Dire Straits - 1979-10-07 - Chicago, IL (FM)

Dire Straits

1979-10-07

Uptown Theater

Chicago, IL

FM Broadcast

320 kbps

Artwork Included

01. Intro

02. Down To The Waterline

03. Six Blade Knife

04. Once Upon A Time In The West

05. Lady Writer

06. Where Do You Think You're Going?

07. News

08. Lions

09. Sultans Of Swing

10. Eastbound Train

11. Southbound Again

12. Solid Rock

Dire Straits - 1979-10-07 - Chicago, IL (FM)

Dire Straits was inducted into the Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, alongside The Cars, Bon Jovi, and teh Moody blues, just to name a few members of the class. Unfortunately, their induction was a mess. Frontman Mark Knopfler did not attend, nor did his brother David.  On top of that, the Hall couldn't find anyone to induct the band, leaving bassist Jon Illsey to induct himself and the rest of the band.

This FM broadcast captures Dire Straits on the last night of their second US Tour, in Chicago on October 7, 1979, 47 years ago today. The tour was in sopport of the band's second album, Communiqué, which had been released in June and climbed to #45 on the Billboard charts.

Live Aid - 1985-07-13 - London, UK & Philadelphia, PA (Part 2) (FM)

Live Aid

1985-07-13

Part 2

Wembley Stadium, London, UK

JFK Stadium, Philadelphia, PA

FM Broadcast

320 kbps

Artwork Included

Performers (See Artwork For Set Lists)

• Germany For Africa
• Judas Priest
• Paul Young
• Bryan Adams
• U2
• The Beach Boys
• Dire Straits
• George Thorogood
• Queen
• Simple Minds
• David Bowie
• The Pretenders
• The Who
• Santana
• Pat Metheny
• Norway For Africa
• Elton John
• Ashford & Simpson
• Teddy Pendegrass
• Kool & The Gang

Live Aid - 1985-07-13 - London, UK & Philadelphia, PA  (Part  2) (FM)

Here's part 2 of our post of the FM Broadcast of the complete Live Aid concert, from July 13, 1985, 40 years ago today. This post features 2 of the most memorable performances of the day, by U2 and Queen. U2's set established them as rock superstars, while Queen's performance has often been ranked as one of the greatest live moments in rock history. This post also includes sets from Elton John, with both Kiki Dee and George Michael; Santana, with Pat Metheny; the Who in their first show since their 1982 farewell tour, and Ashford & Simpson, with a wheel chair bound Teddy Pendergrass making his first public appearance since the car accident that left him paralyzed. Come back later today for the final segment of the show, including the finales on both sides of the Atlantic.  

The Silver Clef Award Winners Concert - 1990-06-30 - Knebworth, UK (SBD)

The Silver Clef Award Winners Concert 

1990-06-30

Knebworth Park

Herfordshire, England

Soundboard Recording

320 kbps

Artwork Included

Tears For Fears:

01. Dave Dee Introduction

02. Head Over Heels

03. Change

04. Pale Shelter

05. Sowing The seeds Of Love

06. All You Need Is Love

07. Advice For The Young At Heart

08. I've Got To Sing My Song

09. Badman's Song

10. Everybody Wants To Rule The World

11. Marsha Richardson Interview With Curt Smith

Status Quo:

01. Mark Goodyear Introduction

02. Caroline  

03. Mystery Song

04. Railroad

05. Most Of THe Time

06. Wild Side Of Life

07. Rollin' Home

08. Again And Again  

09. Slow Train              

10. Hold You Back      

11. Dirty Water          

12. Whatever You Want          

13. In The Army Now

14. Rockin' All Over The World

15. Don't Waste My Time

16. Roadhouse Blues

17. The Wanderer

18. Marguerita Time

19. Living On An Island

20. Break The Rules

21. Something 'Bout You Baby I Like

22. Price Of Love

23. Roadhouse Blues (Reprise)

24. Bob Harris Interview With Lol Creme & Kevin Godley 

25. Bob Harris Interview With Cliff Richard

Cliff Richard & The Shadows:

01. Mike Read Introduction

02. Move It

03. Summer Holiday

04. The Young Ones

05. On The Beach

06. Living Doll

07. Good Golly Miss Molly

08. Bachelor Boy

09. I Could Easily Fall (In Love With You)

10. Do You Wanna Dance

11. In The Country

12. It'll Be Me

13. Shake, Rattle And Roll

14. We Don't Talk Anymore

15. Simon Bates Interview With Bruce Welch

16. Simon Bates Interview With Cliff Richard

17. Westwood One Radio Interview With Curt Smith, Charlie Jones & Phil Johnstone

18. Gary Davies Interview With Robert Plant  

Robert Plant & Jimmy Page:

