This Dire Straits Performance Leaves Me Broke! "Money For Nothing" Vocal ANALYSIS

[@PiraticalBob]

*Brothers In Arms* is the song that will have you in tears.

[@pauladomshick1111]

Money for 'nothin is completely the wrong choice to analyze. Brothers in Arms or Romeo and Juliet are the two songs to analyze for vocals. Mark isn't a skilled vocalist. He's a story teller. The emotion in those two stories is what makes the vocals great.

[@chrisross-fd3fo]

Veterans Day is right around the corner. Seems to be a perfect match.. also i think Mark is actually just that ...a skilled vocalist because he doesnt have what one would consider a good singing voice

[@EzequielMeilij]

Brothers in Arms is simply one of the most beautiful songs

[@JG-ds6qs]

Romeo and Juliet is terrific storytelling

[@guyfalcurious762]

Brothers in Arms would be a great choice for Veteran's Day

[@cphoover11]

The obliviousness to Eric Clapton was so frustrating and funny lol

[@akrambakerBerlin]

So true! 😂😂

[@Cherokeelion]

Haha aw big props to Eric Clapton! Hes just as big a star himself as Dire Straits and I love that he joins them . Its fun to see when Sting also comes and joins. Really cool to see Eric here.

[@gregmckinley9841]

no kidding. Soon as I saw the guitar I thought "is that Blackie" (EC's nickname for that particular guitar"?

[@mikgus]

Sooner or later she will get to layla, cocaine and tears in heaven

[@two2pedal289]

So many of her analysists are very refreshing because she just didn't grow up in our world of rock-n-roll. One or two notes is all it takes for us to name that player or band.

[@ragingcyclone369]

Sting is not in this particular performance, that man in pink is Mr. Slow Hand himself...Eric Clapton.

[@HiFiListener]

@@ragingcyclone369 Many of us told it to Elizabeth already at the live chat - and she got it.

[@stefan_becker]

@@HiFiListener Time for her to analyze a song of Eric like "Layla" or "Tears In Heaven"?

[@georgeharris6851]

Sting tends to play bass and keyboard. You should have done the video, first.

[@HiFiListener]

@@stefan_becker Elizabeth mostly tends to choose a live video. Since there are so many different versions of layla, I would say it should be the MTV-Unplugged version of 'Tears in Heaven'. This live version comes close to the original release.

[@lastpenny849]

@@ToxicMan2023 Antigua, Clapton has a home there, has had for decades.

[@Dragon_Werks]

You definitely need to revisit this song via the official music video. The studio version of this song is THE best version. You have to see/hear it. It's a moral imperative.

[@Need2Pleaze]

I’m an MTV baby, or old fart if you prefer. I love the music video. I was surprised at how different this live performance was. I agree that it would be worth doing an analysis of the music video also. I don’t think it would be redundant and you get to show off cool, if antique, cgi as a bonus.

[@artemi7]

I agree! The song is really different, and the CGI really is great even today

[@deepredmassacre]

Dire Straits usually changed up the arrangements or vibes of their songs live. If you're only familiar with the studio cuts, you'd be taken aback by a live show

[@falsemcnuggethope]

The guitar tone on the studio recording makes the song.

[@TerentiusD]

I mean, it's a moral imperative to avoid the slur that's used pretty frequently in the original version.

[@johnhmaloney]

Sting was not on stage at this performance. The percussionist is Ray Cooper and, as others have pointed out, the other lead guitarist is Eric Clapton. The "I want my MTV" countermelody is what Sting sang on the studio version of the song. That was MTV's advertising slogan at the time and the melody was taken from the Police song, Don't Stand So Close To Me. Sting did perform it onstage with Dire Straits at Live Aid in 1985.

[@MarianoLu]

Came to say exactly this. That I want my MTV was Sting genius collaboration for this song. As well as the opening on the video

[@vikiirnawenzel1722]

Listening to "Don't Stand So Close to Me" might be a good intro to The Police. (Though I'll also put in a good word for "Wrapped Around Your Finger", 'cuz I'm a sucker for mythological references. 😁)

[@ypaisley]

You should have done the video. That was a monumentally iconic piece of 80’s pop art. To this day, the imagery from that video appears in my mind whenever I hear this song.

[@joelspaulding5964]

Was hoping for a back-screen with the animation

[@ScottSpenceNoneTheRicher]

Yes, I gotta say, I wish she'd always do the video first to get the artist's visualization of the song. Then, do a live version, where you can compare the packaged studio version of a song, with the what it evolved into. But that's me, I'm a lyrics/story person first, and her main quality she's focused on is the true vocalization. She's just too good at catching it all in one listen and explaining her thoughts, so I forget.

[@sarpedon702]

Totally, and considering the studio recording is the only place the guitar has the sound it does because of how the studio was set up. Also, having Sting doing the backup vocals is the cherry on top. All of these things happened simply due to coincidence.

[@METALFREAK03]

also the actual song. whenever I see a live version of a song (unless its good) I click off. Its also more likely it will be "edited" if its an older song with some words that may "offend" people with too much time on their hands.

[@METALFREAK03]

@@sarpedon702 wasn't it a freak accident how they got the riff? something about the amp being too near to the mic or something.

