A Mark In Time
Mark Knopfler Discussion => Mark Knopfler Discussion Forum => Topic started by: dustyvalentino on September 02, 2024, 08:36:32 PM
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I’m pleased to say that friend of the forum Mr Ed Bicknell has kindly agreed to take part in a Q & A for AMIT members.
This is a fantastic opportunity to ask that burning question of a man who lived the whole deal and knows where the bodies are buried (hopefully metaphorically).
THE FORMAT:
Each AMIT member has the opportunity to ask ONE question of Ed, and one question only, so think carefully about it. And it has to be just ONE question, ie “What was Billy Joel like? Did he have a wig? Was Christie Brinkley with him? Do you have her number?” will be disqualified.
Try to ask a sensible question. Ed won’t be answering personal questions. Try to ask stuff that Ed is likely to know the answer to so not super nerdy stuff like “Why was the matrix number on the Private Investigations 12” single different in Belgium and Lichtenstein?”
You have 24 hours to submit your question by posting it in this thread. Ed reserves the right to not answer any question he would prefer not to, so again, think carefully and be sensible.
So have fun everyone, be creative, and on behalf of all of us here, thanks again Ed for being such a good sport. :)
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First of all, Ed thanks for this.
From all the DS ex members, which was the saddest one to see him leaving the band, and if you can say, why?
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Dear Ed,
What's the best question we could ask where the answer isn't "Mark didn't want to?"
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Many Thanks Ed for this
Why isn't Tommy Mandel credited at the end of the Alchemy video? Was this intentional? Or simply a typing error?
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Many Thanks Ed for this
Why isn't Tommy Mandel credited at the end of the Alchemy video? Was this intentional? Or simply a typing error?
Disqualified ;D
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Many Thanks Ed for this
Why isn't Tommy Mandel credited at the end of the Alchemy video? Was this intentional? Or simply a typing error?
Disqualified ;D
aaarghhhh :P :lol :lol
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Just deleted a post that had TEN questions including some very personal stuff. ::)
Come on guys, this is a great thing that Ed is doing, don’t fuck it up.
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delete? why? the qs after the first are for the group (to read). was that not obvious?
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delete? why? the qs after the first are for the group (to read). was that not obvious?
Don't worry, I've got you covered. Here's your original post (admins, feel free to edit it, I deleted the most "controversial" question per my taste which was about money, everything else in my humble opinion is a valid question, though sometimes strange, but could theoretically yield a good answer IF picked to answer at all).
what are the 3-4 most difficult or consequential or regrettable decisions you've made as ds/mk manager?
Thank you Quizzy but it’s really not helpful. The format was agreed with Ed before I posted, one question per member please and thank you.
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delete? why? the qs after the first are for the group (to read). was that not obvious?
No, it was not obvious. Why would that be a thing? The thread is for questions to Ed. Each member gets one. Pretty simple really.
If everyone asked 10 questions then the whole thing gets out of hand.
I thought this would be pretty simple but clearly not. :think
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delete? why? the qs after the first are for the group (to read). was that not obvious?
No, it was not obvious. Why would that be a thing? The thread is for questions to Ed. Each member gets one. Pretty simple really.
If everyone asked 10 questions then the whole thing gets out of hand.
I thought this would be pretty simple but clearly not. :think
I think he just meant that he listed additional questions other fans (!) can look up for inspiration and use as food for thought. It's extremely difficult to come up with a good question at a moment's notice and usually happens days, months and even years after the fact. So every bit that helps is really appreciated. Brainstorming is the best way to come to a conclusion anyway, so I see no problem with privinvest stating 1 question clearly and a healthy number of theoretical ones.
Another forum member can claim one of those and ask for it, and after all, they all could be dismissed anyway. Peace!
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Ed kindly agreed to this format. Feel free to start another thread for prospective question discussion. This is the thread for questions that will go to Ed, ONE PER MEMBER!
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Ed kindly agreed to this format. Feel free to start another thread for prospective question discussion. This is the thread for questions that will go to Ed, ONE PER MEMBER!
