What people don't remember is that the original release of this song was right in the middle of the disco era and the Kiss-dominated rock era. We who were young musicians at that time knew that this was something different, something special - and it never has stopped being that for almost 50 years. The idea that a band can play rock music with virtuosity - there were a few bands like King Crimson, Genesis, and Yes who were doing that, but they rarely made early FM radio. And this live version with actual dynamics and building of suspense through minimal playing - incredible. Thank you, @Doug Helvering for bringing this to us and reminding us of how great Mark Knofler and Dire Straits really were.
@@kratino Being an ELP fan, you would have thought that I would have put them in - much to my red-faced chagrin, I forgot them. Certainly they should be mentioned and thank you for reminding me.
They actually played at the same venues in England as the Punk/New Wave bands in 1977/80. I saw all the leading Punk/New wave bands in that era eg the Sex Pistols/The Clash/ Joy Division./Simple Minds/U2 etc. But I loved Dire Straits , and I knew they would become huge .
Definitely. I think that every one of their songs that I've heard live versions of are incredible. The studio versions are cut down for radio. In the live versions all of Mark's genius is unleashed.
@@markjthomson I think I disagree. Live versions of "great" musicians (like Dire Straits, Tina Turner, Deep Purple, Queen, Free, The Police, Bob Marley, and many more....) are in my experience usually better than the studio versions. There are exceptions of course which are in my opinion "concept albums" that cannot easily be reproduced live (like for example "Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" or "Dark Side of the Moon").
This channel get the gold medal for review of this immensely popular YT SOS song. First he doesn’t stop the song. He doesn’t rewind. And he details the chord progression. He gets on the keyboards too. And when he discusses he speaks low enough so you can still hear the song while he’s explaining. Amazing. He identifies each chord amazing. 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇
I think Terry killed it. At one point, he was seen mouthing Mark's notes as he played them, whilst repeating the rhythm on drums. They were almost joined at the hip during this piece.
You've had some push-back in the comments, but its a 100% agree from me! Maybe its because I've been listening to this version all my life, but the album version always sounds a bit flat to me. The gradual build up during the last solo is incredible. Always wondered if they ever played it that way during early live performances with Whithers on drums, or maybe it wasn't until Williams came onboard he felt they could really go for it.
This is a more full on drum performance than usual. His dad was in to see him play, apparently for the first time with Dire Straits. So yeah, he probably went a bit over the top, but the playing is bang on.
Alchemy Live was the most magnificent thing I have ever seen in my life... I have watched this performance at least 50 times and I never get tired of it.
I was at this gig and this was the point when it really took off! It was my second gig, I was just 18, the year before I'd seen The Stones at Wembley and thought this sort of thing was normal! I now know that every person on the stage was the best of the best and all were absolutely on top of their game. We knew they were good, thought it may be a bit boring in parts, it wasn't, it was brilliant! For me, Terry Williams was the unexpected star, absolutely awesome. The music and musicianship was world class. The other thing that came across is that they were all loving it, even after the long tour, sometimes a band will just stand and play the songs and go home, they didn't do that at all, it felt like they never wanted to stop. We didn't want them to stop either
It's one of the greatest live performances ever caught on tape. Just an incredible video from start to finish. Mark Knopfler is a genius of course, but also the drumming of Terry Williams here is out of this world.
i noticed the the drumperb, would have made Keith Moon extremely envious. He was very accurate within the song yet an artist on drums himself. Many time here he was matching the exact notes of Knopfler's guitar solo in rhythm all over the drums. Jesus Lord!!
@@thomastimlin1724 I love this because it's so obvious that they practiced/played this together often. The dynamics, the doubled phrasings in solos across instruments, everything about it is what makes live music so fun. So good. Used to show this to my bandmates and say "this is what I want to aim for".
Live Alchemy is my most favourite Live album of all time. I first saw the Concert film in 1985 when I was 6 years old, in the UK BBC played the concert after the Live Aid concert finished, late at night, I was allowed to stay up and watch it as the whole family were Dire Straits fans, I love to play the live album in the car, at night if on a journey, or at home with headphones on in the dark, the atmosphere captured on the live recording is exceptional, It's definitely worth watching the whole concert.
Terry Williams was playing live for the first time in front of his dad and was on fire. At one point you can catch Mark and the bass player look back at Terry went he does a fill so hard rock that they laugh. Wow!
Be a lot better if Doug stopped talking so much, playing his keyboard & fiddling w/ the shaker while the video is playing. Dude, that was so distracting. Terry was doing some tremendous drum fills, and Doug wasn't even paying attention!
