Singer Turned a Moron’s ANGRY RANT About Rockstars Into BEST GUITAR Hit of the 80s-Professor of Rock

One day Dire Straits Frontman Mark Knopfler was shopping in a retail store and he happened to eavesdrop on two meathead workers ranting about Rockstars and how easy they have it. It was such an interesting conversation that he borrowed a piece of paper and wrote down what they said verbatim. He turned it into one of the biggest hits ever. Yet this frontman got lambasted by critics for using their exact conversation… It was controversial for sure but it was also meant to be satire…Later the song was banned… Earlier a happy accident in the studio created the iconic guitar sound that’s become a part of our culture and then the band had an idea to get Sting to sing on the song. He happened to be in town windsurfing and was able to record an iconic line I Want My MTV that would make it very simple to market especially on MTV. Later Weird Al Yankovic would parody it with Knopfler playing the guitar. It would be the defining track on Dire Straits 1985 masterpiece blockbuster Brothers In Arms. The story is next on Professor of Rock.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you remember trying to figure out how to transform a car into a robot without looking at the instructions when playing with Transformers back in the day you’ll dig this channel of Musical Nostalgia. Make sure to subscribe below right now. We also have a Patreon you'll want to check out. We put up full interviews there. Your support helps keep it a daily channel and check out our merch!
So it’s time for another edition of our series The New Standards. This show takes an in-depth look into songs that transcend genre, decade, and fads - songs that are monumental touchstones in our culture and society. On previous episodes we have covered Jack and Diane by John Mellencamp, Take On Me by A-Ha, and Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears.
Today we are breaking down an all-time classic from 1985. A song that boasts one of the most iconic riffs of the 80s. It has a great story too…. Here’s a taste…It’s Money for Nothing by Dire Straits, from their fifth studio album Brothers in Arms.
Brothers in Arms was a blockbuster LP. Released in May 1985, this was not only Dire Straits biggest album, but one of the biggest-selling albums ever recorded. Moving more than 30 million copies. It was also at the forefront of cutting-edge recording technology. Although pressed on vinyl and cassette, Brothers in Arms was one of the first albums to be released on compact disc.
Before Dire Straits began to record the album at the Monserrat Studio, Knopfler had already written all of the songs and rehearsed them with his bandmates. The studio lineup consisted of Knopfler on lead guitar, John Illsley on bass, Alan Clark on keyboards, and Guy Fletcher who was new to the band playing a synth rig that consisted of a huge new Yamaha DX1, a couple of Roland keyboards, and a Synclavier. Terry Williams manned the drums, though the group added coveted session player Omar Hakim to rerecord some of the drum parts on Money for Nothing.
Apparently, the recording studio was very compact. Only 20 feet by 25 feet. But the sound of the room was supreme thanks to the Neve 8078 soundboard.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the greatest album of the 80s....where every track is excellent?

[@catherine6653]

Paul Simon, Graceland U2, Joshua Tree

[@BillGraper]

I'll get some flack for this, but Debbie Gibson's "Out Of The Blue" and "Electric Youth" albums are perfect to me. I took the tapes everywhere with me, including my paper route & basketball court. I also had the albums, and later the CDs.

[@yettiman2817]

Back in Black.. is the first that comes to mind. The Wall and since you didnt specify genre, i will say Thriller.

[@BillGraper]

​@@yettiman2817 With Thriller, I love all 7 singles. I'm not too crazy about the two non-singles. Maybe if they had been released, I'd feel different? 🤔😅

[@christineml1476]

Metallica's "Master of Puppets"

[@bicyclist2]

I'm old enough to remember this song being played on Mtv. Those were the days. This song is so iconic. This was one of the songs Mtv played pretty consistently. This song helped define the 80's and a generation. Great memories. I'm very grateful to have been a teen in the 80's. Thank you.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I miss those days... Dearly.

[@OZARKMOON1960]

I miss the early days when MTV actually was only rock videos and news. And yes, this song defined the start of all that.

[@bigtechisbigbrother8690]

@@ProfessorofRock Back in the 80's we didn't know how good we had it. We took it for granted; it was just life to us. Maybe we even complained at times. But now, looking back from the perspective of today's dystopian society, the 80's seems like some kind of magical golden age. Do I have rose-tinted nostalgia glasses? Sure, a little bit, but nobody can tell me those times weren't way better than the insanity of today.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I wish I was alive in the 80s, because I sure do want some MTV!

[@janiephillips4842]

The way things are these days, it has made me appreciate the 80' s even more than I already did. Miss those days so much.♥️🌺💔

[@D-Fens_1632]

I think the funniest thing my mom ever said was the time my sister was in her old room where she still kept things and was trying to find something she thought was buried away in some boxes and such. In regard to the boxes she said "we gotta move these..." then kind of trailed off there. From the other room you just heard mom say "refrigerators?"

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Custom kitchens? Color TVs?

[@googlyeyedcat]

Love to your mom.

[@CheleBoxy]

😂😂😂 Much love to your mom!!!

[@dastrnad]

Haha! I assume your mom replied “refrigerators”because they were big, heavy boxes?

[@sliceahlife]

what a cool mom!

[@dood9701]

Interesting fact from Australia. When Dire Straits released this album, they scheduled a world tour. When they opened the phone lines for the Brisbane concert, the sheer volume of telephone traffic from calls to the ticket line brought down, not only the network in Brisbane, but the entire nation. I think it took up to 10 hours to restore the network. From this event, the phrase "Avalanche Traffic" was coined. It described how repeated attempts to the same number at a growing rate caused further delays in call setups until the network tied itself up so much, nothing could get through. Similar to gridlock in road traffic.

