And THAT is how you give a live performance! No gizmos, no doo-dads, just pure musical ability and joy in what they deliver to an audience. Phenomenal!
And added to that, this live audio recording from the early 80s has production values that put a lot of recent *_studio_* albums to shame. The quality of the recording is absolutely insane, for the whole Alchemy album. It's what you get when you put a group of audiophiles in charge of production.
This performance has been touted as the best ever live rock performance. Hard to disagree with this. Why? Because each musician is a consummate musician unto himself. And their ability to blend so well together is phenomenal.
Yep, he's left handed. My oldest son does everything right handed, except he writes and eats left handed. Plus he can do most things equally as well with either hand.
As a 60 year old man,watching yourself react to this,reminds me so much of my first time. Watch this again when your my age. It will still give you goosebumps.
Not only great musicianship… But the camera work is right on point… A lot of these videos don’t show the musicians when they’re doing their runs or solos… This was perfect! 👍
I have been to hundreds of concerts and watched thousands of live videos and this is my all time favorite. I'm just mad I'm not old enough to have been there live. Such a fun fun fun video. I smiled the whole time. I loved this song before but now it's one of my favorite ever.
You have to be a really top end band on a great night to pull this off. I've only seen three performances that are even remotely comparable, peak Stones and Who and also Bowie on a good night, you know that when they were in the dressing room after the show ... they knew they nailed it.
I’m 66 and thousands of years listening music but sultans of swing of alchemy is for sure the song I prefer above all … incredible energy fantastic band …. Thanks to dire straits and mark knopfler … music heaven
Knopfler is no question one of the top 5 guitarists of all time, but he gets almost no recognition. Actually got to meet him in the late 80's, and he gave me a signed copy of the soundtrack to "The Princess Bride" which he did all the music for.
This was the golden age of rock and roll. So much talent, so much heart. I’m sorry that the generations after me haven’t heard so much of this. There will never be songs like this again.
Not sure how you thought this song was about a band who thought they sounded good - the eponymous Sultans of Swing. The story is that Mark heard some live music playing at a pub one wet London night. He came in, saw a small crowd who were indifferent to the band and the jazz style music. And yes, Mark Knopfler is a musical genius, singer/songwriter, and rock guitarist without peer - playing real music, not that shredding jumble of notes. THE GOAT!
There is absolutely nothing to compare to that style of guitar playing...your emotion nailed it, ...tears of joy knowing you just watched history Well done
SO GLAD you saw this!! Other reactors react to this song, but they don’t react to this ALCHEMY live performance. They do the studio version instead, and you can’t compare the two. This is one of the best live performances you will ever see.
💖MARK 💖 turns his guitar into a vocalist. He is totally amazing. And this live performance .... just exquisite. Everyone just on point. Terry's drums, as ferocious as he plays, never overrides the sound. Notice 2 keyboardists, too. And that one on the right...keeps up the high energy even when he's not playing. Too cool.
Sultans of Swing is about a tired old traditional jazz band that used to play at weekends at the Marquis of Granby pub in South London, New Cross just down from me. The pub is still there and Dire Straits formed in New Cross because Mark Knopflers brother was at Goldsmiths University and invited him down to London. Their first gig was at the Deptford Green Free Festival and there is a picture of that gig in the library New Cross Learning next to New Cross Gate station. A DJ called Charlie Gillett on Radio London made the first recording of Sultans of Swing and played it on his show, when Dire Straits didnt have a recording contract. I used to go to pubs to watch bands for free in the seventies and the word was that Dire Straits were easily the best live band playing in pubs (I saw The `Stranglers for free before they had a recording contract). However as soon as Sultans of Swing was played on the radio Dire Straits were signed up and went mega real quick...
I'm 60 and this is by far the best live performance ever recorded [IMO]. Love how you reacted and appreciate the musicianship of the artist. Reminds me of my 16yr old self hearing this for the 1st time on my car radio. It blew me away. Everything on the Alchemy album is great, try "Tunnel of Love" next. Another song with epic solo.
When this came out on the radio in the late 70’s, we all thought it was Dylan (with a new “guitar god” player)! Chet Atkins is “the GOAT” His “certified guitar player” badge has only been given by him, to 5 guitarists - in all of modern music history! And ONLY Chet could award that honour! Peace (as Mark said - if you want to learn to play, you have to REALLY want it!)
