Drummer reacts to "Sultans of Swing" (Alchemy Live) by Dire Straits

[@raycornford283]

'Telegraph Road' from the same concert is a must now. Superb musicianship

[@UKCougar]

Came here to say this. "I wish it was longer..."

[@liannehoward4602]

I watch this every day. Every. Single. Day. As much for the spontaneous joyful smiles from Mark as for the incredible performance. That grin brings me joy on my worst days. Thanks for the reaction!

[@jaycorby]

I recall hearing the original of this song on the car radio when it was brand new (1978). The band's name was unfamiliar, and I honestly thought it was Cajun music of some sort. Somewhat later when Dire Straits really skyrocketed to fame, I familiarized myself with Mark Knopfler and the origins of the group. Fast forward to this Alchemy Live version, which I caught on KZbin for the first time, and I was totally blown away! I don't watch it every single day, but I'd say 2 - 3 times per month.

[@marthadavis5703]

I watch too... I am a 74 year old woman. It revs me up. makes me cry...spiritual!!

[@gillwaugh7212]

@@marthadavis5703 glad it’s not just me 👍🏼

[@robertbootier8223]

I can relate. I've seen "A Hard Day's Night", a solid 300 times. hahaha

[@EV4RY]

@@jaycorby Never tire of hearing this, its an eternal soundtrack of uplifting joy and energy .

[@johnathanstruble1064]

They carried the drum kit off stage on a stretcher afterwards, thankfully it pulled through! 😂❤ ✌️

[@WEAREDERBY1884]

Best comment I've heard in ages mate 👍😂

[@dongubelman2283]

Good one!

[@BringItMAGA]

One of the top 5 live performances ever. Terry William's drumming owns this performance!

[@ronaldgoebel2174]

So Terry Williams, the drummer, his dad was in the audience and was hearing him live for the 1st time and Terry was given the green light on this tune to do whatever he wanted and the bass player and Mark noticed he was having fun and they started laughing at one point during the song and it was pure magic. They were just letting go and having fun and what a performance for all of us to enjoy. Thanks guys. Awesome and awesome reaction brother.

[@davidbarker77]

When you watch this, it’s hard to listen to the studio version. One of the best performances I’ve seen.

[@everestguy8850]

exactly - I heard this album first and then went to their studio albums and felt, especially for SoS , let down! hahaha

[@donnast.joseph5158]

While I understand the beauty and magic of this performance - I love the studio version best. Y'all don't send me hate mail!! I truly love this performance for its outstanding creativity but love the studio for different reasons. Love that Mark more sings his lines in the studio version and love the structure of the music. Well, seems like two different songs for me. I enjoy this for the stellar performance and love the studio when I just want to hear the song. Prob doesn't make sense but does to me. 👍🎶✌️🎶

[@janicejohnson6372]

This is talent, the good old days no dancers.fancy lighting, singers half naked and lip syncing just pure talent

[@ripvanwinkle2002]

shame about no half naked dancers tho 😢

[@louise_rose]

@@ripvanwinkle2002 He did write "Private Dancer" though, and later offered the song to Tina Turner. Most of Dire Straits except Mark himself are backing her on the single. :) (Of course Tina understood that the song is really about a tired and disillusoned tart)

[@horstschafer1839]

Was Terry Williams first stage approuch as the New drummer. Has to be said, he served very well.His Papa was in the audience, so he showed up full skills. Love it.

[@merrilynhunt7819]

Mark is now 74 years old and just released his 10th album on his solo career. He is thought to be one of the best living guitarists today. The band was founded by him and he wrote all the music and did all the other things required. He disbanded in 1993 because it got so big and out of control and they were all exhausted and left us wanting more. You can check out all his solos on KZbin

[@steveexon7504]

I think John and David had something to do with it !!

[@user-eg2zo4kz6w]

One of the best live performances ever!! So glad you did this version! Band was so tight and drummer was phenomenal

[@patrickandraska2033]

Knophler is completely one of a kind. No one played like him before or since. His playing on Brothers in Arms is the most emotionally haunting guitar ever.