[@thrusta100]

Was everywhere! but must have been after the SEQEB power cuts of 85 thanks to that corrupt fat cat premier Joh Bjelke! 🤦‍♂️🤮🤮🤮

[@yettiman2817]

Mark Knopfler is Underrated bigtime

[@personalwatching9312]

Huh?

[@wishingb5859]

Totally agree. He is hardly ever mentioned in most of the lists and should be.

[@ProfessorofRock]

One of the GOATS.

[@yettiman2817]

@@wishingb5859 thats exactly what i mean. You make a top 25 and hes never in them. He absolutly should be

[@maestroaxeman]

Mark Knopfler was/is a HUGE influence for me. Started out with Jimi Hendix & Jimmy Page for me...moved on to Knopfler & Niel Schön...& then Yngwie & Satch.

[@hawkeye_pierce31]

Mark Knopfler and the iconic riff of this song are what made me fall in love with the electric guitar. I’ve had a Les Paul for many years now and it’s taken me almost 9 years to play this song on guitar because of the subtleties he puts into it and the fact that he finger picks and that’s how I taught myself is to play like Mark Knopfler. Truly, one of the most underrated guitarists of all time.

[@davidlaw689]

The opening riff of this masterpiece has no peers ! A triumph of guitar and songwriting from one of the greatest storytellers. The fact that Phil Lynott, Tina Turner , Randy Newman , Bob Dylan and Steely Dan turned to Mr Knopfler’s guitar services speaks volumes of the esteem he is held in.

[@stephenbrown4211]

Even Bob Dylan

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

BOB DYLAN. One of the most legendary folks out there. Mark is blessed.

[@jasonyount6036]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the one and only Professor of Rock! This channel is top tier content! Thank you so much Professor! 👍💪💯🔥

[@lalaj5831]

Absolutely!

[@Jimbodisfan]

Love the channel.

[@ordinaryman1904]

It’s an interesting channel, to be sure. But there’s no need to call a hardworking warehouseman , a moron. Unless, of course, you look down on people who live by the sweat of their hands.

[@thomasnunya9561]

@@ordinaryman1904 that's not why he called them morons. It was the imbecilic way they jealously downplayed somebody else's accomplishments.

[@kengoodman7637]

Yes, every episode is presented with joy , heart and knowledge.

[@graysonbr]

As my father was in the military, the song Brothers in Arms is simply one of my all time favorites of theirs. Such a gripping song about the Falkland's war. Knopler's contribution to The Princess Bride soundtrack is appreciated as well btw!

[@judgedrekk2981]

yep, Storybook Love was a fantastic addition to the film and a great song outside the film as well... "sorry, I jogged him too hard" LOLZ hilarious movie....

[@unrepentantoffender188]

BROTHERS*

[@bokesnmokes]

​@@unrepentantoffender188 it's probably an auto correct

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Love the message that song brings.

[@thebarbecutioner6977]

​@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 hello loved one. Long time no see. Hope you are doing well and prospering.

[@raindogs]

I'm an old man. I had over 2400 albums when CDs came into vogue. This was the first CD that I ever bought (along with Madonna's debut for my then-wife) and the sound just blew me away! Now, my entire music collection fits on five 10 TB disks with dual redundancy. And I'm so old that I don't mind the digital sound over vinyl at all.

[@CorgiConnect]

I think I remember that only the CD got an extended version of So Far Away that the vinyl did not get. I did not have a CD player and was like "hey, wth Warner Bros." I still have the original vinyl, and I still play it from time to time.

[@davejones4302]

Easily one of the greatest guitarists ever but his voice is rarely given the credit it deserves and I'm so glad you mentioned it. Songs like Brothers In Arms, Tunnel Of Love and Romeo And Juliet just wouldn't sound the same with anyone else singing, his voice fits them perfectly and helps elevate them to the classics they are.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a very haunting voice.

[@Me-zo8yc]

YES!

[@JackBarlow-i4l]

Skateaway I'd also great and ind. Disease

[@matthewwilson9656]

Never get tired of that guitar riff. Mark Knopfler is a world class guitarist. This song still makes me smile

[@Navigator2166]

Me too! I loved this song. 🤣

[@OZARKMOON1960]

I immediately turn up the volume the second the opening riff starts - it is one of the most distinctive ones out there. I love it. And you have to love a guy who not only gives the okay to Weird Al, but insists on playing on his song.

[@jmfloyd23]

I too crank up the intro to money for nothing.

[@DoubleACbg]

“That little Clampett got his own cement pond, that little Clampett, he’s a millionaire”

[@demetriuscooksey7147]

One of the best songs and videos of all time, and it makes me SO happy to hear the story behind it! Thanks Professor!

[@biotavo1289]

Sometimes inspiration comes from the most unexpected places. It's the songwriter's virtue to turn it into a story that fits in a rock album

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

This song came from an angry rant about rockers. How incredible.

[@JW...-oj5iw]

I first want to say that I absolutely love both of the Money for Nothing videos equally. Weird Al is a genius and music videos really connected us to him. As for the Dire Straits version, Mark should be grateful that his performance could be enhanced to magnify everything into the video. Something I thought you might do is reveal any information about the video within the video. Is that a real group and video?

