And THAT is how you give a live performance! No gizmos, no doo-dads, just pure musical ability and joy in what they deliver to an audience. Phenomenal!

This audience had no idea how fortunate that they would be that night. Once in a lifetime concert!

This performance has been touted as the best ever live rock performance. Hard to disagree with this. Why? Because each musician is a consummate musician unto himself. And their ability to blend so well together is phenomenal.

I never get tired of listening to this❤

Perhaps the greatest live performance of any song ever, top 5 for sure!!

@philstilson4899

8 ай бұрын

I have been to hundreds of concerts and watched thousands of live videos and this is my all time favorite. I'm just mad I'm not old enough to have been there live. Such a fun fun fun video. I smiled the whole time. I loved this song before but now it's one of my favorite ever.

@theccpisaparasite8813

5 ай бұрын

You have to be a really top end band on a great night to pull this off. I've only seen three performances that are even remotely comparable, peak Stones and Who and also Bowie on a good night, you know that when they were in the dressing room after the show ... they knew they nailed it.

@BestforAll_12

4 ай бұрын

I can’t see this as just top 5… sorry.. it is the greatest live performance of all time.. please call out any better

@laurentbournique4008

Ай бұрын

I’m 66 and thousands of years listening music but sultans of swing of alchemy is for sure the song I prefer above all … incredible energy fantastic band …. Thanks to dire straits and mark knopfler … music heaven

Knopfler’s finger-picking’ style is so clean - the entire band was so tight at this time in their career.

@jeffstevens4262

8 ай бұрын

I heard Mark is left handed! He's clearly one of the great geniuses of modern music and as far as I know, the band never made a bad record.

@nickabbott6278

7 ай бұрын

song, "twisting"?@@jeffstevens4262

@cyclaunch2251

7 ай бұрын

Yep, he's left handed. My oldest son does everything right handed, except he writes and eats left handed. Plus he can do most things equally as well with either hand.

@Galantus1964

7 ай бұрын

so few ppl can do that, it's absolutely stunningly good

Never gets old. Mark's playing is exquisite. Great reaction, Shawn!

This was the golden age of rock and roll. So much talent, so much heart. I’m sorry that the generations after me haven’t heard so much of this. There will never be songs like this again.

💖MARK 💖 turns his guitar into a vocalist. He is totally amazing. And this live performance .... just exquisite. Everyone just on point. Terry's drums, as ferocious as he plays, never overrides the sound. Notice 2 keyboardists, too. And that one on the right...keeps up the high energy even when he's not playing. Too cool.

As a 60 year old man,watching yourself react to this,reminds me so much of my first time. Watch this again when your my age. It will still give you goosebumps.

@Dragonfly_64795

7 күн бұрын

It gives me goosebumps every time I watch the live version, I’ll be 60 this year 😊

The best live performance of all time in my opinion

"Tears of joy.." Exactly my reaction as well. And aren't we all so thankful that this was preserved for us for all time on film?

This is the version to show. Not the chopped version most show. Bravo

Terry Williams' (Drummer) father was in the audience - he had never seen his son play. That's why Terry Williams was on fire that night!!!!

I'm 60 and this is by far the best live performance ever recorded [IMO]. Love how you reacted and appreciate the musicianship of the artist. Reminds me of my 16yr old self hearing this for the 1st time on my car radio. It blew me away. Everything on the Alchemy album is great, try "Tunnel of Love" next. Another song with epic solo.

Knopfler is no question one of the top 5 guitarists of all time, but he gets almost no recognition. Actually got to meet him in the late 80's, and he gave me a signed copy of the soundtrack to "The Princess Bride" which he did all the music for.

@johnferrett1943

8 ай бұрын

Theres a great you tube video of Mark Knopfler and Brian Brian Johnson where Mark Knopfler talks about how this song came about.

@jmalb42

3 ай бұрын

Today I learned...

@Justin-td4bb

2 күн бұрын

He's one of the most famous and recognised guitarists ever. Literally ever. In what world do you live in where he doesn't get enough recognition?

For me it's all about the drums and the drummer, and yes Mark is awesome on the guitar. :) But the drummer killed, that energy! Hold s$it

That drummer is definitely tearing it up!!

@user-sm2ql7nq4l

8 ай бұрын

Terry Wilamas is one of the most underrated drummers.

