List of Dire Straits band members

Two lineups of Dire Straits performing in 1978 (top) and 1985 (bottom).

Dire Straits were an English rock band from London. Formed in June 1977,[1] the group originally included lead vocalist and guitarist Mark Knopfler, rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist David Knopfler (his younger brother), bassist and backing vocalist John Illsley, and drummer Pick Withers.[2] After performing on two studio albums, David Knopfler left the group during the recording of Making Movies in July 1980,[3] following an argument with Mark which prompted him to return to the UK and start a solo career.[4] After the album was released in October, Hal Lindes was announced as Knopfler's replacement, while Alan Clark was added as the band's first keyboardist.[5] Withers remained until shortly after the completion of the 1982 album Love over Gold, at which point he left and was replaced by former Rockpile drummer Terry Williams.[2][6]

During the Love over Gold Tour, Dire Straits added keyboardist Tommy Mandel, saxophonist Mel Collins and percussionist Joop de Korte to their touring lineup, all of whom were featured on the 1984 live release Alchemy: Dire Straits Live.[7] In late 1984, Guy Fletcher was added to the band's lineup as a second keyboardist.[2] Lindes left a few months later, with the recording lineup for 1985's Brothers in Arms comprising Knopfler, Illsley, Williams, Clark and Fletcher.[8] Jack Sonni replaced Lindes on rhythm guitar in time for the album's promotional concert tour, which also featured saxophonist and flautist Chris White.[9][10] After a brief break from touring, Knopfler announced the disbandment of Dire Straits on 15 September 1988.[11] Speaking in a Rolling Stone interview about the breakup, the band's frontman simply stated that "I needed a rest."[12]

On 30 June 1990, Dire Straits returned for a performance at Knebworth House, with Knopfler, Illsley, Clark and Fletcher joined by Eric Clapton and his band – guitarist Phil Palmer, bassist Nathan East, drummer Steve Ferrone, keyboardist Greg Phillinganes, and backing vocalists Katie Kissoon and Tessa Niles.[13] Later in the year the band officially reformed, with the four members recording On Every Street with a host of session musicians.[14] The album's concert tour featured returning saxophonist White, On Every Street contributors Palmer, Paul Franklin (pedal steel guitar) and Danny Cummings (percussion), and drummer Chris Whitten, all of whom featured on the 1993 live release On the Night.[15] After another brief hiatus, Mark Knopfler disbanded Dire Straits for a second time in 1995, subsequently choosing to focus on his solo career.[16]

Members

Official

Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Mar-Knopfler-Pensa-Blue.jpg
 Mark Knopfler
  • 1977–1988
  • 1990–1995
 all Dire Straits releases
2015 John Illsley by 2eight- DSC2788.jpg
 John Illsley
Pick Withers.jpg
 Pick Withers 1977–1982
David Knopfler blacksheep 2017 1820.jpg
 David Knopfler 1977–1980
  • Dire Straits (1978)
  • Communiqué (1979)
  • Live at the BBC (1995)
Dire Straits 1985 Mark Knopfler Alan Clark Jack Sonni.jpg
 Alan Clark
  • 1980–1989
  • 1990–1995
 all Dire Straits releases from Love over Gold (1982) to Live at the BBC (1995)
Hal Lindes.jpg
 Hal Lindes 1980–1985
  • rhythm guitar
  • backing vocals
Terry Williams 1982–1989 drums
  • ExtendedancEPlay (1983)
  • Alchemy: Dire Straits Live (1984)
  • Brothers in Arms (1985)
Guy Fletcher-2.jpg
 Guy Fletcher
  • 1984–1989
  • 1990–1995
all Dire Straits releases from Brothers in Arms (1985) to Encores (1993)
Dire Straits Jack Sonni.jpg
 Jack Sonni 1985–1988
  • rhythm guitar
  • backing vocals
 Brothers in Arms (1985) – one track only

Touring

Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Joop de Korte
  • 1979–1983
  • 1985–1986
 percussion Alchemy: Dire Straits Live (1984)
Tommy Mandel 1982–1983 keyboards
Mel Collins (saxophonist).jpg
 Mel Collins saxophone
Chriswhitegf.JPG
 Chris White
  • 1985–1988
  • 1991–1992
  • saxophone
  • backing vocals
  • flute
  • percussion
Phil Palmer 1991–1992
  • rhythm guitar
  • backing vocals
  • On Every Street (1991)
  • On the Night (1992)
Paul Franklin.jpg
 Paul Franklin pedal steel guitar
Danny Cummings.jpg
 Danny Cummings percussion
Chris Whitten drums On the Night (1992)

Timeline

References

  1. ↑ Adelson, David (14 September 1985). "Dire Straits: Number One and Still Climbing" (Scan). Cash Box. Vol. 49 no. 13. New York City, New York: Cash Box Publishing. p. 13. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  2. 1 2 3 Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Dire Straits: Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  3. ↑ "Dire Straits: Biography". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  4. ↑ Rees, Paul (17 April 2015). "Sultans Of Swing: The Untold Story Of Dire Straits". Classic Rock. TeamRock. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  5. ↑ LaPointe, Kirk (25 October 1980). "International Dateline: Canada" (Scan). Cash Box. Vol. 42 no. 24. New York City, New York: Cash Box Publishing. p. 38. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  6. ↑ Lauro, Nick (16 July 2012). "Pick Withers – A Road Well Travelled – A Drumdoctor Interview". The Drumdoctor. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  7. ↑ "Alchemy: Dire Straits Live - Dire Straits: Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  8. ↑ Buskin, Richard (May 2006). "Classic Tracks: Dire Straits 'Money For Nothing'". Sound on Sound. SOS Publications Group. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  9. ↑ Adelson, David (14 September 1985). "Dire Straits' Rise to the Top" (Scan). Cash Box. Vol. 49 no. 13. New York City, New York: Cash Box Publishing. p. 36. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  10. ↑ Freeman, Kim (2 November 1985). "Dire Straits: Radio City Music Hall, New York" (Scan). Billboard. Vol. 97 no. 44. New York City, New York: Billboard Publications. p. 49. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  11. ↑ Rivadavia, Eduardo (15 September 2015). "The Day Dire Straits Broke Up for the First Time". Ultimate Classic Rock. Loudwire. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  12. ↑ Swanson, Dave (7 October 2017). "5 Reasons Why Dire Straits Should Be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame". Ultimate Classic Rock. Loudwire. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  13. ↑ The Best British Rock Concert of All Time: Live at Knebworth (Media notes). Eagle Vision, Universal Music Group. 2015. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  14. ↑ Ruhlmann, William. "On Every Street - Dire Straits: Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  15. ↑ "On the Night - Dire Straits: Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  16. ↑ Spivey, Julian (7 April 2015). "5 things you didn't know about Dire Straits". AXS. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
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