[@louise_rose]

Influenced by JJ Cale and, I think, Jeff Beck - he has definitely listened to Jeff's tone and phrasing through the late 1960s and '70s - but yes, of course he is his own guy in terms of style. This earlý 1970s medley song with the Jeff Beck Group (vocals here by Bobby Tench, a US soul/r'n'b man) seems to prefigure some of the early sound of Dire Straits,, especially the guitar tone and drums (by Cozy Powell): kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYPcdotjrtKlgbs

[@James-hd6ez]

​@louise_rose I personally think Neil Young plays guitar with pure 100% emotion, but I know he doesn't figure as high technically as the likes of Mark, Jimi, Jimmy etc.

[@louise_rose]

@@James-hd6ez Yes, sure - although Page and Hendrix certainly had sloppy stretches too on stage when their playing wasn't technically great. I'm a big long-term fan of Neil Young too (and of fellow Canadians Joni Mitchell and The Band)

[@Chase57Tx]

The definitive performance of Sultans of Swing!

[@normankennith7919]

yes indeed!! thyis was brilliant as is the studio version of 'tunnel of love!!

[@toniw725]

Telegraph Road from this same concert! It is even better, and brilliant!

[@Julrho]

Totally agree with that statement.❤❤

[@paulehney4581]

These guys were freaking awesome.

[@genegarrett3372]

A true classic. This song put Mark Knopfler on the map, He was a true guitar virtuoso.

[@niekoohoek64]

Is

[@lornaclayton2697]

He still is.

[@davidw7]

Many do not know he was with a Country Rock Scottish group first and Country especially guitar. Greatly influence him. After he want on his own. He had collaborations with Country artist... top musicians on guitar in Country and Bluegrass like Chet Atkins and Emmylou Harris along with others. Though it kept him from more pop stardom...He was doing it with those whose music he loved and inspired him.... Just tidbits on Mark .... though he did have issues with the band he is most famous with that got him with them in the Rock Hall of Fame.

[@sammybeck7794]

I've always respected Mark Knopflers guitar style. He finger picks which is a feat in itself

[@SashanMusArt]

@@davidw7 Sorry, I don’t understand what you mean about MK having ‘Issues’ with his band….. ‘that got him and them into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’? As the solo songwriter for Dire Straits 6 x albums, there would have been no Dire Straits as we know it, without Mark Knopfler. A point of view corroborated in several music media articles written about the band, & including comments made in interviews with his bandmates, John Illsley, Guy Fletcher, Alan Clark & Jack Sonni. I❤️MK

[@bobmiller9313]

Iam 83 and love this clean natural sound of pure talent

[@alchemy-oi8xf]

"Enigmatic" is a good choice of words, L33, to describe a man who's got to be the most laid-back and unassuming of guitar gods. His precise, elegant playing style is truly breathtaking. When Dire Straits came on the scene, they sounded like NO ONE ELSE on the radio, though they often were thrown into the New Wave category, despite the fact that they weren't. Really glad you appreciate Mark's genius, as well as the great musicianship of the rest of the band.

[@martynjones8073]

You have to do Telegraph Road from the same concert, then your mind will be totally blown!!

[@dongubelman2283]

Agree

[@jorgechavesfilho]

Great reaction, man! Pianist and Alchemy co-producer Alan Clark has played for Bob Dylan, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton, The Bee Gees, Phil Collins, George Harrison, Elton John, Pet Shop Boys, The Who, Gerry Rafferty, Lou Reed, Rod Stewart, Van Morrison and Robbie Williams. Quite impressive.

[@Dingo-x]

He played his guitar without using a guitar pick, i think that's what makes him so good, he could feel every string like it was an extension of his arm!

[@mickell241]

this is the best version of this song i have ever heard. fantastic

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Timeless performance

[@hoppers13]

I was lighting-guy at Lowestoft college when Dire Straits played there before they were famous. I treasure my white-label album I bought before it was released. My band was playing Sultans before it got to the radio. I still play it today.

[@NickNack-l4q]

I love this performance. It brings me such joy! Thanks for reacting to it :)

[@christinehoughton8591]

I also watch Sultans of Swing and Telegraph road everyday. You are not alone

[@thegroovetube3247]

"They've got lots of young fans" They had lots of fans period. At this point they were the biggest-selling band in the world!