[@scotthaynes8572]

I love how humble Clapton is on stage. Not trying to upstage Knopfler at all, just hanging out and jamming. Phenominal storytellers and legendary guitarists having a good time.

[@neillenet291]

Knopfler is as good or better than clapton.

[@scotthaynes8572]

​@@neillenet291 I think they are great for different reasons. They have both created a unique voice and earned a place in the pantheon of influencial musicians.. The fact that they could effortlessly share a stage is not as common as it should be amongst apex players.

[@neillenet291]

@scotthaynes8572 i wasn't a huge fan of dire. Straits, when they were in their prime. I've been singing in bands.Most of my life and never really focused much on their music. It wasn't until a few years ago when really realized how awesome the band was and how exceptional mark was on guitar.

[@fu6817]

Because he can't!

[@annakissed3226]

I hadn't even noticed he was there!

[@davehadley3567]

And another vote for Brothers in Arms, oh and you know your good when Eric Clapton guests and plays rhythm for you!

[@mattburgess5697]

That WAS Eric Clapton?! I thought so. I'm like "Hey, is that Eric Clapton?" One of the few people who'd have the gall to get up there and noodle around with Knopfler.

[@micscwisby7798]

When you get the honor of playing rythm guitar for Mark Knopfler, you know you have made it as a musician.

[@bisleyblackhawk1288]

AMEN!!!…’Brothers in Arms’ is a song for the ages 🥹😢 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@jonhowarth9911]

You know you’re good when you completely blow Eric Clapton off the stage

[@marcianisenbaum7590]

2 of the greatest rock guitarists on the planet playing together needs to be mentioned!!! Beyond awesome 🥰

[@Meloera]

What makes Knopfler such a unique guitarist is his fingerpicking style. That is, it gives him the ability to hit multiple strings that are not adjacent to each other, which allows for more interesting intervals and rhythmic choices as he has 3-4 picks (his fingers) vs a single pick. You will not likely hear this kind of playing from other guitarist as most play with a pick.

[@fugawiaus]

Lindsay Buckingham from Fleetwood Max also plays in this style.

[@majorwaffle]

More guitarist, particularly blues artists, play with this style than you would think. In rock or metal not so much because you dont free style or get as creative on stage. Great style nonetheless and love Mark Knopfler

[@kevinL5425]

Here is another vote for “Brothers in Arms”. It would be a perfect song for the November 11 Armistice Day / Remembrance Day celebration coming soon in many commonwealth countries. (Veteran’s Day in the USA).

[@davemason6501]

Yes "Brothers in Arms". Also Eric Bogle's version of "And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" if you wish to do some songs for Remembrance Day.

[@jeremylarson6267]

@@davemason6501 or even homefree's versopm

[@rkempo]

This but the Mandela concert. His guitar solo is something else in this.

[@user-hb9mz2hp2g]

November 11 - Independence Day in Poland :)

[@jjc5407]

Add Mark's song Remembrance Day, the royalties of which were donated to The Royal British Legion which is the British armed forces charity.

[@gwooledge]

Hello, Elizabeth. As penance for not recognizing Eric Clapton, please review the song "Layla". Originally by the band Derek and the Dominoes (which included Eric Clapton), it has become one of his most iconic signature songs. The original version has a lovely piano section as well.

[@joydawn214]

the unplugged version now stands out for me (when I _first_ heard it I thought he had messed it up royally ☺️ but now I like it best 🤷🙂 )

[@gordon861]

@@joydawn214 Would be best to do them both and compare.

[@kaspinet]

Rita Coolidge claims the piano melody was stolen from her.

[@eauhomme]

@@kaspinet I was trying to remember who it was. So maddening to think of how badly she was ripped off and how she was treated over it. But she made a name for herself eventually so she did OK, unlike so many others who have had the same experience and never had a hit themselves. A similar thing happened with Michael Jackson doing "Wanna Be Starting Something", which ends with a famous chant taken directly from Saul Dibongo's "Soul Makossa" with no credit given.

[@AudunWangen]

I think I've heard that song too many times, so now I can't stand it. With some tunes that never happens, but I don't like it anymore. "Cocaine" I still love. Maybe Elisabeth manages to appreciate it more if she reacts to it.

[@erlenken]

"I want my MTV" was it's slogan and The Police did a TV ad. Knopfler then used the melody of The Police's "Don't stand so close to me" for the hook that Sting sings "I want my MTV". It was a coincidence that Sting was on the same island when Dire Straits recorded the song, so he spontaneously joined.

[@ljdsam]

And gave him a writing credit.

[@MichaelB769]

@@ljdsam They kind of had to. But then..... Sting - "So I did it, and thought nothing of it, until my publishers, Virgin - who I've been at war with for years and who I have no respect for - decided that was a song they owned, 'Don't Stand So Close to Me'. They said that they wanted a percentage of the song, much to my embarrassment. So they took it."

[@peterhartmann2460]

German Wikipedia: "Das Video zum Song war das erste, das der Musiksender MTV Europe bei seinem Start am 1. August 1987 ausstrahlte." First song on MTV Europe at its start.

