Dire Straits

Dire Straits is a British rock band, formed in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (guitar and vocals), David Knopfler (guitar), John Illsley (bass) and Pick Withers (drums), and managed by Ed Bicknell. In an era when punk rock reigned, they played subdued, almost old-school rock and roll. Somewhat similar to punk rock, people eventually took to the band for their stripped-down sound, returning to the roots of rock in reaction to the overproduction of 70s rock. Mark Knopfler (the band's frontman) was heard to have asked pub managers to turn down the sound, so people could talk over the music, while they were still in their early days. Despite this complete antithesis to popular culture at the time, Dire Straits still became hugely successful.

External links

• Mark Knopfler's official website
• David Knopfler's official website
• Hal Lindes' official website
• Guy Fletcher's official website
• Terry Williams' Tawe Delta Blues Cafe
• Mark Knopfler's authorized biography, retracing much of the band's life
• German unofficial website
• Dutch unofficial website
• Spanish unofficial website
• Dire Straits Lyrics

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