News Archives: 2017
Compiled by Terry Kilburn
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
December 12, 2017
Dire Straits to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for Cleveland, Ohio, on April 18, 2018.
COMMENTStarcards Xmas Auction 2017
December 2, 2017
The two Mark Knopfler Starcards featured in the 2017 Starcards Celebrity Signatures Xmas auction raised a combined total of £500. All proceeds from the Starcards auction go to London’s Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.
Thanks to all bidders and congratulations to the lucky winners.
COMMENT
Farewell to Fats Domino
October 26, 2017
Farewell to Fats Domino, one of the great rock ’n roll pioneers. Fats Domino was playing boogie woogie piano long before that music was given the ‘rock ’n roll’ name. His songs are classics which influenced dozens of artists. He will never be forgotten. MK
COMMENTMark on new Tommy Emmanuel CD
October 21, 2017
Mark is among the guest artists featured on Accomplice One, Tommy Emmanuel’s new album. Mark and Tommy perform together on a track written by Mark called You Don’t Want To Get You One Of Those.
Accomplice One is scheduled for release January 19th, 2018, on CGP Sounds
COMMENTJohn Illsley – UK tour
October 6, 2017
John Illsley, founder member of Dire Straits and along with Mark for the whole ride, is embarking on his first tour of the UK in over three years, with a brand new band including Robbie McIntosh and Paul Stacey on guitar duties.
Playing many of the much loved Dire Straits classics and other songs from John’s recent albums Long Shadows and Testing the Water John says:
“The new songs fit very comfortably next to the Dire Straits classics which we keep alive with the right energy and feeling; this is not a tribute band, we leave the note for note playing to others.”
This 17 date tour takes John and his band the length and breadth of the UK.
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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
October 5, 2017
Dire Straits has been nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame offers fans the opportunity to participate officially in the induction selection process. Beginning Oct. 5 and continuing through 11:59 p.m. EST on Dec. 5, 2017, fans can visit rockhall.com/vote to cast votes for who they believe to be most deserving of induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The top five artists, as selected by the public, will comprise a “fans’ ballot” that will be tallied along with the other ballots to choose the 2018 inductees. Fans will need to login with a Facebook account or email to vote. Voting is capped at one ballot per day.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2018 Inductees will be announced in December 2017.
COMMENTMike Neville – North East Legend
September 9, 2017
Mark appeared on ITV’s Tyne Tess regional news show this week to pay tribute to legendary North East TV presenter, Mike Neville.
COMMENT
Inside Out
September 7, 2017
Mark recently appeared on BBC TV’s regional show, Inside Out. talking about the inspiration behind the song Sailing to Philadelphia.
See it here
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Mark helps launch International Busking Day
July 23, 2017
Friday 21st July saw Mark unveil one of two specially liveried London buses being used to promote International Busking Day (22nd July) and the Lord Mayor of London’s Gigs annual young buskers competition.
Mark is pictured with buskers Kal Lavelle,
Jay Johnson and Modupe Obasola
The Mayor’s young buskers competition, held in association with Gibson guitars, turns some of the captial’s busiest and most iconic locations into stages for upcoming musical talent, including, St Paul’s Cathedral, major rail stations, Westfield London, London Underground, Wembley Park, Battersea Power Station and Trafalgar Square.
Mark says, “With so many smaller pub and club venues in London and other cities around the world falling victim to gentrification and rising rents it is more important than ever that enlightened civic authorities actively promote live music and performance in public places. It’s good to see the Mayor of London taking this initiative with Gibson Guitars.”
more on Gigs/International Busking Day
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