This is a hacked to pieces version of the song. It leaves out a verse and the guitar solo during the outro. Check out their version from Wembley Stadium in 1985, or from Live Aid. He's singing about a band playing in a club in front of very few people. It's based on a true story of his experience.
@@Muckylittleme dammit, to cut off his solo in this song is criminal.... and I swore I heard the tempo/ or playback speed warp and change twice...or it was my tinitus... but yea you guys...go grab the full album/studio version...sounds much more complete in many ways
Yeah this was a shortened version which is unfortunate! "Live Alchemy" is the version y'all should check out. It's an amazing performance of the song and shows you how talented they really are!
Knopfler has said that the song is about stopping into a bar in London and seeing a pretty bad band playing to a virtually empty bar but seeing that the guys were into it despite their lack of talent and some stuff being said in the crowd. Knopfler said the singer closed the show by saying, "Thank you. We're the Sultans of Swing."
Mark Knopfler has said in many, many interviews that the band in question was pretty bad. In one interview with Brian Johnson, Knopfler said they weren't the sultans of anything, let alone swing. (That's the gist - it's not a direct quote.) The main reason he remembered that band so well was they didn't think they were bad at all. They thought they were great. He said he had to admire their swagger, basically because that's all they had - and that made it all the more comical to him.
It strange that he suggests that they were not good now when, if you listen to the words, he's written them a great review: "A band is blowing Dixie, double four time, You feel alright when you hear the music ring." "Well now you step inside but you don't see too many faces Coming in out of the rain they hear the jazz go down Competition in other places Uh but the horns they blowin' that sound." "You check out guitar George, he knows-all the chords Mind, it's strictly rhythm he doesn't want to make it cry or sing," "He can play the honky-tonk like anything, Saving it up for Friday night." That's a good review, it makes me wish I'd caught the band, and Mark was impressed and happy to have caught the gig at the time. The sadness is they're playing their hearts out and there's hardly anyone listening. The fate of some very skilled jazz bands in pubs in south East London in the late 1970s when this song is set.
Agreed, Alchemy, one of the greatest tours ever, and one of the greatest recordings. His purity of string striking, split string technique is phenomenal. I could (and do!) listen to this musical purity every week. Telegraph Road, Once Upon a Time In The West, and particularly Brothers In Arms get me every time.
Agreed that this is the best live version I have seen of this song. Also as some have suggested, Terry Williams' drum arrangement for this live performance brings up the energy in the song incredibly and rivals Mark Knopfler's playing as being the most memorable part of the performance.
So many times with reaction videos the optimum or best vide is not reacted to, not their fault at all but it is the double edged sword of going in blind.
Mark is genius on the guitar. He's about 72 now. There are some recent interviews where he is discussing some interesting aspects of guitar-playing that feel like you are getting a Masters degree in music. Special guy.
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", "Romeo & Juliet", "Private Investigations", "Twisting By The Pool", "Money For Nothing", "Walk Of Life", "Telegraph Road", "So Far Away", "Brothers In Arms" etc. They don't have a bad song.
Too many to list, but I'm especially partial to "It Never Rains" (the outro!!), "Calling Elvis," "Ride Across the River," "Planet of New Orleans" and of course "Brothers In Arms."
Mark Knopfler is well-known for playing lead guitar (solos, lead breaks, etc) without a pick. Not many players can play fast like that without one. Very unique playing style he has.
They’re really really great and I love love them, but saying they’re the greatest band to ever come out of the UK is ridiculous. If you think that, you must have been living under a rock.
What really elevates their music, for my money, is Mark Knopfler's tasty guitar licks. His playing evinces a remarkable mix of bravura technique, incredible precision, and a very musical restraint - his guitar talks; he's not just trying to squeeze in as many notes as possible.
They were my group from the 1st time I heard them. I worked in a sewing factory(before they moved to china) and in the mornings we had to listen to country. After lunch however,we got to rock. It helped. This was a fav for everyone there.
Y’all should check out the full song when you get the chance with the guitar outtro. Don’t worry you’re not the only ones, ppl always react to this version by accident. But the outtro honestly makes the entire song 👌🏼🔥😊
This is not a hacked up version. This is the original shortened for radio version from 1979 when the song was released. This track is longer on the album , and a version closer to that "extended" album track was what the band played live.