[@amudlifecrisis]

@@ljdsamI don’t think he “ gave it “. I think Stings publisher from “Don’t stand so close to me” threatened to sue because they used “sampled” the melody . Listen to the inflection in Don’t stand so close to me, it’s exactly the same as I want my MTV in the album version. There is a good interview on KZbin where Knophfler explains it.

[@CaptainTedStryker]

I have definitely heard Sting interpose those lyrics in at least one live show. The lore on this song is deep lol.

[@eddiearthur4654]

Knopfler is an outstanding songwriter. His songs with Emmy Lou Harris are outstanding; the way the two mature voices weave together is a wonder to behold

[@arndnaj]

Love that entire album!

[@brutesquadbbq2268]

Ya know, I think with just about any other KZbinr I’d find the obliviousness to Eric Clapton to be infuriating, but for some reason with Elizabeth it just makes her more genuine. Like for a lot of reaction videos most of the time I think they’re just faking it for clicks, but this just confirms to me that Elizabeth really is seeing/hearing this stuff for the first time.

[@HiFiListener]

First: This track is at it's best, going with the studio version. Second: Sting's voice sets more melodic moods to it. Third: It was a big success, because the sound of the drum intro and the guitars are pleasing every good HiFi setup. But as I mentioned: this all goes with the studio version.

[@JorgeJara-nj4dh]

Second to your first statement ;) The vinyl recording by MrVinylObsessive is the best I've heard so far (it's here on YT).

[@ysinvangulik1004]

The original is more up tempo. And the guitar solo isn't fkd up.

[@danawarner7119]

The studio version is almost another song completely. I vote for studio version review!

[@stonermk2908]

I can definitely agree their official music video is best

[@SashanMusArt]

The most iconic and atmospheric versions of ‘Money for Nothing’ is at the LiveAid Concert. Dire Straits Live Concert performances leave the ‘official’ videos and studio recordings in the dust far as I’m concerned. I can ‘listen’ to these tracks anytime I want to on my own time, but no fun in watching reactions to a static recording. Mark advocates this opinion too in early DS videos. I❤MK. Dire Straits ft Sting - Money For Nothing - Live Aid 1985. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJTUmamGg859sNEsi=l2DJYJWSplv4HXFm

[@thinman8621]

Elizabeth's naivete about particular famous rock stars is charming. Much appreciate her analysis. Learning to understand the why behind music and performances that are so popular.

[@LukeMaynard]

The thing I really like about it is that once you get too familiar, you start to wonder whether big celebrities are really as good as you think, or whether your appreciation of them is driven at least a little bit by hype. Clapton's a good example: so many people would say he's "overrated" as a guitarist, maybe because he is held up SO high by some, along with a track record of not being the greatest guy (especially back when he was drinking; alcohol made him worse as a person and also limited his guitar playing for many years). But seeing a person who has no idea who he is and fully appreciate the musical decisions of his solos (this is not even a particularly showy or fast solo, just a musically tasty one) tells you there really is something special there.

[@chrisross-fd3fo]

@@LukeMaynard thats pretty much the music industry.. been feeding us forever .. theres a little glimpse these days on youtube of peoples actual taste in music ( save for the algorhythm) Hell my 2 favorite 90s bands are barely on the radar of most people.. but when i play Hello from Venus, Gypsy Lullaby, Ride the Tide.. or ...Julie Paradise,The Pathway Dollar Bill for someone its down the rabbit hole right away

[@LesSmith45]

Two of the greatest British guitar players ever

[@Hoeech]

You could drop the word "British" and your statement would still be true

[@williammackenzie6115]

@@Hoeech Knopfler was born in Glasgow Scotland and left for England at the age of seven but i think that would still make him British.

[@KillerBl8]

@@williammackenzie6115 What with Scotland being British that would make total sense.

[@LiamE69]

@@williammackenzie6115 You do realise Scotland is British, right?

[@williammackenzie6115]

@@LiamE69 That's what i said in my reply to remind everyone who calls bands like Dire Straits or Jethro Tull English when they are in fact British since they may have musicians from different nations within the UK.....OK..

[@jayarmstrong5957]

In the 80s, some cable tv providers still weren't carrying MTV in their channel lineup, so there were always airing promos about calling your cable company and demanding "I want my MTV!". That's where that line came from. Adorable that Elizabeth isn't old enough to recognize that's Eric Clapton on guitar!

[@derekhauffe7197]

Your brief interaction with your husband made my day. Y’all be well!

[@kenbrandon6434]

This song is worth a second visit with the video version. Sting actually did some of the backing vocals, mainly the “I want my MTV.”, which was a huge part of the channels marketing. “Tell your cable operators, ‘I want my MTV!’” And you were right, he overheard a conversation in an appliance store between a couple guys in the tv section and wrote down everything they said, some of which had to be changed with the times.

[@jjc5407]

The "I want my MTV" lyrics are sung to the tune of Sting's "Don't stand so close to me" from his days with The Police. Dire Straits were recording on the island of Montserrat and Mark Knopfler commented that it would be nice to get Sting to sing those lines only to be told he was vacationing on the very same island. They invited him over to the studio and he recorded it with them. He also got a songwriting credit for the use of his tune.

