The master of dynamic, superb guitarist with an distinctive and divine touch, superb songwriter, superb storyteller, superb arranger with a complete vision of all instruments, superb musical and literary culture and leader of the best rock and roll orchestra ever. A real living legend.
@@mortonprack410 Underrated! he's held in esteem by a multitude of fans and professional musicians also, never heard a bad thing about mark's musicianship anywhere, may I ask what planet your on?
Another great vid Fil .. Mark and the band were certainly on fire at this stage of the career - and Mark is definitely an all time favorite of mine .. When I was a tiny kid, my Dad ( a guitarist ) would take us to all the guitar stores on 48th Street in Manhattan .. This was the late 1970s into the 80s, and our favorite place was Rudy's Music, mainly because of a super nice guy who worked there at the time named Jack .. One weekend in Rudy's, Jack told us that he wasn;t going to be there for awhile because he was joining Dire Straits .. Not only was Jack Sonni a really good guitarist, he was the nicest guy you could imagine .. Well before his time in Dire Straits, he always took the time with my Dad and our family .. When I see clips from this era and see Jack, it always takes me back to the great times in Rudy's and how nice he was ...
I really enjoy Dire Straights. They always have such a clean sound. I like songs like "In the gallery" and "Love over gold". They had so many other great songs aside from thier mainstream songs. Mark knopfler is a talented musician as well as the rest of the band.
I was listening to it last night ! Knopfler's lead playing during the opening track ' Once Upon a Time in the West' is fabulous ! 'Alchemy' was the high point of their career IMO.
Yes, ' Love Over Gold' is definitely one of my favourites ; I love Mark's accessible, melodic playing using his nylon stringed acoustic ! Also his solo using a Strat on 'In The Gallery' is one of his best ever IMO. The theme of that song is one of frustration, bitterness and anger and Knopfler's solo really sounds like he played it with the right element of spite required ... marvellous !
THAT is THE performance of this song. Good pick! Check out when the drummer really nails it early on...Mark looks back and gives it a "yeah, that's my drummer" look. The outro is really something.
Great analysis! I remember being a teenager back in the 80’s and discovering Dire Straits! Marks playing is mind blowing…So thankful to have grown up with amazing music such as this. Still listening to Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler solo albums Summer 2023 and beyond!
I remember when I stumbled upon this performance --I couldn't take my eyes or ears away. I'd pull the phone out and emphatically show my friends the beautiful intricacies. They were never as interested as I was, but I could see that THEY could see how excited it made me!
The guy held his own while playing with Chet Atkins that in my books deserves recognition just in it's self, his 'claw' technique is why so many other players have a hard time playing his leads. Amazing player.
Mark Knopfler is trully amazing. I've loved his music since Dire Straits, but I have to say I now enjoy his solo career even more. "Get Lucky", "Sailing to Philadelphia", and especially "Privateering" (above all my favorite of his solo albums). Really beautifull albums. Saw him in concert in Caen in 2013. One of my best memories ever!!! Amen!
I love the melodic sound of Dire Straits their work is a joy to listen to, the first song I ever heard from them was this one and straight away I turned up the radio and remember thinking who is this wow I was blown away and still are, live even better they are fantastic.
Mark Knopfler is my favorite musician alive today. Got to see him in 2019 and it was, I don't know what superlative to use. Plus he did Money for Nothing which is not his favorite but it is my favorite song of his. With its hilarious lyrics and catchy riff. But some of his versions of Brothers in Arms will always bring me to tears. I never heard any other guitar player make a Les Paul cry like Mark can.
@9:15 Brilliant story telling. The change in mood and tempo with the sax solo is enacting "The Sultans of Swing" by changing to the smooth jazz mood. Very orchestral.
Knopfler ...His delicious licks and unique sound. His guitar and voice perfectly complement each other. Thanks for your take on this. Excellent as always.
Fil, I'm not certain I am qualifying this correctly, musically, but listening to Dire Straits always sounds so "orchestral" to me, meaning this in the best possible way. Maybe, it's just the added instruments giving me this impression but the whole sound effect is off the charts. As great as Mark is as a guitarist, one of my favorites with his right hand and other techniques, the whole band is all so supportive of each other. Thanks for the review! Brad
Yeah I agree, live there is a great arrangement that makes use of strings, sometimes synth based but also sometimes played with a live string section. It really embellishes the tracks!
