On this day 42-years ago, Dire Straits embarked on their first album headline tour. On this occasion, we would like to pay tribute to this legendary band.
Dire Straits is a band formed by the Knopfler brothers, Mark and David. The band began its career through songs created, composed, and written by the legendary guitarist Mark Knopfler.
On June 6, 1978 – the band started its first album headline tour under the name Dire Straits Tour. This tour started at the Lafayette Club in Wolverhampton and included dates in Lowestoft and St. Albans. The tour included 55 shows and ended on November 18, 1978, at the College of Education in the town of Hitchin, England.
An interesting fact about this tour is that the tour was separated on the first and second leg. The first leg began on June 6, 1978, and ended on July 19, 1978.
The first leg took the band around Great Britain in June and July, performing in England, Scotland, and Wales. So, those were mostly small gigs around the UK which promoted their first single, “Sultans of Swing.” At the time Dire Straits performed in small halls with a maximum capacity of one thousand people.
And the second leg of the tour promoted the band’s debut album Dire Straits. This leg took the band to several European countries, where they met journalists and performed on TV programs.
So, Dire Straits started with their second leg in Belgium with three shows. After that, they had their first live concert on TV in Paris, France. But, thanks to the internet, today we have that recording with the whole interview. Click here to watch the full concert and interview from De Théâtre de l’Empire in Paris 1978.
The band also visited Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and finished in England on November 18, 1978. These concerts presented Dire Straits with their largest audiences to date.
So, from the picture we can see some of the very first words for Dire Straits by music magazines, newspapers, and music stars:
“The Straits at their very best…a supreme achievement.” – Melody Maker (UK Music Magazine).
“Side two makes it by the art of Knopfler’s excellent songs and playing…” – New Musical Express (British music newspaper from the 70s’).
“Dire Straits is a great album from a great band.” – Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy).

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