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Dire Straits

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Dire Straits
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1977 in London, England
FounderMark Knopfler, David Knopfler, John Illsley, Pick Withers
Defunct1995
Headquarters
London
,
England
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Mark Knopfler, John Illsley
ProductsMusic albums, singles, live performances

Dire Straits emerged as a British rock ensemble formed in London in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (lead guitar, lead vocals), David Knopfler (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), John Illsley (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Pick Withers (drums). Their career spanned from 1977 until 1988, with a reunion period between 1990 and 1995.

Their initial single, "Sultans of Swing" (1978), achieved top ten status in both the UK and US charts. Other notable tracks included "Romeo and Juliet" (1981), "Private Investigations" (1982), "Twisting by the Pool" (1983), "Money for Nothing" (1985), and "Walk of Life" (1985). The band's most commercially successful album, Brothers in Arms (1985), sold upwards of 30 million copies globally; it was the pioneering album to reach one million CD sales and stands as the eighth best-selling album in UK history. By 2005, Dire Straits had amassed over 1,100 weeks on the UK Albums Chart, placing them fifth in all-time rankings.

Incorporating elements from country, folk, blues rock, and jazz, Dire Straits developed a minimalist sound that contrasted with punk rock and embodied the roots rock style that evolved from pub rock. The lineup underwent multiple changes over time, with Mark Knopfler and Illsley remaining as the core members. Following their split in 1988, Knopfler cited exhaustion amid intense fame as a reason for the hiatus. The band reunited briefly in 1990 but officially disbanded in 1995; thereafter, Knopfler embarked on a solo career and has consistently declined reunion proposals, reaffirming in April 2024 that he will not perform with Dire Straits again.

Classic Rock magazine characterized them as "the biggest British rock band of the 80s." Their world tour during 1985–86—including an appearance at Live Aid—broke attendance records across Australasia. Their final tour in 1991–92 sold an impressive 7.1 million tickets. Throughout their career, Dire Straits earned four Grammy Awards, three Brit Awards (twice winning Best British Group), and two MTV Video Music Awards. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, they have sold between 100 million and 120 million records worldwide, including over 51 million certified units, ranking among the highest-selling musical acts globally.

1977–1979: Formation and first two albums

Brothers Mark and David Knopfler originated from Glasgow, Scotland, but were raised in Blyth in northeast England. Alongside John Illsley and Pick Withers—both hailing from Leicester—they established Dire Straits in Deptford, southeast London, during 1977. Withers brought ten years of professional experience as a session drummer for musicians such as Dave Edmunds and Gerry Rafferty. At the time of formation, Mark worked as an English teacher; Illsley was studying at Goldsmiths' College; David was employed as a social worker. Previously, Mark Knopfler and Withers had collaborated in the pub rock band Brewers Droop.

Initially called the Café Racers, the group adopted the name Dire Straits while rehearsing at Simon Cowe's kitchen. In 1977 they produced a five-track demo including future hit "Sultans of Swing," "Water of Love," and "Down to the Waterline." After being turned down by MCA Records, DJ Charlie Gillett played "Sultans of Swing" on BBC Radio London which led to securing a contract with Vertigo Records (Phonogram Inc.). Later that year they recorded demos for BBC Radio London.

Their self-titled debut album Dire Straits was recorded at Basing Street Studios in London during February 1978 at a cost of £12,500. Produced by Muff Winwood and released under Vertigo Records, it attracted attention from Warner Bros. A&R representative Karin Berg based in New York City. The album’s songs drew upon Mark Knopfler's experiences living in Newcastle, Leeds, and London.

Following a UK tour supporting Talking Heads and a re-release of "Sultans of Swing," Dire Straits secured a US distribution deal with Warner Bros. Records. The debut album reached top ten positions across Europe and claimed number one spots in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

In 1979 the band embarked on their inaugural North American tour comprising 51 sold-out concerts within 38 days. "Sultans of Swing" peaked at number four on US charts and number eight in the UK. This track became a mainstay of their live shows and garnered attention from Bob Dylan who invited Knopfler and Withers to collaborate on his subsequent album.

