Dire Straits released “Brothers in Arms” as a single on October 18, 1985, exactly 41 years ago today. Decades later, the single still stands out for its quiet mood and Mark Knopfler’s aching guitar.
Instead of taking the well-known route of loud rock anthems, the song takes its time. Knopfler lets long notes carry the sadness, making the guitar feel like another voice.
What makes Mark Knopfler’s guitar solo stand out?
Rather than racing through notes, Knopfler builds the solo around space and feeling, making it an ideal song about war, loss, and the bonds between soldiers.
Notably, GuitarGuitar included ‘Brothers in Arms’ in its 2026 list of the 50 greatest guitar solos of all time. The feature praised Knopfler’s rich guitar tone and the feeling behind his playing.
More so, the single reached number 16 on Britain’s Official Singles Chart. Across its original chart run, it spent 13 weeks in the top 100.
How did “Brothers in Arms” help war veterans?
Earlier, Knopfler wrote the song in 1982, during the Falklands War between Britain and Argentina. Later, Dire Straits placed it last on their fifth album, also called Brothers in Arms.
Then, in 2007, Knopfler recorded a version at Abbey Road to support Falklands veterans. Specifically, proceeds helped the South Atlantic Medal Association fund return visits to the islands.
At the time, he said, “I’m touched that my song ‘Brothers In Arms,’ which I wrote at the time of the Falklands War, has been chosen to support the many veterans who are still suffering from the effects of that conflict.”
Beyond records, the track found another audience through television, including The West Wing’s second-season finale. Today’s anniversary marks the single’s release, not the album’s arrival in May 1985, giving this October date its place in the band’s history.