[@Lyeah73]

I came to say this! ❤

[@CombinatorialImplosi]

At the outset, MTV was not carried by many cable systems, so they ran the ad campaign, using music celebs of the day, with the tag line “I want my MTV” to try to get viewers to go to their cable operators to pressure them to pay MTV in order to carry the MTV channel. As an extra level of trivia, I’m pretty sure the campaign was itself a riff on the “I want my Maypo” ads for Maypo cereal that aired about a quarter century earlier, television viewers of the time would likely pick up on the reference.

[@jjc5407]

Money for Nothing was also the first video played on MTV Europe when it launched.

[@timcampbell5758]

I know this might not be a popular take, but the studio version of this song is so ingrained in my brain, that this version seems quaint, good, but not as epic. I know this is a vocal channel, but Sting adds so much to the song. I highly recommend you at least listen to it, even if you don’t react to it. Thanks for all your great work!!!!

[@happyphotoshooter]

That, and the change in lyrics to meet current society standards just makes the vocal part of the song flop. I understand why it was done, but it was not meat to be offensive at the time.

[@MravacKid]

@@happyphotoshooter "Change in lyrics to meet current society standards"? This was recorded in 1990.

[@JDLuke]

@@MravacKid Yeah, during the 1980s we figured out some things about being decent human beings which have apparently been left behind.

[@ThePickyBugger]

Have to agree, it was absolutely the wrong choice to choose this version. The intro to the studio version alone is better than this entire performance.

[@MichaelLloyd]

Same.

[@kpbangor]

Another vote for Brothers in Arms for a beautiful, thought provoking, musical experience.

[@davelindstrom6005]

I cannot believe nobody else has mentioned this, but not only was this the first CGI video, but this album was the first ever recorded/mastered in all-digital audio format. TRULY a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art endeavor from start to finish!

[@dwaynebyrd7744]

That's why I bought the CD on my way home with my first CD player.

[@raygale4198]

It was also the first song played on the brand new FM stereo radio format on SSA-FM the first FM station in Adelaide, Australia way back in when it started broadcasting in the early 80's

[@MtnHound]

Mark is a master story teller with his lyrics.

[@kensmith5694]

Yes, I agree. He also told different stories so it was always fresh

[@waynefinnicumbb7218]

Brothers In Arms is a great song by them, one of my favorites and my late dad's favorites. He was a disabled Vietnam Vet, and that song was emotional to him.

[@ericstein5485]

Wonderful song!!

[@StephenCross]

The hunt for Sting is hillarious!

[@mmortal03]

For Sting in 1985, she should watch the documentary that focused on the preparation for his first solo concert. The documentary is called "Bring On The Night" (named after a Police song). It's on KZbin. ("Sting - Bring On The Night (1985) - HD quality") But people probably want her to start out with The Police first.

[@CaliCoastRCFPV]

really needed the official video for this one!

[@BennoWitter]

That counter melody is basically "Don't stand so close to me" from the song by The Police, that Sting changed to "I want my MTV" for this.

[@danhodge2337]

My MMMM moment is, just how CLEAN it is for such a slowed solo, I'm 46 and grew up as a kid listening to 'Straits and I love how more bluesy and chilled he's got over the year's, some band's age like vinegar, some age like fine wine

[@TheAcgtrs]

Brothers in Arms is probably the best emotionally moving DS song you could ever imagine. Marks playing will rip your heart out… With DS, you should never cheap out by listening to the short version of any of their songs. We’re talking master storytelling, and compositions…

[@mayoite160]

but you're missing a lot if you don't watch the video

[@thomasnovak9119]

Brothers in arms! ❤

[@kostaskritsilas2681]

Telegraph Road.

[@sbombeck5419]

No, that was a completely iconic and ground breaking video that is completely worth it.

[@sturgeonslawyer]

The percussionist, the one with the dark glass, that's Ray Cooper. An absolutely amazing performer.

[@Chamomileable]

Knopfler is effectively the "heir" to the electric fingerstyle technique that was made so famous in the 1950's and 60's by Chet Atkins. He virtually never plays with a pick but manages to get a tone that's simultaneously thick and husky but also punchy and loud.

[@petebaer6996]

Chet Atkins declared Mark Knopfler a CGP ("Certified Guitar Player") on their duet album "Neck To Neck". Mr. Atkins bestowed that title on only a handful of musicians.

[@davechisholm9670]

@@petebaer6996 Yep I have that album too :-) The musical banter between the two of them is just so unique and special!

[@tpernis23]

WOW ELIZABETH . Thats Eric Clapton in the pink suit. one of the most famous people in rock history AND the only person to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame THREE TIMES.

[@peterjohnson9291]

Who cares. He's not part of Dire Straits.

[@neilgordon8145]

@@peterjohnson9291 Kept on turning up on their gigs ‘though!