The original is much clearer and cleaner in tone and sound and purer in content With keyboard players added string and synthesizers to add to the sound but commercialised it more for main stream listening. The original: th-cam.com/video/0fAQhSRLQnM/w-d-xo.html
Nice choice of shirt since this was from 1985 and Back to the Future was released in 1985 ... coincidence?? DS amazingly played 12 shows at Wembley Arena from July 4th - July 16th 1985 with Live Aid thrown in on July 13th. Rawk.
Dire Straits is a band I've loved since before I liked music. I got into Brothers in Arms (the album), Making Movies, and their debut album when I was 4 and my dad played their music in the car on the way home from daycare. Mark Knopfler has always been one of my favorite vocalists with his unique talk-singing style that's so laid back and relaxed sounding, but with emotion. Like he's just a friend sharing a story with you. And to not mention his guitar work would be a crime. He's got the weirdest yet coolest picking technique I've ever seen. He just kind of flails his right hand around the strings and the music miraculously comes out the exact way he wants it to. Yeah, I know he's seriously playing the guitar (clearly), but he plays so effortlessly with that style that it just seems unnatural. Easily one of my favorite bands of all time with Mark Knopfler being up there as one of my favorite guitarists.
Totally agree with the comment that Dire Straits live performance can really bring you on a journey and sometimes even enhance the mood of the song. I just wished other bands with good songs like Counting Crows is as proficient live
I saw them twice at the NEC as a teenager & 30 years later I went to see Mark & his band twice. He’s as good now as he was then. What I love is that although he’s promoting a new album he plays what his fans want to hear such as Romeo & Juliet and Speedway at Nazareth. If you get chance to see him live-do it! It should be on everyone’s bucket list.
You gave me more words to put to the sounds I like. "Dynamics" was a term I already had in my vocabulary for something that really makes me like a song or even a concert as a whole. Now, I have "super clean"" too. There are some bands that have a tone that really appeals to me and now I know they are super clean. Mark K's tone and touch are seductive. This band moves as a whole.
Loved Dire straits saw them in Hartford brothers in arms front row ,awesome ty fill.I think my fav thing about the band was so tight that they were to borrow your term if i may.I loved thier music ,and they and maiden were my two favorite bands of the eighties.They never got as much attention as they deserved ,but honestly that didnt matter the musician ship was steller ,and the musical ideas were innovative.As you said things changed in thier concerts and i loved that .I love nbands that have that creative makeup.I have many live concerts of them houston ,uk ,etc ,but the energy remains while the creative nature is stretched too its limits virtually every night.Mark is a great guitarist,and he picks alot .I know chet atkins was a fav of his ,and that type of riock guitarist must be unusual.Good times ...Old artist(me lol) and great video ty fil ..Rock on M
Dire Straits. What can I say. I have everything out there. Dire Straits I have to watch them and their concerts always leave me wanting more and more.(Yes, I'm in love with Mark Knopfler). Marks guitar talks to me and sings to me. 💖
Dire Straits' debut album in 78' change my musical direction from pure metal to a deep appreciation of the blues, Knopfler's stinging lead, which led me into Spanish and classical guitar. Knopfler is a top 5 guitarist of all time and note for note their first album is a top 5 album of all time. Great review, great video Fil !
You can't make no mistakes when your sound is so clean and mark was effortless.very jazzy and the intro to money for nothing was my tennis racket in the mirror moment as a kid
Simply the best!! Mark has always been a cut above the rest,his style a bit different maybe,but you won't find a better musician period!! Not very many guitarists impressed Chet Atkins like Mark did,and that says a ton if anyone knows who and what Chet Atkins was all about.There are a couple of youtube videos of the two playing together and they are very good! Not many bands really sound all that good live,but Dire Straits never disappointed,they were and are true professional musicians.Mark,John,Jack and Terry were in a special place when they played together!! Listen to the version of Sultans of Swing from Alchemy Live,wow,what a performance.The drummer,Terry Williams really cut loose on that version,and even Mark was impressed!! Thanks Fil!!
We were lucky to have this in our time, live or the Cds, it will always be a benchmark in rock band music. Knopfler is more than a legend in his own time and he more than deserves it.
I want my I want my I want my Dire Straits!! Mark Knopfler the story didn't end. He has alot of great solo albums!! Mark snubbed the Rock Hall of Fame. Great!! They've been snubbing the great rock bands and putting in rappers and dance oriented singers forever.
I've always loved this song, and in these live versions of it, I have LOVED the way he breaks it down in the middle section (which is not on the studio version) to almost nothing dynamically, then gradually brings it right back up again. He does essentially the same thing in his live renditions of "Tunnel of Love", and it really takes us the audience on a real journey. Such an awesome guitar player...