@@MrDevtun You can simply watch the performance minus this dude's contribution in plenty of other places. This is how _he_ responds to the particular stimuli. If you're more interested in how you _yourself_ reacts then I would suggest playing a video of this particular "Dire Straits" performance while a camera's lens is pointed at you and recording
@@MrDevtun shaker & mike over ride the video volume , that needs a tweak for me as someone who cant even open his guitar case , i like the Chords & explanation & the piano ( to someone who maybe doesnt play) shows how to intergrate notes within a chord . Which many like myself struggle with so stay in safe zones like Minor scales .
Everyone mentioning the drummer. The reason they went so fucking hard, is because the drummers mum and dad were in the crowd. And it was their first time seeing him play live. Unreal
Grew up listening to this live Album (and air drumming to Terry's playing before being allowed to get a drum set, and my 1st rock concert was from the '85 tour. Blown away~~~~~! Crazy how I can still almost sing Mark's solos.... Thanks for featuring this!
I wrote this on another site that did a reaction piece on this video ... I'm old enough so that I heard it for the first time in my car on the way to work the summer I graduated from grad school and I was so blown away that I was constantly saying out loud to nobody in the car "Who the fuck are these guys?" ... I ended up being late for work because I sat in the parking lot of my job and waited until the song was over, and then had to wait for another 3-4 songs in the radio set to get the name of the band (obviously was when car radios had nothing but two knobs and a dial). The studio version was so good that I did that ... and this live version is even better.
I was watching my dad's alchemy vhs on repeat before I was 10yrs old in the 80s. Even then I could feel how special this performance was. The first musician who's style I fell in love with
I've heard Alchemy thousands times since 12 years old (I'm 53) and never found one note out of tune despite he improvised 30%-40%. This album is pure talent and inspiration.
As a brit raised in the 90s I was introduced to the UK rave scene and drum and bass jungle hard core techno were obviously my music of choice but since I turned 35-36 I just couldn't listen to electronic music any longer and I came across dire straits at the alchemy in my recommendations and I got chills goosebumps rushing down my spine and the riff I started getting emotional I've never felt that until hearing this and fleetwood mac go your own way but it opened a door for me into real music and I've been lost in this genre ever since and mark is under appropriated and I've fell in love with rock. Sorry to yap on it is a big moment in my life hearing this for the 1st time getting emotional and a rush no drug could give
My first vinyl album purchase as a spotty face teenager was Alchemy. I loved it instantly but my appreciation of the stunning musicianship only grows as the years pass.
Mark Knopfler, Lead guitar Hal Lindes, Rhythm guitar John Illsey, Bass guitar Terry Williams, Drums Alan Clark, Keys And for these shows July 22/23 1983 additional guest keys, Tommy Mandel.
It's hard not to love having Terry Williams on the drums. He always played his part perfectly, but this night was very special for him, so the band gave him a wild card and the rest is history.
I’m 74 just 6 months younger than Mark. I’ve seen them twice way back in the day. My favourite track of all time is this one followed by Brothers in arms and Telegraph Road. ❤
Terry Williams on drums - his dad was in the audience watching his son playing the huge gig. Knopfler told him to go «all-in» and impress the old man. 😊
I love the Knophler album, Sailing to Philadelphia. The title song is a fave, another story song. Knophler’s mastery of dynamics and variety of subject matter is what makes his albums and concerts so dramatic: many artists don’t have so big a palette and albums and performances can be bland as a result (songs too similar). I saw Dire Straights in concert two nights in a row as a volunteer usher, and even the lighting design danced to the music without trying to grab the spotlight. I always suspected the quality control came from the composer. Not a surprise he writes great soundtracks for movies, too.
Totally agree, Dire straits is an amazing band, so good. I love this band and listen to it every day. And this version of Sultans of Swing is from outer space and listening to it fills you with joy 😍
The studio version of this is one of the best songs for cruising. Including road tripping. It's nice that you enjoyed it so much. What I love about this clip is how much fun they're having. Making a living like that wouldn't suck.🤑🤑 Shout out to the production crew. The filmography of this LIVE concert is incredible.🤩🤩
Charismatic Voice did this song 9 days ago, was most interested in the dialog between singer and guitar, switched to studio version halfway through. Just learned she has been involved in distorted voice studies, including a metal band throat singer who's throat twists, has a kickstarter for "Harsh singing study"
I was blown away finding out that Mark Knopfler scored the soundtrack for the Princess Bride and then found out from youtube members that he did several more movie sound tracks
I have long known he Princess Bride soundtrack, and I swear in the middle of the second extended instrumental there are elements that sound like inspiration for the future Princess Bride soundtrack!
There's also a live version of Brothers in Arms where both Mark and Eric Clapton performs together. Their performance in the end is also very special. It's not from this concert but Wembley '88.
That will be the Nelson Mandela birthday tribute concert. I was never much of a fan of Clapton, but the overriding memory I have of that gig is that at one point Clapton snapped a guitar string. So he quickly tore it out, then adjusted his fingering to play around it. I had a new-found respect for him for that.
