Hal Lindes

Hal Lindes (born June 30, 1953) is an American-born English guitarist, composer, and record producer renowned for his role as the second guitarist in the rock band Dire Straits from 1980 to 1985, during which the group achieved massive commercial success with over 120 million albums sold worldwide.^[1][2][3] Born in Monterey, California, Lindes relocated with his family to Washington, D.C., where he developed his musical skills as a teenager, playing guitar in a high school band called Sudden Rush and learning techniques from local guitarist Roy Buchanan.^[4] In 1975, he moved to London, where he eventually auditioned and joined Dire Straits amid rehearsals for their third album, Making Movies (1980).^[4] As a full-time member, Lindes contributed to key recordings including Making Movies (1980), Love Over Gold (1982), the live album Alchemy (1983), and Mark Knopfler's soundtrack for the film Local Hero (1983), which ignited his interest in film scoring; he also played on Tina Turner's hit album Private Dancer (1984).^[3][4] During this period, Dire Straits earned two Grammy Awards and three Brit Awards, including Best British Group honors.^[3][5] Following his departure from Dire Straits in 1985, Lindes established himself as an award-winning film and television composer based in both Los Angeles and London, creating scores for over 150 projects.^[3] His notable television works include the BBC's ShakespeaRe-Told adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew (2005), and series such as Reckless (1997, Royal Television Society Award) and Thief Takers (1995, TRIC Award for Best TV Theme Music).^[3][4][6] Additionally, Lindes has composed music for major advertising campaigns for brands including Nike, Levi’s, and Guinness, while continuing to perform and record as a guitarist using signature instruments like his 1959 Fender Stratocaster and 1972 Fender Telecaster.^[3][4]

Early Life

Childhood and Family Background

Hal Lindes was born Hal Andrew Lindes on June 30, 1953, in Monterey, California, to parents Harold and Olga (née Pohl) Lindes.^[7][8] His father, Harold, was born in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Russia, and was of German descent, while his mother, Olga, was born in Odessa, Russia, to parents Alexei and Helen Pohl.^[9] The Lindes family, American citizens of immigrant heritage, relocated from California to Washington, D.C., during Hal's childhood, where he spent much of his early years.^[4][9] Olga Lindes passed away on April 24, 2015, at the age of 93 in Ocean Pines, Maryland.^[8] This East Coast upbringing amid a family with European immigrant ties provided Lindes with a diverse cultural backdrop that subtly shaped his worldview, influencing his eventual move to London in 1975.^[4]

Initial Musical Career

During his high school years in Washington, D.C., in the 1970s, Hal Lindes began playing guitar in a local band called Sudden Rush, performing at venues such as the Silver Dollar (later known as the M Club).^[4] As a self-taught guitarist without formal training, Lindes developed his style through informal observation and interaction with local musicians, particularly drawing inspiration from Roy Buchanan, whom he watched perform and from whom he sought tips on techniques.^[4] This hands-on, self-directed learning emphasized practical experimentation over structured education, shaping his early rock-oriented approach.^[10] In 1975, Lindes moved to London, arriving amid the burgeoning punk rock scene that was revolutionizing the city's music landscape by prioritizing raw energy and accessibility over technical proficiency.^[4] Motivated by advertisements in Melody Maker magazine and influences like Alvin Lee, he immersed himself in the vibrant environment, gigging at clubs such as The Marquis and experimenting with amplifiers that defined the era's sound.^[4] One of his initial amp experiences involved acquiring an early-1960s Vox AC-30 with Celestion G12 speakers, recommended by a roadie, which provided the chime and bite essential to his developing tone during this punk-influenced period.^[10] By 1979, Lindes joined the new wave group Darling, formed with drummer Wilbur Campbell and bassist Alistair McKenzie, and signed to Charisma Records.^[4] The band released their debut and only album, Put It Down to Experience, along with the single "Do You Wanna," which Lindes co-wrote, showcasing his contributions to the group's melodic, post-punk sound.^[11] Following Darling's dissolution, Lindes engaged in session work in London's late-1970s music scene, including collaborations at Air Studios with producer Al Kooper, bassist Herbie Flowers, and keyboardist Brad Bradbury on various recordings.^[4]

