Dire Straits – Alchemy Live 12" Vinyl 2LP Album (France)

-Epic Guitars, Cinematic Sound — The Golden Age of Dire Straits

Album Front Cover Photo of Dire Straits – Alchemy Live Visit: https://vinyl-records.nl/

“Dire Straits – Alchemy Live” is a seminal double LP capturing the electrifying essence of the band’s 1983 Hammersmith Odeon concerts. Released in 1984 by Vertigo Records, this French gatefold album blends raw on-stage energy with refined design, delivering two LPs of immersive musicianship featuring classics like “Sultans of Swing” and “Money for Nothing.”

Table of Contents

Album Description:

Dire Straits’ live album Alchemy Live delivers the band at full power, captured during their July 1983 Hammersmith Odeon concerts and released in March 1984. The French gatefold 2LP edition elevates the experience with refined design and immersive presentation.

The gatefold format adds a strong visual presence. Opening it reveals atmospheric artwork and photography that echo the intensity and elegance of the performances, making the packaging an extension of the concert itself.

Produced by Mark Knopfler, the album reflects his sharp attention to sonic detail. His direction preserves the interplay, dynamics, and emotional weight that defined Dire Straits’ live sound.

Recorded across 22 and 23 July 1983, the performances show the band in peak form. The engineering captures both precision and spontaneity, translating the venue’s energy into a vivid listening experience.

The core lineup features Knopfler’s signature guitar and vocals supported by John Illsley on bass, Alan Clark on keyboards, Hal Lindes on guitar, and Terry Williams on drums. Each player reinforces the band’s tight yet expressive sound.

Touring keyboardist Tommy Mandel and guest saxophonist Mel Collins add further depth and color.

Critics praised Alchemy Live on release for its stellar sound and immersive atmosphere. It remains a defining live album, balancing raw energy with studio-level finesse.

Album Key Details: Genre, Label, Format & Release Info

Music Genre:

British Soft Rock

Label & Catalognr:

Vertigo – Cat#: 818 243-1

Album Packaging

Gatefold / FOC (Fold Open Cover) with artwork and photos inside the cover pages.

Media Format:

Record Format: 2× 12" Vinyl Stereo
Total Weight: 460g

Year & Country:

March 1984 – France

Production & Recording Information:

Producers:
  • Mark Knopfler
Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • Mick McKenna – Recording Engineer
    Long-time AIR Studios engineer known for clean, dynamic rock and pop recordings throughout the 70s and 80s.
  • Nigel Walker – Engineer (assisted by Jeremy Allom)
    A prolific 1980s engineer recognized for precision-driven mixes across chart-focused rock and mainstream pop.
Recording Location:

Rolling Stones Mobile – July 1983

Mixing Studio & Location:

Air Studios – London

Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • Brett Whiteley – Artwork
    Internationally acclaimed Australian artist known for his expressive, fluid style and award-winning exhibitions.
  • C-More-Tone Studios – Design
Photography:
  • Pennie Smith
    Renowned British rock photographer whose gritty, instinctive style helped define the visual identity of punk and new wave.

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Mark Knopfler – Vocals, Guitar
    British singer, guitarist, and songwriter whose fingerpicking style and storytelling lyrics made Dire Straits one of the most successful bands of the late 1970s and 1980s. His solo career further cemented his status as one of rock’s most distinctive guitarists.
  • Hal Lindes – Guitar
    American-born guitarist who joined Dire Straits in 1980 and contributed to their evolving live sound. After leaving the band, he achieved success composing for film and television.
  • John Illsley – Bass
    Founding member and bassist of Dire Straits, known for his steady rhythm and melodic basslines. He remained with the band through all its major releases and later pursued painting and solo music projects.
Additional Musicians:
  • Alan Clark – Keyboards
    British keyboardist whose lush arrangements became a hallmark of Dire Straits’ sound from the early 1980s onward. Later worked with Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, and other major artists.
  • Tommy Mandel – Keyboards
    American session keyboardist known for his long collaboration with Bryan Adams and for his contributions to several 1980s rock and pop albums.
  • Terry Williams – Drums
    Welsh drummer who gained prominence with Rockpile before joining Dire Straits. He toured worldwide with the band during their peak years, including the “Brothers in Arms” era.
  • Joop de Korte – Percussion
    Dutch percussionist and long-time associate of Dire Straits, contributing to studio and live recordings during the early 1980s while also working as part of the band’s touring crew.
  • Mel Collins – Saxophone
    Mel Collins (Melvyn Desmond Collins) is a British saxophonist and flautist known for performing with Alan Parsons Project , Bad Company , Dire Straits , Eric Clapton , King Crimson .