Yes so cool. That is as on Money For Nothing. That whole Mandela set from Dire Straits was incredible - it’s on RUclips so if you like Dire Straits, go and watch it. Incredible versions of all songs, probably the best Brothers In Arms ever played…
Terry Williams' performance drove everyone else to their very best. His drumming and the dozens and dozens of spectacular fills are literally awe inspiring. Best live drum performance of all time.
Totally agree... fun fact: Terry's father was in the audience for this- the first time he'd seen him play live with the band, so he was determined to give it everything.
Ah, the redo with the live version!!! YES. I commented on the first review of SoS, and I probably said then that I bought this when I was in college and it first came out on LP. Still have it. I probably have played this over a thousand times, and many more. I have all of the DS albums and most of Marks later stuff. Along with the Moody Blues, and some others, I just listen to these over and over, 29000 tracks plus from my CD collection. I never get bored with it. I value quality performances, and this is a fine example. Good review.
The cord change during the verses is what is called Spanish cadence, which is vi-, V7, IV and III7 as the Dominant of the vi-, so in the last chord Harminic minor is used. Although, Mark is using chord tones almost all the time.
I don't know if anyone noticed, but I am sure some did, that this live version from Alchemy seems at one time anticipating the tune of the theme from Local Hero (Going Home) and I think this was consciously done although I have not heard Mark Knopfler saying so anywhere… maybe because in a way it seems obvious. This is perhaps how great artists create self-referential nuances and thematic unity. The fact that it evokes the same sense of irony-tinged nostalgia too goes so well with both the theme of the song about a relatively obscure band's life and performance and life in a remote Scottish village in the movie(Local Hero),- the farcical contrasts of the world of big business, celebrity culture and the struggles of ordinary people, and also artists who never make it. In it all, it is so relatable to contemporary society and the effects of the globalised consumerist culture, show business and the struggling individuals, - all the tropes that make Dire Straits so close to our heart as part of the culture of protest in rock music.
The thing people don't remember was why this record actually got famous, it came out just as CD players started being included in Hi Fi's and at the time all the music available was classical. Dire straits album was one of the first out that wasn't and so if you weren't into classical music, this was about the only record available in the format, the record companies not quite convinced that the format was going to be a success, but this album from a relatively unknown band at the time convinced the record companies that the format would be a success
One of the things about Dire Straits, which I once remarked on to my wife in the middle of the night on a cross-country drive, is how _quiet_ a band they are despite everything. I had their first album playing on my iPod as we drove through Tennessee, and I ended up by turning up the volume in the car--not because of the innate recording level, but because DS just weren't PUSHING the energy. They were bringing everything to the table, but they don't go to eleven, which is an astonishing feat.
One of the best riffs ever. Oddly I hated the song when it came out, overplayed on radio, post-disco that voice seemed too casual to my ear, but this teen grew into it and embraced the fun vibe of the song.
The unfortunate thing about your shaker is that you probably have automatic ducking to other audio sources when your mic gets crowded, or some kind of automatic adjustment, where the Dire Straits almost disappear the moment the shaker starts.
Also helps keep the copyright bots at bay, so keep that in mind, especially given some recent blocks. Doug played his keys a lot more often a few years ago. It seems like if he interrupts the song a little more often, he’s more likely to not get blocked. And to be honest, I like him just grooving with it. He’s a musician and composer, how can you not expect him to groove with it, ESPECIALLY when him not grooving with it caused blocking. We can all find the original version if he can.
I remember my dad played me a whole "Alchemy" when I was only 4. And this blew me away so much, that after 40 years I still enjoy listening to it again and again and never be bored!
Guitar george is big brother to 2 of the ac dc brothers, harry is his band member in " Flash in the pan, and the easy beats". I met George and ac dc in person in the 1970's. This is what the song is about
Doug, this is the best breakdown of this live version I've ever listened to. Well done, and i loved your keys overplay as well. I just love it when talent gives the nod to talent.!! I've just subbed to your channel, by the way.🇬🇧🏴🇬🇧❤️👍👌👏👏👏
I love the fact that you have album covers of Marillion, Steven Wilson, Pink Floyd and King Crimson behind you. All favorite bands of mine. While listening to Dire Straits - perfect!
It's refreshing to hear fresh perspectives about favorite songs of mine, sometimes you hear something about a chord or stanza you hadn't realized that gives a new respect for a favorite band. If Doug hasn't already, I wonder what he'd say regarding Cage the Elephant's "Ain't no rest for the wicked," or Florence + The Machine's "Cosmic Love."
I saw Mark play a solo show in Indy about 20 years ago in Indy. He was superb. One of the top 5 shows I've seen. The crowd was great too. At The Murat.
