Main content

Brothers in Arms

Episode 4 of 5

The enduring appeal of the Dire Straits classic, Brothers in Arms, is explored. With John Illsley and Sam Millar. From September 2012.

An exploration into the enduring appeal of the Dire Straits classic, Brothers in Arms.

Although thought to have been written by Mark Knopfler in response to the Falklands war in the mid 1980's, it's a piece that people now associate with many other conflicts; military, personal and social.

Bass player, John Illsley explains why it remains such a special piece for Dire Straits, while Marines chaplain, Nigel Beardsley, recalls the important part it's played in the lives of so many soldiers in Iran and Afghanistan and why it's now often heard at military funerals.

Irish playwright, Sam Millar describes why he based a very personal play around the song and Snuffy Walden, music director of the hit American TV show, The West Wing, talks about how the series writer, Aaron Sorkin insisted on it being used in its entirety during a crucial episode.

Professor Alan Moore of Surrey University explains how it's Knopfler's brilliant use of harmony that gives the song the sense of yearning that has made it into one of the most enduring pop songs of the last century.

Series exploring famous pieces of music and their emotional appeal.

Producer: Lucy Lunt

First broadcast on 91热爆 Radio 4 in September 2012.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Wed 25 Aug 2021 00:30

Broadcasts

  • Tue 18 Sep 2012 11:30
  • Sun 27 Jan 2013 13:30
  • Fri 17 Mar 2017 18:30
  • Sat 18 Mar 2017 00:30
  • Tue 24 Aug 2021 18:30
  • Wed 25 Aug 2021 00:30

Featured in...

Why Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' became a Civil Rights anthem

Why Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' became a Civil Rights anthem

Watch the animation - Professor Mary King describes how the song became a symbol of hope.

Podcast