Liking your vids Think this is the Brothers In Arms Tour - I went to see it when I was at College in High Wycombe. I believe it was advertised as the first Live Concert to be recorded digitally. Computers were in their early days! I worked in a Pub in High Wycombe & felt sorry for 'Irish Bob" that frequented the Pub - He was a Porter in the Hospital & used to SHare a Flat with Mark Knopfler when he moved to London. 'Irish Bob' played drums in a local band! But yep Mark knopler is a great guitarist - we covered Dire Straights songs when I was in my Teens - I bought the Brothers In Arms Sheet Music just for Bass Playing. One of my favourite bands growing up. The analysis on these vids is great.
Whoa! What a wonderful live performance and analysis; took us on a journey, indeed, both the band and you. I didn't read all the comments to see if anyone already mentioned it, but I really enjoyed the excellent filming of the musicians, there were a lot of cuts! We got a bit of everyone. (This is a super-favorite piece. I'm having to treat myself like a toddler. "You can watch Fil do Dire Straits AFTER you finish your chores!")
They absolutely Killed it with this song at Live Aid!! That was the high point for me. This show is also one of my favorites. Had a tape of it from Showtime since the 80s. This should be released on DVD if it isn't already.
Finally! This 85 Wembley recording is the definitive concert by dire straits. Mark and the bands playing is on a level I’ll never understand. People love Alchemy Live but for me this is better. Truly inspiring. Check out brothers in arms from the same concert, will send shivers down your spine.
Always enjoy your comments.. The thing I noticed, you mentioned 11 minutes.. I have to smile because so many current musicians have lost the concept of developing a theme, and then the variations on that theme. I was in college in the 70s, and I think of Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, Rare Earth(Get Ready- 20min) even 40s, Benny Goodman w/ Sing, Sing, Sing about 20min in length. Those are a few out of the memory banks, and only scratching the surface. Just great talent.. I have about 3 versions of this song in my library.. Again, thank you for your good work!
I love your facial reactions! Very pure, and that is what the music is about, pure enjoyment. This music, takes you places. Like Jerry Garcia, I think Mark Knobfler is seriously under rated for his technical expertise.
I am so glad you added this track, most young people never got to hear it brought to church like this, as they used to say back in the day . That thumb and finger pick is reminiscent of a very old banjo style from the Appalachians, go figure. And that sax part is actually a nightmare to play, harder than it sounds. Trust me, you didn't want to have rock band class in college back then!
Fil would love to see an analysis of the outro played on I Dug Up a Diamond from the live performance called Real Live Roadrunning with Emmy Lou. Mark and Richard playing my favorite outro of all time.
Hyclandus! I love his playing! My favourite performance of this song has to be on The Old Grey Whistle Test (also their first telly appearance). I can play but he can PLAY!! Jupfladrue talent! Also, while you're here, I have to comment on your video of you playing Sweet Emotion. Absolutely outstanding! I should have commented on the actual video but something came up. My cat had a win on a scratch card and went out on a catnip binge. It was a messy night. Anyway, I'm going out to buy a hat just so I can take it off to you. You are a stellar talent. Buopregty, sir, absolutely buopregty!
The secrers are : The toch, the speed, the soul . . . What else ??? . . . I think all. Mark is a wizard of the guitar !!! His songs are near my heart everytime
Mark K.'s songs are near by heart, too. I think that is because he invites the listener in, asks you to really listen, rather than overpowering you. I like some overpowering stuff too, but the invitation just gets the music into my heart.
It's great how Mark, especially in later years, likes to tease out Sultans of Swing. Gives a little, backs off, comes back, but always eventually gives the payoff of the iconic ending to that song. It keeps you riveted. There's version somewhere of him playing this with Eric Clapton that is something to see as well.
I just watched the attached link to the original track...OMG! Everybody, check it out. It's fabulous! The skill of everyone, the dynamic changes, the sax, (no Trumpet playing band) the drums, the rhythm guitar, everyone...great! Knofler, as you would would expect, great! Beyond great, even.
I always knew Mark Knopfler was an amazing guitar player, especially with creating his own unique style, but I didn’t know how great his band was... wow, so good! Spot on review as always! I really appreciate your perspective!
Don't know if you heard. Telegraph road from this concert. It's like. Lights off. Headphones on. Not a care in the world 🌎. Even if it's only for 12:54
Here we go! See how different the sound of this younger, earlier version of Mark K. and the band compared to the recent video you just did on them? This is what I was so into when I was younger. Thanks Fil!
