The WEIRD STORY of DIRE STRAITS MONEY FOR NOTHING

The story of DIRE STRAITS song MONEY FOR NOTHING

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In this video, we explore the iconic Dire Straits song "Money for Nothing," from its origins to its lasting impact on rock music. Formed in 1977, Dire Straits rose to fame with hits like "Sultans of Swing" and "Romeo and Juliet." By 1985, they were ready to release "Money for Nothing," a track born from a chance encounter in an appliance store, where Mark Knopfler overheard a delivery guy's candid remarks about rock stars.
The song became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning critical acclaim for its innovative music video, which featured groundbreaking computer animation. The video won the first-ever MTV Video Music Award for Best Video in 1986 and helped solidify Dire Straits' status in the music industry.
However, "Money for Nothing" also sparked controversy due to its use of a derogatory term, leading to debates about its meaning and impact. Despite the backlash, the song remains a classic, recognized for its unforgettable guitar riff and thought-provoking lyrics.
Join us as we delve into the history, legacy, and controversies surrounding "Money for Nothing," and discover why it continues to resonate with audiences today. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more music history and analysis! This description summarizes the key points of the script while enticing viewers to watch the video for more in-depth information.

[rnrtruestories]

How do you guys feel about the music video and was A-ha’s better?

[trinaq]

You hear the opening guitar riff, and you instantly get excited. Also, Mark Knopfler's one condition to let Weird Al parody the song was to have him play guitar on the track. 🎸

[JeffScottKing]

I can't believe Dire Straits invented Minecraft

[LostHorizons]

Mark Knopfler is an amazing songwriter and guitarist. Period

[JimmyKnight-ucpt]

They didnt remove it, its still on the Brothers in Arms album, or you can find it on here . People are too sensitive !

[sootchh]

I mostly listen only to metal but Money For Nothing is still one of the best rock songs ever.

[nolarobert]

The "Brothers In Arms" album is one of the few records that I consider to be perfect from start to finish. I bought my copy when "Money For Nothing" was ruling the charts and dominating MTV. I still have it in my album collection and play it on occasion. It brings back great memories from the summer of 85.

[vkfbab]

Contrast the use of the word between money for nothing and one in a million. There you get the context that so many people are lacking. Mark used the language of the protagonist because it was so right. It's a social commentary on what the working class thought of rock stars. Just because someone gets offended doesn't mean their offence is always valid.

[bat]

The unedited version is the best to listen to

[janmarchand]

I miss the old MTv. I was there for the very first broadcast and my friends and I kept the tv on all day, sometimes just on silent! We didn't want to miss a minute, just videos and music all day long. Heaven.

[BubbaZen]

The same people worried about words and censoring music are the main reason why music today is so vapid and horrible

[RanterInShades]

I always believed the song was about Motley Crue. I’ve heard others say it’s about Boy George, George Michael, Prince, even David Bowie. But the line “Yeah buddy, that’s his own hair” just sounds like something you’d say about a hair band.

[CanItAlready]

I thought the meaning behind the song was clear from the first time I heard it. How on earth did anyone misunderstand it???

[mattdixon]

Dire Straits were an almost yearly touring band over here in Australia. Many years after Brothers in Arms they did a tour and played back to back arena shows in Melbourne.
It was apparently cheaper for the band to rent a big house as a band and do the direct helicopter to the gig every night. One of my old chefs was in charge of a pub right near where they were staying and were in there quite a bit and were left alone to enjoy a quiet drink and dinner. Apparently they appreciated it immensely.
On the last night they were there the pub had its usual open microphone night and DIRE STRAITS PLAYED IT FOR FUN!
The locals knew who it was and was enjoying every minute of it.
The owner had no idea about anything later asked them to be the regular Sunday night band😂
Apparently one of them told the owner they couldn’t do it ‘as they had previous work commitments’ 😂😂😂

[MosherBear]

I'm baffled; I mean, Mark used his journalist experience to write the lyrics taken from what he overheard - how can that be censored?

[rozzie]

I remember a few years back, on Canadian radio stations. They tried to ban 'Money for Nothing.' A local radio station CFNR, didn't take part in the ban, actually played the song more. 😅

[RigelWasAlreadyUsed]

It was a Les Paul Standard. Dorfsman's quoted as saying it's a Jr, but it was a Standard. No reflection on you, you researched, found a source, and trusted it. Fair play.

[coolnegative]

What's wrong about singing about a bundle of sticks?

[bradkrekelberg]

My second favorite song ever. I love the part about Sting. "be great if Sting was here... " "he is!"

[almightyironhead]

GREAT SONG!!! But they RUINED it by taking out the best part. Obviously people that criticized it DIDN'T grow up in the 80's...