01. Gary Davies Introduction

02. Hurting Kind (I've Got My Eyes On You)

03. Immigrant Song  

04. Tie Dye On The Highway

05. Liar's Dance

06. Going To California

07. Nirvana

08. Tall Cool One

09. Misty Mountain Hop

10. Wearing And Tearing

11. Rock And Roll

12. Dave Dee Stage Announcement

13. Curt Smith Interview With Robert Plant

14. Bob Harris Interview With Hamish Stuart

15. Bob Harris Interview With Elton John

Phil Collins & Genesis:

01. Rob Lowe Introduction

02. In The Air Tonight

03. Colours > Drum Duet

04. Another Day In Paradise

05. Sussudio

06. Mama

07. That's All

08. Throwing It All Away

09. Turn It On Again 

10. Simon Bates Interview With Eric Clapton

11. Simon Bates Interview With Jed, The Helicopter Organiser 

12. Bob Harris Interview With Sam Brown

Eric Clapton with Dire Straits & Elton John

01. Dave Dee Introduction

02. Pretending

03. Before You Accuse Me

04. Old Love

05. Tearing Us Apart

06. Solid Rock

07. I Think I Love You Too Much

08. Money For Nothing

09. Sacrifice

10. Sad Songs (Say So Much)

11. Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)

12. Sunshine Of Your Love

13. Bob Harris Interview With Cathy McGowan & Timothy Dalton 

Paul McCartney

01. Cathy McGowan & Timothy Dalton Introduction

02. Coming Up

03. Back In The USSR

04. I Saw Her Standing There 

05. We Got Married

06. Birthday

07. Let It Be

08. Live And Let Die

09. If I Were Upon The Stage

10. Hey Jude

11. Strawberry Fields Forever

12. Help!

13. Give Peace A Chance

14. Yesterday

15. Can't Buy Me Love

16. Bob Harris Interview With Paul McCartney

17. Simon Bates Interview With Lord Cobbold

18. Bob Harris Interview With Jim Capaldi

19. Simon Bates Interview With Sgt Timble

20. Simon Bates Interview With George Martin

21. Richard Skinner Interview With Tommy Vance

22. Bob Harris Interview With Dave Gilmour

23. Simon Bates Interview With Dave Dee

Pink Floyd:

01. Tommy Vance Introduction

02. Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Part I-V)

03. The Great Gig In The Sky

04. Wish You Were Here

05. Sorrow

06. Money

07. Comfortably Numb 

08. Run Like Hell 

The Silver Clef Award Winners Concert  - 1990-06-30 - Knebworth, UK (SBD)

Knebworth House in England, an estate from the 15th century, has been the site of major rock festivals since 1974 (go here for more info) when the Allman Brothers drew a crowd of 60,000.  In 1979, Led Zeppelin made their return two live performing with 2 concerts at Knebworth. The Rolling Stones, Queen, Genesis and Van Morrison, as well as dozens of other rock acts, also have graced the stage at Knebworth. On June 30, 1990, 35 years ago today, Knebworth hosted the Silver Clef Awards for outstanding contributions to music in the UK, resulting in an incredible star studded line up, including Eric Clapton, Elton John, Mark Knopfler, Pink Floyd, Robert Plant, Jimmie Page and Sir Paul McCartney. The concert was so big that it was broadcast on the radio world wide. WNEW-FM in NY carried the broadcast, and I filled several Maxell tapes with the historic performances from that show. Of course, then CD's happened, and the tapes sat in a box, as did my 2 Nakamichi tape players! Fortunately, thanks to the digital age, we now have the full FM broadcast of that historic show.

