Telegraph Road - Dire Straits LIVE! | Andy & Alex FIRST TIME REACTION!

[@butchphaneuf9675]

The drumming is off the charts. Alchemy has to be one of the best live albums of all time.

[@marlew6629]

Indeed. Easily one of the best live albums of all time. Dire Straits were at the top of their game-every song is a classic.

[@richardhargrave6082]

Terry Williams was an awesome drummer, the best that no one seems to have heard of

[@torfinnfuglestad2003]

This is so true. Alchemy live is a bloody masterpiece, and I will fight anyone who doesnt rank it among the top 5 live performances ever lol

[@alankicks788]

My favourite Album of all time

[@ezza9578]

I can't think of a better one

[@tommarin3468]

The entire "Alchemy Live" is simply one of the best ever.

[@seanellio]

Not a dud on the entire 4 sides.

[@christinehoughton8591]

I agree brilliant.

[@jacklowe3037]

Money for nothing is missing but aside that the album is perfect.

[@SeanDoyleRescuesAnimals]

Best review by far. I am 58 and my older brother came home with Sultans of Swing and Baker Street and i was hooked. This album is the best live video performance i have ever seen. Every person on stage was in the zone.

[@toneman501]

Dire Straits was one of those bands that put out brilliant studio albums. .... and was even better live....

[@robertkilby6210]

The tone of his guitar is unmatched

[@catbyte0679]

As a Detroiter, this song is one of my favorites. For those who don't know, it is partially about the rise and fall of Detroit, Michigan. Telegraph Road is a main thoroughfare through the city. Good thoughts to Andy.

[@alchemy-oi8xf]

You're so right. As a life-long Detroiter, also, and someone who lives right off Telegraph Rd., when I originally read that he was riding in the tour bus, (on this particular Telegraph Rd.), and got the naming inspiration from it, it made my heart sing.

[@David-iv6je]

Knopfler is is a union man. Too bad Americans don't vote union any more. The loss of the job that provides meaning to us has always evoked such a deep emotion in me. Wonderful song. Knopfler was like 10 years behind Springsteen in writing songs for ordinary people.

[@Tomekkplk]

The rise and fall of Detroit was due to the voters and ones in power.

[@johnpbh]

I knew Mark was reading about the rise and fall into disrepair of a City in the US and it had caused him to write this epic song to do that place justice, I just didn't know which one it was so thank you for enlightening me.

[@gdubaz]

I believe the background is that Dire Straits was stuck in traffic on Telegraph Road on the tour bus headed to a show ("3 lanes moving slow") and thought that using the things he saw while traveling the length of the road would represent a great lyrical story. Obviously . . . he was right.

[@brentpope4623]

With Dire Straits, every album is a masterclass.

[@green917]

This whole show is brilliant from start to finish! They're amazing!

[@JoeBlow_4]

The guitar tone and style is unmistakable.

[@gregor-the-bug]

You hit the nail on the head about Mark and fame. He told an interviewer on CBS he couldn't think of anything good about fame. The same interviewer said someone with his level of success doesn't' have to make music anymore...he said, I do

[@MikeyMcKinnon]

We said goodbye to my wee cousin today after he sadly took his own life 4 weeks ago. He adored Dire Straits with this song and Brothers In Arms two of his favourites. Been a tough day. Thanks for this post… 💜

[@ToeKnee-of2rc]

I'm sorry to hear of your loss, may the music heal the pain.

[@imgoodatmoaning9561]

that’s very sad. rip to your wee cousin and condolences to you.

[@keithisaacs6092]

So sorry RIP take care of yourself Mickey.

[@MrHolmgren194]

So sorry for your loss.

[@karenbautista9236]

Prayers for you and family. 🙏🏼🩵

[@Nightrelic]

This is from the album, Love Over Gold. It only has 5 songs on it because they completely ignored pop song length to tell the story with both words and music. The music is incredibly cinematic. It's a work of art. I remember when the album came out. We were used to expecting a lot of Dire Straits, but this seemed to take things to a whole new level. I remember feeling completely stunned after listening to it for the first time. It takes you to another place.

[@tonybennett4159]

Yeah, great album, worth anybody's time listening to it, whatever you're into.

[@adam872]

It's comfortably my favourite album of theirs. This track is one of the best of the whole decade.

[@djd2819]

Agreed. Love Over Gold and their first album are my two favourites. Even the song "Industrial Disease" is among my faves. There's not a dog on the album.

