Mark knopfler rightfully gets a lot of credit for his amazing guitar playing in this superb live performance but the drumming is just next level bonkers
Terry Williams is killing it on drums. There's a clip here where you can actually see him mouthing every note that Knopfler plays, whilst playing exactly the same thing on the drums. Phenomenal playing!
An urban legend is that Terry's father was at this concert and it was the first time he had see him play in person at a concert like this. If true that would go part of the way to explain why he was playing his heart out. Drums don't get much better than that. Very rarely can someone rise to the level of Mark Knopfler during a live performance (where you are constantly drawn to more than just listening to Mark), this is one of those times... Then you get Alan Clark during Telegraph Road at this concert rise to Mark's level with some exquisite keyboard playing. Alchemy is definitely a concert series where the entire band is on a completely different level/planet and would be right up there with Pink Floyd Pulse etc as an 'all time great' concert series.
This is not just the best performance of Sultans of Swing, but the single best performance of Dire Straits…ever. It’s absolute perfection down to every single note 👌
This leaves me exhausted and speechless every time I watch it. There are no words that can do it justice. I don't think I have ever witnessed a band more in synch and in tune with each other.
it's one of those rare times when everything comes together and falls into place. Look at the way they are knowingly smiling at each other as though they can not believe how on fire and in synch they are they are playing above themselves that night.
One of the greatest performances by any band ever!!! Mark Knopfler was untouchable around this time. Listen to Tunnel of Love from the same concert next.
The studio version of this is one of the best songs for cruising. The best part of this video is how much fun they're having.😎 Making a living like that wouldn't suck.
The concert was recorded in July 1983 and released as a double live album the next year. The studio version of Sultans of Swing was released in 1978 and there were several personnel changes between then and the Alchemy Live concert, including the addition of drummer Terry Williams, who is amazing here.
Love Dire Straits. I have seen this version many times. It is excellent. I usually prefer the studio version but these guys are great live. And Mark's guitar solo is awesome! He is one of the great masters.
One of my all time favorite bands growing up! Knopfler is under-appreciated at times but just an incredible guitarist and truly agree that the drummer was amazing as well!
This has to be one of my all time faves in the catalogue of Dire Straits live videos. Absolutely off the chart from all the band members and I LOVE the way Mark looks into the camera and smiles like he's also having the time of his life as he's playing, and as for Terry Williams...just amazing.
Nobody makes their guitar sing like mark does. Most can play a good solo and good rhythm, but his guitar playing and unique sound is like no other. Been my favorite guitarist since I was 7.
Oh please. Really? He's played with Chet Atkins, Eric Clapton, Sting, etc. and you feel the way to make a compliment is through the back-handed claim he's "unappreciated." Did you just wake up from a coma...?
loved your reaction and yeah Dire Straits were the real deal especially live ( as you said let loose ) Mark is just perfection on guitar, they were all great but i really always enjoy seeing Terry Williams singing Marks guitar notes as he's killing it on the drums .
Same show/venue "Telegraph Road" must be later in the show as the jackets have come off and I honestly believe the drummer saved the best for last! I also thank the person who asked you to react to this! Waiting on your next reaction!💯
Mark Knopfler wrote & obviously played 'Sultans of Swing'. Just an incredible man. Born in Scotland, then grew up in Leeds England. Dire Straits were fantastic, splitting up a couple of times, but he has continued to play solo!! Amazing!!!
If true Deb, at least his parents had the great sense to get him out of Scotland at a very early age! Not the slightest hint of Scottish accent or 'heritage' in anything I've ever heard him say or sing. Top man!!! Just saying!
Incredible! Was this included in the Alchemy live video? Truly inspiring performance from Mark and the band. God I wish I'd been there. Not many musicians like this anymore.
Hey DJW, sorry buddy ..... one of the greatest compensations of being an 'old git' is being able to say that I waz there!!! 😜😜 Absolutely NO bands like this anymore! Drool with envy my friend, I'm sorry but it will never, ever happen again! 😉😉 Just saying!
This is iconic used to listen to dire straits as a kid as my dad was into them so used to play in the car on long journeys. Never seen the live stuff till few months ago and the things they add make the songs 10 times better!!! Was born couple months after this concert!!!
Terry Williams Swansea boy through and through, lived there all his life! Documentary on UA-cam somewhere. Would you believe he now plays for a local pub band there! Top bloke! Just saying!
I was a young teenager when this song came out on the radio. I didn't know the band or anything but I knew it was different and that I had to listen to it every time I heard it. Have listened to them ever since. My personal fave song is Mark Knopfler's Cannibals though - just light and bouncy with a Cajun beat.
