A Mark In Time
Mark Knopfler Discussion => Mark Knopfler Discussion Forum => Topic started by: Adeina on October 01, 2015, 12:06:55 PM
-
I've recently discovered Dire Straits and am fast becoming a big fan (I know, I know, where has this band been all my life?).
Anyway, Mark Knopfler is basically my new hero :D
I've been doing my research, lots and lots of research, and so far what I've heard about MK is kind of mixed, and I wanted to know what your opinions are? I've watched and read many interviews and he always seems so kind, humble and he even seems to underrate himself. He's clearly not an arrogant jerk. But I've also come across interviews with other people, including band mates, where they seem to portray that he might only be putting on a kind show for the cameras, and that he is selfish when it comes to making music. I don't want to believe this, although I know everyone has their flaws, but I would be a little sad if one of my new heroes turned out to be an asshole. I just want to hear all your opinions on this?
-
I think that there may be a few people who have had their egos put out of place in the DS days (Alan Clark, for example) and it may be true that Mark was the driving force of Dire Straits but I think that was a good thing.
A band needs a strong leader with his own ideas for his songs. To allow too much input from other people will let the idea behind the song drift from where it was originally coming from and artistically I don't think that is good. A few band members had ideas of their own brushed aside and didn't like that, hence their words.
It is generally thought that his attitude has changed and he has mellowed somewhat since going solo since he now has more control on his music and less pressure on him. Whether that has meant the quality of his music has suffered or not, well...
-
Hi Esmerelda,
Welcome to the MK-fanclub. Your question: well, we don't know MK personally so it's always guessing.
But I did a lot of concerts from 1985 till last week and must have done about 120-140 shows in total. I always look at the non-verbal communication as well.
These days I think MK is quit relaxed and happy. If you see him smiling and playing with the band they all get along very well.
Also when you meet him (I was lucky to have had some meet & greets) he is humble, not very talkative. Just giving you a smile and a handshake.
But I think he is demanding, which is not the same as an asshole or selfish. He is a brilliant songwriter and knows how he wants to have it. Bandmembers seem to be able to add suggestions. But he wants it the way he has it in his head. And then this high quality shows up. So I don't think he is an asshole, selfish but he wants the best.
Most important is that you like what you hear. The man himself we will never know personally, so everything else is guessing.
-
I'd say that you have two MKs, the one from the DS days that was very demanding and sometimes not very kind, and the one from his Solo years, that looks more like a humble man, still demanding, but not in the DS days way, more relaxed.
-
I'd say that you have two MKs, the one from the DS days that was very demanding and sometimes not very kind, and the one from his Solo years, that looks more like a humble man, still demanding, but not in the DS days way, more relaxed.
What do you mean by not very kind? Do you have some examples?
-
I'd say that you have two MKs, the one from the DS days that was very demanding and sometimes not very kind, and the one from his Solo years, that looks more like a humble man, still demanding, but not in the DS days way, more relaxed.
What do you mean by not very kind? Do you have some examples?
- his "dictatorial" attitude explained in the Oldfield book, in particular with David during early days
- the "sausage" event during OES tour
- the session with manu Katché, discussed here :
http://www.amarkintime.org/forum/index.php?topic=3465.0 (http://www.amarkintime.org/forum/index.php?topic=3465.0)
there are more....
imho, it's is not necessarily a "fault", it is only his way to control things and to go into the way he wants.
Since the beginning he knew what he wants, and he is still doing it.
People who agree with this (e.g. John illsley, Guy Fletcher...) follow him, others are fired (e.g. David, Ed Bicknell...)
-
But this is of course only a view in books and from people who are fired. We never heard an objective view of others.
So we "know" only from the sources mentioned here
-
But this is of course only a view in books and from people who are fired. We never heard an objective view of others.
So we "know" only from the sources mentioned here
If there is someone who complained, then there was a reason to complain...
You don´t see the actual MK band members complaining about the actual MK, you find quite many examples of all DS members complaining from this and that of the DS days MK...
You always need to check both sides of the story, but when in the old DS times the river sounded, they must had been water flowing.
-
I've recently discovered Dire Straits and am fast becoming a big fan (I know, I know, where has this band been all my life?).
Anyway, Mark Knopfler is basically my new hero :D
...I would be a little sad if one of my new heroes turned out to be an asshole.
You needn't expect too much of his stage image, such things are often misleading.
It should also be understood that a propensity to make for yourself an idol, as well as a capacity for disillusionment subsequently is an integral part of your personality and doesn't hinge on the object of desire. :)
-
... It should also be understood that a propensity to make for yourself an idol, as well as a capacity for disillusionment subsequently is an integral part of your personality and doesn't hinge on the object of desire. :)
:think
:-\
:D
;D
(I'm going with a positive conclusion here -- as that is part of my personality.) :-*
-
:think
:-\
:D
;D
:-*
Unspeakably glad to see your positive attitude to everything. :wave
-
:think
:-\
:D
;D
:-*
Unspeakably glad to see your positive attitude to everything. :wave
:wave
Thanks Throttle!
:D
-
That he is a fully respected individual, and as nice as pie!! - Pretty good damn Guitarist too!!!
(Just had some time away from MK listening to David Gilmours new Album - 'Rattle that lock' and although it is very good it is now very 'same-ish' as David's guitar style to me is 'One Directional' That's why Mark is so unique in that he can play so many styles succesfully)
Back to 100% MK music now....
-
Glenn Worf and Mike McGoldrick each told me MK is very nice. I wouldn't really expect them to say anything else, but in each case, they volunteered the opinions -- they didn't come from something I was specifically asking about -- so I kind of think that's how they feel.
-
But this is of course only a view in books and from people who are fired. We never heard an objective view of others.
