was released in 1978, Mark Knopfler raised the bar for every guitar player on the planet - and he still does ...

[@hollylooyeah]

Ya know i watched a lotta Reactions the other day. I was getting irritated about how all the musicians i looked up for Reactions, were done with the exact same song. You were one of the first ones. Th God you hqd those guitars up, cuz when i tried to scramble back to the ones i reallly liked, thats how i recognized you! Anyway, seeing the surprise, wonder and joy on your face is so gorgeous and important here. I appreciate you. And i appreciate them. The two together, or sball i say 3, including me is gold, my friend!

[@penshaw2]

One of the most technically gifted bands ever and always even better live than recorded.

[@universalfleece]

Alchemy is a go-to for me for long car journeys...always disappointed to get to the end of the trip lol

[@arniec5707]

100% agree 👍 I was 5 when I first really heard them , my old man had them on at a party in the house with his mates , at aged 7 I had the white head band on and was singing there songs at my parents house party's 😂, fantastic memories ❤️ I'm 48 now and I still get reminded of them time's when I bump into his mates

[@chrissaxton3189]

I love how Mark changes the lyrics for all his songs. Each live performance has different added lyrics. Love it. Started listening to DIre Straits with Money for Nothing. They are soooo much more than that 80s MTV music. And Mark is still going today. Love his music.

[@stephanielehane310]

It's like a giant jam session that no-one wanted to end, especially the band.💓

[@steveamsp]

No... especially the fans. Fortunately, the band was on board with this plan.

[@rebeltuba9422]

Mark Knopfler is the greatest repository ever of brilliant licks. He never runs out, and they all sound perfect.

[@chrisnussbaumer9516]

"Dude he played so good with his fingers" - yep

[@NorthernNikki]

Mark Knopfler is a guitar legend. You've likely heard him before. Money for nothing is one of their best known. If you've ever watched The Princess Bride, he wrote and played the soundtrack for that.

[@pamalicious8526]

Wow, how did I not know this?!?! I’ve seen that movie dozens of times and I just learned this? I’m going to watch it again just for the music. I’ve always loved Dire Straits. Bought their first album in 1980 with my baby sitting money.

[@NorthernNikki]

@pamalicious8526 When you hear the guitar in the main theme, you can really hear it - it's unmistakably his sound. It's such a beautiful soundtrack. He's got the whole playlist on his KZbin channel. It's perfection.

[@jip5889]

Omg this is news to me. You always keep learning new things.

[@Hohum37]

@@pamalicious8526 He also did the music for the *Local Hero* movie, which is also well worth the watch.

[@davidroot4169]

Less talk, more music

[@uranusismightybig5111]

Groups like Pink Floyd and Dire Straits did not just make fantastic music....their pieces were the compleat emotional experience.

[@bodystomp5302]

Dark Side of the Moon might be finest album of music ever composed.

[@ianbriscoe3571]

True dat!

[@billpirillo8130]

Sebs, I just love your genuine reaction to what you are seeing for the first time. It is infectious. You bring a totally honest evaluation and your viewpoints are spot on. Keep it up!

[@bobbower2011]

Now THAT was a great reaction-by you. Love your surprise and honesty. Authentic and humble. Thanks!

[@davidpaterson2309]

The lyrics are a tongue-in-cheek tribute to all those part time jazz bands - the “Sultans of Swing” - that used to play in pubs in London - particularly back in the 70s and 80s, often on weekend lunch times, to half empty pubs. Thus “way on down south, way on down south….London town” (South London being the notably less glamorous half of the city “south of the river”) and “Harry doesn’t mind, if he doesn’t make the scene - he’s got a day time job snd he’s doin alright”

[@rogerknox9147]

Commentator: it's pronounced Kn-AH-pfler; vocals are Bob Dylan style; alternating vocals-guitar isn't unusual -- B.B. King did it always. The music this honours (trad/pseudo-Dixieland jazz) is dissed often. But -- LIVE music in a certain culture -- so sincere tribute by the great Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits.

[@AdrianBawn]

​@@rogerknox9147 I went to school with one of Marks relatives and they said it was pronounced "nop" like "knock" and "fla" like "flap" without the p. So Nop-fla.

[@LonegunmenNZ]

@@AdrianBawn A Geordie lad I believe.

