Dire Straits VINYL (VERY RARE) Live At The BBC - LP Album *NEW* (Mark Knopfler)
£
95
$
126
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Description
Dire Straits – Live at the BBC (Brand New / Unplayed)
A rare gem for collectors of the legendary British rock outfit Dire Straits. This album captures the band at an early, raw and powerful stage of their career, recorded for the BBC and re released here in 2023.
Why this release is so special
The recordings date from 22 July 1978 (seven tracks) and 19 December 1980 (“Tunnel of Love”).
It features live versions of early Dire Straits material — the band still a four-piece, sharp, dynamic and hungry.
The album stands as one of the few official live vinyl/LP releases documenting the band’s pre-mass-stadium era, making it highly desirable for both completists and fans of analogue/live recordings.
Because the recordings are from BBC sessions (rather than big arena shows) the performance has a distinctly intimate yet vibrant energy — the crowd sounds smaller, the band tighter.
Many fans note that these versions showcase a slightly different flavour from the studio versions: different emphases in solos, slightly rawer tone, performance quirks you don’t always hear in polished live albums.
Track Listing
(All tracks written by Mark Knopfler unless otherwise noted)
1. Down to the Waterline – 4:10
2. Six Blade Knife – 3:47
3. Water of Love – 5:29
4. Wild West End – 5:12
5. Sultans of Swing – 6:38
6. Lions – 5:26
7. What’s the Matter Baby? (David Knopfler/Mark Knopfler) – 3:20
8. Tunnel of Love – 11:56
Condition & Edition
Brand New / Unplayed — the vinyl is in mint condition, still sealed (or as close to factory condition as offered).
The sleeve, labels, insert (if applicable) and outer packaging are all expected to be pristine.
This listing is for the vinyl LP edition of Live at the BBC — a rarer format compared with more common CD or digital releases.
Collector & Buyer Notes
Because this is an early-career live recording by Dire Straits, and fewer pressings of the vinyl exist compared with their later mega-albums (like Brothers in Arms), this copy offers added scarcity and collectability.
The “BBC session” provenance means this recording holds a special place in the band’s live discography: you’re not buying just another show, but a snapshot of the band before global super-stardom.
Ideal for fans of Mark Knopfler’s early guitar tone, for vinyl audiophiles who value live-to-vinyl sound, and for collectors building a comprehensive Dire Straits discography.
Given its condition (new, unplayed), this copy will command a premium over used/played versions — perfect for serious sellers and buyers alike.
In Summary
This is the copy you want if you’re seeking one of the more elusive vinyl live releases from Dire Straits. Immaculate condition, early era recording, excellent track-list — a superb purchase for any vinyl enthusiast or fan. Don’t miss out.
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