I saw Dire Straits on their 1991 tour (their last as a band, I believe) and this was truly a highlight of a show full of highlights. Knopfler is arguably one of the finest guitarists in rock and you used a perfect word in describing his playing: tasteful.
interesting fact is that the “ Guitar George” and “Harry” who are mentioned in the lyrics are George Young and Harry Vanda, who were guitarists in the band The Easybeats. George Young is Angus Young’s older brother, and Harry and George helped get AC/DC recorded.
I’ve been a sub and a fan of yours for a couple years now, but I’ve never heard you talk about it….I’m assuming you have perfect pitch? I can’t imagine how cool it must be to hear music and be able to readily play it on the piano. My son (who has autism) has it too snd is just now exploring it and all he can do with his gift. Love the channel, Doug. Thanks for all the insight and education.
I saw them play live at the age of 12 at the Free Mandela Concert at Wembley Stadium in London in 1988. I was too young to know their music well but clearly remember Brothers in Arms and the many thousands of people holding their lighters in the air (as there were no phones but practically everyone smoked!). I feel lucky to have seen them live - but just wish I'd seen them again when I was a bit older to really remember and appreciate it.
What people don't remember is that the original release of this song was right in the middle of the disco era and the Kiss-dominated rock era. We who were young musicians at that time knew that this was something different, something special - and it never has stopped being that for almost 50 years. The idea that a band can play rock music with virtuosity - there were a few bands like King Crimson, Genesis, and Yes who were doing that, but they rarely made early FM radio. And this live version with actual dynamics and building of suspense through minimal playing - incredible. Thank you, @Doug Helvering for bringing this to us and reminding us of how great Mark Knofler and Dire Straits really were.
ELP.
@@kratino Being an ELP fan, you would have thought that I would have put them in - much to my red-faced chagrin, I forgot them. Certainly they should be mentioned and thank you for reminding me.
@@scottodell4371 you’re welcome!
You make an excellent point. Add to that: punk had just blazed and was beginning to fade. It was as though we all wanted to get back to music.
They actually played at the same venues in England as the Punk/New Wave bands in 1977/80. I saw all the leading Punk/New wave bands in that era eg the Sex Pistols/The Clash/ Joy Division./Simple Minds/U2 etc. But I loved Dire Straits , and I knew they would become huge .
This live version of "Sultans of Swing" is incredible 😍
If I should pick five song for rest of my life this one would be the one of the five.
More than incredible actually, Mythic!
Definitely. I think that every one of their songs that I've heard live versions of are incredible. The studio versions are cut down for radio. In the live versions all of Mark's genius is unleashed.
Agreed, IMHO live versions don't normally cut it compared to the studio... this one however sweeps the studio version away! So good.
@@markjthomson I think I disagree. Live versions of "great" musicians (like Dire Straits, Tina Turner, Deep Purple, Queen, Free, The Police, Bob Marley, and many more....) are in my experience usually better than the studio versions. There are exceptions of course which are in my opinion "concept albums" that cannot easily be reproduced live (like for example "Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" or "Dark Side of the Moon").
Possibly the greatest live performance ever...
Half dozen of DS live performances are up there as top performances.
I think possibly not,for sure ...
It's top tier for sure. Hard to pick one. I'd put this up with Frampton's "Do You Feel Like We Do" from Frampton Comes Alive.
…..at 9:20 Terry is so deep in it, he’s literally singing Mark’s solo while they are looking at each other. Legendary
This channel get the gold medal for review of this immensely popular YT SOS song. First he doesn’t stop the song. He doesn’t rewind. And he details the chord progression. He gets on the keyboards too. And when he discusses he speaks low enough so you can still hear the song while he’s explaining. Amazing. He identifies each chord amazing. 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇
the drummer carries this version sooo hard, insane fills
for me at least this ruins the laid back feel of the track completely.
@@VodkaSelektaYes, I agree, it is faster and Williams is too busy. I prefer Pick Withers but funnily enough, Williams held back in Rockpile.
I think Terry killed it. At one point, he was seen mouthing Mark's notes as he played them, whilst repeating the rhythm on drums. They were almost joined at the hip during this piece.
You've had some push-back in the comments, but its a 100% agree from me! Maybe its because I've been listening to this version all my life, but the album version always sounds a bit flat to me.
The gradual build up during the last solo is incredible. Always wondered if they ever played it that way during early live performances with Whithers on drums, or maybe it wasn't until Williams came onboard he felt they could really go for it.
This is a more full on drum performance than usual. His dad was in to see him play, apparently for the first time with Dire Straits. So yeah, he probably went a bit over the top, but the playing is bang on.
Terry Williams was on fire. His drum kit had to be resuscitated after the show, lol. He is now 76 and retired in Swansea Wales.
