Calling Elvis (Live 1993)

Zoo Freaks, your hippie DJs at THE ZOO are cranking up the vibes with "Calling Elvis (Live 1993)" by Dire Straits from their live album On the Night. This track, originally from their 1991 album On Every Street, is a playful tribute to an Elvis Presley fan who’s convinced the King is still out there, dropping references to classics like "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Love Me Tender." Mark Knopfler, the band’s frontman, got the idea for the song after leaving his phone off the hook, frustrating his brother-in-law who jokingly said it’d be easier to reach Elvis. Knopfler spun that into this clever tune, weaving in Elvis song titles and the iconic phrase “Elvis has left the building.”

The live version we’re spinning tonight captures Dire Straits at their peak during their 1992 tour, with Knopfler’s soulful guitar riffs and a tight rhythm section led by drummer Jeff Porcaro. Fans on X have shared their love for this performance, with posts from @DireStraits77 highlighting the Basel 1992 show as a standout. The song’s music video, directed by Gerry Anderson, is a wild ride, blending Thunderbirds marionette footage with puppet versions of the band rocking out. Knopfler later shared in an interview that the video was a nod to British fans, designed to make them giddy with its quirky, nostalgic charm.

Dire Straits kicked off in London in 1977, born from the creative spark of Mark Knopfler, a former journalist and teacher. Before the band, Knopfler was penning obituaries, including one for Jimi Hendrix, for the Yorkshire Evening Post. He teamed up with his brother David on rhythm guitar, John Illsley on bass, and Pick Withers on drums, forming a tight unit that blended rock with blues and country influences. Their demo, costing just $175, caught the ear of a record label, landing them a deal with producer Muff Winwood. Their debut single, "Sultans of Swing," soared into the UK and US top ten, setting the stage for a career that sold over 120 million albums worldwide.

Knopfler’s unique guitar style, shaped by childhood jam sessions strumming tennis rackets with his sister Ruth, became the band’s signature. Despite their massive success, especially with 1985’s Brothers in Arms, Knopfler stayed grounded, later saying in a 2007 interview, “It just got too big.” The band called it quits in 1995 after the grueling On Every Street tour, with Knopfler focusing on solo work and film scores like The Princess Bride. In 2001, scientists even named a dinosaur discovered in Madagascar Masiakasaurus Knopfleri in his honor, a nod to his larger-than-life impact.

Zoo Freaks, you can dive deeper into Dire Straits’ world at their official website, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans are keeping the flame alive at sites like A Mark In Time and Dire Straits Blog, where you’ll find lyrics, quotes, and galleries. Join the Dire Straits Fans group on Facebook to connect with fellow freaks sharing stories and rare live clips. Keep it groovy, and let’s keep calling Elvis!