Mark played on Dylan’s 1979 album “slow train coming” and would later play on and co produce Dylan’s 1983 album “infidels” they also toured together in 2012
One thing to point out is how although many regular people don't know how amazing he is, musicians do. He's produced and written songs for Bob Dylan, Tina Turner, Randy Travis, Shania Twain and many others. He's also been asked to play guitar on albums for Bob Dylan, Sting, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan and so many more. It speaks measures that those amazing musicians respect and recognize his amazing talent.
Its hard to believe this is 40 years ago. It was filmed in 1983 at Hammersmith Odeon, London. I was just 18 and this was the 2nd concert I went to (The first was The Stones at Wembley) I was there! Its still there as one of the best, Mark is underrated as a live performer. For me, Terry Williams on the drums was the star, he played like that for two hours! We are all lucky that it was well recorded and brings back the time when I had long hair! When you are there, you think its normal, it wasn't it was awesome, I know now it was a privilege Thanks for reacting to this, you need to see the Alchemy version of Telegraph Road, its the encore!
great great reaction. when Chet Atkins say you can play, you can play. alot of reactors don't even know who Mr. Atkins was. this song was cut for radio play but the live version is considered one of the best live songs ever recorded. Knopfler didn't even use a pick just his fingers and was left handed, not right. easy to see why this band is in the rock and roll hall of fame. great reaction thanks.
Magical Knopfler...Nobody plays guitar like Mark! You still need to review 'Brothers in Arms', Live on the Night in 1993? Once heard it stays deep in the soul!
Mark and Chet Atkins did an album together years ago. Name is " Neck and Neck". They do mostly older standards but their guitar picking is second to none. It was a dream of Mark's to play with Chet and he did before Atkins passed away. Great reaction!
I always get an adrenaline and dopamine rush whenever I watch this performance 😊 And it's a double pleasure to watch a new generation experiencing this for the first time 😉
As you said, Mark is an amazing guitarist. If you have ever seen "The Princess Bride", he wrote all of the music for the soundtrack, with the exception of one song, 'Storybook Love' which he arranged. This was his fourth soundtrack!
I watch every reaction to this that come up on my feed just to ensure the reactor is properly impressed by the entire performance. Must’ve watched 35-40 at this point and still hadn’t got old.
Your admiration for Mark being one of the--often unsung--but absolute all-time greats did my heart good! And after seeing your unbridled physical reactions and tears of joy, I teared up too, lol. It's such a privilege to share great music, and to watch someone wholeheartedly experience it for the first time. Many thanks.
Mark's collaboration with Emmy Lou Harris on an album and concert tour is excellent and worthy of a listen as well. Sultans of Swing is such a good song, love it.❤❤❤❤
I put off ever listening to this concert for 39 years because I always preferred the studio version. But man what a waste of years, I could've been enjoying this concert for nearly 40 years. This song and also Telegraph road both bring me to tears of joy and real appreciation for the absolute magic of their music.
Knopfler is one of a handful of guitarists who are recognizable after only a few notes. I think you would enjoy Chet Atkins, he was a great in country and he did a lot of studio work too.
This was a demo track which they pushed to any channel possible. They weren’t even signed to a label. When it hit the airwaves it went ballistic. They were soon snapped up and the rest is history as they say.
Every time I see and listen to this video, my reaction is WOW! Mark is fantastic, and the band is so tight, anchored by Terry's lightning drumming, that they take off into the stratosphere.
A masterpiece of a performance, indeed! The band is so in sync, everyone's on fire, they have fun on stage and they transfer it to the audience. Guitar solos are so tasteful, drums are crazy...no wonder you had that reaction :)!
Remember, also that Mark does not use a pick on this he is plucking and fingerpicking the strings to get that softer sound when he riffs. He is a real master of the jazz ock genre.
You just made my day reacting to this! It is a gray wet cold day here so I am a couch potato today. UNTIL this came on! Danced to my fridge, grabbed a beer and danced while watching you enjoy this classic! NOW please watch 🎶🎸"Telegraph Road" 🎸🎶same venue just later in the show. Love this band so much, thank you!
Best Reaction to this video. Saw Brother's In Arms tour, October 4th 1985, Providence RI, Great Show! Do Telegraph Road from the same show. That would be cool. Nevermind, I see you already reacted to it...
