LOVE THESE DRUMS! | Sultans Of Swing (Live At Alchemy) - Dire Straits (Reaction)

[@jofoster1596]

One of the greatest live performances of all time. Never gets old. Terry Williams on drums = out of this world

[@mightbeanybody]

Yep, Terrry, one of the very best, so overlooked.

[@grantvanmierlo5097]

I have never heard any body play a drum kit like that, totally wild .

[@iloveturtles-gv4gw]

I put this live performance at number 2 or 3 after Queen at Live Aid and maybe Lynyrd Synyd Free Bird a few months before the plane crash. Amazing!

[@ianlove1215]

I wish that I could see the whole thing, but just on the camera isolated on Terry.

[@rcs3511]

QOTSA songs for the deaf

[@truthseeker3063]

I have seen at least 40 different reaction videos to Sultans of Swing (Alchemy), listening to several of them multiple times, cause I just NEVER get tired of this song. If you are feeling blue and needing a boost, this is ONE GREAT SONG to get that boost. Your reaction video is now #1 in my book. I love how you just let the music play while showing your obvious enjoyment of the work through your facial expressions, instead of doing stopping and analysis. The song deserves to be heard in it's wonderful uninterrupted flow. Your summation of the lyrics after the song is outstanding and have not seen it handled so perfectly before now. Kudos, my man!

[@bobmiller9313]

83 years old and love this song . Mark is killer on the guitar

[@legend9335]

81 here enjoying YT.

[@LorraineHinchliffe-vg5cb]

The outro guitar solo on the LP version of this song kicks major ass ❤

[@mlong1958]

Terry Williams on drums was just spectacular. He was known for hitting the drums very hard. He is now 76 and retired in Swansea Wales. Mark Knofler is one of the best guitarists in the world. One of the best live performances in Rock history.

[@stephaniefain1863]

I love drummers. I don’t play. But I believe the drummer drives the song. Guitarist get the glory, and well deserved. I used to sing, so, a great voice and range matter to me also. Still, a drummer sets the pace, and tells the story. This kid knocked it out of the park. To me, it sounds like he pushed them all along.

[@Triton_Secure]

@@stephaniefain1863 apparently, Terry's parents were in the crowd and he wanted to impress them. He got all excited and launched the song significantly quicker than expected. You can see Mark glance at John right at the start... "what is this!"

[@Hitstirrer]

@@stephaniefain1863 Terry didn''t play drums on the studio version of this song, which was recorded in a much more restrained way by Pick Withers. Terry's live version is much more energetic with a lot more fills involved. As you say, he drives this along.

[@stephaniefain1863]

@@Hitstirrer thank you for the information. I don’t drum, but I know a bit about it. Terry was playing his heart out. Stupid question, I know, but I wonder if he broke any sticks?

[@timothysarris9742]

Never saw Terry Willams play drums. Man that dude is awesome and amazing.

[@RuthKing-wm9nw]

I've heard that this was the 1st time the drummer's father had seen his son in concert and the band told him to really go crazy on those drums!!!

[@marcieharreld286]

Terry Williams (drummer) had a killer performance!!💜💜🥁🥁🎵🎼🎶🔥🔥🔥

[@richardhargrave6082]

Terry always played like that! That's a bit of an urban myth that he has never confirmed. His dad was probably there, I don't believe it was the first time seen him in concert, more likely his first time with Dire Straights

[@neilforehand1121]

I heard it was his mother in the audience

[@ajschroetlin2196]

That's an old wives' tale.

[@BRYDO.DRUMMER]

Personally Myself A FOUND ot hard to believe BUT his father bought him his first kit N he played previously with bands THAT were on the map.Only going with a comment a read that he who wrote said comment said was something someone said AND all ran with it BUT having said this WaaaaL what a gig Terry had 🥁🎵👌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿​@@richardhargrave6082

[@johnathanstruble1064]

You know as a band your killing it, if when you breakdown , slow the pace, and the audience claps, in time. Bad ass.

[@dannycasson1551]

This is nothing short of a masterful performance by musicians at the top of their game. Mark Knopfler's guitar style is so unique that is instantly recognizable whenever you hear it. Notice he plays without a pick! And the drummer...are you kidding?! He almost outshines Knopfler! This video has been making the rounds on reactions and deserves it.

