Interview - Why Did Drummer Pick Withers Leave Dire Straits?

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Interview - Why Did Drummer Pick Withers Leave Dire Straits?

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lp.constantcon... Interview - Why Did Drummer Pick Withers Leave Dire Straits?
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John Beaudin has been in major market radio (Edmonton, Vancouver & Calgary) for 38 years and a music journalist since 1989. He graduated from Broadcasting school as a newsman so he would have the skills to write about the artists that inspired him since he bought his first Elton John album as a teen. In the '80s Beaudin was the host of the syndicated radio show ‚”The Cross Canada Report‚” which had two versions (Rock and A/C). Beaudin was also asked to be a judge at the Juno Awards (Canada's answer to the Grammys) Twice. He has anchored every position in radio including morning and afternoon drive and was a Program and Music Director for The Breeze and California 103 in Calgary. He currently hosts the evening show at Move 103.5 (formerly QM-FM) in Vancouver and on iHeartRadio.
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Пікірлер: 118

@derekclacton 3 жыл бұрын

For me, Pick Withers was the perfect drummer for Dire Straits and when Pick left he took something with him. As a true artist, he was right to follow his heart. Much respect and thanks for the great music!

@captmcneil 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah. I love Terry, don't get me wrong. But I think Terry did the only reasonable thing - reinvent the old stuff. He would never ever sound like Pick, even if he tried. It's a shame Pick did not find joy in his work with DS, because I think he would fit Mark's solo band perfectly as well - without the stadiums, the huge production and circus tricks. So I think there's a bit more to it - maybe he was just getting tired a bit of Mark's ambition.

@tpbrcombo Жыл бұрын

I totally agree. I would have loved to hear him play on Brothers In Arms, rather than Omar Hakim. I feel like it would have been his high point.

@theseamazingplaces 3 жыл бұрын

This interview is a gift. I have always wanted to hear someone sit down and talk to Pick Withers, and want to thank you for doing this. Pick is such a fantastic drummer, and good person.

@brianshaffneraclc 3 жыл бұрын

Pick put the swing in Sultans of Swing. DS never sounded as good after he left. The feel changed. Never underestimate what a talented drummer brings to a band.

@grimreaper-qh2zn 3 жыл бұрын

Rubbish. Never sounded as good. Sultans of Swing off Alchemy is regarded as one of the best rock performances ever with Terry Williams on drums. Pick was good and obviously didn't want that endless routine of being in a mega popular band. I respect him for risking everything to do his own thing. Omar Hakim and Terry Williams on the "Brothers In Arms"album were outstanding. Mark has used other drummers on his Solo albums as well with great success.

@ema_scrambling 3 жыл бұрын

@@grimreaper-qh2zn Rubbish? It depends on the point of view: for me "Sultans of swing" played by Terry Williams is terrible, unlistenable, it makes my ears bleed. He made that song tacky, banal and unnecessarily pompous. It is undeniable that Pick's exit from the band made the DS lose the refinement that had distinguished them in their beginnings and the magic and spontaneity were gone forever

@davidwinthrop7077 3 жыл бұрын

A band is only ever as good as the drummer! Dire Straits first four albums were their best so that proves the point!

@ema_scrambling 3 жыл бұрын

@Sean Newell And who cares if "Brothers in arms" is one of the best-selling albums of all time, it makes me shit that record, the success of a band is not measured only by sales and money since you are talking about something that is not only a commercial product but is also an artistic expression ... and "Brothers in arms" is just business, the magic is gone! You say Pick wasn't good enough? Even this is just your point of view, for me instead his style was refined and minimal and I much prefer the first 4 albums to everything that came after. For sure he left the DS because they were becoming just a money making machine and he didn't want to be on that bandwagon doing more useless rounds of the carousel, since the best was now behind him! You say Pick is a bitter old man? Bullshits! He did exactly what he wanted, he had the balls to leave a band at the peak of success to follow his instincts and above all to avoid doing what he no longer liked ...