Freedomfest - 1988-06-11 - London, UK (FM)

Freedomfest: Concert For Nelson Mandela

1988-06-11

Wembley Stadium

London UK

FM Broadcast

320 kbps

Artwork Included

Sting

01. Interview with Sting

02. Sting Introduction

03. If You Love Somebody Set Them Free

04. They Dance Alone

05. Every Breath You Take

06. Message In A Bottle

Back Stage & Interviews

07. Station Break

08. Interview With Simple Minds

George Michael

09. Village Ghetto Land

10. If You Were My Woman

11. Sexual Healing

Back Stage & Interviews

12. Station Break

13. Sally Stratton interviewing Mark Brzezicki of Big Country

The Eurythmics

14, Interview with Annie Lennox

15. Mal Reding interviewing vendors

16. I Need A Man

17. There Must Be An Angel

18. Here Comes The Rain Again

19. You Have Placed A Chill In My Heart

20. When Tomorrow Comes

21. Sweet Dreams

22. Brand New Day

Back Stage & Interviews

23. Bob Clearmountain Interview

24. Graham Bean talks about the Princes Trust Concert

25. Interview with Phil Collins

26. Talking with Mal Redding

Al Green

27. Let's Stay Together

Joe Cocker

28. Unchain My Heart

Jonathan Butler

29. True Love Never Fails

Back Stage & Interviews

30. Backstage Chatter

Ashford and Simpson

31. Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Natalie Cole

32. Pink Cadillac

Soul Ensemble

33. He's Got The Whole World In His Hands

Back Stage & Interviews

34. Interview with Midge Ure

35. Interview with Bee Gees

Wet Wet Wet

36. Wishing I Was Lucky

Tony Hadley

37. Harvest For The World

Joan Armatradin

38. Love And Affection

Midge Ure

39. Dear God

Paul Carrack

40. How Long

Fish

41. Kayleigh

Paul Young

42. Don't Dream Its Over

Kurt Smith

43. Everybody Wants To Rule The World

Bryan Adams

44. Somebody

Bee Gees

45. You Win Again

46. I've Gotta Get A Message To You

Back Stage & Interviews

47. Interview with Wet Wet Wet

48. Interview with Jackson Browne

49. Roaming Around the Royal Box

50. Reviewing the Acts

Youssou N'Dour

51. Pitche Mi

52. Shout out to the Radio Stations

53. When The Stone Begins To Turn (with Jackson Browne)

Aswad

54. Set Them Free

Back Stage & Interviews

55. Interview with Bryan Adams

56. Interview with Stevie Wonder

57. Interview with The Police Chief

58. Talking About English Expressions

59. Waiting for something to happen

UB40

60. UB40 Setting Up

61. Rat In Mi Kitchen

62. Red Red Wine

Chrissie Hynde and UB40

63. I Got You Babe

64. Breakfast In Bed

65. Sing Our Own Song

Back Stage & Interviews

66. Picking on Richard Geer

67 Interview with Phil Collins

68. Backstage with Mal Redding

Tracy Chapman

69. Fast Car

70. Across The Lines

Back Stage & Interviews

71. Waiting on Stevie Wonder

72. Interview with Natalie Cole

73. Still waiting for Stevie Wonder

74. Interview with Bob Clearmountain

75. Mal Redding talking with beer vendors

76. FA Cup

77. Interview with Little Steven

Hugh Masekeba

78. Soweto Blues

Back Stage & Interviews

79. Shout out to more Radio Stations

80. Interview with Annie Lennox

81. Backstage with Mal Redding and Fox TV

82. Interview with Tracy Chapman

83. Acts coming up

84. Backstage with Mal Redding with Meatloaf

85. Coming Up

86. Talking about Springsteen-Born To Run

87. Interview with Kurt Smith

Simple Minds

88. Waterfront

89. Summertime Blues

90. Mandela Day

91. Sanctify Yourself

92. East At Easter

93. Alive And Kicking

94. Biko (with Peter Gabriel & Youssou N'Dour)

Steven van Zandt

95. Sun City

Jerry Dammers & Simple Minds

96. Free Nelson Mandela

Back Stage & Interviews

97.  Interview with Paul Young

98.  Mal Redding on the stadium floor

99.  Down in the pit

100. Interview with Phil Collins

Whitney Houston

101. Didn't We Almost Have It All

102. Love Will Save The Day

103. So Emotional

104. Where Do Broken Hearts Go

105. How Will I Know

106. Interview with Peter Gabriel

107. Backstage

108. I Wanna Dance With Somebody

109. Greatest Love Of All

Back Stage & Interviews

110. Waiting for Dire Straits

111. Talking 'bout the weather

Stevie Wonder

112. I Just Called To Say I Love You

113. Stevie Wonder Speech

114. Dark And Lovely -

Back Stage & Interviews

115. Aerial Shots

Dire Straits & Eric Clapton

116. Interview with Eric Clapton

117. Interview with Mark Knoffler

118. We lost Mal Redding

119. Billy Connolly on Auto Harp

120. Walk Of Life

121. Sultans Of Swing

122. Romeo And Juliet

123. Money For Nothing

124. Brothers In Arms

125. Wonderful Tonight

126. Solid Rock

Closing

127. Closing Remarks

128. Amazing Grace (Jessye Norman)

129. WNEW-FM final comments

Freedomfest - 1988-06-11 - London, UK (FM)

