Sultans of Swing, Miguel Montalban, 9min 31seconds, London X FACTOR

Original video full-length Miguel Montalban performing classic Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits in Oxford Street London.

[@gcruishank9663]

Stunning performance. Don’t think I would be able to walk by if I heard this going on. REALLY great playing.

[@banginghats2]

Yeah, I couldn't believe so many walked past looking oblivious.

[@jamesfloyd1864]

No kidding! Oblivious to one of the best performances they will ever hear live. I would have been reaching for a $20 to throw in the box.

[@JimmyTing-mv9xv]

🎉🎉🎉🎉❤😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂​@@banginghats2

[@faithismespeaks6848]

@@banginghats2 , Probably the same mindless sheep that took the poison jab.

[@johnmcguire7719]

virtuoso defined

[@eadweard.]

This guy knows all the chords.

[@qwanathomas735]

He's a musical genius.

[@thenotanclan]

That’s because he’s guitar George - and you really should check him out

[@ryandillon5097]

He’s got a daytime job, but he’s doing alright

[@peterjongsma3221]

​@@ryandillon5097 He makes quite a scene.

[@steveinoakland-c1m]

Doesn’t give a damn about any trumpet playing band

[@sharoncroker7416]

How can anyone walk past this guy when he is playing. What an extraordinary talent!

[@MrGarydaverocks]

peeps dont have time for talent anymore,throw away world :(

[@_portsmyth]

Yeah when you can record it and profit off of their performance instead!?

[@lrdisco2005]

That is what I was thinking

[@dannyzuehlsdorf3697]

if you're bus is coming you don't have time for street punks playing guitars

[@MrGarydaverocks]

Sad world and you don't help....

[@jnow69]

Many of us who play guitar, play that way - in our dreams! Miguel, thank you; truly inspiring.

[@zibam982]

I never played a guitar but ;ikr to hear from people who do. Thx.

[@stevenscott6658]

I have heard a few guitar players do this song. This guy's variety of interpretations of the licks in the solo and the variations in tone and dynamics is absolutely stunning. SO many colours and emotions. Beautiful!

[@qwanathomas735]

Someone that talented playing guitar and some people are just walking by, unbelievable.

[@thecrimsonking187]

I don't want to take anything away from the performance, but I have to recommend a guitarist who also played it. The boy is unbelievable. But this one is absolutely top class: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYSUiIx_qsSad5Y

[@joec-hd6dc]

I truly love a player that can take an icon song and make it their own. Outstanding 👍. jm2c 😊

[@suzettebavier4412]

Perfectly said 🤌

[@suzettebavier4412]

​@@joec-hd6dc Agree 👍

[@brucewilson1958]

I have enjoyed the original many times and many fine covers. I have never heard a guitarist take and bend and push and attack it anything close to this Cat. Truly EXTRAORDINARY. BRAVO.

[@stevescontriano860]

Is it a GOD Thing ?

[@DennisVernier]

It's funny how people critique this so differently. People that can't play fast accurately want to say it's awful. Others want to say it's genius. When it comes to music, everybody wants to be an expert. Just my thoughts.

[@Keith-M]

The most unique arrangement of this song I have ever heard. He truly made it his own.

[@krugu1]

it’s amazing, check out the one from Lucas Imbiriba, it’s absolutely amazing too

[@tamasvarga9862]

this is not an arrangement, it's random improvisation

[@Keith-M]

@@tamasvarga9862 Even better!

[@suzettebavier4412]

Yes, yes, YES

[@mashirito-j2t]

what arrangement ? it is only scales up and down

[@jeffreymorris11]

I have had the good fortune to witness Miguel live on Oxford St. Phenomenal!!

[@karenlauricella4976]

Your so lucky from me in Australia 🇦🇺

[@jeffreymorris11]

@@karenlauricella4976 Thanks for your thoughts. He is a maestro! Imagine Miguel playing within the iconic public precincts of Australia!