@Cpayne30 3 жыл бұрын

Terry Williams was boring IMO. Endless quick fills down the toms that got old - not very creative. Glad he's not on Brothers in Arms outside of the MFN intro.

@hughcdavies 3 жыл бұрын

Odd to hear that Pick left for exactly the same reasons as MK eventually stopped Dire Straits. Too big = No fun

@TerryClarkAccordioncrazy 3 жыл бұрын

A great musician, his drumming in Tunnel of Love is a masterpiece.

@alexhicks5889 3 жыл бұрын

Man, this might be my favorite interview so far! Who thinks to spotlight Pick Withers? You, and god bless you for it! He's the first drummer to get me listening to cymbals. The sound of those Paistes and the way he played them ..yum! What a tasteful musician! Glad he's healthy and active. Thank you, John!

@Drumsmurf 3 жыл бұрын

Right, his cymbals sounded fantastic! Still enjoy them every time I play the first albums.👌👌

@halcyon289 3 жыл бұрын

I'm a big fan of Pick. A drummer who actually "played" his kit.

@bryede 3 жыл бұрын

I want to throw my admiration for Pick in here too. I'm a big fan of the subtlety and expression in his playing.

@davidwinthrop7077 3 жыл бұрын

Although Terry Williams did a fine job on the live Alchemy tour, Dire Straits were never the same after Pick left. His drumming was to Dire Straits what Ringos was to the Beatles, perfect drummer for the band playing exactly what was needed to make the songs feel great.

@devilsoffspring5519 3 жыл бұрын

Terry Williams kicked ass on Alchemy. I remember getting that double LP when I was about 6 years old. Terry's drumming on Sultans of Swing blew my little mind.

@evobirkz8 3 жыл бұрын

@Sean Newell Actually The only drumming Terry did was the into for money for nothing. Omar Hakim did all the drumming on the Brothers in arms album, Terry did the tour tho.

@jaibroca9433 Жыл бұрын

I always thought Terry overplayed in comparison. TR has much better drums in studio than live version. Pick really had an incredible, perfect measure touch.

@damnyankeefl 3 жыл бұрын

I’m A drummer too and missed him when he left. Maybe the guys that came later were better suited to the arena shows I don’t know but a lot of the subtle things that made the dire straits drum parts left with him

@jean-marieboucherit4716 3 жыл бұрын

Yes arena, that’s the key word.

@Krzyszczynski Жыл бұрын

@@jean-marieboucherit4716 Hear, hear. Stadium rock is a colossal bore as far as I'm concerned. That Old Grey Whistle Test session from 1978 is the sort of thing I prefer, where the music comes first,second and last, and there's room for subtlety and skill - especially where the drum parts are concerned.

@toddvanfleet8576 3 жыл бұрын

That's him? Awesome. I almost had wrecks banging out "Sultan's..... " on my steering wheel, dashboard gear shift as a teenager growing up. Hats off to s great Musical Drummer!🥁👏

@davidcoleman757 3 жыл бұрын

What a fascinating series of interviews. I always loved the subtlety of his drumming on Telegraph Road.

@petergoodwin7182 3 жыл бұрын

It's not Pick on that one is it?

@florenzgarcia6544 Жыл бұрын

There's a lot of great drummers over there, and Terry Williams is/was among them.

@jimbosaul3996 Ай бұрын

yeah... nah !! horrible.

@truckerkevthepaidtourist 3 жыл бұрын

another one of those underrated guys that you don't really talk too much about Pick amazing capability of hanging in the pocket just like a Steve gadd. it's cool to see he's still active after all these years too

@MykeLewisMusic 3 жыл бұрын

His drumming on Love Over Gold really had a big impact on me as a young drummer. Glad to hear he's still going strong!

