When Dire Straits Met Bob Dylan
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- Опубліковано 12 лип 2023
- Stories from John Illsley's great book, My Life in Dire Straits: The Inside Story of One of the Biggest Bands in Rock History.
"The first, and only, inside story of one of the greatest bands in rock history―Dire Straits―as told by founding member and bassist John Illsley
One of the most successful music acts of all time, Dire Straits filled stadiums around the world. Their albums sold hundreds of millions of copies and their music―classics like “Sultans of Swing,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Money for Nothing,” and “Brothers in Arms”―is still played on every continent today. There was, quite simply, no bigger band on the planet throughout the eighties.
In this powerful and entertaining memoir, founding member John Illsley gives the inside track on the most successful rock band of their time. From playing gigs in the spit-and-sawdust pubs of south London, to hanging out with Bob Dylan in LA, Illsley tells the story of the band with searching honesty, soulful reflection, and wry humor. Starting with his own unlikely beginnings in Middle England, he recounts the band’s rise from humble origins to the best-known venues in the world, the working man’s clubs to Madison Square Garden, sharing gigs with wild punk bands to rocking the Live Aid stage at Wembley. And woven throughout is an intimate portrait and tribute to his great friend Mark Knopfler, the band's lead singer, songwriter, and remarkable guitarist.
Tracing an idea that created a phenomenal musical legacy, an extraordinary journey of joy and pain, companionship and surprises, this is John Illsley’s life in Dire Straits."
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My Mom called me up one day "i heard a song on the radio and i know you're gonna love it so i went to the record store and bought you the album" she came over to my apartment and gave me the first Dire Straits album.Amazing Mom ,Great Band !
Top parenting.
Exactly my experience! 1978! Except in my case it was my Dad. He heard Sultans on the radio and immediately went and bought the album.
Mom rules
I was at the Roxy that night. A friend of mine knew a girl that could get tickets. We got there early and as soon as they opened the doors we sat at the table right next to the stage in the middle where I could touch the microphone stand with the duct tape that help Mr. Knophlers picks. Excellent concert. The sweat from him hitting all of us at the table. We waited for awhile after the show. The lights came up so we went outside, standing in a gentle rain that had just started my friend takes mine and my other friends picture. Right behind us was an alley. I heard a cars engine it was a limo. All of the sudden a door that was next to the front door opens up. Two guys walk out and one of them runs into me and says "sorry mate" it was Keith Richard's and Ron Wood. I don't think i slept for a week. What a memory
I love the Roxy… Are you talking LA… Because I was banned for being a bootlegger… I got caught and banned by the Roxy lol
I got busted recording King Crimson, 1980 I had my face on the wall of shame lol
Good experience. But I'm puzzled by one or two details. For example, why would Mark Knopfler (correct spelling) have a collection of picks taped to the mic stand when he plays finger-picking style and rarely uses a pick?
Romeo and Juliet is one of the greatest songs ever recorded. I’m so grateful I got to see this band play live at the peak of their popularity. It was literally life changing for me.
Skate away!! You named them all.
My best Dire Straits memory was when I brought home the Communiqué album (living with my parents at the time). I put the album on at dinner time and we listened to side one, at the conclusion my dad got up and flipped the album over to listen to side two (this was rare). Most of the music I was into at the time didn't get a second chance. My dad nearly wore out that album (he was a huge Chet Atkins fan). For all the music he introduced me to, it was gratifying to have the chance to give him that same experience.
Has your dad heard the Chet Atkins/Mark Knopfler album? It's great!
@@doughill8475 Absolutely! From that point forward he followed Knopfler. He wore out (I kid you not) three The Notting Hillbillies albums. Plus colabs with Atkins.
@@jeffanderson8384The Chet Atkins TV Special with Mark Knopfler is great. Walk of Life was too fast but Mark played really well. I liked Chet Atkins saying the he got rich enough to afford a swimming pool shaped like a Guitar........ amplifier "
Skate away is an all time favorite of mine. 👍
I am starstruck. As big as Dire Straits were in the eighties, They were a huge breath of fresh air when their first album was released in the USA. Any songs from the first three albums can be listed as "my favorite DS songs with the original band line up.
I saw Dylan and Knopfler in Oberhausen Germany 2011. It was so great. Both impressed me on an emotional way. I'll never forget this event ❤
When Sultans was released, the first time I heard it I thought it was Bob Dylan singing. Later buying the album every song knocked me out. Mark took it a step further with his solo work. Ragpickers Dream is my favorite, a masterpiece.