[@InvidiousProductions]

Love Over Gold is the album they are looking for.

[@evobirkz8]

Love over gold is their prog masterpiece! This was ds at their finest! The whole Alchemy era was just ds at their best! Really wish they made more prog style albums! Telegraph road is like a symphony of rock! My fav album ever!

[@damianbancks7144]

Dire Straits was THE WORLDS BIGGEST BAND at one stage.

[@DM-hk4cw]

Mark seems to be humble and appreciative of each moment. He gets joy out of each musician, including himself. He is my favorite overall musician because of such.

[@dawgsnbraves]

Mark Knopfler is on the very short list of guitarists who you can identify by sound.

[@clementsfamily7002]

1 note. Excellent point.

[@johnhein1663]

Mark is one the most underrated guitarists IMO. He did an album with Chet Atkins and it is pure fun which I am sure is why he did it

[@denroy3]

Absolutely, I was watching this movie from the 80's, and the theme was in the background, and I'm like, "That sounds like Knopfler" and it was.(movie was Local Hero), theme was Going Home.

[@alexandriaocasio-smollett5078]

Yep. I have Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, Edge, David Gilmour. Who else?

[@MattMcQueen1]

@@alexandriaocasio-smollett5078 George Harrison. I saw Lethal Weapon 2 in the cinema, and the song Cheer Down is used in the end credits. I could tell who it was from the first note.

[@zapagog]

My father used to play Dire Straits, and this song in particular, for me instead of an alarmclock when it was time wake up and get to school. Telegraph Road was his favourite. Played it at his funeral..

[@Steffe]

Always great to see real musicians perform live and enjoying themselves at the same time.

[@donnajaninewilmshurst4191]

For me, their live performances are like being privy to an unrehearsed jam session. Outstanding underrated musicians and band. 😍

[@littlerattyratratrat]

I saw them on this tour. One of the best live acts I've seen in my 62 years.

[@TheirFinestHour]

Me too! Austin show! Perfect.

[@Joshualuv13]

Same

[@richardhargrave6082]

I was at this gig and we were wondering how good it would be because they are not flamboyant, just talented. This still blows my mind. Everyone was on top of their game, Alan Clark's keys are outstanding, Hal Lindes, second guitar, brilliant. John Illsey's bass just holds it together Apart from Mark, of course, Terry Williams was the star, out of this world drumming, he played flat out for over two hours The whole band were having the time of their lives, and we felt that in the crowd, because we were too! The whole Alchemy video is jaw dropping, I was lucky to be there, very lucky and we're so lucky they recorded it so we can enjoy it now

[@pauldrossinos2269]

I’m so happy you played this masterpiece.

[@luke_bongoman89]

An absolute masterpiece all round. Phenomenal song

[@jennywren7822]

Everything you've just witnessed, has come from the genius called Mark Knopfler. The words and music writer, arranger, singer and played his guitar as only he can, its a masterpiece. He is a modest man, its all on here, hes said himself he likes success but NOT FAME, that's why he disbanded Dire Straits tbe second time, he didnt like the huge venues and lifestyle, it got to much for him, he didnt want to do it any more, hes written a song Calling Elvis, l think he saw what FAME did to him, it killed him. Hes now 75 years young and still writing and recording. Like Jeff Lynne whos just ended a tour of north america his last one, hes 77 years young, two incredible human beings who've given millions of people worldwide pleasure in their music. Long may they reign ❤

[@adam872]

This is an absolutely incredible composition and live performance. The interplay between Knopfler and Alan Clark is exquisite. Not too many rock bands of that era were doing arrangements as complex and at the same time melodic as this. The lyrics are wonderful too.

[@dominicbiondi4097]

I was lucky enough to see this tour....Telegraph Road was obviously the highlight...just 15 minutes of awesomeness.

[@AussieTVMusic]

I missed them 3 times when they visited here because some shit always came up to stop me going. One of the regrets of my life.

[@VeteranHedonist]

Private investigations is great too from the same live album.

[@jodavey7709]

They just suddenly popped up from nowhere, so incredibly breathtaking, strong and perfect, bashed out some awesome albums - and every album never failed to just blow you away. And every time they played a song on the radio you always just stopped and listened. Such exciting times.

[@kentzepick4169]

Glad to see you, Andy. I hope you are doing well.