[@L33Reacts]

I see that! That’s awesome. I was just commenting on how young everyone was that I saw. That’s a good sign 🥳

[@stevesnow315]

Every guitar player, no matter their skill level sat up and took notice when this song came out. The arpeggio at the end is iconic.😊

[@SamKnause]

Check out Telegraph Road from the same album Alchemy live. It is a MASTERPIECE !!!! Loved your appreciation of the talent on that stage. Mark is in a class of his own. Dire Straits are just otherworldly.

[@mimiwiz1]

Insanely good! I've watched this too many times to count, and it always hits my happy vibe! Mark is one in a million talent. ❤

[@PeteLX]

Drummer completely going HAM

[@loisrogers9042]

I don't think you can ever be the same after seeing this performance!

[@L33Reacts]

I definitely forever love dire straits now! 😁😁

[@AP-gb3eh]

Knopfler’s guitar voice is so authentic, like the other truly great guitarists . You can always know it’s him and listening to any & every piece of music he makes is worthwhile

[@ronnie237]

I’ve seen this video a couple of hundred times over the years and I-still get chills when I watch it. It’s so great

[@santanamauricio]

In 1982-86 they were one of the biggest bands in the world.

[@gordowg1wg145]

"Bothers in Arms" is another mega hit from back in the day - veterans, from all forces, find it particularly emotional, because... Oh, I see you've already done that - just going to check it out.

[@ronnie237]

Greatest live version ever.

[@MaydayMaydayMayday147]

Telegraph Road from the same concert next for sure.

[@kevinray5755]

they had hit the music scene in 1979 with this song on their first album, a great new sound

[@ManuelGdeP]

Now you have to do telegraph Road from the same concert (Alchemy), you won't regret it!!!!!!1

[@mapegatkinson92]

Prince said Mark was the best. High praise.

[@williamjones6031]

The studio version of this is one of the best songs for cruising. Including road tripping. It's nice that you enjoyed it so much. 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.🤩🤩

[@rosmeeker1964]

i remember going to a concert on this tour. I was standing in the mosh pit and everyone was moving around me. And then I realised that I was just standing there, with my mouth open, watching Mark play.

[@tamifaulkner4103]

Mark Knoppler is so amazing. I still buy his new music. Much calmer but equally clear and stunning!

[@Kieop]

My favourite drumming of all time.

[@jerrysilverman8113]

As good as this was Telegraph road from the same concert is even better.

[@christinehoughton8591]

Agree

[@gordondafoe3516]

Jerry, your comparing songs. That's like saying "My almost favorite" is Sultans of Swing! There is no playing field here!. Is "Sweet Leaf" by Black Sabbath, better than "Like a Rolling Stone" By Bob Dylan (Robert Zimmerman)? Choose your words carefully, and proof read before submitting.

[@jerrysilverman8113]

@@gordondafoe3516 Its just my opinion but with 17 likes I`m not alone.

[@thewheelieguy]

​@@gordondafoe3516 no, they're saying that the performance of Telegraph Road is even better than the performance here on this song,

[@musicairplanes4884]

Just love the chill look on Mark's face while his fingers are just flying. Makes it look so easy.

[@gzaq]

This is a core childhood memory for me. I remember taping this off the TV when I was 12. That cassette tape never left my player for months! Lee bro, glad you listened to this. If you want more of this, check out the whole concert. It's magic.

[@italcook1]

I was a teenager during the late 60’s with all of the greats! Hendrix, Doors, Ten Years After, CCR, Led Zeppelin… and many more. Disco Music started sneaking in with all its vocal and sparkly fashion….. but along came Dire Straits and SRV IN STEP Album, which featured Rock. Thank God for these guys for keeping us Rockin’ during this transition to Disco which we hated. I have to say this… I was there, I remember it oh so well…

[@shiannesmith6877]

Good God that was fantastic fantastic! Thank you for your insight. You are very essential to my life and day❤

[@lotusladylotus6159]