[@peterdunn2704]

This guy is completely amazing!!!!! What a talent. A version of 'brothers in arms' by mark knopfler would be fantastic by this dude!!!?? Keep it up

[@BytheWay333]

I was just …”steppin’ out of the rain to watch the jazz go down”…and heard this amazing guy! God bless you! 🌿🌻🌿❤️❤️❤️

[@jamesfloyd1864]

Unbelievable!!!!!!!! One of the best pickers I've ever seen. Great version and not a lick missed. I'm 82 years old, but I had that one cranked up and couldn't keep my eyes off those gifted hands. Thank you, young man for that performance. If I ever get to London...........

[@cesarealt5615]

Very Great version. However .... Please.. Paco de Lucia He Is the PICKER..

[@ThuderDuck]

He missed every single lick in the song, this wasn’t sultans of swing, this was someone improvising over the backing track.

[@jamesfloyd1864]

@@ThuderDuck It must have taken you a while to figure that out.

[@ThuderDuck]

@@jamesfloyd1864 the length of the clip, it was impressive just not Sultans of swing.

[@alancharles6789]

I had thought I had maxed out on this song. I never thought I’d ever hear anyone that would make me feel I was hearing for the first time again. An astonishing talent and I think he always keeps his thumb braced behind the neck! I reckon he has been classically trained. No matter what a brilliant performance!

[@segfault_000]

I'm sure you've heard Lucas Imbiriba's version, but if not you need to.

[@newenglander4513]

I must have heard this song a million times, it is my all time favourite. Dire Straits live version off the incredible Alchemy album is the best I reckon. But this young bloke has breathed another type of fire into it and it sounds absolutely magic. Great guitar work, I'm sure Knopfler would nod his head and approve.👍

[@andrewwilks2700]

I've got several versions, Album, Live Aid, Mandela's birthday and they're all great but Alchemy takes the cake for sure.

[@ThuderDuck]

It really hits my cringe button when people talk on behalf of the opinion of others. This is not sultans of swing, the only thing that sounded like it was the backing track, it was just improvisation. Great playing but not Sultans of swing.

[@delinquense]

Correct u are ... as for the tone, almost closer to Eric Johnson. There's tons of videos out there that are way closer to SoS

[@delinquense]

Wow! Now that's impressive. Not the guitarist ... but listening to the song a million times. By my account, that's 22 years and a Guiness Book of Records entry, assuming 12 hours per day.

[@gdok6088]

Mark Knofler is a guitar genius. This guy isn't.

[@voiceoftruth9358]

I like that he put his own twist to this classic. At first I had to look past the original, because after all Sultan of Swing is my favorite song of all time; once I got past that, I was able to truly see this young man’s talent. Well done! 👏

[@Loupa57]

He’s a master of the art of both guitar playing and improvisation. That’s the most creative and competently performed one I’ve heard so far. Excellent.

[@hm27200]

​@@Loupa57😢

[@ken071558]

I’m just floored by this interpretation of a classic rock song. Keep going cause I’m completely mesmerized.

[@skepticusmaximus184]

I'm awarding you 9 out of 10 Knopflers. Knopflers are my new standard units of guitar skill. Well done. 👋👋👋👋👋👋

[@u.v.s.5583]

That's a lot of Knopflers!

[@AlvaroFdezR]

Hahahahha love this new standard

[@skepticusmaximus184]

@AlvaroFdezR A couplle of free knopflers for you.

[@rudedogg06]

I’ve been a Dire Straits, Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, Joe Satriani fan for years, but that was absolutely up there with all of them. Incredible.

[@kiiingst0n]

Mark Knopfler you mean, if you're naming the guys.

[@rudedogg06]

@@kiiingst0n well, obviously. The other three only play under their own names.

[@consciousequus]

Same. Agreed

[@cinnamonvic0]

Sultans of Swing and Mark Knoplfer continue to haunt and inspire generations to come 👏👏🙂

[@Kroelle72]

Miguel, thanks. I just love that interpretation of yours.. You’re so gifted, keep it up

[@amberglowphoto]

I'm sitting on the bus, listening to this with a tear in my eye and a big stupid grin on my face at how insanely good he is.

