My three and four year old grandsons can sniff out Mark Knopfler after three or four notes! Both of them sing every word of Sultans! Brings tears to this proud Papa!
This is amazing to read. My dad exposed me to Knopfler at a very young age and his music has been a constant in my life for the last 35 years. His tone and style are unmistakable. Different class.
@@bydavidmitchell for me it was the other way around. I exposed my dad to Knopfler! He was one of the few artists I was into as a youngster that he liked. It probably helped that Mark grew up listening to many of the same acts as my dad. He was a teenager when rock n' roll began and loved 1950s and 1960s music including the likes of Cliff and The Shadows and the Everly Brothers, who were heroes to Mark who he later got to play or record with.
Then we need to nominate you for son of the year. Anyone that introduces Mark Knopfler to someone is, in my eyes, passing on a lifelong gift. And yes, agree with you on the influences Knopfler had.
When they redeveloped the Spanish City site a few years ago they embedded the lines "Girl it looks so pretty to me, like it always did. Like the Spanish City to me, when we were kids." into the mosaic at the entrance.
@@Diecastclassicist There's a TV series called Life on the Road where Brian Johnson of AC/DC interviews various rock legends about their lives in music. There's an episode with Mark Knopfler which includes a visit to the Spanish City where they reminisce about growing up in the Newcastle area (Brian being a fellow Geordie) and it shows the lyrics. It's a delightful watch. You may still be able to find it on UA-cam.
Yeah me too I used to go the Spanish City as a kid with my late mother and grandmother. Such days you can't get back but maybe you can if you dream hard enough x
The best rock song ever written and performed, in my humble opinion. If this song doesn’t ring true with the teen in us and every teenager ever born, I don’t know what will. Mark Knopfler is the King of Kings.
Not about a one night stand but about a childhood sweetheart and longing for the carefree world they shared in youth. Knopfler is not only one of the great guitarists of all time, so evocative and powerful, but he's a wonderful vocalist and a master storyteller. And his band is sublime. You must do Romeo and Juliet by them. You will be touched and anaxed.
For me, only Mark Knopfler and David Gilmour can play a 16 minute song and leave you wanting more and more. Why does it have to end? I guess that what the replay button is for! I love all versions of this song, but this is my favorite. Thank you for your insightful reaction and for not talking over the song. I just subscribed to your channel.
I find myself spontaneously breaking out into laughter, whenever I see/hear musicians this brilliant performing at this level of virtuosity. I just sit here in awe, smiling and laughing out loud, forgetting for just a little while, all the crap that's happening in our world today .... Thank God for the gift/blessing of music ....
And in the roar of dust and diesel/I saw her turn and walk away/I could have caught up with her easy enough/but something must have made me stay…one of my favorite verses in rock.
I was fortunate enough to have the honor to see Dire Straits in 1985 perform this song live when they came to Chicago. They set the all time attendance record at the venue, an outdoor stadium called Poplar Creek which no longer exists. Long ago as it that was, I still remember the show and the performance of this song.
@@denadavey1470 They blew world attendance records in 1986, still on the same tour when they got to Melbourne Australia and did something like 12 sold out dates in a row. I was at the opener! It stood until 1988 when Pink Floyd broke it , again in Melbourne on the Momentary Lapse of Reason Tour, and I was there too, first date. I'd queue, as a kid. That record stood until P!NK broke it with something like 18 dates, here in Melbourne, and this time I was not there, but my ex wife was, and said she was brilliant. She most probably was. What I can see of that show on the interwebs is that woman is pretty damn good.
You're keeping me company while I work! This was Mark Knopfler's Dad's favorite song, and I heard that when he died, Mark could no longer perform it live. Given that, I thought it was Mark telling the story to his dad, especially when he says, "And I don't know where I'll be tonight, but I always tell you where I am." Since Mark is recounting something that actually happened to him when he was a young teenager.
Love your reaction! Dire Straits has been my favorite group of all time since I heard Sultans in 1979 at age 12. I was lucky enough to see them in November, 1982 in then-West Berlin. To this day, even with about 60 concerts, they are the gold standard. Despite me thinking Mark Knopfler is one of the top guitarists in the world, that wasn’t even what drew me to him and the band. It was his songwriting, which IMO is his biggest talent. That said, I was mesmerized for 3 hours watching his fingers pluck and make sounds that no one else had or does. His sound is unique! BTW, still a fan of his work since Dire Straits...it really highlights his songwriting talent!
Mark and DS are musicians you MUST see and hear live . They never do anything the same twice ,yet it is always fantastic . He has been on top since 1978 and still going extreemly well .
Please listen to the studio version too if you get the chance, in your own time I mean, it has a real haunting quality to it that I didn't feel as much here, this live one is amazing in so many other ways though, God these guys are so talented. Thanks Harri, awesome as always.
I totally agree. Seekng it live when you already know the song is amazing (how could it not be...it's Dire Straits) but a live performance can't capture the atmosphere of the studio version. Some songs are just like that, no matter how amazing the band. The studio version of this has an ethereal feeling with undertones of oily rag, and stimulates the senses.
Studio version is very good as well, when they play this live they lift it to another level. Think this version is probably the best live I've heard. Great live act, one of the best I've seen.
I must have heard this track 1000 times. This version absolutely drives along. Love "From Cullercoasts to Whitley Bay", like it's his whole world. They're a mile away.
