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Dire Straits

Dire Straits & Eric Clapton Perform 'Romeo & Juliet' at Wembley Stadium

Venue: Wembley Stadium Location: London, England, United Kingdom Date: June 11, 1988

By June 1988, when Dire Straits performed at Wembley Stadium for Nelson Mandela's 70th birthday celebration, the band was enjoying a peak in its popularity following the success of their album *Brothers in Arms*, released in 1985. This album not only reached significant commercial success, featuring hits like "Money for Nothing" and "Walk of Life," but it also had a profound impact on rock music and MTV’s focus on showcasing music videos. During the performance, Mark Knopfler and Eric Clapton collaborated on "Romeo and Juliet," showcasing the band's versatility and deep-rooted musicianship. The concert was part of a monumental charity event aimed at raising awareness about apartheid, reflecting Dire Straits' willingness to engage in social issues. This live recording exemplifies the powerful synergy between the two guitarists, further solidifying Dire Straits’ legacy as a formidable live act during this period in their career.

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