Famous guitarist Mark Knopfler comes for first time in Romania next year

Mark Knopfler, the founder, songwriter, guitarist and singer of the band “Dire Straits,” will perform in Romania next spring. The show is scheduled for April 25, 2013, at Sala Palatului.

Mark Knoplfer first appeared on stage at the beginning of the 70s, later founding the band “Dire Straits” in 1977. With Mark (voice and guitar), his brother David Knopfler (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), John Illslay (bass guitar and backing vocals) and Pick Withers (drums and percussion), the band had it own distinct sound with jazz, folk and blues influences. The band launched six studio albums, such as “Brothers in Arms” (1985) which had a huge success, selling 120 million copies.

The line-up of musicians Mark has been gathering around him since the mid-90s includes Guy Fletcher (keyboards), Richard Bennett (guitar), Jim Cox (piano), Glenn Worf (bass), Mike McGoldrick (whistle and flute) and John McCusker (fiddle) with the recent addition of the fantastic Ian Thomas (drums). Special guests included Paul Franklin (pedal steel), Phil Cunningham (accordion) and Tim O’Brien (mandolin). Ruth Moody of rising roots band The Wailin’ Jennys contributed her distinctive vocals.

The band received many awards during the time they performed, four Grammys, three Brit Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards for songs like “Sultans of Swing”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Tunnel of Love” and “Walk of Life”. One of their biggest hits, ‘Money for Nothing’, was the first song aired on MTV Europe, when the channel began broadcasts in 1987. After a few changes of members, the band broke up in in 1995, Mark Knopfler went solo and had success with albums and songs written for films like “local Hero”, “Cal” or “The Princess Bride”.

The latest album of the guitarist is “Privateering,” his first double album in a 35-year recording career. The album consists of 20 tracks of consummately crafted folk, blues, country and rock originals reflect the creative exuberance of an artist whose exceptional abilities were recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Ivor Novellos. He has performed live in front of countless millions. He has collaborated with artists such as Bob Dylan, Randy Newman, Emmylou Harris and Van Morrison. He has composed distinctive soundtracks for such classic films as Local Hero, The Princess Bride, Last Exit to Brooklyn and Wag the Dog. He has been regularly acclaimed as one of the greatest guitarists in the world. But what he sees himself as, first and foremost, is a songwriter.

The tickets will be put on sale on September 13, available on www.myticket.ro, and also in Diverta, Muzica Shop, bookshop Mihai Eminescu and Sala Palatului, with prices between RON 130 and RON 595.

Oana Vasiliu