Got chills from Mark's outro & been listening to this song for decades. That guitar is just an additional appendage in his hands - no need for flash when you play with seemingly effortless perfection!
Loved the little slices of The Supremes' "Stop In The Name Of Love" ( around 2.38 ) and The Animals' "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" ( around 3.28 ) that Mark put into his intro to this fantastic song.
@@joyfulzero853 Yes, you are correct, and I was aware of Nina Simone having recorded it first .. But it was The Animals who had by far the biggest chart success of any version, and it is easily the most known version to the general music following public .. No offence intended.
I am generally not an emotional person but mark’s guitar playing often gives me goosebumps or brings a tear to my eye. It just resonates with me for some reason. The final solo in Tunnel of Love is perhaps the best at this. Live is great but so is the studio version.
Yeah. Wow! Perfection. And not just Knopfler, but the whole band. Check out Mark's solo albums also. The whole "Sailing to Philadelphia" album is a masterpiece. Redbud tree, Camerado, My claim to fame, What have I got to do (awesome!), The long highway, Devil baby. He doesn't usually do the lightning fast solos anymore. But he paints an athmosphere in every song, with his superb storytelling and heavenly guitarplay. MK is the best.
I'm so excited! Mark Knopfler the lead singer has a great amount of good solo stuff. He did a collaboration with Emmy Lou Harris and the album Sailing to Philadelphia is amazing. Check out the song Sailing to Philadelphia with James Taylor it is historic and haunting.
That is interesting what you about it being a love letter. Somebody said about Mark Knopfler, "Knopfler does not play guitar solos. He writes stories".
It's like a memory he's telling. Fun and exciting in the telling at first, then the last vocals and guitar solo kind of wistful, like he's begun to recount it for himself, but you're still there to hear it. They do several songs that way, like "romeo and juliet".
Also, from where you were thinking it was the closing song of the concert, I think it's actually the first song. You'd have to find the whole alchemy (the name of the live album) album to know for sure, but I'm pretty sure that's the start of the concert.
Knopfler grew up in the same town as me. The Spanish City was a permanent fun fair at Whitley Bay. As kids we’d go there for a treat. Down the coast from Whitley Bay is Cullercoats. What a player he is and having a song so specific to my history makes it super special
IMO i think how he says "it (love ) is so pretty to me like it always did, like the Spanish city to me, when we were kids" is like real love is always memorable like childhood memories and how they mark us.
This live concert recording, and the Alchemy concert, produced what to me are some of the finest performances by the group of fantastic musicians ever. The final solo in this song is so beautifully done that I find I have tears in my eyes, even all these years later. And to put that into context, I'd already been playing professionally on the road for about 12 years when this concert was recorded, and continued to play professionally for many more. It's difficult to find words to describe just how good this music is, and how far above everyone else Mark's playing is on these solos. I'm glad that you're enjoying your discovery of Dire Straits. If you can find it (not easy depending on your location), the version of "Walk of Life from the 1992 "On The Night" recording is an outstanding version on that song, with a wonderful pedal steel guitar solo by Paul Franklin. The slow-tempo recording of the closing number "Going Home" is one of the most beautiful things Mark ever did. It's a completely different feel to the same song as recorded in this concert, "Wembly Does The Walk." There are so many good songs to suggest the list could go on for pages and pages. Enjoy the voyage of Discovery.
The 'slow-tempo recording of the closing number "Going Home"' is actually a version of "Wild Theme" from the same Local Hero soundtrack, albeit played on Mark's red Stratocaster. It is indeed beautiful, as is the original acoustic version which if you haven't heard it is well worth checking out. 🙂
@@45dda Hank Marvin. 😉 It was indeed and an obvious thrill for Mark. After all Hank was the reason Mark coveted a red Fender Stratocaster as a lad. (Hank owned the very first one in the UK, bought for him by Cliff Richard.)
Wonderful beautiful song...Mark is a genius, of all the songs at the concert his playing was off the scale here..How do you describe having such a gift for composjng and playing?.I love all the songs from the Alchemy tour..and can proudly say " i was there"..genius melodies..and 'stories' to music..which will live Forever. Thank you Harri!!
I have been listening to and watching Dire Straits since the late 70's. I mostly like to watch them playing live because seeing Mark playing is mind boggling. He gets such sound and clarity without a pick. All of the members are excellent musicians. If you haven't done "Brothers in Arms" from the Nelson Mandela Birthday concert or "Once Upon a Time in the West" are great choices to do. Thanks for reacting to this!!
Marvelous. How is it,that when top axemen are discussed,Mark Knopfler is never mentioned. I saw them mid 80’s at Hammersmith and in the audience that night were Jimmy page and Jeff Beck. They were note perfect and that clean sound is all down to Knopfler with a tight band behind him. He is the guitarists guitarist. Harri,check out Telegraph Road from the Alchemy tour,the outtro is magnificent. Even Steely Dan asked him to guest for them. (Gaucho album,Time Out of Mind the track)
Honestly Dire Straits were better than Wings live! Fecking amazing & that's really saying something as the best live band I have seen is RUSH! Closely followed by David Lee Roth (just for his stage presence and Steve Vai)! It's funny that you like this track so much as I love Private Investigations, Your Latest Trick, Portobello Girl, Wild West End & Lions so much! Such an amazing Band!!! They are one of the best live bands ever!!
