Live At The BBC

Performer: Dire Straits
Producer: Michael Appleton; Michael Appleton; Jeff Griffin
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: Dire Straits: Mark Knopfler, Hal Lindes (vocals, guitar); John Illsley (vocals, bass); David Knopfler (guitar, keyboards); Alan Clark (keyboards); Pick Withers (drums). Recorded live on July 22, 1978 & January 31, 1981. Includes liner notes by Charlie Gillett. Personnel: Hal Lindes, Mark Knopfler (vocals, guitar); John Illsley (vocals, bass guitar); David Knopfler (guitar, keyboards); Alan Clark (keyboards); Pick Withers (drums). Liner Note Author: Charlie Gillett. Recording information: BBC Studios, London, England (07/22/1978-01/31/1981); Old Grey Whistle Test (07/22/1978-01/31/1981); The Old Grey Whistle Test (07/22/1978-01/31/1981). Director: Tom Corcoran. Photographer: Barry Plummer. Always a quiet act, Dire Straits dissolved quietly in 1995 as Mark Knopfler prepared his first full-fledged solo album. Meanwhile, this documentary effort, the group's third live recording, appeared to chronicle their early days. Most of it was recorded in July 1978, so it is, in effect, a concert version of the self-titled debut album. Tacked on at the end is a 12-minute version of "Tunnel of Love" from 1981, bringing the total time to 46 minutes. It's a modest effort from a modest band and, in that sense, a better representation of them than Alchemy or On the Night, both of which reflected their worldwide popularity. ~ William Ruhlmann

The U.K.'s Dire Straits became one of the world's most popular rock bands the old-fashioned way, through songwriting and musicianship. When "Sultans of Swing" broke through on both sides of the Atlantic in 1979, the sound suggested Bob Dylan backed by J.J. Cale. It sure didn't sound like anything else on the radio. Mark Knopfler's gruff singing and exquisite guitar playing were critical to the group's sound. The next two records cemented Dire Straits' reputation and bolstered its popularity. 1985's BROTHERS IN ARMS became one of the biggest sellers of the decade. After the band dissolved, Knopfler (who had already done some well regarded soundtrack work) embarked on a solo career, opting for a more low-key approach.

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