I'm out then.
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Ed, has being a musician yourself aided your job, or hindered it?
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Cheers Ed for this.
The question I am curious about is which guitar did Mark actually use to record the first two dire straits albums was it his maple or rosewood red strat?
Regards,
Mark from Australia.
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As requested by dear dustyvalentino, here's an alternative thread to this thread, where the actual discussion can take place, and not deleting posts and barking at forum members. If somebody agrees to do something, it doesn't mean we need to abandon all our senses, stop dead in our tracks and blindly follow instructions. If we do this, let's do it right, people. It's a possible Q&A with the one and only ED BICKNELL. I repeat, ED BICKNELL. This is not a drill!
First of all, my problem is the 24-hour rule. Do you want to do it properly or just fast? Then, if you want to do it properly, why not give everybody enough time to think about questions, discuss them and come up with good results? I just thought there may be a better way to gather all the questions coming from die-hard members of this forum, people with decades of experience with Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler's music, and a combined knowledge which is expressed in CENTURIES of being fans.
Another major problem. Do you want to start another Q&A thread that only the most loyal fans can find, and that will be lost under replies and new threads just like any other Ed Bicknell / Chris Whitten / Band Member commentary on this forum? Is this the end goal, or maybe there is a better way to do things? Have you ever tried to gather all posts by Ed in one place? It all genuine questions and real problems, and worth discussing. If it's not up to discussion, then I'm out.
Please, prove me wrong here: https://www.amarkintime.org/forum/index.php?topic=8942.0 (https://www.amarkintime.org/forum/index.php?topic=8942.0)
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Of course, discuss all you like. I’m not barking at anyone, just keeping this thread on topic and as agreed with Ed, so all questions here please. :)
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I'll take a risk :)
---Ed do you remember why Dire Straits never came to Poland? The same question applies to Mark Knopfler first tour.
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I truly thank Ed for the opportunity he is giving us, I understand the enormous importance of having a direct line to the long-time manager of my favorite artist, truly Mark Knopfler's songs and music were and are the soundtrack of my life.
Ed you've been there from the beginning, how much can you tell us about a figure like JJ Cale, how much his influence he had on the music and style of the group and the direct connections he had with you
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Ed, I wonder who was the biggest pothead in the band in early days and if drugs ever where an serious issue in the band during the DS times?
LE
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I would like to thank Ed for providing this special opportunity, very kind of you.
Given the importance that the Alchemy show represents for the history of Dire Straits, could you talk about how Alchemy was planned? I realized that it could have been one of the nights in Paris in June 1983, but for some reason it ended up being at the legendary Hammersmith Odeon, London, a month later.
Did the end result turn out as planned by everyone responsible for its production? I really miss the quality of this type of information that could come from someone as fundamental to the history of Dire Straits as you. :clap :wave
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Ed,
It was revealed by MK that he was asked to play on Michael Jacksons Bad album but he declined. Can you tell us of any other requests from big artists that MK turned down. Thanks.
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Hi Ed!
Thank you so much for this opportunity,
I wanted to ask:
I recall reading/hearing an interview that you gave input into making "Your Latest Trick" the straight 8th groove that it is on the record (An incredible suggestion by the way!) and that the original was a swing feel.
I've always been curious since hearing that, Do you recall if the original was a medium or ballad type swing? Or was it a faster swing?
Thanks again,
Rick
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Dear Ed. Any rigging disaster that you remember from touring, and how was it solved?
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hello ed,during the nhb tours did u play all drum parts the way u specifically wanted to?
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when were you most starstruck and why (during your time with the band and Mark, NOT afterwards)
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There were lots of special guests during the DS years, particularly the BiA tour, but were there any notable guests planned that fell through for any reason, scheduling or whatever?
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What did you think of Mark's version of Private Dancer?
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What era (either DS / solo ) would you say is peak MK in terms guitar playing ?
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Hi Ed
Do you know if there were ever any talks or collaboration ideas between Mr. Knopfler and George Michael ?
