Dire Straits Dire Straits Dire Straits were a British rock band formed in London in 1977 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 became one of the world's best-selling music artists, with album sales of over 100 million. Their first hit single "Sultans of Swing", from their self-titled debut album, reached the top ten in the UK and US charts in 1978. They released hit singles in the 1980s, such as "Private Investigations" (1983), "Money for Nothing" (1985), and
Dire Straits Tour Dire Straits Tour The Dire Straits Tour was the first concert tour by the British rock band Dire Straits. The tour started on 9 June 1978 and included 55 concerts throughout Europe, ending on 18 November 1978. The tour promoted and supported the release of the band's debut album, "Dire Straits", which was released on 7 October 1978. The tour setlist consisted mainly of songs from their debut album. The tour lineup included Mark Knopfler (guitar and vocals), John Illsley (bass), David Knopfler (rhythm guitar), and Pick Withers (drums). The European tour including concerts in the United Kingdom, France, Belgium,