Hi Britt, the lead singer, Mark Knopfler was shopping in a store & overheard 2 appliance salesman talking while they were watching MTV on the demo TV's about how easy it was for singers and bands to make money while they were having to sale TV's and washers and microwave ovens to get their commissions.

@ed.z.

Жыл бұрын

The story behind the song is….

@danielfarrell574

Жыл бұрын

Incorrect he was actually moving into his new home and was trying to write a new song and strumming on his guitar when he actuall overheard the movers talking down below him, they didn’t know he was in the loft just above them. Hence the song.

@jamesholland9314

Жыл бұрын

@@danielfarrell574 Knopfler got the idea while he was at an appliance store in New York City. They had a bunch of TVs displayed on a wall and tuned in to one channel - MTV. As he stood there and watched, another man dressed in work clothes stood beside him and started commenting on what they saw. Knopfler immediately grabbed a pen and paper to write some of the things he said and used them for the song.

@danielfarrell574

Жыл бұрын

@@jamesholland9314 incorrect, I saw an interview with him on VH1 and he told the story of how he came up with and the lyrics for the song, there was three guys on the moving crew that was complaining about the heavy furniture and he overheard them talking, he thought it was funny so he wrote down what they were saying while he was trying to come up with a new sound and the music and words just seam to fit together.

@jamesholland9314

Жыл бұрын

@@danielfarrell574 I don't want to continue disagreeing with you but watch this interview with Mark and he tells exactly what I said kzread.info/dash/bejne/ka51ytCraZrOprA.html starts at 7:30 of interview.

The second guitarist in the pink suit is none other than Eric Clapton. Two monster guitarists. By the way, this song is from the early 80s.

The original video for this song was groundbreaking for animation at the time, back in the 80s! You should definitely react to that one. I think you'd love it! They also changed the lyrics on the part where he says "the little....". The original lyrics would be considered objectionable by today's standards.

@Angus4277

Жыл бұрын

Also in the original music video I Sting is the one singing the "I want my MTV" part.

@TollGateAB

Жыл бұрын

Yes check it out. The video with the studio version is a must see!! And listen to!!

@alexandrorocca7142

Жыл бұрын

They were objectionable back then too, at least in the US. British people have a different take on what's acceptable speech.

@ericmanbeck6099

Жыл бұрын

they were the origonal MTV, now MTV is crap

@salvatorebarbato2538

Жыл бұрын

@@Angus4277 Sting of the Police singing I want my Mtv

The "I want my MTV" line was originally performed by Sting. He was part of the creation of the song and sang it with the band live at Live Aid in 1985. Here is the video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/fJelytiJfsywqtI.html&ab_channel=LiveAid It was a few days after the song came out so most of the audience was hearing it for the first time. That drum solo and Mark's into is iconic. You know you're a rock God when Eric Clapton and Sting are your backup.

@raphaelperry8159

Жыл бұрын

Back in the day I always heard it as "I want my own tv" which was much more in keeping with the song's story about poor shop floor & delivery workers who couldn't afford to purchase the goods they were handling.

Love Dire Straits. They are a great British rock band from the 70's-90's. Mark Knopfler is one of the best guitarists around. They have had so many hits including "Sultans Of Swing", "Telegraph Road", "Romeo & Juliet", "Private Investigations", "Twisting By The Pool", "So Far Away", "Brothers In Arms" etc. They don't have a bad song.

@iggs67

Жыл бұрын

Once upon a time in the West! Down to the waterline!

@goodshipkaraboudjan

Жыл бұрын

Tunnel of love 😜

Mark Knopfler wrote it after overhearing delivery men in a New York department store complain about their jobs while watching MTV. He wrote the song in the store sitting at a kitchen display they had set up. Many of the lyrics were things they actually said. Sting helped writing the lyrics and he sings back vocals.

That opening riff is like crack for me. I have a fond memory of riding with my dad in his old 80's four wheen drive, while flooring it down a straight stretch on a country dirt road, with the drums and guitar intro hitting on full blast. So loud, I couldn't hear myself speak. The speakers were terrible and provided no bass, but it sounded and felt soooo damn good. As terrible as those truck speakers were, they were made absolutely perfect for the guitar intro of this song. It sounded better than I've heard it before, or since.