[@knightchamberlain4073]

It’s always a treat when “Money For Nothin’” (unedited version) comes on the radio. As soon as you hear the opening notes, you know what’s coming. It’s also cool that you can visualize the music video in your mind’s eye while the song is playing. The crescendo leading to the first notes of the riff leading to the lyrics is really the highlight of the song. It just grabs you by the throat and shakes you. What a great song, and a great story by the great Adam Reader - THE Professor of Rock. Another triumph, Professor!!👏👏👏

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s what was so great about MTV, whenever these songs came on the radio, all that was in your head was the video.

[@charlesharper2357]

I love the line: "He's bangin' on the bongos like a Chimpanzee" 🤣

[@martineldritch]

1985 Wembley saw The Dire straights rock the venue with Money for Nothing and Sultans of Swing (one of the coolest songs ever recorded) Utterly mad and monster, how could you top that? Next up...QUEEN ! ! Ah, those were the days.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So exciting!

[@JackTorrance333]

My dads copy of Brothers In Arms is currently in his jeeps cd player, sitting in my garage. RIP Pops.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Glad you’re preserving his memory.

[@relax2dream164]

You can’t mistake Mark Knoppler’s sound! My favourite guitarist ever!❤️🇨🇦

[@wishingb5859]

Dire Straits has such a fabulously unique sound. I love it when bands have their own sound. Boston, Jethro Tull, Rush, Nirvana, etc. (Even back to Glenn Miller who refused to stop until he found his own sound)

[@ProfessorofRock]

Who do you think had the most original sound of the 80s?

[@jasonhowarth6789]

@Professor of Rock hmm. Barenaked Ladies for later 80's and Devo for the beginning.

[@petercena9497]

R.E.M. without a doubt.

[@wishingb5859]

@@ProfessorofRock Wow, that is such a hard question. Back then? I think things like B52s, Talking Heads, but my definition of what is original is bigger the older I get. I mean, decades go by and there isn’t another Pink Floyd or AC/DC or ZZ Top. How many Santanas or Bruce Springsteen or Billy Idol or Ramones are there. So many bands found their own voices. Music as a whole stays exciting when ever that happens. 60s, 70s, and 80s were all amazing for that.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The Cars as well.

[@forakermm]

I was a senior in HS when this CD came out and it was such a different sound from their earlier work. LOVE IT!!!! ❤🎸

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It was revolutionary indeed.

[@aspalovin]

This is one of those songs that I remember the first few times hearing it. I was a kid but when that searing guitar kicked in I was instantly hooked. That riff just spoke out ''You like riffs do ya? I got yer riff right here buddy!, Top that!!"

[@ProfessorofRock]

So true! It was so magnetic!

[@simplysteve68]

Yeah, this and the near ending guitar riff to Prince's "Let's Go Crazy" as well

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The riff kicks ass.

[@stefansnijders8943]

Yeah, it really does say that, doesn't it.

[@christineml1476]

I love watching the "Money for Nothing" video, Knopfler's smirk is perfect, almost like he's recalling the conversation all over again.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a with sarcasm that’s very entertaining.

[@RealTechZen]

I was working in a residential construction crew and we all took the day off to watch the premier of MTV at the crew chief's house - big all day party! We generally thought the controversy over the lyrics was bogus because we saw it as a TRIBUTE to the gutsiness of Boy George.

[@michaelvandeginste3497]

That little British cigarette got his own jet airplane. That little bundle of wood, he's a millionaire.

[@ahha6304]

I can guess the name this song before I open this vid! Great job doing this, Adam. And I like how he got Sting to record this too, it was damn fun to hear it all over again haha. Anyway, can I request another song from this album? It's a song that become a template for saxophone practice and it's the track number 4. I would like to hear you talk about that song.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I will look into it. Was it a template for you?

[@ahha6304]

@@ProfessorofRock I play guitars badly, but once in a blue moon, a melody of some song will dive into my head and I will know how to play a melody of that song immediately without reason, mostly those were the Shadows' songs. It's weird gift, I know.

[@ahha6304]

and oh, the saxophone line of the song I requested you, I can play it with same reason I just told you.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I looked at the thumbnail and knew it right away.

[@petercena9497]

Offended or not, the complete version should still be played on the radio. Brothers in Arms at one time was the biggest selling album in U.K. history. Still in the top 10. Glad they made it to the Rock hall of Fame, even if Mark was a no-show.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ya it was the first album to sell over 10 million there!

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@ProfessorofRock The advent of CDs as a commercial proposition had a lot to do with this- it sold huge numbers of CDs. It was only from 1985 that those who could afford them bought CDs.

[@mneugent7658]

People get offended too easily. There's nothing offensive about the lyrics in this song. Context means everything. If people find a word to be offensive they shouldn't use that word, and then they should leave everyone else alone.

[@judgedrekk2981]

agreed, I always add the unedited version to my playlists, I never saw the song as offensive and it's one of the things I hate about giving in to the easily offended, the more ground you give the more mileage they steal..... if you give an inch they'll tale the nation!!! look around man?? everything is broken cus of the easily offended..... we've retreated to the older music cus there's no creativity in the new shit cus that sadly is what's rewarded, trash they actually give those hacks awards for writing trash where many bands of 1999 ad before are shunned from the rock hall....and they let in country and rap?? WTF? lol I want my MTV......MTV doesn't play music anymore so i guess I don't want my MTV then? lolz anyways I hope some easily offended get offended by what I said...cus I was put here to offend.....you could say I'm a.....repeat offender ugh

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@judgedrekk2981 Things are broken in societies where they are due to right wing ideologues who have wrecked America, Britain and elsewhere. It's that simple.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 I heard this story years ago. Just cool how everything happened. In later years, Sting appeared with Dire Straits at the Princes charity concerts on London. This video was everywhere, because of the line "I Want My MTV". At the time MTV was not in a majority of American homes. Crazy. Thanks for this one, Professor. Glad to be in class today. (No detention today). 😅

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I bet it helped MTV reach more Americans.

