A Mark In Time

Mark Knopfler Discussion => Mark Knopfler Discussion Forum => Topic started by: PWE on May 23, 2017, 07:54:25 AM

Title: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: PWE on May 23, 2017, 07:54:25 AM
Just wondering if anyone has ever met Mark and got to talk guitars with him ? I would be interested to hear your stories :)
Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: jbaent on May 23, 2017, 08:38:46 AM
Nowadays is quite difficult as he goes in and out of the venues inside a car, but he usually stops to sign and take pictures (always being inside the car) and you can talk with him for a few seconds.
Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: quizzaciously on May 23, 2017, 09:32:01 AM
Just wondering if anyone has ever met Mark and got to talk guitars with him ? I would be interested to hear your stories :)

Never met him and, to be die honest, I don't want to [anymore] and I don't have his signatures as well. When I was younger and only started to listening to him in my teens, I wanted to hang out with MK, but now I would do anything just not to bother him with my person. Because... why?
Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: jbaent on May 23, 2017, 10:37:28 AM
I was lucky to meet him in 2000 during the STP promo, he signed my copy of the cd and I had a picture with him. He was very very nice.

I had more chances in the following years, but I never tried to bother him, specially because I rather let other fans to have their chance. He seems happy to sign and take pictures when it´s possible.

The most curious chance was last year during the Chalke Valley History Festival. I was sitting with my friends having a drink and he arrived with his wife and daughter and sat in the table JUST NEXT to us... I didn´t dare to bother him as he was with his family, but one of my friends went to buy something to eat, and MK did the same so they crossed their ways. My friend shook hands with MK and I took a very brief picture of the moment from the distance, that lasted 3 seconds. Mk was very happy to say hello and then notice that this fan was sitting next to him, and didn´t bother him at all after that very very brief meeting. I think he values how much his fans respect his privacy.

Why have a picture with him? When someone is your idol, is something nice, but always being aware that you must not bother him, as he's a human being like you (almost, lol)
Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: Elin N on May 23, 2017, 12:11:26 PM
How cool Jbaent, yes Chalke Valley was kind of special! I am so glad I was there. I remember that moment when we had lined up outside the tent, and he was walking past us. Imagine him doing that before a normal concert  :o I was sure somebody would say something. It was like he said to us "now folks, I trust in you to let me do this". And there was not a word! People respect him, it was really nice to see him walking around with his family.




Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: superval99 on May 23, 2017, 12:37:03 PM
Nice story, Jbaent.    :)
Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: dmg on May 23, 2017, 01:04:10 PM
Met him a couple of times.  First time was in Glasgow 2001 after the concert.  I waited with a group of fans for a couple of hours and eventually roadies and then band members started to spill out the door.  First, a roadie handed me a set list, shortly he was followed by Glen Wolf so I immediately handed it to him and he signed it.  Last to come out was Mark and he walked into his car where he signed all our whatevers.  It was a really nice night because I met Mr and Mrs twm who were both waiting patiently too!

The following year at the Knopfler and Friends concert in London I stood and watched him sign and meet fans in a car again outside the venue.  This time, rather like Jbaent I didn't bother and left other fans to meet him as there was rather a crowd.  How many signatures do you need?

In 2015 I won a competition with the SSE Hydro to meet Mark there, in Glasgow before the show for a meet and greet.  It was a pretty low-key affair compared to others I have heard of but other band members played for us and it was an experience.  I also got my photo taken with him.
Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: holaknopfler on May 23, 2017, 03:40:27 PM
Lovely stories. Please keep them coming! Love to read all these wonderful experiences.
Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: Pottel on May 23, 2017, 05:32:45 PM
How cool Jbaent, yes Chalke Valley was kind of special! I am so glad I was there. I remember that moment when we had lined up outside the tent, and he was walking past us. Imagine him doing that before a normal concert  :o I was sure somebody would say something. It was like he said to us "now folks, I trust in you to let me do this". And there was not a word! People respect him, it was really nice to see him walking around with his family.
Still remember exactly that happening when we were queing in front of Ronnie Scott's to see the hilbillies in 99 and he walked by with his helmet on and hardly anyone realised. Still, we had enough opportunity to meet him after those concerts.

sent from my Samsung galaxy 7edge via tapatalk

Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: Knopflerfan on May 23, 2017, 07:42:40 PM
Yes, indeed I met him for the very first time whilst attending a 'charity' gig in a small town near me called Bridport, in Dorset in September 2013.
I had taken my Fender 'Mark Knopfler' Signature Stratocaster labels with me 'just in case' and the dream was realised after the show.
Mark went to his car and agreed to sign and briefly chat with the few of us that had stayed behind.
Mark was very chatty and asked me about my MK Stratocaster's before shaking my hand and wishing me 'all the best' - to say I was a wreck afterwards would be an understatement!!!!!!!