[@jimarmstrong2630]

Great song, brilliant story telling. Tells the story of the rise and fall of Detroit, skips the origin of the city and starts with the early industrialization period. The railroad came up from Toledo OH. Later the telegraph was ran up to Detroit alongside the railroad. To maintain the telegraph they put a road in alongside. The Railroad and Telegraph rd are still there, the telegraph lines were long ago replaced by phone lines and power lines. When he wrote this in the 80s the city of Detroit was on its ass, they are still trying to claw their way back. The devastation was obvious and everywhere, at one point the unemployment was at 35%. I’ve got a right to go to work, but they shut it down, I’ve got a right to go to work, but there’s no work here to be found. Brilliant.

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

Stunned. Haven't ever seen the live of this. I can't believe how great they are, musically.

[@dopiaza2006]

Now listen to the whole album, over and over again!

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

@@dopiaza2006 Word I love them and know how great they are but sometimes, when you haven't heard it in while, it's like finding that out all over again. Which is like, a rock n roll rebate.

[@budmiller807]

Making Movies is the album you're looking for. Phenomenal

[@chriswood3252]

MM has exceptional songs, but as an album, I much preferred Love over Gold, which flows beautifully. It reminds me hugely of the concept and delivery of Floyd's Wish you were here.

[@PhilH919]

Great band of talented musicians. Alan Clarke’s piano along with Mark’s guitar, shines on this one.

[@kimberlyn.2096]

Brothers in Arms ❤️It’s beautiful and haunting.

[@shaunbyrne9037]

Telegraph Road is a major north-south 70-mile thoroughfare in Michigan, and Mark Knopfler was inspired to write the song while riding in the front of the tour bus, which made the journey down Telegraph Road. At the same time, Knopfler was reading the novel Growth of the Soil by the Nobel Prize winning Norwegian author Knut Hamsun and he was inspired to put the two together and write a song about the beginning of the development along Telegraph Road and the changes over the ensuing decades. Dire Straits were massive in the 80s , one of the biggest bands in the world through album sales and tours . Some of Mark Knopflers biggest influences are country , blues , folk and bluegrass. One of his biggest influences is Chet Atkins another fabulous guitar player . Mark also did concerts and albums with Emmylou Harris well worth checking out . He has also done movie / TV scores . He is still out there and recently released another solo album at 75 years young .

[@chrisjenkins6120]

🎼This is a fantastic example of the bass man and the drummer becoming one in sync with each other. The keyboard/piano player really shines here. Mark Knopfler stands on his own and needs no critiqueing. None. Dire Straits will always be a favorite of mine. ☮️💟

[@stevedoumas7701]

When I checked KZbin today and saw you guys had this on the channel today I was blown away. This is such an epic example of lyricism, musicianship, with perfect storytelling vocals… And it’s a prime example of how good a song can be when a great musician is humble enough to let another artist shine (piano player) for the sake of the song. Thanks guys as always for the great reaction and this phenomenal choice 👏

[@ajschroetlin2196]

I saw Andy with his eyes closed often during this song. I can't tell you how many times I've set back by car seat and shut my eyes to listen to this song on full blast. Music doesn't get much better than this. One of the few bands that I regret never seeing live.

[@lubilou64]

I hope you weren't driving at the time 😜🙃😆

[@AussieTVMusic]

Dire Straits are not underrated. They were huge in the 80s. One of the biggest bands in the world.

[@maihindess1]

I suppose he meant that you don’t hear about them so much like you do the likes of Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. I too think they should get just as much credit all these years later for their music.

[@godofdestiny6595]

this song is a masterpiece of rock music, there is little else to say

[@David-iv6je]

I need to say it though: the song Brothers in Arms is Knopfler's masterpiece.

[@godofdestiny6595]

​@@David-iv6je Telegraph road and Brother in Arms, best Dire Straits songs.

[@paulwillcox1059]

Appreciate you filmed this a while ago but so glad I've finally seen your reaction to this masterful performance and so pleased you liked it so much - hope you're both doing ok

[@eileendobbs8009]

My brother had the Brothers in Arms album and wore it out but ive never seen this live performance. Outstanding musicianship and Knoefler is one of my all time favorite guitarists. Such a unique style.

[@denroy3]

'Tunnel of Love' live at Wembley Stadium is epic as well.

[@mklives2]

The Sydney performance is even better.

[@mikeklahr1484]

I got to see these guys in a bar in rennsalear NY in February of 1979.. just as sultans came out. Less than 200 people.. and amazing

[@seanellio]

I was home on leave in Colorado, and got to see them at the Regis College event center. I was blown away. Sultans had only been out a few weeks or a month.