@barrymedwin7197

7 ай бұрын

Welshman Terry Williams is the drummer, the rest of the band are from Newcastle.

SO GLAD you saw this!! Other reactors react to this song, but they don’t react to this ALCHEMY live performance. They do the studio version instead, and you can’t compare the two. This is one of the best live performances you will ever see.

@kardy12

7 ай бұрын

I’ve seen lots of reactors react to this specific version of the song.

One of the best guitar solos ever by one the best guitar players ever.

Terry the drummer is what makes this one of my top five live band performances ever. He is on 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

I'm glad you enjoyed Terry Williams on the drums

Not only great musicianship… But the camera work is right on point… A lot of these videos don’t show the musicians when they’re doing their runs or solos… This was perfect! 👍

We were so blessed to have BANDS back then.

One of the best live performances ever recorded.

One of the hands down greatest live performances ever! So glad you got to see it.

You never stopped smiling😁From Sec. 1 To the end............That is the feeling you want when you hear something great!

There is absolutely nothing to compare to that style of guitar playing...your emotion nailed it, ...tears of joy knowing you just watched history Well done

Its hard to believe this is 40 years ago. It was filmed in 1983 at Hammersmith Odeon, London. I was just 18 and this was the 2nd concert I went to (The first was The Stones at Wembley) I was there! Its still there as one of the best, Mark is underrated as a live performer. For me, Terry Williams on the drums was the star, he played like that for two hours! We are all lucky that it was well recorded and brings back the time when I had long hair! When you are there, you think its normal, it wasn't it was awesome, I know now it was a privilege Thanks for reacting to this, you need to see the Alchemy version of Telegraph Road, its the encore!

One thing to point out is how although many regular people don't know how amazing he is, musicians do. He's produced and written songs for Bob Dylan, Tina Turner, Randy Travis, Shania Twain and many others. He's also been asked to play guitar on albums for Bob Dylan, Sting, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan and so many more. It speaks measures that those amazing musicians respect and recognize his amazing talent.

Mark's collaboration with Emmy Lou Harris on an album and concert tour is excellent and worthy of a listen as well. Sultans of Swing is such a good song, love it.❤❤❤❤

Sultans of Swing is about a tired old traditional jazz band that used to play at weekends at the Marquis of Granby pub in South London, New Cross just down from me. The pub is still there and Dire Straits formed in New Cross because Mark Knopflers brother was at Goldsmiths University and invited him down to London. Their first gig was at the Deptford Green Free Festival and there is a picture of that gig in the library New Cross Learning next to New Cross Gate station. A DJ called Charlie Gillett on Radio London made the first recording of Sultans of Swing and played it on his show, when Dire Straits didnt have a recording contract. I used to go to pubs to watch bands for free in the seventies and the word was that Dire Straits were easily the best live band playing in pubs (I saw The `Stranglers for free before they had a recording contract). However as soon as Sultans of Swing was played on the radio Dire Straits were signed up and went mega real quick...

His storytelling shrines on his song Sailing to Philadelphia. Mark solo stuff is a must. Peace ✌️

@mskytube

4 ай бұрын

I love that album.....every single song!

I was also amazed as a young 14 year old boy the best 👌 version ever.

I always get an adrenaline and dopamine rush whenever I watch this performance 😊 And it's a double pleasure to watch a new generation experiencing this for the first time 😉

When this came out on the radio in the late 70’s, we all thought it was Dylan (with a new “guitar god” player)! Chet Atkins is “the GOAT” His “certified guitar player” badge has only been given by him, to 5 guitarists - in all of modern music history! And ONLY Chet could award that honour! Peace (as Mark said - if you want to learn to play, you have to REALLY want it!)

@Theimbennn

8 ай бұрын

Mark played on Dylan’s 1979 album “slow train coming” and would later play on and co produce Dylan’s 1983 album “infidels” they also toured together in 2012

Your admiration for Mark being one of the--often unsung--but absolute all-time greats did my heart good! And after seeing your unbridled physical reactions and tears of joy, I teared up too, lol. It's such a privilege to share great music, and to watch someone wholeheartedly experience it for the first time. Many thanks.

