# Who plays the Hammond organ on the 1980 Dire Straits song ‘Romeo and Juliet’?

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/who-plays-the-hammond-organ-on-the-1980-dire-straits-song-romeo-and-juliet/
- Published: 2026-10-25T21:15:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-25T22:12:20+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/who-plays-the-hammond-organ-on-romeo-and-juliet-by-dire-straits/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Roy Bittan played Hammond organ and piano on ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
- The song appeared on Dire Straits’ 1980 album Making Movies.
- Producer Jimmy Iovine brought Bittan into the sessions.

## Summary

Roy Bittan played the Hammond organ and piano on Dire Straits’ 1980 song ‘Romeo and Juliet’. His contribution helped shape one of the standout tracks on Making Movies, an album made during a turbulent period for the band and Mark Knopfler.

The article says Knopfler wrote the song amid the end of his relationship with Holly Beth Vincent and the departure of his brother David from the group. Producer Jimmy Iovine brought in Bittan, best known for playing with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, along with uncredited guitarist Sid McGinnis.

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