I saw Mark and Family at Chalke Valley like jbaent but I chose to just let things be and NOT intrude on him with his family. We did however have a great chat with Guy though.....
Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: holaknopfler on May 24, 2017, 06:44:32 PM
Yes, indeed I met him for the very first time whilst attending a 'charity' gig in a small town near me called Bridport, in Dorset in September 2013.
I had taken my Fender 'Mark Knopfler' Signature Stratocaster labels with me 'just in case' and the dream was realised after the show.
Mark went to his car and agreed to sign and briefly chat with the few of us that had stayed behind.
Mark was very chatty and asked me about my MK Stratocaster's before shaking my hand and wishing me 'all the best' - to say I was a wreck afterwards would be an understatement!!!!!!!

I saw Mark and Family at Chalke Valley like jbaent but I chose to just let things be and NOT intrude on him with his family. We did however have a great chat with Guy though.....

Great! He seems to be much more comfortable around 'real' fans at a small occasion. And if you pick the right moment... I can imagine he doesn't like to be bothered when he is with his family. Although if you make it quick, shake his hand and say thank you he probably would like it. He's just not the guy for 'the big thing'. Like stadiums e.g. You can see it when he's at small gigs. Just my two cents
Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: knopflertom on May 25, 2017, 08:21:42 PM
I was so stupid respectively paralysed that i didnt ask for a pic or autograph


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Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: knopflertom on May 25, 2017, 08:24:59 PM
Meeting Mark

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Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: Shai on May 28, 2017, 04:44:03 PM
Back in 2003, I think (before his motorcycle accident) MK was on The David Letterman Show; I was working about 20 minutes away by foot, so I bolted from the office before the boss noticed, and went to the side entrance/exit door of the Ed Sullivan Theater. There were about thirty people standing there on the sidewalk, with a red velvet rope blocking off the path from the building to the waiting limo. I instinctively, using my New York smarts, went extremely to the right side, where I zig zagged until I reached the rope. A minute later, Mark came out. The crowd went nuts as Mark began to sign people's stuff. I was holding out my 1983 cover of Guitar Magazine, with Mark on the cover. No luck. Then, Paul Crockford noticed me; I had met him in Boston during the 2001 STP tour, so he smiled at me, and the next thing I know, he was pulling Mark towards me! I had him sign my cover, and knowing I had like three seconds to say something, blurted out, "my four year old son wants to know who put old pigweed in the mulligan stew". He smiled at me and let out this real genuine heart laugh that made my day!

The next night, he was on Conan O'Brian's show, so I got to NBC Studios around 8 am, received a "standby ticket", cut out of work early again, as they start taping at 5pm, and actually got a seat. When Mark came out to the stage during a tv break, I cheered real loud. Mark looked up in my general direction, as for some reason, I was the only real fan there - not a "tourist" ( see last BIA concert in Australia) and waved! He played Devil Baby - amazing! Only time I heard it played live in person.

I have also been in the front row a few times, the best in 2005. Center stage! When Mark took a minute between songs to get set for the next song, he was fiddling around with his guitar, so I said "Mark!". No response. So I said in a louder voice "Markie!!", and he looked up at me. I gave him a thumbs up and he bowed down with his guitar in acknowledgement! Amazing. Then during their "tea break", Mark was sitting in that red chair ( he had hurt his back, so he was playing seated), held up his cup, looked straight at me, and said "cheers" while tipping his cup towards me.

  I will always remember those moments!

     Saul
Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: quizzaciously on May 28, 2017, 11:11:26 PM
Back in 2003, I think (before his motorcycle accident) MK was on The David Letterman Show; I was working about 20 minutes away by foot, so I bolted from the office before the boss noticed, and went to the side entrance/exit door of the Ed Sullivan Theater. There were about thirty people standing there on the sidewalk, with a red velvet rope blocking off the path from the building to the waiting limo. I instinctively, using my New York smarts, went extremely to the right side, where I zig zagged until I reached the rope. A minute later, Mark came out. The crowd went nuts as Mark began to sign people's stuff. I was holding out my 1983 cover of Guitar Magazine, with Mark on the cover. No luck. Then, Paul Crockford noticed me; I had met him in Boston during the 2001 STP tour, so he smiled at me, and the next thing I know, he was pulling Mark towards me! I had him sign my cover, and knowing I had like three seconds to say something, blurted out, "my four year old son wants to know who put old pigweed in the mulligan stew". He smiled at me and let out this real genuine heart laugh that made my day!

