For Mark Knopfler, “fame is just a waste product”
Published: Tuesday, Aug 6th 2024, 11:10
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As the frontman of Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler rose to global stardom. But the fame became too much for him. He began a solo career. The guitarist and singer wants to retire from the stage. He turns 75 on Monday.
Mark Knopfler's musical style is unmistakable: a distinctive, soft guitar sound and a warm, gentle baritone voice. This makes him instantly recognizable on most of his recordings - whether they are global hits such as "Lady Writer" or "Brothers In Arms" by his former band Dire Straits or songs from his latest solo album "One Deep River".
The British guitarist and singer turns 75 on August 12. He was born in Glasgow and grew up in the Newcastle area. Ahead of his birthday, Mark Knopfler hints that he wants to take a step back professionally in the future.
Studio as a feel-good place
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 Deutsche Presse-Agentur. He sits between old and modern equipment, small and large mixing consoles and many instruments. "Happy place" is especially true when he is working on new music with his band. He looks a little tired, but when he talks about his music and his studio, his eyes light up.
"I sit there and the band sits on the sofa above me," 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.
Afterwards, Knopfler simply 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 reasonably restrained 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 bandleader sees himself as a team player.
However, the former Dire Straits frontman says he had to learn that first. "I think I just learned to trust really good musicians."
Global success with Dire Straits
Knopfler became famous with Dire Straits in the late 70s. He founded the band together with his brother David in 1977. Their debut album with the hit single "Sultans Of Swing" was a huge success in 1978. Knopfler's precise fingerstyle technique and the intelligent, often poetic lyrics characterized the music.
Their fifth studio album "Brothers In Arms" finally made Dire Straits global stars in 1985. With around 30 million copies sold, it is one of the most successful albums in music history. Songs such as "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 rejects rumours that he only wore it to avoid being recognized when he took it off. "No, it was all about the sweat. The headlights were so hot back then," he says with amusement. "I sweated gallons and gallons. When the new headlights came in, I didn't need to do that anymore."
Dire Straits played huge tours, filled stadiums, performed at the legendary Live Aid and at the concert for Nelson Mandela. For Mark Knopfler's taste, however, it was all a bit too big. "I wasn't cut out for it," says the Brit, who otherwise avoids the limelight. "We didn't even want to perform in stadiums. It's just too much, too much of everything."
Being a pop star, 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 by-product." He disbanded the group in 1995.
Solo career and private life
His first solo album "Golden Heart" was released a year later. Mark Knopfler's music, which always radiates calm and relaxation, incorporates folk, country, Americana and other styles alongside rock'n'roll.
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 long lived in London with his third wife.
His fans may not have to wait too long for new music. Because the band recorded far more songs for "One Deep River" than would fit on the album. "I have ideas all the time," says Knopfler. "We'll probably have to put out another EP. I don't know if people produce many EPs these days. But it's like a record with four tracks and its own thematic focus."
Songwriting is much more important to him than performing. He ended his last tour in 2019, having 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."
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