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As a Led Zeppelin fan, my second favourite band after DS, it's great to know that the managers of both bands, both key in their respective success, were friends. I would like to ask you about anything you could tell us about Peter Grant, specially if is anything related to both Zepp and DS. I doubt that both bands crossed their paths as DS were starting to success when Zepp were about to abruptly end (rip John Bonham) but maybe there is any nice story that in any way cross both musical worlds.
Thanks Ed for everything you does interacting with us.
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Hey, Mr. Policeman.
Please don't fine me, mister. Let me go with just a warning.
The last 2 Mark's albums (with bonus tracks) + EP has almost the same amount of songs that the entire Straits discography.
If Mark's solo albums were released those days, probably the amount of songs per album would be way less then nowadays.
However, the 'winds of change anxiety' changed everything and now, like the Swedish Shredder used to say: - More is More.
Rumours from Hal ex-members says that, to the LOG album, there was way more songs recorded that the 5 released.
Since the band always have the appeal for details and admirers that are musicians (include the pro's), I always wonder about a Ultimate Dire Straits package that brought all recorded demos, outtakes, unreleased and unfinished songs, interview with the ex-members...
Something like PF's The Wall Experience, Mile Davis Kind Of Blue Legacy or the Dylan rehearsal albums.
The question is: The band have this kind of material archived?
I am asking it because I feel that the band's legacy is going into obscurity with the same kind of material released again and again and again... and now ATMOS... Without nothing really new.
I talked too much, mister.
Give me a penalty.
I'll defend myselft on a court.
and sorry about my very poor english.
cheers, Ed.
You are THE MAN.
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FROM ED:
Well that was predictable.
One day in and some of you are squabbling like children in a pram, one person sends ten questions when I agreed one per member, and sorry Pavel, you are not going to go to the Ball as inventive as your suggestion is ( and incidentally I would not take money for any of this …Brunno your comment is beyond hilarious.! )
But I will answer your quiz AS IF it appears on the Q and A site ( and on a personal note I wish you well in a very difficult time) .
ANYWAY, I have had a discourse with the Dusty toilet seat this am and I’m quite happy to extend the time frame on this by 2 weeks to September 17 so you can discuss what you want to ask among yourselves PROVIDED that it is reduced to ONE QUESTION PER PERSON, is grammatically correct and I can understand it ( no problem with translation blips).
If you have more questions than people to ask, then put those to one side and we will look at what remains unanswered at September 17. OK?
I have a life which does not revolve around MK/DS ( I know, amazing) and can only spend a limited amount of time on this SO, I will answer any question that is not intrusively personal to the best of my ability but what I won’t do is then get into a back and forth about that response.
The answer is the answer.
That’s it and that’s all.
If someone is prepared to do it, a Chris Whitten thread and a Godlike Genius thread ( me) pulling each of our contributions ( historical and current) together would make things alot easier to follow and to be clear, I mean our GENERAL COMMENTS , so, for instance, the stuff I've sent re CAL should stay in the CAL section unless you feel differently since that’s quite specialised . I’d class all Chris’ so far as GENERAL.
And I’d really welcome some questions from the ladies amongst you and others outside of the small group who have verbal diarrhoea ( you know who you are).
On the basis that’s agreed ( because you don't have any choice) I will send a batch of answers today.
I’ve been impressed by alot of the questions by the way.
And you should stop criticising Dusty, he simply laid out what he and I thought might work best, no problem in varying that , happy to do so.
Lastly, I’m only going to be answering questions that end up on the Q and A thread, NOT the brainstorming one …and that’s where I’m going NOW.
Drummin’ man, he's a drummin’ man,
No one kicks a set of drums just like he can,
All about biology he knows not a thing
But when he sits down at those drums you know he’s really KING.
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Hello Ed,
In the Arena documentary about Dire Straits, Mark is seen reading the lyrics for the song Sucker For Punishment, we know that song wasn't released, but was there many other songs in that black book of his that never saw the light of day?
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Hi Ed,
You very kindly signed my tour book at the Town & Country in Leeds (Golden Heart) before the show began. I told you that I was very excited and you replied that you were very nervous. The question is, were you always nervous before a show?