I saw them in concert about 20 years ago at the old Ryman Opry house in Nashville, TN and it was mind blowing! You cannot beat the sound in that venue. Best date my husband and I ever had maybe! lol
Hi Phil check out Dire Straits final concert Australia 1986 so far away.Brilliant intro before leading into the main part of the song.After just watching sultans of swing l know you will love this version. Kindess regards Steve from Aussie.Keep up the great work.
Mark Knopfler has always been a favorite of mine. He's sort of a "British JJ Cale". Just kidding, he's definitely got his own style. Dire Straits was such a tight band. I've always loved "So far away".
awesome analysis of the band Fil. Thank you. Have you thought of having a look at Dave Edmunds, Nick Lowe and the rest of the boys in Rock Pile? Some great musicianship in a tight lil band who played good old fashioned rock and roll :)
One of the VERY few bands I liked that my dad enjoyed as well. He used to say my music sounded like someone pulling the cat's tail, bless him:) That tone though!
My BEST song Dire Straits Mandela 1988 Brothers in Arms,Sultans of Swing and Romeo and juliet, Pink Floyd 1986 Comfortably Numb!! I have bought the 1985 Live Aid Boxset on dvd managed to get hold of it for £100 bargain!! Wembley and JFK!! U2 Bad Amazing
Mark Knopfler is a real legend of our times...not only for his music...but for his revolutionary finger style of playing electric guitar..which puts most of the "greats"..in the shade. Otherwise another great review Phil. Best regards Sel.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 89 | คู่เอก "ยอดไอคิว vs คิริลล์"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z3vYkHJ_5Ig/mqdefault.jpg)
My favorite musician, I got old with him. Mark is all about tone and clarity, just the best.
A special mention for his contribution to the band's sound for Terry Williams, please. A terrific drummer.
👍
The master of dynamic, superb guitarist with an distinctive and divine touch, superb songwriter, superb storyteller, superb arranger with a complete vision of all instruments, superb musical and literary culture and leader of the best rock and roll orchestra ever. A real living legend.
MARK KNOPFLER - ONE OF TOP 5. BEST GUITARISTS EVER !
👍
yep so underrated
@@mortonprack410 Underrated! he's held in esteem by a multitude of fans and professional musicians also, never heard a bad thing about mark's musicianship anywhere, may I ask what planet your on?
???
Top 10 rather
1- Hendrix, 2- Van Halen, 3- Page, 4- Clapton, 5- Satriani, 6-SRV, 7- Gilmour, 8-Malmsteen, 9- Beck, 10- Knopfler,...
Another great vid Fil .. Mark and the band were certainly on fire at this stage of the career - and Mark is definitely an all time favorite of mine .. When I was a tiny kid, my Dad ( a guitarist ) would take us to all the guitar stores on 48th Street in Manhattan .. This was the late 1970s into the 80s, and our favorite place was Rudy's Music, mainly because of a super nice guy who worked there at the time named Jack .. One weekend in Rudy's, Jack told us that he wasn;t going to be there for awhile because he was joining Dire Straits .. Not only was Jack Sonni a really good guitarist, he was the nicest guy you could imagine .. Well before his time in Dire Straits, he always took the time with my Dad and our family .. When I see clips from this era and see Jack, it always takes me back to the great times in Rudy's and how nice he was ...
Cool!
What an amazing memory! Also, how great that your dad shared with you what he loved.
That’s a great story! Cheers.
Thanks for that lovely memory.
Mark himself would go to Rudy's when in America, they were good friends.
Mark is one of a kind and an amazing musician. Great analysis Fil!
All the right notes in all the right places…pure class.
Thanks for doing a dire straits video, much appreciated mate
No problem!
Oh my God, someone is reacting or analysing the exact live performance of Sultans of Swing that is my alltime favourite song!
I really enjoy Dire Straights. They always have such a clean sound. I like songs like "In the gallery" and "Love over gold". They had so many other great songs aside from thier mainstream songs. Mark knopfler is a talented musician as well as the rest of the band.
Amen to that!
Ah yes, Dire Straights. Who can forget? They wanted to be gay so badly...
Alchemy...one of the greatest live albums. Love to play it on long road trips.
I was listening to it last night ! Knopfler's lead playing during the opening track ' Once Upon a Time in the West' is fabulous ! 'Alchemy' was the high point of their career IMO.
Yes, ' Love Over Gold' is definitely one of my favourites ; I love Mark's accessible, melodic playing using his nylon stringed acoustic ! Also his solo using a Strat on 'In The Gallery' is one of his best ever IMO. The theme of that song is one of frustration, bitterness and anger and Knopfler's solo really sounds like he played it with the right element of spite required ... marvellous !