[@adrianperry8352]

There was such a trad jazz band who played around Greenwich - I used to see them, I think at the pub at the entry to the Blackwall Tunnel. I had a word with its clarinettist on London Bridge station once - as the song hints, he was doing all right, in a business suit coming home from work. Coincidentally, I also was lucky enough to be at one of the first Dire Straits gigs in Deptford - same general area of unglamorous South East London.

[@chrisoliver4663]

It's just one song guys, if he didn't grow up with it like we did, it's not his fault. Good on him for admitting it and paying his respects.

[@joangordon3376]

Yes, I like this man's reactions to real music. So many other reactions are just so shallow and "wow", like, "we're young and know and have the best". No you don't dearies. We ancients (sorry, my bones are sore today) grew up with this as the soundtracks to our lives. It's great to see one musician appreciate others. Let's hope he finds lots more 😊

[@samprada9298]

Yes, I love how "reaction videos" puts people on new (for them) music and artists! It's a trend I really love seeing 😊 plus it's a nice feeling to see them react to such fantastic music and watch together with them ❤

[@jacobgreengas7121]

Nah, if I find out that a grown adult who had been playing since they were 8 hasn't heard of Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler before I'm going to give them shit. But, it's all in good fun and at the same time I'm stupidly excited for them and the amazing journey that they just took the first step of!

[@nitab1971]

@@jacobgreengas7121 I agree, he started off by telling us what a guitar player is. That made me laugh!

[@MetteC5]

Not just one song, but the whole band: read the title of the video again, sweetheart 😘

[@marbar910]

The 'tennisplayer'😂Mark Knopfler is this planets best guitarplayer❤greetings from Finland❤

[@mikesalitter3559]

I grew up with these guys, my son 17, is addicted to the 70s, 80s, and I am partly responsible, but in many cases I am discovering stuff from him now. What a comeback.

[@otrame]

You remind me of my brother. Not long after this performance was published, we were watching it. My brother was a guitarist and while we watched, he turned to look at me and said, "You realize what he is doing is not physically possible." And you are right. That performance was flawless. The drummer (Terry Williams) absolutely murdered it. I've heard it probably more than a thousand times (I'm an old lady) but that solo still gives me chills. I enjoyed your enjoyment of it. Thanks.

[@mariateresaantona3073]

This is the best version of Sultans of Swing ever. Mark's guitar solo is SENSATIONAL. Mark Knopfler is left-handed but plays right-handed. Therefore he imparts more force on the guitar neck strings, in this case using the Fender Stratocaster, by plucking more gently with his right hand. MK was the first to introduce fingerpicking on the electric guitar.... it's his hallmark. I LOVE HIM. Teresa from GENOA -ITALY (sorry for my english) 🤍

[@ingridgabelo2934]

❤ perfecto!! Sei brava!!

[@mariateresaantona3073]

@@ingridgabelo2934 Grazie.... LOVE

[@TonyHammer61]

Mark Knopfler is one of (if not THE) best solo guitarist of all time. From England UK

[@joeash542]

This song is legendary for so many valid reasons. What often gets overlooked in this iconic live performance is how good and hard Terry Williams played those drums.

[@dagfincarp1113]

Dire Straits is such a tight band. When they hit in the late 70s early 80s, Mark Knopfler's guitar style knocked people back. His style was so unique and he's a fantastic songwriter as well.

[@caramba10]

I never tire of listening to this and watching reactions to it - glad you enjoyed this masterpiece.

[@davids3303]

I was at this, or one of the other venues on this Dire Straits tour in the UK - one of the best live performances I have ever seen, incredible guitar work. Knopfler was phenomenal.

[@MaciejBogdanStepien]

My thoughts exactly.

[@ryansnr]

Love Mark Knopfler, no other man plays a guitar like he can. Absolute genius.

[@buggyapp]

Hands down, Mark Knopfler is my favorite musician and this has always, from the first time I heard it, been my favorite song. Your description that it is like he is talking to you is spot on. He writes his own music and has never played a cover. Few can play his music. Have you ever watched Princess Bride? He wrote the music for the movie. The first cord of the opening song I knew it was his music. He has also done other films. He will only write and do a song that has a story behind it that he has lived and has music in most genres. Beyond excellent! There is NO ONE like him. I ask you to watch more of him Sebs. You will become a better musician for it.