[@quintondees4501]

This is one of the best live performances of a song ever!!! Dire Straits was an incredible band

[@scottlaughlin9897]

Next to Xanadu by Rush Exit stage left

[@briankelberlau2033]

JIMBOY you do a great reaction/review, unlike many who stop the video a hundred times until it is totally unenjoyable

[@steveh9428]

I came here to say exactly that. No interruptions, the whole reaction registered only in facial expressions - exactly what this live performance, one of the greatest ever, is about. Well done, @JMBoyTV 👏👏👏

[@jogooge6384]

I was in that audience, what a night! I saw this tour twice, never disappoints watching the reactions of someone just finding Dire Straits, they had a blast and so did we!

[@BRYDO.DRUMMER]

One Lucky Chap AND just by your comment in my opinion you've saw some great bands .Saw few myself Actually played in various bands as drummer even playing this BUT this went over my head until cpl years back AND blew me away .MY all time favourite song hope you don't mind me asking silly??may I add 2 many classics on this gig to ask what your favourite track was on the night and to think including ticket your beer food transport ect still would have had change out of £20 😁What a performance can listen N whatch and never get tired of it pal👌🎵😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@AliasMark69]

AGREE... The Drummer Was Workin'.......Terrence "Terry" Williams (born 1948) is a Welsh rock drummer. joined Dire Straits from 1982 until 1988.

[@Sometimes-even-lyrical]

Electrifying performance by Mark and the band! The composition has such masterful and dramatic pacing, the playing is complex, yet free, the energy so engaging... expressive and joyful! They were so at ease with each other... and truly having fun. Terry Williams on drums is ON FIRE... off the chart! Fantastic. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Pomdownuder]

After all these years, this still stands as one of the great performances, so thankful to grow up experiencing such brilliant, iconic music

[@troys6965]

Kudos for not interrupting the performance. 👍

[@LBinsocal]

You just witnessed one of the top 5 live Rock Performances of all time. It has been reacted to by an incredible amount of people on You Tube, right up there with Unchained Melody, another unparalleled live performance.

[@fatovamingus]

It always shocks me how Mark Knopfler never looks at the guitar he just plays so brilliantly and he knows that instrument so well

[@davidfeltz8697]

He is just the coolest, sickest, confident finger picking mother's*clear out there. His mastery is mind boggling!

[@fatovamingus]

@@davidfeltz8697 and totally underrated kinda like Jerry Garcia like Prince.... but a little more skilled than them I would say

[@gbulmer]

Knopfler does glance at his guitar. However, he clearly doesn't rely on it. It might be a habit? Robert Fripp (King Crimson) has said he practised in a dark room so looking at the guitar was useless. That improved his playing and broke a habit of looking. Nonetheless, Knopfler seems underrated. Maybe because some lyrics are witty with fun dance tunes? Not 'heavy' or tortured enough to be a "guitar god"? Best Wishes. ☮

[@christianburk7309]

@@fatovamingusrumor has it prince was asked what’s it like to be the best guitarist and he replied “ I don’t know ask mark knopfler “. If that’s true that’s pretty f’ing awesome.

[@michaelb2388]

Any half decent guitarist or other musician shouldn't need to look at their instrument

[@jennymujica1937]

Thank you for your reaction . Thai is the first time listening to a reaction that reads out the lyrics and speaks about them. I truly appreciate this aspect and again thanks,

[@mikemoore4033]

First heard this in ‘78 has been part of the soundtrack to my life ever since. Only found this live performance in the last few years. This is part of why the internet is important.

[@G-Lander388]

This song makes me happy every single time just like I can tell it’s having the same effect on you! Love it!!

[@marcieharreld286]

Mark Knopfler is one of the best 5-finger pickers ever! Total Bad Ass!!!!!🎵🎼🎶🎸🎸🎸🎸🥁🥁🥁🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@toky86113]

he is not a 5 finger picker tho. he only uses 3, it's his unique technique

[@gerardbeekman]

One of the best concert ever. That is all i can say!

[@johnnypipe]

I want thank you for letting the whole song play before your interview.

[@stephaniefain1863]

I read somewhere that Prince was asked how it felt to be the best guitarist. He answered, I don’t know, ask mark knopfler. I don’t know if it’s true, but I like the story.