Many thanks! :)
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Dear Ed, is there a story behind Tunnel of Love and the reason MK stopped playing that song during the OES tour and never played it again.....
Thank you...
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Dear Ed,
thank you very much for giving us this unique opportunity.
My question is about Ian Anderson/Jethro Tull, who seems to be a great admirer of MK/DS, and maybe vice versa.
In an interview https://paulroland.wordpress.com/2012/04/06/paul-interviews-ian-anderson-of-jethro-tull/ (https://paulroland.wordpress.com/2012/04/06/paul-interviews-ian-anderson-of-jethro-tull/), IA said that in the early eighties, MK was looking for a guitar that would give him a more Martin Barre-like sound. Apart from that, was there ever any contact between the two, any idea of working together?
Cheers, stratmad
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Hello.
My one question:
What is Your personal favourite and least favourite track of each album? (DS; if You want MK, too)
Or if too time consuming (what I would understand :hmm) personal top 5. (DS; if You want MK, too; or / and least fav top 5 – is that one question? yes; You can even choose :wave)
Err... – Thank You very much, Mr. Bicknell, for writing here!!! :-) And also Chris W.!!! (personally far most interested in the OES-time; because around 1989 I finally got addicted)
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Hi Ed,
How did start the friendship between MK and Clapton? Was ever planned or discussed to record songs together, maybe a whole album?
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Hi Ed,
How did start the friendship between MK and Clapton? Was ever planned or discussed to record songs together, maybe a whole album?
GOOD one!
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Hi Ed!
This is a simple one, what were yours and Mark's favorite Viz comic strips?
Viz had an affinity for Geordie celebs, and I recall, in addition to various references to Sting ("real name 'Gordon Sting'") a entry on the letters page that was signed "Mark Knopfler, a f*cking big house somewhere."
Cheers!
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Hi Ed,
thank you for answering our questions.
I really enjoyed your podcast with Bob on my return flight from Greece.
I am interested in facts. What were the albums sales from each DS and MK album in your managing period?
As this is not a real question... ;D
What is your favourite track of Dire Straits and MK's solo catalogue?
Thank you for all, I really missed you as MK's manager
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OMG, folks ...
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OMG, folks ...
Nobody screwed anything up, we're adequate human beings and resolved all our differences in DM's. And I'm sure Ed perfectly understands the situation.
By the way, don't forget to notify all your Dire Straits friends they can ask one question about the band's history and get an answer from EB.
I asked a few friends of mine and as expected, they were like "errrr, let me think about it for a few days". It's not that easy ;D
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Also, a good source of questions could be Ed's interviews, maybe you want him to elaborate on something (or ask whether he was joking or not):
The Bob Lefsetz Podcast (3 hours!):
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4tKI1Oiv8kf7Ce2wEkrtbv?si=d3a1c5563b254a83
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ed-bicknell/id1316200737?i=1000657274743
Chet Atkins and false teeth' by Ed Bicknell: youtube.com/watch?v=Ln_KnVyaKm8 (http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ln_KnVyaKm8)
John Illsley on Ed: youtube.com/watch?v=f84c7R54tjQ (http://youtube.com/watch?v=f84c7R54tjQ)
And so on.
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OMG, folks ...
Nobody screwed anything up, we're adequate human beings and resolved all our differences in DM's. And I'm sure Ed perfectly understands the situation.
By the way, don't forget to notify all your Dire Straits friends they can ask one question about the band's history and get an answer from EB.
I asked a few friends of mine and as expected, they were like "errrr, let me think about it for a few days". It's not that easy ;D
was wondering about the same thing.
people are exited to come up with "THE" question, and then there will always be that friggin language barrier
Carry on folks!
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OMG, folks ...
Nobody screwed anything up, we're adequate human beings and resolved all our differences in DM's. And I'm sure Ed perfectly understands the situation.
By the way, don't forget to notify all your Dire Straits friends they can ask one question about the band's history and get an answer from EB.
