As the frontman of Dire Straits, he became a global star. But the fame became too much for Mark Knopfler and he began a solo career. The guitarist and singer wants to retire from the stage.
His musical style is unmistakable. Mark Knopfler’s distinctive, soft guitar sound and warm, gentle baritone voice are immediately recognizable on most of his recordings – whether it’s world hits like “Lady Writer” or “Brothers In Arms” by his former band Dire Straits or songs from his most recent solo album “One Deep River”.
Today, the British guitarist and singer, who was born in Glasgow but grew up in the greater Newcastle area, turns 75. Ahead of his birthday, Mark Knopfler hints that he wants to take a step back from his career in the future.
Your own studio as a place of well-being
Knopfler is particularly happy in his own studio. The British Grove Studios are located in the Chiswick district of West London. In recent years, Chris de Burgh, Ronan Keating, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones, among others, have recorded their albums in the inconspicuous building in a narrow side street. And Knopfler himself.
British Grove is his “happy place,” the musician says in an interview with the German Press Agency, as he sits between old and modern equipment, small and large mixing desks and many instruments. This is especially true when he is working on new music with his band. His expression seems a little tired, but when he talks about his music and his studio, his eyes light up.
“I sit there and the band sits across from me on the sofa,” he says enthusiastically. “I play them a song and while I play it, Glenn Worf writes down the notes.” The renowned bassist has worked with Knopfler for decades, played on every one of his albums and is part of his live band at concerts.
Work like a film director
Knopfler then lets his musicians do their thing. “My method is not to disturb a band of this caliber,” he explains. He limits himself to a few comments. “You have to be somewhat reserved to be effective. It’s like being a director working with two or three great actors. How would you approach that? You don’t want to get in their way.” The band leader sees himself as a team player.
The former frontman of Dire Straits says he had to learn not to interfere too much. “When I didn’t know what I was doing, I did that more often,” he admits. “I think I just learned to trust really good musicians.”
Global success with Dire Straits
Knopfler became famous with Dire Straits in the late 1970s. He founded the band with his brother David in 1977. The debut album with the hit single “Sultans Of Swing” was a huge success in 1978. Knopfler’s precise fingerstyle technique and intelligent, often poetic lyrics made the music stand out.
Their fifth studio album “Brothers In Arms” made Dire Straits into global stars in 1985. With around 30 million copies sold, it is one of the most successful albums in music history. Songs like “Money For Nothing” and “Walk Of Life” can still be heard regularly on the radio today. Knopfler had not expected this. “No, it was like any other album,” he says calmly.
Fame became too much for him
Knopfler’s red headband or sweatband became his visual trademark at the time. He laughingly dismisses rumors that he only wore it so that he wouldn’t be recognized when he took it off. “No, it was just about the sweat. The headlights were so hot back then,” he says amusedly. “I sweated liters. When the new headlights came, I didn’t need that anymore.”
Dire Straits played huge tours, filled football stadiums, performed at the legendary Live Aid and at the concert for Nelson Mandela. But it was all too big for Mark Knopfler’s taste. “I wasn’t made for it,” says the Brit, who otherwise avoids the limelight. “We didn’t want to perform in stadiums. It’s just too much, too much of everything.”
The pop star existence, which he makes fun of in “Money For Nothing,” was not for the publicity-shy family man. “Success is great because it gives you the opportunity to do things like build that studio,” says Knopfler. “Fame is just a byproduct.” In 1995 he disbanded the group.
Solo career and focus on private life
A year later, his first solo album, “Golden Heart,” was released. In his music, which always exudes a certain calm and pleasant relaxation, Mark Knopfler incorporated not only rock’n’roll but also folk, country, Americana and other styles.
His tenth and most recent solo album, “One Deep River”, was released after a six-year break. On it he sings about the River Tyne and his old home of Newcastle, which is still very close to his heart. In his private life, however, the father of four has been living in London with his third wife for a long time.
Return to the stage doubtful
His fans may not have to wait too long for new music. For “One Deep River” the band recorded far more songs than fit on the album. “I’m always coming up with ideas,” says Knopfler. “We probably need to put out another EP. I don’t know if people make many EPs anymore. But it’s like a record with four tracks and its own thematic focus.”
Songwriting is much more important to him than performing. He finished his last tour in 2019. The guitarist and singer does not feel the urge to return to the stage. When asked when and if he will give concerts again, he waves it off. “I don’t think so,” says Mark Knopfler with a slight grin. “I’m too old.”
Source: Stern
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.