[@2299jsimon]

You can tell they were really having a good time in front of their home fans.

[@williamjones6031]

The best live concert video ever. What I love about this clip is how much fun they're having. Making a living like that wouldn't suck.🤑🤑🤑🤑 Shout out to the production crew. The filmography of this LIVE concert is incredible.🤩🤩

[@tom7471]

Awesome reaction! This is one of the best live performances by anyone, ever!

[@AliasMark69]

Dire Straits had a unique sound with Mark Knopfler's guitars and vocals.... Made history on MTV.... "I WANT MY MTV"

[@brianjupp1748]

Sting sung the "I want my MTV" part

[@AliasMark69]

@@brianjupp1748 I thought everyone on the planet knew that, but thanks anyhow.

[@justsmashing4628]

Dire Straits Telegraph Road, the same concert, a must watch 😊

[@ConstantinCatalin]

Absolutely

[@MarkoMakela-kk7qf]

Mark Knopler is a truly great guitarist. I laughed with tears in my eyes when someone said that Mark plays his electric guitar like a banjo as it truly sounds ridicilously fast...:)

[@bugvswindshield]

One of my favorite all time songs. I use this song to "tune" my stereo from now and again ( album version) .

[@johnathanstruble1064]

After performance, they carried the drum kit off stage on a stretcher. ... thankfully it pulled through. ✌️❤

[@LorraineHinchliffe-vg5cb]

Love it mate LMFAO❤

[@ingridgabelo2934]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@frankjones4357]

Respect for not interrupting Brother ✌

[@toby9999]

I love the way you did a commentry on the lyrics at the end.

[@jeffspangler9098]

Man, your coverage and meaning of the verses was absolutely spot on.

[@ripvanwinkle2002]

GREAT TRACK! i cant NOT dance when this comes on!!

[@timbrom]

Greatest live track of all time. I was there that night. Still buzzing 40+ years later.

[@robertstoner8244]

One of the greatest

[@telebender]

Bang on review. Really enjoyed it. Dire Straits is a deep and rewarding rabbit hole to indulge.

[@michaelwalker5257]

Totally agree with jofoster 1596. Arguable my favorite ever. Try Telegraph Road, from the same Alchemy Tour: every it as amazing!! With even more depth to the lyrics.

[@FrowningIke]

The song is a true story. Mark Knopfler happened to go into a music venue/bar and saw a band perform almost comically bad. The band were called Sultans of Swing.

[@alasdaircampbell9301]

Was a pub somewhere in London. I’ve also heard that Guitar George (mentioned in the song) was actually George Young. He had 2 younger brothers called Malcolm and Angus… Am inclined to think they weren’t actually bad, just playing unsuited songs maybe?

[@brianjupp1748]

Suggestion Telegraph Road live Alchemy live. Heard Sultans of Swing on the radio, their first single bought the album and then just kept buying the albums but Alchemy live is their best album

[@mimiwiz1]

That's Swing music, baby! (With a rock & roll beat, and insane guitar licks!) ❤ Another great reaction, thanks! 🎶

[@manictroy]

dire straits is its own genre 👌

[@stephaniefain1863]

I grew up in music. Nobody had a great family, but the music was everywhere. The barn was a studio. I can listen to the old stuff, and go back in time. All the long haired, boys and girls, filing in, gearing up, plugging in. And we had it all. From flutes to bongos, and everything in between. We’re all old now. Some of us are dead. We played here and there, local bars, mostly. Then life came along. The regular stuff. Marriage, kids, jobs, college. I never played. I sang, my neighbors probably wish I’d stop trying. But I remember the smells of the barn, and the joshing and cutting up, before we took our places.

[@LorraineHinchliffe-vg5cb]

Nice 1 Stephanie❤. I can remember seeing the Old Grey whistle test performance in 1978. It blew my mind.

[@toddchopp1184]

Can't hear this enough. One of the bet guitarists ever. Amazing live performance.

[@Zoonjse]

One of the Ultimate All time Best Songs EVER made.