[@Alan_Duval]

I was surprised you didn't mention that Dire Straits was also one of the first albums, if not the first album, period, to sell a million copies on CD alone. I totally agree that it transcended generations. I was 12/13 when it came out, and I remember thinking I was particularly adult enjoying 'Brothers in Arms' and 'Your Latest Trick.' My dad, who'd always been a rock/guitar enthusiast enjoyed this album, too, though we didn't listen to music together a lot.

[@robertweldon7909]

When it comes to Mark Knopfler, every song tells a story, and so it is with "Money for Nothing". One of the problems "Dire Straits" fans had with this song, including me, was that it was like no other song they did (all the fantastic guitar work) and seemed a bit "heavy metal", but after a while we all came to love it. "Sultans of Swing" will always be their SIGNITURE tune, but "Money for Nothing" made a statement for every musician, any kind and anywhere. ;-)

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It signaled a change in direction for Knopfler’s crew.

[@Duck_Dodgers]

Heavy metal? Nah no where near it

[@honolulublues5548]

​@@Duck_Dodgers yeah, not heavy metal, but definitely heavier than previous Dire Straits tunes.

[@erestube]

Mark Knopfler was actually trying to imitate ZZ Top's guitar sound a la Legs (you know, it was huge on MTV)--a little heavier, but not heavy metal.

[@OhCanada-wk3kl]

Very cool backstory on the inspiration and creation of this classic 80s hit that I remember hearing all the time in my teenage years. I get a huge twinge of nostalgia every time I hear that classic riff come over the radio.

[@randytessman6750]

From the opening note you know your in for a ride

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's so true. A foundational song for sure!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That first minute is enthralling.

[@markperry222]

First memory was perhaps iconic. I was a British Soldier and in 1985 I was stationed in a training base in Canada. Back in UK we did not watch much TV in barracks, and there was no MTV. On our first night on base one of the guys said we had to go to the bar and watch MTV in the giant screen in the base bar. We walked into the military base bar, a new experience for me. Ordered beers, the barman changed channels on the giant TV, roll credits for MTV, first thing to hit us was Money for Nothing, with a music video unlike anything we had ever seen before. Amazing.

[@stephenbrown4211]

Knopfler was great at writing songs from real conversations. If you can find it, listen to Badges Posters Stickers & T-Shirts, originally B side to Private Investigations. Its about things fans say when they get to meet the band backstage. It’s hilarious.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Haha, that’s a hilarious song!

[@dpjacobs28]

The very first song I heard on CD. Still remember the crispness of the sound. Crazy that memory sticks with me 35 yrs later.

[@terminallygray]

I always loved the way Beverly Hillbillies theme synced up with Money for Nothing. Weird Al has always been so good at what he does best.

[@scottwalker232]

I was 17 when this came out. I used to prop my stereo speakers in the window and blast this into the back yard. The first hit of Knopfler's riff gave me chills everytime!

[@schmidington]

I was actually singing lines from this song while bulk-stacking microwaves at work yesterday. I'm sure I was getting an odd look from the younger co-worker who was nearby.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha. You should show him the song!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Was your coworker sitting near a refrigerator? 😉

[@schmidington]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 That would have been great, but no. We don't sell those.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@schmidington Maybe you have a color TV in your office?

[@schmidington]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Indeed, we have one in the breakroom. I didn't install it, although I did help bring in 1 of the 2 refrigerators used there.

[@GraupeLie]

The title song Brothers in Arms is one of those absolutely touching, amazing songs. If you want to hear a guitar weep, listen to that! Pure genius with haunting lyrics! As for Money for Nothing, that song is ICONIC! I didn't know that Mark Knopfler actually "discovered" the lyrics like that, but I can't say I'm surprised - it's so very real!

[@gioknows]

This has to be one of the greatest stories behind a song ever LOL. What a stroke of luck/genius having Sting perform on this song. I remember how this brilliant and iconic video dominated MTV. The riff to this song has got to be top 5 if not #1 of all time with the greatest buildup to a song ever and it's one of finest albums that has ever been recorded...who didn't own it? Pity what happened to MTV. Now I'm going to have to watch both this video AND the Weird Al one. When you hear some of the lyrics in rap music you kind of wonder why this song is banned and those songs aren't. Whatever. Cheers from Ottawa, Canada🍁

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

As for “awesomest song intros ever”, this might sit at #3 for me. Cheers 🍻

[@brianmaynard7320]

Exactly!!! We can play W.A.P. on the radio but have to cut out an entire verse of Money for Nothin for 'political correctness'.. Just SAD!!

[@reneebennett643]

I totally agree!!!

[@thomasmahoney8575]

Ditto

[@uptownjay]

Some str8 guy insisting on using a HURTFUL slur because of HIS integrity…is exactly the issue.

[@imranhusain6087]

A great song and a groundbreaking music video. Cool side note: in the '90s, the animators who worked on "Money for Nothing" founded Mainframe Entertainment, and that company created computer-animated TV series including ReBoot, Transformers: Beast Wars and Transformers: Beast Machines.