Hi Britt, I've seen quite a few videos from you. What strikes me is that you regularly sing along with a few lines. And I've found out in the meantime that it wouldn't be out of place for you to sing a song yourself, because you have a beautiful singing voice!

Mark Knopfler and Eric Clapton. Two of the greatest rock guitarists.

The lyrics came from the singer overhearing a conversation at a appliance store. He was a English teacher lol before they hit it big. Of course now you have to listen to Sultans of Swing their break through hit and the song I warm up with when playing guitar. Also Mark Knoffler doesn't use a pick for his guitar. It's fingered picked.

This performance they were joined by Eric Clapton in with white suit and the blonde hair backing singer was Shirley who was George Michael's backing vocals on all the Wham singles. And I was at this amazing concert and Money for Nothing is an 80's song (1984)

Mark Knopfler is one of the best guitarists of all time. "Money for Nothing" was good, but Dire Straits' best song was "Sultans of Swing." The official (studio) version is very good, but the "Alchemy Live" version was one of the best R&R performances by any band...ever!! kzread.info/dash/bejne/aoSVm9pylr2opLw.html

@maphisto3769

Жыл бұрын

i second that this live performance is epic good call

@yellowcat1310

Жыл бұрын

right, this version kind of sucks. that's the problem with live versions. in this one it is hardly the same tune.

@Isleofskye

Жыл бұрын

As was THe Encore @ ALCHEMY=Telegraph Road.

@rcinsley

Жыл бұрын

@@yellowcat1310 Yeah, I finally concluded that there's no right/wrong way for reactors to make blind choices when there are two or more options. Sometimes the official version is better -- but not always. As a requester, I think it's my duty to spell it out...and include a link to the preferred version.

Couple things with this song, as previously mentioned it has an iconic and groundbreaking music video, that is worth a watch, but what's more, is, Weird Al did a parody of this song with the aid of Dire Straits for his movie UHF, which I would recommend both the song and movie, good stuff. Though before you go watching the movie, recommend being familiar with Rambo 2 and Raiders of the Lost Ark, it also has bits parodying Magnum PI, Wheel of Fortune, Pee Wees Playhouse, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, Conan the Barbarian and Ghandi! 2 other iconic tracks from Dire Straits to definitely react to, Sultans of Swing which you can't beat the Alchemy Live version and Walk of Life, don't know of any great live versions, but the studio version and music video are lots of fun.

@lefty3141591

Жыл бұрын

I think a reaction to the Weird Al version was be very good. As always a great reaction.

The CGI graphics for the original music video was groundbreaking for its time and the first music video to use it, I believe (though super-clunky to us now). The song talked about how 'easy' it was to make millions as a performer, as opposed to folks who worked every day doing real jobs like moving furniture. The line "I want my MTV" was originally sung by Sting from The Police, and became a tagline for MTV itself.

@greendragonpublishing

Жыл бұрын

And Sting WAS an English teacher before he hit it big with The Police. I really recommend you reacting to their songs, or his solo work! He has an amazing voice.

They got a bunch of great songs! I'd love to see your reaction to "Brothers In Arms" from Dire Straits, one of my favorites from them.

He seemingly censored the "f" word in this performance. 😆 And not the "f" word you're probably thinking about. Lol

@Abri412

10 ай бұрын

I appreciate that he changed it up that early, presumably before it was mandatory.

80s rock music are the best.

When MTV first started, they were having lots of trouble getting picked up by cable companies across the country, so they very directly urged viewers to call up their local cable companies and tell them “I WANT MY MTV!!!!” Lots of music stars of every genre did the promos, with Sting and The Police doing a very memorable one. Not long after, he sang it on this song.

Yeah you gotta listen to the studio/video for this one. Worth it!

LOVE this song. My pops used to play it on repeat when we were stationed in Germany.

"I want my MTV" was the popular slogan for MTV in the 80s when this song was originally released... MTV would do quick takes with various celebs saying that phrase and play them as bumpers between videos and commercials.... this is all back when MTV played ALL music and very little else

Hey, Britt, that's probably the 2000th time they've played that song. It was MTV when they first played it.

The Official Video was one of the best ever. videos on MTV. Two of the GREATEST LIVE performances you will ever see are both Dire Straits @ ALCHEMY. 1/ Sultans Of Swing 2/ Telegraph Road but the stunning nature of them will be lost on this blurred screen ...

