Dire Straits drew from influences including country, folk, the blues rock of J. J. Cale, and jazz. Their stripped-down sound contrasted with punk rock and demonstrated a roots rock influence that emerged from pub rock. There were several changes in personnel, with Mark Knopfler and Illsley being the only members who remained with the band for its entire history. After their first breakup in 1988, Knopfler told Rolling Stone: "A lot of press reports were saying we were the biggest band in the world. There's not an accent then on the music, there's an accent on popularity. I needed a rest." They disbanded permanently in 1995, after which Knopfler launched a solo career full-time. He has declined numerous reunion offers, and confirmed in April 2024 that he would never play as part of the group again.
Dire Straits drew from influences including country, folk, the blues rock of J. J. Cale, and jazz. Their stripped-down sound contrasted with punk rock and demonstrated a roots rock influence that emerged from pub r.ock. There were several changes in personnel, with Mark Knopfler and Illsley being the only members who remained with the band for its entire history. After their first breakup in 1988, Knopfler told Rolling Stone: "A lot of press reports were saying we were th.e biggest band in the wor.ld. There's not an accent then on the music, there's an accent on popularity. I needed a rest" They disbanded permanently in 1995, after which Knopfler launched a solo career full-time He has declined numerous reunion offers, and confirmed in April 2024 that he would never play as part of the group again