The next night, he was on Conan O'Brian's show, so I got to NBC Studios around 8 am, received a "standby ticket", cut out of work early again, as they start taping at 5pm, and actually got a seat. When Mark came out to the stage during a tv break, I cheered real loud. Mark looked up in my general direction, as for some reason, I was the only real fan there - not a "tourist" ( see last BIA concert in Australia) and waved! He played Devil Baby - amazing! Only time I heard it played live in person.

I have also been in the front row a few times, the best in 2005. Center stage! When Mark took a minute between songs to get set for the next song, he was fiddling around with his guitar, so I said "Mark!". No response. So I said in a louder voice "Markie!!", and he looked up at me. I gave him a thumbs up and he bowed down with his guitar in acknowledgement! Amazing. Then during their "tea break", Mark was sitting in that red chair ( he had hurt his back, so he was playing seated), held up his cup, looked straight at me, and said "cheers" while tipping his cup towards me.

  I will always remember those moments!

     Saul

One of the best stories out there, thanks! :clap
Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: Love Expresso on May 29, 2017, 04:45:07 PM
Yeah,

"tea break" was 2005, hurt back was 2010.

LE
Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: dustyvalentino on May 30, 2017, 10:51:50 PM
Great stuff.

Sent from my Tab2A7-20F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: Elin N on May 31, 2017, 10:48:23 PM
I have probably written this before, but it is fun to relive it in my memory so here it is again. My first meeting with Mark was in 2002, when he was doing promo for The Rackpickers dream. I didn't have a ticket to the tv show he was a guest in, but went to the tv house to try my luck. I was there hours before the show, since I didn't know how early he would be there. Since I had no appointment and no ticket, I was told to wait outside (it was October and a cold day in Trondheim, Norway). After a while a man came out for a smoke, and he started to talk to me. His voice was familiar to me, he was the host for a well known radio program (Geir Hovig). More, he was going to interview Mark later that day. He invited me in, and Mark arrived not long after. I was the only fan there, and he understood that I wanted an autograph and a picture. I was like a stranded fish, in awe, and still don't remember who took the picure.

Mark &co walked on, while I was left in the lobby. I was introcuced to a man who worked with the tv show, and we went to the studio where Mark was talking to the host and a boy. He was showing the boy how he went to sleep playing the guitar, and he was in a good mood. This was not part of the show, but I know my picures are still online somewhere. I also gave the pictures to the boy's parents. I was sitting just a few meters away from him and felt I was in heaven!

Then it was time for the radio interview, and I was allowed to watch! I was so "high" by then that I didn't remember much of it, but I certainly enjoyed it  ;D ;D I remember Mark had some strange face expressions and I'm not sure if he enjoyed that interview as much as I..
The staff were amused by this crazy fan travelling half the country to see Mark, and invited me to do a small interview in another radio program.
Somehow I don't think this would happen today, it seems everything is more "cold" now, no room for human feelings and things like this. I had to catch my plane and didn't stay for the tv show, but had already got waaay more thanI had hoped for. Certainly a day to remember  ;D
Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: Lis on May 31, 2017, 11:03:46 PM
Wonderful!!  So happy for you!!  :D :D :D
Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: BrianT on June 06, 2017, 11:33:36 PM
I have probably written this before, but it is fun to relive it in my memory so here it is again. My first meeting with Mark was in 2002, when he was doing promo for The Rackpickers dream. I didn't have a ticket to the tv show he was a guest in, but went to the tv house to try my luck. I was there hours before the show, since I didn't know how early he would be there. Since I had no appointment and no ticket, I was told to wait outside (it was October and a cold day in Trondheim, Norway). After a while a man came out for a smoke, and he started to talk to me. His voice was familiar to me, he was the host for a well known radio program (Geir Hovig). More, he was going to interview Mark later that day. He invited me in, and Mark arrived not long after. I was the only fan there, and he understood that I wanted an autograph and a picture. I was like a stranded fish, in awe, and still don't remember who took the picure.

