Dire Straits were a British rock band formed in Deptford, London during 1977 by Mark Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar), David Knopfler (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), John Illsley (bass guitar and backing vocals), and Pick Withers (drums and percussion). The group's records sales have exceeded 100 million, since their breakthrough single "Sultans of Swing", from their eponymous debut album, entered the top 10 of the UK and US charts during 1978.