He's my age. What a fantastic performance.
We must remember these songs were made when people listened to music with their ears not their eyes. Pure class.
Tbh hearing with your eyes sounds horrible.
It makes me sad when I see a 'band' of today tuning up, looking away from each other, all using different tuners.
Alchemy Live was the most magnificent thing I have ever seen in my life... I have watched this performance at least 50 times and I never get tired of it.
Absofrikenlutely
Mark Knopfler is a genius, nothing else to say 😀
I was at this gig and this was the point when it really took off!
It was my second gig, I was just 18, the year before I'd seen The Stones at Wembley and thought this sort of thing was normal!
I now know that every person on the stage was the best of the best and all were absolutely on top of their game.
We knew they were good, thought it may be a bit boring in parts, it wasn't, it was brilliant!
For me, Terry Williams was the unexpected star, absolutely awesome.
The music and musicianship was world class.
The other thing that came across is that they were all loving it, even after the long tour, sometimes a band will just stand and play the songs and go home, they didn't do that at all, it felt like they never wanted to stop.
We didn't want them to stop either
It's one of the greatest live performances ever caught on tape. Just an incredible video from start to finish. Mark Knopfler is a genius of course, but also the drumming of Terry Williams here is out of this world.
i noticed the the drumperb, would have made Keith Moon extremely envious. He was very accurate within the song yet an artist on drums himself. Many time here he was matching the exact notes of Knopfler's guitar solo in rhythm all over the drums. Jesus Lord!!
@@thomastimlin1724 I love this because it's so obvious that they practiced/played this together often. The dynamics, the doubled phrasings in solos across instruments, everything about it is what makes live music so fun. So good. Used to show this to my bandmates and say "this is what I want to aim for".
Terry Williams from "Rockpile" / Dave Edmunds Band? WOW!
This is everything what is good in music. It makes you happy, it amazes you, it comforts you ❤ The eternal greatness of Mark Knopfler ✨️
Live Alchemy is my most favourite Live album of all time. I first saw the Concert film in 1985 when I was 6 years old, in the UK BBC played the concert after the Live Aid concert finished, late at night, I was allowed to stay up and watch it as the whole family were Dire Straits fans, I love to play the live album in the car, at night if on a journey, or at home with headphones on in the dark, the atmosphere captured on the live recording is exceptional, It's definitely worth watching the whole concert.
give your head a shake
You were playing through some epic drum moments on this. You need to watch it over again.
I think he understands the drum parts pretty well anyway
Terry Williams was playing live for the first time in front of his dad and was on fire. At one point you can catch Mark and the bass player look back at Terry went he does a fill so hard rock that they laugh. Wow!
I love Marks smile there 😅🤣
So, um, that's not true bud. Stop perpetuating the lie man.
@@TriptoCoit’s a fun story that enhances how legendary his performance is, it’s not that deep. Unless Terry himself has stated he has issue with it
"Story from an ironic narrator" - best description I've heard of Mark Knopfler's vocals. Thank you!
What really makes this so wonderful for me is the drummer. His groove and tasty fills are amazing
The wonderful Terry Williams ❤️
drummer absolutely rocks in this song, amazing
Be a lot better if Doug stopped talking so much, playing his keyboard & fiddling w/ the shaker while the video is playing. Dude, that was so distracting. Terry was doing some tremendous drum fills, and Doug wasn't even paying attention!
@@MrDevtun You can simply watch the performance minus this dude's contribution in plenty of other places. This is how _he_ responds to the particular stimuli. If you're more interested in how you _yourself_ reacts then I would suggest playing a video of this particular "Dire Straits" performance while a camera's lens is pointed at you and recording
@@MrDevtun shaker & mike over ride the video volume , that needs a tweak
for me as someone who cant even open his guitar case , i like the Chords & explanation & the piano ( to someone who maybe doesnt play) shows how to intergrate notes within a chord . Which many like myself struggle with so stay in safe zones like Minor scales .
What I like with this live performance is how they have a good time together, they really enjoy each other.
The band was enjoying a 'bigged up' revival with the addition of Terry Williams.
Everyone mentioning the drummer.
The reason they went so fucking hard, is because the drummers mum and dad were in the crowd. And it was their first time seeing him play live.
Unreal
Proud parents for sure
I'm sure they must have seen Terry playing with Rockpile and others in Wales
That is a lovely tidbit of trivia.
Grew up listening to this live Album (and air drumming to Terry's playing before being allowed to get a drum set, and my 1st rock concert was from the '85 tour. Blown away~~~~~! Crazy how I can still almost sing Mark's solos.... Thanks for featuring this!