[@maruka1716]

This song was the breakout hit for Dire Straits in 1978. The studio version was shorter, though, and it didn't have keyboards because the original band line-up was just two guitars, bass, and drums. This performance was from 1983, when they had already had some success and were able to expand. But it's still a hall with a few thousand people. Two years later, they were playing the big stadium shows, and they earned it. Mark Knopfler, the guy in red, wrote all the Dire Straits songs on all six of their albums, as well as singing lead and playing lead guitar. And since then, he has done ten solo albums and a bunch of film scores. He's still working at age 75, his latest album came out in April 2024, and he owns a recording studio in London.

[@LorraineHinchliffe-vg5cb]

I remember the Old Grey whistle Test performance.... Great memories ❤

[@johnlong9534]

It's almost like Mark and his guitar play off each other. One then the other . . . better than any duet.

[@lindsaymckeown513]

I used to play this over and over when I was a teenager! Mark knopfler is an amazing guitarist.

[@eturfrey]

Mark Knopfler, Lead guitar Hal Lindes, Rhythm guitar John Illsey, Bass guitar Terry Williams, Drums Alan Clark, Keys And for these shows July 22/23 1983 additional guest keys, Tommy Mandel.

[@skye67]

The smiles and pure joy!!!!

[@joannasimmonds3706]

Mark Knopfler always writes lyrics like this - every song is about an encounter he's had. Thank you for reacting to this

[@jjc5407]

Not every song. Another favourite inspiration is books he's read. Boom Like That, Song For Sonny Liston, Sailing To Philadelphia etc. etc. His ability to condense complex stories about people, places and events is simply extraordinary. Genius is an epithet thrown around all to flippantly, but it's the only word to encompass Knopfler's incredible talent.

[@PaulWalker-hz6zp]

More Dire Straits please!!!

[@tifrap]

I watch every reaction to this particular video and I have to say that your interpretation at the end is brilliant, not many people catch the atmosphere of one of the many small pub bands playing a rainy Friday night gig in suburban london where every pub in the high street may be competing with some sort of live music or other. Excellent reaction to an excellent video.

[@ConstantinCatalin]

I ve watched dozens of reactions to this masterpiece;it s first time ever when someone explains all lyrics..i just love this because after all the purpose of music is to send feelings and messages to humans. Awesome reaction ❤

[@hennagaijin100]

OUTSTANDING critique ! Best I've heard. You certainly know your stuff. Well done.Just subscribed.

[@RuthKing-wm9nw]

Iconic..another guitar god!

[@wolfsvision940]

Knopfler has such a distinctive tone acoustic or electric you can always tell it's him. Mind blowing performance as good as it gets!!

[@devilsadvocate2548]

Another point to note is that Mark is also one of those few guitarists who is actually left handed, but plays the guitar right handed.

[@pamstuckey8349]

I think you are right. There is some Soul in this song. I'm old school Soul fan

[@orangeandblackattack]

Terry Williams killed it on the kit! His dad was in the audience and it was the first time he ever saw his son play live. Mark told him to go nuts...and the rest is history.

[@ManuelGdeP]

Since you like the storytelling then do "Telegraph Road" from the same Alchemy concert.!!!!!!!!!

[@cshubs]

I saw Mark play a solo show in Indy about 20 years ago in Indy. Top 5 shows I've seen, and I've seen a few.

[@terriebartholomew7871]

Love this performance! ☮️💙😎

[@gregusmc2868]

You got a new subscriber. I saw DS on this tour as a 19 year old. You didn’t talk thru it, pause it-just enjoyed like we did back then. We walked outta that show drenched in sweat. Great memories. Semper Fi brother. Glad you liked it as much as we old dudes who were there did. ❤️👍🏼🫡

[@mik9124]

Best Drummer I've ever was listen to , all together ... are one in this Concert . What a Masterpiece of Music - Art for enjoy Live

[@SpiroFleecy]

One of my all-time favourite live performances and I’ve been around a while!

[@pvv3868]

That drummer

[@lizz5235]

John Illsey - Bass guitar; Alan Clarke - Piano etc; Hal Lindes - rhythm guitar; Mark Knopfler - finger picking lead guitar. WOW!

[@hennagaijin100]

Tommy Mandel - second keyboardist. There were two. He's the one dancing on the right.

[@joopdekorte]

Joopdekorte - percussion & MC (master of ceremony)

[@devilsadvocate2548]

You forgot Terry Williams as the powerhouse in the engine room as one of the most WOW band members in this particular performance!

[@G-Lander388]

Love this song!!