[@dazvaz144]

This guy is immensely talented. A virtuoso. He was truly brilliant. He's mastered that guitar 10-fold of anything I could ever do. Somebody make this guy a millionaire. Take my money.

[@NicolasValentinScotland]

A millionaire .. making some noise in the street copying someone else song .

[@ademilsontavarespedra218]

Boa Noite! Esse feito foi na Inglaterra, parabéns para o rapaz.

[@steviewonderwells6358]

A friggen master.pure melody pure joy.as good as mark knopler or bettet.very very well played.salute brother

[@steviewonderwells6358]

​@@NicolasValentinScotlandclearly you know zero about guitar shame for you egg hed

[@lesterbangs3417]

This video is 7-8 yrs old.

[@jivebunny3765]

He's immensely talented, but I can't help but feel he's overplaying it massively.

[@lucytupper69]

I agree!

[@michaelmisczuk1188]

It sounds to my barely experienced ear (next to him) that there is a classical influence in his version. It's beautiful.

[@nforne]

Yes, definitely. He must have learned classical guitar at some point.

[@RtaniDean]

Wow. Mesmerizing. This guitarist is simply magical. The music breathes through his entire being. Pure beauty 🎵💎💚

[@jimdowns1135]

Man your work is so flawless. Absolutely awesome!

[@kimmokoolwtf]

I really love to watch an artist who loves his music, his instrument. His passion is so clear to be seen. What a talented soul. ❤

[@Venetiababy1]

I don't have those notes on my guitar!

[@ralphhull6946]

Neither do I....fantastic..!!!!

[@albertlye7709]

Gives me goosebumps listening and watching him burned through his guitar . He's on a different level compared to so many of the baskers i've watched and listened to .

[@rad3145]

I met this guy and witness him playing on the street of oxford. Amazing talent. He had his own recorded cd and bought them there.

[@PK-cj1pg]

He and guitar are one! The swift and flawless fingers movement!

[@philipfontaine8964]

Music is his life, It was not his livelihood .., Awesome dude!

[@robertkreamer7522]

So many just rush by hurry up to no where of particular importance and miss this incredible young man’s talent . Sad that most peoples lives are so vapid that they don’t stop to listen .

[@philpaths8536]

Cela me choque toujours aussi

[@satanssurfer5965]

This guy would stop me in my tracks.

[@User0resU-1]

I had a dentist appointment, gimme a break.

[@rayray8687]

@robertkreamer7522: Most people have a job of their own with a short lunch break and a family to feed. If you stopped to listen to every average street performer in Soho you wouldn’t likely have a job for long.

[@222rich]

@@rayray8687 average lol

[@manelgene9229]

Extraordinary! An original and fantastic version. Congratulations from Barcelona

[@jamesstephen7640]

Words fail me that was a masterclass just outstanding what a talent

[@nelson1953]

This guy shows the essencial of the tune itself not trying to emulate the original 'cause no one can be Mark Knopfler of course. 👏👏👏

[@alanashworth9414]

Simply amazing. Mark Knopfler himself would be baffled how you play that so well...

[@nickmondo222]

how is this man not playing in a World Class Rock Band?

[@tonya5468]

This young man is brilliant! Well done!

[@Crytoma]

Absolutely amazing. Grinning side to side from this performance.

[@Garden-w6x]

He definitely has talent and will be spotted by those looking for a lead guitarist.

[@realsetanta70]

Free music from a genius player and the crowd just hustles on by.

[@78matt]

He butchered the song with his skill.

[@realsetanta70]

@@78matt Butchered? I checked your channel to hear you play it better. Nothing posted. Any plans to deliver your cover?