[@tpernis23]

@@peterjohnson9291 It is important. Elizabeth always asks us to correct her when shes wrong and to educate her. Especially when she kept thinking Eric Clapton was Sting

[@kevinrenaud2752]

Yep, EC is a legend indeed but unfortunately getting into the RRHOF has no real meaning anymore. Just look at the inductees lately. The WOKE nuts are forcing in anyone they want now 😞

[@ExtraFancy96]

The studio intro is sooooo iconic! The build on the drums and synth then dropping out for the sickest guitar riff is just the best. Sad they didn’t do it in this live performance cause they did it in other performances

[@peternimmo74]

Oh dear, I was thinking whilst watching, why don't they pay the intro until the guitar comes in, and then play live. Good to know that they sometimes did that.

[@esayli-vainio6698]

Yeah, the album version intro is golden!

[@Patrick-857]

One of the best drum intros ever too.

[@sebdudu1836]

Brothers in Arms / Romeo And Juliet / Telegraph Road / Private Investigation / Your Latest Trick / Tunnel of Love... (That's only a part of my wishlist...) Thanks for reacting to this great group !

[@LyricalDJ]

It's nigh on impossible to go wrong choosing a Dire Straits track. I just hope that she'll get to Telegraph Road as it's my personal favourite. But really I'd be happy with any one (or more) of them

[@scottsvermi-adventure8938]

Walk of Life. So Far Away. I was in my home office playing Walk of Life over my computer's speakers. When it was done, my daughter stuck her head in the door, and said, "That's the best song ever!"

[@RogerDerbyshire-p6q]

Tunnel of Love gets my vote. I just love the guitar work in that song. Would get plenty of Nutella moments from Elizabeth.

[@Kinada]

The video is an iconic piece of music video history. You really should watch it.

[@brentravnsborg2782]

The dude in the light coloured suit is only Eric Clapton considered by many to be the greatest guitarist of all time.

[@sarkae0405]

Mark Knopfler has such a great and special style. So fluid and clear. And its fingerpicking.

[@AudunWangen]

He's so good that I'm convinced that his style of playing is better than using a pick, although I have no idea how to play the guitar myself.

[@reallivebluescat]

Thats not Sting, thats Eric Clapton. The pink jacket

[@pjgtech]

The guy with the beard in the pink jacket who also did a guitar solo, is Eric Clapton, who just happens to also be one of the greatest Guitar players and singer/song writers of all time, formerly he was with the band Cream, but is mostly solo nowadays. He is one of the few guitar players on this planet who can arguably match Mark Knoffler on the guitar, was great to see them play together. Nice reaction, thanx. 8-)

[@LukeMaynard]

Also, I'll take a moment to mention again the "old man" Mark Knopler songs I put in the comments to your big annoucement video: "Quality Shoe," "Monteleone," and "Get Lucky" are three great examples of how well he has learned to play the somewhat limiting instrument of his natural voice. These are things I think you have the ear to appreciate. Don't ever be sorry for not recognizing anyone. It is a DELIGHT to see someone who is so fully equipped in her taste, theory, and ear training encounter these things for the first time. FUN FACT: There's not many good rock fingerpickers. Mark is one, I think Ry Cooder is the only other big one. But they're hard to find, and Mark' style is totally his own. When Weird Al Yankovic did a parody of this song on the soundtrack album to "UHF," Mark gave Weird Al his personal blessing to record the parody, but only if he could come in and do the guitar part for it, since nobody else could get it exactly right. I think he might be one of the only people so far who has actually appeared on the Weird Al parody version of their original work.

[@Compman007]

The CGI in that is amazing! Yeah its old but its ASTOUNDING! How well they did it back then! What they did, its absolutely beautiful!

[@Michael.Larsen]

Half the fun of this song was the original music video :). When you see the clips they included along with the primitive animations for the "main characters" it really made an interesting commentary about the lyrics and who was saying them.

[@pax61]

Totally agree, was going to mention this. The storytelling arc of this song is what makes it particularly interesting, two laboring guys who catch a glance at MTV as they're delivering their appliances and wistfully wishing they had the easy life of the rock stars they saw in the videos. Knopfler captures the idioms and conversational tone of their comments so perfectly in the song lyrics.

[@jarstal]

Yeah, it also sets the theme of Blue collar looking at the music profession and not realizing what they go through, which is what she was addressing in her commentary so well.

[@ShortyRock801]

Gotta watch the version at the Monserrat with sting on backing vocals , Eric Clapton on Guitar and Phil Collins on drums with a full choir behind them

[@JaronActual]

Didn't they also have Steve Winwood on keys for that? I don't know how that stage didn't collapse under the massive musical talent.

[@ericpratch9760]

I missed that one. Thanks for pointing it out.

[@observer127]

"So Far Away" will make you cry, it is about being away from your partner or spouse. It is bluesy and is my favorite of all Dire Straits songs.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

And if that diamond ring don't shine ...

[@Stiletos]

My favorite Dire Straits song, that one would be a great reaction video as Mark "sings" a lot more in that one than most other songs.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@Stiletos "Skateaway" is Mark's most 'sung' song.

[@Stiletos]

@@RideAcrossTheRiver makes sense, probably my second favorite song by them.

[@LaughingAndy]

I was at a sci if convention once and someone asked the guy on stage what his advice for him towards becoming an actor was. His replay has always struck a cord with me. He told him that If your passion for the art is so much that you can only be an actor or singer then that’s when you should do it. Because it’s a hard life. It’s wrong to look at the top and think every gets the same. As has been said already, Brothers in arms is an iconic song that I think you will fall in love with.