Dire Straits Era

Joining and Role in the Band

Hal Lindes auditioned for and joined Dire Straits in 1980 as a full-time member, with his audition taking place in August during the band's finalization of their third album Making Movies, which was released on October 17; he became the youngest member at age 27.^[12][13] He had recently been working as a session musician in London when he learned of rhythm guitarist David Knopfler's departure and contacted the band's management to express interest.^[14] Lindes' audition took place in August 1980 at a riverside rehearsal space in Wood Wharf, London, where he met the band members in a casual setting overlooking the Thames. He performed "Tunnel of Love" using a Walkman for reference, followed by "Sultans of Swing," which created an immediate connection; as he later recalled, "after the first chord, everybody pretty much knew that was it," enhanced by the magical atmosphere of the sunset.^[4][15] The session alongside prospective keyboardist Alan Clark confirmed both additions informally, without a formal offer, locking in the band's new lineup.^[15] As the second guitarist, Lindes handled rhythm and lead duties, primarily backing Mark Knopfler while receiving opportunities for solos during rehearsals and performances.^[4] His chord-based style complemented Knopfler's precise fingerpicking, adding texture to the group's sound.^[16] Lindes quickly integrated into Dire Straits' dynamic during the 1980–1981 period, marked by the extensive On Location Tour comprising 116 shows across 19 countries, which served as an introduction for the new members.^[12] The band's chemistry thrived on mutual dedication and pride in their craft, with Knopfler's emphasis on precision and lengthy sound checks—often two hours for two-and-a-half-hour sets—fostering a professional yet collaborative environment that contrasted with typical rock improvisation.^[4]

Key Contributions and Departure

During his tenure with Dire Straits, Hal Lindes provided rhythm guitar support on the band's 1982 album Love Over Gold, marking the only studio recording to feature the lineup of Mark Knopfler, John Illsley, Pick Withers, Alan Clark, and Lindes.^[17] On the epic 14-minute opener "Telegraph Road," Lindes contributed to the track's layered guitar arrangements, enhancing the song's dynamic build from acoustic introspection to electric intensity.^[18] Similarly, on the atmospheric single "Private Investigations," which peaked at No. 2 on the UK charts, Lindes employed a volume pedal midway through for subtle swells and delivered cleaner rhythm parts alongside Knopfler's acoustic fingerpicking, while adding dramatic power chords to heighten the tension during mood shifts.^[17] These contributions helped Love Over Gold achieve commercial success, selling over three million copies worldwide.^[19] Lindes also participated in the 1983 EP ExtendedancEPlay, where he played guitar on the rockabilly-inflected hit single "Twisting by the Pool," which reached No. 2 in the UK and revitalized the band's chart presence with its lighter, upbeat style.^[13] Additionally, he appeared on the double live album Alchemy: Dire Straits Live (1984), recorded during performances at London's Hammersmith Odeon, providing second guitar and backing vocals on extended renditions of tracks like "Sultans of Swing" and "Romeo and Juliet" that captured the band's improvisational energy.^[20] As part of Dire Straits' expanded lineup, Lindes joined the extensive Love Over Gold World Tour from 1982 to 1984, performing over 100 shows across Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia, where his rhythm guitar work supported Knopfler's leads during high-energy sets that often extended songs into jam-like explorations.^[19] The 1983-1984 leg of the tour, including the Alchemy recordings in July 1983, showcased the band's growing arena-scale production and Lindes' reliable backing role amid the grueling schedule.^[13] Lindes departed Dire Straits in late 1984, midway through sessions for what became Brothers in Arms, to pursue his burgeoning interest in film composition, a passion sparked during the band's work on the Local Hero soundtrack and shared with Knopfler; the split occurred amicably without reported conflicts.^[4][21]