Great album for sure. Came out on the heels of Sailing To Philadelphia.
I vividly remember Dire Strait's debut album and what a huge impact it had. Knopfler's guitar sound cut through everything on radio during that period. It was sparkling clean virtuosity- a big departure from what had come before. The songs were engrossing. 1978 was one of those watershed years for popular music -genuine diversity of vision and presentation. That year we were treated to not only Dire Strait's debut, but Devo's debut, Warren Zevon's Excitable Boy and Sex Pistol's Never Mind the Bollocks. What a time!
I remember exactly where I was driving when I first heard Sultans of Swing. It jumped out of the radio. Same with Rickie Lee Jones’s “Chuckie’s In Love” around the same time.
John Illsley has written and performed many great songs since Dire Straits broke up.
I love Marks Work With Phil lynott ,Kings call is a Fantastic tribute to Elvis . Mark's Guitar Playing was super and really stood Out in those Days of all the Van Halen type stuff . Sounda like a Great Read even if You're not a Huge Dire Straits fan .
I heard ‘Sultans’ for the first time through a portable radio in the kitchen of a restaurant that I was working at as a busboy in ‘78.
I’ll never forget that awesomely haunting Strat tone; what a PURE memory.
Anything Mark sings is fabulous. My favorite is Romeo and Juliet and The Bug
I was 7.5 years old when “Brothers in Arms” came out. My Dad had the album. It made a big impression on my tiny mind. I’m 45 now. I started being interested in the guitar in junior high. My Dad bought me the “Neck and Neck” album with Chet Atkins for Christmas around that time. Music was pure magic at that age.
6 Blade Knife . Its sooooo JJ Cale , I love it
JJ was all over their first 2 albums.
All of "making movies"! Such a great vibe album. Think I'll give it a listen. Thanks Otis!
I read the book when it was first published. You are correct, it's a very well executed book, full of wonderful stories and great detail. The first Dire Straits album is on my Desert Island list, I have never tired of a single note or word. I saw them on the Making Movies album tour. That was fantastic. I also saw Knopfler on his last tour, in 2019. Mindblowingly great!
The first Dire Straits lp was a breath of fresh air as many others have said. Bruce Hornsby's first lp which I think came out at the same time was also refreshing.
You’re off by 9-10 years. DS was ‘77, Hornsby was around ‘86-‘87.
(Doesn’t change a thing, just quiets my OCD late at night! lol)
Got to see the Straits on their first tour. A rainy night in a dump of a theater in San Diego. Hot damn! A stageful of beat up Fender amps and Pick Withers Vista-lite drum kit. And they brought it, bruh. Absolute top shelf performance! One of the best shows I've seen.
Thanks for the tip on what sounds like a great read. I remember when "Sultans" hit the radio and it sounded so different from everything else at that time...I too have never tired of listening to it....Mark's intricate guitar playing makes it irresistible and it seems I still hear small unnoticed nuances to this day.
Yep, turn up the radio when Sultans comes on. It is an amazing display of guitar virtuosity, but to have the brilliance to think up, to imagine such a song. The creativity boggles! Thanks for turning us on to this book.
A dream come true story. I worked at an AM country radio station with a Beautiful Music FM station. We changed format on the FM to Adult Contemporary. There I discovered Dire Staits in the new music library. Sultans of Swing was the song. That debut album I still listen to. Liked every song which is rare. Thanks!
Great stories! First time I heard Sultans of Swing on the radio I was living in Brooklyn and I missed who the band was. I immediately got on the subway and rode in to Colony Records on 57th Street in Manhattan and asked them for the band that played the song Sultans of Swing. Hearing this I guess a lot of people had the same reaction: Boom! This was something new and something really, really cool. What's equally amazing is how Knopfler kept going from there. I'd call Tunnel of Love one of the great solos in rock history.
I remember the first time I heard Blues Traveler on David letterman. The next morning I started hitting every record store, nearly all were sold out. One of the shopkeepers said everyone that came in was asking for it.
Totally agree about the Tunnel of Love solo
.... I first heard 'S of Swing' driving from Syracuse -> Buffalo to see my college girlfriend. I WANTED THAT ALBUM, and the damn dj didn't identify the tune or artist! FIrst record store I saw, I went in and sang my best horrible version of hearing the 'head' riff thgre-four times in the song, and the kid behind the counter said, Oh, you mean this..." and handed me the first Dire Straits record. MIND BLOWN.
