Classic Rock

Great Unknown Songs #9 – Dire Straits “Industrial Disease”

Published on 10/01/2017

Dire Straits is one of those bands that had many huge hits, specially in the 80s and unfortunately are more remembered for them. But, many greats tracks are forgotten in their catalog, one of them is “Industrial Disease”, from the album “Love Over Gold” (1982).

Hear it below:

“Industrial Disease” by Dire Straits

Love Over Gold (1982)

The song takes a look at decline of the British manufacturing industry in the early 1980s, focusing on strikes, depression and dysfunctionality.

For example, the absurdity of media-driven maladies is laid out in a segment of the song describing the narrator’s visit to a doctor’s office for treatment of his “Industrial Disease”.

The reference to “Brewer’s Droop” as a medical condition is an in-joke, referring both to the effect of alcohol on libido and to the band of the same name that Mark Knopfler played in prior to Dire Straits.

Related Topics:CLASSIC ROCK, dire straits, Featured, great unknown songs, industrial disease, mark knopfler

Rafael Polcaro

I'm a Brazilian journalist who always loved Classic Rock and Heavy Metal music. That passion inspired me to create Rock and Roll Garage over 6 years ago. Music has always been a part of my life, helping me through tough times and being a support to celebrate the good ones. When I became a journalist, I knew I wanted to write about my passions. After graduating in journalism from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, I pursued a postgraduate degree in digital communication at the same institution. The studies and experience in the field helped me improve the website and always bring the best of classic rock to the world! MTB: 0021377/MG