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.

• Sultans of Swing (1978)

  “Sultans of Swing” was Dire Straits’ first single from their self-titled debut album. The upbeat tune gave the band a solid start with audiences worldwide, peaking at #3 in South Africa, #4 in the U.S. and Canada, #6 in Australia and Ireland, and #8 in their native UK. It remains one of their most recognizable songs.

• Money For Nothing (1985)

  Co-written by Mark Knopfler and Sting (he also sang backup), “Money for Nothing” was the second single from Dire Straits’ immensely popular fifth studio album, Brothers in Arms (1985). It topped the charts in the U.S. and Canada, and reached the #4 spot in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Finland. The groundbreaking music video was one of the first to feature early 3D computer-animated human characters. It won “Video of the Year” at the third annual MTV Video Music Awards in 1986. It probably didn’t hurt that the song includes the line, “I want my MTV.” It was also the first video to appear on MTV Europe when that network launched in 1987.

• Walk of Life (1985)

  Dire Straits had an infatuation with the 1950s rock & roll of their youth, and that comes through in “Walk of Life.” The third single from Brothers in Arms, it was another big top ten hit around the globe. Two music videos were produced for “Walk of Life.” The one above juxtaposes Dire Straits preparing for a concert with athletes suiting up to compete. The video continues with alternating clips of the band playing and sports bloopers.

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