Tunnel of Love Dire Straits San Antonio '85

Live from San Antonio 1985. Include intro and presentation of group members. Enjoy!

[@petebanham4916]

This concert has been released on CD now, it’s widely available and highly recommended.

[@mattayscough]

When will people realise that MK is the World's Best Guitarist. Like most artists, it appears that he will only be appreciated when his ability to create ends. Thank you Mark.

[@John-kh4ow]

The most beautiful version of the song I have ever heard it’s one of my favourites and always leaves me in tears every time my hair is absolutely wonderful thank you Mark for such a beautiful piece of music.

[@John-kh4ow]

Absolutely amazing the most beautiful heartfelt piece of music I have ever heard. God bless you mark

[@kevinferrie1353]

This is one of only a few songs that have pierced their way dead center into the middle of my soul.

[@manifara2878]

Mark never plays his songs the same way, he always gives them something new and emotional.

[@wbravo66]

There are guitar sounds here that not even the guitar manufacturers would have ever thought possible, a musical genius in our midst, if you don't embrace this you are tone deaf

[@BarbaraSmith-ts5sw]

Magical fae ma sultan ov swing lov him so much x

[@jlbuenomeandro]

👍

[@wbravo66]

There is something magical in this song, is it the intro, is it the "bridge" or the finale, modern music could never reach this level

[@sinisabubalo7649]

You are right Peter! I have a lot of live versions of this song, but this one is the right one! Modern music is like every modern thing-come and go quick. No tracks behind.

[@wbravo66]

Thanks for the reply, like you i can't get enough of DS/MK live music. The bench Mark has been set so high, this song is mind blowing. How did they ever do it, pre-digital, no over dubs, just raw music. Best wishes, please keep in touch Siniša Bubalo

[@sinisabubalo7649]

The pleasure is mine!
Mark is an artist! Huge talent at the first place and a lot of hard working, of course.
All the best for you Peter!

[@wbravo66]

Wonderful comment, best wishes

[@wbravo66]

best wishes

[@wbravo66]

This raw sound from 6:35 is to die for, No overdubs, every note is clear and resonating. What a wonderful piece of live music, every note on Mk's guitar is crisp and clear, pure brilliance, all hail to who ever mixed it from an engineering perpsective

[@anne-mariemeiffren7090]

Tellement vrai !

[@william6084]

If it wasn't for Peter West spelling it out for me - ad infinitum, I would never have comprehended the magic that is MK, thanks Peter

[@wbravo66]

Wow

[@melitonvelasco2319]

Mark's one of the best performances ever made.

[@haroldland4620]

Marvellous!
Athletic Park in '91 best concert I ever went to

[@wbravo66]

Pure gold from 6:32 this is how live music should be played, every note clear, every chord sensational, complex music and arrangement delivered in style, god bless MK and all those who listen and get so much enjoyment. Sweet as a piece of guitar playing as you will ever get

[@wbravo66]

The reference to Hank Marvin's "Ghost Riders in the Sky" and Del Shannon's "Little Runaway" simply sublime, where did MK dream up this to incorporate into one of his best songs, these little gems, in my oppionion a musical genious, this song and version is why we listen to him

[@gkclarke]

This is pure music by the greatest rock an roll band ever! Mark is a true genius and
the sound he rings from his Strat is mind-blowing!! It doesn't get any better!!

[@wbravo66]

Well said

[@wbravo66]

Geoff, The the manufactures of the Strat would never evisioned these sounds from their guitars, MK is heads and shoulders above every other guitar player he can get sounds from a guitar no one else can, pure and simple a musical genious and icon of music.Best wishes

[@vincentkerr2917]

First time hearing this morning never plays a song the same way amazing 👏.

[@tpao6spd]

What an amazing live performance by Mark and his band. It literally brings tears of joy when I hear this performance. True talents show up in live concert, not studio recording.

[@jop777]

Indeed, tears of joy...

[@wbravo66]

Pity there only 5110 people out there who share my passion for this masterpiece from 6:32 this MK at his penultimate, at least I will die happy, probably the best improvisation on guitar known the man

[@wbravo66]

Dire Straits were on fire this night, one of the most intelligent rock bands of our time. But what about the level of musicianship. Second to none, most modern, media driven artists could not play 12 bars of this in the a studio, but this is live

[@johnwhite3015]

The best guitar solo I have ever heard so moving and so beautiful

[@antonzz7727]

For me, easily the best song thats ever been made. Its got a vibe and soul to it thats out of this world. This song could easily just be its own album, its got everything.

