News Archives: 2021
Compiled by Terry Kilburn
Mark Knopfler – The Studio Albums 1996-2007
July 28, 2021
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Mark’s debut solo release Golden Heart in 1996, a new box set, Mark Knopfler – The Studio Albums 1996-2007, will be released on 1st October Worldwide, and 10th December in the US.
The box will be released on vinyl across 11 LPs, and on CD over 6 discs, featuring Mark’s first five studio albums as a solo artist:
• Golden Heart – first time ever on vinyl
• Sailing To Philadelphia – first time ever on vinyl
• The Ragpicker’s Dream
• Shangri-La
• Kill To Get Crimson
• Plus – an exclusive bonus disc of studio b-sides from this period, entitled Gravy Train: The B-Sides 1996-2007
The audio of each album has been newly remastered by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios in London.
The LPs will be pressed on 180g black vinyl, and the box set will include a download card, plus 6 embossed art prints of each album cover.
The CD set will come housed in a deluxe clamshell box with the CDs in wallets with folded double-sided printed inserts, plus 6 beautiful art cards of each album cover.
New t-shirts and vinyl slip mats are also now available to pre-order exclusively from the MarkKnopfler.com online store.
Pre-order box sets and merchandise here: https://shop.markknopfler.com/product-category/the-studio-albums/
COMMENTUnder The Volcano
July 19, 2021
Mark will be featured speaking about the recording of Brothers In Arms in ‘Under The Volcano’ – a new documentary about Sir George Martin’s AIR Studios in Montserrat, where some of the world’s biggest recording artists made music that defined an era.
The film will be available to rent or buy from 26th July. For more information and to pre-order, head to: https://www.underthevolcanomovie.com
*US release date: 17th August. Australia/New Zealand: 1st September.
Streets of London Prize Draw
June 11, 2021
Mark has donated a signed 2011 Fender Signature Stratocaster in aid of the Streets of London #ComeOnHome fundraiser.
People experiencing homelessness are some of the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society, and the last year has been a particularly tough time for them. Centres across London are doing all they can to keep providing support despite being hard-hit by a loss of funding. By entering this special prize draw you will help raise vital funds to support homeless people.
Tickets are £5 per entry and can be purchased until Friday 25th June, worldwide.
For more information and to purchase tickets: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/win-mark-knopfler-stratocaster
COMMENTOnline Charity Raffles: Update
June 7, 2021
Zoe’s Place raffles – the winners
BIA half speed vinyl album signed by Mark and Guy raised
£477 for Zoe’s Place. Congratulations to winner Isabella L
from Italy.
John Illsley Gold Disc Award raised £1685 for Zoe’s Place.
Congratulations to winner Alex R from London, UK.
Special thanks to Mark, Guy and John.
100% of proceeds go to Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice,
Middlesbrough, UK.
The Princess Bride in Concert
June 3, 2021
Mark’s original score for the beloved film, ’The Princess Bride’, has been newly orchestrated and will have its world premiere on 31st July at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Performed live-to-picture by the renowned Los Angeles Philharmonic, and conducted by David Newman, this is set to be a magical evening under the stars. Tickets and information here:
Encores vinyl update
June 1, 2021
Dire Straits’ live EP ‘Encores’ for Record Store Day 2021 will now be released on Black Friday. Originally released in 1993, this limited edition reissue has been newly remastered and pressed on beautiful pink vinyl. This release also comes with an exclusive embossed lithograph – well worth waiting for. Save the date and get a copy from your local independent retailer on November 26th. https://RecordStoreDay.lnk.to/StoresEM
Bogus Instagram Accounts
May 12, 2021
A friendly reminder to all Mark Knopfler fans that the only official and legitimate Mark Knopfler social media accounts bear the blue verification tick:
Fake and imitation profiles are an unfortunate inevitability online, but you should always remain vigilant. If you receive a direct message from anyone purporting to be Mark, and at any point asking you for money, we recommend that you do not reply to them. Block and report the account through the relevant social media platform’s reporting process.
COMMENTGolden Heart 25th Anniversary
March 24, 2021
To celebrate 25 years of Mark’s debut solo album ‘Golden Heart’, watch his 1996 ‘A Night In London’ concert in its entirety, this Friday 26th March. The full concert will be available to watch on Mark’s YouTube channel from 5pm GMT / 10am PT for 48 hours only. Subscribe and set a reminder here
LH & BIA half speed mastered vinyl
March 19, 2021
Mark’s debut film soundtrack for Local Hero and Dire Straits’ record-breaking Brothers In Arms are out today on half-speed mastered vinyl. Both albums have been remastered by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios, and are pressed on 180gsm black vinyl.
Originally released in 1983, the Local Hero soundtrack went on to be nominated for the BAFTA award for Best Score for a Film in 1984. The album’s signature theme tune Going Home is played before every home game of Mark’s home team, Newcastle United FC.
Order your copies of both half-speed masters here. [link: https://direstraits.lnk.to/HalfSpeedMastersEM]
To celebrate the Dire Straits Brothers In Arms half-speed master release today, stream on Spotify on your mobile to explore a new visual experience for the album, featuring new Canvas and Storylines giving insight into each song.
[LINK: https://direstraits.lnk.to/BIASpotifyEM]
COMMENTChris Barber
March 6, 2021
‘Trombonist Chris Barber, who passed away on March 2nd, aged 90 was a pivotal figure in the shaping of modern rock music, from playing bass on the first British rock record, Rock Island Line with Lonnie Donegan in 1954, to organising tours of the U.K. by many major US blues artists.
I have happy memories of getting to know Chris as well as playing with him when he was a guest of The Notting Hillbillies at Ronnie Scott’s in 1998.’
MK
COMMENT