[@uksuef7218]

That was a great reaction . Mark knopfler took us by suprise in 1978 because even though we came up with all the brilliant guitarists from the 60's and 70's Mark sounded entirely different and has a unique style that remains completely identifiable. He is also a brilliant composer - like a british Bob Dylan - he encapsulates an entire situation in the space of a song and then narrates it to you in his wonderful voice , as if he is telling you the story. The impact is always astonishing. Brothers in arms will bring you to tears , private investigations will lose you in the world of film noire . Tunnel of love is based on the spanish city fun fair he used to go to when young to hear amplified music. Telegraph road will transport you and i also love where do think you are going? which is an understated song but which expresses every emotion you feel when someone is leaving you. The live performances from the alchemy live tour and also on the night are all excellent. However you must do some more led Zeppelin you can't just do stairway to heaven and stop. As you mentioned the distortion pedal this was one of the cutting edge introductions by jimmy Page . You should definitey hear since i been loving you live at madison square garden 1973 . While i'm here re carlos santana check out his version of She's not there. I am so excited for you!!!

[@kenf3539]

"like a British Bob Dylan", I like that.

[@russelldawson9560]

One of the best lines ever written is in Tunnel of Love - "In the screaming ring of faces". If you've never been on the ride called the Racer you wouldn't understand. Kids would hang out on the boards around the ride within inches of the riders going round the ride faster and faster. You can imagine Mark on his "ride" spinning round and seeing his girl in the crowd. Magic.

[@drum253]

No, no, no...😂 Love this and agree with all you say EXCEPT "like a British Bob Dylan". No, just no!!! Not at all. I wouldn't even try to compare him and Dylan, that's just like trying to compare a cabbage and a brick wall to each other..just completely different things, not even close. They both make music is the only comparison I can find. Horses for courses, of course, but, personally I can't think of a weirder comparison. Knopfler wrote good lyrics, but, in Dylans league is laughable, not even slightly close. Dylans catalogue is immense against Knopflers and far, far, better lyrics than almost anyone. He's written a fair few duffers, of course, but, the good ones are about 8 - 10 times knopflers entire lyrical output. No, sorry definitely, definitely, absolutely NOT a British Bob Dylan. Anyone considering that really should go work through Dylans albums, one by one. Knopfler is extremely good, though, but, no Dylan.

[@dr.liztully8972]

I got Making Movies on vinyl in 1980, and have enjoyed it over the years. About 6 months ago I put the CD in my car and have listened to Tunnel of Love every day since. I love how the lyrics seem to swing back and forth between Mark's memories and a carnie running the the ferris wheel (at least that is what I see in my mind). From 'Getting crazy on the waltzes, but it's the life that I choose' then to 'Sing about the six blade' and mentions of other songs. IDK. Maybe it's all Mark's memories, but I see a dude working on the rides, going from town, picking up beautiful women at every stop. 'And I don't know where I'll be tonight But I'd always tell you where I am'. Sure will. @@russelldawson9560

[@dr.liztully8972]

I think 'British Bob Dylan' would refer more to his story-telling lyrics and raspy vocals. TBH, I have thought the same thing. Don't shame me, dude. @@drum253

[@stevefoulston]

Described by Classic Rock as a virtuoso, Knopfler is a fingerstyle guitarist and was ranked 27th on Rolling Stone's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time". With Dire Straits, Knopfler sold between 100 and 120 million records. A four-time Grammy Award winner, Knopfler is the recipient of the Edison Award, the Steiger Award and the Ivor Novello Award, as well as holding three honorary doctorate degrees in music from universities in the United Kingdom. Knopfler was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Dire Straits in 2018.Mark Freuder Knopfler OBE (born 12 August 1949) is a British guitarist, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was the lead guitarist, singer and songwriter of the rock band Dire Straits. He pursued a solo career after the band first dissolved in 1988. Dire Straits reunited in 1990, but dissolved again in 1995. He is now an independent solo artist. Knopfler was born in Glasgow and raised in Blyth, near Newcastle. After graduating from the University of Leeds and working for three years as a college lecturer, Knopfler co-founded Dire Straits with his younger brother, David Knopfler. The band recorded six albums, including Brothers in Arms (1985), one of the best-selling albums in history. After they disbanded in 1995, Knopfler began a solo career, and has produced nine solo albums. He has composed and produced film scores for nine films, including Local Hero (1983), Cal (1984), The Princess Bride (1987), Wag the Dog (1997) and Altamira (2016). He has produced albums for Tina Turner, Bob Dylan, and Randy Newman. Peace out.

