"DIRE STRAITS" Band Description:
Dire Straits a British rock band that formed in London in 1977. The band was founded by guitarist and vocalist Mark Knopfler, his brother David Knopfler on rhythm guitar, John Illsley on bass, and Pick Withers on drums. Over the course of their career, Dire Straits became one of the most successful and influential bands of the 1980s.
Dire Straits' music was known for its distinctive sound, which blended rock, pop, and blues. Mark Knopfler's guitar playing was a key part of this sound, as he often used a fingerpicking technique that gave his playing a unique tone. The band's lyrics were also notable for their vivid storytelling and evocative imagery.
Dire Straits' self-titled debut album was released in 1978 and featured the hit single "Sultans of Swing." The song was a critical and commercial success, reaching the top ten in both the UK and the US. The album itself was also well-received and established the band as a rising star in the music industry.
Over the next few years, Dire Straits continued to release successful albums and singles. Their 1980 album "Making Movies" included the hit songs "Romeo and Juliet" and "Tunnel of Love," while their 1982 album "Love Over Gold" included the epic track "Telegraph Road." The band's 1985 album "Brothers in Arms" was perhaps their biggest commercial success, featuring hit singles like "Money for Nothing" and "Walk of Life." The album's title track also became an anthem of sorts, with its memorable guitar riff and lyrics about the futility of war.
Despite their success, Dire Straits was known for their relatively low-key approach to stardom. The band rarely appeared in music videos or gave interviews, and Mark Knopfler often shunned the limelight. Instead, the band focused on their music, crafting thoughtful and well-crafted songs that appealed to a wide range of listeners.
After the release of "On Every Street" in 1991, Dire Straits went on hiatus. Mark Knopfler continued to release solo albums, but the band never officially reunited. However, their legacy has endured, with many of their songs remaining popular and influential to this day.
DIRE STRAITS - Alchemy Live (Three European Versions) 12" Vinyl LP
"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
'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'.
Brothers in Arms (1985, Holland) Brothers in Arms (1985, West-Germany)DIRE STRAITS - Communiqué (Three Versions) 12" Vinyl LP
"Communiqué" is listed in three versions: European, German, and a rare Club Edition, each offering a unique experience on 12" vinyl LP.
Communiqué European Release Communiqué (1979, Germany) Communique Club Edition (1979, Germany)DIRE STRAITS - Self-Titled Debut Album (4 Versions) 12" Vinyl LP
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.
DIRE STRAITS - Self-Titled (1978, England) DIRE STRAITS - Self-Titled Black Vertigo (1978, France) DIRE STRAITS - Self-Titled (1978, France) DIRE STRAITS - Self-Titled (1978, Portugal)DIRE STRAITS - Lady Writer b/w Where Do You Think You're Going? (1979, Germany) 7" Vinyl Single
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
Learn moreDIRE STRAITS - Live Promo Warner Bros (1979, Germany) 12" Vinyl LP
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.
Learn moreDIRE STRAITS - Love Over Gold (Netherlands and West-German Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
"Love Over Gold" the Dutch and West-German editions each having different coloured record labels , the West-German release mentions "Digital Recording".
Love Over Gold OIS (Netherlands) Love Over Gold (West-Germany)DIRE STRAITS - Making Movies (German , Holland and USA Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
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
German Edition of Making Movies Dutch Edition of Making Movies Making Movies Genuine USA EditionDIRE STRAITS - Money for Nothing (1988, UK) 12" Vinyl LP
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".
Learn moreDIRE STRAITS - On Every Street (1981, Holland) 12" Vinyl LP
Vertigo 510 160 , 1991 , Holland
"On Every Street" by Dire Straits is a rare find enriched with exclusive content. This edition includes an official merchandise leaflet and a 40-page booklet featuring color photos and details of the 1992 world tour.
Learn moreDIRE STRAITS - Telegraph Road Promo (1982, France) 12" Vinyl EP
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".
Learn moreDIRE 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"
Twisting By the Pool / ExtendedancEPlay (1983, France) Twisting By the Pool / ExtendedancEPlay ( 1983 Holland )