That was one of the greatest performances ever from anyone, the whole band was on top form, but Terry on the drums was on fire, and what can you say about Mark Knopfler, his playing here is astounding, he is so good, fir me to be a great guitar player, you also need to be able to write and Mark can do that too, and better than most, he also has a unique picking style, so, add all that up, fir me you have the greatest ever. Chet Atkins was Mark's guitar hero and he waz lucky enough to play often with him, they even made a duet album called Neck and Neck.
Hi Shawn, I really enjoy your reactions to my favourite musician MK. Here’s a little info you might like to know, Mark saw ‘The ‘Sultans of Swing’ performing ‘jazz’ to an empty house in a London pub, & this encounter inspired him to write a song about them, hence the birth of Dire Straits’ iconic ‘Sultans of Swing’. He wrote all the songs & lyrics for Dire Straits 6 albums, which sold 100 - 120 million records. Dire Straits first disbanded in 1988, but reunited in 1990 at which time Mark made album with another band “The Notting Hillbillies’, then in 1995 Mark focused again on his ‘Solo’ career. He did all the songwriting for his new, equally experienced, & accomplished Nashville band mates (which included his longtime Dire Straits band member Guy Fletcher), & together they made a further 9 albums over a 26 year period. In between times, he wrote the music for 9 movie soundtracks, made collaborative albums with Emmy Lou Harris & Chet Atkins, & produced for and played with numerous other significant musicians, e.g. Bob Dylan, Phil Lynette (Thin Lizzie), Eric Clapton, Tina Turner et al. He has a list of awards and accomplishments as long as your arm, including Grammys. Those fans who think he’s underrated are more concerned about ‘fame’, which Mark despises, but by following his own path, he’s been incredibly successful and is loved by millions of die hard fans worldwide, for being a truly humble man, magical musician, record producer, prolific poetic songwriter, & genius guitarist with a gorgeous singing voice. You won’t be disappointed if check out his solo output. I❤MK
I’ll be 60 this year and I will never get tired of hearing this song,seeing this live version or hearing Dire Straits music in general. It’s Totally Epic !!!
If you love this sound and this style, you really need to hear Telegraph Road from this same live concert album. Unreal guitar, unreal drumming, unreal keys, and very thought-provoking lyrics across a wide range of moods. That track is why this track isn't my favorite live performance of all time. 🙂
Dire Straits Live is the first live album by the British rock band Dire Straits, released on 16 March 1984 by Vertigo Records internationally, and by Warner Bros. Records in the United States. ( 40 years ago )
I actually saw this tour back in 85 Live in Houston Texas at the Summit. Best concert I've Ever seen. EVER. They are freaking amazingly talented. All of them.
This song is actually based on a real life experience. Mark and his brother were in their hometown and were having a few beers at a local pub. There was a band playing at the pub and if I remember correctly Mark turned to his brother David and said something along the lines of "These guys arent really that good, I think we could do better" , and shortly after that the band was formed. This song is basically about that night. In my opinion, this performance of "Sultans of Swing" Alchemy live is one of the best live performances ever done. the entire album is unbelievable
I watched that particular set probably 100 times or more and it still makes me weep like a baby. Like with pretty much every song by DS. And yes, it is one of the best performances ever.
Only time I saw them live was on the Brothers In Arms tour: unbelievably good! The whole Alchemy video is the best rock concert film that I’ve ever seen!
The best ever live performance of all times. I just love this video and I can never get enough of this song. It never gets old, and for me it's 10 minutes of goosebumps every time I hear it. Words get poor trying to describe this performance, it's beyond this world for sure.😍😍
I was just turn my 10th when I went to see them at Grenoble in France during this "Love Over Gold Tour", it was my birthday's gift. The one I'll never forget... ❤
This and Brothers In Arms Live Dire Straits On The Night 1993 are incredible. You will need tissues for this one I guarantee. Cheers love your channel. 👍👍🎸🎸
Thank god they filmed it ..I’ve watched this 100 times plus,I watched them at the Mandela concert but this was outstanding ..thank you mark and dire straits forever
I’ve been a fan since the beginning. But when these guys play live it’s an incredible experience. Well, I’m not just a fan. This is my favorite band and Mark Knopfler is my favorite is musician. I have literally listened to the entire alchemy album, hundreds and hundreds of times; and believe me, it never gets old. I’ll probably listen to it again after I finish this text. Incredible.
