Dire Straits were a British rock band formed in London in 1977 by Mark Knopfler, David Knopfler, John Illsley and Pick Withers. They were active from 1977 to 1988 and again from 1990 to 1995.
Dire Straits in 1978: L-R: David Knopfler, Pick Withers, Mark Knopfler, John Illsley
PRS for Music heritage plaque commemorating Dire Straits' first performance in Deptford, London
The original Dire Straits line-up in Hamburg, Germany (1978); L to R: John Illsley, Mark Knopfler, Pick Withers and David Knopfler
Mark Knopfler and Hal Lindes
Mark Freuder Knopfler is a British guitarist, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was the lead guitarist, singer and songwriter of the rock band Dire Straits from 1977 to 1988, and from 1990 to 1995. He pursued a solo career after the band dissolved, and is now an independent artist.
Knopfler performing in 2015
Knopfler with Dire Straits, 1979
Knopfler performing in Dublin, 1981
Knopfler with Dire Straits performing in Belgrade, 10 May 1985