Mark Knopfler reveals the inspiration for Sultans Of Swing to Brian Johnson

A short extract from the wonderful Mark Knopfler episode of Brian Johnson's A Life On The Road Season 2. Shot in and around Tynemouth and the North East of England.

[mbertrand]

Mark Knopler turned a lousy pub performance into one of the greatest rock songs of all time. The Sultans of Swing are forever immortalized.

[DaviMourao]

I really like how many of Knopfler's songs have this sort of storytelling background. He saw something or heard something somewhere and crafted a song out of it. We can say his journalism degree paid off.

[ewie]

"You couldn't be less sultans of anything!" Hilarious! Mark is a great storyteller, and Brian such a cheerful listener. Keep these videos coming, please!

[benkleschinsky]

Raise your hand if you would buy tickets to a Dire Straits reunion tour?

[mountainpaddler]

How the hell am I just finding this channel?
Effin outstanding!

Brian Johnson is clearly a solid guy, respected by all his contemporaries.

[honusail]

Hey Brian! I’ll never forget throwing darts with you at Dockside Pub on Fort Myers Beach back around the late 80’s or early 90’s. I’m in my 60’s now but will never forget that experience and just how humble and respectful you are.

[dreadtoby]

“You couldn’t be less the sultan of anything”
Ah HAHAHA

[Lee.Higginbotham]

They don't give a damn about any trumpet playin' band it ain't what they call rock and roll!!🎸🎸🎸

[stenic]

Thank you Mr. Knopfler and Mr. Johnson for writing the soundtrack of my teen years in the 80’s

[BACnetJunkie]

Is it just me who always wonders if the actual "sultans of swing" knew they were the inspiration for one of the most unique (and in my opinion of of the best) rock songs created.

[tomg]

Please can we see an extended version of this !!!! Knopflers such an amazing guy

[dnews]

Oh man I could have listened to another hour of this.

[waggafletcher]

Brian is such a down to earth bloke.
A Geordie through and through.
We love him in Aussie.
I'd love to have a beer with Brian.
'Cos Brian's me mate.

[KlausWolfrum]

What a positive thing on YT that Brian continues his interviews "from artist to artist". Really fine! Looking forward... 😊

[YourFellowRNRSisterFan]

I’d like to see these two guys on stage together. Brian and Mark both are awesome.

[acamo]

I love you Mark knopfler....you are the greatest guitarist ever...💗⚘

[johnzeljko]

Great to know the inspiration and meaning of songs. The music of Dire Straits is even to this day amazingly cool and I bet you Mark would fill a pub.

[darthskippy]

Brian you are gold. Love this series and anything you’re doing. Cheers.

[metafuel]

If only the full episodes were available online.
Excellent stuff and and every one of them I have seen have been great fun.

[agirotto]

Such a legendary song... My favorite riff of all time, actually.