[@MrGeneric2011]

Rolling Stone's list was off on Knpopfler by 20 or 25 spots.

[@corrinacrowley4545]

Every band member work as one and the sound is pure joy! Love them all Mark is an absolute gift! ❤❤❤

[@petermolloy992]

I heard ‘Sultans’ for the very first time when I was in my late teens (late 1970s) I was wandering through my favorite motorcycle shop dreaming about one day owning one of the many magnificent machine is the showroom. This song started playing and I froze! I’d never heard anything like it before and I’ve been a huge Knopfler fan ever since. For his time, he introduced a unique style and sound. He has gone on to do some amazing composition work for the movie industry. One of the few celebrities I’d truly love to meet. He seems like a very grounded human.

[@jeffwheaton1733]

Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits merit a deep dive. There is just so much there, so many more stories to be told in so many ways. His music is a gift to humanity and I listened to it in high school and to this day. You will hear jazz, folk, bits of blues, classical, film themes, and more. What a journey are entering into.

[@MatthewCrocker]

The British author Douglas Adams, in the book "So Long and Thanks For All the Fish" (the 4th book in the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Trilogy) said "Mark Knopfler has an extraordinary ability to make a Schecter Custom Stratocaster hoot and sing like angels on a Saturday night, exhausted from being good all week and needing a stiff drink.”

[@PDLM1221]

Yeah the way he talks during the solos and is not distracted and relaxed! Beautiful!

[@katbairwell]

You are absolutely fair, Knopfler has a voice like Dylan, but it contrasts the precision of his guitar so perfectly. You might enjoy their performance at Live Aid '85 - man that was an incredible concert, so much talent.

[@Chrisalead5]

I've been listening this masterpiece for more than 30 years now.. And to this day, for me, it's still one of the best guitar solos ever played. It's one of the few that made me pick a guitar one day and start learning how to play it !

[@lindahehn7442]

Knophler is a brilliant composer/artist and Dire Straits is one of the most overlooked bands in my history... and I am old enough to have been following them since the 1970's.

[@rendtech]

They are so tight. The each fill in the backup for each other. If one plays a ghost note the other is there is support it. Truly amazing work.

[@maruka1716]

Just a note - Mark Knopfler (red jacket and headband) has a new album out in April 2024. He's 74 years old and still working. The album is called "One Deep River," and it made it to #3 on the British album charts (right after Beyonce) and #4 in Germany. It has yet to crack the top 100 in the States, but fans can fix that.

[@TenCapQuesada]

One thing that has always impressed me about Mark is that he doesn't have to constantly look down to see what his fingers are doing, like a lot of guitarists do. He is at one with his instrument, it's part of him, he knows what to do, how to do it and when. Just amazing

[@boomer1981abc]

Saw him live back in like 2010 or so, he could be absolutely killing a solo but looking like he is simply reading a newspaper.

[@jamesfoo8999]

Most of the main (and spine tingling) lead from 11:00 ish he rarely looks down. One of the most amazing guitar solos of all time and he just bangs it out like he's scratching his nose or something :D true talent

[@spnhm34]

True, except for *that* part, his eyes are glued to his strat!

[@lknowledge]

@@boomer1981abc thats also a bad thing. I went to see Black sabbath with all the best OG members... only entertainer was Ozzy. Others ripped epic solos etc, but looked like they just wanted to get off the stage. Really shifted the whole mood of the audience.

[@boomer1981abc]

​@@lknowledge ah i meant it as in it was so effortless for him. He put on a great show, Telegraph road blew the roof off the place. You could tell he was vibing but he made it look so easy. It was a great show 🤙

[@stevecarrington4887]

I'm always so impressed with the stamina of these top drummers, especially at concerts !!

[@danw331]

Someone did a physiological study and it turned out a drummer at full pelt was expending the same energy as a football player mid-game.

[@robertwittjr1198]

Mark Knopfler toured with Eric Clapton on several concerts in 1987, 1988 and 1989. that would have been amazing to see.

[@LordRorthorn]

I remember when I 1st heard Sultans Of Swing from Alchemy Live. I was blown away. I’m still blown away everytime I listen to it (which is a lot). Only saw them live once.