@tedjob21 2 жыл бұрын

You hit the nail on the head with that comment. It's February 12, 2022 and I just listened to Telegraph road for probably the 100,000th time it the past 3 years. I LOVE EVERYTHING he did with DIRE STRAITS. Some of the best albums I've owned since I was in Jr high school (I'm 53 now) The music was amazing!!

@boogingtonthunderwood8969 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic to get to hear from him! My hat is SO off to you for this! He’s such a fine drummer, with a profile so low that he’s enigmatic. I’d personally MUCH rather hear from and about him than from metric tons of other drummers with much more presence out there.

@drumr72 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks John for doing this interview. I grew up on those first four DS records...my Dad loves them and they are burned into my memory forever. I love Picks playing and always wondered what he has been up to. Keep up the great interviews.

@caryheuchert 3 жыл бұрын

Pick was once a member of the amazing progressive rock band, Spring, which released their legendary self-titled album in 1970. Influential now for its prominent use of Mellotron. I am hoping Pick will speak a bit about his time in Spring.

@marcusslade9804 3 жыл бұрын

Kudos John, for getting this interview. The instant I first saw and heard Dire Straits on an obscure late night music show in the UK in 1978 I was a fan. The original foursome were so good and Pick Withers’ drumming had that swing and panache that served the songs without ever calling attention to himself. Tunnel of Love from Making Movies is one of those "desert island discs” I’d always want with me and in no small part because of Pick’s playing. There has been little written about him over the years but I get the sense of a bloke happy with his choices and the life he’s led. Look forward to the balance of the interview.

@dereckvon 3 жыл бұрын

Good interview, the art really is more important to the heart than the money.

@devilsoffspring5519 3 жыл бұрын

If you don't make lots of money, you'll be a slave to a grind like normal people and won't be able to have the mood & mindset for art.

@lucamariamartinoia877 3 жыл бұрын

Pick used to be the original drummer for Mal & The Primitives in Italy 🇮🇹 during the 60ties. We still remember him. The Primitives used to be a top beat group over here! ‘Yeehhh’ was a no. 1 song! And Mal is still here singing.

@sriramkalaga9300 3 жыл бұрын

There are very few drummers in music with a unique style of their own. Pick Withers is right up there with the best. Think of Jim Gordon, Stewart Copeland, Jim Keltner, Ginger Baker, Charlie Watts. ...

@phenixreturns 3 жыл бұрын

Phil Collins,Chester Thompson, Katché, Kolinka etc.

@jamesbond4633 3 жыл бұрын

I think he alluded to it a bit but I wonder if Mark's brother left for some of the same reasons? I loved the drumming on Making Movies and of course Sultans of Swing. You can see him playing on some live KZfaq videos with them on the Old Grey Whistle test. It's awesome. His feel and swing added much more to the band. Sometimes you don't know what you have until its not there. Rick Wright with Pink Floyd was the same.

@jwjeffrey 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, it was. Mark's ego was ruining things.

@Twotontessie 3 жыл бұрын

Love it when people tell it like it is. What he's talking about is really why the Beatles broke up. More trouble than it was worth.

@vibefrequencyable 3 жыл бұрын

For me personally, love over gold is one of the best and most beautiful albums ever. The melodies were unbelievable. And to my ears the drums were the best mic'ed drums and prduction i have ever heard... I think it helps that i think it was the time where there was some new digital stuff but still relied on analog and glass tubes....etc.. Well they were destitute at one point ...so he was fortunate enough that d.s. and mark knopfler got him enough $ that he could afford to go off on his own. Fame is 2 different sides 9f the same sword.

@ashrobinson4604 3 жыл бұрын

Respect Pick! Mark’s guitar sound is great and I loved the early Dire Straits albums but sometimes I would just focus on the drums. You absolutely nailed it-perfect! Communique is one of my favourite albums of all time and I have listened to it more than any other. Thanks!