First time I heard this was on the radio on the Oregon coast, with the sound fading in and out from a distant Portland station. I told everyone I knew that this song was going to be a hit and the band was going to be big. Right on both counts.
This performance was cut short. Mark Knopfler is an absolute genius. The original version is a classic as is their live version from their alchemy album. Mark has written so many classic songs and, for me, is the greatest guitarist of all time. Take care guys. Best wishes from the UK.
One of the things that I also enjoyed about Mark Knoflers song writing and performances is that he is a "Story Teller" and many of his songs reflect that = This song is based on him watching a weekend band called "The Sultans of Swing" one evening in London = His song "Money for Nothing" (The MTV Song) is based on him being in the Appliance Dept in a Large Department Store in New York and listening to complaining of the dept manager to his sales people while MTV was on a bank of televisions sets, Sting actually sings the backround vocals on the original recording and UA-cam has a video of Knofler & Sting performing the song live at the Royal Albert Hall with Eric Clapton & Phil Collins on the drums = Great performance
ooh that is the short version on the guitar solo. there is a much longer version that is their best performance! It is also a live version but a lot better than this one....you will love it! I always thought he was singing about their band but someone will be able to fill you in better than me.
There's a longer version and this song rocks! They're telling the story of an imaginary swing band getting a gig in a tavern where the folks are not all in tune with the music but they play their own thing. Mark Knopfler is one of the great lead guitarists of rock. Live Aid was watched live by 2 billion people.
I liked this song from the very first note I heard back in high school. Awesome band! I actually won a radio contest and got to go to their show, front row and, before the show, went backstage to meet the band. Really fun!!
This song is basically about a band that is playing in a pub in London. It's sort of introducing the band and their music to a hypothetical observer, a newcomer to the London music scene. The title, presumably, is the name of their band... "Sultan" being a title, and "swing" being the music genre they play.
Dire Straits is a very important and EPIC British band with a long list of hit albums and songs. Mark Knopfler quickly gained popularity with guitar critics and fans as his playing is on a whole other level and Mark is so clearly one of the FINEST PLAYERS this planet has ever produced. Yea...he really is THAT GOOD...To me...there have always been 3 MASTERS OF THE STRATOCASTER, David Gilmour from Pink Floyd, SRV, and Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits.
The band called themselves Dire Straits at the time they were playing in the London pub scene and hoping to make it big. The lyrics are about those times when they could see other bands, with talented guys, playing previous generation music not to be popular but for the pleasure of it. Mark Knopfler's guitar sounds in this song are a collection of guitar styles of Mississipi's R&B (Dixie) of the 1950's.
I’m sure it’s been mentioned, but, not only is he singing lead vocals, he’s also playing lead guitar, doing all the fills and solos. That is incredible.
Song is about a rock band in London hearing another band Sultans of Swing in a local pub. He is comparing their playing style and horns and the overall response of the audience.He is saying this actually happened to them! YOU HAVE DISCOVERED THE MOST FAMOUS BAND OF THE 80s PLAY Alchemy live Sultans of swing OR Telegraph road.
Dire Straits were touring b4 they really hit it big. Stopped in a pub to have a beer, and a band was playing. The bands name was Sultan of Swing, and according to Mark Knoffler, they were terrible. This song is a true story.
Right, the song is about a London band that played Dixieland-type swing, "The Sultans of Swing". Mark Knoffler, the guitar player and lead singer, wrote the song, about his visit to that London club and the experience of hearing them play. Everyone chatting here is right; the original Dire Straights version is longer, with a longer guitar solo. Dire Straights and this song became hugely popular in that time. Knoffler is considered one of the greatest pop guitar players of that time. Enjoyed hearing it with you guys!
This band and song are worth a second listen. First to hear a whole live version that is not butchered like this one and to really appreciate Mark (and band's) musical genius. Please please listen to Dire Straits - Sultans Of Swing (Alchemy Live). The song is about dropping in to hear a band playing one rainy evening in a small London jazz club.
once upon a time there was no such thing as "Autotune" when everyone didn't sound the same. singers had unique voices, and had to be good to be successful.
