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Remember When Dire Straits’ Long-Awaited Comeback Also Turned Out To Be Their Farewell in 1991?
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.
In short
- *On Every Street* (1991) was Dire Straits' comeback and, unknowingly, their final album.
- Knopfler disbanded the group for six years after 1985's *Brothers In Arms* success.
- The band quietly split after the tour, with no farewell ever announced.
Explained simply
Dire Straits were one of the biggest rock bands of the 1980s, fronted by guitarist and vocalist Mark Knopfler. The group achieved enormous international success with their 1985 album *Brothers In Arms*, but the experience left Knopfler uncomfortable with the pressures of fame and unwilling to continue.
Following *Brothers In Arms*, Knopfler withdrew from Dire Straits and the band entered a hiatus lasting six years. No formal announcement was made; the group simply ceased all activity, leaving their future publicly unclear.
In late 1990, Knopfler reformed Dire Straits with a reduced line-up and the band recorded *On Every Street*, released in September 1991. The album sold well and was supported by a tour, but the band never reunited after this point, and Knopfler instead went on to pursue a solo career.