I asked a few friends of mine and as expected, they were like "errrr, let me think about it for a few days". It's not that easy ;D
was wondering about the same thing.
people are exited to come up with "THE" question, and then there will always be that friggin language barrier
Carry on folks!
Many friends keep telling me "ask him this, ask him that" and I say to him, I made my question, go to Amit and ask yourself!
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Hi! Is it true that you and MK broke up after STP because you wanted him to play again in stadiuns and he didin`t? It´s a pity that you got to follow seperate ways. Thank`s for your atention.
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I’m pleased to say that friend of the forum Mr Ed Bicknell has kindly agreed to take part in a Q & A for AMIT members.
This is a fantastic opportunity to ask that burning question of a man who lived the whole deal and knows where the bodies are buried (hopefully metaphorically).
THE FORMAT:
Each AMIT member has the opportunity to ask ONE question of Ed, and one question only, so think carefully about it. And it has to be just ONE question, ie “What was Billy Joel like? Did he have a wig? Was Christie Brinkley with him? Do you have her number?” will be disqualified.
Try to ask a sensible question. Ed won’t be answering personal questions. Try to ask stuff that Ed is likely to know the answer to so not super nerdy stuff like “Why was the matrix number on the Private Investigations 12” single different in Belgium and Lichtenstein?”
You have 24 hours to submit your question by posting it in this thread. Ed reserves the right to not answer any question he would prefer not to, so again, think carefully and be sensible.
So have fun everyone, be creative, and on behalf of all of us here, thanks again Ed for being such a good sport. :)
I've been at work, hope this one can squeeze in. My question would be "how many shows were recorded by the record company or instructed by the band / management between 1980 and 1989"? Thanks
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Hi Ed!
Thank you for giving the fans this q&a opportunity.
Now in hindsight when the complete "On the night" got released and fans all raving about it, why were so many songs cut from the original release? And did you have any thoughts about it back then?
Cheers!
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By the way, don't forget to notify all your Dire Straits friends they can ask one question about the band's history and get an answer from EB.
I shared it on my blog with a button linked to this page :)
as many DS/MK Fans follow me, I hope some of them will post questions
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Many friends keep telling me "ask him this, ask him that" and I say to him, I made my question, go to Amit and ask yourself!
exactly the same happened to me
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Hi! Is it true that you and MK broke up after STP because you wanted him to play again in stadiuns and he didin`t? It´s a pity that you got to follow seperate ways. Thank`s for your atention.
I think Ed already answered this in his first long message provided by Julio some weeks/months ago
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Many friends keep telling me "ask him this, ask him that" and I say to him, I made my question, go to Amit and ask yourself!
exactly the same happened to me
You already know my opinion. I think not everybody (INCLUDING ED HIMSELF ;D) is willing to take the time to register on the forum to ask a single question or post a comment or whatever, so another amendment to the rules could be possible.
Like allowing one question per person, not per member. The question is gonna be filtered anyway, it may not be answered at all. Whether to ask for proof of how genuinely the question is coming from a single person — that's another thing to consider.
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Having multiple questions because others cant be bothered to register, doesn't sound like a good idea to me and just allows for people to have a gazillion questions each "from different family members". It's weird enough already to read all the "hidden" follow up questions following the main question. One question is one question in my book. "If so, which one?" and similar counts as #2.
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Many friends keep telling me "ask him this, ask him that" and I say to him, I made my question, go to Amit and ask yourself!
exactly the same happened to me
You already know my opinion. I think not everybody (INCLUDING ED HIMSELF ;D) is willing to take the time to register on the forum to ask a single question or post a comment or whatever, so another amendment to the rules could be possible.
Like allowing one question per person, not per member. The question is gonna be filtered anyway, it may not be answered at all. Whether to ask for proof of how genuinely the question is coming from a single person — that's another thing to consider.
this is not coming from us, but from Ed who awesomely agreed to do this, on his terms. so there is no use in continuing to discuss the rules.
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Hi Ed!
Thank you for giving the fans this q&a opportunity.