I air finger pick to marks guitar whie driving my 5 speed manual, helps the arthritis
I wrote this on another site that did a reaction piece on this video ... I'm old enough so that I heard it for the first time in my car on the way to work the summer I graduated from grad school and I was so blown away that I was constantly saying out loud to nobody in the car "Who the fuck are these guys?" ... I ended up being late for work because I sat in the parking lot of my job and waited until the song was over, and then had to wait for another 3-4 songs in the radio set to get the name of the band (obviously was when car radios had nothing but two knobs and a dial). The studio version was so good that I did that ... and this live version is even better.
I do love this version of Sultans of Swing and this album. I have to say that my favourite track on the album, however, is Telegraph Road.
I was watching my dad's alchemy vhs on repeat before I was 10yrs old in the 80s. Even then I could feel how special this performance was. The first musician who's style I fell in love with
John Illsley recalled that Mark Knopfler never hit a bum note for the whole tour
I doubt he did either, solid as a rock but could swing and funk with the best of them.
Different class of guitarist
And never played anything the same way twice.
I've heard Alchemy thousands times since 12 years old (I'm 53) and never found one note out of tune despite he improvised 30%-40%.
This album is pure talent and inspiration.
A song to which you bring refreshments but absolutely take no breaks.
This song makes me smile for the rest of the day lol
As a brit raised in the 90s I was introduced to the UK rave scene and drum and bass jungle hard core techno were obviously my music of choice but since I turned 35-36 I just couldn't listen to electronic music any longer and I came across dire straits at the alchemy in my recommendations and I got chills goosebumps rushing down my spine and the riff I started getting emotional I've never felt that until hearing this and fleetwood mac go your own way but it opened a door for me into real music and I've been lost in this genre ever since and mark is under appropriated and I've fell in love with rock. Sorry to yap on it is a big moment in my life hearing this for the 1st time getting emotional and a rush no drug could give
My first vinyl album purchase as a spotty face teenager was Alchemy. I loved it instantly but my appreciation of the stunning musicianship only grows as the years pass.
Mark Knopfler, Lead guitar
Hal Lindes, Rhythm guitar
John Illsey, Bass guitar
Terry Williams, Drums
Alan Clark, Keys
And for these shows July 22/23 1983 additional guest keys, Tommy Mandel.
Just an incredible version of this already great song! The drummer, along with everyone else just nailed this beautifully!
Absofukinlutely grateful to all the bands from 70's, 80's and 90's. No matter how bad is the day.
This is one of my favorite songs. I thank my parents for making me listen to Classic Rock as a kid.
It's hard not to love having Terry Williams on the drums. He always played his part perfectly, but this night was very special for him, so the band gave him a wild card and the rest is history.
Have you ever heard the live alchemy (same concert) version of telegraph road? I highly recommend it!!!
I highly recommend it too. Such a great live album.
One of the few perfect songs, on one of the few perfect albums.
and tunnel of love
Yes, he's reviewed it.
this version literally makes me tear up by the climax...every time
I’m 74 just 6 months younger than Mark. I’ve seen them twice way back in the day. My favourite track of all time is this one followed by Brothers in arms and Telegraph Road. ❤
You can't help but smile when you listen too this . Power of music , thank you my Geordie friends of Dire Straits
Terry Williams on drums - his dad was in the audience watching his son playing the huge gig.
Knopfler told him to go «all-in» and impress the old man. 😊
Guitar, bass, rhythm guitar, synthesizer, piano and everything accompanied by drums, this is the synchronized best performance of the group in live.
You are my absolute favorite and most knowledgeable reactor :D Please keep doing what you are doing. Peace :)
One thing I always liked about Dire Straits is that they always seemed to be having some genuine fun on stage!
I count myself lucky to have this Album on vinyl , it is without doubt the best live album ever
I love the Knophler album, Sailing to Philadelphia. The title song is a fave, another story song. Knophler’s mastery of dynamics and variety of subject matter is what makes his albums and concerts so dramatic: many artists don’t have so big a palette and albums and performances can be bland as a result (songs too similar). I saw Dire Straights in concert two nights in a row as a volunteer usher, and even the lighting design danced to the music without trying to grab the spotlight. I always suspected the quality control came from the composer. Not a surprise he writes great soundtracks for movies, too.
His story telling is from his days as a lecturer at university on how to sell a story .
Always get blown away by how fluid Mark's playing is.
Totally agree, Dire straits is an amazing band, so good. I love this band and listen to it every day. And this version of Sultans of Swing is from outer space and listening to it fills you with joy 😍
The studio version of this is one of the best songs for cruising. Including road tripping.
It's nice that you enjoyed it so much.
What I love about this clip is how much fun they're having.