[@sangammukherjee]

@@78matt we all know u can't play

[@frglee]

But the one man band By the quick lunch stand He was playing real good, for free. … Nobody stopped to hear him Though he played so sweet and high They knew he had never Been on their t.v. So they passed his music by (Joni Mitchell, Really Good for Free)

[@davetaylor4741]

What a wonderful version of an iconic song. So many try to copy the original. This is anything but. Fantastic.

[@importdoc7]

Just learning to play the drums over the last few years. I can only imagine how wonderful it must feel to be able to play at that level and express yourself through an instrument that way. I’ve been watching this kid for several years. Sad to see so many people Walking by that do not appreciate this kind of talent. We are all too busy in this world.

[@johnr8820]

Just keep practicing hard and listening to all kinds of music and you’ll get there one day! I, on a similar journey with guitar. I want to be able to unlock my musical potential to be able to play anything I want to and improvise beautiful and tasteful melodies and ideas!

[@importdoc7]

@@johnr8820 agreed. Cheers on your journey

[@pascaldaviken164]

Définitively The Best Version i've heard Of this Wonderfull Song !! Thank you Miguel ... Your arrangements and technics are "Out Of This World"

[@inavanzetten5659]

Yes it is ❤❤

[@donkeevney]

No way.

[@talkforfreedom5501]

TOO BUSY ... NEEDS Feel .... BUT nice version

[@Indigenous51]

Got your own show to criticise? Post it !

[@talkforfreedom5501]

@@Indigenous51 Yes I have performed and recorded with Grammy and Juno winners - I am not criticizing - just friendly advise - take it or leave it = growth we all go through is dependant on stepping back - just saying - seems others agree - all good

[@mrknobchopps]

@@talkforfreedom5501 he said post it big shot

[@thelight5531]

He is a street performer copying a cover song .... enough said

[@thelight5531]

Too busy ..lacks feel too many notes .. a million guitar players play like this ... few sell cds

[@doug_1489]

Very good player, the reality is and I can tell you this as a luthier, there are lots of these guys...phenomenally good and can't even get session jobs because there are too many and so much talent out there, they end up on the street, keeping Sultans alive with a twist of rock! 🤘

[@williamallfrey577]

Best chance of getting a gig is being a drummer, followed by bass. I once said to a guy in a guitar shop, "I bet you sell 6 guitars for every bass." He replied, "More like 26 for every bass"

[@doug_1489]

@@williamallfrey577 Its true, love making bass guitars, always laminated neck through with lots of bone and 400 year old fret board or something exotic

[@markcruse871]

He played in the Blues & Rock big weekender at Skegness, fantastic

[@eugenebuckley7657]

Unfortunately you're right.A man with his exceptional talent should be playing to huge audiences worldwide who would appreciate his genius

[@David-ti9be]

Sergovia of rock

[@vicar53]

Una maravillosa interpretación libre del tema, gran talento. Bravo.

[@mawkongenterprises4060]

Excellent play. Very talented guy. Keep it up

[@lococholo2857]

That was frkn awesome!!! What a performance... Rock away bro

[@bronislawbez5051]

To jest gra na gitarze .Wielkie brawa.Pozdrowienia z Polski

[@AlanAttack]

Had to watch this before New Year…. It’s easily the best Guitar mightyness…Miguel…. Showing everyone who’s boss…🤟 love ye Miguel

[@pitoyfabs852]

Amazing sir you're the best guitar man.❤❤

[@DanielShepherd-rp6pv]

To the guy who said he loses the song, you are one dimensional this young man has world class ability he stays in cord the whole time. He can play his guitars from anywhere on this planet and be a guitar god. I have never seen or heard anyone play to the level at his age ever. Thank you bro for sharing your unbelievable talent.

[@ademilsontavarespedra218]

Boa Noite! Esse feito foi apresentado na Inglaterra, ótimo profissional, toca muito bem.

[@rubenming]

Mark would be angry for not being there for a jamming session with this guy.

[@andrewmaloney9201]

Excellent, Miguel! Absolutely fantastic to heart and to see you play and perform this piece of music so effortlessly!!! Loved it!!!! Well Done!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ I Appreciate Your Playing Very Much! And May God Continue To Bless You Even More So! Great Work!!!!