The 1980s saw a resurgence of benefit concerts/festivals where rock artists used the power of their music and popularity to spur social & political change. While Live Aid may be the best known of those efforts, it was far from the only one. On June 11, 1988, 37 years ago today as captured in this FM broadcast, Wembly Stadium hosted Freedomfest, officially know as the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute, a concert celebrating the life and sacrifices of the anti-apartheid revolutionary and freedom fighter. The show was also designed to help pressure the Apartheid government of South Africa to release him from jail. The concert featured dozens of musical acts and entertainers, including Eric Clapton, Dire Straits, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Tracy Chapman, Joe Cocker, Jackson Brown, and Steve Van Zandt (who appropriately played the song, Sun City, protesting Apartheid), just to name some. The show was broadcast live to 67 countries and an audience of over 600 million people. The political pressure Freedomfest place on South Africa had the intended results - 20 months after the show, Mandella was released from prison, having spent 27 years in jail. By 1994, apartheid ceased in South Africa, and Mandella was elected President of the country, a nation which would become a multicultural democracy under his leadership.

Dire Straits - 1992-07-30 - Oslo, Norway (SBD)

Dire Straits

1992-07-30

Vallehovin Stadium

Oslo, Norway

Soundboard Recording

320 kbps

Atwrork Included

CD 1:

01. Calling Elvis

02. Walk Of life

03. Heavy Fuel

04. Romeo And Juliet

05. The Bug

06. Private Investigations

07. Sultans Of Swing

CD 2:

01. Your Latest Trick

02. On Every Street

03. Two Young Lovers

04. Telegraph Road

05. Brothers In Arms

06. Solid Rock

07. Wild Theme

Dire Straits - 1992-07-30 - Oslo, Norway (SBD)

1992: After disbanding Dire Straits in 1988, Mark Knopfler reformed the band three years later in 1991. The released the album on Every Street later that year, which sold over 8 million copies and went # 1 on the UK charts while reaching #12 on the Billboard charts in the US. Despite that success, by comparison to their prior release Brothers In Arms, the new disc was both a critical and commercial disappointment. The band launched a massive 300 show, 2 year tour in support of the album. The strain of that tour, however, proved to be too much for the band, and in its aftermath, Knopfler dissolved Dire Straits for the 2nd, and final, time. This soundboard recording captures the band on that final run on July 30, 1992, 29 years ago today, in Oslo.

Dire Straits - 1983-07-23 - London UK (FM)

Dire Straits 
1983-07-23
Hammersmith Odeon
London UK
FM Broadcast
320 kbps
Artwork Included

01. Bill Minkin Radio Introduction
02. The Prince of Wales Speaks
03. Once Upon A Time In The West
04. Expresso Love
05. Romeo & Juliet >
06. Love Over Gold
07. Two Young Lovers
08. Tunnel Of Love
09. Going Home (Local Hero)

Dire Straits - 1983-07-23 - London UK (FM) 

In late 1982, Dire Straits released Love Over Gold, their 4th studio album,  The disc would go to #1 on th charts in the UK and reach #19 on the US Billboard charts.   The highlight of the album was the 14-minute-long opus Telegraph Road", which became a staple of the band's set lists s wll as Mark Knopfler's once he became a solo artist,  Dire Straits launched an 8 month world tour in support of the labum, which culminated in a 2 night stand at the Hammersmith Odeon in London.  This FM broadcast captures excerpts from the final show, on July 23, 1983, 37 years ago today.