@tonypetrillo3488 Жыл бұрын

His line " I didn't want to get married to the money".. was perfect

@ToddSauve 3 жыл бұрын

I've always loved his name, "Pick Withers." It just seems perfect for a musician! And I always wondered why he left the band. Probably Mark Knopfler's abrasive personality back then. Mark now admits he was an arrogant so-and-so and even used to tell his brother, the rhythm guitarist, to "SHUT UP!" when he would make a suggestion. I'm glad Mark recognized his arrogance and tossed it overboard. It was the ruin of many a great band! 😮

@palynch7459 3 жыл бұрын

Arrogance tends to be part of youth I think , as we get older we all change , mark was no different, probably a bit arrogant in the early days but mellowed with time , if you ever listen to chet atkins or anyone that has worked with mark speak about him , they all describe him as a gracious lovely man

@REM1956 3 жыл бұрын

It's amazing how similar Pick Wither's attitude toward his art is to my own. Very little of his artistic drive is satisfied by money or fame, and the need to push forward into things different and new is very strong. I feel I understand what he's saying, and applaud his strength to move on from a situation most people would be happily content with staying in.

@mrmarshmadness1 3 жыл бұрын

Great interview. Nice to hear from Pick in his own words. John, you do such a great job with these recordings. You're so knowledgeable, you can "fanboy" along with the rest of us - but at the end of the day, you stay out of the way and let your guest shine. Keep up the great work!

@jean-marieboucherit4716 3 жыл бұрын

I saw Dire Straits in Lyon back then. Mark Knopfler introduced Pick Withers saying: the greatest drummer in the world. Pick is fantastic way better and more refined and subtle and interesting than all those heavy handed metal heavy rock drummers. In my opinion he belongs to the wonderful strain of drummers started by Ringo Starr: Jim Keltner, Dave Mattacks, Kevin Godley, etc...

@davidwinthrop7077 3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree. All drummers that make the band sound great!

@danielsharon524 2 жыл бұрын

Nice to hear Pick explain what happened. Classy that he didn't air any "dirty laundry."

@dannyboy7715 2 жыл бұрын

It's a shame folks can't just enjoy the three different live drummers and what they all brought to the band. PW TW and CW were all very different but all very very good drummers.

@ronmyers2317 3 жыл бұрын

I always thought that the name Pick was more suitable for a guitar player. LOL. Anyway it's great that he chose to follow his heart instead of the money. Characteristic of a true musician

@NeilRaouf Жыл бұрын

what an amazing drummer man! thes first few DS records with pick are sooooooo 😮😮😮😮❤❤❤. also because of his drumming

@raythackston1960 2 жыл бұрын

Crazy how so many musicians who got famous playing in a certain band and they get to a point when they feel like they have lost their identity. But nobody even knew who they were before the BAND made them famous. It happens so many times and most of them fall into oblivion.

@jinkertsun Жыл бұрын

Yes but it’s their oblivion. Being told to twiddle your sticks at exactly the same time in every gig would drive you crazy. I went to see DS three nights in a row with different people and MK told the same joke at the same time every night. Scripted to the enth degree.

@undertalefanyay5728 3 жыл бұрын

Nice to hear from Pick, such a perfect drummer for Knophler.

@glamchris12 3 жыл бұрын

Hey John, thank you for this video about one of my absolute favorite bands. Greetings from Germany

@merseybeat1963 2 ай бұрын

Perfect drummer for Dire Straits and David was the looks in that group and he has written some good songs that would have made super Dire Straits songs.

@markburnham7512 3 жыл бұрын

I certainly respect where Pick is coming from, as well as his playing, but Dire Straits without Pick is still Mark Knopfler. Certainly nothing like, say, The Police without Stewart Copeland, which is unimaginable.

