Mark Knopfler’s Enduring Love for Guitars: An Interview and Exhibition Preview
Renowned musician, singer-songwriter, and guitar legend Mark Knopfler recently sat down with music journalist Paul Sexton to discuss his lifelong love affair with guitars and his upcoming exhibition, The Mark Knopfler Guitar Collection, which will be on view from 19-30 January 2024 at Christie’s King Street in London. Knopfler, celebrated as the driving creative force behind Dire Straits and an influential solo artist, has long been admired for his unique fingerstyle technique and signature guitar sound. Now, he is ready to showcase a carefully curated collection of guitars that have not only shaped his career but also hold significant personal memories and musical history.
For Knopfler, guitars are more than mere instruments. Each piece in his collection tells a story about his journey as an artist, the evolution of his sound, and the friendships he’s forged along the way. In this in-depth conversation with Sexton, Knopfler delves into the profound impact that guitars have had on his music, how they became extensions of his voice, and why he feels it’s time to share these cherished pieces with the public. The collection will culminate in a live auction on 31 January at Christie’s, where fans and collectors alike will have the rare opportunity to own a piece of music history.
The Origins of a Lifelong Passion
Knopfler’s fascination with guitars began at a young age. Growing up in Newcastle upon Tyne, he was captivated by the sounds of early rock and roll, blues, and folk music. He recalls the thrill of discovering artists like Hank Marvin and Buddy Holly, whose guitar-driven sounds ignited his passion for playing. “There was something about the way they played—the magic of the guitar that felt almost otherworldly,” he told Sexton. “It was like listening to someone tell a story without words, and I wanted to be able to tell stories like that too.”
Knopfler acquired his first guitar as a teenager, an instrument that he used to explore his early musical interests and develop his unique playing style. His now-famous fingerpicking technique emerged from a desire to create sounds that were both melodic and percussive, a style inspired by blues guitarists and folk players he admired. “Fingerpicking gave me more control,” Knopfler explains. “It’s like having a closer connection to the strings and being able to shape the sound directly.”
The Evolution of Knopfler’s Sound Through His Guitars
As his career took off with Dire Straits in the late 1970s, Knopfler’s guitars became as iconic as his music. His 1961 Fender Stratocaster, affectionately known as “the Strat,” is a prime example. This guitar, which fans can see up close at the Christie’s exhibition, was integral to creating the sound on tracks like “Sultans of Swing.” Knopfler explains that the Strat’s versatility allowed him to experiment and bring out the nuances in his compositions. “It’s an instrument that responded to my playing style,” he said. “I could get both the warmth and the bite I needed.”
Beyond the Strat, Knopfler’s collection features a range of instruments that reflect his evolving tastes and musical exploration. His National Style O resonator guitar, featured on the cover of Brothers in Arms, became one of the most recognizable instruments in rock history. The exhibition will also include guitars he used in his solo projects, as well as acoustic and electric models that he played during sessions with other legendary artists like Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Tina Turner.
Personal Stories Behind Each Guitar
For Knopfler, each guitar in his collection holds personal memories. “They’re like old friends,” he shared with Sexton. “Some have been with me through incredible experiences, onstage and off.” He describes his Gibson Les Paul Standard, a guitar he used extensively during the Making Movies era, as “a powerhouse of sound” that brought a new level of depth to Dire Straits’ music. “That guitar has been through countless rehearsals, tours, and recordings. It’s worn and a bit battered, but that’s part of its charm,” Knopfler noted.
The collection also includes unique one-off models made specifically for Knopfler. Among these is a custom-made Pensa MK1, a guitar that became synonymous with his post-Dire Straits solo career. This guitar was designed to his exact specifications and became a staple of his live performances. “The Pensa MK1 was a collaboration that represented my musical shift after Dire Straits,” Knopfler said. “It’s a beautifully crafted instrument that gave me a new palette of sounds to explore.”
The Decision to Share His Collection with the World
When asked why he decided to put this collection on display and up for auction, Knopfler explained that he wanted to give fans a chance to experience the guitars that had been such a pivotal part of his journey. “Guitars are meant to be played, to be heard, to be loved,” he said. “I think it’s time for these instruments to find new homes, with people who will appreciate them as much as I have.”
Knopfler admits that parting with his guitars is bittersweet, but he’s excited about the possibility of them inspiring new musicians and collectors. “It’s a way of giving back to the music community,” he added. “These guitars have given me so much, and I want them to continue bringing joy and inspiration to others.”
The Exhibition and Auction Details
The Mark Knopfler Guitar Collection will be on view at Christie’s King Street, London, from 19-30 January 2024, allowing fans to see the guitars up close and appreciate the craftsmanship and history behind each one. Knopfler himself will be present for select events during the exhibition period, sharing stories and insights about his guitars and his journey as a musician.
The live auction will take place on 31 January 2024 at 1 pm GMT, and Christie’s anticipates that interest will be high, not only among guitar collectors but also among fans of Knopfler and rock music history. “This isn’t just an auction,” said one Christie’s representative. “It’s a celebration of an artist whose music has touched millions and whose guitars are as much a part of that legacy as his songs.”
Mark Knopfler’s Enduring Legacy
Mark Knopfler’s impact on the music world is undeniable. His innovative playing style and timeless compositions have earned him a place among the most respected musicians of his generation. The upcoming exhibition and auction of The Mark Knopfler Guitar Collection provide a unique opportunity to experience a part of his legacy firsthand. For fans and collectors alike, owning one of Knopfler’s guitars means owning a piece of rock history, a tangible connection to an artist whose music continues to inspire.
As Knopfler reflects on his life with guitars, he expresses gratitude for the journey and excitement for the next chapter. “Music has been my life, and these guitars have been a big part of that life,” he concluded. “I’m grateful for every note I’ve played, every song I’ve written, and every moment these guitars have given me. And now, I look forward to seeing where they go next.”
