<P> `` Money for Nothing '' is a single by British rock band Dire Straits , taken from their 1985 studio album Brothers in Arms . The song 's lyrics are written from the point of view of two working - class men watching music videos and commenting on what they see . The song features a guest appearance by Sting singing background vocals , providing both the signature falsetto introduction and backing chorus of `` I want my MTV . '' The groundbreaking video was the first to be aired on MTV Europe when the network launched on 1 August 1987 . </P>
<P> `` Money for Nothing '' is a single by British rock band Dire Straits , taken from their 1985 studio album Brothers in Arms . The song 's lyrics are written from the point of view of two working - class men watching music videos and commenting on what they see . The song features a guest appearance by Sting singing background vocals , providing both the signature falsetto introduction and backing chorus of `` I want my MTV . '' The groundbreaking video was the first to be aired on MTV Europe when the network launched on 1 August 1987 . </P>
who sang backing vocals on money for nothing
who sang backing vocals on money for nothing
Sting
Sting