SPOILERS: John Illsley will publish a book about Dire Straits

[Eddie Fox]

I'm the only one who doesn't understand what's so shattered and pissed about John on these photos? Looks like a normal 72 y old after a couple of pints of beer.

Perhaps tired of signing books and telling people how Mark came up with Sting’s lines for MFN lol

[Jules]

As I'm reading the book I can't help but think how hard it would be for them to "make it" today, if not impossible. They're so lucky to be in that moment in that country, in this environment. So I agree with Mark, who was talking about that in his opening statement.

Yes, that's true, that was in the golden era of pop-rock music, also singers are bands were given at least a three records deal to show their potential and evolve, now if you don't have a hit with your first single, the industry throws you out.

[dustyvalentino]

As I'm reading the book I can't help but think how hard it would be for them to "make it" today, if not impossible. They're so lucky to be in that moment in that country, in this environment. So I agree with Mark, who was talking about that in his opening statement.

Yes, that's true, that was in the golden era of pop-rock music, also singers are bands were given at least a three records deal to show their potential and evolve, now if you don't have a hit with your first single, the industry throws you out.

True, but DS did have a hit with their first single! Still their most popular song. Sultans has nearly double the Spotify plays of the next most popular track (WoL).

[koobaa]

Making my way through the book and it's been really enjoyable so far. So many details! I like how John appreciates so many people they met on this incredible journey. Great read.

[superval99]

Making my way through the book and it's been really enjoyable so far. So many details! I like how John appreciates so many people they met on this incredible journey. Great read.

I noticed that too.  John seemed to have good things to say about most people in music who he met along the way.   He seems a very nice person. 

[ds1984]

Imagine listening various new bands on soundclouds and then the SOS demo starts playing... 

[quizzaciously]

Imagine listening various new bands on soundclouds and then the SOS demo starts playing... 

Yes, but at the same time, if not Mark, probably by this time somebody would rediscover this kind of sound already, though even some pre-Dire Straits JJ Cale songs sounds like MK played on it, I even had a little collection of JJ Cale songs with most "MK" playing, but I lost it somewhere. My point is, Sultans could only emerge in this time and from that band, so as always, it's a great example of some major luck.

[Robson]

Your own sound in the era of punk rock? They were champions. Unique.

[dustyvalentino]

Your own sound in the era of punk rock? They were champions. Unique.

Not just punk rock, which was culturally significant but not a big seller.

Disco. The whole world was disco crazy. The Rolling Stones and even Pink Floyd went disco.

[Robson]

Yes, but the UK was dominated by punk rock music when the band Dire Straits started. I think so.

[ds1984]

Yes, but the UK was dominated by punk rock music when the band Dire Straits started. I think so.

I would have to check but I would guess that ABBA alone were selling more records in the UK than the whole UK punk scene.

[Robson]

That's possible. I am thinking of cultural change here. Punk rock in 1977, 78 was everywhere. At the first Cafe Racers concert on June 26, 1977, too.

[dustyvalentino]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/1977_in_British_music

Top selling records of 1977 at the end of this page.

No punk, unless you count Tom Robinson.

[Knopflerfan]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/1977_in_British_music

Top selling records of 1977 at the end of this page.

No punk, unless you count Tom Robinson.

No.2 20 Golden Greats - The Shadows.....by Jove

[Robson]

What is the first song in the book John mentions?