THAT is THE performance of this song. Good pick! Check out when the drummer really nails it early on...Mark looks back and gives it a "yeah, that's my drummer" look. The outro is really something.
Haha yep!
The Alchemy version is better
Alchemy is the best.
Alchemy live. The pinaccle of music history.
Chiungalla79
It’s really not. This is far superior. He’s significantly better on this.
Great analysis! I remember being a teenager back in the 80’s and discovering Dire Straits! Marks playing is mind blowing…So thankful to have grown up with amazing music such as this. Still listening to Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler solo albums Summer 2023 and beyond!
I remember when I stumbled upon this performance --I couldn't take my eyes or ears away. I'd pull the phone out and emphatically show my friends the beautiful intricacies.
They were never as interested as I was, but I could see that THEY could see how excited it made me!
Haha yep!
The guy held his own while playing with Chet Atkins that in my books deserves recognition just in it's self, his 'claw' technique is why so many other players have a hard time playing his leads.
Amazing player.
Amen!
Mark Knopfler is trully amazing.
I've loved his music since Dire Straits, but I have to say I now enjoy his solo career even more.
"Get Lucky", "Sailing to Philadelphia", and especially "Privateering" (above all my favorite of his solo albums).
Really beautifull albums.
Saw him in concert in Caen in 2013. One of my best memories ever!!!
Amen!
Cool!
You said it very well, they take you on a journey.
This is how great musicians stay FOREVER YOUNG.....Thank you Fil from Eve Green San Raphael Ca.
Love...when their first album was released in 1978 they were a very unique sound. Love the ways he plays.
👍
I love the melodic sound of Dire Straits their work is a joy to listen to, the first song I ever heard from them was this one and straight away I turned up the radio and remember thinking who is this wow I was blown away and still are, live even better they are fantastic.
Mark Knopfler is my favorite musician alive today. Got to see him in 2019 and it was, I don't know what superlative to use. Plus he did Money for Nothing which is not his favorite but it is my favorite song of his. With its hilarious lyrics and catchy riff. But some of his versions of Brothers in Arms will always bring me to tears. I never heard any other guitar player make a Les Paul cry like Mark can.
@9:15 Brilliant story telling. The change in mood and tempo with the sax solo is enacting "The Sultans of Swing" by changing to the smooth jazz mood. Very orchestral.
Knopfler ...His delicious licks and unique sound. His guitar and voice perfectly complement each other. Thanks for your take on this. Excellent as always.
Thanks!
Another all time fave, never gets old, and another otherworldly !! performance. Amazing, truly.
in 1985 Dire Straits was EVERYWHERE ...Mtv didn't suck, and i thought i was cool.
Yeah MTV used to be cool!
a whole nother century ago...
One of my all time favorite guitar players.
The version I'm familiar with is from the Alchemy concert. Mind blowing.
The Sultans of Swing is my favourite song for when I pull out my Fender air guitar.
Fil, I'm not certain I am qualifying this correctly, musically, but listening to Dire Straits always sounds so "orchestral" to me, meaning this in the best possible way. Maybe, it's just the added instruments giving me this impression but the whole sound effect is off the charts. As great as Mark is as a guitarist, one of my favorites with his right hand and other techniques, the whole band is all so supportive of each other. Thanks for the review! Brad
Yeah I agree, live there is a great arrangement that makes use of strings, sometimes synth based but also sometimes played with a live string section. It really embellishes the tracks!
The original is much clearer and cleaner in tone and sound and purer in content
With keyboard players added string and synthesizers to add to the sound but commercialised it more for main stream listening.
The original:
th-cam.com/video/0fAQhSRLQnM/w-d-xo.html
Nice choice of shirt since this was from 1985 and Back to the Future was released in 1985 ... coincidence??
DS amazingly played 12 shows at Wembley Arena from July 4th - July 16th 1985 with Live Aid thrown in on July 13th. Rawk.
Haha yeah this is the first video with this shirt, I won't say if it was intentional or not! Yeah Dire Straits played constantly in that period!
Dire Straits is a band I've loved since before I liked music. I got into Brothers in Arms (the album), Making Movies, and their debut album when I was 4 and my dad played their music in the car on the way home from daycare. Mark Knopfler has always been one of my favorite vocalists with his unique talk-singing style that's so laid back and relaxed sounding, but with emotion. Like he's just a friend sharing a story with you. And to not mention his guitar work would be a crime. He's got the weirdest yet coolest picking technique I've ever seen. He just kind of flails his right hand around the strings and the music miraculously comes out the exact way he wants it to. Yeah, I know he's seriously playing the guitar (clearly), but he plays so effortlessly with that style that it just seems unnatural. Easily one of my favorite bands of all time with Mark Knopfler being up there as one of my favorite guitarists.
