By the time Dire Straits recorded this show for the King Biscuit Flower Hour at London’s famed Hammersmith Odeon Theater in the spring of 1983, they had become one of the most critically acclaimed rock bands on the planet. With singer/songwriter/guitarist Mark Knopfler at the helm, they had already released three platinum albums, and were out with a brand new fourth album, entitled Love over Gold.
By this time, only Mark Knopfler and bassist/vocalist John Illsley remained from the original quartet. Although Illsely stayed on as bassist, by the time the 1983 tour commenced,…entire summary
Mark Knopfler - vocals, guitars
John Illsley - bass, vocals
Hal Lindes - guitar
Terry Williams - drums
Alan Clark - keyboards
Tom Mandel - keyboards
Mel Collins - saxophone
Joop DeKorte - percussion
By the time Dire Straits recorded this show for the King Biscuit Flower Hour at London’s famed Hammersmith Odeon Theater in the spring of 1983, they had become one of the most critically acclaimed rock bands on the planet. With singer/songwriter/guitarist Mark Knopfler at the helm, they had already released three platinum albums, and were out with a brand new fourth album, entitled Love over Gold.
By this time, only Mark Knopfler and bassist/vocalist John Illsley remained from the original quartet. Although Illsely stayed on as bassist, by the time the 1983 tour commenced, Dire Straits had mainly become a backing band for Knopfler, who was undoubtedly the creative leader of the group. Shortly after they finished recording Love over Gold, original drummer Pick Withers was replaced by former Rockpile skin basher Terry Williams, and a few years earlier Knopfler’s brother, David, had departed to pursue a solo career. He was replaced by Hal Lindes, who appears on guitar during this tour. Keyboardists Alan Clark and Tom Mandel are also added; their presence changed the sound of the band’s live show dramatically. Finally, percussionist Joop DeKorte gave the band a further energetic shot in the arm.
The band returned to the Hammersmith Odeon just two months later in July, 1983. It was that show which was later released as the band’s first double live album, Alchemy: Dire Straits Live. This is a brilliant Dire Straits performance when the band was in its prime. Included here are many of the Knopfler’s best songs including “Once Upon A Time In The West,” “Tunnel of Love,” “Romeo & Juliet” and “Expresso Love.” The complete show featured on this ‘83 tour, with other radio faves such as “Sultans of Swing,” can be heard on the Alchemy disc. However, if you’re a Dire Straits fan, this recording is a must hear.
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