Keystone
As the frontman of Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler became a global star. But the fame became too much for him. He started a solo career. The guitarist and singer wants to retire from the stage. Today he turns 75.
Mark Knopfler’s musical style is unmistakable: a distinctive, soft guitar sound and a warm, gentle baritone voice. This makes him immediately recognizable on most of his recordings – whether it’s global hits like “Lady Writer” or “Brothers In Arms” by his former band Dire Straits or songs from his current solo album “One Deep River”.
He was born in Glasgow and grew up in the greater Newcastle area. On the eve of his birthday, Mark Knopfler hinted that he would like to take a step back from his career in the future.
Studio as a place of well-being
Knopfler is particularly happy in his own studio. The British Grove Studios are located in the west London district of Chiswick. In recent years, Chris de Burgh, Ronan Keating, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones, among others, have recorded their albums in this inconspicuous building in a narrow side street. And Knopfler.
British Grove is his “happy place,” says the musician in an interview with the German Press Agency. He sits between old and modern equipment, small and large mixing desks and many instruments. “Happy place” applies above all when he is working on new music with his band. He 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 above me on the sofa,” he says enthusiastically. “I play them a song and while I play, Glenn Worf writes down the notes.” The renowned bassist has worked with Knopfler for decades, has played on every one of his albums and is part of his live band at concerts.
After that, Knopfler just 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 big actors. How would you go about that? You don’t want to get in their way.” The band leader sees himself as a team player.
However, he had to learn that first, says the former Dire Straits frontman. “I think I just learned to trust really good musicians.”
Global success with Dire Straits
Knopfler became famous in the late 1970s with Dire Straits. He founded the band in 1977 together with his brother David. Their 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 shaped the music.
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.
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 if he took it off. “No, it was just 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 stadiums, performed at the legendary Live Aid and the concert for Nelson Mandela. But the whole thing got a bit too big for Mark Knopfler’s taste. “I wasn’t made for it,” says the Brit, who usually avoids the limelight. “We didn’t even want to play in stadiums. It’s just too much, too much of everything.”
The pop star existence, which he makes fun of in “Money For Nothing,” did not suit the publicity-shy family man. “Success is great because it gives you the opportunity to do things like build this studio,” says Knopfler. “Fame is just a byproduct.” In 1995 he disbanded the group.
Solo career and private life
A year later, his first solo album, “Golden Heart,” was released. Mark Knopfler’s music, which always exudes calm and relaxation, includes rock’n’roll, 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 hometown 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.
His fans probably won’t 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 these days. But it’s like a record with four tracks and its own thematic focus.”
Songwriting is obviously more important to him than performing. He finished his last tour in 2019, during which he also performed at the Hallenstadion in Zurich. 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 smile. “I’m too old.”
SDA
