Dire Straits
Dire Straits were a British rock band that formed in Deptford, London, in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar), his younger brother David Knopfler (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), John Illsley (bass guitar and backing vocals), and Pick Withers (drums and percussion). Dire Straits sound drew from a variety of musical influences, including jazz, folk, and blues, and came closest to beat music within the context of rock and roll. Despite the prominence of punk rock during the band s early years, their stripped-down sound contrasted with punk, demonstrating a more rootsy influence that emerged from pub rock. Many of Dire Straits compositions were melancholic.
25 May 2021
Want to get more from your wah-wah? Here are 6 techniques to help you sound like Satch, Kirk Hammett, Matt Bellamy and more.
(Image credit: Future)
When you think of a wah, the first thing that might spring to mind is a slow blues solo with the pedal used to give the notes a vocal feel; one of the most common reasons people go in search of the best wah pedals. Then again, it might be the explosive histrionics of Kirk Hammett, using it to accent a blizzard of notes, or Joe Satriani smoothly articulating his lead parts on
Surfing with the Alien. Or, perhaps it’s Matt Bellamy using it to thin out a guitar intro before the bass drops (a production trick commonly used in dance music). These are just some examples of creative ways to use a wah pedal, but there are plenty more to experiment with.
Dire Straits find success with ‘Sultans of Swing’, Supertramp makes it big in US Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits Image Credit: GN Archives
Budget song ‘Sultans of Swing’ propels Dire Straits into the post-punk limelight
1978 Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits Image Credit: GN Archives
‘Sultans of Swing’, Dire Straits’ debut single, was the first released on a major label. It was one of five songs recorded on a demo tape in July 1977 with a budget of just £120. The tape was first played on Radio London and the band quickly built up a huge fan following and became in overnight sensation
Published:
7:00 PM May 11, 2021
All ready for Dire Straits to take to the stage at Portman Road, Ipswich, in 1992
- Credit: Archant
Are you in our crowd gallery from when Dire Straits played Portman Road in June 1992?
Dire Straits performing at Portman Road in 1992
- Credit: Archant
The band are among a number of top names to have performed at Ipswich Town s ground over the years - and the concert is fondly remembered by thousands who were there.
Portman Road Football stadium transformed for Dire Straits performing in 1992
- Credit: Archant
That memorable night was part of the On Every Street tour, which turned out to be Dire Straits final concert tour.
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