This music is kind of captivating isn't it. I remember the first time I heard it as a rock and roll Young teenager everyone seemed to like it and no one knew exactly why because it was not traditional Rock. It was simply captivating.
Loved this band for over 40 years. And this is my favorite song from them. And it's one of my very favorite songs, period! They rock! And I love the amazed look that Asia is giving! 👍😎👍 - DJ Jazzy J-Ray
Phenomenal guitarist. This was their breakout song in the late 70’s. When I first heard it on the radio I thought it was Bob Dylan. Dire Straits became huge during the MTV years. Mark Knopfler later played on the Bob Dylan record Slow Train Coming. Check out the song Precious Angel.
If you ever happen to play Dire Straits: "Brothers In Arms" (official video, not live) you will literally (and I'm not kidding) hear a guitar weep. It will move you.
Nooooo!... never ever the official video - it cuts off the intro and outro.. you need the full length Album version ua-cam.com/video/9ykZc5E6UEE/v-deo.html
Asia was so focused, like in a trance for the first half, loved it! As other people are saying, this wasn’t the best version, namely the killer solo at the end was cut off, but it still rocked!!
"Dire Straits - Walk Of Life" and " Money For Nothing" and "Telegraph Road Live-Alchemy Tour 1983" and "Mark Knopfler - Brothers in Arms (A Night in London/ Official Live Video)" they have an extensive collection, just a wonderful rabbit hole to go down. Thanks, great reaction
Asia's got it right on the button: Mark Knopfler is just showing a little peek of what he can do. I always thought that was part of the beauty of this song. It shows you just a glimpse. Thanks for doing this!
This version is tragically cut to pieces. If you really want to see them bring this home hard the live version from Live Alchemy is a must. Mark Knopfler is a genius level guitarist,one of the all-time greats.
I remember in '78 when this song came out Disco was in full swing, dominated everything and beginning to get very repetetive and monotonous. Sultans of Swing gave me hope that creativity in popular music still had a pulse. I consider it an important landmark.
I did remember the year 1978. I am under the impression it was still very beautiful and creative, yet it went through changes into the 80s. Maybe the country or area where you live the music might not be uniform depending on the mood, that may account for what you experienced.
This should nag was their second single from their debut album. At the time, many house bands would sign off by introducing members of the band, giving themselves accolades such as “ayatollah of rock and rolls” or “sultans of swing.” The song simply tells a story where a commuter steps in bro a club to get out of the rain - right as the house band is finishing a set. That’s all. There’s no particular club or band behind the story, though many today try to make more of the tale.
Please, react to Dire Straits' "Romeo and Juliet", it's a great song and was a huge hit here in the UK. "Money for nothing" (released in 1985) is also very good and another hit of the many Dire Straits had. It was the first song played when MTV Europe was launched in 1987. The first song played in MTV US, launched 1981, was "Video killed the Radio Star" (released in 1979) by another UK band, The Buggles,
Please check out the live Alchemy version to truly get the feel of how talented they are as musicians, it will also include 2 keyboard players but the drummer adds so much to the experience you will truly feel it in your soul. Thanks you two, prayers and blessings to you and yours for a safe and Happy New Year.
Oh man, it was nice seeing Mark and the boys performing, but they sure did cut up the performance vs the studio version. Anyhow... I LOVED seeing Asia's expression while she was taking it all in. He's got a relatively rare claw technique on the guitar (at least in the rock world) that sounds like no other.
One of my best memories as a child is me and my brother in the back seat so young and mom and dad in the front driving the Indiana country roads in my dads blue Chevy nova and this song playing and them passing a joint on occasion :). Beautiful times when my conscious was waking up to all the possibilities ahead. Thanks mom and dad for exposing us to real music. I could name a dozen other songs with similar memories.
Another great reaction! Sucks that you watched this version. They cut off the best part of the song, his solo at the end. Travesty. Hope you get a chance to see the full version sometime. Love you guys :)
Being a DJ inlate 1960s, 70s and 80s, we got see bands for free. Every week I was at a concert. Bet I've seen over 1000 bands. Best time of my life. Music like this will never be made again from this era.
He's narrating about a band, a pub or small club band who just enjoy their moment getting together and making the audience feel great and with no thoughts of getting a record deal or being famous. I know the great feeling having played in such a band in Caribbean clubs around the South of England.