Mark here (1983) was 34 years old. Alchemy live is the Dire Straits album I listen to the most…. There are other stellar performances in it, Telegraph Road, Once Upon a Time in The West, Private Investigation….in a nutshell I love it 🤩
Look for the live version of this from the Nelson Mandela concert in June 1988 - it's slowed down and a slightly different feel which I love. Also has Eric Clapton on 2nd guitar as Jack Sonni was unavailable as his wife had just had twins! Anything from the Mandela concert gig is brilliant!
@@Michiel1972 That's your opinion and I respect that - no need to be so aggressive in your tone. The Mandela concert version is a variation that is worth watching - I didn't say it was better, I said it was different and some people like it. I like both for different reasons.
@@sydbarret8416 I can definitely remember him breaking one in the solo he took in Money For Nothing - that was the only one I think. I think EC was a bit nervous playing with Dire Straits for his first Wembley Stadium gig - plus I think June 88 would have been during his brief relapse where he started drinking again for a short while. Might explain his mood!
I generally agree with your comments about live, but in later years Knopfler got very lazy and talked the lyrics rather than singing properly, I got to see them live in London and came away rather disappointed as a result
I have to agree Terry Williams is brilliant on this song as he was though out this concert it’s what’s missing from the reissues and it’s never been Explained Why The whole concert was filmed the band are absolutely on fire and we don’t get the whole gig Just think how good the Set list below would have been to watch as the fans did back in the Day . Stargazer ( Local Hero ) Film Once upon a time in the west Industrial disease Expresso love Romeo and Juliet Love over Gold Private Investigations Sultans of swing Twisting by the pool Two young lovers Tunnel of love Portobello Belle Telegraph Road Solid Rock The Rocks & Thunder ( Local Hero Film) Local Hero ( Local Hero Film )
I was there at Hammersmith Odeon in London in 1983 these guys blew the roof off probably the best concert I've ever witnessed. Proud to be a brit 🇬🇧🇬🇧
I am jealous. This ranks along with. Janis Joplin Ball and Chain live. Led Zep at MSG. Stevie Ray Vaughn. El Mochambo. Once in a lifetime expirience
Mark knopfler rightfully gets a lot of credit for his amazing guitar playing in this superb live performance but the drumming is just next level bonkers
Terry Williams is killing it on drums. There's a clip here where you can actually see him mouthing every note that Knopfler plays, whilst playing exactly the same thing on the drums. Phenomenal playing!
Terry Williams from Swansea nearly steals the show. great performance
@@adrianbrown1492 🏴
An urban legend is that Terry's father was at this concert and it was the first time he had see him play in person at a concert like this. If true that would go part of the way to explain why he was playing his heart out. Drums don't get much better than that. Very rarely can someone rise to the level of Mark Knopfler during a live performance (where you are constantly drawn to more than just listening to Mark), this is one of those times...
Then you get Alan Clark during Telegraph Road at this concert rise to Mark's level with some exquisite keyboard playing. Alchemy is definitely a concert series where the entire band is on a completely different level/planet and would be right up there with Pink Floyd Pulse etc as an 'all time great' concert series.
Thanks for mentioning that! I've watched this video like 20 times and every time I think "I need to look up this drummers name". He killed it
Correct.He was from Wales...never seen a drummer like that...He must have lost plenty weight on tour FFS,!.
This is not just the best performance of Sultans of Swing, but the single best performance of Dire Straits…ever.
It’s absolute perfection down to every single note 👌
Best live performance in the history of the universe
This leaves me exhausted and speechless every time I watch it. There are no words that can do it justice. I don't think I have ever witnessed a band more in synch and in tune with each other.
it's one of those rare times when everything comes together and falls into place. Look at the way they are knowingly smiling at each other as though they can not believe how on fire and in synch they are they are playing above themselves that night.
One of the greatest performances by any band ever!!! Mark Knopfler was untouchable around this time. Listen to Tunnel of Love from the same concert next.
The drummer is amazing!
Terry Williams from Swansea Wales.
The studio version of this is one of the best songs for cruising.
The best part of this video is how much fun they're having.😎
Making a living like that wouldn't suck.
In my top ten live! Knopfler doesn't play the guitar, he is the guitar!
The concert was recorded in July 1983 and released as a double live album the next year. The studio version of Sultans of Swing was released in 1978 and there were several personnel changes between then and the Alchemy Live concert, including the addition of drummer Terry Williams, who is amazing here.
Love Dire Straits. I have seen this version many times. It is excellent. I usually prefer the studio version but these guys are great live. And Mark's guitar solo is awesome! He is one of the great masters.
Quite simply... there is nothing more perfectly done "live" than this performance .