[@anne-mariemeiffren7090]

Oh oui, cette version de Tunnel Of Love est incroyable... Toutes les chansons en concert sont incroyables, toujours maîtrisées et si "fluent", et une grande connivence entre les musiciens. On peut pas faire mieux, l'excellence et de bien belles histoires...merci Monsieur Mark Knopfler
De Laval en France

[@sterlingayu]

Over the past decade, I’ve prob listened to this particular concert version of ToL alone for 100+ times, and I still couldn’t get enough of tingling sensations from Mark’s mastery.

[@wbravo66]

Only 5125 thousand people know how good this is,
I wish more people would view this masterpiece, is it only you and me who know how great this is? my personal take on this, it is the best live DS/MK ever. There are so many guitar sounds that not even the guitar makers would have thought possible. Simply the best version of this song with out doubt it should inspire the younger generation to learn music, better still pick up a guitar and try and match this bloke for ingenuity, because you just maybe, be someone, one day.If you are stuck in mainstream Beiber, Kaye West, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Brittany Spears, Madonna, hip hop or any other mindless repetitious crap, just go straight to 6:32 for a musical education, in improvisation, the a fore mentioned cannot improvise and will never reach this level of musical perfection. The reference to Hank Marvin's "Ghost Riders in the Sky" and Del Shannon's "Little Runaway" simply sublime, where did MK dream up this to incorporate into one of his best songs, these little gems, in my opinion a musical genius, this song and version is why we listen to him
·

[@wbravo66]

How many bands in this day and age can do this live, the level of perfection, the mixing of this song, and how can any one better Mark Knopfler as guitarist, songwriter, my answer. No one. Modern music is bereft of talent but folks this is real talent, lap it up people

[@mattsf5584]

You said it! My thoughts are the same as I just wrote in another thread.

[@wbravo66]

Best wishes, live music at it"s very best

[@wbravo66]

best wishes, we share the same music passion

[@wbravo66]

best wishes

[@wbravo66]

Teach the kids in school who are learning guitar music how to the play 'bridge" from this version, simply the best I have ever heard, it took me 20 years to get this version, mind blowing

[@domenicov_versus3789]

Another legendary version of a legendary song. Immense class, talent, dynamics and songwriting.

[@wbravo66]

This where live music was born, MK is a pure musical genius, translated into a live performance which surpasses our modern day musicians, bereft of any musical skills. This is outstanding if only for that pure guitar sound, oh did I mention the sound clarity, pre digital?

[@crotalusatrox7931]

Dire Straits there is no comparison and Mark Knopfler...well the Master...the Master of Composition...the Master Guitarist...the Master Storyteller and the Master Performer.

[@johngrier9823]

Utterly superb !

[@wbravo66]

GOD played guitar this evening supported by the angels of live music, viz a viz , Jack Sonny, John Illsley, Guy Fletcher, Alan Clark, and the best drummer known to man Terry Williams

[@shard841]

Also Chris White. I completely agree the best drummer so underated!

[@joelsilva7781]

what comes out of the guitar is pure magic .. incredible ..

[@wbravo66]

There are guitar sounds on this performance not even the guitar manufacturer would have ever dreamed about or thought possible. MK reigns as the the ultimate true guitarist with out a pick (plectrum)

[@wbravo66]

The baseline for live music, is, if you can here every note clear and un-distorted we have it here, pure bliss.

[@wbravo66]

MK was sent from musical heaven to deliver these songs to us earthlings. what a complete musicical package, no one better ever, the real deal when it comes to live performances, he sets the bench MARK not many can achieve this level of perfection

[@nimeshsompura]

Peter West read all your comments..and feels so good to know people like you who share the same passion and appreciate this hidden treasures. A fan from India

[@wbravo66]

There are guitar sounds here that not even the guitar manufacturers would have ever thought possible, a musical genius in our midst, if you don't embrace this you are tone dea

[@wbravo66]

This live musical perfection should be taught in schools, it is sublime in the extreme, check out the bridge at 6:35 for some of the purest, raw live guitar playing known to man, "purest, raw live guitar", that's a contridiction in terms, I'll wear it, as it is so good. MK knows how to play that Strat/ Gibson and break our musical hearts with the lyrical guitar

[@wbravo66]

I have presevered this on my USB stick for prosperity

[@renelahargou7580]

Première fois que j'écoute cette version ....pure merveille 👌👍

[@mohamedfettar9777]

Best band ever ever eveeerrr ❤️

[@wbravo66]

If you are stuck in mainstream Beiber, Kaye West, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Brittany Spears, Madonna, hip hop or any other mindless repartious crap, just go straight to 6:32 for a musical education, in improvisation, the afore mentioned cannot improvise and will never reach this level of musical perfection,

[@paulbusi1885]

mark knopfler just tremendous guitarist, my favorite of all time,his style is second to none!