Sultans of swing my first introduction and the greatest
I'm not a vet, not a soldier, let alone a warrior. But I'm 76, paid attention to the biographies and narratives of the war fighters of the last half century plus. Brothers in Arms is my nomination for Mark Knopler and Dire Straights, most resounding and resonant songs of meat holding on to bone. This is not a victory song, but holding on to the bonds of brother hood despite surviving. Peace Out.
Love this video... Back in December 1969 my band was signed to a production contract at Muscle Shoals Sound. At their request we had auditioned just after the Stones had been there recording three songs. We were all young college students and Barry Beckett was our producer. I asked him who else he wanted to produce. Without hesitation he said Bob Dylan... I have always loved the Slow Train Coming album. Mark's guitar on it is awesome. "Precious Angel" is one of my favorites.
This was a nice chilled out video, he writes really well actually. I didn't understand why people liked Dire Straits until my late 30's then it all clicked
Sultans of Swing is one of those quintessential guitar songs that you come to know every nuance and bit of phrasing inside out.
I love dire Straits, but I also love Mark's later solo work, particularly "The Ragpickers Dream", and "Kill to Get Crimson" If you haven't taken a deep dive into those albums, you should. I got to see him at Red Rocks about 15 years ago, and it was a great show.
1978 ... High school battle of the bands. I was in a punk band. One of the other bands played Hot Blooded and finished their set with Sultans Of Swing.
So who won I’m curious?
@@lobster4501 Sultans Of Swing for the win.
I watched " Under the Volcano " last night looks like it was an amazing place to make an album. Enjoyed greatly hearing Mark's recounting of making Brothers in Arms in Montserrat.
skateaway & romeo and juliet
beyond the songs i love Knopfler's sound
I love all of Dire Straits more upbeat hits.. but Brothers in Arms makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.. the emotion is palpable…
Hey Otis , thanks for the heads up about the book. I’m a big fan of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Dire Straits and Bob Dylan. 🐸🎶
Same
The Old Waldorf was a great venue. I've played for many years, and I can't imagine the thrill of hearing your song play on the radio. Especially a band from overseas. Sure beats playing for your mates at your local.
I’ve been a fan since Sultans of Swing. When I was about sixteen, on a trip to the big city (Toronto) I was going to pick up their first album, but Communique had just come out and I got that instead. As a teenager, I was initially disappointed, but with maturity (and starting to play guitar) I grew to love it over the years and it is still one of my favourites.
I love the whole Love Over Gold album with Telegraph Road and Industrial Disease. Such an underrated album.
I saw them live in Stockholm 1979. Just after they'd released their second album, Communiqué. They were great of course.
It's impossible to have only one favorite song by them. Sultans of Swing is among them. And I really like Southbound Again. The intro is simple but fantastic. The magic happens when the drums come in.
I will never forget the place and time from when I first heard Dire Straits. Incredible group of musicians. Yes, Dire Straights did create the coolest riff ever and it launched them. What are the first sounds that go into your head when their name comes up? See, coolest riff ever.
Loved Dire Straits since the beginning. I will def grab this book and thank you for giving us a glimpse. My Fav songs are probably Wild West End, Water of Love, Six Blade Knife. Its hard to choose and seems odd I went with those 3 because they are from the same album
Keep up the good work, Otis. Appreciate what you do!
This and Lucinda’s book are on my event horizon, thanks Otis!
Of course I remember hearing "Sultans of Swing" on the radio as a young one, 10 years old headed into junior high... "Romeo and Juliet", then "Industrial Disease" ... it wasn't really until Brothers in Arms hit the airwaves and MTV was in full swing that I really caught on to Dire Straights. Even as a snotty punk rocker, though with eclectic tastes.
Always good in my book, and a trip down memory lane.
Speaking of books, I have that on my list now.
Thank you, Otis 🙏🏻
Be good to you 🤍💛
in the summer of 1977, I was a 15 year old kid setting out for a charmed lifetime of adventure. I made my way from texas through new orleans, on to myrtle beach where I first heard (and fell in love with) dire straits. I was playing in a mock fooseball tournament this particular evening with the french ambassador's daughter on my arm, and heard the electric beginning to "sultans". I went out and bout the album 3 days later in new york (couldn't find it in town). been in love with them ever since. have had the pleasure to see them dozens of times (last time seeing mark here in austin a couple of years ago). great memories from my life lived in music.......
In the Gallery. Such intensity from MK vocally and picking.
