Tunnel of love - Mark Knopfler's brother, Shemp, forced to busk for food
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
- Please support Shemp Knopfler by downloading all the songs he wrote and gave to his brother. He makes no money from youtube and can't even busk for food now, as everyone is quarantined.
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Mark Knopfler had a secret younger brother, Shemp, who was hidden away in the attic due to his acne. During his years in isolation, he learned to play guitar, really well. In the mid 70's, only 14 years old, and already a prodigy, he was asked to write songs for Mark's first punk band, 'Dik Likker'. Shemp remembers the time well:
"Mark could not write, play, or sing. He sounded like Bob Dylan. He was very punk. He knew an A chord. I showed him how to wear a sweat band on his head and play really slow songs with slinky leads. He thought it was a stupid idea that would never sell. Within a year, Mark got tired of the aggression of punk music, wearing pins in his nose, spitting on his audience, and reconsidered the idea of trying a different style.
I had written an epic song for his punk band called 'Fudge tunnel' which Mark loved, but by 1977, Mark was now trying to get on FM radio and had mellowed out entirely. He thought it was too suggestive so I changed the lyrics and the title to 'Tunnel of love'. I gave him some more slow songs in sad minor keys, but never got credit for any of it. He and David then formed a new 'mellow' band but even here he had no clue what to call it.
For six months during 1977, they played the pubs around London as 'Slinky Lead and the Sweatbands'. Everyone in the group had a sweatband. Ridiculous. They got nowhere. Then, for a couple months, it was called ‘Pick Withers’, a joke about their drummer's name, before I came up with the final name because that is what I kept telling them. 'You wankers are in dire straits.'"
By 1980, Shemp's acne had cleared up, and he asked to join Dire Straits as roadie/second guitarist after David left the band to follow his dream job as a telemarketer. Mark was having none of it.
"David didn’t play lead so Mark was okay with that. But with me, the guy who taught him how to play, he didn't want another guy in the band, especially his kid brother, playing slinky leads better than him. He was jealous. I wrote the songs. I taught him all he knows. Even his fingerstyle. We were so poor in the 70's, we couldn't afford real guitar picks, so I showed him how to play without one."
In 1982, Shemp tried to form his own band, 'Money for nothing', wearing a sweatband and playing slinky leads, but by this time, it was too late, as 'Dire Straits' had stolen all his ideas and were well on their way to superstardom. Shemp recalls:
"The fans were rabid. All the kids wanted to look like Mark. There was a serious worldwide shortage of sweat bands by 1985, and that's when Bob Geldof had to raise funds so that every child in Africa had a sweatband. I wasn't so lucky."
Shemp was forced to busk the rest of his life to support himself, often playing Dire Straits songs that he wrote, and without a sweatband.
"It's not a bad life. I am forbidden to wear a sweatband, even in the summer, or I will be sued by my own brother for copyright infringement, but I will play my songs. Some people say 'You even look like Mark Knopfler. I tell them to fuck off. If they only knew..."
Copyright 2018, from Shemp Knopfler’s book. ‘Walk of strife: The real talent behind Dire Straits'.
#busker #direstraits #tunneloflove #lesson #guitar
![Led Zeppelin - Stairway To Heaven (Live at Earls Court 1975) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ly6ZhQVnVow/mqdefault.jpg)
![Led Zeppelin - Stairway To Heaven (Live at Earls Court 1975) [Official Video]](/img/tr.png)
![Dire Straits / Tunnel of Love (Full) / Live Wembley Arena 1985 [HD]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/6rlk34NuIoI/mqdefault.jpg)
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I wouldn't have been able walk past a musician playing a Dire Straits classic.
Same here.
Same here
Same here !!!
Ignorance
I cant even pause the video while watching this amazing Musician making his guitar sing ...Timeless classic...❤❤❤
you know the world is so cruel and busy that everyone don't have time to enjoy this masterpiece
If that is the only problem you find in this world, then you are a very lucky man!