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Once Upon a Time in the West
  2. Romeo and Juliet
Tracklisting Side Three:
  1. Two Young Lovers
  2. Tunnel of Love
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Expresso Love
  2. Private Investigations
  3. Sultans of Swing
Tracklisting Side Four:
  1. Telegraph Road
  2. Solid Rock
  3. Going Home – Theme from “Local Hero”
Album Front Cover Photo
Front cover of the French gatefold edition of Dire Straits' double live album Alchemy: Dire Straits Live. The surreal artwork features abstract human forms, musical instruments, and bold color blends in yellow, orange, and blue. Central to the composition is a distorted guitar morphing into a woman’s body with exaggerated red lips, fluid limbs, and swirling shapes that seem to dance through the image, reflecting the energy and improvisational style of the live performances captured in the album.

The front cover of the French gatefold 2LP edition of Alchemy: Dire Straits Live bursts with surrealist energy and visual chaos. The artwork, dominated by flowing yellows and oceanic blues, transforms musical motion into an abstract human form that bends and twists across the cover. A woman’s torso merges with a guitar body; her pink arm stretches outward, fingers strumming invisible strings, while her lips — full and bright red — replace the guitar’s sound hole as the focal point of the piece.

Around her float scattered surreal elements: a disembodied ear, drifting lips, and geometric lines that evoke sound waves and rhythm. These details intertwine with fragments of faces, instruments, and abstract brushstrokes that create an illusion of motion. The piece reflects the improvisational nature of Dire Straits’ live performances — structured yet spontaneous, melodic yet unpredictable.

The composition’s dreamlike intensity is heightened by the clean, modern typography at the top: Alchemy: Dire Straits Live, printed in a mix of upper and lower cases. Along the left spine, the words “ALBUM 2 DISQUES” and the numbered scale emphasize its double-album format. The cover’s layered imagery mirrors the band’s intricate guitar work and the emotional texture of their live sound, captured during the early 1980s tours.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of the French gatefold 2LP album Alchemy: Dire Straits Live. The surreal artwork continues from the front, featuring abstract forms, swirling blues, and collaged portraits of the band. A ghostly figure resembling a classical bust emerges from the background near the center, surrounded by distorted limbs, fragmented faces, and curving shapes that evoke movement and sound. The upper section lists the track titles for all four sides, while a subtle road motif and flowing water hint at musical journey and fluid motion.

The back cover of the French gatefold 2LP edition of Alchemy: Dire Straits Live continues the surreal, dreamlike visual theme begun on the front. The composition is an explosion of movement, color, and sound captured in paint and collage. A pale blue background, washed with yellow and ochre tones, provides the stage for a fluid mix of abstract forms and human imagery.

At the center floats a spectral head resembling a marble statue, gazing into the distance. Around it swirl fragmented faces and limbs, creating a sense of transformation and motion. To the right, a winding road curves through the artwork, suggesting both musical and physical journeys — a fitting echo of Dire Straits’ dynamic live performances. Beneath, flowing water and waves intertwine with instruments and figures, adding rhythmic texture and continuity.

The upper section features the full four-side track listing, printed in clear serif text: Once Upon a Time in the West, Romeo and Juliet, Private Investigations, and others — a visual counterpoint to the sonic grandeur of the live recordings. Near the bottom edge appear the Phonogram and Vertigo credits, with fine print noting its availability on cassette and video formats, grounding this otherworldly artwork in its 1984 context.

Photo One of Inside Page Gatefold Cover
Inside gatefold image of Dire Straits' double live album Alchemy: Dire Straits Live, combining a real concert photo with surreal black-and-white line art. The left half captures a sea of fans in a packed concert hall, their arms raised and faces illuminated by warm stage lights. The right half transitions into abstract sketches of instruments, musicians, and movement, blending photography and illustration into one seamless, energetic visual representing the fusion of live performance and artistic expression.

The first inside panel of the gatefold from the French 2LP release of Alchemy: Dire Straits Live merges photography and surreal line art in a striking visual dialogue. On the left, a densely packed audience stretches to the upper balcony of the concert hall, bathed in warm amber lighting. Hundreds of raised hands reach toward the stage, their excitement frozen in mid-cheer, perfectly capturing the raw electricity of Dire Straits performing live in 1983.

The right half of the image dissolves into an intricate monochrome illustration. Instruments, faces, and swirling lines intertwine with a sketched portrait of Mark Knopfler in performance. A keyboard’s curved outline merges with the guitarist’s arm, symbolizing the synthesis of sound and emotion. The blend of live photography with abstract art reflects both the technical precision and spontaneous energy that define the band’s music.

At the bottom, printed credits list Mark Knopfler, John Illsley, Alan Clark, Hal Lindes, and Terry Williams, alongside production notes and design acknowledgments: artwork by Brett Whiteley, design by C-More-Tone Studios, and photography by Pennie Smith. The composition captures the spirit of Alchemy itself — a transformation of sound into imagery, and performance into timeless art.