Live Aid - 1985-07-13 - London & Philadelphia - Part 2 (FM)

Live Aid

1985-07-13

Part 2

Wembley Stadium, London

JFK Stadium, Philadelphia

FM Broadcast

320 kbps

Artwork Included

Performers (See Artwork For Set Lists)

• Germany For Africa
• Judas Priest
• Paul Young
• Bryan Adams
• U2
• The Beach Boys
• Dire Straits
• George Thorogood
• Queen
• Simple Minds
• David Bowie
• The Pretenders
• The Who
• Santana
• Pat Metheny
• Norway For Africa
• Elton John
• Ashford & Simpson
• Teddy Pendegrass
• Kool & The Gang

Live Aid - 1985-07-13 - London & Philadelphia - Part 2 (FM)

Here's part 2 of our post of the FM Broadcast of the complete Live Aid concert, from July 13, 1985, 35 years ago today. from This post features 2 of the most memorable performances of the day, by U2 and Queen. U2's set established them as rock superstars, while Queen's performance has often been ranked as one of the greatest live moments in rock history. This post also includes sets from Elton John, with both Kiki Dee and George Michael; Santana, with Pat Metheny; the Who in their first show since their 1982 farewell tour, and Ashford & Simpson, with a wheel chair bound Teddy Pendergrass making his first public appearance since the car accident that left him paralyzed. Come back later today for the final segment of the show, including the finales on both sides of the Atlantic.  

Dire Straits - 1978-04-19 - Chester, UK (SBD)

Dire Straits

1978-04-19

Quaintway's Club

Chester, UK

Soundboard Recording

320 kbps

Artwork Included

01. Introduction

02. Down to the waterline

03. Six blade Knife

04. In the Gallery

05. Eastbound Train

06. Water of Love

07. Lions

08. Sultans of Swing

09. Wild West End

Dire Straits - 1978-04-19 - Chester, UK (SBD

When Dire Straits released their self-titled debut album in February 1978, the music industry barely paid attention. Fortunately for the band, Karin Berg, working at Warner Brothers in New York did. With her backing, the band was booked to tour as the opening act for the Talking Heads. The success of that tour led to a US recording contract with Warner, followed by the release of their debut album worldwide. The disc would reach the top 10 in every country in Europe, while climbing to #2 on the US charts. This soundboard recording captures the band before the made it big, in Chester on April 19, 1978, 42 years ago today.

Dire Straits - 1992-03-04 - Syracuse NY (SBD)

Dire Straits 
1992-03-04
War Memorial
Syracuse NY
Soundboard Recording
320 kbps
Artwork Included

01. Calling Elvis
02. Walk of Life
03. Heavy Fuel
04. Romeo And Juliet
05. The Bug
06. Private Investigations
07. Sultans Oof Swing
08. Iron Hand
09. On Every Street
10. I Think I Love You Too Much
11. Two Young Lovers
12. Tunnel Of Love
13. Money For Nothing
14. Brothers In Arms
15. Solid Rock

Dire Straits - 1992-03-04 - Syracuse NY (SBD)

After disbanding Dire Straits in 1988, Mark Knopfler reformed the band three years later in 1991. The released the album on Every Street later that year, which sold over 8 million copies and went # 1 on the UK charts while reaching #12 on the Billboard charts in the US. Despite that success, by comparison to their prior release Brothers In Arms, the new disc was both a critical and commercial disappointment. The band launched a massive 300 show, 2 year tour in support of the album. The strain of that tour, however, proved to be too much for the band, and in its aftermath, Knopfler dissolved Dire Straits for the 2nd, and final, time. This soundboard recording captures the band on that final run on March 4, 1992, 28 years ago today, in Syracuse.

Dire Straits - 1978-10-14 - Paris, France (SBD)

Dire Straits
1978-10-14
Empire
Paris, France
soundboard Recoreing
320 kbps
Artwork Included

01. announcer > Down To the waterline
02. Six Blade Knife (intro and some rehearsal/soundcheck stuff ) Funny stuff!!
03. In The Gallery 
04. Water Of Love
05. What's The Matter Baby
06. Wild West End 
07. Sultans Of Swing
08. Lions

Dire Straits - 1978-10-14 - Paris, France (SBD)

When Dire Straits released their self-titled debut album in February 1978, the music industry barely paid attention. Fortunately for the band, Karin Berg, working at Warner Brothers in New York did. With her backing, the band was booked to tour as the opening act for the Talking Heads. The success of that tour led to a US recording contract with Warner, followed by the release of their debut album worldwide. The disc would reach the top 10 in every country in Europe, while climbing to number 2 on the US charts. In October 1978, when Dire Straits launched the 2nd leg of their fall tour, it marked their first extended run of shows outside of the UK. The band visited France, Germany Belgium and the Netherlands, promoting both their debut album and the single, Sultans of Swing. This soundboard recording captures the band in Paris during that tour on October 14, 1978, 4 decades ago today.