@Samana009 2 жыл бұрын

Kind of... Dire Straits without him became a gigantic monster, but sounded totally different. Not better, just different

@marksimpson2321 2 жыл бұрын

Not sure. They sounded as different after as The Who did with Kenney J conpared to The Who wiyh Keith M

@rtwice93555 3 жыл бұрын

I catch a lot of flack for my thoughts on elderly musicians, but Withers is 73 years old! Time to call it quits. Unless he hasn't managed his money well, there is no good reason to keep working that hard in your golden years. Pick was a gifted drummer, there is no question about it. He liked what he did and it was reflected in his work. I love what I do and feel I am good at it. But in about 9 more years when I turn 65 plan to stop doing it for good. I have managed my money well enough that I won't have to touch another wrench the rest of my life. I want to enjoy the things I have waited a lifetime to do. I work to live not live to work. Some people find it fascinating to see their favorite artists performing in their 70s. To me its very sad; who wants to.spend their final years traveling to different cities playing the same songs night after night while sleeping in hotels? It can't be that enjoyable. I want to sleep in my own bed and get up when and if I want. That is how to enjoy a retirement. The musicians might say they are still performing because they love music. That is hogwash; they need the money. Thank you for all the good music Mr Withers. I am sorry you are still working

@oldfart4751 3 жыл бұрын

Sorry your still working! Top musicians keep working because they enjoy it, many 70's and 80 year olds as you know are still doing the business, even though they are millionaires.

@glengamble526 3 жыл бұрын

He talks about not wanting to ‘get on this treadmill of record the songs, tour, take a holiday, do it all again’ etc. Really? Cause as someone who’s been dying to live that very life for 35+ years, I’ll gladly trade places.

@davidkopec9442 3 жыл бұрын

Every thing he played with DS was masterful.

@justinrippon2218 2 жыл бұрын

Honest interview, but I don't get it. He is a drummer, not the band showman, he is going to be on a treadmill, it's the career he chose. Took him 4 albums and over 1 million to realise?

@steffibaker2201 Жыл бұрын

"Personal issues we won't go into here" - THANK YOU for not airing the band's dirty laundry.

@willpayne6249 3 жыл бұрын

Pick Weathers was a Great Drummer for Dire Straits But Terry Williams was a Great Durmmer.

@thedrumdoctor 3 жыл бұрын

He still teaches as well (near Liverpool) and I’m sure he will do it again when we’re allowed to meet in person.

@neil492 3 жыл бұрын

Good interview, it's an interesting insight into the workings of the music business. It's business first and foremost, I've heard it said over and over.

@paulwhite2533 3 жыл бұрын

A lot of ego's in bands. Can only be one real leader. Sometimes, you've got to know your place, and that aint always easy...I see both sides

@bytheway1031 2 жыл бұрын

Happy Birthday Pick Withers 🥁04-04-2022

@daveking9393 3 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed. Thanks

@ruffian1868 3 жыл бұрын

I'd love to hear what Pick thought of David's departure. A real shame that both Mark and David can't sort their differences out ?

@humanbeing2420 3 жыл бұрын

I never liked the drummer who replaced Pick - the guy who played on Alchemy and Brothers in Arms, anyway (I forget his name). His playing was devoid of dynamics - he was always just hammering away. Hal Lindes, who replaced David Knopfler, was fine, but then his replacement (whose name I forget) always wore bare feet on stage. I mean, what was up with that? Mark's taste in supporting players, after the original band, was curious.

@thedutchfisherman7078 2 жыл бұрын

The Drummer was Terry Williams and the guitarplayer who replaced Hal was Jack Sonni. He was a little bit weird indeed.

@mangstadt1 3 жыл бұрын

Music aside, I love the way he imitates other people's way of speaking. He could do stand up comedy and it would all make sense--even if he overdid the serious notes.

@CurtisDWhale 3 жыл бұрын

Pick, that Belgian band you mentioned, was that The Kids with the song There Will Be No Next Time?

@bluejayfan5584 3 жыл бұрын

Been watching rewatching KZfaq Alchemy vid. The drummer got some screen time. I imagine that is Pick. The whole band looks happy.