[@shanehebert396]

The video for the song is iconic and pretty amazing as well. Edit: Guess I should have watched a little longer ;) The quality of the CD production/medium itself is pretty amazing, not just the songs themselves. I know people used to use it and a selection of a few other CDs to test sound systems.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's so memorable. Came out around the same time as Sledgeahmmer

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It was innovative.

[@majamintoft5821]

@Shane Herbert I tested sound systems w/ Def Leppards' God's of War (on Hysteria).

[@TreeCamper]

I like the uncensored version.

[@BillGraper]

Me, too. I remember a while back, a Cleveland classic rock station played the uncensored version in its entirety. 🤟😄 Maybe they still do. I don't know.

[@ponzo1967]

​@@BillGraper the heart of rock n roll is still beating...in Cleveland 🤘

[@rogerdeahl9629]

@@BillGraper WMMS!! 100.7 The Buzzard!! Loved that station 🚉

[@RBS_]

....that little f......FORTY-FIVE! ...HA-HAA!! ...Imagine hearing the 'Radio' version, then getting that SINGLE, Summer of '85....

[@BillGraper]

@@rogerdeahl9629 It was 98.5 WNCX, but the Buzzard probably played it a well.

[@fredschmitt456]

It is also important to point out that back in 1985 there wasn't any such thing as political correctness; people were free back then and the 1st amendment still had some value (contrary to today)...

[@LTurbide]

Oh please! There is still freedom of speech, but now there are consequences to said speech. You can't just say anything you like and get away with it.

[@scottymoondogjakubin4766]

Money for nothing takes me back to the mtv days ! when mtv actually played music videos ! one of the greatest riffs of all time !

[@ProfessorofRock]

So true!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

We want our good old MTV 📺

[@devodootie]

Excellent episode Prof!! I really enjoyed this one! I still want my MTV (original!!)

[@aspalovin]

I want my MTV...Back!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same here!

[@jenniferm6042]

#FridayNightVideos

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Me too!

[@jstnxprsn]

The more you know: To get that guitar sound, you have to find the exact sweet spot on a specific brand of wah pedal. I read that Knopfler himself has trouble finding it.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Did you know it was a total accident?

[@jstnxprsn]

@@ProfessorofRock I did know that. I am, after all, a walking encyclopedia of useless musical trivia. LOLOL I think I read that in the same article. Haven't had a chance to watch your vid yet. Do you discuss that part?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Practice, practice, practice!

[@erestube]

@@ProfessorofRock The story I remember about Mark Knopfler's guitar tone in this song was that he was going for Billy Gibbons' ZZ Top sound (a la Gimme All Your Lovin, Legs, etc). He called Billy's people to try to ask Billy how he got his tone, but Billy never called back. What Mark got on this song was something along the way of trying to find that tone. Listen to ZZ's "MTV" songs and you'll hear the similarity.

[@MBrown201175]

Prolly the last "smart" thing MTV did... Nothing but bad decisions and a long fall from grace after this.. R.I.P. MTV

[@ProfessorofRock]

Did you have MTV in it's heyday?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Reality killed the MTV star.

[@kevinharrington5014]

I only sang a few songs in the bands we had, this was one! Had fun on drums too. Of course we played the long version. I had a big smile when you revealed the song for this video, great presentation as usual!

[@MetalMama-Mimi523]

Money for Nothing is absolutely an iconic song but for me, Skateaway will always be my #1 song by Dire Straits.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I feel the same way.

[@tommassett5374]

Agreed!

[@aplusatlanta1]

Love your videos, you really bring passion and emotion into the stories and the music comes back to life in a very wonderful way. The kind of passion you had when you were first hearing all this great music and seems somewhat fresh again. Great job!

[@dranet47]

I remember when this video came out. I liked the song, but I was amazed by the video! Not sure I had ever seen anything like it (aside from an educational video about DNA we watched in biology in high school). Computer graphics and that 3D look just blew me away.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It was so cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A lot of people, including my mom and aunts, were seeing things like that for the first time in Money for Nothing. It’s way ahead of its time.

[@jimmyparris9892]

This was CGI in 1985 and conspiracy theorists think Nasa used CCI to fake the moon landing.

[@byhsu6140]

This was one of my favorite videos, great song. I'm surprised you didn't show a clip of the girl walking in undergarments, that was my favorite part.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Their Live Aid performance is excellent. They played Wembley Arena on the same night. Sultans of Swing at Live Aid is sublime, especially the saxophone when the tempo slows down.

[@ProfessorofRock]

He is one of a kind.

[@thejughead138]

@@ProfessorofRock Hey Adam my brother, when are you doing more live streams? We love your live broadcasts brother! Love & respect, from the UK.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That Live Aid performance was perfect.

[@mbd22803]

I am so glad you covered this iconic song, video and great band. My first memory of the song was during Live Aid and I couldn't wait to go out and buy the CD or cassette. I know I ended up with both. It had to be 1986 when I got to see them live in Sacramento CA and it was a great show. Off topic a little bit have you covered Live Aid from 1985? I would love to see that episode and I look forward to your daily posts. Glad I found you a couple of months ago. Back to the guitar riff that riff had me at hello but I have always been fascinated with drums and when the drums kick in for me that was pretty awesome too.