The answer to your question is because most people who like guitar players like Joe Satriani or Steve Vai who play scales at a billion notes a second, and act like it's a problem to be solved instead of a story to be told. I have had this conversation with Matt Black from Fireballs who can metal your arse off but thinks that brilliant soaring notes from Dave Gilmour of Pink Floyd are boring. I LOVE Knopfler's work. His song writing is brilliant. I also don't know which lists of top axemen you're looking at, because Knopfler is usually there. Maybe avoid the ones with Satriani, and Vai, and look at the ones with Vaughan and Gilmour, Knopfler and Junior Brown. Junior Brown can smoke most of the speed artists, but knows harmony in his soul.
I hear the subtle stylings of several of their songs which makes such a great song. I hear the "Sultans of Swing", but I definitely hear some "Telegragh Road" and " Money For Nothing" influences. Next song should be "Romeo and Juliet". I prefer his post Dire Straits solo performance of it on his BBC Concert Special called "Mark Knopfler| A Night in London" from 1991 (I think).
Thank you for this. I’ve loved Mark Knopfler since the first time I heard Sultans of Swing on the radio. I was lucky enough to see them a few times before they became huge and playing the larger venues. Saw them once, at a small club in New Jersey, front row center, right in front of Mark. The setting was so small that my photographer friend and I were literally leaning on the stage, and she took some incredible photos. The band was smaller, with the sound simpler and more intimate, so Mark’s guitar work was all the more hypnotizing. After the show I got autographs of the whole band on my Making Movies album cover, and even got Mark’s playlist from his amp. What an unforgettable night. Seeing him play up close is awe-inspiring. Every song had an extended solo at the end, but Tunnel Of Love was the best song of the night. My favorite part of that final solo are the few notes he brings in early, from West Side Story’s “Maria”. Beautiful. Genius. One of the best guitarists of all time. Maybe not as flashy as some other greats, but damn he can make that guitar sing.
@@TheCornishCockney Thank you. And I totally agree. I almost said the same thing. To me, only David Gilmour plays with the same clear, clean, singing tone.
Thanks for sharing. I really like your analysis of the song. This such a beautiful heartfelt song. His solo at the end along with the piano, is so emotional. Every note hits hard. The album version expresses the sentiment of the song better, but the live solo makes up for it.
Nice to see a Dire Straits song get reacted to other than "Sultans of Swing" or "Money For Nothing' even though the studio version of this song is superior. How about doing "Lady Writer" sometime? Great song.
Mark Knopfler never gets enough credit for his vocals. It must just be the hell of being a world class guitarist. I appreciate his finger picking. Very few did it as well....Nils Lofgren and Lindsey Buckingham maybe.
Cannot beat Dire Straits.Love the instruments. So captivating. I agree Harri. I hear some of Sultans of Swing in this song. Love your reactions. Thanks. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
HarriBest: I discover a genuine listener, commentator, who delivers an analysis of substance and of heart, no ordinary feat in this world of "song reaction".
This it's one of the bands my brothers used to cover TOGETHER. One is a guitarist and the other is a pianist. They got a lot of great songs and their soldiers totally opposite of each other there's no typical style to this band if that makes sense. The more you hear from them you'll see how they just flow through so many different ways of playing, and incorporate so many different infusions into their music
Love it when you said : "the wave just carries you along".. A phrase I've been looking for and describes this song (My favorite Dire Straits track) perfectly. Thanks.
Hi Harri. The film footage you see is of the Spanish City in Whitley Bay which he mentions. It is a giant amusement park/fairground built inside a facade of a Spanish Castle which I have visited several times. Peace brother, Peter
Had never seen a live performance of this song - super! I love the instrumental improvisation but I find his lyrics are hard to follow if you don't already know them from the studio version. Lucky for me, I know them as this is one of my favorite songs overall. Who can get their guitar to emote better than Mark Knopfler?
I love your reactions because your cut-ins are very well-timed and rarely interrrupt with the flow of the song imo. Plus there's substance in what you say. There are many other reactors I have to leave wthout completing because they don't have your knack.
Thanks Harri, you just introduced me to a new (to me version) First time I've heard this Live Version with the long Intro, Damn!!! Quite Loved it. You should also check out he the Studio Version.. It's almost a completely different song Has a Haunting Quality to it.
Wonderful reaction. Especially loved how you felt that solo. For me the the solo has always been a rollercoaster ride at The Spanish City. It’s utterly exceptional music!
The opening chords on the hammond followed by piano is a tribute to traditional funfair music in UK . The song reflects back to Mark,s earlier life and hanging round the funfair called Spanish City in Newcastle on Tyne area
Yep, it's the Carousel Waltz from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Carousel. Due to its inclusion Tunnel of Love is the second of only three songs Dire Straits songs that are not entirely credited to Mark Knopfler. The first was What's The Matter Baby that his brother David wrote with him (I think it was more David's song than Mark's). It was only released on the Live At The BBC album which didn't come out until the 1990s, well over a decade after David left the band. It's the penultimate track with Tunnel of Love, which I believe is taken from the band's appearance on The Old Grey Whistle Test, closing the album. The last song not entirely credited to Mark is of course Money For Nothing, where Sting got a co-writing credit simply because Mark wanted to use his melody from 'Don't Stand So Close To Me' for the 'I Want My MTV' sections that Sting sings on the record.
