MARK KNOPFLER IN CONCERT:
From his days fronting iconic British rock group Dire Straits to his multi-platinum solo career, Mark Knopfler has remained a celebrated songwriter and guitar god beloved for his melodic sense and unique fingerpicking style. Knopfler has been touring regularly since the late ’70, and the decades of experience show – his concerts are dynamic, career-spanning affairs that take audiences on a hit-filled musical journey anchored by his world-wise voice and subtly executed riffs. Whether he’s performing Dire Straits favorites like “Money for Nothing” or singing solo cuts from 2015’s Tracker – several of which were inspired by a trip with Bob Dylan – Knopfler always brings the house down with his electric energy, virtuosic guitar playing, and time-honored showmanship.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Mark Knopfler was born in Glasgow, Scotland, where he was inspired by his musician uncle to take up the guitar as a child. He formed several bands in his teens, and at age 16 he made his first TV appearance performing as a duo with a schoolmate. After receiving a degree in English from the University of Leeds he relocated to London, where he worked as a lecturer at a local college while moonlighting as a guitar player in various bands. In 1977 he formed Dire Straits with his brother David, and the following year the band released their self-titled debut album to a Top 5 spot on the UK Albums Chart. Their next two albums were equally popular, but it was their fifth album -- 1985's Brothers in Arms – that really established them as international superstars. The album topped charts around the world, selling more than 30 million copies and earning the band their first US No. 1 with “Money for Nothing”. After touring in support of the release the band went on hiatus while Knopfler pursued other projects. The band reunited in 1991 to release one final album On Every Street before breaking up again for good in 1995. Knopfler made his solo debut the following year with Golden Heart, a critically acclaimed collection that was followed by a string of well-received albums in the ‘90s and ‘00s. In addition to his rock output, Knoplfer is a respected film composer who has scored more than a half dozen films including The Princess Bride (1987) and Wag the Dog (1997). In 2015 he released his ninth solo album Tracker, drumming up excitement among fans for his next round on the road.