They have missed an opportunity.
soulless,shallow,deaf...many people are
The description on this video is the funniest thing I've read in a long time. Shemp Knopfler we love you! 😂🤣😂
Couldn't stop laughing at the story. I will download and support because anyone that can play Mark's songs get my support . Mark is my Hero !
nofomo 1 I’m very happy to see someone who gets the joke and can read the description. So many people don’t have a sense of humor.
@@shatnershairpiece When your career as pimp for street busker suffers its inevitable ignominious death, y’all could try writing jokes for Colbert or Meyers. On second thought, only a small cohort of their target demographic would get them, so, maybe Uber or Doordash?
Haters, please note this is an amateur attempt at sarcasm.
All kidding aside, this gentleman can certainly play - his improv work on Sultans was epic.
Mark only knew an A chord!
In the absolute indifference of the people passing by ... how is it not possible to stop, at least for a moment, in front of this splendor of music ?! Very good
Vancouver, I am disappointed in you!
People have places to go
@@armanzakwan1898 This is no excuse for complete apathy.
As A Fellow Muso. I Salute Your Absolute Mastery of that Track & feel pain that so many ignorant people just walked by without even stopping to listen .. Their Loss The Sad Ones.. They Have No Soul❤
Really, it's unimaginable, how people do not even stop for a second to listen to the amazing outro even...
One of the best solo guitar pieces in Rock history.....period! Always gives me goosebumps. Great job! -Stephen, Ohio
I cannot understand why these people passing by is not completely rocked.
But they are, they just do not give recognition.
You can verify this by looking at the speed of the steps, they are following the rhythm of the music. It's automatic, the brain does it when you're enjoying the music.
they are probably clueless as to the music
It's Vancouver man, you can't help it...
when I happen to watch these artists they have to pull me away forcefully
I`ve watched quite a few of these tunnel of love pieces, and they all seem to lose that emotion thet knopfler captured perfectly, this is the only one who doesn`t, this guy gets it, spot on
Find the channel “HERES” on youtube! Extraordinary great covers of Mark Knopfler!!! ☺️
And he never gets tired.
I have never heard anyone except Mark Kneophler( don't know how it's spelled)! and my second husband(play this song). We were very big fans of those guys and we had all those albums on vinyl. My husband was taking up the bass guitar after many years of playing drums.
But I was jamming on this coming back from taking the ebike out to get some fast food earlier.
!It's fantastic stuff. I can't remember all the words.....this whole album was over the top- he is one of the world's most "under- mentioned", excellent guitar players. Gosh it brings tears to my eyes because it was a time that I miss.
I would miss my job interview for this guy & won't regret it
I would have done that as well🤙🎸
Just całl the job interview and hold the phone closs to the amp and if the interviewer enjoys it too " ya' got the job at the right place......
I am Stunned. I recognised this man from somewhere and that he had a tie to this song after seeing a person who was memorable in the background of a Freethink Documentary with 11 million views. I have no clue how much of a coincidence this is but certainly not common. Anyway, Love the music! Bloody Brilliant!
If i stumbled on that place you were playing i would have dropped what i was doing then taken a seat close by & tipped you for every song until you packed up,truly.
This guy is a spectacular soulful guitar player!
Thanks! Finger style helps a lot.
As the zombies Walk On By afraid to give up a nickel. You're like a ghost to them well it's their loss excellent job keep it up thank you
Lighten the F up man. WOULD YOU have pitched any change in? Meanwhile, not everyone knows this song, not even this rabid music aficionado. So, lighten up/ & virtue signal a tad less
You sir are out of this world with your playing I have sat and listened to your music for hours. You have so much talent it's not funny. Please don't stop playing. Perth western Australia
Thanks! Don't forget to check out my original music on bandcamp. thesixmilliondollarguitar.bandcamp.com/
and they walk away, walk away... Awesome, love it.
I'm almost addicted to this song.
You play through the chords effortlessly, a skill not many can do well. A bit shocked at how many people pass by with not so much as even a smile or look.
...shemp.....Robin, tremendous sense of humor you share with us! I'm still smiling! Thank You!
Believe it or not, some people think this is a true story.
I think these people must be all deaf and have their pockets sewn up ,tight wads just keep doing what you are doing buddy 🎶🇬🇧🇬🇧👍
Pockets sewn up??their ears must be stitched !!!