Recording sessions for their sophomore album Communiqué took place in December 1978 at Compass Point Studios located in Nassau, Bahamas. Released in June 1979 with producers Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett at the helm, it topped charts in Germany and reached number five in the UK. Featuring the single "Lady Writer," this album maintained their established musical style while expanding lyrical content on tracks such as "Once Upon a Time in the West." The following year marked shifts both musically and within band membership.

1980–1984: Making Movies, Love Over Gold and concurrent ventures

In 1980, Dire Straits secured two Grammy Awards nominations: one for Best New Artist and another for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group with "Sultans of Swing".[1] That July marked the start of recording their third album. Co-produced by Jimmy Iovine and Mark Knopfler, Making Movies was released in October 1980. During these sessions, internal conflicts resulted in David Knopfler leaving to embark on a solo path.[2] The remaining trio completed the album with uncredited session guitarist Sid McGinnis and guest keyboardist Roy Bittan from Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. Keyboardist Alan Clark and Californian guitarist Hal Lindes joined as permanent members for the On Location tour, which spanned Europe, North America, and Oceania.[3]

Making Movies was met with critical acclaim, showcasing more intricate and extended arrangements that became characteristic of the band’s sound. It featured personal compositions by Mark Knopfler such as "Romeo and Juliet," which climbed to number 8 on the UK Singles Chart. Though not a major single, "Solid Rock" became a concert favorite, while the opening track "Tunnel of Love" appeared in the 1982 film An Officer and a Gentleman. The album maintained a presence on the UK Albums Chart for five years, peaking at No. 4.[4] Rolling Stone placed it at number 52 in its list of the "100 Best Albums of the Eighties".[5]

The band's fourth studio effort, Love Over Gold, released in September 1982, highlighted Alan Clark’s piano and keyboard contributions through extended tracks. It achieved gold status in the United States and held the top spot on UK charts for four weeks. Produced solely by Knopfler, it included the successful single "Private Investigations", which reached number 2 in the UK despite its nearly seven-minute duration.[6]

In markets such as Canada, "Industrial Disease", which addressed Britain's industrial decline, was the lead single reaching the top ten. The album also featured tracks like the title song, "It Never Rains", and the epic "Telegraph Road". During this era, Knopfler wrote "Private Dancer", later recorded by Tina Turner for her comeback album. Love Over Gold reportedly sold two million copies within six weeks. Drummer Pick Withers departed after recording; he was succeeded by Terry Williams, formerly of Rockpile.[7]

In January 1983, during Love Over Gold's chart tenure, the four-track EP ExtendedancEPlay was released featuring "Twisting By the Pool", which reached Top 20 positions in both the UK and Canada. Dire Straits earned Best British Group at the 1983 Brit Awards.[8] The subsequent Love over Gold Tour spanned eight months and culminated with two concerts in London in July 1983. Saxophonist Mel Collins and session keyboardist Tommy Mandel joined live performances to complement Clark’s intricate arrangements. The double live album Alchemy Live, recorded directly from these shows without overdubs, reached Top 3 on the UK Albums Chart in March 1984.[9]

Between 1983 and 1984, Mark Knopfler undertook side ventures involving other band members. He and Terry Williams contributed to Phil Everly’s and Cliff Richard’s UK hit single "She Means Nothing To Me" (1983). Responding to producer David Puttnam's interest,[10][11] Knopfler composed and produced the soundtrack for Local Hero, released in April 1983,[12] earning a BAFTA nomination for Best Original Film Music.[13] Alan Clark made significant contributions; Illsley, Lindes, and Williams performed on "Freeway Flyer," while Gerry Rafferty provided lead vocals on "The Way It Always Starts".[14] The instrumental finale "Going Home: Theme of the Local Hero" gained popularity among football supporters—especially Newcastle United—playing as their anthem upon entering home matches.[15] It also became a regular part of Dire Straits’ live repertoire from 1983 onward.[16][17]

After completing "Local Hero," in 1984 Knopfler scored films including Cal, featuring Illsley and Williams, and Comfort and Joy, featuring Williams. He also produced Bob Dylan’s album Infidels, which included Alan Clark.[18] Additionally, he produced records for Aztec Camera and Willy DeVille. That year John Illsley released his solo debut Never Told a Soul, with contributions from Knopfler, Clark, and Williams.[19] Knopfler also played lead guitar on one track from Bryan Ferry’s June 1985 solo album Boys and Girls.

