“Money for Nothing” was born from a writing partnership between Mark Knopfler and Sting. Sting also contributed the song’s famous backing vocals, including the instantly recognizable “I want my MTV” hook. Following its release as the second single from the Brothers in Arms album in 1985, the song became a permanent fixture on the band’s setlists. Even years after the group ceased active recording, the track remains the sixth most-performed song in the history of Dire Straits. Its popularity has persisted into the digital era, currently standing as the third most-played song by the band on Spotify, trailing only the massive hits “Walk of Life” and “Sultans of Swing.”

The Music for Montserrat concert was a showcase of immense musical talent, featuring much more than just the “Money for Nothing” collaboration. Earlier in the evening, Knopfler performed a three-song set with his band, while other headliners including Sting, Phil Collins, Elton John, and Eric Clapton each delivered performances of their own hit songs. The concert reached its emotional climax when Paul McCartney joined the ensemble for a grand finale, which included a performance of the Beatles classic “Hey Jude.” The event remains a significant historical moment, capturing a rare convergence of rock royalty who united for a humanitarian cause. Today, the legacy of that night continues to be recognized, with the performance serving as a definitive record of the enduring chemistry between these legendary artists and the lasting impact of their collaborative work on behalf of the people of Montserrat, who were supported by this historic gathering.