The song was based on a dixie band that Mark Knopfler saw in a pub in south London when he had popped in for a couple of beers. His use of the guitar to tell the story is amazing and you should listen to Brothers in Arms as that is even better.
The song is about a jazz band playing in the corner of an almost empty pub in Deptford, South London. Calling themselves the "Sultans of Swing", they seem to be only part-timers playing the bar scene since some members have other jobs. The rhythm and structure of the song are done to perfection.
Oh no, that was the version with the shortened guitar solo (at the end). You definitely have to listen to the whole version with the full guitar solo by Mark Knopfler. Absolutely sick guitar skills!
Asia is right! they did not play the entire song, missing the outro guitar solo which is 🔥
This is a hacked to pieces version of the song. It leaves out a verse and the guitar solo during the outro. Check out their version from Wembley Stadium in 1985, or from Live Aid. He's singing about a band playing in a club in front of very few people. It's based on a true story of his experience.
My understanding is that they weren't very good, but they were having a hell of a time
absolutely a bad hacked up version - you have to get the longer version with the solo
Listen to the longer version ...👍
Yeah shame that,
@@Muckylittleme dammit, to cut off his solo in this song is criminal.... and I swore I heard the tempo/ or playback speed warp and change twice...or it was my tinitus... but yea you guys...go grab the full album/studio version...sounds much more complete in many ways
Yeah this was a shortened version which is unfortunate! "Live Alchemy" is the version y'all should check out. It's an amazing performance of the song and shows you how talented they really are!
100% agree. One of the best live performances ever! Mark and the drummer just go off on that version! 🔥🔥🎸🥁
Especially with Asia having so much appreciation for showmanship. That show is filled with it.
@@kevinmclaughlin1092 Yup. 100% .
Yeah absolutely check out the live alchemy version.
Too late for this song. But there is always "Telegraph Road", which is the best song from "Alchemy" in my opinion.
Knopfler has said that the song is about stopping into a bar in London and seeing a pretty bad band playing to a virtually empty bar but seeing that the guys were into it despite their lack of talent and some stuff being said in the crowd. Knopfler said the singer closed the show by saying, "Thank you. We're the Sultans of Swing."
The band was a jazz Dixieland band and good for part time musicians. They were playing in a club with mostly young people who wanted some rock n roll.
@@ronrestorff4548 I heard the story that the band wasn't good. I'm glad to hear that they were good. That makes more sense given the lyrics. Thanks!
Mark Knopfler has said in many, many interviews that the band in question was pretty bad. In one interview with Brian Johnson, Knopfler said they weren't the sultans of anything, let alone swing. (That's the gist - it's not a direct quote.) The main reason he remembered that band so well was they didn't think they were bad at all. They thought they were great. He said he had to admire their swagger, basically because that's all they had - and that made it all the more comical to him.
I believe UA-camr jago hazard has done a video on this searching for the pub and band in question.
It strange that he suggests that they were not good now when, if you listen to the words, he's written them a great review:
"A band is blowing Dixie, double four time,
You feel alright when you hear the music ring."
"Well now you step inside but you don't see too many faces
Coming in out of the rain they hear the jazz go down
Competition in other places
Uh but the horns they blowin' that sound."
"You check out guitar George, he knows-all the chords
Mind, it's strictly rhythm he doesn't want to make it cry or sing,"
"He can play the honky-tonk like anything,
Saving it up for Friday night."
That's a good review, it makes me wish I'd caught the band, and Mark was impressed and happy to have caught the gig at the time.
The sadness is they're playing their hearts out and there's hardly anyone listening. The fate of some very skilled jazz bands in pubs in south East London in the late 1970s when this song is set.
Alchemy live version has extended solos. Its an amazing live performance Should check it out.
Yes. This is the best one. They were having a blast. And the drummer stood out more in that one.
Agreed, Alchemy, one of the greatest tours ever, and one of the greatest recordings. His purity of string striking, split string technique is phenomenal. I could (and do!) listen to this musical purity every week. Telegraph Road, Once Upon a Time In The West, and particularly Brothers In Arms get me every time.