Great reading Otis-Thank you! I too love the song Skateaway (among many in the their catalog...Single-handed sailor& &The Iron Hand are faves too). Skateaway was the impetus that drove me to play guitar. Those incredible swells MK weaves into the ending..."how is he doing that?" I was hooked immediately and had to get that sound in my hands and head! 40 yrs later I'm still happily at it! Saw Dire Straits play Toronto in 80's - Stevie Ray Vaughan opened!! Have seen MK solo twice. What a talent- writer, player, producer. Amazing! "...the story was whatever was the song- what it was.."
What a riot! Them was the days!
Can't wait to read another fine book you recommended.... finishing up Tim O'Brien's now
I had to Kindle me a copy of that book!
Thanks, Otis!
Skateaway, such a good song, Toro Toro Taxi, see ya tommorow my son.
Wild west End is also one of my favs.
Wow what a story. Unbelievable. Thanks brother
Great video of a wonderful book about the best band with so many wonderful songs!
Great story Otis! I remember exactly where I was when I first heard “Sultans”, driving in my noisy van. I adjusted the radio as best I could, and thought, “Wow! Dylan’s got an incredible lead guitarist!!”
A couple of years later, “Romeo and Juliet” became ‘our song’ with the young woman I married, 42 years ago. Thanks Mark!
I've just ordered a copy Otis, I can't wait to read it. From hearing the extracts you read out, it sounds like my kinda book.
Fantastic storytelling. I saw them on their first uk tour, and will love them to death.
Just ordered it today. It is arriving tomorrow. Thanks for the tip.
Love over Gold is a favorite of mine.
I love your short stories Otis.
Thanks Otis for your reading, this dire strait book sounds exciting to read. Mark knofler! Love dire straits and my favourite is sultan of swing and bob dylan got to meet Mark Knofler and that is so very cool. Thanks Otis for the suggestion and next visit to the bookstore will search for the dire straits book. Take care,
I found myself totally mesmerized by your reading. The details so descriptive , I can envision the expressions on each character's face.
The pleasure emitting from your grin is contagious. Thanks you Otis
Romeo & Juliet, What it is, Calling Elvis, Brothers in Arms, and Sultans of swing are some of my favorite Dire Sraits songs …thanks for the book recommendation Otis…
Water of Love always gets me droning along with Mark, love this band.
Yup...I turn up the Sultans of Swing all the time too....been listening to them when I bought the LP in the 70's....love hearing you stories....up here in Saskatoon central Canada.... 🙂
That was great!!! Thanks !
I love so many Dire Straits songs mentioned, but really enjoy the story of Telegraph Road
One my fav Straits tunes is You And Your Friend, a slow burner from their final album (On Every Street).
I bought their first album via import at the local Harmony House record store. It hadn’t yet been released in the US but HH had connections and were able to get a stack of copies.
I just love that you share and review books that you dig! and Industrial Disease is one of my favorites!!
BROTHERS IN ARMS❤
Lol cassette tape demos… Are used to use the classic Fostex X 15😊 before I moved on to the Tascam Porta-2 lol
Thanks for reading that to us!
Perhaps for the better that they couldn't see the faces of the Roxy crowd.
I just found you and want to thank you for being a fellow "Music Head". Hearing the stories of Performing Artists and who they are is so rewarding. So many talented performers are gracefully humble and endeared for this very reason. We come from what is incorrectly viewed as a bygone era that has not gone anywhere.We are here aged yes but none the less We have not gone anywhere we just have to look for each other with more effort than in our younger days. The younger folks have a hard time wrapping thier heads around what we tell them about being 100% immersed in The Music Life. I couldn't imagine not being and it was natural. Many of us were and still are perfect audience respectfully to deserving Musicians. The younger groups cannot grasp how unfortunate they are to have missed out on a legitimate golden age that is still producing. I am one grateful human being thanks to the lyrics that foundationed my thinking and are always in search of more. Thank you again for being who you are, being here and sharing these incredible experiences of incredible people.Mark Knopfler is on a short list of performers I must see in person perform.Keep up the good work.
I was in college, Baton Rouge. Dire Straits played at the Student Union Theater for cheap admission. We were blown away. We knew that they were going places. Fun stuff!
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils 👍
I've read that book. It was hard to put down.
Wonderful! Thanks for bringing this to public awareness.
Thanks Otis,,really enjoyed that. I’ll be lookin for the book. Love that kinda stuff.