70's and 80's were my favorite... I miss those days...

Hey Britt, try Chris Isaak “Wicked Game” sometime. I like the studio version, but the live versions are equally great. Always fun to watch others reacting to it. Keep up the great work, love your reactions.

1985 MTV came on they were one of the first bands on it .before mtv we did not have videos. Only music

This song came out in the early 80's on MTV! Great reaction Britt!!!

Hi, Britt. I've been watching your videos for a while now, and I just have to say that you're so dayum adorable and entertaining. Love it.

Song was written in 1984, and Dire Straits hit the big time in the late '70's. He's a genius, BTW. Make sure you catch the live version of Sultans of Swing from the Alchemy tour. . .

You do realise that it is the legend that is Eric Clapton playing 2nd. guitar to Mark Knoffler? THAT is how highly rated Mark Knofflers is.

I once read someone describe Mark Knopfler (singer/guitarist) as looking like someone's Dad leading a garage band in the neighborhood.

Miss Britt .. very, very cool reaction. A few things for you - they are British , their very innovative videos were all over MTV in the 90s - the singer , Mark Knopfler is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time - the very, very, very famous Brit .. named Sting ( from the band , The Police ) was invited to sing the " I want my MTV " part on the record because they were pals. If you love a great saxophone song .... check out "Your Latest Trick" by Dire Straits

I heard an interview way back, where he explained how this song came about. He was at in a store and overheard two workers watching the wall of color tv's, for sale, all showing M-tv. The two workers griping about the people in the music video's, that ain't working. They get money for nothing and all the chicks for free, while they have costum kitchens and refrigiators to move.

Oh, Britt. You knock me out! I love you lovin' it. ❤️✌️

80's for me!

The official music video to this song is haunting and definitely worth a watch.

"We got to move these color TVs" - it fits the meter of the song, but it also recalls a time when a black-and-white TV was an option. My first little, tiny TV I got to keep in my room was black-and-white. No cable.

THANKS FOR THE REACTION, THEY ARE A GREAT GROUP!!!!!! YOU REALLY SHOULD REACT TO THE ORIGINAL, IT WAS SOMETHING ELSE!!!!! PURE FIRE!!!!!

The 70’s. The Midnight Special. ♥️✌🏼😎

Two of the heros from my miss-spent youth, on one stage. When I was twelve, my parents took the fam on a weekend to Maggie Valley, NC. I walked into a very quaint little record store and saw the first Dire Straits album for sale. It stayed on my turntable for about five years. As for Mr. C, I mean, DAMN.

Yes that is Sting doing backing vocals on studio recording of this song

This song was in the 80s. Back when MTV first started.

Love it, Britt! You should also react to Dire Straits Sultans of Swing, Romeo and Juliet, and Brothers in Arms. They are terrific! Mark Knopfler has a very unusual playing style and he can shred!

The video to this song was the very first played on MTV😊

I love your comments about the looks! Yes, let's go back, style-wise. MTV. Great reaction.

I absolutely love your reactions!! You might want to check out some of the suggestions of others below like sultans of swing at the Alchemy live concert and the brilliant and mesmerising Telegraph Road from the same concert. These guys are top tier musicians and the lead singer is Mark Knopfler who, for me, is the greatest guitarist of all time, in addition to which he is an amazing songwriter. Thanks for your great reaction. Take care and best wishes from the UK.

Adoro le tue reazioni sono molto molto vere... ho visto dal vivo i Dire Straits nel 93... leggenda!!!❤

Great reaction, very fun. Britt sounds like she can sing more than a little bit herself!

Hi Britt, just having come across this channel and after having filed my way through the catalog(ue), (for the British viewers), I thought to myself: what a lovely young lady with absolutely no clue; and this is no offence. Frank Zappa said: If you have to ask, you're too young to know. And you know nothing about the seventies, why would you? But you are in with all of your heart and this is so much fun to watch for an old man being 65. Hi from Berlin, Germany

This song was inspired by a visit to an electrical store, where lead singer Mark Knopfler overheard a delivery guy commenting about the popstars of the day on the TVs, which were showing MTV. He wrote down what he heard and later wrote this song. Some of the words in this version are different from the original, I believe largely because Americans and Europeans use some words differently, so it would have made less sense to Americans in the original form. Incidentally, this was the first song played on MTV Europe. As another person noted, Sting originally sang the line "I want my MTV", but as Sting didn't know what tune to sing it to, he did it to one of his own band's songs, "Don't stand so close to me".