I saw them on this tour, as a 19- year old kid and we came out drenched in sweat from the energy. The definition of In The Pocket. 🫡❤️

Mark and Chet Atkins did an album together years ago. Name is " Neck and Neck". They do mostly older standards but their guitar picking is second to none. It was a dream of Mark's to play with Chet and he did before Atkins passed away. Great reaction!

Mark’s guitar is not an instrument. His guitar is actually a band member.

As you said, Mark is an amazing guitarist. If you have ever seen "The Princess Bride", he wrote all of the music for the soundtrack, with the exception of one song, 'Storybook Love' which he arranged. This was his fourth soundtrack!

This was a demo track which they pushed to any channel possible. They weren’t even signed to a label. When it hit the airwaves it went ballistic. They were soon snapped up and the rest is history as they say.

You just made my day reacting to this! It is a gray wet cold day here so I am a couch potato today. UNTIL this came on! Danced to my fridge, grabbed a beer and danced while watching you enjoy this classic! NOW please watch 🎶🎸"Telegraph Road" 🎸🎶same venue just later in the show. Love this band so much, thank you!

@CliveAdlam-yn8uz

8 ай бұрын

You must live how I do, bravo .

@bonniedevos7344

2 ай бұрын

Me too.😅

also great to see someone's reaction for the first time. That feeling after hearing a thousand times, never really wanes. masterpiece

Drummer Terry Williams ALMOST upstaged MK. Best version of this song The Alchemy version of " Tunnel Of Love " is also superb

@intothesunset3

8 ай бұрын

He has reacted to that one :)

@alchemy-oi8xf

8 ай бұрын

As I understand it, Michael, Terry's family was in the audience the night of that performance, so he put a little extra "sauce" on it. What a truly marvelous performance!

@michaelbaucom4019

8 ай бұрын

@@alchemy-oi8xf indeed, that would explain why

@alchemy-oi8xf

8 ай бұрын

@@michaelbaucom4019 Can't sneak nothin' past you, lol. :)

Best Reaction to this video. Saw Brother's In Arms tour, October 4th 1985, Providence RI, Great Show! Do Telegraph Road from the same show. That would be cool. Nevermind, I see you already reacted to it...

A masterpiece of a performance, indeed! The band is so in sync, everyone's on fire, they have fun on stage and they transfer it to the audience. Guitar solos are so tasteful, drums are crazy...no wonder you had that reaction :)!

Hi Shawn, I really enjoy your reactions to my favourite musician MK. Here’s a little info you might like to know, Mark saw ‘The ‘Sultans of Swing’ performing ‘jazz’ to an empty house in a London pub, & this encounter inspired him to write a song about them, hence the birth of Dire Straits’ iconic ‘Sultans of Swing’. He wrote all the songs & lyrics for Dire Straits 6 albums, which sold 100 - 120 million records. Dire Straits first disbanded in 1988, but reunited in 1990 at which time Mark made album with another band “The Notting Hillbillies’, then in 1995 Mark focused again on his ‘Solo’ career. He did all the songwriting for his new, equally experienced, & accomplished Nashville band mates (which included his longtime Dire Straits band member Guy Fletcher), & together they made a further 9 albums over a 26 year period. In between times, he wrote the music for 9 movie soundtracks, made collaborative albums with Emmy Lou Harris & Chet Atkins, & produced for and played with numerous other significant musicians, e.g. Bob Dylan, Phil Lynette (Thin Lizzie), Eric Clapton, Tina Turner et al. He has a list of awards and accomplishments as long as your arm, including Grammys. Those fans who think he’s underrated are more concerned about ‘fame’, which Mark despises, but by following his own path, he’s been incredibly successful and is loved by millions of die hard fans worldwide, for being a truly humble man, magical musician, record producer, prolific poetic songwriter, & genius guitarist with a gorgeous singing voice. You won’t be disappointed if check out his solo output. I❤MK

I put off ever listening to this concert for 39 years because I always preferred the studio version. But man what a waste of years, I could've been enjoying this concert for nearly 40 years. This song and also Telegraph road both bring me to tears of joy and real appreciation for the absolute magic of their music.

Remember, also that Mark does not use a pick on this he is plucking and fingerpicking the strings to get that softer sound when he riffs. He is a real master of the jazz ock genre.