[@ezed3902]

JMBoy. Loved your analysis!

[@odieooops4171]

One gifted guitarist! ❤

[@ianlove1215]

It's fun hearing the audience try to keep up with the rhythm at the end.

[@classicrocklady6288]

Great analysis! As always! Knew you would appreciate this one. So glad you pointed out the exceptional drummer! Easy to overlook Mark's guitar genius as he makes it look so easy. Legendary performance!

[@markw.8455]

Swing music became popular in the 1930's, as a quick-paced genre that people would dance to. Bands used trumpets and sometimes a 'sax' so had jazz elements, but the horns were replced with electric guitars in the late 1950's. Fender Stratocaster was invented around 1957... Mark said the stage lights back in the day were hot, which made him sweat, so it was difficult to see. He wore a headband for that. Thanks for your reaction and the awesome comments at the end.

[@kellydelay18]

This music is why us old timers dont get rap and hip hop at all

[@JMBOYTV]

Totally different worlds

[@stevenobrien3763]

I love all sorts of music, love Dire Straits and love old school American Hip Hop 80’s/90’s East/West coast stuff. It’s gritty and the lyrics tell a story of poverty/growing up on the streets in the hood. Modern day rap/hip hop couldn’t hold a candle to the likes of Naz, Mobb Deep, Gangstar, Wu Tang Clan, Redman, etc

[@LorraineHinchliffe-vg5cb]

I used to love Hip hop in the 80s- early to mid 90s.... but then they put the rap in crap😂

[@BradReddekopp]

I still remember the first time I heard this on the radio. It was 1979 and the disco era had me giving up on hearing real musicianship on the radio but when "Sultans Of Swing" showed up so brilliantly, I once again had hope for the future of popular music.

[@warrenturner397]

TERRY WILLIAMS on drums!!!!!!

[@markdevlin8471]

Poetry in motion... like an out of body experience... marvellous 😎

[@The_Damninal]

Your joy shines through. Keep after it. Thank you, sir.

[@picolo4102]

JMBOY u are the best!

[@saamegan2985]

I have watched multiple reactions of this vid, but you are the first one to comment on the amazing poetry ! And the drumming!!

[@brianshickey]

I’ve watched a TON of reactions to this performance and must say that yours is one of my favourites. I love how you broke down the musicians and more so the lyrics, the meaning of the song. Well done!

[@thekingcobra63]

Was blessed to see these cats in concert back in the day. Great live performance sure.

[@LorraineHinchliffe-vg5cb]

The outro guitar solo on the LP version of this song kicks major ass❤

[@FrançoisGuèdenet]

I appreciate your demeanor and open honesty.

[@robertstoner8244]

Yes 👍 it's hard rocking with a easy going sound together 😂

[@skye67]

Just the best live performance ever. I love this sooo much and I could be your mom. Love your reaction and joy in your eyes x

[@claudiaregenos3314]

The Sultans of Swing play Creole.

[@hornerinf]

Fantastic reaction! You actually listened to all the words and provided a brilliant analysis.

[@thecrimsonking187]

i love this song, especially this Gig. and i am no Dire-Straits-fan. But this is soo awesome. His Coolness. The Melodie. Nice Piece.

[@AliasMark69]

2 Hands, 2 Feet, 1 Brain knows each beat out of countless.... Amazing what the Human Brain is capable of....Yep

[@chopa2less]

Well said!

[@andrewwhyte9944]

I love that you didn't pause the vid during the show. This song became an anthem when it was released and is one of my all-time favorites!

[@johntuohy1867]

Mighty good to witness such a genuine response. Diggin how you dug this dude. You took it on board full whack. Without interrupting.Thank you.

[@anthonyfoden9382]

JM, Boy, your reaction is excellent. Insightful and intelligent, and your remarks about each member of the band were spot on. One of the best live performances ever. 10/10

[@peterfallert4994]

Love your reaction, true love of the performance and music!

[@billofalltrades2633]

Great song one of my favorites! Great reaction

[@earlellison7533]

Wow you get it! I watch others also get with this masterpiece the first time and its fun, but you do it best with the full explanation.

[@joannefoster2793]

And the story in the song happened to the band one night when they were out and about and stopped in a small night club. Everything in the song happened. I saw an interview with them explaining it.