[@galaxywolf969]

Dire Straits was such a great band. Mark Knopfler has some great solo work too. Amazing guitar player and songwriter. Besides Money For Nothing there is Romeo and Juliet, Sultans of Swing, So Far Away, Irish Boy, Brothers in Arms, Sailing to Philadelphia (with James Taylor) and so many more. Thank you Professor for talking about this band and especially Mark Knopfler. One of my favorites.

[@mazambane286]

Six blade knife, Single handed sailor, lady writer, once apon a time in the west, water of love, where do you think going?..... The list is endless indeed

[@galaxywolf969]

@@mazambane286 Agreed.

[@chrisjohnston3512]

I was recently listening to this song at work when a coworker asked me if I, as a gay man, wasn't offended by the lyrics. I said "Hey, Mark Knopfler can call me whatever he likes!" In all seriousness, though, I can understand why people want to be able to listen to the radio without hearing the words attackers who put them in the hospital used to justify their assault. That said, I like the song, and understanding the context, it doesn't bother me, and am glad I can play it for myself whenever I want.

[@judyfeuerbach4199]

I love hearing the inspiration and stories behind these iconic songs!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Judy!

[@timothyharrison8953]

I remember when it was released, had the cassette then the CD. On MTV, the video was originally uncut, don't know when the United States of the Offended had it cut. Love Weird Al's version too

[@scottburton9701]

"Weird Al" Yankovic did a great mash up of "Money For Nothing" coupled with the theme from "The Beverly Hillbillies"-It appeared on the soundtrack of his 1989 movie "UHF"-It's hilarious-Fun fact:Mark Knopfler played guitar on Al's parody.

[@michaelvandeginste3497]

Be-ver-ly-eeeeeeee.....Hills, that is!

[@StevenQ74]

Guy Fletcher plays keys on it as well

[@setoredan]

What a great video!! Loved hearing the history of this song. Thanks, Professor of Rock

[@rebeccacurtis6680]

I do remember many years ago hearing some of the back story about Money for Nothing. Great songs on that Brothers in Arms album. The 2 most entertaining & fun to me being Money for Nothing and the Walk of Life which also have great videos that complimented those songs instead of distracting from them. Thanks for doing this in-depth background video. There was quite a bit that I'd never known before. I'm so glad to have been an 80's kid. It was a great time.

[@davidblake6889]

My first CD purchase in 1985 was 'Brothers in Arms', along with 'No Jacket Required' by Phil Collins. I still have those CDs, and listen to them regularly. Compared to my vinyl records of the same era, the sound was incredible, and still is, 37 years later. Thank you for this wonderful in-depth history of the music of my earlier years. I am now 73, and still love rock and always will.

[@Meditech509]

One of the best vids ever on MTV.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Tell me your top 5?

[@Meditech509]

@@ProfessorofRock Take on me, Money for nothing, Addicted to love, Got my mind set on you, Sledgehammer, We're not going to take it. They were all cutting edge and weird in their own way and time.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

This was the music video that made me realize the true reason why I wasn’t feeling most modern music and pop culture trends.

[@mwaynem]

I have always love Mark's amazing rifts but I had not heard the story behind this song. Thank you for your work.

[@memesbychris]

This is still one of the greatest rock songs ever made.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No doubt!

[@calvinevans8305]

Once upon a time in the west is one of my favorite songs.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Classic!

[@jessehayes486]

Wonderfully done again. Thanks for bringing us this memory, Prof. Mark Knopfler is just incredible..

[@markfetherman6593]

Earth shattering track & video. I remember the moment it hit the cable waves.

[@GirlWithAnOpinion]

Everybody of a certain age knows this story! Thanks for educating the youngsters! 👍🏼

[@jennyjenny4501]

Love Dire Straits! One very underrated song by them that I love is SkateAway!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great song!!! What's your favorite album by them Jenny?

[@jennyjenny4501]

@@ProfessorofRock Making Movies, of course! Tunnel of love, SkateAway, Romeo and Juliet…all so good!

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

@@jennyjenny4501 ever heard of Expresso Love?

[@jennyjenny4501]

@@Sweet--Richard.4981 great song, Richard!

[@stephenbrown4211]

That was the song that introduced me to the band after I told a mate how I hated them. He defied me to still hate them after he played Skateaway. I lost

[@cjk5115]

My best friend's father had a killer stereo and he had Brothers on CD - the only person I knew with a CD player at the time. One day after school, we went to his house, cranked up the speakers and played "Money for Nothing." Those opening drums leading into Knopfler's riff shook my insides and I knew this was an album that would be around forever. As for the controversy over the lyrics, it's unsurprising the censors were out in full force and completely missed the commentary the lyrics truly provided. And to think, they were only off a year from 1984. I saw Dire Straits on the On Every Street tour and it was an outstanding show. Suffice to say, this song blew the roof off the arena.

[@catbutte4770]

Loved this song. The addition of Sting's vocals made the song even more spectacular. I also thought the lyrics were funny.

[@Yawnyaman]

Agreed, in contrast to Rick, in my view the implied criticism does, to an extent at least, hit the target; and Knopfler’s lyric clearly if wryly acknowledges that fact.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Sarcasm at its best.

[@CostaRicaJack]

I have never had a radio turned up loud enough when this song comes on!!! Great song! Keep up the great work Professor!

