In December 1980, Dire Straits was experiencing significant commercial success following the release of their second studio album, "Communiqué," which came out in 1979. The band was on the rise, having gained a solid fanbase with their self-titled debut album in 1978. The live performance at Rockpop In Concert showcases the band's energetic style and marked a pivotal moment as they started to establish their presence in the rock genre. Interestingly, during this period, Dire Straits was known for their unique sound that blended rock with elements of folk and jazz, largely due to Mark Knopfler's distinctive guitar work and storytelling lyricism. This particular concert reflects their growing popularity and sets the stage for the success of their future albums, including the monumental "Making Movies," which was released in 1980, just after this concert.