Then you should know that it isn't Mark's brother David playing rhythm guitar during this performance but Hal Lindes. David Knopfler had left the band several years earlier.
@@Miss-Hellcat666 thanks for the correction. I thought he was a little too animated to be David Knopfler! I presented David one time, at a festival with 25+ acts, over 20 years ago. I remember him being a bit difficult and sullen and “under-whelming”. Hal Lindes was killer in this live performance! Cheers
As a huge Dire Straits fan it's always nice to see someone react with so much enthousiasm on their music :-) ! I get a smile from your smile while listening to this superb music. Mark Knopfler is in my opinion the most distinctive and most recognizable guitarplayer in the world. There are two songs actually missing in your reactions, if I may say...: "Brothers in Arms" and "You and your friend" both from the On the Night tour live. Both songs are musically from outer space. Mark's vocals, his beautiful Pensa guitar sound and the steelguitar playing by Paul Franklin are a mix made in heaven. Please enjoy that! Greeting from the Netherlands🙂
One of my favorite performances by Dire Straights.....in their early days Mark, to me, is the best Guitarist in the world today, including his Acoustic and personal albums. "A night in London" is worth the search I do wish you reactors would give more screen to the band though. Nobody in this video for instance can see Mark's Unique Thumb Technique. A new subscriber nonetheless
I subscribe to several reaction channels and yours is my very favorite. You just get it. To me this performance plays like a symphony with its changes in tempo and feeling. A symphony that won’t let you stay still in your seat. I don’t know what Knopfler intended but I always thought that is was a tribute to a band who played not for fame or money but for the love of making music.
And THAT is how you give a live performance! No gizmos, no doo-dads, just pure musical ability and joy in what they deliver to an audience. Phenomenal!
And added to that, this live audio recording from the early 80s has production values that put a lot of recent *_studio_* albums to shame.
The quality of the recording is absolutely insane, for the whole Alchemy album.
It's what you get when you put a group of audiophiles in charge of production.
And please include an actual instrument!
It really helps. Trust me.
This audience had no idea how fortunate that they would be that night. Once in a lifetime concert!
This performance has been touted as the best ever live rock performance. Hard to disagree with this. Why? Because each musician is a consummate musician unto himself. And their ability to blend so well together is phenomenal.
Knopfler’s finger-picking’ style is so clean - the entire band was so tight at this time in their career.
I heard Mark is left handed! He's clearly one of the great geniuses of modern music and as far as I know, the band never made a bad record.
song, "twisting"?@@jeffstevens4262
Yep, he's left handed. My oldest son does everything right handed, except he writes and eats left handed. Plus he can do most things equally as well with either hand.
so few ppl can do that, it's absolutely stunningly good
As a 60 year old man,watching yourself react to this,reminds me so much of my first time. Watch this again when your my age. It will still give you goosebumps.
It gives me goosebumps every time I watch the live version, I’ll be 60 this year 😊
Not only great musicianship… But the camera work is right on point… A lot of these videos don’t show the musicians when they’re doing their runs or solos… This was perfect! 👍
I never get tired of listening to this❤
Perhaps the greatest live performance of any song ever, top 5 for sure!!
I have been to hundreds of concerts and watched thousands of live videos and this is my all time favorite. I'm just mad I'm not old enough to have been there live. Such a fun fun fun video. I smiled the whole time. I loved this song before but now it's one of my favorite ever.
You have to be a really top end band on a great night to pull this off. I've only seen three performances that are even remotely comparable, peak Stones and Who and also Bowie on a good night, you know that when they were in the dressing room after the show ... they knew they nailed it.
I can’t see this as just top 5… sorry.. it is the greatest live performance of all time.. please call out any better
I’m 66 and thousands of years listening music but sultans of swing of alchemy is for sure the song I prefer above all … incredible energy fantastic band …. Thanks to dire straits and mark knopfler … music heaven
Knopfler is no question one of the top 5 guitarists of all time, but he gets almost no recognition. Actually got to meet him in the late 80's, and he gave me a signed copy of the soundtrack to "The Princess Bride" which he did all the music for.
Theres a great you tube video of Mark Knopfler and Brian Brian Johnson where Mark Knopfler talks about how this song came about.
Today I learned...
He's one of the most famous and recognised guitarists ever. Literally ever. In what world do you live in where he doesn't get enough recognition?
