Sunday March 27, 2022 “So Far Away” Dire Straits
Nope this isn’t a cover of the previous Carole King song for anyone keeping a list.
The son of an architect, Mark Knopfler studied English literature and worked briefly as a rock critic for the Yorkshire Evening Post while at college. He began teaching English after graduation while leading a pub rock band called Brewer's Droop at night. In 1977 that group included Mark’s brother David (guitar) and his roommate John Illsley (bass).
During the summer of 1977, the trio cut a demo with drummer Pick Withers. A London DJ named Charlie Gillett heard the demo and began playing "Sultans of Swing" on his BBC show…and Dire Straits was born.
Today’s song, “So Far Away” is included on the multi-platinum album Brothers in Arms which also features “Walk of Life” and the Sting collaboration “Money For Nothing” which Knopfler has suggested was inspired by two workers' conversation that he overheard in an appliance store...true story.
Mark Knopfler is an avid supporter of the Newcastle United soccer club and is a collector of classic cars which he races and shows including a Maserati 300S ($6.1 MM if you wanted to buy one) and an Austin-Healey 100S (only $758K if you wanted one of these).
Dire Straits has sold more than 120 million records worldwide and has released twenty five singles that include five top ten hits and six top twenty hits. They have won four Grammys and have been nominated for twelve MtV awards for their always clever videos.
Stay safe and well…and definitely stay close, not 'so far away', to those important to you.