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Nev misses the point about Dire Straits.

WHEN DIRE STRAITS hit the charts in 1979 all my guitar-playing mates were talking about this ‘genius’ Mark Knopfler. I just didn’t get it. Clearly he had something very different to the humbucker-driven rock and punk that every other band was ladling out, but I couldn’t help thinking it sounded a bit samey. Of course I couldn’t get near to what he was playing myself, but when have such mere details stopped your average barrackroom idiot from pontificating?

However, as the band’s career progressed so did Knopfler’s style, and it quickly became apparent that there was something rather special here. Most evident to me was the craft that he brought to bear in the music, its production and indeed his own playing, which I felt was taking on a rather more sophisticated air. He was now supremely considered in his note choice; varied and interesting sounds started to emerge, even fingerstyle resonator pieces sometimes taking centre stage.

When Dire Straits folded Mark continued to produce brilliant albums, but going solo allowed the breadth of his abilities to blossom. He brought brilliant players like pedal steel legend Paul Franklin into the fold and gave his musicians the freedom to let their own talent breathe, in turn lifting the music and its leader ever higher. The ‘one-trick-pony’ I’d misjudged from Sultans Of Swing and Lady Writer had become the master of musical expression.

He’s a generous musician, too, and will happily share what he knows. Some years back I did a cover feature interview with Mark for Guitarist. He was unwell that day but braved my inquisition and the intrusive cameras anyway. I’d taken a work experience lad to help out and, in a break between the interview and the photo shoot he blurted: “Mark, can you show me the fast run-down lick in Calling Elvis?” Oh for the ground to swallow me whole! But, without a whisper Knopfler called him over, sat him down, picked up his blonde ’59 ES-335 and went through the whole thing note by note. Now, this is an A-list superstar and yet there he was, feeling crap but giving our lad a guitar lesson money couldn’t buy, and a memory that will stay with him a lifetime. Enjoy our own Knopfler feature, and I’ll see you next month.