One of my all time favorite bands growing up! Knopfler is under-appreciated at times but just an incredible guitarist and truly agree that the drummer was amazing as well!
He’s one of a few guitarist that don’t need a pic to play they use their fingers! This is probably one of the best versions of this song!
One year later... And it's still a great song! I've grown up listening to this music too. What a boost in life. Beautiful. Just beautiful.
This has to be one of my all time faves in the catalogue of Dire Straits live videos. Absolutely off the chart from all the band members and I LOVE the way Mark looks into the camera and smiles like he's also having the time of his life as he's playing, and as for Terry Williams...just amazing.
IMO ... Mark Knopfler is one of the most unappreciated guitarists of all time. He's in my top 5!
Screw that! He is in my top 1 !
Mark Knopfler " unappreciated " - not a chance !! He is Unique ! I have watched him since day one and I'm 74 now !
Nobody makes their guitar sing like mark does. Most can play a good solo and good rhythm, but his guitar playing and unique sound is like no other. Been my favorite guitarist since I was 7.
@@aidiess Agreed, anyone who doesn't 'appreciate' MK probably ain't worth talking to! Just saying!
Oh please. Really? He's played with Chet Atkins, Eric Clapton, Sting, etc. and you feel the way to make a compliment is through the back-handed claim he's "unappreciated." Did you just wake up from a coma...?
Mark Knopfler is probably the best ever finger picker. Not many people realise his brother David was also playing rythm guitar until 1980.
Think is his brother playing there. After the tour he quit
This is Hal Lindes on rhythm guitar. His brother left one year before.
Terry was fantastic a pure rock drummer. Stay safe
loved your reaction and yeah Dire Straits were the real deal especially live ( as you said let loose ) Mark is just perfection on guitar, they were all great but i really always enjoy seeing Terry Williams singing Marks guitar notes as he's killing it on the drums .
No matter how many times I watch this... Amazing.
Perfection! They make it look so effortless, like they are just jamming, jokingly following each others whims. I love it!
AWESOME! so happy I am able to watch this every day. (and I do)💞 from uk
The drummer stealing the show😮
The drummer is crazy good.
I saw them live in 1985. One of the best concerts I have been to.
yeh, fabulous live version. the man is a genius.
Same show/venue "Telegraph Road" must be later in the show as the jackets have come off and I honestly believe the drummer saved the best for last! I also thank the person who asked you to react to this! Waiting on your next reaction!💯
Tunnel of Love from the same concert is phenomenal 🎸🎸🎸
Of all the versions of this number I've heard them play - I LOVE ALL OF THEM.
Mark Knopfler wrote & obviously played 'Sultans of Swing'. Just an incredible man. Born in Scotland, then grew up in Leeds England. Dire Straits were fantastic, splitting up a couple of times,
but he has continued to play solo!! Amazing!!!
If true Deb, at least his parents had the great sense to get him out of Scotland at a very early age! Not the slightest hint of Scottish accent or 'heritage' in anything I've ever heard him say or sing. Top man!!! Just saying!
He's actually a Geordie.
Incredible! Was this included in the Alchemy live video? Truly inspiring performance from Mark and the band. God I wish I'd been there. Not many musicians like this anymore.
You can buy the concert on DVD or Blu-ray, highly recommend 😆
Hey DJW, sorry buddy ..... one of the greatest compensations of being an 'old git' is being able to say that I waz there!!! 😜😜 Absolutely NO bands like this anymore! Drool with envy my friend, I'm sorry but it will never, ever happen again! 😉😉 Just saying!
This is iconic used to listen to dire straits as a kid as my dad was into them so used to play in the car on long journeys. Never seen the live stuff till few months ago and the things they add make the songs 10 times better!!!
Was born couple months after this concert!!!
The Drummer from the Muppet Show ...Great !!!
Terry Williams Swansea boy through and through, lived there all his life! Documentary on UA-cam somewhere. Would you believe he now plays for a local pub band there! Top bloke! Just saying!
I was actually at that gig...1984, Hammersmith Appollo, London...Double live album recordings called 'Alchemy'...Geniuss.sssss
23rd July 1983
Late 70s. I hitch hiked Rotorua to Dunedin NZ with Dire Straits Joan Armatrading Allman Bros & Rene Geyer CDs plugged in along the way
Sublime performance.
I was a young teenager when this song came out on the radio. I didn't know the band or anything but I knew it was different and that I had to listen to it every time I heard it. Have listened to them ever since. My personal fave song is Mark Knopfler's Cannibals though - just light and bouncy with a Cajun beat.
