- "Fame is just a waste product". Mark Knopfler turns 75.
His musical style is unmistakable. The distinctive, soft guitar sound and the warm, gentle baritone voice of Mark Knopfler are instantly recognizable on most of his recordings - whether it's global hits like "Lady Writer" or "Brothers In Arms" from his former band Dire Straits, or songs from his latest solo album "One Deep River".
Today, the British guitarist and singer, born in Glasgow but raised in the Newcastle area, turns 75. Ahead of his birthday, Mark Knopfler hints that he plans to scale back his professional commitments in the future.
His own studio as a comfort zone
Knopfler is particularly happy in his own studio. Located in the western part of London, in the Chiswick neighborhood, the British Grove Studios have seen artists like Chris de Burgh, Ronan Keating, Eric Clapton, and the Rolling Stones record their albums here, as well as Knopfler himself.
British Grove is his "happy place", his comfort zone, as the musician tells the German Press Agency in an interview, surrounded by old and modern equipment, mixing consoles, and many instruments. This is especially true when he's working on new music with his band. His eyes light up when he talks about his music and his studio, despite looking a bit tired.
"I sit here and the band sits over there on the sofa," he recalls enthusiastically. "I play them a song, and while I'm playing it, Glenn Worf writes down the notes." The renowned bassist has been working with Knopfler for decades, appearing on all his albums and as part of his live band.
Working like a film director
After that, Knopfler lets his musicians do their thing. "My method is not to disturb a band of this caliber," he explains. He keeps his comments to a minimum. "You have to be somewhat restrained to be effective. It's like working with two or three great actors. How would you approach that? You wouldn't want to get in their way." The bandleader sees himself as a team player.
Not interfering too much was something he had to learn, the former Dire Straits frontman admits. "When I didn't know what I was doing, I did that more often," he says with a laugh. "I think I've just learned to trust really good musicians."
Worldwide success with Dire Straits
Knopfler became known in the late 70s with Dire Straits, which he founded with his brother David in 1977. Their debut album, featuring the hit single "Sultans Of Swing", was a huge success in 1978. Knopfler's precise fingerstyle technique and intelligent, often poetic lyrics characterized their music.
Their fifth studio album "Brothers In Arms" made Dire Straits global superstars in 1985. With around 30 million copies sold, it's one of the best-selling albums in music history. Songs like "Money For Nothing" or "Walk Of Life" are still regularly heard on the radio. Knopfler didn't expect this, though. "No, it was like any other album," he says calmly.
The fame became too much for him. Rumors that he wore his red headband to avoid being recognized when he took it off make him laugh. "No, it was just about the sweat. The lights were so hot back then," he says amused. "I was sweating buckets. When the new lights came, I didn't need it anymore."
Die Dire Straits played massive tours, filled football stadiums, performed at the legendary Live Aid and the concert for Nelson Mandela. But for Mark Knopfler, it all became a bit too much. "I wasn't made for that," says the British musician who usually shuns the spotlight. "We didn't even want to play in stadiums. It's just too much, too much of everything."
The pop star life, which he parodies in "Money For Nothing," didn't suit the private 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 focus on private life
A year later, his first solo album "Golden Heart" was released. Into 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 latest solo album, "One Deep River," was released after a six-year break. On it, he sings about the River Tyne and his old hometown Newcastle, which still holds a special place in his heart. Privately, the father of four has been living in London with his third wife for a long time.
Return to the stage uncertain
His fans might not have to wait too long for new music. For "One Deep River," the band recorded far more songs than could fit on the album. "I'm always coming up with ideas," says Knopfler. "We probably need to release an EP. I don't know if people still make many EPs these days. But it's like an album with four tracks and its own thematic focus."
Writing songs is much more important to him than performing. He ended his last tour in 2019. The guitarist and singer doesn't feel the urge to return to the stage. When asked if and when he will give concerts again, he dismisses the idea with a laugh. "I don't think so," says Mark Knopfler with a slight smile. "I'm too old."
In addition to his successful solo career, Mark Knopfler is also recognized for his contributions to The United Kingdom's music scene as a founding member and lead guitarist of Dire Straits, a band that achieved worldwide fame with hits like "Money For Nothing" and "Brothers In Arms."
Despite hinting at a decrease in professional commitments, Mark Knopfler's studio in the western part of London, known as British Grove Studios, remains a comfort zone for him, hosting numerous critically acclaimed musicians and serving as the base for his creative process.