[@richardfehr1838]

He’s giving the background singers their chance to shine on the extended MTV bit.

[@c.k.8412]

Truly one of the more iconic guitar riffs ever. A song based on an overheard conversation when he and his wife were shopping for appliances one day. If you want to see a younger Sting, watch the Live Aid performance of this tune. Just know you are watching one of the best rock guitarists to ever play.

[@fulviosanna]

Don't worry Elisabeth...the man in a pink suite is only Eric Clapton...🤣

[@drwalker6517]

Suit! 😂

[@Maybebaby56]

Lol, truth! I was listening then it struck me, "That guy in the pink suit... holy shit, it's Eric Clapton!" How could Elizabeth miss that in her liner notes?

[@fulviosanna]

Thanks!

[@fulviosanna]

👍 Sorry!

[@dirkda2451]

So I’m sure more people will point it out Sting isn’t there however the guy in the pink suit and grey guitar is Eric Clapton that’s 2 guitar heroes on stage

[@tylerduvall2]

Only Elizabeth would pause one of the most iconic opening riffs ever. 😆

[@AdmiralDonkey]

One of Mark's best examples of call and response between him and his guitar (along with some really cool sounds) is in their early track 'Wild West End'. I think you'd love his playing and story telling in that song. Good video of it on YT as well.

[@larrygreen262]

The guy in the pink suit is Eric Clapton (he's a guest artist here), you really need to do a deep dive on his massive catalogue too as he is probably even more famous than Dire Straits!

[@eauhomme]

Do the MTV Unplugged version of Layla and contrast it with the original Derek and the Dominos version (he was the lead singer of Derek and the Dominos, so it's not a cover, just his song done entirely differently).

[@ericfielding2540]

I lost my respect for Eric Clapton in the last five years, due to some of his non-musical statements.

[@craigdarby9533]

​@@ericfielding2540I gained more respect for him.

[@TiberiusAlpha]

That opening riff never fails to give me chills

[@cirriustech]

Mark tells the story, the guitar sings the song ❤

[@meridias561]

Just wanting to throw this/these out there as a suggestion for a band to check out. Extreme. Loads of good songs. Hole Hearted. More than words. Suzi.

[@jensmartinhoumannchristens7378]

"Money for nothing" is easily my favorite Dire Straits piece. The riff at the start just puts me in a great mood every time.

[@robmcgrath5202]

Cracks me up, she saw the legendary Clapton and didn't know it.

[@scottchitwood3022]

She isn’t very knowledgeable

[@jeroenk3570]

The microphone Mark uses is a Shure Beta58, it is made to be used very close. The low frequencies drop off quickly at distance (proximity effect), because this is from pre in-ear monitor times you need this feature to prevent feedback from the floor monitors.

[@0101100110]

Shout out to the stage techs, especially the touring ones. They are also out there when the artists are on stage, giving everything to make the greatest. They also build the stage before and tear it down after the performance. 16h work days, on the road for weeks and we also can't afford a Ferrari. I really loved my job but I quit for quite the same reasons Elizabeth quit performing.

[@beowulfthedane]

The songwriter Mark Knopfler was actually in a store when he heard a worker saying some of the things in the song. He quickly got a piece of paper and wrote down some of the things because he wanted the song to be as authentic as possible. Also Sting from "The Police" sings backup on the studio version.

[@dazk2328]

Yeah they were actually removalist guys if I remember correctly.

[@EATSLEEPDRIVE2002]

Knopfler and Clapton casually "conversing" with their guitars in the beginning is the greatest thing ever

[@timcarder2170]

I vote for doing the music video too. Also, in this show, they seem to be playing more up tempo. Definitely faster than the studio cut...not horribly so.. but is noticeable. Also, the lyrical patterns are different in parts.😊 Still, all in all, it's an enjoyable show.

[@chrislewis4623]

This was the first music video I saw on MTV back in the days of Martha Quinn....Yup, I'm an old guy. The music video really told the story of the song as two working guys selling TVs whining about how the musicians on TV were rich and they were just scraping by. Every time I hear this, I think back to the good old MTV days with Martha Quinn and the spaceman holding the MTV flag.

[@BuzZzKiller]

This and Michael Jackson's Thriller were basically on repeat all day, lol!

[@Aonghuis]

Ditto

[@kevinL5425]

Now that you have watched this, you should definitely on your own check out the original groundbreaking music video. Also, if you want to see a live performance with Sting, check them out singing this song at “Live Aid”.

[@daytaur]

The Live Aid version is my favorite. It has a different dynamic, from the drums, the intro, the sound guy at the background. I love that performance.

[@CoolCoyote]

marks best asset is that he has said and made no bones about it 'im not a great singer' that way when he does sing people are surprised at his soft gentle vocal gift. hes emotive. he lets his guitar do he talking

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Knopfler did work on his phrasing in the very early 80s. He had to.

[@knackers2773]

Nelson mandela live version of Brothers in arms is one of the best. Again the band rhythm guitarist was away and they got the same stand in "session guitarist", but man he laid a good rhythm that night.