You are so fortunate to have YT to go to find other versions of the same song. DS was a phenom. I'm happy for you, having the reaction to this song. A song few have heard of is Where You Think You're Going. The same for Fade to Black. Have fun and enjoy. Welcome to the club.
"How do you follow that up". Well, on the legendary Alchemy tour they followed it up with Telegraph Road. And yes, it's even better, check it out (the Alchemy version). At their peak, Dire Straits were the best live band in the world, they made it look so effortless.
Can I give an advice ? Each song plaid live by Mister Mark KNOPFLER is a masterpiece different version of the studio version, such incredible that it makes difficult to known which one you prefer. But this song, Tunnel of love, is in my opinion, the most beautiful song Mark gave us. This solo at the end is the ringtone to know when the woman I love calls me on the phone. This song seems to have been written for Lovers. Thanks man for making it well known by others 👍
Mark Knopler has tje unique ability to make grown men cry with some of his guitar solos. Quite a few of those are on the Making Movies album, this song and Skateaway in particular
This live version is one of my all time favorites. I know people like the studio version but to miss out on that unbelievable ending... The band was SO tight on that tour, only wish I could have seen them then. I did get to the On Every Street tour and I've seen him live 4-5 times since, but the BIA tour was just brilliant.
Definitely listen to the studio version. Straits are great anywhere any time. Brilliant guitarist. Out of all the reaction sites yours is the best one around
Make sure you check out the you studio version. His vocals are a little more powerful and you might get a little bit of a different vibe from the song.
Great version of the song and towards the end is better than the album version on "Making Movies". My interpretation is a bit different to you. Sure, it describes him and a girl meeting at an amusement park and they have a great time. She said: You are the perfect stranger, Baby, let's keep it like this. They follow through on they deal, though she gives him a silver locket to "Remember me by this". He watched her walk away, but something must have made him stay. He really regrets his inaction, as he goes "searching through these carousels and the carnival arcades; Searching everywhere from steeplechase to palisades In any shooting gallery where promises are made" He has fallen for her with only a keepsake, and the flashy but ephemeral carnival memories. The solo reflects perhaps the regret, longing, and nostalgia for both the day, and the girl. But perhaps I'm overthinking it. In any case, one of their great songs.
Nice to see a British guy of a certain age react to this, it makes a nice change to all of the 'kids' that, bless them, love the sound but don't understand what's going on.
My three and four year old grandsons can sniff out Mark Knopfler after three or four notes! Both of them sing every word of Sultans! Brings tears to this proud Papa!
OK, how do we nominate Mr Alan for 'father of the year'? 😀
This is amazing to read. My dad exposed me to Knopfler at a very young age and his music has been a constant in my life for the last 35 years. His tone and style are unmistakable. Different class.
@@bydavidmitchell for me it was the other way around. I exposed my dad to Knopfler! He was one of the few artists I was into as a youngster that he liked. It probably helped that Mark grew up listening to many of the same acts as my dad. He was a teenager when rock n' roll began and loved 1950s and 1960s music including the likes of Cliff and The Shadows and the Everly Brothers, who were heroes to Mark who he later got to play or record with.
Then we need to nominate you for son of the year. Anyone that introduces Mark Knopfler to someone is, in my eyes, passing on a lifelong gift. And yes, agree with you on the influences Knopfler had.
❤️
When they redeveloped the Spanish City site a few years ago they embedded the lines "Girl it looks so pretty to me, like it always did. Like the Spanish City to me, when we were kids." into the mosaic at the entrance.
That’s wonderful!
@@Diecastclassicist There's a TV series called Life on the Road where Brian Johnson of AC/DC interviews various rock legends about their lives in music. There's an episode with Mark Knopfler which includes a visit to the Spanish City where they reminisce about growing up in the Newcastle area (Brian being a fellow Geordie) and it shows the lyrics. It's a delightful watch. You may still be able to find it on UA-cam.
@@jjc5407 I was going to post this. Nice to see it here already.
Yeah me too I used to go the Spanish City as a kid with my late mother and grandmother. Such days you can't get back but maybe you can if you dream hard enough x
My dad done the demolition on Spanish city. I done a boat trip down the Tyne round too Whitley Bay for fish a chips great stuff.
The best rock song ever written and performed, in my humble opinion. If this song doesn’t ring true with the teen in us and every teenager ever born, I don’t know what will. Mark Knopfler is the King of Kings.
Agreed!!
The Making Movies album is simply brilliant
Jesus is the King of Kings!
I love Mark knopfler, but with all his God-given talent, he can not be called the king of Kings. That title belongs to Jesus alone.
@@carolineburns1816 Lol I don’t recall Jesus playing a cherry red Stratocaster at any time!
I’m now 70 years old.
I was at this concert. It still brings a tear to my eye.
Where have those years gone?
I was there too. Wonderful. Yes the years have passed but we have MK with us for years also. We are blessed to have witnessed that.
You were in the presence of immortality. The years will never change it.
Same here
Glad you did the live version. It's probably one of the most beautiful outros of any song.
Not about a one night stand but about a childhood sweetheart and longing for the carefree world they shared in youth. Knopfler is not only one of the great guitarists of all time, so evocative and powerful, but he's a wonderful vocalist and a master storyteller. And his band is sublime. You must do Romeo and Juliet by them. You will be touched and anaxed.
This is the best live version of the song nothing to touch it 16 mins of magic !
