Dire Straits were a British rock band formed in Deptford, London during 1977 by Mark Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar), David Knopfler (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), John Illsley (bass guitar and backing vocals), and Pick Withers (drums and percussion). The group's records sales have exceeded 100 million, since their breakthrough single "Sultans of Swing", from their eponymous debut album, entered the top 10 of the UK and US charts during 1978.

The band had further hit singles in the 1980s, including "Private Investigations" (1983), "Money for Nothing" (1985), and "Walk of Life" (1985). Their most successful L.P. was Brothers in Arms (1985), which has sold more than 30 million copies, the 8th-best-selling in UK chart history, having been the first album to sell a million copies in the compact disc (CD) format. Dire Straits' sound was drawn from a wide variety of musical influences including jazz, folk, country, and the blues-rock of J. J. Cale and Eric Clapton. Their stripped-down sound contrasted with punk rock, having shown a roots rock influence that emerged from pub rock.

The Guinness Book of British Hit Albums states that Dire Straits have spent over 1,100 weeks on the UK albums chart, the 5th highest of all-time. Their career spanned 15 years, having broken up during 1988, reformed in 1991 then disbanded again during 1995, after Mark Knopfler launched his solo career full-time.