Film Scoring and Later Career

Transition to Composition

Following his departure from Dire Straits in early 1985, Hal Lindes began exploring opportunities beyond rock performance, marking a pivotal shift in his career.^[22] Lindes first discovered his passion for film composition during sessions for Mark Knopfler's 1983 score to Local Hero, where he contributed guitar parts and observed the process of syncing music to visuals, which ignited his interest in creating evocative soundscapes to enhance narrative emotion.^[2][10] In the mid-1980s, Lindes embarked on his initial forays into scoring, undertaking compositions for television programs and modest independent projects that allowed him to hone his craft in a less demanding environment than major features.^[2] These early efforts built on his session musician experience, emphasizing atmospheric guitar lines to support storytelling without overpowering dialogue or action. By 1985, Lindes committed to full-time composition, capitalizing on his renowned guitar proficiency to craft scores that blended rock sensibilities with cinematic subtlety, often using his instrument as a central expressive tool.^[10][4] To pursue these opportunities, he established bases in Los Angeles and London, cities central to the film and television industries on both sides of the Atlantic.^[2]

Major Film and TV Scores

Hal Lindes has composed over 150 scores for film and television throughout his career, spanning from the late 1980s to the present day.^[3] His work is characterized by a signature style featuring honest, evocative, and guitar-driven compositions that prioritize emotional depth and personal expression, often using the guitar to create poignant, intimate atmospheres.^[3][4] This approach draws from his rock background, allowing scores to blend melodic accessibility with subtle narrative enhancement, as seen in his ability to evoke vulnerability and resilience through layered guitar textures.^[13] Among his early notable film scores is Joyriders (1988), a British drama directed by Andy Hamilton, where Lindes' music underscores themes of family and redemption with a raw, acoustic guitar sound that complements the story's working-class Irish setting.^[2] In television, his score for the episode "Drowning in the Shallow End" from the BBC anthology series Screen Two (1990) marked a significant contribution, using melancholic guitar motifs to heighten the emotional tension of the psychological drama starring Paul McGann. Lindes' television work expanded with the full series score for TECX (1990), a 13-episode crime procedural, and Reckless (1997), a BAFTA-nominated romantic drama series for which he won a Royal Television Society Award for his evocative underscore.^[23][13] The Reckless score, released as an original soundtrack album, features variations on a central theme that capture the series' themes of forbidden love and moral ambiguity.^[24] He also received a TRIC Award for Best TV Theme Music for Thief Takers (1995).^[3] In the 2000s, Lindes delivered several high-impact scores that showcased his guitar-centric style on a larger scale. For the TV film Albert's Memorial (2009), he crafted a tender, folk-infused soundtrack that mirrors the road-trip narrative of friendship and loss, starring David Warner and Bernard Hill.^[23] His score for The Boys Are Back (2009), directed by Scott Hicks and starring Clive Owen, stands out as a pinnacle of his film work; the delicate, ethereal guitar arrangements evoke the film's exploration of grief and single fatherhood, blending original cues with carefully selected songs to amplify emotional resonance.^[3][25] Lindes also contributed to The Lucky One (2012), a Nicholas Sparks adaptation directed by Scott Hicks, where his uncredited music department work included guitar elements that supported the romantic thriller's themes of fate and redemption.^[26] Other significant TV contributions from this period include scores for Accidental Farmer (2010), a documentary-style series; episodes of Apparitions (2008); Shakespeare Re-Told (2005), where his music added atmospheric depth to supernatural and literary adaptations; the award-winning documentary soundtrack for The Last King of Scotland (2006); and the BAFTA-winning series The House of Saddam (2008).^[23][3] Lindes' scores have consistently received recognition for their emotional authenticity, with his guitar-driven approach influencing a generation of composers in blending rock sensibilities with cinematic storytelling.^[3] His work on projects like Between the Lines (1992–1994), a police procedural series, further demonstrates his versatility in sustaining tension across multiple seasons through recurring motifs.^[23] Overall, these major compositions highlight Lindes' enduring impact on film and television, where his music not only supports but elevates narrative intimacy.^[4]