Dire Straits – 1986-04-26 – Sydney, Australia (SBD)

Dire Straits

1986-04-26

Sydney Entertainment Center

Sydney, Australia

Soundboard Recording

320 kbps

Artwork Included

CD 1:

01. Ride Across the River

02. Expresso Love

03. Industrial Disease

04. So Far Away

05. Romeo & Juliet

06. Private Investigations

07. Sultans of Swing

CD 2:

01. Why Worry

02. Your Latest Trick

03. Walk Of Life

04. Two Young Lovers

05. Money For Nothing

06. Tunnel Of Love

07. Brothers In Arms

08. Solid Rock

09. Waltzing Matilda

10. Speech from Mark Knopfler

11. Going Home (Theme From Local Hero)

Dire Straits – 1986-04-26 – Sydney, Australia (SBD)

Land Down Under #3: On May 13, 1985, Dire Straits released their 5th studio album, the now legendary, Brothers In Arms. The disc became the first not only to sell one million copies in the CD format but also to outsell its vinyl version. Brothers in Arms would spend nine weeks at number 1 on the US Charts, and ten in that slot on UK charts. The album produced 3 top 20 singles in the US – So Far Away at #19, Walk of Life at #7 and the monster track, Money For Nothing, which went to number 1. Money For Nothing received extensive exposure on MTV, and was a highlight of the Dire Straits set at Live Aid, when Sting joined the band to reprise the backing vocals he had provided on the album version of the tune. Brothers In Arms would win two Grammy Awards in 1986 and also won Best British Album at the 1987 Brit Awards. The band toured extensively in support of the album playing over 247 shows in 100 cities during 1985 and 1986. This soundboard recording captures Dire Straits on April 26, 1986, 32 years ago today, on the last night of the tour in Sydney, Australia. Stop back tomorrow for the last post in this Four Of A Kind set.

Dire Straits - 1992-02-05 - San Diego (HQ Aud)

Dire Straits
1992-02-05
Sports Arena
San Diego, CA
HQ Audience recording
320 kbps
Artwork Included

CD 1:
01. Calling Elvis
02. Walk of life
03. Heavy fuel
04. Romeo and Juliet
05. The bug
06. Private investigations
07. Sultans of swing
08. On every Street

CD 2:   
01. Your Latest Trick
02. I Think I Love You Too Much
03. Two Young Lovers
04. Telegraph Road
05. Money For Nothing
06. Brothers In Arms
07. Outro music

Bonus Track
08. TV commercial for this concert

Dire Straits - 1992-02-05 - San Diego (HQ Aud)

Dire Straits 1992 - #2:  As promised, here is part two of our set featuring Dire Straits in 1992. This one is a high quality audience recording from February 5,1992, 26 years ago today.

Dire Straits - 1992-02-02 - Oakland, CA (SBD)

Dire Straits

1992-02-02

Oakland Coliseum

Oakland, CA

Soundboard Recording

320 kbps

Artwork Included

CD 1

01. Calling Elvis

02. Walk of Life

03. Heavy Fuel

04. Romeo And Juliette

05. The Bug

06. Private Investigations

07. Sultans of Swing

08. On Every Street

09. Fade to Black

CD 2

01. Two Young Lovers

02. Telegraph Road

03. Brothers In Arms

04. Solid Rock

Dire Straits - 1992-02-02 - Oakland, CA (SBD)

Dire Straits 1992 - #1: After disbanding Dire Straits in 1988, Mark Knopfler reformed the band three years later in 1991. The released the album on Every Street later that year, which sold over 8 million copies and went # 1 on the UK charts while reaching #12 on the Billboard charts in the US. Despite that success, by comparison to their prior release Brothers In Arms, the new disc was both a critical and commercial disappointment. The band launched a massive 300 show, 2 year tour in support of the album. The strain of that tour, however, proved to be too much for the band, and in its aftermath, Knopfler dissolved Dire Straits for the 2nd, and final, time. This soundboard recording captures the band on that final run on February 2, 1992, 26 years ago today, in Oakland. Download this one to hear Dire Straits on their final tour, the come back on February 5 for part 2 of this set.

