Proceeds are donated to various charities, including the Red Cross, wildlife advocates Tusk, and non-profit children’s organization Brave Hearts of the North East.
The guitars of the leader Dire Straits, Mark Knopflersold for more than $11 million at auction, much more than had been estimated.
More than 120 Knopfler guitars and amplifiers, including the 1983 Gibson Les Paul he used for recording “Money For Nothing” and “Brothers In Arms”which was also played at the iconic concert Live Aid of 1985, they were sold at 25% of the price. Proceeds are donated to various charities, including the Red Cross, wildlife advocates Tusk, and non-profit children’s organization Brave Hearts of the North East.
According to the BBC, the auction, which took place at Christie’s in London on Wednesday, January 31, involved bidders and buyers from 61 countries, with the final total, including the buyer’s premium, confirmed at $11,260,000.
The iconic musician was able to set a new auction record with his 1959 Vintage Gibson Les Paul Standard, which sold for $880,000, making it the highest sale for that specific guitar model.
Mark Knopfler’s statement after the auction
“I’m very pleased that these much-loved instruments are finding new players and new songs, as well as raising money for charities that mean a lot to me,” Knopfler said of the auction (according to BBC).
He continued: “It has been heartwarming to witness how much these guitars mean to so many people and I am also pleased that they will continue to bring joy to so many through the songs recorded with me over the years.
Other pieces sold include a 1988 Pensa-Suhr MK-1 that Knopfler played at Knopfler’s 70th birthday tribute concert. Nelson Mandela at Wembley Stadium and his Red Schecter Telecaster, which the musician bought in 1984 to record the hit song “Walk Of Life”.
The 1988 Pensa-Suhr MK-1 sold for $650,000 and the Red Schecter Telecaster sold for $530,000, a couple hundred thousand more than their estimated prices of $10,000 and $7,000.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