Now in hindsight when the complete "On the night" got released and fans all raving about it, why were so many songs cut from the original release? And did you have any thoughts about it back then?
Cheers!
Great question!
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I thought it was pretty clear why. The market back then was difficult for double albums, sales for them were difficult, plus they had already done a live double album before with Alchemy. So they decided to do a single album which featured the OES content (and Paul Franklin) and cut everything long that already had been released on Alchemy. I doubt that there are other reasons
LE
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I thought it was pretty clear why. The market back then was difficult for double albums, sales for them were difficult, plus they had already done a live double album before with Alchemy. So they decided to do a single album which featured the OES content (and Paul Franklin) and cut everything long that already had been released on Alchemy. I doubt that there are other reasons
LE
exactly :thumbsup
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I thought it was pretty clear why. The market back then was difficult for double albums, sales for them were difficult, plus they had already done a live double album before with Alchemy. So they decided to do a single album which featured the OES content (and Paul Franklin) and cut everything long that already had been released on Alchemy. I doubt that there are other reasons
LE
But also quite a clever solution by making the promo single an EP and adding space for it in the CD case :)
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Yes. Brilliant indeed. Loved it. Sounds like an idea from Ed! :lol
LE
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You already know my opinion. I think not everybody (INCLUDING ED HIMSELF ;D) is willing to take the time to register on the forum to ask a single question or post a comment or whatever, so another amendment to the rules could be possible.
I can't speak for Ed, don't want to and don't need to, but if I was him I wouldn't register for the forum - he would have private messages constantly from every crazy fan around.
Like allowing one question per person, not per member. The question is gonna be filtered anyway, it may not be answered at all.
For the avoidance of doubt, no questions have been "filtered" by Ed. Ed has answered every single question here.
I removed two questions from someone who either didn't read the rules, didn't understand them or was just plain rude. For what it's worth, I did share them with Ed who found them amusing.
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UPDATE
Ed has kindly agreed to answer one more question from each member on behalf of their "friends" who may not be an AMIT member.
Ed doesn't care where the questions come from, just that they are sensible. And there have been some great questions so far so well done everyone.
This isn't going to be policed per se, I don't have time to check your "friends' " papers, but please just continue to be respectful. :)
And of course thanks again to Ed, this has taken a LOT of time and effort on his behalf.
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this is not coming from us, but from Ed who awesomely agreed to do this, on his terms. so there is no use in continuing to discuss the rules.
I understand though I'm still confused. Good questions aren't exactly growing on trees and a "random" "family member" can ask something that Ed would like and could yield an amazing answer. The quantity of questions has nothing to do with their quality, that's why I had problems with these artificial obstacles from day 1.
Get as many questions as you can, pick the very best ones and answer 'em, I thought it was a simple idea but for some reason, I get bombarded with negativity all the time just because "that's the rules, man". Rules are made to be broken, and I know I'm in the minority of one as always. I apologise for being so pushy.
I know I'm the major pain in the neck here and the rules are going completely against my grain, but thanks for hearing me out.
UPD: Dusty, that's an AWESOME update from ED. Much appreciated.
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Quizzy, we just have to have some way to keep it manageable.
Ed is kindly doing this in his own time, for entirely our benefit and none to him.
The second post we got was 10 questions. If all 40 people did that then it would be 400 questions. Impossible.
And under your plan, who decides what questions are best?
Sorry you don't think this is "perfect", but for me it's pretty fucking amazing. Life isn't perfect. Would be boring if it was. :)
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Ed - Which line-up of DS did you find the most interesting musically?
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Sorry I really don't understand your problem here. You write so many words and spend so much energy instead of just ask your question. It's totally clear how the rules are, stick with it or not. It's exhausting really and not attacking you.
I mean if you buy tickets for a show, you don't start to argue with the promoter why it starts at 20:00 and why the concert is on your birthday and you don't want to ask them to start at 19:30 on another day that fits better. If you don't like what Ed has set up, don't participate and please don't be angry and leave the forum (again). Just relax. That's the main key to most if your trouble it seems to me. Stay relaxed, wait 15 min before relpying and breathe! Your contributions are among the most valuable here, really, but your should take it all not too serious here. As Ed said, it's only Pop. Greetings to you dear friend and all the best to you.