1985–1986: Brothers in Arms breakthrough and global acclaim

Dire Straits resumed studio work at George Martin's AIR Studios in Montserrat late in 1984 to produce their fifth studio album, Brothers in Arms, co-produced by Mark Knopfler alongside Neil Dorfsman.

Personnel shifts saw Guy Fletcher join full-time as second keyboardist, enhancing Alan Clark's piano and organ with synthesizer layers complementing Knopfler's evolving soundscapes. Hal Lindes departed early due to interpersonal conflicts; consequently, Knopfler performed all guitar parts on the record. Drummer Terry Williams was temporarily replaced by session drummer Omar Hakim during recording sessions due to stylistic differences but remained for touring duties. Jack Sonni joined as rhythm guitarist in December 1984 but contributed minimally to this album.

Released in May 1985, Brothers in Arms debuted atop the UK Albums Chart selling over four million copies domestically, becoming Britain's best-selling album that year. In America, it led the Billboard 200 for nine weeks with sales reaching nine million copies. It also holds Australia's record for longest-running number one album with an impressive thirty-four weeks atop ARIA Charts.

The album's polished production spawned major singles including "Money for Nothing" (US No.1; UK No.4), "So Far Away" (UK No.20; US No.19), "Brothers in Arms" (UK No.16), "Walk of Life" (UK No.2; US No.7), and "Your Latest Trick" (UK No.26). Featuring guest vocals from Sting and notable as MTV UK's first video aired, "Money for Nothing" won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance in 1986.

Although occasionally described as pioneering fully digital albums, digital recording techniques had existed since early seventies. The title track reflects on war's futility inspired by the Falklands conflict; Knopfler re-recorded it in 2007 supporting British veterans.

This release significantly boosted CD format popularity; it is recognized by Guinness World Records as the first CD to sell one million copies worldwide. Extended versions of several tracks including a full-length "Money for Nothing" were exclusive to CD editions.

The extensive world tour spanning 1985–86 attracted over two-and-a-half million attendees across Europe, Israel, North America, Australia, and New Zealand performing over two hundred forty-eight shows across more than one hundred cities with saxophonist Chris White augmenting live soundscapes. Key moments included Live Aid performance at Wembley Stadium alongside Sting and a record-setting twenty-one consecutive nights at Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Supporting famine relief efforts named "The Walk of Life," Dire Straits donated their Gold disc from Brothers in Arms towards aid initiatives between London and Khartoum.

A partial broadcast of their July 1985 Wembley Arena show aired on UK Channel 4's program The Tube. Though never officially released commercially, bootleg recordings remain widespread.

The album earned two Grammy Awards plus Best British Album at the Brit Awards in 1987. It ranked fifty-first on Q magazine’s list of greatest British albums ever made and placed three hundred fifty-first on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums”. By December 2017 it stood as eighth-best-selling UK album ever and ranked one hundred seventh all-time in US sales history. MTV Europe launched August 1986 featuring “Money for Nothing” as its inaugural video.

1987–1990: Hiatus

Following completion of their Brothers in Arms tour, Mark Knopfler took a break from Dire Straits activities starting in 1987 to concentrate on solo ventures including film scoring projects. The band briefly reunited in 1988 to headline the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert at Wembley Stadium. Guitarist Jack Sonni missed this appearance due to newborn twins; Eric Clapton filled rhythm guitar duties joining them for "Wonderful Tonight". Shortly thereafter Sonni along with drummer Terry Williams officially departed Dire Straits.

In September that year Knopfler announced disbandment citing pressures arising from immense success coupled with desire to pursue individual projects furthering artistic freedom. A greatest hits compilation titled Money for Nothing was issued October ’88 reaching number one domestically aided by re-release of "Sultans of Swing". Meanwhile John Illsley released his sophomore solo effort ‘‘Glass’’ featuring collaborations from Knopfler alongside other bandmates while Alan Clark joined Eric Clapton’s band for three years collaborating intermittently with Knopfler.