Making a living like that wouldn't suck.🤑🤑
Shout out to the production crew. The filmography of this LIVE concert is incredible.🤩🤩
Charismatic Voice did this song 9 days ago, was most interested in the dialog between singer and guitar, switched to studio version halfway through. Just learned she has been involved in distorted voice studies, including a metal band throat singer who's throat twists, has a kickstarter for "Harsh singing study"
I remember the first time hearing Dire Straits, it was autumn 85 and i heard the intro to Money For Nothing. Talk about getting goose bumps.
Before I got into hard and heavy music this was the most powerful and incredibile performance I ever witnessed and thought nothing could rock harder
This performance is not about how hard you rock, but how ACCURATE you rock.
What a master piece 👏 🎉
This entire concert is phenomenal !
I was blown away finding out that Mark Knopfler scored the soundtrack for the Princess Bride and then found out from youtube members that he did several more movie sound tracks
he's a damn genius
I have long known he Princess Bride soundtrack, and I swear in the middle of the second extended instrumental there are elements that sound like inspiration for the future Princess Bride soundtrack!
There's also a live version of Brothers in Arms where both Mark and Eric Clapton performs together. Their performance in the end is also very special. It's not from this concert but Wembley '88.
That will be the Nelson Mandela birthday tribute concert.
I was never much of a fan of Clapton, but the overriding memory I have of that gig is that at one point Clapton snapped a guitar string. So he quickly tore it out, then adjusted his fingering to play around it. I had a new-found respect for him for that.
Yes so cool. That is as on Money For Nothing. That whole Mandela set from Dire Straits was incredible - it’s on RUclips so if you like Dire Straits, go and watch it. Incredible versions of all songs, probably the best Brothers In Arms ever played…
MASTERPIECE
Incredible. The band were amazing.
They dominated the 80‘s.
Terry Williams' performance drove everyone else to their very best. His drumming and the dozens and dozens of spectacular fills are literally awe inspiring. Best live drum performance of all time.
Totally agree... fun fact: Terry's father was in the audience for this- the first time he'd seen him play live with the band, so he was determined to give it everything.
Nobody has ever reacted to Alchemy Live all the way through. Please be the first to do it. Best live album of all time, in my opinion.
Your opinion is correct
It is indeed. I have the bluray, it's one of my most prized discs.
Ah, the redo with the live version!!! YES.
I commented on the first review of SoS, and I probably said then that I bought this when I was in college and it first came out on LP. Still have it.
I probably have played this over a thousand times, and many more. I have all of the DS albums and most of Marks later stuff.
Along with the Moody Blues, and some others, I just listen to these over and over, 29000 tracks plus from my CD collection.
I never get bored with it. I value quality performances, and this is a fine example.
Good review.
Thank you for identifying all of the players. I knew the principles, but thought there were more people involved.
The cord change during the verses is what is called Spanish cadence, which is vi-, V7, IV and III7 as the Dominant of the vi-, so in the last chord Harminic minor is used. Although, Mark is using chord tones almost all the time.
Drummer is a God! One of the best live performace ever!
Love their 1st album... fav track is "In The Gallery". Just perfection!
I don't know if anyone noticed, but I am sure some did, that this live version from Alchemy seems at one time anticipating the tune of the theme from Local Hero (Going Home) and I think this was consciously done although I have not heard Mark Knopfler saying so anywhere… maybe because in a way it seems obvious. This is perhaps how great artists create self-referential nuances and thematic unity. The fact that it evokes the same sense of irony-tinged nostalgia too goes so well with both the theme of the song about a relatively obscure band's life and performance and life in a remote Scottish village in the movie(Local Hero),- the farcical contrasts of the world of big business, celebrity culture and the struggles of ordinary people, and also artists who never make it. In it all, it is so relatable to contemporary society and the effects of the globalised consumerist culture, show business and the struggling individuals, - all the tropes that make Dire Straits so close to our heart as part of the culture of protest in rock music.
Tunnel of Love in the same concert is a gem starting out with the guys sax before the main song
This drummer is pretty amazing. Great energy and chops to spare.
The thing people don't remember was why this record actually got famous, it came out just as CD players started being included in Hi Fi's and at the time all the music available was classical. Dire straits album was one of the first out that wasn't and so if you weren't into classical music, this was about the only record available in the format, the record companies not quite convinced that the format was going to be a success, but this album from a relatively unknown band at the time convinced the record companies that the format would be a success
One of the best performance ever! But YOU destroy it!
No. You can always listen to it without Doug.
Seen them twice in concert here in nz. Fabulous. Bested only by Elton.
One of the things about Dire Straits, which I once remarked on to my wife in the middle of the night on a cross-country drive, is how _quiet_ a band they are despite everything. I had their first album playing on my iPod as we drove through Tennessee, and I ended up by turning up the volume in the car--not because of the innate recording level, but because DS just weren't PUSHING the energy. They were bringing everything to the table, but they don't go to eleven, which is an astonishing feat.
