Dire Straits' 1991 album *On Every Street* was intended as a comeback after a long hiatus, but instead became the band's final release, marking an unannounced end to one of the era's biggest rock acts. Frontman Mark Knopfler had grown uncomfortable with the pressures of fame following the band's 1985 breakthrough *Brothers In Arms*, leading him to shelve the group for six years before quietly reconvening it, only for the reunion to prove short-lived.

Recording for *On Every Street* began in late 1990, with the band reduced to a quartet featuring only Knopfler and bassist John Illsley from its original line-up, supplemented by guest musicians. Released in September 1991, the album mixed sarcastic rockers such as "Calling Elvis" and "Heavy Fuel" with jazzier tracks like the title song and "Fade To Black", and sold well despite lacking a major hit single. Following the supporting tour, no farewell was announced, but Dire Straits never reunited again, with Knopfler instead pursuing a solo career.