Dire Straits - On The Road To Philly (2024)

FIRST US TOUR BROADCAST FROM A YOUNG DIRE STRAITS Formed in London in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar), David Knopfler (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), John Illsley (bass guitar and backing vocals), and Pick Withers (drums and percussion) Dire Straits were active from 1977 to 1988 and again from 1991 to 1995 The band remain one of the world best selling music artists, with album sales of over 100 million. Before the end of 1978, Dire Straits had released their self titled debut worldwide. They received more attention in the US, but also arrived at the top of the charts in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Dire Straits eventually went top 10 in every European country. The following year, the group embarked on their first North American tour. They played 51 sold out concerts over a 38 day period. ‘Sultans of Swing’ scaled the charts to number four in the United States and number eight in the United Kingdom. Among the tour’s highlights was the show Dire Straits performed at the Tower Theatre in Upper Derby, Pennsylvania on 6th March 1979, where they supported Talking Heads, although many attendees found Dire Straits the more enticing act. Performing an incredible set, the bands performance was recorded for live FM radio broadcast and transmitted across the North East United States. Previously unreleased, this magnificent show is now available in its entirety on this CD, with bonus cuts from Dire Straits’ show at The Old Waldorf in San Francisco on 31st March.