Mark Knopfler, Dire Straits. THE WORLDS GREATEST GUITARPLAYER!!

Here is the history of Dire Straits:

Dire Straits was created by Mark Knopfler, David Knopfler (his brother)and John E. Illsley, their friend in 1977. The group played in the beginning mostly in pubs, and they called themselves:"Cafè racers". As Pick Withers (drums) joined them later the same year, they changed name to "Dire Straits".

Dire Straits: (From the left: John E. Illsley, Mark Knopfler, David Knopfler and Pick Withers.

The first album Dire Straits released was "Dire Straits". This album became a nr.1 in Australia, but had a slow start in Europe.

Their second album was called "Communique" and this was Dire Straits'first worldwide hit.

After they released their third album "Making movies", David Knopfler left the group to start a solo career. At this time, Pick Withers also left. He was replaced with Terry Williams.

Theire fourth album "Love over gold" was a huge success, nr.1 in 16 countries.

Before they released theire fifth album "Alchemy" Guy Fletcher joined the band to accompany Alan Clark, Dire Straits'regular keyboard player. This album was a double CD performance and it hit the UK#3.

Dire Straits released their sixth album "Brothers in arms". This became their greatest success so far. Dire Straits was written about in "Guinnes record book" because they where the first band ever selling over one million CD's of one album. This album hit nr.1 in 23 countries including USA,and UK.

"Money for nothing" their seventh album, reached also top position both in UK and USA.

After the success from "Brothers in arms" Dire Straits had turned in to be a super band. There was great expectation before their eighth album "On every street" was released. It did not dissappoint anyone. It hit both UK#1 and USA#1.

Theire last album "On the night" was released in 1993. Now all we can do is to wait and see if Mark decide to restart Dire Straits for a new album.

"Live at the BBC" was an album recorded right before Dire Straits became famous. It hadn't been given out before now (1995).

This page is made by Dire Straits` greatest fan Frode Føreland.

I would appreciate people to write the latest news about Mark Knopfler to my e-mail.

E-mail: [email protected]