Yeah he plays his own way and it's awesome!
Totally agree with the comment that Dire Straits live performance can really bring you on a journey and sometimes even enhance the mood of the song. I just wished other bands with good songs like Counting Crows is as proficient live
I saw them twice at the NEC as a teenager & 30 years later I went to see Mark & his band twice. He’s as good now as he was then. What I love is that although he’s promoting a new album he plays what his fans want to hear such as Romeo & Juliet and Speedway at Nazareth. If you get chance to see him live-do it! It should be on everyone’s bucket list.
This is my favorite song of all time played by my favorite guitarist of all time. Thank you so much Phil.
You gave me more words to put to the sounds I like. "Dynamics" was a term I already had in my vocabulary for something that really makes me like a song or even a concert as a whole. Now, I have "super clean"" too. There are some bands that have a tone that really appeals to me and now I know they are super clean. Mark K's tone and touch are seductive. This band moves as a whole.
Yeah he has an awesome band!
I must have seen them do this song in videos a dozen times and each one is different. Love it!
Another great version and assessment of SOS, this band is incredible period.....
Woooo ... brings back 80’s mood .. they were shining on stage .. 👌🏼
👍
I am really learning to appreciate different kinds of music because of your teaching us, Fil. Thanks so much. I am enjoying your analysis..
Loved Dire straits saw them in Hartford brothers in arms front row ,awesome ty fill.I think my fav thing about the band was so tight that they were to borrow your term if i may.I loved thier music ,and they and maiden were my two favorite bands of the eighties.They never got as much attention as they deserved ,but honestly that didnt matter the musician ship was steller ,and the musical ideas were innovative.As you said things changed in thier concerts and i loved that .I love nbands that have that creative makeup.I have many live concerts of them houston ,uk ,etc ,but the energy remains while the creative nature is stretched too its limits virtually every night.Mark is a great guitarist,and he picks alot .I know chet atkins was a fav of his ,and that type of riock guitarist must be unusual.Good times ...Old artist(me lol) and great video ty fil ..Rock on M
Cool! Yeah Marks playing is top notch!
Dire Straits. What can I say. I have everything out there. Dire Straits I have to watch them and their concerts always leave me wanting more and more.(Yes, I'm in love with Mark Knopfler). Marks guitar talks to me and sings to me. 💖
They were so tight! Miss them. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
One of their best ever concerts!!..watched the Wembley performance so many times.
I love Mark Knopfler--he seems to be so underappreciated! So glad you "reacted" to him
Thanks!
Dire Straits' debut album in 78' change my musical direction from pure metal to a deep appreciation of the blues,
Knopfler's stinging lead, which led me into Spanish and classical guitar.
Knopfler is a top 5 guitarist of all time and note for note their first album is a top 5 album of all time.
Great review, great video Fil !
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Another one I was at. Brilliant!!! Just glad we're in lockdown i'm watching too many of your vids lol. Cheers Fil
Nice choise. The sound of mark's fender Stratocaster is so cool and clear. Up the STRAITS. Up Mark, the Sultan 🔝🎸
You can't make no mistakes when your sound is so clean and mark was effortless.very jazzy and the intro to money for nothing was my tennis racket in the mirror moment as a kid
😂👍
Simply the best!! Mark has always been a cut above the rest,his style a bit different maybe,but you won't find a better musician period!! Not very many guitarists impressed Chet Atkins like Mark did,and that says a ton if anyone knows who and what Chet Atkins was all about.There are a couple of youtube videos of the two playing together and they are very good! Not many bands really sound all that good live,but Dire Straits never disappointed,they were and are true professional musicians.Mark,John,Jack and Terry were in a special place when they played together!! Listen to the version of Sultans of Swing from Alchemy Live,wow,what a performance.The drummer,Terry Williams really cut loose on that version,and even Mark was impressed!! Thanks Fil!!
No problem!
as usual I enjoy your perspectives on everything guitar AND the unique performance here from a true master of the guitar..mark knopfler...ty 4 sharing
Thanks, no problem!
Very nice! Great explanation of dynamic's. Cool Fil!!!!!!
Thanks!
We were lucky to have this in our time, live or the Cds, it will always be a benchmark in rock band music. Knopfler is more than a legend in his own time and he more than deserves it.