Mark &co walked on, while I was left in the lobby. I was introcuced to a man who worked with the tv show, and we went to the studio where Mark was talking to the host and a boy. He was showing the boy how he went to sleep playing the guitar, and he was in a good mood. This was not part of the show, but I know my picures are still online somewhere. I also gave the pictures to the boy's parents. I was sitting just a few meters away from him and felt I was in heaven!

Then it was time for the radio interview, and I was allowed to watch! I was so "high" by then that I didn't remember much of it, but I certainly enjoyed it  ;D ;D I remember Mark had some strange face expressions and I'm not sure if he enjoyed that interview as much as I..
The staff were amused by this crazy fan travelling half the country to see Mark, and invited me to do a small interview in another radio program.
Somehow I don't think this would happen today, it seems everything is more "cold" now, no room for human feelings and things like this. I had to catch my plane and didn't stay for the tv show, but had already got waaay more thanI had hoped for. Certainly a day to remember  ;D

Great story, sounds like you had a blast.

Brian
Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: sabicao on July 15, 2017, 01:46:37 AM
Never 'really' met him. Somewhere in the mid 90's I went to a TV show because I knew he was going to be in it. The bit he was in it was awful (the show's host did a sh1tty job interviewing him).
I waited outside for him, but didn't have the courage to approach him. As a lot of people did in fact approach him and ask for autographs, I just stood there and watched from a small distance.

I take a great pride of not disturbing celebrities when I see one (not that it happens often, anyway), that ocasion was the first time I was tempted to try some kind of interaction with one.

I'm not sure I would want to meet him, now. How am I suppose to handle meeting someone you have an irrational passion for? This guy has been with me since I was 10. He has no idea the influence he's had on me for the last 30 years. I would not know what to say to him, and I surely would not want bother him just to tell him "I love your work", bla bla bla, he must have heard that millions of times before, and I would never be able to put in words the effect his music has in my life, so why bother trying?
Also, is it of any interest to a celebrity to hear a complete stranger babling nonsense in a starstruck state?

The only way I envision myself meeting him in a way that would not be a total embarassement for me was through another person, in a "normal people" event. Example:
A few years ago my sister's stepson went to a dinner at his friend's house. 6 people total in that dinner, in a regular home, normal people. Then somebody arrives a bit late to the dinner. It was George Michael. He joined the others at the table, normal people eating, drinking, and having a good time talking.

Everytime I remember that story I imagine it hapenning to me, just with MK instead of George Michael, and me instead of my sister's stepson. Wouldn't that be something?
Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: Pottel on July 15, 2017, 09:22:06 AM
So well written!  Also love the George Michael story, as i have a similar case happen to me, on a far smaller "famousness" level ( someone famous in belgium and Holland) and it took me quite a while to be able to not behave starstruck.  It helped that she is a great " normal" person, so I got used to it and now it is just a friend. But extrapolating that to a George Michael Mark knopfler kinda level, wow

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Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: Elin N on July 15, 2017, 10:33:48 AM
That is what we all dream about, to have MK as a surprise guest!  ;D
I think a lot of us agree with you; what to say to him, what if it isn't perfect, what if I do something wrong, what if he says no, and so on. But he did seem to be alright with signing autographs that time when you watched, didn't he? Do you regret not asking him? If the answer is yes; try the next time  :)  If he doesn't want to be approached, he will simply walk/drive past. It all depend on the situation, and I would never interrupt him or stand in his way. My impression is that most of the times he is very ok with meeting fans, smiling and joking. I think the guys who have been there with me can confirm this.
Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: knopflerized on July 15, 2017, 11:44:00 PM
I got lucky to meet him several times.
The very first time (2004) was probably my best opportunity because I was ALONE with him...  I was much younger and SOOOO impressed that I was speechless! He was very kind with me, I had a pic, a signature on my cd cover, and kisses ( et oui !).
The other times I met him there were more fans, so he wasn't very happy...( ::) )
If I had to meet him again, I'd prefer the same condition as the very first time.  Like jbaent I don't want to bother him, I prefer to be transparent than to be a parasite begging for autograph... Maybe it's because I already have a couple... and also because I grew up  ;D ;D haha
Title: Re: Meeting with Mark Knopfler
Post by: Throttle on July 16, 2017, 03:28:50 PM
I waited outside for him, but didn't have the courage to approach him. As a lot of people did in fact approach him and ask for autographs, I just stood there and watched from a small distance...

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your touching story, infused with a delicacy and warm human feelings.
Thanks for sharing it with us.