Brothers In Arms Live in Berlin: Mark Knopfler Delivers a Smouldering Masterpiece
Mark Knopfler, the frontman of Dire Straits, composed numerous timeless hits, including the enduring blues rock slowburn “Brothers in Arms.” At the Meistersaal concert hall in Berlin, Knopfler presented fans with a passionate rendition of the song alongside his solo band. He performed it on September 10, 2007, 22 years after its original release in 1985. Despite the years, he delivered it as if he had just written it, maintaining the intensity that made the song a Dire Straits staple.
The cozy setting of the small venue perfectly highlighted the song’s melancholic atmosphere, with Knopfler softly delivering the opening lines while the audience listened intently. His captivating vocal performance was enhanced by his signature guitar riffs from “Brothers In Arms.” Naturally, the frontman’s numerous guitar solos during the track stood out, especially the two lengthy solos in the bridge, which he executed with intense passion.
Dire Straits and Knopfler are truly exceptional performers. While the studio recordings of his songs are impressive, watching him perform live always elevates the experience, whether with Dire Straits or his solo ensemble. The Berlin show was recorded by the German TV station RBB, which aired his live performance before the release of his fifth solo studio album, Kill to Get Crimson. The live version of “Brothers In Arms” gained significant popularity on YouTube, amassing 108 million views.
Fans were thoroughly impressed by the performance, leaving remarks like “This is one of the few songs that touch the soul and I’m sure so many veterans relate deeply to it! A masterpiece” and “He never plays the song exactly the same way every performance, his soul always comes through in the guitar and his phrasing. Remarkable genius.” Over the years, Dire Straits has delivered some outstanding renditions of “Brothers In Arms,” including their 1988 version at Wembley Stadium.
“Brothers In Arms” is frequently regarded as one of Dire Straits’ finest songs. Knopfler composed it in 1982, the same year the United Kingdom engaged in the Falklands War. The song was released on October 18, 1985, as the third single from Dire Straits’ fifth studio album, Brothers In Arms.
In 2007, coinciding with the Berlin concert, Knopfler re-recorded “Brothers In Arms” at Abbey Road Studios. He released the song to raise funds for British veterans of the Falklands War, who he mentioned “are still suffering from the effects of that conflict.”
Mark Knopfler, the lead of Dire Straits, composed numerous timeless hits, including the enduring blues rock slowburn “Brothers in Arms”. At the Meistersaal concert hall in Berlin, Knopfler presented fans with a passionate rendition of the song alongside his solo band. He performed it on September 10, 2007, 22 years after its initial release in 1985. Nevertheless, he delivered it as if he had just written it, maintaining the same intensity that established the song as a Dire Straits classic.
The cozy atmosphere of the small venue was ideal for the song’s somber mood, with Knopfler softly delivering the opening lines while the audience eagerly listened. His captivating vocal performance was paired with his signature guitar riffs from “Brothers In Arms”. Naturally, the frontman’s numerous guitar solos during the track stood out, especially the two lengthy solos in the bridge, which he played with intense passion.
Dire Straits and Knopfler are truly outstanding performers. While the studio recordings of his songs are excellent, watching him perform live always elevates the experience, whether with Dire Straits or his solo ensemble. The Berlin show was recorded by the German TV station RBB, which aired his live performance before the release of his fifth solo studio album, Kill to Get Crimson. The live version of “Brothers In Arms” gained significant popularity on YouTube, accumulating 108 million views.
