Dire Straits

Music became ubiquitous during the decade. Our immersion was total, and the buy-in authentic.

After scoring some impressive round-one victories, 16 albums move on to even tougher battles.

The three-disc set included the band's full 1985 concert in San Antonio.

Thirty-two classic albums got a spot in our bracket. Only one gets to dress like Freddie Mercury!

The '80s were filled with artists finding ways to pair up and breaking down genre barriers in the process.

He also reveals the rock legend who helped him feel comfortable with his voice.

Bassist John Illsley also details how "emotionally exhausted" the band was in the days before their breakup.

Um, I'm not sure that line still works . . .

Sonni was best known as "the other guitarist" on the band's Brothers in Arms tour.

Mark Knopfler stepped into a London pub one evening and discovered the subject of a hit song.