@vickihirsch8340

7 ай бұрын

He also plays a right handed guitar but he's left handed

Every time I see and listen to this video, my reaction is WOW! Mark is fantastic, and the band is so tight, anchored by Terry's lightning drumming, that they take off into the stratosphere.

We are in 80' bro. No base... no click... no sequences... all play live. Amazing.

Exceptional band. Ex Man drummer Terry Williams holds it all together! Man are an unsung band you need to check out!

Amazing! The drummer reminds me of Keith Moon. Mark Knoepler reminds me of Bob Dylan. This has to be one of the top 2 live performances in rock!

This song is actually based on a real life experience. Mark and his brother were in their hometown and were having a few beers at a local pub. There was a band playing at the pub and if I remember correctly Mark turned to his brother David and said something along the lines of "These guys arent really that good, I think we could do better" , and shortly after that the band was formed. This song is basically about that night. In my opinion, this performance of "Sultans of Swing" Alchemy live is one of the best live performances ever done. the entire album is unbelievable

@barrymedwin7197

7 ай бұрын

They were actually in SE London in the Marquis of Granbry pub New Cross, where his brother was studying. The rest is history. ❤

Great reaction to one of the finest musical performances ever.

That was probably one of the BEST live performances EVER

I subscribe to several reaction channels and yours is my very favorite. You just get it. To me this performance plays like a symphony with its changes in tempo and feeling. A symphony that won’t let you stay still in your seat. I don’t know what Knopfler intended but I always thought that is was a tribute to a band who played not for fame or money but for the love of making music.

It was a great concert, disco was on the rise at the time of its release and all of rockers were waiting for Knopler to hold it back.

@ShawnSalvadori

8 ай бұрын

This performance is mind blowing! Mark makes all his improve look so effortless. Total control and mastery of his guitar

great great reaction. when Chet Atkins say you can play, you can play. alot of reactors don't even know who Mr. Atkins was. this song was cut for radio play but the live version is considered one of the best live songs ever recorded. Knopfler didn't even use a pick just his fingers and was left handed, not right. easy to see why this band is in the rock and roll hall of fame. great reaction thanks.

Kin hell!!! No other words . Takes me back to the ‘80s. Mesmerising 😮

Knopfler is one of a handful of guitarists who are recognizable after only a few notes. I think you would enjoy Chet Atkins, he was a great in country and he did a lot of studio work too.

If you love this sound and this style, you really need to hear Telegraph Road from this same live concert album. Unreal guitar, unreal drumming, unreal keys, and very thought-provoking lyrics across a wide range of moods. That track is why this track isn't my favorite live performance of all time. 🙂

@devilsadvocate2548

7 ай бұрын

He has heard the Alchemy version. He reacted to it a couple of months before this!

Alchemy Live is premiering on Dire Straits KZread Channel right now.

Terry Williams,the drummer,his dad was there for this show , first time he ever seen him drum

I watch every reaction to this that come up on my feed just to ensure the reactor is properly impressed by the entire performance. Must’ve watched 35-40 at this point and still hadn’t got old.

Mark Knopfler is simply the GOAT

Never seen a smile bigger than mine when i hear this song... until today lol.

This and Brothers In Arms Live Dire Straits On The Night 1993 are incredible. You will need tissues for this one I guarantee. Cheers love your channel. 👍👍🎸🎸

Only time I saw them live was on the Brothers In Arms tour: unbelievably good! The whole Alchemy video is the best rock concert film that I’ve ever seen!

Just amazing master musicians displaying what synergy happens when talented artists perform as one!

I watched that particular set probably 100 times or more and it still makes me weep like a baby. Like with pretty much every song by DS. And yes, it is one of the best performances ever.

I was just turn my 10th when I went to see them at Grenoble in France during this "Love Over Gold Tour", it was my birthday's gift. The one I'll never forget... ❤

That was one of the greatest performances ever from anyone, the whole band was on top form, but Terry on the drums was on fire, and what can you say about Mark Knopfler, his playing here is astounding, he is so good, fir me to be a great guitar player, you also need to be able to write and Mark can do that too, and better than most, he also has a unique picking style, so, add all that up, fir me you have the greatest ever. Chet Atkins was Mark's guitar hero and he waz lucky enough to play often with him, they even made a duet album called Neck and Neck.