Agreed that this is the best live version I have seen of this song. Also as some have suggested, Terry Williams' drum arrangement for this live performance brings up the energy in the song incredibly and rivals Mark Knopfler's playing as being the most memorable part of the performance.
So many times with reaction videos the optimum or best vide is not reacted to, not their fault at all but it is the double edged sword of going in blind.
Alchemy tour version or Live Wembley ’85 with a saxophone duel.
Bit different but both so excellent!!
Mark is genius on the guitar. He's about 72 now. There are some recent interviews where he is discussing some interesting aspects of guitar-playing that feel like you are getting a Masters degree in music. Special guy.
My feelings exactly, In a time with no MP3, we had to run miles to get a good recording, but this was worth all the hard work to get.
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", "Romeo & Juliet", "Private Investigations", "Twisting By The Pool", "Money For Nothing", "Walk Of Life", "Telegraph Road", "So Far Away", "Brothers In Arms" etc. They don't have a bad song.
Honestly, "Fade to Black" is their best song.
Too many to list, but I'm especially partial to "It Never Rains" (the outro!!), "Calling Elvis," "Ride Across the River," "Planet of New Orleans" and of course "Brothers In Arms."
That's right.
They don't have a bad song !
That' true.
The story behind this song is one of the best in the history of rock music. This song is the epitome of 70s classic rock.
Mark Knopfler is well-known for playing lead guitar (solos, lead breaks, etc) without a pick. Not many players can play fast like that without one.
Very unique playing style he has.
Asia's dazzling beauty and BJ's timely knowledgeable commentary make this MUST SEE tv
The live version from Alchemy Live is a MUST--really stunning. Brings you right out of your seat!
Love that look on Asia's face.... "I like this.... why do I like this????"
One of the greatest bands ever from the UK. Of course, “Money for Nothing” is another classic of theirs that contains some superb guitar work 🔥🎸🔥
I don't know why, but I always thought they were australians!!!
@Penderyn Lewsyn yep near Newcastle. Proud to be a Geordie.
One of the "signature" MTV vids from back in the day...
Man, I hate that song so much.
They’re really really great and I love love them, but saying they’re the greatest band to ever come out of the UK is ridiculous. If you think that, you must have been living under a rock.
A man that can take an infinitely diverse progression and make it sound simple. The craft in the guitar on this part is something to be studied.
What really elevates their music, for my money, is Mark Knopfler's tasty guitar licks. His playing evinces a remarkable mix of bravura technique, incredible precision, and a very musical restraint - his guitar talks; he's not just trying to squeeze in as many notes as possible.
Knopfler is a badass!!
Well said
They were my group from the 1st time I heard them. I worked in a sewing factory(before they moved to china) and in the mornings we had to listen to country. After lunch however,we got to rock. It helped. This was a fav for everyone there.
Y’all should check out the full song when you get the chance with the guitar outtro. Don’t worry you’re not the only ones, ppl always react to this version by accident. But the outtro honestly makes the entire song 👌🏼🔥😊
Yep... You missed the last guitar solo!
Yes Please do the long version
Ab-so-lutely listen to the full song!!!
Perhaps one of the most underrated guitarists ever. Not by his fans and fellow musicians, but the general public.
This is not a hacked up version. This is the original shortened for radio version from 1979 when the song was released. This track is longer on the album , and a version closer to that "extended" album track was what the band played live.
these guys were the biggest band all through the 80s - 90s he is telling stories of his life growing up in the UK
Asia is mesmerized. Absolutely focused too.
live alchemy version puts the drummer to god like status. Man he plays so many fills and rolls makes him the MVP of this song
First time I heard this was on the radio on the Oregon coast, with the sound fading in and out from a distant Portland station. I told everyone I knew that this song was going to be a hit and the band was going to be big. Right on both counts.
This performance was cut short. Mark Knopfler is an absolute genius. The original version is a classic as is their live version from their alchemy album. Mark has written so many classic songs and, for me, is the greatest guitarist of all time. Take care guys. Best wishes from the UK.
My dad and uncle used to take fishing trips to the Sierras every year and this was always played blaring on the road. Great road trip song!!
You MUST treat yourself and everybody else to this same song, in their concert "Alchemy". An unforgettable expierence. Legendary.
Mark Knopfler, another guitar wizard from England; love this song. Dire Straits is a great band. Thanks, guys!