LE
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Sorry I really don't understand your problem here. You write so many words and spend so much energy instead of just ask your question. It's totally clear how the rules are, stick with it or not. It's exhausting really and not attacking you.
I mean if you buy tickets for a show, you don't start to argue with the promoter why it starts at 20:00 and why the concert is on your birthday and you don't want to ask them to start at 19:30 on another day that fits better. If you don't like what Ed has set up, don't participate and please don't be angry and leave the forum (again). Just relax. That's the main key to most if your trouble it seems to me. Stay relaxed, wait 15 min before relpying and breathe! Your contributions are among the most valuable here, really, but your should take it all not too serious here. As Ed said, it's only Pop. Greetings to you dear friend and all the best to you.
LE
i think we're all good now. let us focus on the questions and no longer on the initial squabble. i believe Ed is having a ball. let's join!
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Sorry I really don't understand your problem here. You write so many words and spend so much energy instead of just ask your question. It's totally clear how the rules are, stick with it or not. It's exhausting really and not attacking you.
I mean if you buy tickets for a show, you don't start to argue with the promoter why it starts at 20:00 and why the concert is on your birthday and you don't want to ask them to start at 19:30 on another day that fits better. If you don't like what Ed has set up, don't participate and please don't be angry and leave the forum (again). Just relax. That's the main key to most if your trouble it seems to me. Stay relaxed, wait 15 min before relpying and breathe! Your contributions are among the most valuable here, really, but your should take it all not too serious here. As Ed said, it's only Pop. Greetings to you dear friend and all the best to you.
LE
Dusty is doing an amazing job of keeping it manageable and enjoyable. I disagree, however, on filtering questions and their quantity over quality. A lot of questions seem to be boring or simple anyway, like all the "list-type" questions even coming from full-fledged, genuine AMIT members. It's entirely subjective and not that interesting, at least to me, so basic filtering could be implemented. You can't answer ALL the questions, right? Learn from Guy Fletcher, who ignores half of the questions on his forum.
And some questions Ed already answered in his interviews. Asking questions is an art form on its own, and we can develop an entire long set of rules just for writing questions. Instead, having more questions and a simple filter can do the trick... Again, my 5 cents. There are truly a lot of good ones, and I hope to see more with less strict rules. LE's analogy is not good because people organized shows for centuries, and Ed coming to the forum is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I'm only trying to make it better, that's it. I also encourage people to stop fighting me, because again it's the first time a real Q&A is happening on AMIT and it baffles me that nobody seems to care about discussing it, while even Ed himself seems to agree and allows for less strict rules and longer deadlines. A forum is a place for exchanging ideas and views, I'm sorry I'm doing exactly that. And yes, I write a lot of words to explain EXACTLY what I mean.
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Quizzy, can we keep this space for the actual questions though pls?
also, did you actually already post YOUR question? :-)
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Yes, and the answer is there :)
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Haha, I actually opened a new thread for discussion which Ed even promised to ignore, but it was DELETED and I was attacked beyond belief. Here's for democracy, right?
I genuinely think the problem is not with me, but the problem is with the rules and/or organisation. Look at ways to improve the product, not to attack me personally.
You can make it a questions-only thread and move the discussion somewhere else, but again my main concern is the best result and experience. And I apologised!
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"A lot of questions seem to be boring or simple anyway, like all the "list-type" questions even coming from full-fledged, genuine AMIT members"
Anyone who asks a question, this question is important to them. Why do you think some questions are boring and uninteresting?
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again, only ACTUAL questions here pls, open a new thread to discuss democracy at Amit, but keep this free for questions
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I would first like to say the I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to all the interviews Ed has given. Very entertaining! As for a question I thought 'what would I ask Mark if I ever got the chance, something he never mentioned in the interviews he gave'. So here it goes: Have you ever blown up the family radio with one of your instruments?