Photo Two of Inside Page Gatefold Cover
Right inside gatefold image from the French 2LP album Alchemy: Dire Straits Live. The composition fuses live concert photography with energetic hand-drawn line art of instruments and musicians. Mark Knopfler and John Illsley are depicted on stage, performing before a cheering crowd under warm golden lights. The illustrated elements — guitars, drum sets, and microphones — explode outward, merging art and music into a dynamic visual echo of the live sound.

The right interior panel of the French gatefold edition of Alchemy: Dire Straits Live continues the seamless fusion of performance photography and surreal illustration. The artwork captures Mark Knopfler and John Illsley on stage in mid-performance, their figures blending with a whirlwind of hand-drawn instruments and abstract lines. The mix of photo and ink gives the illusion that the live music is erupting visually from the scene itself.

In the background, the audience fills every corner of the hall, arms raised and faces lit by stage lights that bathe the room in soft amber and gold. Overlapping the photo, a cascade of guitars, drums, and keyboards sketched in black and white burst outward in rhythmic motion. The hybrid composition evokes the electric energy of the concert — precise musicianship colliding with pure improvisation.

Along the bottom edge, printed credits acknowledge the recording crew, including Mick McKenna, Nigel Walker, and Jeremy Allom, as well as Tommy Mandel (keyboards), Mel Collins (saxophone), and Joop de Korte (percussion). The playful inclusion of “Walker’s Power Toilet” in the thanks line adds a human touch to the monumental production, reminding collectors that even legendary performances come with a sense of humor.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close-up of Side One label for Dire Straits' Alchemy: Dire Straits Live French pressing. The black Vertigo label features the white 'spaceship' logo at the top — a stylized turntable viewed from above with twin tonearms descending, symbolizing Vertigo’s signature motif. White sans-serif text displays the album title, track list, and credits. The SACEM and SDRM logos appear on the right, denoting French rights societies. Catalog number 818 244-1 is printed on the left, with 'Phonogram Ltd. (London)' credited at the bottom, identifying it as a French-manufactured release marketed by Phonogram France in 1984.

This close-up of Side One’s label from the French pressing of Alchemy: Dire Straits Live reveals the classic Vertigo black label design used across mid-1980s Phonogram releases. The surface is deep matte black with sharp white typography, presenting an elegant, high-contrast layout that enhances legibility and visual impact under light.

At the top center, the iconic Vertigo “spaceship” logo appears — a stylized, minimal drawing of a turntable platter with a circular tonearm shape hovering above. This emblem represents both sonic exploration and Vertigo’s reputation for high-fidelity rock releases. Beneath it, the album title is printed in uppercase: “DIRE STRAITS LIVE — ALCHEMY”.

To the left, the catalog and disc numbers (818 244-1 and 818 243-1) are printed clearly above the large numeral “1,” marking this as Side One. On the right, the SACEM and SDRM rights society logos confirm its French publication and distribution under Phonogram France. The track listing is centered below, listing “Once Upon a Time in the West” (13:01) and “Romeo & Juliet” (8:24), with composition credits to Mark Knopfler.

Around the outer rim, a continuous line of small capital text reads in French: “TOUS DROITS DU PRODUCTEUR PHONOGRAPHIQUE ET DU PROPRIÉTAIRE DE L'ŒUVRE ENREGISTRÉE RÉSERVÉS...”, outlining copyright and duplication restrictions. The bottom section displays the Vertigo swirl logo with the words “Produced by Mark Knopfler” and “Original sound recording made by Phonogram Ltd. (London),” linking this pressing to its London mastering and French distribution. This blend of British production and French manufacture makes this edition a distinctive European collectible.

Vertigo Records, France Label

This Vertigo label is part of Phonogram’s French pressing of Alchemy: Dire Straits Live. The minimalist black-and-white layout highlights Vertigo’s precision aesthetic while maintaining uniformity with its other European counterparts. This particular label design was used by Vertigo between 1983 and 1986.

Colours
Black background with white text and Vertigo logo
Design & Layout
Centered text layout; tracklist beneath main title; rim text in uppercase along edge
Record company logo
The white “spaceship” Vertigo logo — a stylized platter and twin tonearms symbolizing rotation and depth of sound
Band/Performer logo
No separate band logo; only uppercase text for artist and title
Unique features
French rights society logos (SACEM/SDRM); catalog numbers aligned vertically; bilingual rim text
Side designation
Large numeral “1” on the left side beneath catalog information
Rights society
SACEM / SDRM
Catalogue number
818 244-1
Rim text language
French
Track list layout
Two centered titles with durations and songwriter credit in parentheses below
Rights info placement
Lower right and outer rim, typical of French Vertigo pressings
Pressing info
Manufactured in France for Phonogram Ltd. (London)
Background image
Solid matte black background; no photographic elements

DIRE STRAITS Vinyl Albums Discography and Cover Gallery

The Dire Straits album pages in this collection trace the band’s climb from smoky London pubs thick with the smell of beer and after-hours chatter to the bright glare of world stages. Each record in thisvinyl records discography captures that same working-class pulse — guitars that whisper more than shout, lyrics that sketch city nights and worn-out hearts. It’s a chronicle of restraint and rhythm, of songs aged well because they were never chasing style. What follows brings that slow-burn rise into clear focus, one clean chord at a time.