[@reneebennett643]

I remember when this great song came out. Regular people talked like that, especially in private. I know the controversial lyric but a lot of people used that word back then. I wanted to defend the people chatting to themselves, the awesome blue-collar workers that were in that department store. I don’t agree with calling them morons. I love the way, Knopfler put this banter in the song, this rough dialogue between associates has been immortalized (It’s the way people spoke back then before everyone became so sensitive)

[@banditrw27]

I graduated high school in 1980 so the 80’s was my favorite decade. I was lucky to see the debut of MTV on cable and Friday Night Videos was a weekly thing for me. When the video for “Money for Nothing” dropped I was blown away. Seeing that I was big into video games and computers, the video was awesome plus the song rocked as well. The use of the song “Brothers in Arms” in an episode of Miami Vice turned me onto the complete album. I credit Vice for introducing me to a lot of music 😊

[@trinaq]

I love Dire Straits, Money for Nothing, Romeo and Juliet and Walk of Life would probably be my favourite songs from them. How about yourself, Adam?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I love all three.

[@musicmymusic2323]

This is my favorite of ALL your videos, I’ve rewatched this one,way too many times. 🥃, cheers brother.

[@georgeharris6851]

Even though it has that f slur, I I always thought that he was singing about a conversation that he heard, and that the singer was the subject of the slur. So Mark would have been the subject of the f slur.

[@georgeharris6851]

Tolkien used the f-word in his Lord of the Rings novels, but he dud use it with the original meaning. He also used the words, gay and queer. With their original meaning. Satire can be crude, as long as it's real.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I thought the slur was directed at the people who made the videos on MTV.

[@BillGraper]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Yeah, it was directed at the musicians in the video that was playing at the time.

[@jimmyparris9892]

I always thought he was talking about Prince.

[@ivanabear8824]

i always thought it was about Elton John!

[@thedynamicsolo4232]

To hear Mark Knopfler laugh during the song and hear Sting in the background singing and he gets a dig into "Wham" in the song too was awesome. My favorite Straights song is "industrial disease" but they had many good riffs, rhythms, hooks, lines and throughout the decades.

[@DW3010]

On their final tour in March of 1992, my father made a deal with me. The tickets were $24.99. Being 13, I had no job only babysitting money, my father said if I could raise enough money to pay for my own ticket he’d buy one for himself, and we will go. I was five dollars short… I never got to see dire straits live 🙁

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Ugh…I feel you.

[@beeonthyme5760]

That was big money then. I paid 5.00 to see Alice Cooper in the 70s , that was big money too! My dad drove us to Lincoln Nebraska and waited in the parking lot. I didn't even realize how incredible that was of him.

[@Will-qs3ql]

Live aid tickets were 35 bucks for all those groups. But that was pricey I guess back then and you were only allowed 2 tickets per person. I remember some lady was in line with her baby trying to buy 2 tickets for her and 2 tickets for the baby. I don't know if she got em or not. I just remember laughing about it

[@richarddexter7641]

I once paid $12 ($6 each) to see the Eagles in concert live on my 2nd date with my now wife of 47 years. Those days are long gone, but what a great concert.

[@Will-qs3ql]

@@richarddexter7641 that's cool. Never got to see them I did see Joe Walsh on a double bill with Stevie Nicks I think tickets were like ten bucks congrats on your 47 yrs by the way

[@MarshallLoveday]

I knew the song as soon as you mentioned "....overheard two guys talking in a record store".

[@loriswincher2426]

Great song. Nothing's like it used to be. The whole world is just waiting to get offended, and it sucks. Anyway, I always knew that was Sting. And I always put it on ten when I hear this come on.

[@DarthFrodo]

I turn mine to 11!

[@dhpbear2]

11:13 - I absolutely ADORE that intro! PLEASE tell me it wasn't cut from the 'radio edit'!

[@rickfromthecape3135]

Who says the Police are never there when you need them!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They may as well be so close after all.

[@GratiaCountryman]

Newbie here. Just recently discovered your channel and it blows me away. I’ve taken to watching your videos, then giving the songs a new listen with a new level of knowledge. It’s made my favorite songs from my teens and twenties brand new again.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Margot! What's been your favorite so far?

[@GratiaCountryman]

@@ProfessorofRock “Cat’s in the Cradle”. It brought tears to my eyes. It reminded me of how distant my father was after my parents divorced. What really struck me was the difference between how Harry Chapin dealt with his wife’s discovery of infidelity by turning his life around, but my dad didn’t.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Welcome to the POR community, Margot 🤗

[@GratiaCountryman]

Also, finding out that the lyrics were written by Sandy put a whole new spin on the song. Her father’s absence from her brother’s life was also an absence from her own. So, in a way, the song is also about father daughter relationships.

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

Riff sounds like Jumpin' Jack Flash on steroids

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good description.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s the gas gas gas

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980gas now that's funny

[@bradjackson4595]

I was 16 when this song came out and Dire Straits were already my favourite band as I loved the Live album Alchemy. I of course already knew this story but happy to sit through it again as it bought back great memories as a lot of your great videos too. Please keep making these great videos and I will keep watching

[@jemxs]

This song was huge and i loved it, especially the guitar riff. But as a 12yo in 1985 struggling with my sexuality, that one line bothered me. As the years went on i realised more and more how much that line had effected me. To the point where recently I heard it on the radio and i felt extreme anger. Hearing this explanation may just let me rock to it again as that 12yo kid use to. It really is an iconic masterpiece.

[@D-Fens_1632]

You're one of the sane people, cancel culture generally has no room for context, it's all feeling driven. The only person who should be offended at that line is Michael Jackson, and he's been dead over a decade, who cares.

