Dire Straits | Artist

Dire Straits was a British rock band formed 1977 in London by Mark Knopfler (guitar, vocals), David Knopfler (guitar, vocals), John Illsley (bass, vocals), and Pick Withers (drums). They were active from 1977-88 and again from 1991-95. They became one of the world's best-selling bands, with album sales of over 100 million. At the time they formed, Mark Knopfler was working as a teacher at art college, John Illsley was studying at Goldsmiths' College, and David Knopfler was a social worker. Only Pick Withers was a working musician, although Mark Knopfler and Withers had previously both been in pub rock group Brewer's Droop at different times. In 1977 the group recorded a five-song demo tape which included the future hit single "Sultans of Swing". They took the tape to MCA in Soho but were turned down. They then tried DJ Charlie Gillett who played "Sultans of Swing" on his BBC Radio London show "Honky Tonk". Two months later Dire Straits signed a recording contract with Vertigo. Their first album Dire Straits was recorded at Basing Street Studios in February 1978, and produced by Muff Winwood at a cost of £12,500. The release topped the album charts in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and NZ, as well as going top ten in every country in Europe. Over the next ten years Dire Straits became one of the world's biggest bands, with sold-out tour schedules, more hit records and saturation exposure on MTV and FM radio stations. The band's popularity was based on a style of pop-rock music that was tight, melodic, unpretentious, and embellished by Mark Knopfler's guitar virtuosity. Standout albums include Dire Straits, Making Movies, Love Over Gold, Brothers in Arms, and Alchemy - Dire Straits Live.

Artist Website: markknopfler.com

Featured Albums: Dire Straits

Related Artists: Mark Knopfler, John Illsley