For me, only Mark Knopfler and David Gilmour can play a 16 minute song and leave you wanting more and more. Why does it have to end? I guess that what the replay button is for! I love all versions of this song, but this is my favorite. Thank you for your insightful reaction and for not talking over the song. I just subscribed to your channel.
Gilmour and Knopfler are just the best. Dire Straits and Pink Floyd are the greatest bands - their music is timeless!!!!
Mind blowing song. Nothing more to say. One of the greatest in a history of rock....
I find myself spontaneously breaking out into laughter, whenever I see/hear musicians this brilliant performing at this level of virtuosity. I just sit here in awe, smiling and laughing out loud, forgetting for just a little while, all the crap that's happening in our world today .... Thank God for the gift/blessing of music ....
Ahhhhhh yes... Mark Knopfler! One of the best guitarists in the biz baby 🎸
And in the roar of dust and diesel/I saw her turn and walk away/I could have caught up with her easy enough/but something must have made me stay…one of my favorite verses in rock.
That makes two of us.
I was fortunate enough to have the honor to see Dire Straits in 1985 perform this song live when they came to Chicago. They set the all time attendance record at the venue, an outdoor stadium called Poplar Creek which no longer exists. Long ago as it that was, I still remember the show and the performance of this song.
Me too but in the UK 🎸
@@denadavey1470 They blew world attendance records in 1986, still on the same tour when they got to Melbourne Australia and did something like 12 sold out dates in a row. I was at the opener! It stood until 1988 when Pink Floyd broke it , again in Melbourne on the Momentary Lapse of Reason Tour, and I was there too, first date. I'd queue, as a kid. That record stood until P!NK broke it with something like 18 dates, here in Melbourne, and this time I was not there, but my ex wife was, and said she was brilliant. She most probably was. What I can see of that show on the interwebs is that woman is pretty damn good.
I was born and raised in Chicago back in the day. Poplar Creek! A name and place I'd almost forgot!
You're keeping me company while I work! This was Mark Knopfler's Dad's favorite song, and I heard that when he died, Mark could no longer perform it live. Given that, I thought it was Mark telling the story to his dad, especially when he says, "And I don't know where I'll be tonight, but I always tell you where I am." Since Mark is recounting something that actually happened to him when he was a young teenager.
Love your reaction! Dire Straits has been my favorite group of all time since I heard Sultans in 1979 at age 12. I was lucky enough to see them in November, 1982 in then-West Berlin. To this day, even with about 60 concerts, they are the gold standard.
Despite me thinking Mark Knopfler is one of the top guitarists in the world, that wasn’t even what drew me to him and the band. It was his songwriting, which IMO is his biggest talent.
That said, I was mesmerized for 3 hours watching his fingers pluck and make sounds that no one else had or does. His sound is unique! BTW, still a fan of his work since Dire Straits...it really highlights his songwriting talent!
I never noticed it before but Mark plays a snippet of 'Stop! In The Name Of Love' during the intro.
Yes, and the Animals, Please Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood. Brilliant.
I never tire of hearing this....the greatest band that ever took to a stage
Mark and DS are musicians you MUST see and hear live . They never do anything the same twice ,yet it is always fantastic . He has been on top since 1978 and still going extreemly well .
It wasn't the last song....there was an encore.....the absolutely, incredible, ultra-fabulous, magnificent "Telegraph Road".
Please listen to the studio version too if you get the chance, in your own time I mean, it has a real haunting quality to it that I didn't feel as much here, this live one is amazing in so many other ways though, God these guys are so talented. Thanks Harri, awesome as always.
I totally agree. Seekng it live when you already know the song is amazing (how could it not be...it's Dire Straits) but a live performance can't capture the atmosphere of the studio version. Some songs are just like that, no matter how amazing the band. The studio version of this has an ethereal feeling with undertones of oily rag, and stimulates the senses.
Studio version is very good as well, when they play this live they lift it to another level. Think this version is probably the best live I've heard. Great live act, one of the best I've seen.
@@lunapuella2611 The words are beautifully crafted and sung in the studio version. This is a bit hurried with muffled vocals.
I must have heard this track 1000 times. This version absolutely drives along. Love "From Cullercoasts to Whitley Bay", like it's his whole world. They're a mile away.
Only a mile kidda
Got chills from Mark's outro & been listening to this song for decades. That guitar is just an additional appendage in his hands - no need for flash when you play with seemingly effortless perfection!
Loved the little slices of The Supremes' "Stop In The Name Of Love" ( around 2.38 ) and The Animals' "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" ( around 3.28 ) that Mark put into his intro to this fantastic song.
Bear in mind that "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" was actually written for Nina Simone.
@@joyfulzero853 Yes, you are correct, and I was aware of Nina Simone having recorded it first .. But it was The Animals who had by far the biggest chart success of any version, and it is easily the most known version to the general music following public .. No offence intended.
Absolutely spot on -- unbelievable.
Don't leave put "the carrousel waltz" at the start
Dire Straits is one of the best there is.
I am generally not an emotional person but mark’s guitar playing often gives me goosebumps or brings a tear to my eye. It just resonates with me for some reason. The final solo in Tunnel of Love is perhaps the best at this. Live is great but so is the studio version.
The most perfect song ever made and performed. The reason why music isn't as good these days, is just because we already did the best
Yeah. Wow! Perfection. And not just Knopfler, but the whole band. Check out Mark's solo albums also. The whole "Sailing to Philadelphia" album is a masterpiece. Redbud tree, Camerado, My claim to fame, What have I got to do (awesome!), The long highway, Devil baby. He doesn't usually do the lightning fast solos anymore. But he paints an athmosphere in every song, with his superb storytelling and heavenly guitarplay. MK is the best.