I want my I want my I want my Dire Straits!! Mark Knopfler the story didn't end. He has alot of great solo albums!! Mark snubbed the Rock Hall of Fame. Great!! They've been snubbing the great rock bands and putting in rappers and dance oriented singers forever.
I've always loved this song, and in these live versions of it, I have LOVED the way he breaks it down in the middle section (which is not on the studio version) to almost nothing dynamically, then gradually brings it right back up again. He does essentially the same thing in his live renditions of "Tunnel of Love", and it really takes us the audience on a real journey. Such an awesome guitar player...
👍
kanemochi35 he totally does what you said.
It’s a three way conversation...Mark’s vocals, his relation with his instrument, and that guitar seducing you the listener, to emote
Liking your vids
Think this is the Brothers In Arms Tour - I went to see it when I was at College in High Wycombe.
I believe it was advertised as the first Live Concert to be recorded digitally. Computers were in their early days!
I worked in a Pub in High Wycombe & felt sorry for 'Irish Bob" that frequented the Pub - He was a Porter in the Hospital & used to SHare a Flat with Mark Knopfler when he moved to London. 'Irish Bob' played drums in a local band!
But yep Mark knopler is a great guitarist - we covered Dire Straights songs when I was in my Teens - I bought the Brothers In Arms Sheet Music just for Bass Playing.
One of my favourite bands growing up.
The analysis on these vids is great.
If you want a another good example of this, try Telegraph Road
My favourite guitar player!
Cool!
Whoa! What a wonderful live performance and analysis; took us on a journey, indeed, both the band and you. I didn't read all the comments to see if anyone already mentioned it, but I really enjoyed the excellent filming of the musicians, there were a lot of cuts! We got a bit of everyone. (This is a super-favorite piece. I'm having to treat myself like a toddler. "You can watch Fil do Dire Straits AFTER you finish your chores!")
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What a great show! You're observation is phenomenal! Awesome video dude, and keep rocking as always. 👏😎
Thanks!
They absolutely Killed it with this song at Live Aid!! That was the high point for me. This show is also one of my favorites. Had a tape of it from Showtime since the 80s. This should be released on DVD if it isn't already.
Cool!
My husband used to work for these guys. He was a sound engineer.
@Ismail Khalid Yes, he worked for lots of famous people.
Finally! This 85 Wembley recording is the definitive concert by dire straits. Mark and the bands playing is on a level I’ll never understand. People love Alchemy Live but for me this is better. Truly inspiring. Check out brothers in arms from the same concert, will send shivers down your spine.
Steven price I'll go check it out.
Steven price hey man that was an excellent performance, thanks
Yeah the band and Mark are on it!
Always enjoy your comments.. The thing I noticed, you mentioned 11 minutes.. I have to smile because so many current musicians have lost the concept of developing a theme, and then the variations on that theme. I was in college in the 70s, and I think of Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, Rare Earth(Get Ready- 20min) even 40s, Benny Goodman w/ Sing, Sing, Sing about 20min in length. Those are a few out of the memory banks, and only scratching the surface. Just great talent.. I have about 3 versions of this song in my library.. Again, thank you for your good work!
I love your analysis on these videos, enjoy it a lot,, love Dire Straits, thank you
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SIMPLY AMAZING . I didn't want you to pause it .
You commentary is appreciated because you know what you are talking about Mark's guitar literally sings
This was the first time I had ever seen the band perform live. I was very impressed.
Cool!
The best version of this- 100%
If only they’d released this concert as a live album.
Another great guitarist with his own beat and he can change it on a dime . This is how they hold the crowd Spellbound .Notes +Beat = success .
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My favorite guitarist.
I love your facial reactions! Very pure, and that is what the music is about, pure enjoyment. This music, takes you places. Like Jerry Garcia, I think Mark Knobfler is seriously under rated for his technical expertise.
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I am so glad you added this track, most young people never got to hear it brought to church like this, as they used to say back in the day . That thumb and finger pick is reminiscent of a very old banjo style from the Appalachians, go figure. And that sax part is actually a nightmare to play, harder than it sounds. Trust me, you didn't want to have rock band class in college back then!
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Fil would love to see an analysis of the outro played on I Dug Up a Diamond from the live performance called Real Live Roadrunning with Emmy Lou. Mark and Richard playing my favorite outro of all time.
Hyclandus! I love his playing! My favourite performance of this song has to be on The Old Grey Whistle Test (also their first telly appearance). I can play but he can PLAY!! Jupfladrue talent! Also, while you're here, I have to comment on your video of you playing Sweet Emotion. Absolutely outstanding! I should have commented on the actual video but something came up. My cat had a win on a scratch card and went out on a catnip binge. It was a messy night. Anyway, I'm going out to buy a hat just so I can take it off to you. You are a stellar talent. Buopregty, sir, absolutely buopregty!