Other Collaborations and Projects

Beyond his tenure with Dire Straits and film scoring endeavors, Lindes has maintained an active presence in pop and rock collaborations. He contributed guitar to Tina Turner's landmark 1984 album Private Dancer, including the title track, which Mark Knopfler originally wrote for Dire Straits but reassigned to Turner; Lindes recorded it alongside bandmates John Illsley, Terry Williams, Alan Clark, and Mel Collins, with Jeff Beck adding a solo.^[27][15] Lindes has also collaborated extensively with French rock icon Johnny Hallyday, performing in his concerts periodically and co-writing material as part of ongoing artistic partnerships.^[23][7] In recent years, Lindes has worked with emerging artists, notably co-writing tracks for Irish-English singer-songwriter Bird (Janie Price). Their collaboration includes "She'll Turn to Stone," a 2024 single from her repertoire, and "Daddy," the lead track on her 2025 EP Heads or Tales, blending indie folk elements with Lindes' guitar contributions.^[28][29] These efforts highlight Lindes' role in supporting new talent through songwriting and production oversight by figures like Mike Hedges.^[30] Lindes has released several instrumental guitar-focused albums, often categorized as library or production music, showcasing his versatility across genres. Notable examples include Folk Hop (2024), a fusion of folk and hip-hop rhythms; Lo-Fi Chill Guitars (2025, featuring Chris Constantinou), emphasizing relaxed, atmospheric tones; and Rock It Amadeus! (2025, with Brian Tarquin), delivering orchestral rock arrangements.^[31] These projects demonstrate his expertise in creating versatile soundscapes for media and streaming platforms.^[32] In a 2024 interview, Lindes reflected on his multifaceted career, expressing satisfaction with transitioning from band performance to composition while valuing the foundational experiences with Dire Straits that shaped his sound.^[21] He highlighted the enduring appeal of his early gear, noting frequent use of Celestion G10 Greenback speakers in a Fender Super Champ amp for their clean, full-bodied tone in recordings, a preference stemming from his teenage years with Marshall setups featuring G12H Greenbacks.^[15] Lindes serves as president of Stamina Inc. in the US and Stamina Ltd. in the UK, music production studios where he oversees operations and recording projects.^[33] These entities support his ongoing work in composition and artist development.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Hal Lindes is married to Ricarda Ankenbrand-Lindes, a real estate broker and former actress.^[34] He has four children, three of whom have pursued careers in the arts: Staz Lindes, a model and musician known for her work with the band The Paranoyds and as a muse for fashion houses like Saint Laurent^[35]; Evangeline Lindes, an actress appearing in films such as Stranger Thoughts to Get Out (2018)^[36]; and Misha Lindes, a singer, artist, and musician who fronts the band SadGirl^[37]. The family divides time between residences in Los Angeles and London, supporting their creative endeavors.

Residences and Later Years

Following his departure from Dire Straits in the mid-1980s, Hal Lindes maintained dual residences in Los Angeles, California, and London, England, allowing him to balance transatlantic commitments in film and television composition.^[38] This arrangement supported his ongoing professional presence in both the American and British entertainment industries, where he continued to build a prolific career as a composer.^[39] In his later years, Lindes has served as president of Stamina Enterprises Ltd., a music production company with operations in the UK and US, through which he manages releases and compositions.^[40] The company has facilitated his continued creative output, including recent collaborations such as the singles "Setting It All On Fire" (2024) and "Dream" (2025) with The Sunset Donkeys, demonstrating sustained activity into the mid-2020s.^[41][42] These projects reflect a focus on independent production while emphasizing a balanced approach to his professional life. Lindes' family has maintained stability across these residences, with his daughter residing in the Los Angeles area.^[43]

Musical Works

Discography

Hal Lindes contributed to several albums during his tenure with Dire Straits from 1980 to 1985, appearing on studio, live, and compilation releases that captured the band's rock sound during the Love Over Gold era and beyond.^[44] His guitar work is featured on key recordings from this period, including both original material and live performances.^[45] With Dire Straits

