Historical Artist Profile
Dire Straits
⭐ HOF Inductee / Class of 2018
Biography & Overview
Dire Straits were a British rock band formed in London in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (lead vocals, lead guitar), David Knopfler (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), John Illsley (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Pick Withers (drums, percussion). The band was active from 1977 to 1988 and again from 1990 to 1995. Their first single, "Sultans of Swing", from their 1978 self-titled debut album, reached the top ten in the UK and US charts. It was followed by a series of hit singles including "Romeo and Juliet" (1981), "Private Investigations" (1982), "Twisting by the Pool" (1983), "Money for Nothing" and "Walk of Life" (both 1985).
🇺🇸 US Billboard Tracking History
4 Charted Tracks
"Money For Nothing"
Entered Charts: 1985
#1 HIT
"Sultans Of Swing"
Entered Charts: 1979
Peak: #4
"Walk Of Life"
Entered Charts: 1985
Peak: #7
"So Far Away"
Entered Charts: 1986
Peak: #19
🇬🇧 UK Official Charts History
18 Charted Tracks
"Private Investigations"
Entered Charts: 1982
Peak: #2
"Walk Of Life"
Entered Charts: 1986
Peak: #2
"Money For Nothing"
Entered Charts: 1985
Peak: #4
"Sultans Of Swing"
Entered Charts: 1979
Peak: #8
"Romeo And Juliet"
Entered Charts: 1981
Peak: #8
"Twisting By The Pool"
Entered Charts: 1983
Peak: #14
"Brothers In Arms"
Entered Charts: 1985
Peak: #16
"So Far Away"
Entered Charts: 1985
Peak: #20
"Calling Elvis"
Entered Charts: 1991
Peak: #21
"Your Latest Trick"
Entered Charts: 1986
Peak: #26
"Encos (Ep)"
Entered Charts: 1993
Peak: #31
"Skateaway"
Entered Charts: 1981
Peak: #37
"On Every Stet"
Entered Charts: 1992
Peak: #42
"Love Over Gold (Live)"
Entered Charts: 1984
Peak: #50
"Lady Writer"
Entered Charts: 1979
Peak: #51
"Tunnel Of Love"
Entered Charts: 1981
Peak: #54
"Heavy Fuel"
Entered Charts: 1991
Peak: #55
"The Bug"
Entered Charts: 1992
Peak: #67