Mark Knopfler

The first gig played by Dire Straits was back in 1977. A number of bands decided to play on a piece of open ground close to John Illsley’s flat at Farrer House on Deptford’s Crossfield Estate, South-East London. On December 3rd 2009, a music heritage plaque was placed on the wall of Farrer House to commemorate that first Dire Straits gig. The award of the plaque, presented by the PRS for music, is part of a national UK campaign to highlight areas where significant musical events have taken place. Mark and John were invited to unveil the plaque. Watch the unveiling ceremony.