[@Torkeep]

The memories from when MTV started as a music channel in Australia, and this was the official anthem for the station.

[@kevinparker2375]

Sting sang the counter "I want my MTV" in the studio (and video) versions, as well as throwing in some "Money for Nuthin". "I want my MTV" was a catch phrase in the earlier years of MTV and they had many stars do cameos saying "I want my MTV", this was due to some cable companies not picking up MTV early on. Also, when Sting sings "I want my MTV", he sings it in the same way he sings "Don't stand so close to me" in the Police song "Don't Stand So Close To Me". Finally, yes...that was Eric Clapton in the pink suit.

[@Nyghl0]

The studio version has possibly the most electric, goosebump-inducing intro buildup to any song, ever. Slightly bummed we miss out on that, but all good.

[@adrianhall2510]

Telegraph Road, one of my all-time favorites! The beautiful "baroque " piano section in the middle is great and I think you would thoroughly enjoy it! Also Sting, Fields of Gold.... beautiful!

[@goosebump801]

I wish I could upvote this 100x!

[@lancehowlett3910]

Telegraph Road pulls me in every time if you listen to the lyrics

[@joshnotter1354]

I still remember the MTV video to this day every time I hear this song

[@arkie_rick]

How have I never seen the live version before? The way Mark delivers his vocals makes it seem like an entirely different song.

[@Buckaroo1971]

This song came out when I was a junior in high school and started a lifelong love of Mr. Knopfler's music, and Dire Straits. One of the voices that shaped a generation.

[@paulc6497]

I agree with other commenters that you will cry listening to Brothers in Arms (I often do), but you really missed out by watching the studio version of Sultans of Swing. Not only is the live version much longer, it contains a lot more awesome guitar work from Mark.

[@davemcsorley]

Another vote for Brothers in Arms - have the tissues ready !

[@andrewolson6946]

The "whine" for MTV was actually a callback to when MTV was trying to get on more cable distributors back in the early 80s when they were just starting out.

[@Zseventyone]

Plz always do studio version first. We've recommended this for years.

[@niallmcentee9400]

Money For Nothing is based on a conversation he overheard in a store, where basically disparaging remarks were made about how easy musicians have it compared to those in "regular jobs" Brothers In Arms is a very powerful anti war song. As the lyrics say "we are fools to make war on our Brothers in Arms"

[@RobTaylor-cs3bz]

Great band with a unique sound. Another song, if you like a creative retelling of the story of "Romeo and Juliet", is their song by the same name.

[@michaelstockdale]

You do need to watch the video. It was played to death on MTV. Made a name for the band!

[@angelmontgomery6168]

You should definitely watch the video. It's awesome. But Dire Straits made their name years earlier with "Sultans of Swing" and more.

[@Ghotiermann]

No shame in someone your age not knowing what Sting looked like back then. And with your background, there is a very good reason why you haven't heard a lot of songs that most of us are familiar with. That comes in handy now. We get to watch you enjoy songs that we love for the first time.

[@burke615]

"I want my MTV" was a campaign by MTV in its early days, not long before this song was written. The idea was to get people to demand MTV from their cable providers so they could get a larger audience. That's also one of the parts in the studio version that was sung by Sting.

[@deadkennedy9140]

As soon as I saw Cheryl Baker as a backing singer I could date and locate this performance. She performed in just about every great live performance of 80s in the UK.

[@LiamE69]

I am 99% sure the singer you think is Cheryl Baker is in fact Tessa Niles.

[@GeoffSobering]

​@LiamE69 - 100% correct. Tessa performed quite a bit with Eric Clapton. My guess he's the reason she is there.

[@GeoffSobering]

BTW, the other singer is Katie Kissoon

[@deadkennedy9140]

@@LiamE69 Thanks for that, a little embarrassed but I stand by the fact Tessa Niles was ubiquitous and she dont half look like Cheryl Baker.

[@garionofriva7216]

Given that (in UK 🇬🇧) it's Remembrance Sunday on the 10th and Armistice Day on the 11th, you're REALLY going to have to listen to "Brothers in Arms" I will be singing it, probably with all-arms help,sometime on Sunday afternoon... 😊

[@garretthenderson5738]

Brothers in Arms has to be your next song, preferably the flawlessly produced studio version (would be great for Veterans Day!!). May not be their biggest hit, but it is their best song. He is not a better, Knopfler isn't a belter or crooner, he's a lyrical storyteller and is brilliant in the way his voice contains so much layered emotional subtext.

[@AllTradesGeorge]

Brothers In Arms is a brilliant piece of work. I can't argue the point that it's their best song. The mid-80s was an era where people were starting to question the treatment that Vietnam vets had received when they returned to the States, and there were several songs that subtly or not-so-subtly voiced their plight. Brothers In Arms is probably the very best, most impactful one.

[@lesleywright8880]

Except it was written about the Falklands war specifically. Obviously does apply to all wars, but was inspired by Britains conflict with Argentina over the Falkland islands.​@@AllTradesGeorge

[@jimborobo9952]

How could anyone fail to notice Mr ERIC CLAPTON!, also the supremely talented backing vocals of Tessa Niles & Katie Casson.

