The Notting Hillbillies “Railroad Worksong” live performance offers a rare opportunity for fans to discover another side of Mark Knopfler’s musical journey.
Below, Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler fans can enjoy the full 9-minute live version of “Railroad Worksong,” recorded during a memorable performance by The Notting Hillbillies in 1990.
The band was created by British guitarist and songwriter Mark Knopfler in 1986 as a country-rock project. Unlike Dire Straits, The Notting Hillbillies explored a different musical direction, focusing more on country, blues, and traditional roots music.
Mark Knopfler’s Country-Rock Project
The idea behind The Notting Hillbillies was to bring together musicians who shared a passion for traditional American sounds and acoustic performances.
Besides Mark Knopfler, the band featured two former Dire Straits members:
- Guy Fletcher – keyboards and vocals
- Alan Clark – keyboards
Together, they created a unique style that combined country, blues, and folk influences while still carrying the recognizable musical touch associated with Mark Knopfler.
The Notting Hillbillies remained active during several periods, including 1990–1993, 1997, and later in 2020. During their active years, the band performed numerous live shows for audiences who appreciated their relaxed and authentic approach to music.
“Railroad Worksong” Live Version
The Notting Hillbillies released only one studio album, Missing…Presumed Having a Good Time, in 1990. The album featured 11 songs and presented a completely different musical atmosphere compared to Dire Straits’ rock sound.
The project allowed Mark Knopfler and the other musicians to explore acoustic instruments, traditional arrangements, and a more intimate style of performance.
In the video below, you can watch The Notting Hillbillies perform “Railroad Worksong” live on May 19, 1990.
This rare performance captures the chemistry between the musicians and shows the special atmosphere that made The Notting Hillbillies such an interesting part of Mark Knopfler’s career.
Click play below and enjoy this memorable live moment from one of Mark Knopfler’s most unique musical projects.
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