[@robertbaisagale1685]

Ruthless ,fearless, magical and mesmerising with that beautiful guitar

[@AnnePeters-ub4uh]

C’est Marc Knofler qui aurait pris des cours de Flamenco avec Paco de Lucia......Mais de grace c’est trop génial pour être joué dans la rue, pour une poignée d’aficionados, mais une majorité de cloportes pressés de prendre leur tub et retrouver bobonne, leur TV BBC News, et bouffer leurs petits pois vert clair... Tu es génial Miguel

[@carloscesar2670]

Muito sucesso. Grande músico, que talento. Graças a Deus. 🇧🇷👍

[@jenniferbent1275]

Awesome talent......wish you all the best in life.

[@andrewjoseph149]

That's dreadful far too much noodling and in every single phrase. Overkill. Can't listen to it after about 3 minutes.

[@davidseed]

Sorry everyone he really can play but there's just to much going on he loses the original tune completely ( just my opinion)

[@mariasalmeida666f2]

Para não ficar totalmente igual ele usa a criatividade dele musical, então ele faz a diferença.

[@wooddog7128]

I agree. Too busy. Too much reverb. It's clever. and he knows what he is doing, but players this good get too good for their own good, and the music gets lost to the lamens ear.

[@stevenwiedel3122]

I tend to agree. Hyperactive finger gymnastics replacing the groove and soulfulness of the original. He is a great player, and perhaps he will slow the f*** down and settle down one day - ?

[@gusgilder2796]

Can't argue with you - too much going on here

[@robford3211]

@davidseed Why don’t you listen to mark then?? If a great player plays the original note for note why? What’s the point ?

[@CT2507]

Naah... he butchered that song pretty good. Running up and down the scales is not what Mark Knopflers music is about.

[@antoniogonzaganeto958]

Show show show 👏, extraordinário de Manaus Amazonas Brasil saudações Gonzaga bravíssimo demais maravilhosa interpretação arranjo arrazoou

[@guppo26]

This is one of those performances I can't help but be torn on. It's absolutely incredible, don't get me wrong. However, it does quite frequently go over that line where I think: "technically amazing; musically mediocre". He does bring it back after a barrage of notes and arpeggios to a bit of calmer playing before going into the next rapid-fire. But it gets very tiring to listen to the constant cramming of more notes than humanly possible. It's a showcase of skill that is has moments of breathtaking beauty and yet it is also riddled with moments of it feeling tiresome to listen to.

[@deanwild4971]

Agreed, the technical prowess on display is undeniable but it was too busy for my liking.

[@charliegraham6057]

I think you have to remember he's busking, so he's trying to get as many people's immediate attention in the short time they walks by. So it's in his interest to be performing this way

[@axelbauron155]

Sultans of La Alhambra. I agree, the groove is gone too often.

[@ЮрийКузнецов-ю2р]

Ну , и где его зрители? Я устал на пятой минуте .​@@charliegraham6057

[@giptonwhite3011]

Hope Harry doesn't mind

[@Aichauer]

nope! He knows all the chords… ☝️😁

[@svonasek]

@@Aichauerand hes got a daytime Job!

[@TygerLili]

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! KEEP IT UP! Great style. You show your HEART IS IN YOUR MUSIC! OMG! Where did you come from? Definitely one of a kind!! 😊❤🙋🏽‍♀️🐇👍🏽🎼🎸🎵🎶

[@locker60]

Wonderful reminds me of a young SRV such control and emotion in his playing. Bravo❤

[@mauricioflores4363]

Super I have noo words to describe it super compadre!!!!!🎉

[@66meikou]

I worked in London for many years. if I see a busker, I'll stop and listen, Usually I give them a quid because they're trying to get by. This kid, I would have stopped for the whole song and tossed a 20 in his bucket. He was that good. I think Mark would be pleased that someone has grasped his playing ability. We don't get buskers in the US. We just get people with I'm Homeless signs walking around. I can never believe them because they have decent trainers on.