They would rather buy lattes or some other rip off priced drink just to look cool !
I'm sure he has a patreon.. he would be happy to take your money I'm sure 😏
Good job, the spirit of the song is absolutly respected. Definitly the best song of Mark Knopfler.
Three years later on I still find your interpretation of this classic Dire Straits number totally exhilarating. It's my go to video for happiness and contentment. Thank you very much for this performence.
glad you enjoy it!
I could never tire of listening to your wonderful street music . Beautifully played .
If i lived in your city id come and watch you each day . Thanks so much for the real talent you display each time ive watched your videos .
Man do i wish i was walking along that street ! This song will echo through the universe long after all those people walking past.
Oh wowww You are here in that comment section too.
@@IsmailsGuitarWorld If it Schecter or Knopfler related...I'm there ! Or was there !
@@malcolmhardwick4258 Yup same here too!!
The Clarity & Tone on That Guitar is Epic!..It just Sings!... Obviously The Players A Master.. But That Girls An Absolute Beauty
Beats me how all those people can just walk passed? Wonderful playing XX.
He looks too introspective, like he’s playing for himself and not entertaining the passing public. If he loses the shades and makes eye contact with people and smiles about once a fortnight until he gets used to it he’ll make more revenue. Great player, just not engaging his audience.
@@Barnagh1 yep, I agree. This happens a lot with other bands, especially bands in pubs. They would (in my humble opinion) get a far better response and therefore following if they made a big effort to engage. Just sayin'
engage? I’m playing music. That is the engagement right there. I should also jump around like a monkey? stand in people’s way? I need the glasses so obviously I can’t take them off. I think you don’t know the amount of concentration involved in trying to play a complex piece like this. Try it sometime.
Thank you for this masterpiece of music. If I ever mange to visit Vancouver I'll come and find you to listen to your music. Big fan from Vienna
I'm not worries about if the society is gone..I'm not so I do stopped and enjoyed this trip down memoir lane thank you to this master awsome! keep going my frends I 'll pay for you musica in any club pubs or any venue over a pint of course
Incredible dexterity and awful indifference of 99% passers by
Their loss...🤷🏻
Good lord I wish we had street performers like this where I live lmao.
It takes a hero to play in zombie land.
I have watched & listened to this So Many times Since I Found it..This song Means A Great Deal To me on A Very Deep & Personal Level To Me.. It was My Fiance & Mines Personal Love Song & I went off to War in Angola for 2 Years of Brutal Combat to make us a Future.. Then she died in a car crash that Nearly had me too .. I was In Coma & missed Her Funeral.. But That Song Lives On!.. And You Just Smash It!..It's A Beautiful Thing To Experience.. Thank You!❤🙏
That whole Dire Straits album conspired to get me married in 1984. I still love the music, and the wife is long since gone.
omg this guy is fuckin great, if you close your eyes you can t tell the difference between the album version and his playing live
Oh like the Spanish City to me
Like when we were kids
❣👍beautiful cover of a song I consider an old friend.
Funny headline, but I could not walk past someone playing a classic like this!
Who could forget the great sweatband shortage of '85....
Great guitar..
Best version of tunnel of love, many thanks Robin!
Tough break Shemp 😄. You rock man. Shout out from an ex Bostonian 👍
When you Hear Mark live he is just like this guy , different from recorded stuff, great job !
My favorite Dire Straits tune Amazing great performance...
The description was priceless. So good + amazing playing
Is it just me as the brilliance of this man is on show the majority of the close passers by only look at the cash in the case? That is sad...
The tone from this guitar is Absolutely perfect and beautiful version of the song.
🍎Wow,controling the🎸 guitar like a master, Certainly is Mark knofler brother👍👏👏
Love this song, so underated, really enjoyed learning it as well
I keep coming back to this video for the story in the description. It's one of the funniest things I've ever read and really creative to. Props. Also I love Dire Straits.
Thanks! Glad to see someone appreciates it. My favourite things are music and comedy writing, so these videos give me a chance to do both.
Absolute comedy gold! I laughed so hard and so long it's cured my hangover!! Fantastic playing as well.