I'm so grateful that I grew up with this music! Not only is Mark a guitar virtuoso, but he was also the song-writer and composer for the band. Nevertheless, he always made sure to give all of the band members a chance to shine. Fun Fact: In addition to all of that, his unique sound, and the fact that he is a finger-plucking genius, Mark was actually left handed but was playing guitar with his right, whilst making it all look so easy! I love love "Sultans of Swing"; that said, if you want to really see the breathtaking live musicianship of this band and the kind of epic musical masterpiece they could collectively produce, you have to treat yourself to their performance of "Telegraph Road" from this same Alchemy Live concert. You mentioned their camaraderie; when you watch Telegraph Road, you'll see once again how Marks is constantly making eye contact with his bandmates, and moving around the stage to connect with each of them. Another very different but spectacular example of Mark's talent is also on display in "Once Upon a Time in the West, also from 'Alchemy Live'. Enjoy!

[@kristahartmann6712]

Pure magic and joy. The smiles that Knopfler was tossing out were extraordinary. The very close second best vid........Dial up his live concert with Sting, Clapton, And Phil Collins at the Royal Albert Hall doing "Money For Nothing".... with an orchestra and huge choir rocking completely OUT...clapping and swaying. Talk about epic!

[@madformorgan7848]

Oh wow. First time I’ve heard this live performance and it blew my mind. How could you ever go back to the studio performance after seeing that. Fantastic.

[@L33Reacts]

Right?? It’s impossible! That was NUTS 🥜

[@corawheeler9355]

I've heard the studio recording many times ... love this live.

[@jogooge6384]

Thank you for a great reaction, I was in this audience, and we knew how special this was at the time, Telegraph Road was equally special. I saw this particular tour twice and I still never tire of watching this and seeing the reactions of younger generations. How lucky were we?

[@dawntucker5052]

I love mark so much ❤❤

[@markwade2530]

What a band/song/performance! I got to see them in concert December '85 on the Brothers In Arms tour. Superb.

[@martinhoskins57]

Yes!!!!!! nothing more to say ..... Awsome

[@BusstterNutt]

Timeless.

[@stevedriver3387]

Telegraph Road from the same concert next please!!!!!

[@peterfallert4994]

10 minutes of pure perfection

[@Will_E_Wonty]

Exellent reaction, thankfully without interruptions. And a list of videos that includes Bowie, Jethro Tull and Jerry Rafferty deserves a sub from me!

[@thelatenightbar]

I wouldn't say a new wave... just great lyrics, great musician, and arranger.

[@monikadyminska1754]

Terry Williams is killing it!

[@neilwinchester9187]

Great performance!

[@guyprins6340]

As 4 the young audience, they had a HUGE MTV hit with Money For Nothing.

[@louise_rose]

Yes, but i think that was a year or two after this concert was filmed. They were super popular by the early eighties though.

[@eturfrey]

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

[@MD44-s6p]

Cool commentary. Really enjoyed it.

[@jeffreykennedy1266]

Saw them live back in the 80’s, they were great. One of my favourite guitarists of all time… 👍

[@peterginger]

I’m exhausted

[@kianpa1]

Well, we WERE young back then! lol. Love it. Thank you!

[@magicgordo4878]

Mark and the rest of the band are glad this dude likes them. This dude is really cool.

[@sharondavid-melly1498]

This is such a fantastic set! Thank you 🎸

[@joelliebler5690]

Great performance!!!

[@bishopswoodcrafts]

I come for Tull Tuesday every week - still waiting for you to finish Benefit and Stand up, and had to stay to see your reaction to this absolute gem. Superb performance by this band, and a great reaction too.

[@mik9124]

This Drummer is out of this world man

[@fenackerpan]

If...if...if...only I could have been there!

[@alphajava761]

A lot Mark's vocals are inspired by Dylan and Lou Reed. Love it, its like a blend of the two. Style.

[@cliff481]

Those young fans are the ones commenting here. I'm a 60s Scouser in USA. Speaking for myself (and I'm sure I'm far from alone) I Love watching you, and other young reactionists, discover the talent I experienced at your age. You felt like they were brothers because of the communication between them in this unscripted special arrangement to showcase the drummer, who's dad was in the audience and watching his son for the first time. Notice the subtle nods on the fly. No recorded stuff (Don Henley) no autotune just raw talent. Great job as usual. Thanks L33.