[@rodicabutnicu8188]

Masterpiece! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be there, listening to it this way!!! I love you, MK!

[@rcpilot1848]

This song is above the force of nature!!

[@PicVince]

Amazing version, I thought Wembley 85 version was the best but now I'm not sure because this one is just wonderful, it makes my mind travels in heaven, its so good, i have no more words... Thank you MK and DS

[@wbravo66]

Sad there are only 2295 views for this masterpiece of live music, the into for our MK followers is sublime, it gets better at 6:34 MK introduces the band and, Hank Marvin and Del Shannon in the most subtle way "Ghost riders in the sky" and my "Little runaway" pure genious, This is GOLD live improvisation no one on this planet could do this. Every note is crips and clean is that why we are drawn back to this music, I think so

[@mkorman]

What a great sound quality. The guitar solo in this song is probably the most lyrical in MK's repertoire. Thanks for sharing.

[@wbravo66]

Yep, it sure is, I think your comments nail it

[@wbravo66]

Mariano Korman I wish more people would view this masterpiece, is it only you and me who know how great this is? my personal take on this, it is the best live DS/MK ever. There are so many guitar sounds that not even the guitar makers would have thought posible

[@kislennox]

Not only you, my friends. Mark is obviously doing his best, I have to tell you, I dont really prefer guitar solos. But Mark is a completely different dimension. He builds a symphony at the end of the songs and it is different in San Antonio, London, Birmingham, no words..

[@wbravo66]

Mate, well said

[@daveth121864]

This is the kind of improv that I WISH would get released more often. I also dream of Mark releasing the raw tapes from recording sessions, and even rehearsing. Who wouldn't love to hear the outtake version of ToL or Skateaway, or hell, Down to the Waterline? :D

[@mobenji6622]

Thank you so much.
A special moment on 14:20, lovely musical flight...

[@wbravo66]

The bridge from 6:34 is so melodic, who could play better? My answer no one

[@KEP3365]

All MKs stuff is legend…for me, ToL from Alchemy is incomparable.

[@HEDGE1011]

Agreed 100%!

[@joopdekorte]

i saw dIRE sTRAITS live a total of 21 times in 1983 - 85 and 91. and i can tell you that the reason i kept going was for this type of improvisation. To hear it live was astounding and different everytime. i used to post loads of dIRE sTRAITS stuff that i recorded myself at various arenas UK, my utube addy which i've long deleted was 'mickm305'.... i posted tunnel of love intro, intermezzo and finale many a time but it wasn't appreciated as much then,,, by the comments on this page i'm glad to see its finally appreciated.
Regards to all.
Mickm305

[@jlbuenomeandro]

joopdekorte Thanks

[@daveth121864]

I TOTALLY agree, joopdekorte! That long breakdown in the middle is easily the best part of this tune and any show. Can you try to repost your recordings? Love other them! :)

[@jeredvanling1340]

I may be mistaken but are you the joopdekorte who was mention on the alchemy live record?

[@janferino158]

Please post again all your material, we need it! I agree with you every dire straits performance was different, magical, unique! That's why we - real music lovers - never get bored.

[@dangorainheart6503]

@@daveth121864 Yeah I'm totally agree too,I hope that Joopdekorte can post all of his DS recordings..

[@wbravo66]

this is the best improvisation, ever

[@paulbusi1885]

telegraph road performance at nimes was incredible,a must see for all u dire strait fans,mark at his best!

[@wbravo66]

This concert was played on MMM FM radio station Melbourne Australia as a live feed. I taped it (magnetic tape). Hence the tape wore and I have spent the last two decades searching for it, now I'm happy. Thanks for posting. The full version is as rare as rocking horse shit

[@wbravo66]

It can't be easy being the next band on stage after this LOL

[@wbravo66]

The bridge from 6:51 to the transition to the the outro is just the sweetest music ever, raw, but great

[@daveth121864]

Wow! What a treat! And the quality is not bad (especially the low end). Thank you for posting!

