Classical Composer Reacts to DIRE STRAITS: Tunnel of Love (live) | The Daily Doug (Episode 604)

#direstraits #tunneloflove

In this edition of #thedailydoug, I'm returning to the music of Dire Straits with their song Tunnel of Love. The song was originally released on their 1980 album Making Movies, but we're listening to a live performance given in London in 1985. I thoroughly enjoy this band's musicianship. They're so top notch, and the ending guitar solo alone is worth the price of admission. I hope you enjoy!

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[msmith]

The Alchemy Live performance of this song is pretty magical, too. Nice to see Dire Straits being appreciated for their immense talent and musical legacy.

[AdamJackson-kc]

At the risk of being a Knopfler Nerd, last year I was heading up north so went to the site of the Spanish City just to see the site of this song. Some of the lyrics of the chorus, the “girl you look so pretty to me just like you always did” part, are embedded into the pavement stones along the seafront outside it. As a lover of this for four decades and counting it was magical to be honest.

[taxidude]

My favourite dire straits song. Nobody talks about the piano work. Powerful and brilliant!

[iainsutherland]

Dire Straits come from a time when the world was not short of truly world class bands / musicians ! However, they are one of a very small number of bands who really have their own ‘sound’. No other band sounds like Dire Straits, when you hear the start of any of their songs you know instantly who it is. Wonderful band 🫡

[penmann]

I could listen to a Knopfler outro on repeat for hours. Most non-musicians don't realize how difficult it is to find the right musicians to "find a groove" with and create something special. When it's working, everyone knows it and it doesn't need to be spoken of. I very much enjoy your analysis-driven commentary mixed with a bit of "fan-boy" as well.

[zedalone]

As Douglas Adams said about Dire Straits, and The Tune of Love in particular, "Mark Knopfler has an extraordinary ability to make a Schechter Custom
Stratocaster hoot and sing like the angels on a Saturday night, exhausted from being good all week and needing a stiff drink"

[StevenQ]

You did not catch on that he played "Stop in the name of love" and "Don't let me be misunderstood" in the intro?
This was also Marks fathers favorite song, he never played it live again after his father died

[stuartsmith]

Having been brought up in Whitley Bay and spending lots of time in the Spanish City as a child this is a very emotional song for me. It is a wonderful song with a guitar outro that is otherworldly.
Within the last few years some of the lyrics to the song were inscribed near to the Spanish City for posterity.
Love the channel and your reactions Doug.

[IanDarley]

Mark's playing is unique and amazing, but Terry Williams' drumming is tight AF, it always stands out to me with DS performances and nobody seems to mention it.

[malcolmspence]

Said it before, I'll say it again...this is by far the best rendition of this song ever. Ever.

[martinharvey]

The closing solo of this version is a true work of art.

[grimreaper-qhzn]

When they renovated the Spanish City in the tiles around the entrance they had the words of "Tunnel of Love" embossed in them. Every day they open the start by playing this. Newcastle United Football Club use Marks Going Home Theme from the film Local Hero he wrote when the teams come out.

[Winchuff]

This is the very best version of Tunnel Of Love.
Thank you

[sofiaO]

My grandmother used to go to the Spanish City as a kid, I think everyone in the area did. This song always brings so much joy & great memories back for her.

[timskelton]

The whole album Makin Movies is full of songs that just leave you feeling, amazingly good. IMHO it is their best.❤️🎸

[dan.vitale]

Another fact for you Doug. Brothers In Arms was basically the first main album designed wholly for CD. It was recorded digitally for the CD format. When it was released in 1985, if you had a new CD player, you had this album. I knew you'd love Tunnel of Love. Now that you've heard this, 'Sultans, 'Telegraph and Brothers In Arms, we need to line you up with Private Investigations :)

[ozymandias]

I like the subtle riffs Knopfler always slips into the live performances. Did anyone else notice before the song starts @6:09 he plays 'Stop, in the name of love, before you break my heart'? Then laughs... Brilliant.

[onlylexus]

Of all the pieces of music on the planet that have been written, this is mine! I want this in my ears when I die. I am 70 years of age, been listening to Mark most of my life. Thanks for sharing this work of art with us. Love it!

[helterskelter]

Terry Williams, incredible drummer.
Twisting By The Pool showcases his talents.

[tomstelmach]

Saw Straits on their first US tour in ‘79… magical! Saw them again in ‘83…. Even more amazing! Met Knopfler and Illsley at a vintage guitar show. Both were kind and gracious talking about their musical equipment. A class act.