This was the golden age of rock and roll. So much talent, so much heart. I’m sorry that the generations after me haven’t heard so much of this. There will never be songs like this again.
Terry Williams' (Drummer) father was in the audience - he had never seen his son play. That's why Terry Williams was on fire that night!!!!
83 years old and love this. Emotional pure music
Never gets old. Mark's playing is exquisite. Great reaction, Shawn!
Not sure how you thought this song was about a band who thought they sounded good - the eponymous Sultans of Swing. The story is that Mark heard some live music playing at a pub one wet London night. He came in, saw a small crowd who were indifferent to the band and the jazz style music. And yes, Mark Knopfler is a musical genius, singer/songwriter, and rock guitarist without peer - playing real music, not that shredding jumble of notes. THE GOAT!
For me it's all about the drums and the drummer, and yes Mark is awesome on the guitar. :) But the drummer killed, that energy! Hold s$it
There is absolutely nothing to compare to that style of guitar playing...your emotion nailed it, ...tears of joy knowing you just watched history
Well done
This is the version to show. Not the chopped version most show. Bravo
The best live performance of all time in my opinion
That drummer is definitely tearing it up!!
Terry Wilamas is one of the most underrated drummers.
Welshman Terry Williams is the drummer, the rest of the band are from Newcastle.
"Tears of joy.." Exactly my reaction as well. And aren't we all so thankful that this was preserved for us for all time on film?
We were so blessed to have BANDS back then.
SO GLAD you saw this!! Other reactors react to this song, but they don’t react to this ALCHEMY live performance. They do the studio version instead, and you can’t compare the two. This is one of the best live performances you will ever see.
I’ve seen lots of reactors react to this specific version of the song.
Mark Knopfler is simply the GOAT
💖MARK 💖 turns his guitar into a vocalist. He is totally amazing.
And this live performance .... just exquisite. Everyone just on point. Terry's drums, as ferocious as he plays, never overrides the sound. Notice 2 keyboardists, too. And that one on the right...keeps up the high energy even when he's not playing. Too cool.
One of the best guitar solos ever by one the best guitar players ever.
Sultans of Swing is about a tired old traditional jazz band that used to play at weekends at the Marquis of Granby pub in South London, New Cross just down from me. The pub is still there and Dire Straits formed in New Cross because Mark Knopflers brother was at Goldsmiths University and invited him down to London. Their first gig was at the Deptford Green Free Festival and there is a picture of that gig in the library New Cross Learning next to New Cross Gate station. A DJ called Charlie Gillett on Radio London made the first recording of Sultans of Swing and played it on his show, when Dire Straits didnt have a recording contract. I used to go to pubs to watch bands for free in the seventies and the word was that Dire Straits were easily the best live band playing in pubs (I saw The `Stranglers for free before they had a recording contract). However as soon as Sultans of Swing was played on the radio Dire Straits were signed up and went mega real quick...
That may be my favourite reaction you've done.
You never stopped smiling😁From Sec. 1 To the end............That is the feeling you want when you hear something great!
One of the best live performances ever recorded.
I'm 60 and this is by far the best live performance ever recorded [IMO]. Love how you reacted and appreciate the musicianship of the artist. Reminds me of my 16yr old self hearing this for the 1st time on my car radio. It blew me away. Everything on the Alchemy album is great, try "Tunnel of Love" next. Another song with epic solo.
When this came out on the radio in the late 70’s, we all thought it was Dylan (with a new “guitar god” player)!
Chet Atkins is “the GOAT”
His “certified guitar player” badge has only been given by him, to 5 guitarists - in all of modern music history! And ONLY Chet could award that honour!
Peace (as Mark said - if you want to learn to play, you have to REALLY want it!)
Mark played on Dylan’s 1979 album “slow train coming” and would later play on and co produce Dylan’s 1983 album “infidels” they also toured together in 2012
Terry the drummer is what makes this one of my top five live band performances ever. He is on 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I'm glad you enjoyed Terry Williams on the drums
One thing to point out is how although many regular people don't know how amazing he is, musicians do. He's produced and written songs for Bob Dylan, Tina Turner, Randy Travis, Shania Twain and many others. He's also been asked to play guitar on albums for Bob Dylan, Sting, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan and so many more. It speaks measures that those amazing musicians respect and recognize his amazing talent.