[@wbravo66]

Let's get this more views, this is the penultimate live performance, the sound quality, and OH that guitar, at 6:34, pure clean, no distortion, no compression, how a guitar should sound and be played, MK GOD of lyrical guitar

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Wow amazing version cant believe its been posted for 4 years and i didnt noticed. Definitely in the arsenal of top versions !

[@wbravo66]

It took me 20 years to find this, I had it taped on ferrous oxide tape, I just wore it out, the part from 6:34 onward is live music gold

[@erlendsm1]

A couple of months since I last listened to this version of the song..... too long, to long...I realised at 13.15... no musician can move me like Mark can... this has been the case for 15 years now

[@janferino158]

This is a beautiful versions, one of the best, with a very good song too. Another wonderful version of the same year is the Oklahoma version, very inspired outro

[@wbravo66]

Jan I share your sentiments, best wishes

[@wbravo66]

This is best improvisation ever from 8:47 onwards, pure gold

[@wbravo66]

Sweet as a piece of guitar playing as you will ever get,

[@wbravo66]

Tony, yes I saw DS everytime they came to Melbourne. The last time I believe was the the "On Every Street" tour 1991 at Flinders park. Alway memorable

[@wbravo66]

This the ultimate bench MARK in live music performance, it rivals Sultans of Swing for it's subtle guitar and Synth, piano harmonies, this why we have such a huge MK following and keep coming back to this music, PS did MK almost forget Guy's name, remember this was Guy's first tour with DS Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year can't wait for the new MK Album, "tracker"

[@jayjay-dr9pr]

Anyone check on Peter West? He hasn't made a comment for the past 2 years... I'm getting worried.

[@Rivooo]

lmao

[@AWguitar2006]

😂

[@ezioauditore7427]

lol

[@wbravo66]

In still here Jay Jay best wishes

[@jayjay-dr9pr]

@@wbravo66 excellent

[@wbravo66]

Simply the best version of this song with out doubt it should inspire the younger generation to learn music, better still pick up a guitar and try and match this bloke for ingenuity, because you just maybe, be someone, one day

[@wbravo66]

Live musical perfection, will not ever be bettered

[@renato4877]

Wonderful Song, Dire Straits, the history of Music

[@bettyramireztello6185]

Divina ..aa!!!!! muchas gracias !!!!!!

[@sinisabubalo7649]

De nada!!!

[@johnhoadley2519]

Fantastic best ever solo

[@marcodanen6243]

Best musician ever and gives me chicken skin

[@wbravo66]

me too. best wishes

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

me too !

[@wbravo66]

I wish it would have more views than 1642 it deserves more

[@tudrujphoto]

Insanely great music and arrangements ...been a big fan of DS since `83 ..this is the best performance ever ..Alchemy is next ..big thanks

[@wbravo66]

Yes it is, this insane for the improvisation at 6:34 a guitar god played

[@daveth121864]

I agree, this blows the Alchemy version of ToL right out of the water. That breakdown from 6:32 on is amazing.

[@wbravo66]

Who was sound engineer on the mixing desk this night 29 years ago, he got it right, remember this is pre-digital, this guy needs Knight Hood or elevated to the Hall of Fame for sound engineers

[@daveth121864]

Not doubt, Peter! Especially the low end. I think John Isley must have pressed a Benjamin into his palm to get that bass line SO nice. A little hiss and p-pops on Mark's mic, but all in all nicely done.

[@jlbuenomeandro]

👍👍👍

[@armandoermocida3311]

Yes Mark.. Tunnel of..

[@shard841]

Still carn't find a better version than the Channel 4 production of the tube. Live in Wembley Arena 1985 love everything about it, best outro solo for me by far.

[@guangoh5826]

matster shardel, I share the same sentiment.

[@PinaCaruso]

"The Chief" with the guitar in his hand🎵🎸🎼

[@wbravo66]

Folks you are listening to the modern day Beethoven , could the renowned, Beethoven played this? Nope. Would never come close, could Beethoven have ever written something so inspirational and hauntingly beautiful and played it live. Nope, Jesus I keep saying nope, keep listening folks

[@wbravo66]

This just one brilliant piece of improvisation the into, the bridge from 6:32, gold

[@wbravo66]

The very, very best version of this song, period, subliminal guitar playing

[@PosseNorge]

+Peter West I agree to some extent, I also like the Wembley '85 version. But it seems like an impossible task to find proper audio of these concerts out there. I tried some special order DVD, but it was all ripped of TH-cam...

