They’ve been called “the biggest British rock band of the ’80s” by Classic Rock magazine. Dire Straits began that journey in London in 1977. The band was founded by Mark Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar), David Knopfler (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), John Illsley (bass guitar and backing vocals) and Pick Withers (drums and percussion).
The band enjoyed tremendous international success until their first break-up in 1988. Along the way, Dire Straits won four Grammy Awards, three Brit Awards (Best British Group twice), and two MTV Video Music Awards, among others. Their three biggest hits on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 were “Sultans of Swing” (1978), “Money For Nothing” (1985), and “Walk of Life” (1985).
Dire Straits reunited from 1990 to 1995, releasing one final studio album in 1991. Lead singer, lead guitarist, and chief songwriter Mark Knopfler (top) embarked on a solo career in 1996. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.