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With 'Making Movies,' the band entered a new decade well on the way to the radio-friendly roots-rock sound that would go on to dominate the 1980s.
Soon after the record became the band's first UK No. 1, it made a prominent chart debut in the US.
Many of the songs on Knopfler's 2002 album were inspired by the struggles of itinerant working-class people.
The best 80s music videos not only defined the decade, they influenced fashions and elevated the music video to the status of high art.
The former Dire Straits frontman hit a particularly rich seam with his second LP in his own name, 'Sailing To Philadelphia.'
On 28 September 1991, the band entered the US album chart with a new studio record for the last time, with 'On Every Street.'
The guitar is the backbone of rock music, and the best guitarists include some blues and country guitarists that paved the way for rock’n’roll’s legends.
'Brothers In Arms' hit the top of the US album chart on 31 August 1985 and held sway for nine weeks.
Our choice of the most memorable guitar exploits of the world-famous British musician.
Listen to our playlist of this unique instrument, honouring 'Leo' Fender, born on 10 August 1909.
Europe finally got its own MTV channel on 1 August 1987, opening with, what else, Dire Straits' 'Money For Nothing' video.
On 22 July 1978, Dire Straits had something to show for their early efforts in terms of a UK chart position — but only just.
On 13 July 1985, Live Aid, the dual concert at Wembley Stadium and JFK Stadium featured some of the greatest performances by rock royalty in history.
The links between the American band and the British guitar hero go deeper than you might think.
The duo of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith became a huge part of the major US chart takeover by British acts of the mid-1980s.