[@ArfurFaulkesHake]

One of THE most iconic riffs in music history. But on this one i'd recommend the studio version.

[@Michigan_farmboy]

As Elizabeth usually reads the lyrics ahead of time, she should be aware (and probably is) that it is from the standpoint of the workers that were overheard having the conversation in the lyrics. Also, Brothers in Arms, Telegraph Road (great example of dynamic changes through the song and great piano parts), and Romeo & Juliet are all great songs.

[@apparition13]

I've suggested Telegraph road before because of how it's organized in three movements like a classical piece.

[@TrekBeatTK]

And the original lyric used a certain popular 80s slur of the glam rockers, which are changed in this live version

[@kwangsoo515]

@@TrekBeatTKI actually think the original version flows better though. Even though I know they are from a character perspective I still try to rationalize it by how that word originally was more broadly used for anyone who got bullied, particularly by being forced to do chores like fetching firewood, hence it being derived from a word for a bundle of sticks.

[@bwcbiz]

Speaking of "Romeo and Juliet", that brings the Indigo Girls into the conversation. I actually prefer their version's emotional intensity. But yeah, Telegraph road is an opera in miniature, right up there with Springsteen's Jungleland.

[@TrekBeatTK]

@@kwangsoo515 and the song actually is complementary of them for their easy gig.

[@charlessarver8350]

The guy with the glasses playing the tamborine is Ray Cooper a session and touring percussionist who often toured with Eric Clapton who was the guy in pink playing the guitar!

[@Cadinho93]

"I want my MTV" was a tag line used by MTV. They paid celebrities, whose videos were played on MTV, to say, "I want my MTV". Also, Sting's backing vocals always complement Mark Knopfler's lead so well.

[@vidpie]

Credit for "I want my MTV" goes to ad man George Lois. They didn't pay the celebrities. He tells the story: Hard to believe today, but after its first year of operations, MTV was an abject failure. A 24-hour rock ’n’ roll channel? The two thousand people at the cable convention that announced MTV literally laughed the Warner-AmEx honchos off the stage. Music publishers insisted the MTV concept could kill their business. Record companies swore they would never produce music videos. Advertisers considered it a joke. Ad agency experts snickered. Cable operators scoffed. A fledgling concept faced crib death. Despite an introductory period of advertising, MTV was a total wipeout. After a zero year, the whiz kids at MTV asked me to do an emergency “trade” campaign, to change the minds of the cable operators of America, most of whom believed kids who rocked were into sex and drugs. But I had a better idea, the Big Idea: to go right to the rock-loving audience and shove MTV down the rock-hating cable operators’ throats. Guerrilla warfare at its nastiest. Along with my introduction of “living” MTV logos, the upstart MTV, led by the post-pubescent Bob Pittman, thought I was a wily old fox for bridging the years with my updated I Want My Maypo slogan, and I produced an audacious campaign, delivered by rock superstars Mick Jagger, Peter Townshend and Pat Benatar. I want my MTV ignited a firestorm of popular demand for MTV within minutes after the commercials ran in each market. The clincher in each commercial was this windup sequence as a voice-over proclaims: If you don’t get MTV where you live, call your cable operator and say...(we then cut to Mick Jagger, who bellows into a telephone:) I want my MTV! In each city, thousands called moments after viewing the commercial and screamed for their MTV! Within months, MTV was in 80% of all households; record companies begged to have their videos on the channel; advertisers looked at MTV as a must-buy for viewers 14 to 28; and every Rock star in the world pleaded with us to mimic Mick Jagger’s plea in our follow-up commercials. They flew to New York and lined up to go on film: David Bowie, Stevie Nicks, Lionel Richie, Madonna, Sting, Hall & Oates, Dire Straits, Tears for Fears, Cyndi Lauper, ZZ Topp, Eurythmics, Billy Idol, Boy George, George Michael, The Thunderbirds, Van Halen, Huey Lewis and the News, The Cars, Michael Jackson and every Rock star who wanted to explode their record sales. Six months after the start of the campaign, Time magazine called MTV “the most spectacular pop culture phenomenon since the advent of cable television - and, arguably, since the invention of the tube itself.”

[@mariaghiglieri78]

The lead singer is Mark Knopfler, who also did the soundtrack for Princess Bride!

[@grahamcrabbe8369]

I love that you were trying to figure out who Sting was while Eric Clapton played the solo

[@cablescribbles]

His finger style playing is amazing

[@jonahguitarguy]

The studio version of this song had Sting doing background vocals at the end. His very recognizable voice just made it that much cooler. This live version is from one of many benefit concerts that Eric Clapton organized. You might want to look at Cream's live version of Crossroads.

[@observer127]

@ 26:20, that is "Slowhand" himself, Eric Clapton.

[@KristinA-bt5pc]

She needs to do the original! Such an iconic song. I want my MTV! The beginning of the video era. Though it’s cool that Clapton is here it’s missing Sting’s iconic contribution and the mixing of the two vocal styles. I also love Knopfler’s cool laid back style.

[@edelcorrallira]

Yeah :) Still remember seeing this concert on TV then buying the two cassettes later. Page playing with Plant was quite a highlight. Many great performances!