On This Day in 1977, Dire Straits Recorded the Demo That Landed Them a Record Deal and Produced an International Hit
On 24 July 1977, Dire Straits recorded their first five-song demo at Pathway Studios in London, including “Sultans of Swing”. Although MCA Records rejected the tape, BBC Radio presenter Charlie Gillett began playing the song, attracting record-label interest and helping the band secure a deal with Vertigo.
“Sultans of Swing” was first released in May 1978 but initially did not chart; a reissue in January 1979 changed its fortunes. It reached No. 4 in the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 8 in the UK singles chart in April 1979, despite the BBC initially declining to play it because it was considered too long and wordy.
- Dire Straits’ 1977 demo led to their Vertigo record deal.
- “Sultans of Swing” became their international breakthrough.
- The song reached No. 4 in America and No. 8 in Britain.