• Love Over Gold (1982) – Studio album where Lindes played guitar on all tracks, contributing to the band's extended compositions.^[44]
• Twisting by the Pool (1983) – Single and EP from the ExtendedancEPlay release, featuring Lindes on guitar for the rockabilly-style track.
• Local Hero (1983) – Soundtrack album by Mark Knopfler, featuring Lindes on guitar.^[3]
• Alchemy: Dire Straits Live (1984) – Double live album recorded during the 1983 tour, showcasing Lindes' rhythm guitar in performances of hits like "Sultans of Swing."^[44]
• Money for Nothing (1988) – Compilation album including tracks from Lindes' time with the band, such as "Money for Nothing" and "Walk of Life."^[44]
• Live at the BBC (1995) – Live compilation of early BBC sessions from 1978–1981, with Lindes on select tracks post-1980 lineup change.^[46]

In his solo and collaborative work, Lindes has explored diverse genres, from production music to modern instrumental fusions, often blending guitar with electronic and orchestral elements. These releases highlight his versatility beyond rock, including contributions to high-profile artists and recent production projects.^[23] Solo and Collaborative

• Private Dancer (Tina Turner, 1984) – Contributed guitar on the title track and other songs, recorded with Dire Straits bandmates.^[47]
• Lo-Fi Chill Guitars (with Chris Constantinou, 2025) – Compilation-style album of lo-fi tracks featuring Lindes' guitar over chill beats.^[48]
• Rock It Amadeus! (with Brian Tarquin, 2025) – Instrumental album reinterpreting classical pieces like Beethoven's Fifth in a rock style, with Lindes on guitar.^[49]
• Folk Hop (with Chris Constantinou, 2024) – Fusion of folk and hip-hop elements, showcasing Lindes' acoustic and electric guitar work across 12 tracks.^[50]
• Bird EPs (with Bird/Janie Price, 2025) – Series of collaborative EPs released throughout the year, featuring Lindes' guitar and co-writing on film and artist projects.^[23]

Lindes' film scoring extends to dedicated soundtrack albums, where his compositions provide emotional depth through guitar-led scores. These releases often pair original music with selected songs for cinematic impact.^[44] Film Score Albums

• The Boys Are Back (2009 soundtrack) – Original score for the Scott Hicks film, including tracks like "The Boys Are Back" and "Water Fight," blended with songs by Sigur Rós and Ray LaMontagne.^[51]
• Reckless (1997 original score) – 11-track album of instrumental cues for the TV mini-series, emphasizing tense and introspective guitar themes.^[24]

Films

Hal Lindes has composed original scores for several feature films, often featuring his signature guitar-driven soundscapes that blend emotional depth with atmospheric tension. His film credits include:

• Joyriders (1989), a British drama directed by Joe Comerford, where Lindes provided the score.^[52]
• Girl 27 (2007), a documentary directed by David Stenn exploring Hollywood's dark history, scored by Lindes.^[53]
• The Boys Are Back (2009), directed by Scott Hicks and starring Clive Owen, for which Lindes composed the full soundtrack, earning praise for its delicate guitar work.^[25]
• The Lucky One (2012), a romantic drama directed by Scott Hicks based on Nicholas Sparks' novel, with Lindes contributing to the music department.^[26]
• Don't Do It (1994), a comedy directed by Eugene Levy.^[54]
• Lost Fare (2018), a crime thriller directed by Ryan Kruger.^[3]

Television Productions

Lindes' television work spans miniseries and episodes, contributing evocative scores to dramatic narratives.

• Drowning in the Shallow End (1989), an episode of the BBC anthology series Screen Two, directed by Nicholas Laughland, with music by Lindes.
• Albert's Memorial (2009), a BBC miniseries directed by David Richards, starring David Warner, scored by Lindes.
• Accidental Farmer (2010), a TV movie directed by Mandie Fletcher, for which Lindes composed the score.
• The Taming of the Shrew (2005, ShakespeaRe-Told adaptation), a modern TV film version of Shakespeare's play directed by Ella March, featuring Lindes' original music.^[6]
• The Syndicate (2012–2015), where Lindes provided music across multiple seasons.^[3]

Music Videos

During his tenure with Dire Straits, Lindes contributed guitar performances to several music videos, though composition credits are primarily attributed to Mark Knopfler.

• "Twisting by the Pool" (1983), a promotional video for the band's EP ExtendedancEPlay, featuring Lindes on guitar.^[55]