[@BooksForever]

Welcome to the true you, brother... sorry the journey was a rough one. Your story nicely illustrates that context is important, but, sadly, many people don't have time for it or simply fail to recognize that fact. Cheers!

[@FortessofShred]

I always took it as Mark being condescending and making fun of bigots.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m sorry. I can see how that slut rubbed folks the wrong way.

[@jemxs]

Thanks and yes, at the time I loved it as did everyone. But as I got older and I guess more perceptive I did take it as expressing Mark's views or his ignorance...never considered he was quoting somebody he actually didn't respect and included it for that reason. I haven't listened to that album since. I loved the whole album. But now understanding how integral he was actually being, I guess it puts a new spin on the whole song. I guess I'm guilty of jumping to conclusions and Mark is guilty of unintended offence. And thanks Kasper, my journey wasn't terrible but the older I get I understand it also wasn't as easy as I thought.

[@nicholasmoore2590]

The song Brothers in Arms was the one ghat grabbed me. It was written about the Falklands war, where I ended up on my first ship. Hadn't been in the navy even a hear. When I first heard Brothers In Arms it stopped me in my tracks. I ended up crying my eyes out - someone had seen that place as we saw it! My friends who died there, the ships getting hit, the guns and the screams of missiles and jets.... Knopfler understood. If I evdr met him, I would shake his hand and say thank you. To my pals... Still on watch guys, 82 to 23. RIP lads.

[@stevelane5885]

22:15 Please tell me that Mark Knopfler sought out those “Meat heads” to give them writing credits, points and lots of money for the song they gave Mark. Mark and the band certainly did very well out of it. It would certainly boost the MH’s pension funds!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Good idea!

[@dragonmac1234]

This was the first album I bought on CD when it was released (CD players were expensive in the mid 80's), and it's still one of my favourites today.

[@jrnyman78]

When this song came out, faggot wasn't a taboo word and it definitely didn't hold the weight it came to later ion . I remember blasting this song on my stereo and how incredible the drum riff at the beginning sounded! The way the riff would Segway into the snare drum roll and abruptly ending and Mark's iconic guitar filling every space sonically . I still crank up the volume to 11 when I play this song! The stereo and speakers are better which makes the song that much clearer and louder. It has held up well and still represents a specific time in history that I offer wish I could relive. Life was so much simpler and laid back , back then .

[@LTurbide]

WRONG! It most definitely WAS a taboo word. I remember hearing it for the first time and when the line "the little faggot" came on I was floored. As a gay man whenever that song came on the radio it stung. I was horrified that such a homophobic word was allowed on the radio.

[@jrnyman78]

@@LTurbide From the perspective of those using the word, at that time, it was used more descriptively, like Twink or joy boy. It wasn't used as a curse word or with condemnation the way it eventually came to be, like the N word. It's all in the way you took it. It can only hurt if you allow it . If it was used playfully or affectionately, I don't see the harm. If the term was indeed being used to describe someone who indeed is or was homosexual, then it was used correctly because isn't that exactly what the word refers to, nothing more, nothing less, right? If I'm missing something, then correct me but AFAIK faggot = gay man. So why is there all the negative baggage attached to it?

[@IndieTimberStudio]

I'm planning to make a parody called, "Fursuits for Nothing." Since you said this original song is about and angry rant, this made me want to make this as a furry parody even more because I've been hearing from jealous furs complaining about popufurs.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

His girlfriend was still a teenager 😳 of course she was watching 👀 MTV

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

With her free chips?

[@WWTormentor]

Back in 1986, I was in a band called “lost n found”. We use to have rehearsals prior to gigs in my parents garage. It was our ritual to watch this video before each rehearsal as a motivation of what our goal was. To have our video on MTV one day. Sadly that dream never happened, but the memories were worth every minute of it.

[@ChrisNorwood3]

What I want to know is what music video they were watching as this was going on! Who is banging on a bongo????

[@thrusta100]

Haircut 100

[@ChrisNorwood3]

@@thrusta100 Thank you! Is it the Favorite Shirts video or Love Plus One? Still can't find anything talking about the connection to Money For Nothin, but one of those could be it.

[@TheSteveBoyd]

I was a 2nd engineer at a 24-track studio back in the late 80s/early nineties, and the most interesting fact I learned today was about the guitar tone. This was the kind of thing we used to experiment with all the time! Unconventional room-mic placements, unconventional mics, unconventional ROOMS (the studio bathroom was like singing into a full plate reverb!)... That's the kind of stuff that made being in the studio fun back in the day. Sadly, I think that's kind of been lost. But of course, the benefits of being able to create a professional-quality single or album from the relative comfort of your studio APARTMENT instead of paying for a million dollar studio more than makes up for it.

[@D-Fens_1632]

It also created one of the greatest live albums of all time, the Grateful Dead's 1970 gem "Live/Dead." They'd been in the studio too long already in late 1968 working on their third album when the 16 track tape machine was invented. Naturally they had to fill every track so they scrapped months of work to re-record the album. Unlimited studio time was built into their contract but they still had to pay for it, the bill was something outrageous like $100,000, a hefty sum in 1969. So they managed to truck the 16 track out to a few hometown gigs at the Avalon and Fillmore West to record a live album to offset the costs of the studio. Thus the first live album on 16 track was recorded, and damn it's a tremendous album. Daring music.

[@davidwilliams8031]

Wasn’t there a “rest of the story” for the guitar sound? I had heard that a wah pedal was accidentally left on and slightly cocked and that’s what mostly contributed to the unique sound.