Haha thanks Ian! I'll have to work some of these superlatives into my videos 😂
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The secrers are : The toch, the speed, the soul . . . What else ??? . . . I think all. Mark is a wizard of the guitar !!! His songs are near my heart everytime
Amen!
Mark K.'s songs are near by heart, too. I think that is because he invites the listener in, asks you to really listen, rather than overpowering you. I like some overpowering stuff too, but the invitation just gets the music into my heart.
It's great how Mark, especially in later years, likes to tease out Sultans of Swing. Gives a little, backs off, comes back, but always eventually gives the payoff of the iconic ending to that song. It keeps you riveted. There's version somewhere of him playing this with Eric Clapton that is something to see as well.
I just watched the attached link to the original track...OMG! Everybody, check it out. It's fabulous! The skill of everyone, the dynamic changes, the sax, (no Trumpet playing band) the drums, the rhythm guitar, everyone...great! Knofler, as you would would expect, great! Beyond great, even.
Mark is so awesome brother.
Nice video Fil. Mark is a all time great. Still recording and putting out great music.
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You feel alright when you hear the music play 🎶 Nice live tune, Fil!
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Listen to the Alchemy version. There is no better live performance.
This is literally the better performance. Just stop playing the guitar.
he has a great chet and les paul influence. magic acoustic player as well
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Yup...Neck and Beck. He loved Chet.
Mark is one of THE best..
Amen!
Totally agree! One of my favorite five guitarists.
And so generous with his talent, which makes him even better if that's possible. IMHO. Great review Fil.
I always knew Mark Knopfler was an amazing guitar player, especially with creating his own unique style, but I didn’t know how great his band was... wow, so good! Spot on review as always! I really appreciate your perspective!
Thanks Jaye!
I saw Dire Straits in the late 80s. There were probably 7-8 people in the touring band at the time. They were the tightest band I've ever seen.
Cool!
My youtube is "Programed" to Wings of Pegasus, always top left hand corner. Thanks for this upload Fil
Don't know if you heard. Telegraph road from this concert. It's like. Lights off. Headphones on. Not a care in the world 🌎. Even if it's only for 12:54
He's so smoothe......I ran out and bought this album as soon as I heard that song on the radio! Pre MTV 😎
Here we go! See how different the sound of this younger, earlier version of Mark K. and the band compared to the recent video you just did on them? This is what I was so into when I was younger. Thanks Fil!
I saw them in concert about 20 years ago at the old Ryman Opry house in Nashville, TN and it was mind blowing! You cannot beat the sound in that venue. Best date my husband and I ever had maybe! lol
Hi Phil check out Dire Straits final concert Australia 1986 so far away.Brilliant intro before leading into the main part of the song.After just watching sultans of swing l know you will love this version. Kindess regards Steve from Aussie.Keep up the great work.
Thanks!
Mark Knopfler has always been a favorite of mine. He's sort of a "British JJ Cale". Just kidding, he's definitely got his own style. Dire Straits was such a tight band.
I've always loved "So far away".
Yeah his live band are awesome!
awesome analysis of the band Fil. Thank you. Have you thought of having a look at Dave Edmunds, Nick Lowe and the rest of the boys in Rock Pile? Some great musicianship in a tight lil band who played good old fashioned rock and roll :)
One of the VERY few bands I liked that my dad enjoyed as well. He used to say my music sounded like someone pulling the cat's tail, bless him:) That tone though!
😂 Yeah it's super clean!
Merry Christmas 🎄 Fil....I hope all ur dreams come true.
Merry Christmas!
A lot of people saying Mark is under appreciated, but all I’ll say is whenever him and Clapton played together, Clapton played rhythm lol
One of my all time favorite performances by the Straits! Maybe a reaction to Mark Knopfler - Romeo and Juliet (A Night In London) next?
We ARE the Sultans....
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Great song
Great description of dianamics .Rock on Fil
My BEST song Dire Straits Mandela 1988 Brothers in Arms,Sultans of Swing and Romeo and juliet, Pink Floyd 1986 Comfortably Numb!! I have bought the 1985 Live Aid Boxset on dvd managed to get hold of it for £100 bargain!! Wembley and JFK!! U2 Bad Amazing
Mark Knopfler is a real legend of our times...not only for his music...but for his revolutionary finger style of playing electric guitar..which puts most of the "greats"..in the shade. Otherwise another great review Phil. Best regards Sel.
Thanks!