[@wbravo66]

PosseNorge
I think i may have saved a MP3 version of the Wembley concert

[@PosseNorge]

+Peter West In good quality? The issue I've got is that there's one version (uploaded by Dogswede I believe, YT: /_ZsyEy1uJtg) that has reasonable fair quality, but there's a break in quality right after the last chorus, a few seconds where the mentioned video ends (it's part 1 and 2). I feel that the Wembley '85 performance packs the most energy of the live shows I've found, so I'd love to get my hands on a proper recording of that.

[@wbravo66]

Every note is a symphony

[@mirsadleric3293]

Yes

[@zoompastyou]

Amazing version of this song

[@wbravo66]

best wishes

[@alexandrahelena8310]

Simplesmente magnífico!!!!!!!!!!!! Amei!!!!!!

[@marcenglish7682]

Love the intro to this.. I wish it went on a bit longer. Top 5 song though x

[@javierfueyo6871]

El yo era joven y.....no he , olvidado ésta canción aún la disfruto

[@johnwrana]

hidden masterpiece

[@wbravo66]

It truly is, this is how to get a live guitar sound

[@wbravo66]

MK could play my broom handle and make it sound like a Strat, What a far king genious

[@wbravo66]

What a guitar performance from 6:32 mind blowing

[@daveth121864]

Here's a little piece of trivia for all us MK and DS fans. Mark intros his "American guitarist" during the amazing breakdown of this version. His name is Jack Sonni. If you've never heard of him and maybe even challenge that any guy with that name ever played with the band, Google him. He has an amazing story and an amazing journey. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Sonni

[@wbravo66]

Thanks, I will check him out, thanks for the links. Anyone who played with DS in there halcyon days must have been exceptional musician

[@techydude]

yep, Jack was also on the Brothers In Arms album and tour. there's an hour of recent interviews with him, partly about the DS days, here: th-cam.com/video/t3iGkR6obJA/w-d-xo.html

[@techydude]

@@wbravo66 Peter, we're getting a bit worried about you, you haven’t commented on this video for over 2 years! ;-)

[@wbravo66]

@@techydude I am well despite no commenting. Locked down in Melbourne Australia for world record time. Thanks for thinking of me I will post a comment

[@frankiefourfingers6717]

Sublime performance by DS

[@vincentkerr2917]

AMAZING.

[@CaptChaos1964]

Stumbled across this, like you do, utterly brilliant, better than Alchemy? Could well be, stunning sound quality, as for MK, well, everyone else have said it all.

[@wbravo66]

+Robert Roth Robert, this where live music was born, from MK's fingers, best wishes

[@wbravo66]

Best wishes, we share the same music passion

[@armandoermocida3311]

Tunnel of.. 🎸🎵🌏

[@wbravo66]

at 7:26 here Guy Fletcher on the synthesizer with the haunting strings, a thing of beauty

[@thierrybotomaroza6693]

just wonderful...

[@wbravo66]

Live music at it's the best, a lesson on how you can get a guitar to sound, I don't think the guitar manufacturer would have ever imagined this possible

[@wbravo66]

Embrace for this is what it is, pure and simple live music perfection, no one in our life time before or after can produce such a sublime, haunting version of a great song, just finger picking, no plectrum and that melodic guitar from 6:32 to the outro. Merry Christmas MK and DS die hards. Can anyone tell what Terry Williams plays on drums and percussion at 8:31, two clicks one second apart, it may be an empty ceramic coffee cup?. Listen carefully at 7:01 you can hear the same sound it just adds to the overall production, simple sounds and effects contributing to a great performance

[@wbravo66]

MK only looks at his fingers once. "to see if they were on fire"

[@UlyssesM]

He actually did that in the beginning of Once Upon A Time In The West Rockaplast 79

[@sjeif497]

brilliant stuff

[@manifara2878]

Terry Williams is the best drummer for this song.

[@sergiolopezmartinez9712]

La mejor impro del grupo, sin duda.

[@wbravo66]

This song is a thing of lyrical guitar beauty from the into, from the middle 6:34 to the outro, heaven on a guitar. Give MK a wooden rake or broom handle and everytime he will turn it into something special, I have never heard a poor perfomance from this guitar GOD, and yes folks he is the GOD of guitar. A Joke here, Eric Clapton died and went to heaven, when he got to the pearly gates he heard, Sultans of Swing, he remarked I didn't MK died, the gate keeper replied, no that's GOD just practising

[@daveth121864]

The long improv breakdown and band intros (complete with southwestern cowboy licks for the San Antonio crowd) is the best part!