May ’89 saw Dire Straits reunite briefly for charity performance at Newcastle’s Mayfair Ballroom raising over £35K towards cancer awareness causes marking drummer Terry Williams’ final appearance with them; Brendan Croker replaced Sonni on rhythm guitar thereafter. Later that year Knopfler formed country-rock ensemble the Notting Hillbillies, including Guy Fletcher, Brendan Croker, Steve Phillips plus manager Ed Bicknell on drums releasing ‘‘Missing...Presumed Having a Good Time’’ March ’90 featuring single “Your Own Sweet Way”. The group toured extensively including an appearance on ‘‘Saturday Night Live’’. Additionally that year Knopfler collaborated with guitarist Chet Atkins producing country-influenced ‘‘Neck and Neck’’.

Dire Straits lineup comprising Knopfler, Illsley, Clark & Fletcher performed alongside Eric Clapton at ’90 Knebworth Festival, delivering “Solid Rock,” “Money for Nothing,” plus “I Think I Love You Too Much”—a blues-rock track featuring solos from both guitarists later appearing on Jeff Healey’s ‘‘Hell To Pay’’ as gift from Knopfler preceding decision by core members plus manager Ed Bicknell to revive Dire Straits officially in ’91.

1990–1995: Final studio album On Every Street and disbandment

In ’90 Dire Straits reunited under management of Ed Bicknell with core members Mark Knopfler, John Illsley, Alan Clark & Guy Fletcher recording sixth studio album ‘’On Every Street’’. Additional musicians included saxophonist Chris White plus guitarist Phil Palmer contributing to sessions produced collectively by Knopfler alongside Clark & Fletcher released September ’91 marking final studio work together.

Commercially ‘’On Every Street’’ achieved moderate success selling fifteen million copies worldwide by ’08 debuting atop UK Albums Chart plus multiple European charts including Australia attaining Diamond certification in France while peaking at number twelve stateside despite mixed critical reception relative to previous blockbuster ‘’Brothers In Arms’’. Singles such as “Calling Elvis” & “Heavy Fuel” charted internationally with “Heavy Fuel” topping US Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart notably.

Embarking on extensive On Every Street Tour between ’91-92 performing three hundred shows before over seven million fans globally offered musically elaborate yet less critically acclaimed experiences compared to prior tours leading to strain among band members contributing towards eventual dissolution concluding final concert October ninth ’92 Zaragoza Spain.

Post-tour Mark Knopfler withdrew from large-scale touring releasing live album ‘’On the Night’’ May ’93 documenting performances reaching UK Top Five despite mixed reviews alongside four-track ‘’Encores’’ achieving chart success particularly within France & Spain.

June ’95 saw release of ‘’Live at the BBC’’ compiling live recordings spanning ’78-‘81 predominantly featuring original lineup constituting contractual closure marking end of Dire Straits quietly disbanded by Knopfler focusing fully on solo career signed under Mercury Records later describing breakup necessary step safeguarding personal creativity following exhaustive touring demands.

1996–present: Reunion rumours & Rock Hall induction

Following disbandment Mark Knopfler initiated solo career debuting ‘‘Golden Heart’’ March ’96 while ‘’Brothers In Arms’’ attained nine-times platinum certification stateside same year alongside remastered worldwide reissues handled principally by Bob Ludwig under Mercury Records internationally plus Warner Bros Records domestically issued circa ’00.

Knopfler briefly reunited with John Illsley, Alan Clark & Guy Fletcher June ’99 performing at Illsley’s wedding then again July ’02 undertaking four charity concerts billed as “Mark Knopfler & friends” featuring material spanning his solo output plus Notting Hillbillies works referencing northeast England roots within ‘‘The Ragpicker's Dream’’ album issued same year.

November ’05 saw compilation ‘‘The Best of Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler: Private Investigations’’ reach UK Top Twenty combining hits spanning both careers including previously unreleased duet “[All the Roadrunning]” with Emmylou Harris coinciding limited edition twentieth anniversary reissue of ‘‘Brothers In Arms’’ winning Grammy Award Best Surround Sound Album.

Knopfler has consistently declined offers to revive Dire Straits citing overwhelming magnitude associated with former fame preferring focus upon solo endeavors supported frequently by keyboardist Guy Fletcher plus percussionist Danny Cummings collaborating across albums such as ‘‘Kill to Get Crimson’’, ‘‘Get Lucky’’, ‘‘One Deep River’’. In ’08 Illsley expressed hopes for reunion tour yet met continued disinterest from Knopfler.

