That was Studio A BBC Manchester and i was operating camera 1 (lleft side - 1st shot of video) and remember it like yesterday.. one of those majic moments when all the camera, sound lighting crew (the "old greys") were blown away by a band they had not seen before.. Dire Straits 1st time on TV, gone 11pm BBC. The late Mike Appleton, producer, was the king of discovering new talent.

@KatsCats2619

4 ай бұрын

Wow amazing 😊

@FenderGreg

4 ай бұрын

That's awesome.

@frankjoy2455

3 ай бұрын

Good memories those of yours

@fatlarry1184

3 ай бұрын

What year?

@andrewdrummond1244

3 ай бұрын

He looks like he is pushing thirty here. Why was such an incredible guitar player unheard of?

At 81 years old, I still never tire of watching Mark and his group perform this song. I remember as a young woman hearing it on the radio when it was a hit here in America. Loved it then...still do.

@padmanathan5653

Жыл бұрын

That's why it is an all time classic!.

@marklutz8499

Жыл бұрын

I'm 61. When I was 14, I shot darts professionally in the Wall Street bars of NYC. I was the shark. Metro Dart League. When Sultans of Swing played on the jukebox, I was UNSTOPPABLE. Crazy memories!! Days long gone by.

@kennethpack1963

Жыл бұрын

Hell I'm 82, and can't get enough ..... Chet Atkins said he loved playing with Mark, he said I learn something new every time we play with him...

@johnjeffery6638

Жыл бұрын

@@kennethpack1963 Its cause knopfler aint no slouch-

@KoganYYaa

Жыл бұрын

Respect ✊

Nothing is better than when a band is in "the groove", in sync with each other. This performance is all time!

@bruce5799

9 ай бұрын

The Jam were good like this too

@arielvela4438

7 ай бұрын

for sure. amazing

@whiteyfisk9769

2 ай бұрын

This is the studio recording audio though....

@ronfowlermusic

2 ай бұрын

@@whiteyfisk9769 are you sure? It sounds different to me. Regardless, the original Dire Straits was perfection. A super tight rhythm section, and Mark free to improvise lead lines while singing.

@whiteyfisk9769

2 ай бұрын

@@ronfowlermusic no, i was definitely mistaken. After listening to all of it, it is a different mix than the studio version but nonetheless impressive

I can’t get enough of Dire Straits. Enjoy them more now than when they first came out.

Mark Knopfler is a legend rockstar. No pick, no heavy distortion, no fireworks. His sound is all.

@dudenamedchris3325

Жыл бұрын

I'm glad there are people out there hating picks and distortion of all things

@Its_ree_93_

Жыл бұрын

Facts

@stacybuchkowsky6376

Жыл бұрын

Skills

@Hilux244

Жыл бұрын

In a league entirely of his own

@rileyengler7439

Жыл бұрын

so true

The beauty of stripped down sound, no autotune, no postproduction, just hard work and repetition. Been there, done that. No contest.

He is, without doubt, one of the best guitarists in the world...

@jamesdakis826

Жыл бұрын

Sad that you never hear his name mentioned when they list "The greatest of all time".

@mcraft2240

Жыл бұрын

Very sad. There are days I can’t get out of bed thinking about it.

@user-ie8dg5hy4t

Жыл бұрын

His NO1 guitar is Pensasuhr！😂

@anacletodalivasr.2230

Жыл бұрын

Strongly agree!

@rob-c.

10 ай бұрын

@@jamesdakis826​everyone’s ‘Top 10 Guitarists’ should be a Top 11 if they forgot Mark first time around.

Who still listening the song will be a blessing man...!!!

Mark deserved more recognition for his work. His guitar work is exceptional. His singing voice is very very good. I never tire of listening to Dire Straits

@captainianr

21 күн бұрын

More? What?

Mark did it for the love of his work and it shows that the music came first and that's why he's a legend

This TV show, Old Grey Whistle Test, on BBC needs to be brought back to TV. It's about music!

@rogerharwood861

Ай бұрын

You're right mate. Sadly there ain't no real music makers out there no more.

The bass player and the Drummer are so important in this song. Guitar George, who knows all the chords is just as important. Lest we forget. Pure class

Amazing! Almost 45 years later and I'm still dumbfounded.

45 years later and it still sounds great to me ...

@user-gu8wo6mf8u

23 күн бұрын

Это ВСЕГДА будет великолепно ))

@sanjoymitra1772

20 күн бұрын

Me too. Earnestly!