Well done Otis! Nice break away from today's news. Thanks for the smiles. And especially thank you John!
Thanks! Great reading of this book.
Telegraph Road is my favorite Dire Straits song. It’s like a 15 minute movie.
Thanks for the heads up Otis. Within a minute of watch your video I had ordered it from Amazon. And much love to you too!
Your favorite list was dead on with mine! Going to pick up the book, thanks again Otis! Matter of fact Industrial Disease came on the radio the other day as I was pulling to go into a Speedway gas station, I of course stayed in the car until it was done!
Love the book!
Thanks Otis!
Thanks man . I will definately get myself a coppy of this . much love from killarney ireland.
Dude! That was wonderful! Thanks for posting- The spirit of Bob Dylan entered me the summer of '79. I was working on the iron range in northern MN and my girlfriend was from Bob's stompin' grounds too- The Freewheelin' BD, The Moody Blues, young love and lake Superior framed that year- the year BD became my spirit animal! and then, not long after...Dire Straights/ Mark Knopffler's guitar and the never-ending pursuit of that Stratocaster sound. There's no nostalgia in me re: high school years- no looking back, ever, except for the above= BD & MK
Very interesting Otis, I was totally into that book, I could visualize everything being told, I love this channel!
I love the songs you mentioned and I would add 'Down To The Waterline' which I keep in my main playlist.
I was driving home from college listening to the radio in Evansville, Indiana. The station was fading in and out and this Dm vamp turns into "You get a shiver in the dark, something about a park....South of the river.." Is this Dylan, Lou Reed singing? Jesus, those guitar fills. I pull off the road and creep the car on the shoulder waiting for the sound to kick back in, find a spot and stop. God this is fantastic through the static. Then that last outro solo! I grab a note book and scrawl down something Straight. I went to my record shop and the manager knew what it was. I played the crap out of that album, and still do.
Great reading, amazing 3 pages 🙌
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Otis, thanks for posting this! So I'm the last on the block to catch up with this Fun to read all the comments
I remember hearing "Sultans" in the traveling from Indiana to Kansas City. As soon as I got home I got their first album.
Big album at the time. That solo! Still holds up.
Gold! Thanks Otis. You tell a good story, always a Dire Straits fan and a fan of Mark Knopfler. The book looks great. Burlington Bill busking on the road and here on you tube!
Otis, this was fantastic. I appreciate your ability to tell a story and make it so interesting. You also have superior taste in music. Although, I might be a bit biased because I think I have just about the same taste. You point out several great Dire Straits songs. Telegraph Road is excellent. Your Latest Trick, Romeo & Juliet and the list goes on. And yes, Mark is pretty good at guitar.
I was at the Old Waldorf show in San Francisco. About 200 people. What a night. They seemed pretty happy there, too. 😊 Skate Away is a marvel, Probably my favorite along with Telegraph Road. I saw Knopfler on his last tour at the Arènes de Nîmes. Still had that old magic.
Love everything on that first record with his brother on guitar. Just like Ray and Dave i think they less famous brother added more than barber is realized. For songs, as a guitarist the outro solo on Tunnel of Love is something special. I've always had s soft spot for Romeo and Juliet, not taking anxiety on influence too seriously there, eh? Thanks for the book rec otis.
That was really enjoyable. I’m definitely going to look for that book - I have quite a collection of books written by, and about my favorite rock bands… Jorma Kaukonen’s got a good one, that I’ve read recently. dire straits are definitely one of my all-time favorites - I bought every single one of their albums piecemeal, more recently I got a box set. I’ve also learned how to play many of their songs - sultans of swing, Once upon a time in the west, Romeo and Juliet, making movies, so far away, Brothers N arms, calling Elvis, so many more I can’t recall at this moment -👍❤️🎸
Brothers in Arms is my favorite DS song.
Hi Otis, I really enjoyed that. I never got to see Dire Straits play live but I have the next best thing in DVD concerts from when they were at their height. They were an awesome band in concert. I read John Illsley's book and it's a great read. I have many favourite Dire Straits songs. Among them are Sultans Of Swing, Lady Writer, Tunnel Of Love, Telegraph Road, Your Latest Trick and Fade To Black. But they've made so much great music it's tricky making a short list. Keep listening and keep enjoying them. And if you haven't already get yourself a copy of their Hammersmith Odeon concert on dvd from 1983. You're in for a treat.
I gotta go with 'Calling ELVIS' I have heard several Renditions but all were top notch.