Dire Straits - 1985-07-10 - London, UK (SBD)

Dire Straits
1985-07-10
Wembley Arena
London, UK,
Soundboard Recording
320 kbps
Artwork Included

01. Expresso Love
02. So Far Away
03. Private Investigations
04. Sultans Of Swing
05. Why Worry
06. Walk Of Life
07. Money For Nothing
08. The Man Is Too Strong
09. Tunnel Of Love
10. Brothers In Arms
11. Solid Rock (with Nils Lofgren)
12. Introduction - Hank Marvin
13. Going Home (with Hank Marvin)

Dire Straits - 1985-07-10 - London, UK (SBD)

Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits has been recognized in both Rolling Stone's 2003 and 2001 lists of the top guitarists of all time, ranking #27 and #44, respectively. In addition to leading Dire Straits, he's toured with Eric Clapton, putting quite a one-two punch of guitar gods on stage simultaneously.  This soundboard recording  from July 10, 1985, 32 years ago today, captures Knopfler and Dire Straits during their landmark 1985-86 tour in support of the album Brother's in Arms.  That disc, released on May 13, 1985 disc became the first not only to sell one million copies in the CD format but also to outsell its vinyl version. Brothers in Arms would spend nine weeks at number 1 on the US Charts, and ten in that slot on UK charts. The album produced 3 top 20 singles in the US – So Far Away at #19, Walk of Life at #7 and the monster track, Money For Nothing, which went to number 1. Money For Nothing received extensive exposure on MTV, and was a highlight of the Dire Straits set at Live Aid, 3 days after this show, when Sting joined the band to reprise the backing vocals he had provided on the album version of the tune. Brothers In Arms would win two Grammy Awards in 1986 and also won Best British Album at the 1987 Brit Awards. Download this one and you will once again “want your MTV”.

Dire Straits - 1979-03-06 - Upper Darby, PA (SBD)

Dire Straits

1979-03-06

The Tower Theatre

Upper Darby, PA

Sounboard Recording

320 kbps

Artwork Included

01. Sultans of Swing

02. Eastbound Train

03. Southbound Again

04. Water of Love

05. What's The Matter With You Baby

06. Lions

07. Six Blade Knife

08. Down To The Waterline

09. In The Gallery

10. Wild West End

Dire Straits - 1979-03-06 - Upper Darby, PA (SBD)

1979: When Dire Straits released their self titled debut album in February 1978, the music industry barely paid attention. Fortunately for the band, Karin Berg, working at Warner Brothers in New York did. With her backing, the band was booked to tour as the opening act for the Talking Heads. The success of that tour led to a US recording contract with Warner, followed by the release of their debut album worldwide. The disc would reach the top 10 in every country in Europe, while climbing to number 2 on the US charts. In early 1979, they launched their first headlining tour, playing 51 sold-out concerts over a 38-day period. Sultans of Swing, the single from their album which was released during that tour, scaled the charts to reach number four in the United States and number eight in the United Kingdom. This soundboard recording captures Dire Straits during their break though in early 1979, at the Tower Theater in Philadelphia on March 6, 38 years ago today. Download this one to capture the band as they took the world by storm, rising from obscurity to being nominated for 2 Grammy Awards (for Best New Artist and Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for Sultans Of Swing) in just 18 months!

Dire Straits - 1978-01-30 - Leeds, England (SBD)

Dire Straits

1978-01-30

Polythechnic

Leeds, UK

Soundboard Recording

320 Kbps

Artwork Included

01. Southbound Again

02. Eastbound Train

03. Down To The Waterline

04. In The Gallery

05. Water Of Love

06. Setting Me Up

07. Me And My Friends

08. Real Girl

09. Sultans Of Swing

Dire Straits - 1978-01-30 - Leeds, England (SBD)

1970s - #5: When Dire Straits released their self titled debut album in February 1978, the music industry barely paid attention. Fortunately for the band, Karin Berg, working at Warner Brothers in New York did. With her backing, the band was booked to tour as the opening act for the Talking Heads. The success of that tour led to a US recording contract with Warner, followed by the release of their debut album worldwide. The disc would reach the top 10 in every country in Europe, while climbing to number 2 on the US charts. In early 1979, they launched their first headlining tour, playing 51 sold-out concerts over a 38-day period. Sultans of Swing, the single from their album which was released during that tour, scaled the charts to reach number four in the United States and number eight in the United Kingdom. This soundboard recording captures Dire Straits right before the release of their debut disc, in Leeds on January 30, 1978, 39 years ago today. 