@TheJohnnyCotts 3 жыл бұрын

The drummer on Alchemy was Pick's replacement, Terry Williams. Pick did the Love Over Gold album, but left before the tour that followed.

@longislandcerealkiller6385 3 жыл бұрын

I would love to see steely dan pick him up in the day would have been great pick has that I want just to work in the studio and work no lime light

@ambrogiofontana5297 3 жыл бұрын

Per me il miglior batterista che i dire straits abbiano mai avuto!!!

@RodneyAllanPoe 3 жыл бұрын

A recent album ranking listed EVERY STREET and BROTHERS quite low.

@mickb44 3 жыл бұрын

floyd ,dire straits,eagles ,fleetwood mac all spoilt by egoism

@cataclem28 3 жыл бұрын

Yes I understand him but on the poster it writes founder of D's😯

@patrickmoreau7592 3 жыл бұрын

Good interview I wish someone would write a in-depth book about Dire Straits

@palynch7459 3 жыл бұрын

I heard recently that John illsley was going to write a book

@jackturner5363 3 жыл бұрын

@@palynch7459 I think it's coming out this autumn

@richposports7030 2 жыл бұрын

Fascinating

@SadBstard 3 жыл бұрын

Given the bands' subsequent success, it makes me wonder if he doesn't regret his decision.

@stormbringercoming8105 3 жыл бұрын

While I’m a huge Terry Williams fan, Pick was perfect for the first 4 albums. He left at the right time, because he wouldn’t have been the right drummer for where Mark took the sound. As far as David goes... typical brothers in rock and roll story. It was never really a band. Mark, like it or not was the straw that stirred the drink. If David’s songs were good enough, they would’ve been on the record. Song power rules the day.

@salahtounsaoui9172 2 жыл бұрын

He was the perfect drummer for dire straits after he left Terry Williams took over and was as brilliant as pick was strangely enough pick left for the same reason Mark terminated dire straits

@MrAnderswt 3 жыл бұрын

Very interesting.

@GospelBluesMan 2 жыл бұрын

What he plays during the Sultans of Swing really fit the pocket of the song. You can't over play the song. It has to some swing to it and not rock in a straight fashion. Some drummer are just full of energy but can't relax enough to play this groove right. I think it helps if you can play jazz drums or at least a good relaxed blues shuffle beat. It the Dire Straits sound and straight ahead Rock drumming just does not fit. Pick really fit well with the sound of the band.

@leonjacobs5618 3 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately that's what happens if you're the drummer. Withers didn't really acknowledge Knopfler's genius, did he? Most drummers would give anything to be associated with Mark.

@rajeevkaushek7370 3 жыл бұрын

he is among the RnR HOF inductees.

@adude9882 24 күн бұрын

Wish I'd seen that puppet show.

@luisalonsoecheverria 3 жыл бұрын

I wonder why he didn't show up at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction of Dire Straits.

@Nick_Barre 3 жыл бұрын

To be fair, Mark Knopfler didn’t turn up either.

@NOLAgenX 3 жыл бұрын

John was the only original member to show up. Neither Mark nor David showed either.

@phenixreturns 3 жыл бұрын

Pick is the man, hi hat man

@truetech4158 3 жыл бұрын

Why did Mark pick Pick? Because Mark is a guitarist that needed a Pick.

@SweetJennyFan 2 жыл бұрын

Water of love ??

@jimhornsby1854 Жыл бұрын

While I liked some Dire Straits music.....

@UAL320 2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like Mick Taylor leaving the Stones…..

@BernieHollandMusic 3 жыл бұрын

Maybe cos every song was in D minor !

@danielr4640 3 жыл бұрын

I want my M TV.

@jamescox8402 3 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry, but after Pick left so did I.

@1paparico 3 жыл бұрын

hello, your comment made me think.Because I left too but did not realise until I read your post.I will never forget hearing that first album around my mates house and buying it myself the next day! By the time I had heard JJ cale and realised where the style came from, i was gone too.