Its hard to believe this is 40 years ago.
It was filmed in 1983 at Hammersmith Odeon, London.
I was just 18 and this was the 2nd concert I went to (The first was The Stones at Wembley)
I was there!
Its still there as one of the best, Mark is underrated as a live performer.
For me, Terry Williams on the drums was the star, he played like that for two hours!
We are all lucky that it was well recorded and brings back the time when I had long hair!
When you are there, you think its normal, it wasn't it was awesome, I know now it was a privilege
Thanks for reacting to this, you need to see the Alchemy version of Telegraph Road, its the encore!
One of the hands down greatest live performances ever! So glad you got to see it.
great great reaction. when Chet Atkins say you can play, you can play. alot of reactors don't even know who Mr. Atkins was. this song was cut for radio play but the live version is considered one of the best live songs ever recorded. Knopfler didn't even use a pick just his fingers and was left handed, not right. easy to see why this band is in the rock and roll hall of fame. great reaction thanks.
Magical Knopfler...Nobody plays guitar like Mark! You still need to review 'Brothers in Arms', Live on the Night in 1993? Once heard it stays deep in the soul!
His storytelling shrines on his song Sailing to Philadelphia. Mark solo stuff is a must. Peace ✌️
I love that album.....every single song!
Mark and Chet Atkins did an album together years ago. Name is " Neck and Neck". They do mostly older standards but their guitar picking is second to none. It was a dream of Mark's to play with Chet and he did before Atkins passed away. Great reaction!
I was also amazed as a young 14 year old boy the best 👌 version ever.
also great to see someone's reaction for the first time. That feeling after hearing a thousand times, never really wanes. masterpiece
I saw them on this tour, as a 19- year old kid and we came out drenched in sweat from the energy. The definition of In The Pocket. 🫡❤️
I always get an adrenaline and dopamine rush whenever I watch this performance 😊 And it's a double pleasure to watch a new generation experiencing this for the first time 😉
That was probably one of the BEST live performances EVER
As you said, Mark is an amazing guitarist. If you have ever seen "The Princess Bride", he wrote all of the music for the soundtrack, with the exception of one song, 'Storybook Love' which he arranged. This was his fourth soundtrack!
I watch every reaction to this that come up on my feed just to ensure the reactor is properly impressed by the entire performance. Must’ve watched 35-40 at this point and still hadn’t got old.
Your admiration for Mark being one of the--often unsung--but absolute all-time greats did my heart good! And after seeing your unbridled physical reactions and tears of joy, I teared up too, lol. It's such a privilege to share great music, and to watch someone wholeheartedly experience it for the first time. Many thanks.
Mark's collaboration with Emmy Lou Harris on an album and concert tour is excellent and worthy of a listen as well. Sultans of Swing is such a good song, love it.❤❤❤❤
Exceptional band. Ex Man drummer Terry Williams holds it all together! Man are an unsung band you need to check out!
I got watery eyed too the first time I seen this. I think it's your brain telling you that you just witnessed something majestic.
I put off ever listening to this concert for 39 years because I always preferred the studio version. But man what a waste of years, I could've been enjoying this concert for nearly 40 years. This song and also Telegraph road both bring me to tears of joy and real appreciation for the absolute magic of their music.
Knopfler is one of a handful of guitarists who are recognizable after only a few notes. I think you would enjoy Chet Atkins, he was a great in country and he did a lot of studio work too.
This was a demo track which they pushed to any channel possible. They weren’t even signed to a label. When it hit the airwaves it went ballistic. They were soon snapped up and the rest is history as they say.
A Masterpiece - no matter how many times I see this video...and No Pick!!! Clapton once saw him and it's reported he said "I quit!"
Terry Williams,the drummer,his dad was there for this show , first time he ever seen him drum
Mark’s guitar is not an instrument. His guitar is actually a band member.
It was a great concert, disco was on the rise at the time of its release and all of rockers were waiting for Knopler to hold it back.
This performance is mind blowing! Mark makes all his improve look so effortless. Total control and mastery of his guitar
The Sultans of Swing were a local jazz band playing in a pub that Mark popped into when it started raining.
Every time I see and listen to this video, my reaction is WOW! Mark is fantastic, and the band is so tight, anchored by Terry's lightning drumming, that they take off into the stratosphere.
Great reaction to one of the finest musical performances ever.
