The Killers have recorded their version of Dire Straits’ “Romeo and Juliet” at Abbey Road Studios, which was just aired on Channel 4 in the UK. I heard it on the radio and was a bit surprised because at one point rumor had been going around that Razorlight was going to cover the song, which would have been cool. Either way, it’s good to hear The Killers paying homage to a band that has produced some quality hit songs such as “Sultans Of Swing”, “So Far Away”, “Money For Nothing” and “Walk Of Life”.

I was never a huge Dire Straits fan. That is, not until Mark Knopfler came out with his solo album, Golden Heart in 1996. His voice, his guitar playing and tone and the songs are beautiful and that’s when it hit me. Oddly enough, since his solo work I have now come around full circle. I think the reason I was a bit turned off from Dire Straits was probably due to the overplayed “Money For Nothing” back in the 80s and 90s. I was always a fan of their “Romeo and Juliet”, though. It’s such a classic.

England has become more of a second home to Las Vegas based band The Killers, and the British seem to have taken to them. It’s great to see an American band getting along so well with the public here. They just won two Brit Awards for Best International Group and Best International Album and now The Killers are set to headline the opening night of the 2007 Glastonbury festival which is quite the responsibility. Hopefully the love will last!

Watch the videos for “Romeo and Juliet” by Dire Straits and The Killers!

The Killers Official Website
The Killers on Myspace

Mark Knopfler’s Official Website

By: Jenny May