Mark here (1983) was 34 years old. Alchemy live is the Dire Straits album I listen to the most…. There are other stellar performances in it, Telegraph Road, Once Upon a Time in The West, Private Investigation….in a nutshell I love it 🤩
Alchemy é o registro de uma noite perfeita. I 💝 dIRE sTRAITS
Fernando-Rio de Janeiro- Brasil
They make it look so easy.
Tunnel of love from this concert is even better in my opinion.
The drums are possessed...(first time his dad went to see him live)
1977 was the year of this
You said you like BOC, time to do another one. A live one with fantastic guitar work. Veterans of the Psychic Wars, live video only. It’s a lock
Thanks for a brilliant reaction young man..
Great job Patrol. Keep them coming
Highly recommend Telegraph Road from this same Alchemy Live version...it's another master piece! Cheers 🍻 m8...!
Good music in all genres back then
Rock on Granny.... sooooo right!!! What an awesome time to be alive, we were so lucky! 😊😊Just saying!
Telegraph Road from the same album is equally as mind blowing - give it it a go !!
one word brilliant mate
This is so f..king good!!!
Love the 70’s music !!!!
.... or eighties even, Just saying! 🤣🤣
GREAT PIECE GREAT PLAY, LOVE DIRE STRAIGHTS.
God shone his light on him!
Look for the live version of this from the Nelson Mandela concert in June 1988 - it's slowed down and a slightly different feel which I love. Also has Eric Clapton on 2nd guitar as Jack Sonni was unavailable as his wife had just had twins! Anything from the Mandela concert gig is brilliant!
Why would you want people to go watch the Mandela version? It doesn't come close to this version.
@@Michiel1972 That's your opinion and I respect that - no need to be so aggressive in your tone.
The Mandela concert version is a variation that is worth watching - I didn't say it was better, I said it was different and some people like it. I like both for different reasons.
@@SotonCueMan I was there at Wembley that day. As I remember slow hand broke a string ( possibly two ? ). He definitely had the bloody hump !!
@@sydbarret8416 I can definitely remember him breaking one in the solo he took in Money For Nothing - that was the only one I think.
I think EC was a bit nervous playing with Dire Straits for his first Wembley Stadium gig - plus I think June 88 would have been during his brief relapse where he started drinking again for a short while. Might explain his mood!
1983 Alchemy Live Tour/Album.
This guy didn't even need to say a word. You saw everything in his face.
Listen to Brothers in Arms... Beautiful
Awesome performance, awesome cap
Me encanta siempre. .gracias
Dire Straits are what you would call a professional RnR band.
Check out telegraph road and tunnel of love live
You should watch to the ‘96 version of the song✌️
Let´s go UNITED!!!!!
Knopfler had to look at his guitar as many times as girls look at me... Which means not a lot .
Ouch..
Awesome song!!!
That is the Definition of Tight!
brothers in arms and sultans of swing mandela concert:)
Mark inprovising is out of this world
1983 dude
Sultans of Swing, the backstory: ua-cam.com/video/lrCpVoMIWxw/v-deo.html
The whole Alchemy album is awesome. My absolute favourite track from Alchemy is "Telegraph Road". ua-cam.com/video/Q1Wp2ASqyxI/v-deo.html
Who finger picks a Fender Strat? Oh... that would be...(? )
1984 is the year of Alchemy Live Album
@The Axe Factor Correct!
I mixed up 6 years later with '86 (something with six ;-) ). 1978 > 1984
@The Axe Factor VHS or Betamax? OMG I'm getting soooo old!!! Just saying! 🤣🤣
1983
Another jewish genious. For all you haters out there. Shame on you.
British bands are better than American bands FULL STOP. And it was 1985
@The Axe Factor Don't they say that "If you can remember the eighties .... you weren't actually there"??!! Just saying! 😂😂
I generally agree with your comments about live, but in later years Knopfler got very lazy and talked the lyrics rather than singing properly, I got to see them live in London and came away rather disappointed as a result
Martin, makes complete sense that you have Ars in your name! Just saying!
I have to agree Terry Williams is brilliant on this song as he was though out this concert
it’s what’s missing from the reissues and it’s never been Explained Why
The whole concert was filmed the band are absolutely on fire and we don’t get the whole gig Just think how good the
Set list below would have been to watch as the fans did back in the Day .
Stargazer ( Local Hero ) Film
Once upon a time in the west
Industrial disease
Expresso love
Romeo and Juliet
Love over Gold
Private Investigations
Sultans of swing
Twisting by the pool
Two young lovers
Tunnel of love
Portobello Belle
Telegraph Road
Solid Rock
The Rocks & Thunder ( Local Hero Film)
Local Hero ( Local Hero Film )
1983
1983