Amazingly well played! Excellent! Bravo!
Awesome, it definately runs in the family.Love em both.
Love this song and know it very well. I can only imagine the amount of practice that went into your version. It's spot on! Bravo! Sounds excellent! I don't know which Canadian city you're in but it's a shame that people don't recognize your talent. Pearls Before Swine!
Thank you very much! This is Vancouver.
This is immortally beautiful.
Everyone passing by just glances at the cash in the guitar case. No regard for the music. What a sad world we live in.
Wow, all those people not realizing who they were hearing.
Thanks man, that was spectacular. New sub here.
I could listen all day long
Bravissimo 👏👏👏
Assurda l’indifferenza delle persone che non si fermano ad ascoltare un pezzo meraviglioso come questo suonato da un eccezionale chitarrista…
Emily and I are in Vancouver right now, we are about embark on a 14 day Alaskan cruise, it’s 7 days on the boat, then rail and various other activities
Great! Enjoy it!
Beautiful 🎸🎼🎵 Bravooo 👏👏👏
Well, this is now officially my new favorite version of Tunnel of Love. Rock on, "Shemp" 🤘
Wow! Fantastic playing and guitar tone.
If this was in the states people would gather and or at least stop for a moment to enjoy
This has the makings of a best selling biography. I wonder why Shemp's twin sister isn't mentioned, whose name is Juliet.
More Dire Straits, please ! You have a good feel for their music. It was a real pleasure to hear you perform this on the street. Wished I was there.
Masterpiece! Fuckin' love Mark Knopfler and his guitar! And this dude does a good job!
I wish you play for me at streets in Israel 🇮🇱...
Great job man 👏🏼
congratulations, very good, greetings from Italy. 💥💫
The story seems like an asylum movie based on Dire Straits, and I love it
Bless you dude, thank you!
I would move there just to hear this guy play!
Anytime you’re in Chicago, I will gladly feed you the best cuisine of the Midwest
Deal!
Great headlines, great story, and great playing!
Love DS ..Thanks a bunch. 🎸🎙🎛
That's some mighty fine axe playing! I always loved this one :)
Loved the story, amazed by the music.
I love this song!
Busking is lost on many these days as people are glued to their own 'ear candy' and not taking in external sounds that are around them. They are missing a real treat here !
Now that was impressive!!
Worth subscribing just for the effort put into the description, not to mention the phenomenal playing. 🙌
glad you appreciate the satire. Not many do! some actually think it’s a true story.
Shemp.......one of the top 10 guitarist .......
Are we listening to the same music as the passersby? If I was going somewhere and passed him bye, I wouldn't make it on time to where ever I was going.
Something seems out of wack, what city is that? You would have a hard time getting me to leave, and most of those people won’t give the time of day and seem very cold
@@dano1234v. . . . I know , right ! Weird , for sure ! Btw, its Vancouver , BC
Your version of tunnel of love ,is awesome
Semplicemente magnifico!
Enjoyed this sir , superb version of tunnel of love a slightly different style but it's great , Nice 👍
fucking wow, totally amazing...
Brilliant camera is excellent shows what your doin and back ground to so smooth you rock onya
I would have filled that guitar case with dough if I could have walked by
I would've filled it with pastry
This was beatiful :)
They're some tight people in that town lol well played.
Seriously. Vancouver. *scowl*
Great great great, man!
Absolutely superb!
Thanks for the great music man! Awesome stuff! Thank you!
Glad you enjoy it!
Great performance of a timeless classic. Maybe some of those people walking past without even a blink simply haven't had very much go wrong in their lives (many of them look old enough to be from that era).
Captain Sweatband:
Nicely done 😎
Great version of the song.
I also enjoyed your mini autobiography 😱🤪.
Being British, we tend towards that kind of humour….. (spelled correctly😎).
Robin🌀
May the Force
be with you.🌀
Jim🌀
(-: :-)
glad you enjoyed!
So righteous! Crushed those licks!
Beautifully done…
Thank you! Cheers!
sound of that guitar is amazing
Thanks for the humour. All the best from New Zealand.