I'm so excited! Mark Knopfler the lead singer has a great amount of good solo stuff. He did a collaboration with Emmy Lou Harris and the album Sailing to Philadelphia is amazing. Check out the song Sailing to Philadelphia with James Taylor it is historic and haunting.
It's just a shame that James Taylor sings 'taking bread' instead of 'baking bread'. It always annoys the heck out of me!
Big fan of Mark Knopfler ! This was new to me, thanks a lot who requested it, and thanks to Harri for reacting to it! 💞💫
Mark always ends a concert with Going Home; The Theme from Local Hero.
Dammit. I LOVE this band, but never got to see them.
That is interesting what you about it being a love letter. Somebody said about Mark Knopfler, "Knopfler does not play guitar solos. He writes stories".
It's like a memory he's telling. Fun and exciting in the telling at first, then the last vocals and guitar solo kind of wistful, like he's begun to recount it for himself, but you're still there to hear it.
They do several songs that way, like "romeo and juliet".
Also, from where you were thinking it was the closing song of the concert, I think it's actually the first song.
You'd have to find the whole alchemy (the name of the live album) album to know for sure, but I'm pretty sure that's the start of the concert.
Knopfler grew up in the same town as me. The Spanish City was a permanent fun fair at Whitley Bay. As kids we’d go there for a treat. Down the coast from Whitley Bay is Cullercoats. What a player he is and having a song so specific to my history makes it super special
Used to go to the Spanish City after the leisure pool then fish & chips before getting the metro back to Newcastle then the 632 back to Winlaton ❤️🙂
IMO i think how he says "it (love ) is so pretty to me like it always did, like the Spanish city to me, when we were kids" is like real love is always memorable like childhood memories and how they mark us.
This live concert recording, and the Alchemy concert, produced what to me are some of the finest performances by the group of fantastic musicians ever. The final solo in this song is so beautifully done that I find I have tears in my eyes, even all these years later. And to put that into context, I'd already been playing professionally on the road for about 12 years when this concert was recorded, and continued to play professionally for many more. It's difficult to find words to describe just how good this music is, and how far above everyone else Mark's playing is on these solos. I'm glad that you're enjoying your discovery of Dire Straits. If you can find it (not easy depending on your location), the version of "Walk of Life from the 1992 "On The Night" recording is an outstanding version on that song, with a wonderful pedal steel guitar solo by Paul Franklin. The slow-tempo recording of the closing number "Going Home" is one of the most beautiful things Mark ever did. It's a completely different feel to the same song as recorded in this concert, "Wembly Does The Walk." There are so many good songs to suggest the list could go on for pages and pages. Enjoy the voyage of Discovery.
The 'slow-tempo recording of the closing number "Going Home"' is actually a version of "Wild Theme" from the same Local Hero soundtrack, albeit played on Mark's red Stratocaster. It is indeed beautiful, as is the original acoustic version which if you haven't heard it is well worth checking out. 🙂
@@jjc5407 It was a treat at Wembley Arena when Hank Marvin came on stage and played it too
@@45dda Hank Marvin. 😉 It was indeed and an obvious thrill for Mark. After all Hank was the reason Mark coveted a red Fender Stratocaster as a lad. (Hank owned the very first one in the UK, bought for him by Cliff Richard.)
@@jjc5407 Ha! Thanks…I shut YT down and it suddenly hit me, what I’d done…couldn’t find it though! Now I can edit it…🤣🤦♂️
@@45dda Hank's not that common a name (and not Hank Marvin's real one) so mixing up two musicians like that is easily done. 🙂
I agree- listen to the studio version. IMO this is a perfectly constructed song- absolute Genius. I like a lot of different genres too.
Wonderful beautiful song...Mark is a genius, of all the songs at the concert his playing was off the scale here..How do you describe having such a gift for composjng and playing?.I love all the songs from the Alchemy tour..and can proudly say " i was there"..genius melodies..and 'stories' to music..which will live Forever.
Thank you Harri!!
I have been listening to and watching Dire Straits since the late 70's. I mostly like to watch them playing live because seeing Mark playing is mind boggling. He gets such sound and clarity without a pick. All of the members are excellent musicians. If you haven't done "Brothers in Arms" from the Nelson Mandela Birthday concert or "Once Upon a Time in the West" are great choices to do. Thanks for reacting to this!!
Marvelous.
How is it,that when top axemen are discussed,Mark Knopfler is never mentioned.
I saw them mid 80’s at Hammersmith and in the audience that night were Jimmy page and Jeff Beck.
They were note perfect and that clean sound is all down to Knopfler with a tight band behind him.
He is the guitarists guitarist.
Harri,check out Telegraph Road from the Alchemy tour,the outtro is magnificent.
Even Steely Dan asked him to guest for them. (Gaucho album,Time Out of Mind the track)
Honestly Dire Straits were better than Wings live! Fecking amazing & that's really saying something as the best live band I have seen is RUSH! Closely followed by David Lee Roth (just for his stage presence and Steve Vai)! It's funny that you like this track so much as I love Private Investigations, Your Latest Trick, Portobello Girl, Wild West End & Lions so much! Such an amazing Band!!! They are one of the best live bands ever!!