[@jamesmcauslan3616]

some of them are just supplementing their disability checks, etc....

[@theeventhorizon-valebridge9512]

Utterly fantastic! Raw talent!

[@TrustworthyFella]

I'm not gonna say he's the best ever, but i would definitely stop walking and chill there! Then join in for a llittle appreciation/the applause

[@chantalbessette3844]

Excellent!!!! bravo.....

[@Ferpinone]

Una extraordinaria versión que con los toques flamencos lleva a los "sultanes" a otra dimensión. Enhorabuena.

[@srinivasvaranasi1645]

A lovely adaptation. Beautifully rendered.

[@johnwhite2143]

Damn this guy nailed it, knows the whole fretboard an every chord possible and fast hands too, great picking 👌😁

[@NereidsMusicBand]

Great performance on the Sultans Of Swing chords. Very interesting to hear a guitar lead played with a plectrum versus Mark knoplfer's finger picking technic.

[@lezzeppelin2222]

Better than the original 🤪

[@Toroloko444]

he is a beast, but still waiting for sultans of swing

[@jdsalbion]

The guys who leave "Don't go boys. Sultans only ever gets BETTER!" 😂

[@Alan-rv8cu]

Simple version much better Don't overcomplicate things 👍

[@bohmao]

This guy is amazingly good. I'd say he's classically trained

[@spacemarine8289]

Imagine being Mark Knopfler and hearing this talented young guy play his interpretation of something you created a long time ago when you were once young.

[@stevepaul3422]

AWESOME!!!

[@taffbanjo]

He has awesome technique but that does not equate to musicianship. Real musicians just play the right note at the right time....

[@taffbanjo]

Very true - but the boy can play a bit!

[@FourMaxK1]

Excellent interpretation of Sultans of Swing!!!

[@ultimatetruth9241]

Hey, Mark Knopfler, we want see your comments in here. This is too unfair for you not to appreciate this great performance. I am sure you've watched this numerous times. 😢

[@stonemdrmdr8315]

This guy needs to be on a mega stage……amazing

[@fortunato1957]

Yeah, he knows all the chords ... Guys, I think he is a real "Sultan" ...

[@bufenuf642]

Sultry. Slick. Suave. A great rendition by a very talented artist who happens to play guitar!

[@youareveryundude]

absolutely stunning... Mark Knopfer would be proud of it and would definitely stop to check out what's possible with his composition...

[@dougdonaho]

🎉F’ing Amazing🎉

[@ShinuGeorge]

I didn’t know Severus Snape could play guitar this well…!!😅

[@paradisewildchild]

I don't see any guitarist in the video. I see a magician ❤

[@erhanfidan7377]

A little part with the original sound would be better i think. Very talented young man.

[@gadymarcus2362]

Magnifico.💪💪💪💪💪💪

[@firsttimejonny]

Very impressive technically, but for me, he actually ruins the original version! He's so focussed on trying to be "different" - and yes, it obviously is - that he loses the essence (and melody) of the original. Give me Mark Knopfler anyday...!

[@FlavioGarciaJr]

Fantastic 🎉🎉🎉🎉 Congratulation 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@mhv8855]

Well we understand, technically you are at the top..but music is not just about technique?? Stop putting “a shitload of notes everywhere”, it becomes incomprehensible and not at all in the spirit of the piece.. Technician and performer are not the same thing for your information..

[@steelyman08]

A bit harsh, but I hear you completely. There's a lot of this going on on YT these days. Players are taking on & technically outplaying the original artists. But that's not what music's about. The feel of the originals can never be matched in this way. As you say, it's as if the spirit of the music is being entirely overlooked in favor of individual prowess.

[@mhv8855]

@@steelyman08 Completely agree with you..Michel-Henri ( Bonjour de la France ) ...

[@Fulkumnuts]

Brilliant 👏😊no more words needed 👏🙌👌