One of the things that I also enjoyed about Mark Knoflers song writing and performances is that he is a "Story Teller" and many of his songs reflect that = This song is based on him watching a weekend band called "The Sultans of Swing" one evening in London = His song "Money for Nothing" (The MTV Song) is based on him being in the Appliance Dept in a Large Department Store in New York and listening to complaining of the dept manager to his sales people while MTV was on a bank of televisions sets, Sting actually sings the backround vocals on the original recording and UA-cam has a video of Knofler & Sting performing the song live at the Royal Albert Hall with Eric Clapton & Phil Collins on the drums = Great performance
ooh that is the short version on the guitar solo. there is a much longer version that is their best performance! It is also a live version but a lot better than this one....you will love it! I always thought he was singing about their band but someone will be able to fill you in better than me.
There's a longer version and this song rocks! They're telling the story of an imaginary swing band getting a gig in a tavern where the folks are not all in tune with the music but they play their own thing. Mark Knopfler is one of the great lead guitarists of rock. Live Aid was watched live by 2 billion people.
Well, the band exist, they said it in an interview, the song is about a real band, in a real pub, that Knopfler saw
No one can tell a story better with their guitar - in a song - than the brilliant Mark Knoppfler. Top 5 all time solo in this song as well.
Alchemy live is special. The drummer really shines and there is a sick instrumental break
I liked this song from the very first note I heard back in high school. Awesome band!
I actually won a radio contest and got to go to their show, front row and, before the show, went backstage to meet the band. Really fun!!
Dire Straits are incredible and Knopfler is one of the guitar greats. So unique.
This song is basically about a band that is playing in a pub in London. It's sort of introducing the band and their music to a hypothetical observer, a newcomer to the London music scene. The title, presumably, is the name of their band... "Sultan" being a title, and "swing" being the music genre they play.
Dire Straits is a very important and EPIC British band with a long list of hit albums and songs. Mark Knopfler quickly gained popularity with guitar critics and fans as his playing is on a whole other level and Mark is so clearly one of the FINEST PLAYERS this planet has ever produced. Yea...he really is THAT GOOD...To me...there have always been 3 MASTERS OF THE STRATOCASTER, David Gilmour from Pink Floyd, SRV, and Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits.
Check out the alchemy live version. Much longer and one of the best live performances ever
Yes! My favorite! The version they did left a lot out.
He has a very distinctive voice and sure makes his guitar sing!!!🎶👌🎵👍🎼✌️
Not much of todays music has this kind of heart and soul, but the extended version has much more guitar play.
The band called themselves Dire Straits at the time they were playing in the London pub scene and hoping to make it big. The lyrics are about those times when they could see other bands, with talented guys, playing previous generation music not to be popular but for the pleasure of it. Mark Knopfler's guitar sounds in this song are a collection of guitar styles of Mississipi's R&B (Dixie) of the 1950's.
I’m sure it’s been mentioned, but, not only is he singing lead vocals, he’s also playing lead guitar, doing all the fills and solos. That is incredible.
No???!!!! Knopfler plays guitar !!!!! Nooooo??????
Song is about a rock band in London hearing another band Sultans of Swing in a local pub. He is comparing their playing style and horns and the overall response of the audience.He is saying this actually happened to them! YOU HAVE DISCOVERED THE MOST FAMOUS BAND OF THE 80s PLAY Alchemy live Sultans of swing OR Telegraph road.
Dire Straits were touring b4 they really hit it big. Stopped in a pub to have a beer, and a band was playing. The bands name was Sultan of Swing, and according to Mark Knoffler, they were terrible. This song is a true story.
Right, the song is about a London band that played Dixieland-type swing, "The Sultans of Swing". Mark Knoffler, the guitar player and lead singer, wrote the song, about his visit to that London club and the experience of hearing them play. Everyone chatting here is right; the original Dire Straights version is longer, with a longer guitar solo. Dire Straights and this song became hugely popular in that time. Knoffler is considered one of the greatest pop guitar players of that time. Enjoyed hearing it with you guys!
This band and song are worth a second listen. First to hear a whole live version that is not butchered like this one and to really appreciate Mark (and band's) musical genius. Please please listen to Dire Straits - Sultans Of Swing (Alchemy Live). The song is about dropping in to hear a band playing one rainy evening in a small London jazz club.