What a show, what a band....there is nothing more authentic

Where have all the years gone? Can’t remember what year, late 70’s and I was thinking who is this! This guy can play like anything! 😎

It gives me so much life seeing these four young men playing so energetically, so happily, everyone in the studio is amused by the music of these guys. Knopfler is truly a storyteller. He introduces you in his own world, his own novel, marked with that essence of nostalgia and memories that he treasures and he shares with you... While he leads you all around the story with his incredible skill for the guitar that is literally an explosion of feelings. Mindblowing. I'm so glad I'm alive to enjoy this everyday.

@wordreet

Жыл бұрын

I hear you my man, but let's not forget that Mark was born in 1949, so that "young man" may actually be older than you. 😉👍

@luizridrigues12

Жыл бұрын

🎉😂

@carlosparodi5526

Жыл бұрын

Hermoso comentario ❤

@user-un6qv1fv4r

10 ай бұрын

​

Mark Knopfler and Chris Rea, two wayyyyyy underrated guitar players

This song never ever gets old. One of the all time masters. Sweet and melodic

@patthewoodboy

Жыл бұрын

agree and I rejected it at the time as I was a Punk Rocker

Imagine going on TV in the late 70s when people were either obsessed with punk or intrigued with new wave and playing this straight up rock song. Arguably the greatest ever song of all time as it turns out.

This song is a piece of music history, great version. 🤘🎸🤘

@johnjeffery6638

Жыл бұрын

Its some how Tighter than in the studio!

@phenixreturns

Жыл бұрын

the best was in 83 +92

I remember Mark being interviewed when this album came out and he tried to deflect the critics' adoration by saying "What I do is one thing up from strumming". Yeah, right. No distortion, no effects pedals, no plectrum. Just fingers, thumb and talent.

And that's how it's played. There you have 44 years and the song is as strong as then. Thank you.

As a guitar player myself, I always try to explain to people how impressive this is that Mark finger picks a strat, but they don't get it. Underrated guitar player

@rodmanschroeder9217

Жыл бұрын

The dude is badass 4:44

@kozerogmoskva112

Жыл бұрын

Почему недооценённый? Марк Нопфлер входит в число 100 лучших гитаристов мира.

@eduardoandradecosta8897

11 ай бұрын

Ele é o Pelé da guitarra

@mickeymisa9350

10 ай бұрын

Because he makes it look easy, I noticed he wasn't using a plectrum. One of my favourite songs ever.

@TriteNight1218

8 ай бұрын

I didn’t realize how difficult it was until I sat down and tried to learn some Knopfler stuff. He’s got an incredible touch.

A masterpiece in the rock history. What an awesome and brilliant live!!! Thank you!!!

@Dragonblaster1

Жыл бұрын

And the Pulse version is even better!

This is probably my favorite rendition of Sultans. The alchemy live one is great, but this one has that raw crunchy edge that is just special.

@fortunato1957

5 ай бұрын

They are the "Sultans" ...

@mircotorreggiani

Ай бұрын

i think alchemy is better cause its a real simphony, the drummer was fire in that live and the solo of mark was literally the best execution ever in a live

I never tire of watching Mark and his awesome group perform this song. I am 81 years old and have a long history of enjoying music from many performers. One thing that sets Mark in front of many others, is you can see that he does not need to be “high” when he is on stage. He is a breath of fresh air and a fine example of true professional demeanor.

@anacletodalivasr.2230

Жыл бұрын

Agree

@user-ue6tp7rm6q

9 ай бұрын

Согласна совсем и Марк супер !

It's amazing how so many rock'n'roll blockbusters you know and love for ages have actually been composed by people in their 20s... Mark is so charismatic.

Why is this the highest quality video of this song between 1978 and the new millennium? Really a wonderful capture.

What a poet, story teller and guitar player.

The best guitarist ever in my opinion

@ceciliamazza5857

2 ай бұрын

I couldn’t agree more, he is amazing!

@ECCENTRICERIC69

2 ай бұрын

@@flightforensics4523 Wow, what an insightful comment!

I remember that night well on the OGWT; for me, it was (& still remains) the best rendition Knopfler ever put out for that iconic track. 'Whistle Test was a real musicians programme - no fannying around with 'celebrities' throwing their toys out of the pram - Bob Harris in presenting - brilliant days !

Mark Knopfler is one of the most underrated guitar players in history. He is a phenomenal talent...