DIRE STRAITS - Alchemy Live (Three European Versions) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Alchemy Live (Three European Versions) album front cover vinyl record

"Alchemy: Dire Straits Live" perfectly encapsulates the energy and musical virtuosity of a Dire Straits concert. The album was recorded during their 1983-1984 "Love Over Gold" tour

Alchemy Live 2LP (1984 France) Alchemy Live 2LP (1984 Germany) Alchemy Live 2LP (1984 Holland)
DIRE STRAITS - Brothers in Arms (Two Versions) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Brothers in Arms (Two Versions) album front cover vinyl record

'Brothers in Arms' on 12" Vinyl LP is a sonic masterpiece produced by Mark Knopfler and Neil Dorfsman. This iconic album showcases the band's musical prowess and includes hits like 'Money for Nothing'.

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DIRE STRAITS - Communiqué (Three Versions) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Communiqué (Three Different Versions) album front cover vinyl record

"Communiqué" is listed in three versions: European, German, and a rare Club Edition, each offering a unique experience on 12" vinyl LP.

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DIRE STRAITS - Self-Titled Debut Album (4 Versions) 12" Vinyl LP
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The self-titled debut album of "Dire Straits" is available in four distinct versions, including the rare Portuguese edition, which is notably elusive to find.

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DIRE STRAITS - Lady Writer b/w Where Do You Think You're Going? (1979, Germany) 7" Vinyl Single
DIRE STRAITS - Lady Writer b/w Where Do You Think You're Going? (1979, Germany) album front cover vinyl record

Vertigo 609 230   , 1979 , Germany

"Lady Writer" by Dire Straits is a captivating musical gem. Featuring the hit "Lady Writer" on one side and "Where Do You Think You're Going?" on the other, this release showcases the band's signature sound

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DIRE STRAITS - Live Promo Warner Bros (1979, Germany) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Live Promo Warner Bros (1979, Germany) album front cover vinyl record

Warner Bros WBMS 109  , 1979 , USA

The rare promotional 12" Vinyl LP album, "Dire Straits - Live Promo - Warner Bros Music Show", offers a unique glimpse into the band's live performances.

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DIRE STRAITS - Love Over Gold (Netherlands and West-German Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
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"Love Over Gold" the Dutch and West-German editions each having different coloured record labels , the West-German release mentions "Digital Recording".

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DIRE STRAITS - Making Movies (German , Holland and USA Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Making Movies (German and Holland Release) album front cover vinyl record

The Dutch, German and USA release of "Making Movies" produced by Mark Knopfler and Jimmy Iovine and engineered by The Shelly Yakus, it features custom inner sleeves with lyrics and artwork. Recorded in July-August 1980

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DIRE STRAITS - Money for Nothing (1988, UK) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Money for Nothing (1988, UK) album front cover vinyl record

Vertigo INT 836 419 , 1988 , UK

"Money for Nothing" is a musical treasure with a mix of studio and live tracks. It features the iconic "Sultans of Swing", a live version of "Portobello Belle", and a remix of "Twisting by the Pool".

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Dire Straits – On Every Street

Dire Straits’ final studio album, On Every Street (1991), blends refined rock craftsmanship with introspective songwriting. This Holland pressing stands out for its 40-page world tour booklet and official merchandise leaflet, making it a must-have vinyl for collectors and fans of Mark Knopfler’s signature sound.

DIRE STRAITS - Telegraph Road Promo (1982, France) 12" Vinyl EP
DIRE STRAITS - Telegraph Road (1982, France) album front cover vinyl record

Vertigo 6863 201 , 1982 , France

The French Promo 12" Vinyl Maxi-Single of "Telegraph Road" by Dire Straits is a highly sought-after collector's item. Featuring a rare 14:37 version of the song, it predates the official release of the LP "Love Over Gold".

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DIRE STRAITS - Twisting By the Pool ExtendedancEPlay ( French and Netherlands Releases ) 12" Vinyl LP
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The Netherlands release of the 12" EP "Twisting By the Pool" by Dire Straits features a concise tracklist. The Fren ch Edition also includes the bonus track "Badges, Posters, Stickers, T'Shirts"

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