December ’09 witnessed Dire Straits honoured with PRS for Music Heritage Award commemorated via plaque marking original formation site Deptford London while former members Alan Clark, Chris White & Phil Palmer formed charity-focused ensemble The Straits alongside Steve Ferrone during subsequent years.

Inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame during ’18 ceremony John Illsley welcomed accolade though noted absence of Mark Knopfler who declined attendance resulting only Illsley-Clark-Fletcher representing band notably without introduction or performance segment.

Since ’09 various ex-members tour under banners Dire Straits Legends / Legacy releasing albums such as ‘‘3 Chord Trick’’ undertaking US tours including Trevor Horn on bass plus Steve Ferrone drumming duties during ’18 itinerary.

Recent years saw Alan Clark release piano-focused solo record ‘‘Backstory’’ (2021) while Illsley published memoir ‘‘My Life In Dire Straits’’ same year; former guitarist Jack Sonni passed away August ‘23.

In November ‘23 Illsley reiterated neither he nor Knopfler entertain prospects for reuniting Dire Straits despite lucrative proposals reflecting upon exhaustion following final world tour ‘92 citing challenges sustaining massive success amid intense pressures during peak years expressed candidly by Knopfler himself.

With sales exceeding one hundred twenty million albums globally Dire Straits remain among Britain’s most commercially successful rock acts.[20]

Band members

Final lineup
  • Mark Knopfler – lead vocals; lead & rhythm guitars (1977–88;1990–95)
  • John Illsley – bass guitar; backing vocals (1977–88;1990–95)
  • Alan Clark – keyboards (1980–88;1990–95)
  • Guy Fletcher – keyboards; backing vocals (1984–88;1990–95)
Previous members

Discography

Main article: Dire Straits discography

Recognition & inductions

  • PRS for Music Heritage Award – 2009
  • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – inducted in 2018

Awards won

  • Brit Awards – British Group: 1983 & 1986
  • Grammy Awards – Best Rock Performance by Duo or Group ("Money for Nothing") – 1986
  • Grammy Awards – Best Engineered Recording Non-Classical ('Brothers in Arms') – Mark Knopfler & Neil Dorfsman – 1986
  • Juno Award – International Album of Year – '86
  • MTV Video Music Awards – Video of Year ("Money for Nothing") & Best Group Video ("Money for Nothing") – '86
  • Brit Awards – British Album of Year ('Brothers In Arms') – '87
  • Grammy Award – Best Music Video ("Brothers In Arms") – '87
  • Grammy Award – Best Surround Sound Album ('Brothers In Arms' -20th Anniversary Edition) producers Chuck Ainlay & Mark Knopfler - '06

Nominations

  • Grammy Awards – Best New Artist & Best Rock Vocal Performance Duo or Group ("Sultans Of Swing") - '80
  • American Music Award – Favorite Pop/Rock Single ("Money For Nothing") - '86
  • Brit Awards - British Album Of Year ('Brothers In Arms'), British Single ("Money For Nothing"), British Video ("Money For Nothing") - '86
  • Grammy Awards - Album Of The Year ('Brothers In Arms'), Record Of The Year & Song Of The Year ("Money For Nothing") - '86
  • Multiple MTV Video Music Award nominations ('86) including Best Concept Video etc.
  • Brit Awards - British Group ('87 & '92)
  • Grammy Award - Best Music Video ("Calling Elvis") - '92
  • Brit Awards - British Album Of Thirty Years ('Brothers In Arms') - '10

See also

Further reading

External links

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ROTN
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  4. ↑ Hoffmann, Frank W. Encyclopedia of Recorded Sound, Volume 1, p. 295. Routledge, 2005.
  5. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  6. ↑ International who's who in popular music, p. 282. Routledge, 2002.
  7. ↑ [[[:Template:AllMusic]] Terry Williams], All music. Retrieved 16 December 2017
  8. ↑ "Brit awards winners list 2013: every winner since 1977". The Guardian. Retrieved 4 January 2018
  9. ↑ Drucker, David (1991) Billboard's Complete Book of Audio Billboard Books Retrieved: 29 December 2010.
  10. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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  13. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  14. ↑ Local Hero (Original Soundtrack) – Mark Knopfler AllMusic Retrieved: 30 December 2010.
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  20. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named bbc
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