Dire Straits
Their fifth studio album represents their commercial and artistic peak: - First CD to sell one million copies - First album to sell one million copies in CD format - 34 weeks at #1 on UK Albums Chart - 9 weeks at #1 on Billboard 200 (US) - Diamond certification (10× platinum) - Grammy Award for...
Dire Straits
Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | London, England |
| Formed | 1977 |
| Genres | Roots rock, blues rock, pub rock, progressive rock |
| Years Active | 1977–1988, 1990–1995 |
| Record Labels | Vertigo, Mercury, Warner Bros. |
Band Members
Core Members
- Mark Knopfler (1977–1995) – Lead vocals, lead guitar, songwriter
- David Knopfler (1977–1980) – Rhythm guitar, backing vocals
- John Illsley (1977–1995) – Bass guitar, backing vocals
- Pick Withers (1977–1982) – Drums, percussion
Later Members
- Hal Lindes (1980–1985) – Guitar, backing vocals
- Terry Williams (1982–1988) – Drums
- Alan Clark (1980–1995) – Keyboards
- Guy Fletcher (1984–1995) – Keyboards, guitar, backing vocals
- Chris White (1985–1988) – Saxophone, backing vocals
- Jack Sonni (1985–1988) – Guitar
Commercial Success
Album Sales
- Brothers in Arms (1985): 30+ million copies sold worldwide
- Total records sold: 120+ million
- One of the world’s best-selling music artists
Chart Achievements
- “Sultans of Swing” (1978): Breakthrough hit, Top 10 in US and UK
- “Money for Nothing” (1985): #1 US, Top 10 UK
- “Walk of Life” (1985): Top 10 in both US and UK
Brothers in Arms (1985)
Their fifth studio album represents their commercial and artistic peak: - First CD to sell one million copies - First album to sell one million copies in CD format - 34 weeks at #1 on UK Albums Chart - 9 weeks at #1 on Billboard 200 (US) - Diamond certification (10× platinum) - Grammy Award for Best Engineered Recording
Key Albums
- Dire Straits (1978) – Debut featuring “Sultans of Swing”
- Communiqué (1979) – Follow-up to debut
- Making Movies (1980) – Featuring “Romeo and Juliet”
- Love Over Gold (1982) – Extended compositions
- Brothers in Arms (1985) – Commercial peak
- On Every Street (1991) – Final studio album
Awards and Honors
- Grammy Awards: 4 wins including Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
- Brit Awards: 2 wins including Best British Group
- MTV Video Music Awards: 2 wins for “Money for Nothing”
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Inducted 2018
- PRS for Music Heritage Award: 2009
Hiatus and Dissolution
The band went on hiatus from 1988 to 1990. They regrouped for On Every Street (1991) and a final world tour (1991–1992). Mark Knopfler dissolved the band in 1995 to pursue a solo career.
Legacy
Dire Straits bridged the gap between pub rock, blues, and mainstream rock. Mark Knopfler’s fingerpicking guitar style and narrative songwriting created a distinctive sound that influenced countless guitarists. Their success helped establish CD as the dominant music format in the 1980s.
Post-Band Careers
- Mark Knopfler: Successful solo career, film scores (The Princess Bride, Local Hero), collaborated with artists including Chet Atkins and Eric Clapton
- John Illsley: Solo albums, art career
- David Knopfler: Solo career, writer
- Guy Fletcher: Works with Mark Knopfler, successful session musician