A masterpiece of a performance, indeed! The band is so in sync, everyone's on fire, they have fun on stage and they transfer it to the audience. Guitar solos are so tasteful, drums are crazy...no wonder you had that reaction :)!
Remember, also that Mark does not use a pick on this he is plucking and fingerpicking the strings to get that softer sound when he riffs. He is a real master of the jazz
ock genre.
He also plays a right handed guitar but he's left handed
You just made my day reacting to this! It is a gray wet cold day here so I am a couch potato today. UNTIL this came on! Danced to my fridge, grabbed a beer and danced while watching you enjoy this classic! NOW please watch 🎶🎸"Telegraph Road" 🎸🎶same venue just later in the show. Love this band so much, thank you!
You must live how I do, bravo .
Me too.😅
Kin hell!!! No other words . Takes me back to the ‘80s. Mesmerising 😮
Best Reaction to this video. Saw Brother's In Arms tour, October 4th 1985, Providence RI, Great Show! Do Telegraph Road from the same show. That would be cool. Nevermind, I see you already reacted to it...
Alchemy Live is premiering on Dire Straits TH-cam Channel right now.
That was one of the greatest performances ever from anyone, the whole band was on top form, but Terry on the drums was on fire, and what can you say about Mark Knopfler, his playing here is astounding, he is so good, fir me to be a great guitar player, you also need to be able to write and Mark can do that too, and better than most, he also has a unique picking style, so, add all that up, fir me you have the greatest ever. Chet Atkins was Mark's guitar hero and he waz lucky enough to play often with him, they even made a duet album called Neck and Neck.
Amazing! The drummer reminds me of Keith Moon. Mark Knoepler reminds me of Bob Dylan. This has to be one of the top 2 live performances in rock!
Hi Shawn, I really enjoy your reactions to my favourite musician MK. Here’s a little info you might like to know, Mark saw ‘The ‘Sultans of Swing’ performing ‘jazz’ to an empty house in a London pub, & this encounter inspired him to write a song about them, hence the birth of Dire Straits’ iconic ‘Sultans of Swing’. He wrote all the songs & lyrics for Dire Straits 6 albums, which sold 100 - 120 million records. Dire Straits first disbanded in 1988, but reunited in 1990 at which time Mark made album with another band “The Notting Hillbillies’, then in 1995 Mark focused again on his ‘Solo’ career. He did all the songwriting for his new, equally experienced, & accomplished Nashville band mates (which included his longtime Dire Straits band member Guy Fletcher), & together they made a further 9 albums over a 26 year period. In between times, he wrote the music for 9 movie soundtracks, made collaborative albums with Emmy Lou Harris & Chet Atkins, & produced for and played with numerous other significant musicians, e.g. Bob Dylan, Phil Lynette (Thin Lizzie), Eric Clapton, Tina Turner et al. He has a list of awards and accomplishments as long as your arm, including Grammys. Those fans who think he’s underrated are more concerned about ‘fame’, which Mark despises, but by following his own path, he’s been incredibly successful and is loved by millions of die hard fans worldwide, for being a truly humble man, magical musician, record producer, prolific poetic songwriter, & genius guitarist with a gorgeous singing voice. You won’t be disappointed if check out his solo output. I❤MK
I’ll be 60 this year and I will never get tired of hearing this song,seeing this live version or hearing Dire Straits music in general. It’s Totally Epic !!!
If you love this sound and this style, you really need to hear Telegraph Road from this same live concert album. Unreal guitar, unreal drumming, unreal keys, and very thought-provoking lyrics across a wide range of moods. That track is why this track isn't my favorite live performance of all time. 🙂
He has heard the Alchemy version. He reacted to it a couple of months before this!
Dire Straits Live is the first live album by the British rock band Dire Straits, released on 16 March 1984 by Vertigo Records internationally, and by Warner Bros. Records in the United States. ( 40 years ago )
We are in 80' bro. No base... no click... no sequences... all play live. Amazing.
I actually saw this tour back in 85 Live in Houston Texas at the Summit. Best concert I've Ever seen. EVER. They are freaking amazingly talented. All of them.