[@mklives2]

That was a really perceptive reaction. This is not just another performance by another rock band. This is probably unprecedented in terms of precision, musicianship, melody and emotion. Dire Straits always did better live than in the studio because Mark was such a generous person who loved pleasing the audience, and he pushed his band to develop the most interesting and monumental arrangements while still leaving room for improvisation. That is not to say Mark wasn't a studio musician. In fact, he was an absolute perfectionist in the studio, as you can hear on many songs from the albums.

[@davidwilcox3733]

Love Over Gold.

[@stevebryant6483]

Thanks for re-posting this classic. Your Dire Straits reactions are what first enticed me to join your patreon level.

[@gwydion56]

Live music just doesn't get better than this. Between Mark Knopfler's unique guitar work and the amazingly good drumming, keyboards and backup strings, "Alchemy Live" is an easy choice for the top five concerts I wish I had been there to see. So very happy we have this concert available to watch whenever we want.

[@AnthonyT50]

Mark Knofler is one of the best I've heard who can make a guitar sound like completely new instrument. This was a new song and performance for me and I was stunned.

[@willswomble7274]

The very high-end hifi shop on posh King Street, Manchester, UK banned prospective customers auditioning systems using the studio album. It was soo good talent-wise and astoundingly (analogue) engineered it was too popular for the staff to hear all the time without suffering a mental breakdown! I had to audition my turntable, amplifier and speakers with the OTHER album I bought that morning-Stevie Nicks or somebody, unfortunately! Never played that one much, ever. I liked proper original Fleetwood Mac and a bit of Mahler occasionally. P.S. I'v'e never been to Detroit...UK for me!

[@mitchellbeston1033]

Great band...every member kills it, and still Knopfler stands out. Brothers in Arms was their most popular album, and turned them into the biggest band in the world in the mid 80s.

[@bazzer124]

When I returned from a seven month WESTPAC/IO Navy cruise back in '85, my five year old daughter turned me onto Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms. Excellent taste in music, Erin! Cheers....

[@patmurray9730]

I was stationed at Hickman in HI in the early 80s. Radio stations were not progressive at all , played the same 15 songs over and over again. I NEVER heard of Dire Straight's album "Making Movies," until a friend of mine, from home, told me about it. It QUICKLY became my fav DS album. Still is today.

[@RandymanB]

Hey I was at NAS Alameda then!

[@Busywave]

I returned from a Westpac cruise in fall of 1980. Happy Vets Day to you!!

[@bazzer124]

@@Busywave Thanks. Happy Vets day to all our brothers and sisters! Cheers...

[@ciaradonnelly4627]

Masterpiece...! Thanks guys

[@stroketheboat]

Alchemy was the name of their live concerts, which covered several albums. Telegraph Road comes from the studio album "Love Over Gold", while Sultans of Swing comes from their debut studio album of the same name. I was introduced to Dire Straits and Love over Gold in particular by one of my brothers when I was about 6 years old. I cant count how many times i have listened to this song over the years and it remains one of the greatest pieces of music I have ever heard. This live version of OFF THE SCALE incredible. I cant think of a person on earth who would listen to this and not be blown away.

[@topgazza]

Impeccable. Live music of the very best standard. Truly great song as well. Masterpiece

[@jamescolley6983]

Pretty wild when the guy shredding the guitar had the lowest energy on the stage. Phenomenol performance!

[@strngenchantedgirl]

🫶 for Andy. You are missed.

[@IanMatthewsuk]

This was on the album Love Over Gold - just an incredible recording from start to finish.

[@rayevarney]

For my money, their Romeo and Juliet is one of the greatest love songs ever

[@TheirFinestHour]

Saw them that year. Best show I ever saw.

[@JimiBurleigh]

One of the best concert DVD releases ever!! I saw that tour, and a few other Dire Straights shows, in the Seattle/PNW area. The energy was always electric ⚡ at those shows. As ever, I am loving your reactions to the music that has been the soundtrack to my life and times 🤘

[@imgoodatmoaning9561]

one of my fave songs ever. Love everything about it. great story telling and the tone from marks guitar is super.

[@imgoodatmoaning9561]

mark can make such gentle sounds with the guitar. really touches me at times.

[@stevenmix3723]

Thank you for rewarding my patience. This performance was outstanding. Brilliant camera work too. They got all the right shots timed perfectly. Brothers in Arms is a near-perfect album you could hit. For a single song I would pick "The Man's Too Strong," among several that are equally great.