So we "know" only from the sources mentioned here
Yes, happenings here and there. Although, I am pretty sure that Mark controlled David´s playing, because he knew what to expect. He had that strong desire and passion, which helped him to get there where he is now. By the way, have you people ever thought how a book about you would look like? :)
-
But this is of course only a view in books and from people who are fired. We never heard an objective view of others.
So we "know" only from the sources mentioned here
Yes, happenings here and there. Although, I am pretty sure that Mark controlled David´s playing, because he knew what to expect. He had that strong desire and passion, which helped him to get there where he is now. By the way, have you people ever thought how a book about you would look like? :)
Not sure if I want to think about that haha
-
Well I think that MK is a wonderful human being although his desire to be a successful Musician was so strong that he forgot a bit the meaning of compassion when he was the Leader of Dire Straits!! Now I believe that he stopped DS because it was starting to make him less human!!! Anyway I believe that his Band is pretty lucky to work with him!! MK is showing them total respect and that is priceless!!!
-
Well I think that MK is a wonderful human being although his desire to be a successful Musician was so strong that he forgot a bit the meaning of compassion when he was the Leader of Dire Straits!! Now I believe that he stopped DS because it was starting to make him less human!!! Anyway I believe that his Band is pretty lucky to work with him!! MK is showing them total respect and that is priceless!!!
:thumbsup
-
By the way, have you people ever thought how a book about you would look like? :)
Yes, of course. I am just finishing writing the final chapter.
-
By the way, have you people ever thought how a book about you would look like? :)
Yes, of course. I am just finishing writing the final chapter.
Oh yes Throttle, how very interesting news!! When is it going to be published so we can buy it??
-
When is it going to be published so we can buy it??
You took me unawares, Marijo. :)
Fortunately, far from everything in this world can be sold and bought.
The whole story from its inception was dedicated to the one who passed away five odd years ago, listening to Telegraph Road to the last gasp.
And I am not eager to tell the full of it on the public forum.
-
When is it going to be published so we can buy it??
You took me unawares, Marijo. :)
Fortunately, far from everything in this world can be sold and bought.
The whole story from its inception was dedicated to the one who passed away five odd years ago, listening to Telegraph Road to the last gasp.
And I am not eager to tell the full of it on the public forum.
Ah OK, sorry that I asked Throttle. I'm sorry for your friend.
-
Thank you for your understanding, he was my son.
-
Thank you for your understanding, he was my son.
[/quote
I am really so very sorry for your loss Throttle. I can imagine how hard it is. Prayers and thoughts for him, you and your family.
-
Sorry to hear about your loss Throttle. I hope writing a book helped you to live with it.
-
I'm really sorry too about the loss of your son, Throttle.
-
My sincerest sympathy, Throttle.
Sending peace and love your way.
-
I've recently discovered Dire Straits and am fast becoming a big fan (I know, I know, where has this band been all my life?).
Anyway, Mark Knopfler is basically my new hero :D
I've been doing my research, lots and lots of research, and so far what I've heard about MK is kind of mixed, and I wanted to know what your opinions are? I've watched and read many interviews and he always seems so kind, humble and he even seems to underrate himself. He's clearly not an arrogant jerk. But I've also come across interviews with other people, including band mates, where they seem to portray that he might only be putting on a kind show for the cameras, and that he is selfish when it comes to making music. I don't want to believe this, although I know everyone has their flaws, but I would be a little sad if one of my new heroes turned out to be an asshole. I just want to hear all your opinions on this?
Welcome to the Club Adeina!!! The mystery around MK and his work as a Master Musician and Story Teller may never be revealed but what is the most important is that he continues as long as possible this job that he enjoys so much just like our french singer Charles Aznavour!! He is 91 years old now, still writing songs, making records and touring!!! :wave
-
Thank you, ladies.
Well, getting back to an abandoned topic.
I think, people are such strange creatures... The more he gives them, the more they demand from him.
Carpe diem, before it's too late.
-
He is considered by many people especially these days to be a very kind easy going gentleman.
-
It doesn't surprise me FalcoN because he's doing what he wants and going where he wants!!! Skyyyyydiver!! So he's happy. This song is probably autobiographic partly!!
-
I have shared a few moments with MK and he was incredibly nice and friendly....
He is one of a kind...
X
-
I have shared a few moments with MK and he was incredibly nice and friendly....
He is one of a kind...
X
You are so lucky :) How did you manage to do that?
-
I have shared a few moments with MK and he was incredibly nice and friendly....
He is one of a kind...
X
You are so lucky :) How did you manage to do that?
Yes I asked myself the same question but did not dare to write it here!! Thanks WaterofLove for posting this!!! :wave :thumbsup
-
I have shared a few moments with MK and he was incredibly nice and friendly....
He is one of a kind...
X
You are so lucky :) How did you manage to do that?
Yes I asked myself the same question but did not dare to write it here!! Thanks WaterofLove for posting this!!! :wave :thumbsup
Haha, you are welcome! :) I would do anything to actually meet MK, so whenever someone actually have, I become really curious on how they made it happen, and of course, really jealous! Seems like he is a really interesting person with lots of reflections in addition to his fantastic artist skills.
-
I used to really want to meet Mark, but now I'm thinking what in the world would we talk about?
I know more or less everything about him as an artist. Asking about details from his career, would just be total geekery. We are not friends, so asking about private matters would of course be off limits. Telling him how much he has meant throughout my youth and formative guitar-playing years would take 12 seconds.
Being "stuck with him" would cause a lot of awkward silence, I could imagine :)
-
Yes I guess so. It would be probably the same with me. I wouldn't know what to tell him except that I think he's a terrific Musician and song writer and that he had heard a thousand times!! it would bore him but still I still dream to shake his hand to thank him!!