This song is actually based on a real life experience. Mark and his brother were in their hometown and were having a few beers at a local pub. There was a band playing at the pub and if I remember correctly Mark turned to his brother David and said something along the lines of "These guys arent really that good, I think we could do better" , and shortly after that the band was formed. This song is basically about that night. In my opinion, this performance of "Sultans of Swing" Alchemy live is one of the best live performances ever done. the entire album is unbelievable
They were actually in SE London in the Marquis of Granbry pub New Cross, where his brother was studying. The rest is history. ❤
Mark does 3 finger pickin like on a banjo.this band is the ultimate clean instrumentals unlike the distorted sounds in todays rock .
Never seen a smile bigger than mine when i hear this song... until today lol.
Where has all the talent gone?! 😢
Obsessed with them I was….glad you enjoyed it ❤
U are in for a treat. Pure rock and roll
England's finest, love your response.
I watched that particular set probably 100 times or more and it still makes me weep like a baby. Like with pretty much every song by DS. And yes, it is one of the best performances ever.
Only time I saw them live was on the Brothers In Arms tour: unbelievably good!
The whole Alchemy video is the best rock concert film that I’ve ever seen!
The best ever live performance of all times. I just love this video and I can never get enough of this song. It never gets old, and for me it's 10 minutes of goosebumps every time I hear it. Words get poor trying to describe this performance, it's beyond this world for sure.😍😍
I was just turn my 10th when I went to see them at Grenoble in France during this "Love Over Gold Tour", it was my birthday's gift.
The one I'll never forget... ❤
Just amazing master musicians displaying what synergy happens when talented artists perform as one!
Yep, that really did happen! I was fortunate to see them in concert a couple of times, amazing!
This and Brothers In Arms Live Dire Straits On The Night 1993 are incredible. You will need tissues for this one I guarantee. Cheers love your channel. 👍👍🎸🎸
Thank god they filmed it ..I’ve watched this 100 times plus,I watched them at the Mandela concert but this was outstanding ..thank you mark and dire straits forever
I’ve been a fan since the beginning. But when these guys play live it’s an incredible experience. Well, I’m not just a fan. This is my favorite band and Mark Knopfler is my favorite is musician. I have literally listened to the entire alchemy album, hundreds and hundreds of times; and believe me, it never gets old. I’ll probably listen to it again after I finish this text. Incredible.
I’m blessed ! I’ve had the privilege of working with both Mark and his brother (the Tele player in this vid) over my years in the music biz.
Then you should know that it isn't Mark's brother David playing rhythm guitar during this performance but Hal Lindes. David Knopfler had left the band several years earlier.
That's Hal Lindes, he took over after David Knopfler left during the Making Movies album in 1980:)
@@Miss-Hellcat666 thanks for the correction. I thought he was a little too animated to be David Knopfler! I presented David one time, at a festival with 25+ acts, over 20 years ago. I remember him being a bit difficult and sullen and “under-whelming”. Hal Lindes was killer in this live performance!
Cheers
@@cherrypickerguitars Thanks for the little info nugget about David, sounds like it was a fun time in your life (not jealous at all😜)
Thanks for such a great reaction to one of my all time favorite videos!
As a huge Dire Straits fan it's always nice to see someone react with so much enthousiasm on their music :-) ! I get a smile from your smile while listening to this superb music. Mark Knopfler is in my opinion the most distinctive and most recognizable guitarplayer in the world. There are two songs actually missing in your reactions, if I may say...: "Brothers in Arms" and "You and your friend" both from the On the Night tour live. Both songs are musically from outer space. Mark's vocals, his beautiful Pensa guitar sound and the steelguitar playing by Paul Franklin are a mix made in heaven. Please enjoy that! Greeting from the Netherlands🙂
One of my favorite performances by Dire Straights.....in their early days
Mark, to me, is the best Guitarist in the world today, including his Acoustic and personal albums. "A night in London" is worth the search
I do wish you reactors would give more screen to the band though. Nobody in this video for instance can see Mark's Unique Thumb Technique. A new subscriber nonetheless
Makes my all time top ten performances list.
I subscribe to several reaction channels and yours is my very favorite. You just get it.
To me this performance plays like a symphony with its changes in tempo and feeling. A symphony that won’t let you stay still in your seat. I don’t know what Knopfler intended but I always thought that is was a tribute to a band who played not for fame or money but for the love of making music.
i grow up with them i am 55 now good music never dies and this is music love from greece
You do realize this will never be topped 🥺
There really are no words it's just incredible
You did a very good explanation of your feelings. This was so good.