@Blackadder75

8 ай бұрын

how is he underrated? everybody I know rates him among the all time greatest

@joeflanagan1603

8 ай бұрын

@@Blackadder75 Everyone you know has great taste in guitarists. My comment meant he is not mentioned a lot. He is one of my favorites.

@truejohnsolo

7 ай бұрын

​@@joeflanagan1603yeah he's definitely underrated by the general public. I think by people who are guitar geeks and fans of rock and roll, he has more recognition as he should. He's definitely one of the greats.

@YAUUN

7 ай бұрын

If by underrated you mean the general public tend to think Clapton is the best rock guitarist, rather than Knopfler, Frampton or a couple other geniuses, then that's true.

@buckhorncortez

5 ай бұрын

@@YAUUN Yeah...then Chet Atkins is underrated John McLaughlin are underrated...etc. Going by what your perceptions of the "general public" think is fruitless. The "general public" regularly puts complete idiots into public office as only one example...

Never tired of listening this beautiful masterpiece

The drummer tears it up on this.

Thank you for this great song, KZread!!!! 👍👍❤❤❤❤

Was it more than 44 years ago that I watched this on BBC2? In the middle of Punk, the vitality, clean sound, and virtuosity of Knopfler, hit home immediately and I was hooked. Shortly afterwards I dragged a somewhat reluctant girlfriend to see them perform at a small hall at Queens University, Belfast, before less than 300 people. Since then I have been to many Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler concerts and that music has been the soundtrack of my life. But nothing will surpass the wow factor of that short TV appearance.

WOW! First time I've seen this. Been a Fan since 1976. Good job guys.

@janetdavies9612

Жыл бұрын

Same here! 😉🥰💖 Never seen them perform live either even though I’ve always loved this song, The Brothers in Arms Album & all their music … 🎼🎶🎤🎸🥁🥰💖🌻🌈

This version has so much energy, on every player's part. Illsley looks collected and focused as always. Pick is in his own world on those drums. And Mark and David jamming in sync on their guitars, like the brothers they are. Few things in the world are more beautiful than when musicians come together and share their songs with the world. And these four were some of the greatest.

@isabeldieguez5214

Жыл бұрын

Son lo más inspirador,!!!!

@unknown_norie

Жыл бұрын

That's a brilliant comment.

@Lu-ql

Жыл бұрын

I've always thought Pick Withers was incredibly underrated for how much he contributed to the band's sound. If you compare this performance or the Rockpalast 1979 for instance, with any performance from the late 80s when he and David weren't in the band anymore, you can clearly see the band lost something. I still think they were good after he left, but they were just a great rock band and lost a lot of the swing and groove that Pick added their songs. Sultans of Swing is the most obvious song that changed completely and became a fast rock n roll song, which ironically lost its swing.

@mikaylachapman9036

Жыл бұрын

@@Lu-ql You took the words right out of my mouth. A lot of Dire Straits post-Love Over Gold music just didn't have the same feel as far as groove goes. It really changed the whole sound. The only song Dire Straits made after 1982, in my opinion, where the drums even compared to the early stuff is "On Every Street." But, I guess it's hard to go wrong when you have the legendary Jeff Porcaro behind the kit.

@jacekzrodo7517

Жыл бұрын

@@Lu-ql Complete nonsense with this underestimation! Anyone with a little "musical hearing" knows that Pick is phenomenal!

Centuries from now people shall enjoy, study, perform this music, wishing they had lived in this time. Mark Knopfler shall become a "classic", and I am so glad I lived in his time - and attended a concert of his.

@elipsis620304

Жыл бұрын

(Oh, and I even got his autograph ;) )

These were great times for music and music lovers and Mark came up and gave his all...

Mark knopler is the best guitarist ! My uncle is a huge fan and he had been several times to dire straits concerts in France! It’s just awesome to looking Mark playing it’s unbelievably beautiful 👍🌹

Man, Mark and the guys came out of gate roaring for years, just one golden nugget after another, though i never could stand Money for Nothing and still dont like it. This is a great little glimpse into how good they already were live and not just a studio band with all the overdubs and studio gimmicks. These dudes could really play and sounded better live than on record.

It's another beautiful song from the legend.

One of the top 5 leads ever written and played! Only Mark knopfler has this rhythm!

And that is why the master can still fill stadiums the world over! A very humble man with a massive talent.