Dire Straits - 1992-06-28 - Basel, Switzerland (SBD)

Dire Straits

1992-06-28 

St. Jacob Stadium

Basel, Switzerland

Soundboard Recording

320 kbps

Artwork Included

CD 1:

01. Calling Elvis

02. Walk Of Life

03. Heavy Fuel

04. Romeo And Juliet

05. The Bug

06. Private Investigations 

07. Sultans Of Swing

08. Your Latest Trick 

CD 2:

01. On Every Street

02. Two Young Lovers

03. Telegraph Road 

04. Money For Nothing

05. Brothers In Arms

06. Solid Rock

07. Going Home

Dire Straits - 1992-06-28 - Basel, Switzerland (SBD) 

After disbanding Dire Straits in 1988, Mark Knopfler reformed the band three years later in 1991. The released the album on Every Street later that year, which sold over 8 million copies and went # 1 on the UK charts while reaching #12 on the Billboard charts in the US. Despite that success, by comparison to their prior release Brothers In Arms, the new disc was both a critical and commercial disappointment. The band launched a massive 300 show, 2 year tour in support of the album. The strain of that tour, however, proved to be too much for the band, and in its aftermath, Knopfler dissolved Dire Straits for the 2nd, and final, time. This soundboard recording captures the band on that final run on June 28, 1992, 2 dozen years ago today, in Switzerland. Download this one to hear Dire Straits on their final tour before Mark Knopfler launched his solo career 4 years later.

Dire Straits - 1980-12-19 - Dortmund, Germany (SBD)

Dire Straits

1980-12-19

Westfalenhalle

Dortmund, Germany

Soundboard Recording

128 kbps

Artwork Included

01. Once Upon A Time In The West

02. Down To The Waterline

03. Lions

04. News

05. Sultans Of Swing

06. Tunnel Of Love

07. Solid Rock

Dire Straits - 1980-12-19 - Dortmund, Germany (SBD)

In October 1980, Dire Straits released their 3rd album, entitled Making Movies. The disc would climb to #4 on the British charts and #19 on the Billboard charts in the US. While the disc lacked a breakout single, tunes such as Romeo and Juliet, Express Love, Skateaway, Tunnel of Love and Solid Rock received plenty of FM radio airplay. This soundboard recording captures Dire Straits on tour in support of Making Movies in Germany on December 19, 1980. 35 years ago today.

Dire Straits - 1985-08-17 - Houston, TX (SBD)

Dire Straits

1985-08-17

Southern Star Amphitheater

Houston, TX,

Soundboard Recording (Pre-FM)

320 kbps

Artwork Included

CD 1:

01. Ride Across The River

02. Expresso Love

03. One World

04. Romeo And Juliet

05. Private Investigations

06. Sultans Of Swing

07. Why Worry

08. Walk Of Life

09. Two Young Lovers

CD 2:

01. Money For Nothing

02. Wild West End

03. Tunnel Of Love

04. Brothers In Arms

05. Solid Rock

06. Going Home (Local Hero)

Dire Straits - 1985-08-17 - Houston, TX (SBD)

Dire Straits 1985 #2:  As promised yesterday, here’s the 2nd installment of our double shot of Dire Straits in 1985. in 1980. This one is soundboard from Housttom from August 17, 1985, 3 deacdes ago today.

Dire Straits - 1985-08-16 - San Antonio, TX (SBD)

Dire Straits

1985-08-16

Majestic Theatre

San Antonio, TX

Soundboard Recording

320 kbps

Artwork Included

CD 1:

01. Ride across the river

02. Expresso love

03. One world

04. Romeo and Juliet

05. Private investigations

06. Sultans of swing

07. Why worry

08. Walk of life

CD 2:

01. Two young lovers

02. Money for nothing

03. Wild west end

04. Intro Tunnel of love

05. Tunnel of love

06. Brothers in arms

07. Solid rock

08. Going home (Local Hero)

Dire Straits - 1985-08-16 - San Antonio, TX (SBD)

Dire Straits 1985 #1 - In the rock world, the years 1985 and 1986 belonged to Dire Straits. In May 1985, the band released the disc Brothers in Arms, which entered the British charts at #1. The album would also climb to #1 on the Billboard charts in the US, spending 9 weeks at the top spot. The disc produced three top 20 singles in the US, So Far Away at #19, Walk of Life at #7 and the monster hit, Money For Nothing, which went to #1. The video for that song went into heavy rotation on MTv in the US, in part since it used the station’s tag line, “I want my MTv” in the backing vocals sung by Sting. The band toured extensively over the next 2 years in support of the album, playing 247 shows in over 100 different cities, including a historic performance at Live Aid. This soundboard captures Dire Straits early on in their tour in San Antonio on August 16, 1985, 30 years ago today.  Downlaod this one, then come back tomorrow for part 2 of this double shot.