The answer to your question is because most people who like guitar players like Joe Satriani or Steve Vai who play scales at a billion notes a second, and act like it's a problem to be solved instead of a story to be told. I have had this conversation with Matt Black from Fireballs who can metal your arse off but thinks that brilliant soaring notes from Dave Gilmour of Pink Floyd are boring. I LOVE Knopfler's work. His song writing is brilliant.
I also don't know which lists of top axemen you're looking at, because Knopfler is usually there. Maybe avoid the ones with Satriani, and Vai, and look at the ones with Vaughan and Gilmour, Knopfler and Junior Brown. Junior Brown can smoke most of the speed artists, but knows harmony in his soul.
Also check out his collaboration with Chet Akins or Emmy Lou Harris .
Gorgeous. Sparkling musicianship.
I hear the subtle stylings of several of their songs which makes such a great song. I hear the "Sultans of Swing", but I definitely hear some "Telegragh Road" and " Money For Nothing" influences.
Next song should be "Romeo and Juliet". I prefer his post Dire Straits solo performance of it on his BBC Concert Special called "Mark Knopfler| A Night in London" from 1991 (I think).
Thank you for this. I’ve loved Mark Knopfler since the first time I heard Sultans of Swing on the radio. I was lucky enough to see them a few times before they became huge and playing the larger venues. Saw them once, at a small club in New Jersey, front row center, right in front of Mark. The setting was so small that my photographer friend and I were literally leaning on the stage, and she took some incredible photos. The band was smaller, with the sound simpler and more intimate, so Mark’s guitar work was all the more hypnotizing. After the show I got autographs of the whole band on my Making Movies album cover, and even got Mark’s playlist from his amp. What an unforgettable night. Seeing him play up close is awe-inspiring. Every song had an extended solo at the end, but Tunnel Of Love was the best song of the night. My favorite part of that final solo are the few notes he brings in early, from West Side Story’s “Maria”. Beautiful. Genius. One of the best guitarists of all time. Maybe not as flashy as some other greats, but damn he can make that guitar sing.
Summed up beautifully.
For me,only David Gilmour equals him.
There are dozens of axemen I love for sure,but those two are on a level all their own.
@@TheCornishCockney Thank you. And I totally agree. I almost said the same thing. To me, only David Gilmour plays with the same clear, clean, singing tone.
Thanks for sharing. I really like your analysis of the song. This such a beautiful heartfelt song. His solo at the end along with the piano, is so emotional. Every note hits hard. The album version expresses the sentiment of the song better, but the live solo makes up for it.
So damned great!
Best living guitarist💏
Yes! That’s it, Stop in the Name of Love!
Nice to see a Dire Straits song get reacted to other than "Sultans of Swing" or "Money For Nothing' even though the studio version of this song is superior. How about doing "Lady Writer" sometime? Great song.
Excellent review - wow, that guitar sound is unmistakable and unique, puts goose-bumps on your goosebumps!
Mark Knopfler never gets enough credit for his vocals. It must just be the hell of being a world class guitarist. I appreciate his finger picking. Very few did it as well....Nils Lofgren and Lindsey Buckingham maybe.
I love that you explored not just the music but the lyrics. God bless.
Knopfler makes love with his guitar love everything this musician does the percussion intertwined just bliss!
Mark is a Genius, this playing is amazing, and he lis actually Left Handed...God Bless you Mark
Cannot beat Dire Straits.Love the instruments. So captivating. I agree Harri. I hear some of Sultans of Swing in this song. Love your reactions. Thanks. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
*Think it over... Think it over* lyrics on the guitar...Yes he just honored The Supremes before he even opened his mouth~pure genuis.
Not many people notice that. 👍😎
Soooo good Love it ❤❤❤👍🎸
Good song. Great song? Appropriate reacion. Thumbs up from me.
Great stuff. The song by DS called 'Brothers in Arms' is a very special song by them. The words and music/guitar are great. Enjoy your channel...
You need to watch the whole concert Live in 85 !!
So beautiful musical performance ... for me one of the best ❤
HarriBest: I discover a genuine listener, commentator, who delivers an analysis of substance and of heart, no ordinary feat in this world of "song reaction".
Perfect Song
This it's one of the bands my brothers used to cover TOGETHER. One is a guitarist and the other is a pianist. They got a lot of great songs and their soldiers totally opposite of each other there's no typical style to this band if that makes sense. The more you hear from them you'll see how they just flow through so many different ways of playing, and incorporate so many different infusions into their music
Love it when you said : "the wave just carries you along".. A phrase I've been looking for and describes this song (My favorite Dire Straits track) perfectly. Thanks.
How goods that ! The best live performane ever
Hi Harri. The film footage you see is of the Spanish City in Whitley Bay which he mentions. It is a giant amusement park/fairground built inside a facade of a Spanish Castle which I have visited several times. Peace brother, Peter
Power of love!! Tunnel of love! VIVA Dire Straits and great Mark Knopfler!!
FAVE SONG EVER HEREE…that melody is amazing!!
Great analysis.
One of the most beautiful songs of its era. I’d watch a video of your second reaction to it too!
Had never seen a live performance of this song - super! I love the instrumental improvisation but I find his lyrics are hard to follow if you don't already know them from the studio version. Lucky for me, I know them as this is one of my favorite songs overall. Who can get their guitar to emote better than Mark Knopfler?