Yes ! Background singers! I want them back too... 😁

I want my MTV is part of an MTV commercial sung by Sting of the Police, who is on the studio recording.

They are saying " I want my MTV" That is because a little before this came out, cablevision was threatening to cancel the MTV channel. So that became a very famous phrase.

That pause at 5:15 makes it look like Knopfler is staring down wearing (your) hat. I really like your react videos.

Gees they could play, great memories Britt.

The 70's and 80's were a Golden Era of Music. This Song won the Best Video Award in 1986 at the MTV Video Music Awards!

Hi Britt, I haven't watched M-TV in decades. My children watched it daily after returning home from school. I think maybe a bowl of ice cream was involved too. Anyways, M-TV was like a radio station for television with Vee-Jays, who announced the videos. The only one that I recall is called " Kennedy ". She can be found on tv shows such as " Gutfeld ". Anyways, someone at M-TV had the dull idea to turn off playing videos. If it is still on air I would be surprised. Mark Knopfler has a different method of guitar playing. I used to eat lunch in my car in the 90s listening to " I want My M-TV ". I still do.

Britt, I watch a lot of your reactions. I think you're very fun and open-minded which I love. For your music reactions my opinion is, if you've NEVER heard a song before, you should be reacting to the studio versions. Popular songs become popular because people fall in love with the studio versions first. Without their popularity, there would be no live versions. Once you've heard the studio version, then go crazy with the live versions, but hearing lives as your first introduction to a song or band is doing it backwards in my opinion. Please give this some consideration, and thanks for all the entertaining videos.

@ryandavis7969

Жыл бұрын

I agree with this assessment. The music video of this is legendary. Live performances tend to slightly change. Can be good but this is a little slower. I think studio and official video are the best most of the time

this original video of DIRE STRAITS "money for nothing" check out the guy with the pink suit is ERIC CLAPTON, one of the best guitar players, same guy you reacted to 2 weeks ago "TEARS IN HEAVEN"

My favourite band and (later, solo artist). Yes. This was written from the perspective of an appliance delivery man complaining about how easy musicians have it. I can’t quite see the the video properly but I’m pretty sure Eric Clapton was a guest member of the band for this performance?

@markbrooks8144

Жыл бұрын

Ok. I wrote that slightly too soon. DEFINITELY Eric Clapton. I heard him do a short solo.

They were on the air in the 70s and early 80s. "Sultans of Swing" was in 78, and "Money for Nothing in 85. That's when I remember them.

Girl this was the 80s and the big music channel was MTV - wall to wall music videos!

That was Eric Clapton on guitar next to Mark Knopfler, another legendary guitar player.

You amaze me! Thank you!

LOL, you make me smile, you sound just like one of my sisters, she’s always well spoken, but she also never misses the fashion.

The lad in guitar solo is Eric Clapton. THE ERIC CLAPTON. Joining Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits for his World Tour. Other artists joining Dire Straits were Elton John on keys and Phil Collins on drums. Here's Elton with Mark in Sacrifice, Eric, Phil and the lot supporting. kzread.info/dash/bejne/l6pks5idqqqqlqQ.html

FYI The lead singer who plays lead guitar his name is Mark Knopfler is one of the top 10 guitar players in the world.

Not "art teachers", but Mark Knopfler ,(lead guitar) was an English teacher.

Mark Knopfler has also written scores for movies...Princess Bride and Local Hero.

also monserrat tribute, '97, albert hall.. clapton, collins, sting.. gospel choir also.. knopfler taught english, 3 years

One of my FAVORITE bands!

Beautiful young woman, you MUST see Mark Knopfler’s guitar prowess in “Sultans of Swing-Alchemy Tour”…(AND his bassist, AND his keyboard player, AND his rhythm guitarist AND his drummer!) that song is also based on an experience he had in London.

Hey Brit! I have a request. If and when you do another Dire Straits reaction video. I highly suggest you react to Sultans of Swing (Alchemy Live)... You won't be disappointed! Thanks 🙂

Hi Britt Telegraph Road, Live Alchemy is the absolute Masterpiece of Dire Straits, please React to Greets from Swizerland 🇨🇭

Some of the GREATEST live performances EVER recorded are from the Alcamy Tour Concert! SULTANS OF SWING AND TELEGRAPH ROAD ARE EPIC!

