Mark Knopfler, the voice and guitar behind Dire Straits, has held a candid approach toward his own music and fame. However, a 1992 interview with Knopfler revealed a more introspective look into his time with the band. Sharing insights that may surprise some, the musician admitted he fooled their fanbase.
During a telephone interview in 1992, while on a two-year tour, Knopfler shared his light-hearted approach to music. Expressing a preference for working with individuals who can see the lighter side of situations, he remarked:
“I think one of the most important things when you have a band is humor. If you don’t have a sense of humor, you might as well pack it in and go home. Not just jokes and silly pranks with the guys, but seeing the light side of a situation and keeping a balance. I think I’d rather work as a gravedigger than with someone who takes everything too seriously.”
But it was his admission about his singing that caught many off guard. The frontman confessed:
“Well, I can’t sing. I just get up there and mumble. But I’m glad people like it. I’ll keep fooling them as long as I can.”
However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for the guitarist. Knopfler admitted to considering leaving Dire Straits about three to four years prior to the interview. He explained:
“There was a period there, three or four years ago, when I almost `knocked it on the head,’ didn’t want to carry on with the band. But the call of the concert scene was too strong. You get so you just miss it.”
Dire Straits’ career timeline explains Knopfler’s thoughts about fame. Let’s take a look at some of their career highlights to understand why he considered leaving the band at that time.
Why Did Dire Straits Split?
Dire Straits headlined the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert in 1988 at Wembley Stadium alongside Elton John and Eric Clapton. However, just months later, Knopfler announced the official end of Dire Straits, taking time off and later forming the Notting Hillbillies in 1989.
By 1991, Dire Straits reformed, releasing their album ‘On Every Street.’ Though the album found commercial success, it was met with mixed reviews. The following world tour, consisting of 300 shows, would be their last.
In more recent conversations, Knopfler expressed his discomfort with the magnitude of fame the band achieved. He described the experience of seeing unfamiliar faces on tour and feeling disconnected from the immense operation that Dire Straits had become. Though he found joy in the music and its impact on listeners, the pressure of fame weighed heavily on him.
Knopfler On Reuniting Dire Straits One Day
Despite persistent fan hope and rumors of a reunion, Knopfler has remained firm in his stance against reforming Dire Straits. He’s quoted as saying it ‘just got too big.’ Although former bassist John Illsley has shown interest in a reunion, Knopfler has only ever hinted at one possible condition for it:
“I would only do that for a charity. I’m glad I’ve experienced it all – I had a lot of fun with it – but I like things the way they are.”
Knopfler’s solo career post-Dire Straits has been productive, with nine studio albums to his credit. His 2018 album, ‘Down the Road Wherever,’ led to speculations of it being his final tour. However, Knopfler reassured fans, indicating he would continue to perform live, though no upcoming events are currently scheduled.