[@andrewtims9524]

Its an urban myth about his dad watching for the first time , he had seen him play countless times before this

[@L33Reacts]

I’m glad you enjoyed, my friend. This was a treat for sure. I can’t wait to do telegraph road next!!

[@cliff481]

@@andrewtims9524 I stand corrected. I always thought that was true. Thanks for the update.

[@andrewtims9524]

@cliff481 no worries mate, it's often stated but it takes nothing away from his performance which is an absolute masterclass, shows the difference of being able to play the drums and being able to play the fuck out of the drums 🥁 even the rest of the band enjoyed his performance

[@chriswhealy4170]

Dire Straits exploded onto the music in Jan 1978 when they first played this song on the BBC's late night music programme called The Old Grey Whistle Test. The program was called the Old Grey Whistle Test because the music production staff knew that whatever song the cleaners (the old people with grey hair) were whistling after the show, would most likely, become a hit. Legend has it the cleaners and their mops were dancing to Sultans of Swing...

[@michaelbaucom4019]

Drummer Terry Williams ALMOST upstaged MK...one of many reasons this version of Sultans Of Swing is so beloved You need to do the Alchemy version of Tunnel Of Love next

[@StevenQ74]

Wembley 1985 version is better kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKPPnGZqg9p8pas

[@RCTPatriot75]

Most on point light man ever.

[@seantaylor4095]

Telegraph Road and Tunnel of Love are two more great live performances you should check out.

[@dexstewart2450]

Dire Straits came out at the same time as The Police - basically became a genre of their own due to Mark being out on his own as a guitarist

[@jenscee7679]

Funny because Sting is from Wallsend and Mark grew up in my hometown, Blyth. They are only about 10 miles apart.

[@ednicholson7839]

Dire Straits and The Police were probably the two key bands of this era -- in terms of both greatness and commercial success.

[@gregusmc2868]

I saw them on this tour as a 19 year old kid (I’m 60 now) My buddies and I came out of this show drenched in sweat and exhausted. MK and DS-accept no substitutes.

[@fabjen1961]

Shout out to these brilliant players and big shout out to the sound guys and recording engineers who made our viewing possible.

[@christinehoughton8591]

You have to show Telegraph Road, Alchemy Live another master piece.👍

[@return2earthvideochannel]

Amazing performance - love Mark's smile, so relaxed.

[@DrStrangelove3891]

I've seen this so many times 😄

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

Great performance! Also, your little girls are so cute. 🥰

[@dawntucker5052]

This song!!! Yes!!

[@L33Reacts]

Yes!!!!

[@doughaviland1729]

NOW YOU NEED TO WATCH TELEGRAPH ROAD FROM THE SAME CONCERT!😂❤❤❤❤

[@dianegardner7210]

Oh my gosh -they are so cute-enjoy - it goes so fast and I love this song since the first time I heard it

[@guichogf5636]

This was a breath of fresh air when it came out. Great album with great songs, Water of Love, Walking in the Wild West End, The Gallery.

[@lorcazola]

Ahhh so cute. Your kids are adorable.

[@DonnaVraspberry]

Tunnel of Love ❤️

[@dawntucker5052]

God i love this video❤❤

[@StephenDavies-d6o]

met Terry and had a long chat with him I come from the same town as him, very nice guy and mega talented on those drums.

[@user-ez6vk2bw7q]

Dire Straits was one of the best at playing songs live like they did in the studio, almost as well as George Thorogood and the Destroyers. Since you've been hitting the album Brothers in Arms, check out "Money for Nothing" (the original video won awards, but watch out for censored versions) and "Walk of Life" (the video version featured clips of amazing NFL game plays, really fun to watch). Great reaction and analysis. Thanks, L33! Keep it up!

[@L33Reacts]

I’m so glad you enjoyed, my friend. This song has been one of my favorites over the past month. Amazing performance

[@fidge54]

My favorite guitarist

[@dawntucker5052]

Amazingggg😊😊😊