A couple of years ago I bought Dire Straits The Studio Albums CD box set from my local supermarket of all places. Best 15 quid I ever spent.
It is a truly wonderful concert. Telegraph road is another classic from Alchemy
One of the best riffs ever. Oddly I hated the song when it came out, overplayed on radio, post-disco that voice seemed too casual to my ear, but this teen grew into it and embraced the fun vibe of the song.
The unfortunate thing about your shaker is that you probably have automatic ducking to other audio sources when your mic gets crowded, or some kind of automatic adjustment, where the Dire Straits almost disappear the moment the shaker starts.
I like Doug but the shaker and playing the piano over the solo was borderline disrespectful to the song.
@module79l28 It totally ruined it. He obviously knows a lot musically, but he's not a band member, so keep it down.
That earned a 👎 for today
Also helps keep the copyright bots at bay, so keep that in mind, especially given some recent blocks. Doug played his keys a lot more often a few years ago. It seems like if he interrupts the song a little more often, he’s more likely to not get blocked. And to be honest, I like him just grooving with it. He’s a musician and composer, how can you not expect him to groove with it, ESPECIALLY when him not grooving with it caused blocking. We can all find the original version if he can.
Absolutely agree. It made me cringe.@@module79l28
I remember my dad played me a whole "Alchemy" when I was only 4. And this blew me away so much, that after 40 years I still enjoy listening to it again and again and never be bored!
Guitar george is big brother to 2 of the ac dc brothers, harry is his band member in " Flash in the pan, and the easy beats". I met George and ac dc in person in the 1970's. This is what the song is about
Doug, this is the best breakdown of this live version I've ever listened to. Well done, and i loved your keys overplay as well.
I just love it when talent gives the nod to talent.!!
I've just subbed to your channel, by the way.🇬🇧🏴🇬🇧❤️👍👌👏👏👏
My favorite live performance of any song. This is perfect. So good
...the video work is superb...and the guys were having FUN...!
Mark Knopfler is such an overlooked guitar player
Overlooked as of TODAY. At the time he was highly rated.
If by "overlooked" you mean being universally considered as one of the greatest ever then sure.
But everyone thinks he's insanely good?
@@randallpetersen9164 best description I've heard of him is "Mark Knopfler is your favourite guitarist's favourite guitarist"
Alchemy Live album is epic... An absolute beast of music gold.
You felt every moment, man. Great reaction
Yeah!
I love the fact that you have album covers of Marillion, Steven Wilson, Pink Floyd and King Crimson behind you. All favorite bands of mine. While listening to Dire Straits - perfect!
It's refreshing to hear fresh perspectives about favorite songs of mine, sometimes you hear something about a chord or stanza you hadn't realized that gives a new respect for a favorite band.
If Doug hasn't already, I wonder what he'd say regarding Cage the Elephant's "Ain't no rest for the wicked," or Florence + The Machine's "Cosmic Love."
Dire Straits was the first concert I went to in 1991. The Calling Elvis tour. Still in my top 2 or 3 live performances I have been to.
I saw Mark play a solo show in Indy about 20 years ago in Indy. He was superb. One of the top 5 shows I've seen. The crowd was great too. At The Murat.
I’ve never heard this extended version. Thanks, Doug.
All this album is perfect
Had this concert on vhs as a teenager now have it on dvd. Alongside Pink Floyd Pulse live concert, this concert leaves me euphoric after every watch.
Doug don't give a damn about any trumpet playing band, it ain't what he calls rock and roll 🥐
I saw Dire Straits on their 1991 tour (their last as a band, I believe) and this was truly a highlight of a show full of highlights. Knopfler is arguably one of the finest guitarists in rock and you used a perfect word in describing his playing: tasteful.
Terry Williams is sooo good. Did great stuff back in the 70s with the Welsh band Man as well.
interesting fact is that the “ Guitar George” and “Harry” who are mentioned in the lyrics are George Young and Harry Vanda, who were guitarists in the band The Easybeats. George Young is Angus Young’s older brother, and Harry and George helped get AC/DC recorded.
I’ve been a sub and a fan of yours for a couple years now, but I’ve never heard you talk about it….I’m assuming you have perfect pitch? I can’t imagine how cool it must be to hear music and be able to readily play it on the piano. My son (who has autism) has it too snd is just now exploring it and all he can do with his gift. Love the channel, Doug. Thanks for all the insight and education.
I saw them play live at the age of 12 at the Free Mandela Concert at Wembley Stadium in London in 1988. I was too young to know their music well but clearly remember Brothers in Arms and the many thousands of people holding their lighters in the air (as there were no phones but practically everyone smoked!). I feel lucky to have seen them live - but just wish I'd seen them again when I was a bit older to really remember and appreciate it.
Tunnel Of Love from the same concert is pretty damn good too