The look on Ms Asia's face. . . . Awesome reaction. I grew up with this song. They have lots of deeper songs, "Roller Girl" for example.
once upon a time there was no such thing as "Autotune" when everyone didn't sound the same. singers had unique voices, and had to be good to be successful.
And in those days... They were good. In a wsy that no longer exists.
yep back in the day actually had to have talent to go big and not just a scandal and some heavily relied upon gimmicks to stay relevant
Where did it all go to? Lost to the digital world.
Brothers In Arms is a song by them that is really touching, especially for veterans.
You guys need to find the full version of this. There’s so much more to it.
This version leaves out one of the greatest guitar solos ever. I hope you get to hear the whole version.
This music is kind of captivating isn't it.
I remember the first time I heard it as a rock and roll Young teenager everyone seemed to like it and no one knew exactly why because it was not traditional Rock. It was simply captivating.
Loved this band for over 40 years. And this is my favorite song from them. And it's one of my very favorite songs, period! They rock! And I love the amazed look that Asia is giving! 👍😎👍 - DJ Jazzy J-Ray
WAIT, Where's the guitar SOLO? You have to redo this with the COMPLETE performance. This one is only the first part with the BEST PART LEFT OUT!
Phenomenal guitarist. This was their breakout song in the late 70’s. When I first heard it on the radio I thought it was Bob Dylan. Dire Straits became huge during the MTV years. Mark Knopfler later played on the Bob Dylan record Slow Train Coming. Check out the song Precious Angel.
This song was cut short, the solo was about to start. This is one of the greatest of solo`s of all time.
yes, it's a true story Mark saw them playing in a half empty pub .
If you ever happen to play Dire Straits: "Brothers In Arms" (official video, not live) you will literally (and I'm not kidding) hear a guitar weep. It will move you.
Nooooo!... never ever the official video - it cuts off the intro and outro.. you need the full length Album version ua-cam.com/video/9ykZc5E6UEE/v-deo.html
My all time favorite song! Great band!
Asia was so focused, like in a trance for the first half, loved it! As other people are saying, this wasn’t the best version, namely the killer solo at the end was cut off, but it still rocked!!
Ohhhh! Wish you had the FULL VERSION! This was a nice taste of the song. You owe it to yourself to hear it all!
The great thing about Mark Knopfler is he doesn’t use a pick, just his fingers.
I play the guitar.... with a pick however. It takes a lot of talent to pick with your fingers!!!
"Dire Straits - Walk Of Life" and " Money For Nothing" and "Telegraph Road Live-Alchemy Tour 1983" and "Mark Knopfler - Brothers in Arms (A Night in London/ Official Live Video)" they have an extensive collection, just a wonderful rabbit hole to go down. Thanks, great reaction
Listen to the Alchemy live version. 10 minutes of awesome
Asia's got it right on the button: Mark Knopfler is just showing a little peek of what he can do. I always thought that was part of the beauty of this song. It shows you just a glimpse.
Thanks for doing this!
This particular video cuts the song off right at the final, and best part of the song. That last solo is incredible.
i loved the expresion on your face hun x
This version is tragically cut to pieces. If you really want to see them bring this home hard the live version from Live Alchemy is a must. Mark Knopfler is a genius level guitarist,one of the all-time greats.
that version is sped up too fast.
You need to see the full video. This was chopped off too short- They faded out the last solo, which was amazing. Please look up the full version!
I remember in '78 when this song came out Disco was in full swing, dominated everything and beginning to get very repetetive and monotonous. Sultans of Swing gave me hope that creativity in popular music still had a pulse. I consider it an important landmark.
I did remember the year 1978. I am under the impression it was still very beautiful and creative, yet it went through changes into the 80s. Maybe the country or area where you live the music might not be uniform depending on the mood, that may account for what you experienced.
One of my all time favorite songs.
me encanta esta cancion , la oi por primera vez en 1979 que tiempos aquellos eso era musica y no la basura musical come cocos y alenadora de la gente
This should nag was their second single from their debut album.
At the time, many house bands would sign off by introducing members of the band, giving themselves accolades such as “ayatollah of rock and rolls” or “sultans of swing.”