[@Cameron-qu8vz]

This song always makes me cry. When I listen to the album version, I am always left pondering the climax. As he drives his car faster and faster into the rain and sleet, what is he seeking? Freedom? Penance? Annihiliation? Hope? ...and does he find it? It is nice to see hear him break through into the sunlight this time.

[@armadillotoe]

He is a master both of playing guitar, and tone. The entire band is astounding.

[@clintatk]

Incredible arrangement/performance by top notch musicians!

[@geoffwilliams2308]

A MUST SEE Live band as they are incredible

[@patrickbolduc3486]

Mark is nominated for a Grammy this year for a song on his latest album!

[@bigskyneal784]

Just awesome! Who else cranked it up during the last four minutes?

[@ezza9578]

One word, genius 👍♥️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@justsmashing4628]

One of the best outros in rock history 😊

[@dewyduster]

I saw Dire Straits at Radio City Music Hall at the height of their popularity in 1985. What an epic performance.

[@merrilynhunt7819]

"Calling Elvis" On the Night concert 1993

[@ElettaJo]

I love watching Dire Straits perform live. They are all fantastic, but my favorite has got to be the drummer. He gets so into his rhythm! And hey, Andy! So great to see your face!

[@robertskae]

I bought this cd right after it came out still listen to it today some 40 years later

[@neilcam]

One of the greatest songs of all time, and possibly one of the most-underrated.

[@edoq78]

Masters at work - absolutely incredible

[@stephentarry4475]

I bought this album for my 23rd birthday in 1982. Took it home put it on the turn table and the rest is history. the whole album is brilliant and Knofler is a genius musician....

[@scotts.2484]

Your deep philosophical statement about passive gratitude… “he would be doing this alone in his room or for his kids”. No coincidence the album is called “Love Over Gold”.

[@craigthummel7373]

Saw them live late 80's. My friend didn't want to go, so I went by myself. Think I paid $85 (a lot for back then) and so glad I saw them. Great concert! Also, the ending of this song with that guitar solo is one of the best live songs I've ever heard, and I've seen a lot at 64 years old.

[@george371]

Best live show I ever saw was 1985 Dire Straits at the Mann Music Center in Philly. The clarity of the music was amazing.

[@brianpearson1122]

Love Over Gold is the best album ever. Starts with Telegraph Road and keeps it up. Very mature album. Just one song that tries too hard to be a hit, but if I had to pick just one album to listen for the rest of my life, Love Over Gold is the one.

[@vinsgraphics]

The outro solo on “It Never Rains” is often overlooked, but is one of Mark’s best of any solo. Outstanding final 3-4 minutes.

[@mariefc8504]

I saw them live in the early 90's in Reno. It was one of the most incredible concert experiences of my life. ❤

[@conniekungfu206]

I love that voice!! ❤

[@Ivantheterrible4444]

Live masterpiece performance, pure genius

[@bitslammer]

Hands down one of the best bands I've ever seen live. Right up there with the likes of Yes, Rush Jethro Tull etc.

[@Mule72]

The front to back album you want to deep dive into is Alchemy live that this is from. The whole concert is a complete work

[@alanglover9117]

What you get with a long Knoppfler solo is like a build with one new idea after another, any one of which would be enough for one solo for most bands.

[@stefan_becker]

When I was young there was some kind of 80s "holy trinity of bands" for me that consisted of Dire Straits, The Police and Queen. Their music was just incredible.

[@mikemoroney5204]

Funking goose bump a right away. Saw them in Chicago

[@VeteranHedonist]

Congratulations you've just reached legendary reaction status. ✌️

[@conniekungfu206]

I don't know why but I just love them! They are really good musicians! ❤😊

[@MB-wl2bm]

Simply a masterpiece.

[@Kacer99281]

Alchemy Live my favourite live album

[@mark-be9mq]

Nice to see Andy. Take good care of you

[@GaryBruyere-f9b]

The world is talking about you Andy. Happy to see you back!

[@nicholaswalker7996]

It's the opening track from their fourth album, Love over Gold (1984). You should give 'Private Investigations', from the same album, a listen ...

[@robertrosello1964]

One of the best concerts I've seen, 1985 at MSG, 10th row center. Their sound was so crisp and clear, Knofler is fantastic and really so is the whole band during this period

[@johnhein1663]

my favorite Dire Straits off my favorite album Awesome you guys covered this

[@Ldastro]

Thanks for the Classic A+A!!