Britt - why are you not a singer? You have a awesome, dynamite voice. From the "For what its worth department", and sorry (I'm Canadian, so I have to apologize), but I came of age in the 1970s and that is the best decade in my humble opinion. Also, Dire Straits is a band that started in the 70's ;)

Hi Bitt and Greetings from Bonnie Scotland, may I suggest a Reaction Video for you, the song is called "Iron Sky" and is performed Live at the Abbey Road studios in London by a performer whose name is Paolo Nutini, as with myself he is Scottish and as with myself = Half Scottish and Half Italian. You really do not want to miss listening and watching to Paolo his voice is awesome.

You have to watch dire straits live on the alchemy tour perform their first hit sultans of swing

This song is actually recorded in the 80s. Check out the mtv video

PENTATONIX 90's DANCE MEDLEY! TO DIE FOR!

I am sure most of your viewers would tell you to watch „Sultans of Swing - Alchemy live 83“ it‘s one of there best concerts. I think every dire straits fan will agree! Thank you for your reaction, stay safe.

In the studio version Sting (from The Police) actually sings the "I want my MTV" part

"Look at all the colourful suits!" We can't see anything, Britt! LOL

@Isleofskye

Жыл бұрын

I know. Britt will get 100,000 Subs due to her personality and comments and looks but NOT because of the videos which are a Wind Up as we can't see much and it's worse if it is a comedian who relies on hilarious facial expressions that we can't see...

@scottchapin2323

Жыл бұрын

thinking the same thing

Check out "sultans of swing" and "brothers in arms" by these guys as well!!!!

Sultans of swing and Brothers in arms

They performed till the mid 90's but, they started in 1977. . . . . If I'm not mistaken, Eric Clapton was the other guitarist on this song. (Pink Jacket)

getting there, eventually you will find siouxie and the banshees. the pinnacle of brit music imo. :)

That's Eric Clapton in the light pink suit, playing electric guitar along with Mark and that's world class percussionist, Ray Cooper, from Elton John's band, who is above and behind Eric as well !

Great song. Great band. My favorite of theirs was HEAVY FUEL.

That art teacher guitarist with the artistic guitar strap that played the second guitar solo is Eric Clapton that sat in with them as a guest guitarist.

Cool song, "Sultans Of Swing" is great as is "Brothers In Arms".

This is a great song. Look at the musicians. You know you reached the top of your game when you have Eric Clapton playing support.😊. The other Guitarist Jack Sonni is a great showman. There's another version of this at Live Aid with Phil Collins (Genesis) on drums. Eric Clapton on guitar and Sting (Police) on vocals. Mark has collaboated with some awesome artists. Check out Poor Boy Blues with Chet Atkins.

I think I heard that this was the very first music video played on MTV when it first started broadcasting in Europe.

MTV? '90s? Good...but not as good as the '60s. That decade began with the perfection of Doo Wop, the dawn of girl groups, and surfing/beach music (The Beach Boys.) Elvis was in his prime. James Brown was in his prime. Tom Jones was in his prime. We were invaded by British bands--headlined by The Beatles. Motown happened. Soul music happened. Heavy metal lifted off...in the form of Led Zeppelin. To wrap up the decade, Woodstock happened.

@Isleofskye

Жыл бұрын

Excellent Synopsos...

Hi, again and again... Dire Straits was one of the first bands (I think they were the 2nd of the third band) to perform a song ( kzread.info/dash/bejne/qYiElLSOdMLJfJM.html ) on the newly founded (1981) MTV. Unusual and absolutely new was that the song was accompanied by a cartoon.

The guitar man in white suit is Eric Clapton. No mention ?

Britt the guy in the white suit is the great Eric Clapton.Youre looking at two of the greats knopfler and Clapton.

Weird AL did a great parody of this for his movie UHF.

Yes he was looking like Prince William from than angle, you get the feel !

I can't hear this song anymore without thinking of my Momma. I was on a road trip with her about 10 years ago, when this this song came on and she asked if she could turn it up because it was her jam. I looked at her like she had 3 heads. I said "yes". After the song ended I asked her if she knew how many times she told me "Turn that crap down!" in the 80s. She just laughed and said "Well I like it now"