The song simply tells a story where a commuter steps in bro a club to get out of the rain - right as the house band is finishing a set. That’s all. There’s no particular club or band behind the story, though many today try to make more of the tale.
Please, react to Dire Straits' "Romeo and Juliet", it's a great song and was a huge hit here in the UK. "Money for nothing" (released in 1985) is also very good and another hit of the many Dire Straits had. It was the first song played when MTV Europe was launched in 1987.
The first song played in MTV US, launched 1981, was "Video killed the Radio Star" (released in 1979) by another UK band, The Buggles,
such a beautiful ballad, Romeo and Juliet
Please check out the live Alchemy version to truly get the feel of how talented they are as musicians, it will also include 2 keyboard players but the drummer adds so much to the experience you will truly feel it in your soul. Thanks you two, prayers and blessings to you and yours for a safe and Happy New Year.
Oh man, it was nice seeing Mark and the boys performing, but they sure did cut up the performance vs the studio version. Anyhow... I LOVED seeing Asia's expression while she was taking it all in. He's got a relatively rare claw technique on the guitar (at least in the rock world) that sounds like no other.
The Alchemy Live version of the song is far superior to this one! This is cut short and they're holding a lot back
One of my best memories as a child is me and my brother in the back seat so young and mom and dad in the front driving the Indiana country roads in my dads blue Chevy nova and this song playing and them passing a joint on occasion :). Beautiful times when my conscious was waking up to all the possibilities ahead. Thanks mom and dad for exposing us to real music. I could name a dozen other songs with similar memories.
Another great reaction! Sucks that you watched this version. They cut off the best part of the song, his solo at the end. Travesty. Hope you get a chance to see the full version sometime. Love you guys :)
Being a DJ inlate 1960s, 70s and 80s, we got see bands for free. Every week I was at a concert. Bet I've seen over 1000 bands. Best time of my life. Music like this will never be made again from this era.
I've been grooving to this song for 46 years now, and BJ, your first-listen take is as good as any I've ever heard 👍
Brings back memories of early MTV!!!!
They have many hits, the follow up song to this in the uk was “Lady Writer” which has similarities to S of S
Brilliant group , *Brothers in arms * shows the guitar skills ,. And the song " Romeo and Juliet"
Words become less important when you have music like this funky guitar to enjoy.
this is my favorite song of all time. close your eyes and listen to that guitar 🎸
One of the great classic rock songs. SMOOOOOOOTH!
The songs addicting and I love it still after all these years of listening to it over and over again. Mark knopfler is just great.
Pure talent not just yelling and banging on the guitar
A very good choice ... An epic song from Dire Straights . Merry Christmas and Happy New year to all the world!
"Money for nothing" iconic Dire Straits song also.. Be sure to watch the video, it was the first British MTV music video played.
World-class guitar player there. Pure class. Understated excellence.
Low key guitar LEGEND right there. Mark Knopfler.
He's narrating about a band, a pub or small club band who just enjoy their moment getting together and making the audience feel great and with no thoughts of getting a record deal or being famous. I know the great feeling having played in such a band in Caribbean clubs around the South of England.
Man I just came across you guys, and I totally enjoy your reactions.....so genuine. Asia is so funny, BJ is just cool.
The song was based on a dixie band that Mark Knopfler saw in a pub in south London when he had popped in for a couple of beers. His use of the guitar to tell the story is amazing and you should listen to Brothers in Arms as that is even better.
THE START OF IT ALL FOR THEM & A MUST HEAR CLASSIC,, DIRE STRAITS "SKATEAWAY"...Toro,, Toro Taxi..Lol.
The song is about a jazz band playing in the corner of an almost empty pub in Deptford, South London. Calling themselves the "Sultans of Swing", they seem to be only part-timers playing the bar scene since some members have other jobs. The rhythm and structure of the song are done to perfection.
Oh no, that was the version with the shortened guitar solo (at the end). You definitely have to listen to the whole version with the full guitar solo by Mark Knopfler. Absolutely sick guitar skills!
Very distinctive guitar sound. You know who it is whenever you here it.
Saw them live in 1985 down at Brighton, one of my first gigs, i thought they were amazing.