Mark, in my opinion is one of the most underrated guitarists and vocalist. His unique singing voice and extremely active style of guitar playing puts him on the pedestal of one of the greatest, most gifted musicians ever! I can, sort of, sing. I can, sort of play the guitar. Neither one independently is anywhere close to his caliber. When I try to combine the two together? Every dog ( including my wife JK) starts howling… not in a good way either!😂😂😂 I started listening to dire straits in the 7th grade… they’ve always been one of my favorites. Mark Knopfler will always hold one of the highest spots on the top as far as I’m concerned! Mark if you’re reading this… keep rocking forever brother! Thanks for all the wonderful music that you’ve given us the privilege to listen to!

@WhizzingFish12

4 ай бұрын

He's an interesting singer - not great but it fits his music. Now as a guitarist... One of the most talented of all time - totally unique style - fast, fluid, and effortlessly slinky. He's up at the top of favorite guitarist for many great guitarists. I got to see him with Clapton in 1988. Freakin AWESOME how well they played together.

@nick39

4 ай бұрын

@@WhizzingFish12 I definitely agree! BTW thats cool that you saw them play together! Must have been a great experience!

@WhizzingFish12

4 ай бұрын

It was. Only time I was able to see Knopfler perform, sadly. And Phil Collins played drums. :-)

@nick39

4 ай бұрын

@@WhizzingFish12another legend!

Memorable, timeless, historic.

My favorite band EVER EVER and I’m old as dirt!! 😁❤️

@giuseppezingariello4408

Жыл бұрын

, 🕜🍒👌♦️♥️♣️♠️🕡🕡🕡

@mikaylachapman9036

Жыл бұрын

16 and absolutely love them. Watching these old concerts, I like to close my eyes and pretend I lived through the 70s. Must've been amazing

@FactualKoala69

Жыл бұрын

@@mikaylachapman9036 Same

BRILLIANT riffs and licks throughout this entire piece---on of the best ever! It is HYPNOTIQUE---I love it! I'm 71 and I can't get enough of it! It's a classic in my book!

This will never get old.

It's so incredible hearing the evolution of Sultans from this beauty to the masterpiece from Alchemy Live.

Immortal music

Old time people are really talented by God gift❤. Not like today generation music 🧐

Mark dosen't just play that Strat, he makes it talk ! Genius 🎸

@bh8365

Жыл бұрын

Yes. He makes it cry and sing. Wonder if he still has that red Strat?

@rbk7876

Жыл бұрын

@@bh8365 🎸😥🎤🎵🎵

Knopfler leaves me speechless! Sheer brilliance. This tune was stuck in my mind for almost a year after it was released. I knew then that Dire Straits would become GIANTS!

Love this recording

And this was 1978! In the midst of the disco craze. What an amazing song and Knopfler is amazing as well.

@TexterinSanja

Жыл бұрын

Yes! And his red Fender is legendary! 🎸He is my hero on the guitar. ☺

I love the sound of this live!!!🎸🎸🎸

Simply superb..I was lucky enough to be studying in the UK around the period..the sound of the Sultans of Swing on the radio daily accompanying me on my way to College

Love the song and dire straits is honestly somewhat calming grew up with this music. Never gets old only better

I remember well when this song was released in 1978. I saw this performance as I always watched Whistle Test. Then the song exploded on the radio within days. It's impossible to underestimate the impact it had on the music scene in the UK even though at that time the two "cool" genres were punk and reggae. Then the album came out and those of us who had half decent stereos were gobsmacked by the impeccable playing and production as well as the songs. Every hi-fi shop in the country was playing it 24/7 to show off their gear. Just goes to show, don't matter what you look like or were you're from, or even what kind of music you play, if you can write a song like that and play it as well as that the whole world will stop what they're doing for five minutes and listen to you.

Спасибо, Марк за кристальной чистоты рок-н-ролл!

@marksovreleei7290

21 күн бұрын

❤

Now....this is music....

Only one magic band

Played with the finger picking technique, simply brilliant.

This live is magnificent... Chapeau, Mark🎸🎸🎸

@marisameloni9021

9 ай бұрын

❤❤❤❤stupendaanche questaversiome❤❤❤❤

@marisameloni9021

9 ай бұрын

❤❤❤❤❤che meraviglia che suono❤❤❤❤❤

There's no alternate to this masterpiece, specially the final 30 seconds of the song (guitar play) is magic. It can't get better...

Mark looks young & keen.I'm proud to have seen them live.Dire Straits up there with the best.

Saw this when it was first broadcast in the UK. Was blown away then and still blown away now!