I love your reactions because your cut-ins are very well-timed and rarely interrrupt with the flow of the song imo. Plus there's substance in what you say. There are many other reactors I have to leave wthout completing because they don't have your knack.
Best show I ever saw was Dire Straits in 1985. Incredible.
Yes ❤❤❤❤👍
Out of all the reactions I have seen on dIRE sTRAITS yours is definitely the best most interesting. Rock on 🤘
Thanks Harri, you just introduced me to a new (to me version) First time I've heard this Live Version with the long Intro, Damn!!! Quite Loved it. You should also check out he the Studio Version.. It's almost a completely different song Has a Haunting Quality to it.
Wonderful reaction. Especially loved how you felt that solo. For me the the solo has always been a rollercoaster ride at The Spanish City. It’s utterly exceptional music!
Loved Alchemy Live...brilliant!
This was really nice to see, your listening. And you listened to the lyrics. Lovely done, you really went into the song. Keep up the good work!
The opening chords on the hammond followed by piano is a tribute to traditional funfair music in UK . The song reflects back to Mark,s earlier life and hanging round the funfair called Spanish City in Newcastle on Tyne area
Yep, it's the Carousel Waltz from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Carousel. Due to its inclusion Tunnel of Love is the second of only three songs Dire Straits songs that are not entirely credited to Mark Knopfler.
The first was What's The Matter Baby that his brother David wrote with him (I think it was more David's song than Mark's). It was only released on the Live At The BBC album which didn't come out until the 1990s, well over a decade after David left the band. It's the penultimate track with Tunnel of Love, which I believe is taken from the band's appearance on The Old Grey Whistle Test, closing the album.
The last song not entirely credited to Mark is of course Money For Nothing, where Sting got a co-writing credit simply because Mark wanted to use his melody from 'Don't Stand So Close To Me' for the 'I Want My MTV' sections that Sting sings on the record.
It is "the carrousel waltz"
@jjc5407 He also has used other Roger's and Hammerstein music from time to time ,blended in very well .
You are so fortunate to have YT to go to find other versions of the same song. DS was a phenom. I'm happy for you, having the reaction to this song. A song few have heard of is Where You Think You're Going. The same for Fade to Black. Have fun and enjoy. Welcome to the club.
First time seeing a reaction from you. Loved your inaights in the song!
Absolutely Brilliant
"How do you follow that up". Well, on the legendary Alchemy tour they followed it up with Telegraph Road. And yes, it's even better, check it out (the Alchemy version). At their peak, Dire Straits were the best live band in the world, they made it look so effortless.
Telegraph Road, best song and best live performance ever🎸🎶💖
At this Wembley concert they followd this with "Brothers in arms", "Solid Rock" and "Going Home"
Mark's guitar is a vocalist all on its own. And I love that he's a finger picker - like Chet Atkins - no pick. Majik 💖
Can I give an advice ?
Each song plaid live by Mister Mark KNOPFLER is a masterpiece different version of the studio version, such incredible that it makes difficult to known which one you prefer.
But this song, Tunnel of love, is in my opinion, the most beautiful song Mark gave us. This solo at the end is the ringtone to know when the woman I love calls me on the phone.
This song seems to have been written for Lovers. Thanks man for making it well known by others 👍
David, this was a great first selection! Few know how to jam like Dire Straits!! Welcome to the family!
Thank you for the kind words and double thank you for all the help you gave me to get it posted!
I think Mark Knophler is amazing
Mam, you are hitting some all time greats today.
This is one of rocks ultimate songs.
Mark Knopler has tje unique ability to make grown men cry with some of his guitar solos. Quite a few of those are on the Making Movies album, this song and Skateaway in particular
Knopfler is one off the greatest guitarist that Walked this world❤❤❤❤😮😮😮😮😊😊😊😊
MASTERPIECE
Perfection !
HAPPY NEW YEAR. Thanks f or all your great videos. Your fan Ramona Starkey El Cajon CA USA
This live version is one of my all time favorites. I know people like the studio version but to miss out on that unbelievable ending... The band was SO tight on that tour, only wish I could have seen them then. I did get to the On Every Street tour and I've seen him live 4-5 times since, but the BIA tour was just brilliant.
Definitely listen to the studio version. Straits are great anywhere any time. Brilliant guitarist. Out of all the reaction sites yours is the best one around
Make sure you check out the you studio version. His vocals are a little more powerful and you might get a little bit of a different vibe from the song.
Great version of the song and towards the end is better than the album version on "Making Movies".
My interpretation is a bit different to you. Sure, it describes him and a girl meeting at an amusement park and they have a great time.
She said: You are the perfect stranger, Baby, let's keep it like this.
They follow through on they deal, though she gives him a silver locket to "Remember me by this".
He watched her walk away, but something must have made him stay.
He really regrets his inaction, as he goes "searching through these carousels and the carnival arcades;
Searching everywhere from steeplechase to palisades
In any shooting gallery where promises are made"
He has fallen for her with only a keepsake, and the flashy but ephemeral carnival memories. The solo reflects perhaps the regret, longing, and nostalgia for both the day, and the girl.
But perhaps I'm overthinking it. In any case, one of their great songs.
Great song. Mark Knopfler can make that guitar absolutely sing. He uses the guitar as an extra voice.
Nice to see a British guy of a certain age react to this, it makes a nice change to all of the 'kids' that, bless them, love the sound but don't understand what's going on.