The best ever live performance of all times. I just love this video and I can never get enough of this song. It never gets old, and for me it's 10 minutes of goosebumps every time I hear it. Words get poor trying to describe this performance, it's beyond this world for sure.😍😍

Where has all the talent gone?! 😢 Obsessed with them I was….glad you enjoyed it ❤

As a huge Dire Straits fan it's always nice to see someone react with so much enthousiasm on their music :-) ! I get a smile from your smile while listening to this superb music. Mark Knopfler is in my opinion the most distinctive and most recognizable guitarplayer in the world. There are two songs actually missing in your reactions, if I may say...: "Brothers in Arms" and "You and your friend" both from the On the Night tour live. Both songs are musically from outer space. Mark's vocals, his beautiful Pensa guitar sound and the steelguitar playing by Paul Franklin are a mix made in heaven. Please enjoy that! Greeting from the Netherlands🙂

beautiful reaction, I see that you really fell in love with mark..I was 17 years old, I was already in love with Dire Straits when I saw this tour in 1983 in Rome, they opened with Once Uppon a Time in the West...the studio version lasted 5 minutes, and they transformed it into an opera, and I was amazed forever, the sound of that guitar was incredible, I was 15 meters from the stage and it was my first live and I left shocked

The studio version of this is one of the best songs for cruising. It's nice that you enjoyed it so much.🤗 What I love about this clip is how much fun they're having. Making a living like that wouldn't suck. I want to shout out to the production people. The videography of this is incredible too. LIVE concert.

A Masterpiece - no matter how many times I see this video...and No Pick!!! Clapton once saw him and it's reported he said "I quit!"

Yep, that really did happen! I was fortunate to see them in concert a couple of times, amazing!

Thanks for such a great reaction to one of my all time favorite videos!

I’ve been a fan since the beginning. But when these guys play live it’s an incredible experience. Well, I’m not just a fan. This is my favorite band and Mark Knopfler is my favorite is musician. I have literally listened to the entire alchemy album, hundreds and hundreds of times; and believe me, it never gets old. I’ll probably listen to it again after I finish this text. Incredible.

I could barely stay in my seat!

@alchemy-oi8xf

8 ай бұрын

SO true! :)

Totally enjoyed watching you react to this! You have true appreciation for talent!!! 😀. I keep hoping that you will react to Procol Harum “Whiter Shade of Pale” First studio version… then same song “Live from Denmark 2006. Both will blow you away!

One of the best live performances ever. So much more than the studio version.

Saw Dire straits in 86, Mighnight oil 86, 22, Roger Waters "the Wall " 2011. There is no substitute for quality. The world was different, no video, only music. Check out early count down abc tv australia 1970's. Just heard Screaming Jets coming through my headphones. Reminds me of Rat Cat and 1927.

Magical Knopfler...Nobody plays guitar like Mark! You still need to review 'Brothers in Arms', Live on the Night in 1993? Once heard it stays deep in the soul!

There really are no words it's just incredible

U are in for a treat. Pure rock and roll

That may be my favourite reaction you've done.

Thanks for sharing , such a great version of the song, one of my favorite guitar players of all time, such a tight, clean and precise playing style! Another great player that followed the Chet Atkins channel is Tommy Emanuel, check him out if you get the chance. Ps keep up the cool content

Look how much fun they are having!

Telegraph Road is my favorite by the band, and the live version from Alchemy is terrific! Really shows off the keys.

@devilsadvocate2548

7 ай бұрын

As he mentioned is his reaction to the song several months ago! Alan Clark was brilliant.

on the solo before the break he plays what appears to be tributes to both Chet Atkins and Chuck Berry

Best concert ever.😊

have you checked out Steve morse and the Dixie Dregs? Steve received fans favorite guitarist in guitar players magazine 5 years in a row, the magazine took him out of the running so someone else could win. He has been touring with Deep Purple as their lead for years, super humble guy. Loved your reaction to Calling Elvis from the album "On Every Street" one of my all time favas from Dire Strights 1993.

This performance is .... ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

You really need to see Dire Straits Brothers in Arms Live On the Night.

You need to listen to Telegraph Road they performed at this same concert(Alchemy Live)!! Just as epic IMO

@devilsadvocate2548

7 ай бұрын

He already has a couple of months before this reaction!