Oh how I love these old live performances!.. classic early Dire Straits stuff.. just the guitars and drums..this was much before they became wildly famous and graduated to more refined and heavy productions in their later albums..and although Mark's Alchemy performance of this number is the most popular, I have a personal soft corner for these songs, played so close to the studio version.. just a gang of incredibly talented musicians creating magic on the stage!

Wow, just one of my few all-time favourites ❤

This 16th May 1978..was my seven's birthday.... I only came to enjoy this song when I was 20yr old at high school..introduced by my roomate..

@user-dg9he2xg2g

8 күн бұрын

What On Earth was going on with ALBERT on this 16th of May, 1978? Utterly Lost Records of my Personal History.

Gosh, Mark is young here!

Missing those days 😍😍😍

Ero a militare e ti ascoltavo già. Ne ho 64 e ti ascolto ancora la tua chitarra che parla mi incatta ! Come tutto il resto del gruppo !

I was only 4, but this is the song that made me love music. Nearly 50 now and this song has never diminished in stature and my appreciation of it has never waned.

Mark Knopfler. Smooth as a quality single malt

⚜ THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC ⚜🕊

What I would pay to see this original lineup perform once again. Sadly we will never see Dire Straits perform again with or without the original lineup. Absolute Rock and Roll Hall of Famer legends.

@willowbark5649

Жыл бұрын

No kidding. The debacle at their induction ceremony to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame proved that. So grateful I was able to see them 3 times. They were just incredible every time.

It knocked us dead at the time, and still does!

for about a whole month, this vinyl was lying permanently on my stereo, bursting out this epic music and style, tks for sharing it with us

This song is so awesome! Mark knopfler is just one of a kind. His voice and playing to me is just magical.

Надо же, спустя вечность, а мне 46, я его только слышала, а тут старое исполнение✌✌✌я не оторву глаз, эмоции ❤❤❤

@giuseppezingariello4408

Жыл бұрын

⚔️🦂🍒🕡

This in my top three favorite songs of all time.

This song will never cease to amaze me

I am wildly delighted with this record. The emotions of the young Mark are simply amazing!!! And interestingly, the microphone in Mark's early performances was always set low. ❤

@firdausHITMAN

11 ай бұрын

it was set low due to the height of the volume pedal.

This song did a dance on disco's grave, and we are all better off for it.

This song has lasted the test of time. Love it

Knopfler was always humble about his abilities on guitar, the band flying against the prevailing winds of punk rock and 80s digital pop new wave, by bringing in blues, country, and jazz influences drvien around his story-telling lyrics. It was a recipe for success for the band, and he established himself as one of the greatest guitarists of a generation...

Joy! Reliving my misspent youth listening to this song.

Brillant version with great image and sound quality. All hail the Old Grey Whistle Test and 70s Dire Straits (still with Mark's brother David on rhythm guitar). They really ain't makin' 'em like that anymore.

@chipsterb4946

Жыл бұрын

Amen on the sound quality! This is excellent.

@teresalanham2678

Жыл бұрын

I never really liked live versions as they always changed the sound (I guess for good or bad) but this song, God this song makes me close my eyes and thinking was there in the studio

@kamaldeep662

Жыл бұрын

Would also love such version of Tunnel of love 👍🙏

One of THE best bands emerging from the new dawn of rock-and-roll post-disco in the later 70s.

In every seasons,every moods I will always remember this song

Never thought I would get to see this done as the original simple 4-piece. Sounds so much better than I ever imagined

I remember driving to high school in the 1970s in an old beat up Ford Galaxy 500 on a cool rainy day in Cleveland when this song came on the radio. I was blown away. I initially thought it was Bob Dylan. I stay in the car in the student parking after the song ended to see who the artist/band was playing it over the airwaves. When the DJ on WMMS FM 101 said it was DIRE STRAITS, I was like who??? Never heard of them before...but will never forget that special day. Oh yeah, I was late for my 1st class as usual and received another detention which required me to stay after school with the other tardy students but it was worth it.

@jeffkaufman9875

5 ай бұрын

@captain I too thought it was Dylan, though as a 12 year-old in Mentor as opposed to Cleveland!..

@jerrycarlos8413

Ай бұрын

Captain, great story!

BRILLIANT JUST BRILLIANT WE ARE LUCKY TO HAVE MARK KNOPFLER IN THIS COUNTRY BLESS HIM HE'S A GENIUS ON THAT GUITAR.

That solo though! Nice!

There's some extra crunchy mid-tone to this version that makes a real treat.

For anyone who’s ever having a bad day, just come here and listen to the song and read the comments ☮️💚🤘🏼