Short answers, pulled from the story.
Dire Straits formed in Deptford, south east London, in 1977. The original lineup was Mark Knopfler on lead vocals and guitar, David Knopfler on rhythm guitar, John Illsley on bass, and Pick Withers on drums. The band was initially known as the Café Racers before adopting the Dire Straits name.
Dire Straits sold between 100 million and 120 million records worldwide, including 51.4 million certified units, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Their album Brothers in Arms alone has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide.
Brothers in Arms is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the first compact disc to sell a million copies, and it has been credited with popularising the CD format. The Guardian ranked this milestone No. 38 in its list of the 50 key events in rock music history.
Mark Knopfler announced the dissolution of Dire Straits in September 1988, citing the pressure of massive commercial success. He told Rolling Stone that the accent had shifted from the music to popularity and that he needed a rest. The band regrouped in 1990 before permanently disbanding in June 1995 following the gruelling On Every Street world tour.
Dire Straits won four Grammy Awards, three Brit Awards including Best British Group twice, and two MTV Video Music Awards. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. Brothers in Arms won a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in February 1986.
Dire Straits played a Live Aid slot at Wembley Stadium on the 13th of July 1985, with their set including "Money for Nothing" with Sting as guest vocalist. The band was midway through a 13-night residency at Wembley Arena at the time of the performance.