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I would first like to say the I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to all the interviews Ed has given. Very entertaining! As for a question I thought 'what would I ask Mark if I ever got the chance, something he never mentioned in the interviews he gave'. So here it goes: Have you ever blown up the family radio with one of your instruments?
asking the important questions! classic :-)
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Ok, since we're allowed to a second question from family members:
- What do you think of the renditions of the DS classics in the Golder Heart Tour and would you say that Mark was particularly happy of having to fill 2/3 of the show with such material given the massive burnout he went through few years before on the OES tour?
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Hi, Ed.
Thank you for answering my question.
Now that we are able to do one more, i'll go for it.
Explaining part of my first question: I know that you won't listen to Mark's music since 2000. I was made a comparison between the release strategies from MK' music and the DS days. The recent 2.5 MK albums have more songs that the entire DS discography.
Now, my final "question".
For experience, i know that artists (in case, musicians), most of them are "excentrical personas". They have a distinctive point of view about socienty and personal relationships.
I mean "excentrical" because part of an artist personality escapes from the "normal" world.
In real life, artists are normal people who work hard on their art but enjoys the same jokes, food and places like "normal" people likes.
(Yes, it's hard to me to explain)
However, some of them have some affraid of conflicts or disagreements in general. In the near circle, this is very common.
And, if you are bossy.... hmmmm (problem).
As an admirer of Dire Straits (as a band) and his formation variations, i always saw MK as the guy who avoid conflicts. I am want to go into 'too personal' detais, however, watching interviews from Pick, Terry and David (who can be very idiotic egomaniac sometimes) along my DS fever days, and reading your interviews (and AMIT answers), when someone quitted the band, your job was the worse.
I mean, protect the personal/professional relationships and, above all, keep the "fired ones" as good friends it's not for everyone.
I always saw Mark as a guy who doesn't really care about the fans. He always talk about playing BIA and RJ as a tribute to the fans and bla, bla, bla. Sorry, but to my view, this is bullshit.
I know that is NOT your matter, but The Straits RRHOF thing was a tragedy (for the business and for the fans)
Since your departure, what seems is that Mark were "ashamed" of Dire Straits.
Is always "between the lines" that Mark didn't really like the band (songs/albums/concerts) and his recent songs are WAY better than the DS days.
(I know he talks it because his recent work. But, come on.... ignore the past is nonsense)
Well, Mark it, Mark that...
Like as quoted by a forum friend - Mark didn't want that.
(This is Guy's answer for everything that he can not answer)
For most of the public, Mark was reponsible for 99,99% of the arrangements for the DS songs. To my view, the concerts "represented" this idea.
Well, the band played everything the same every night, the only who "could" play different was... Mark.
There is no bootleg that has information like: - 'Alan was killing this concert' or 'Terry made an amazing job on that song... Was always things like: 'Mark was inspired', 'Mark went crazy during Sultans'...
Now, finally, my question: ;D
How much input Mark receive from the musicians/co-producers during the DS days? He got input's on his lirycs too?
To my ears, LOG (album) is a Alan Clark masterpiece.
Local Hero soundtrack, for me, it's a collab between Alan and Mark.
The 80's DS sound, to my ears, is much more focused on Alan inputs than Mark's.
Ok, its Mark songs. However, Mark guitar solos would be "nothing" without Alan's magical keyboard layers.
There is a huge (again, in my opinion) rupture on MK's music when he stopped to work with Alan.
Another thought that i had years ago:
Calling Elvis, When It Comes To You, Fade To Black, Ticket To Heaven, How Long, Millionaire Blues.
Those songs are originally planned for a 2nd NHB album?
Come on, Rolo... shut up.
Well, my life quotes, based on years playing in bands are.
"Every person needs to be in a band once in life to respect "excentrical" personalities"
and
"Every soloist (mainly guitar players) should be bass players for a year to learn how to listen and respect the band"
and the most common one:
"Learn to separate the art from the artist."
i'll shut up.
THANK YOU, Ed.
And a special thanks to your sense of homour.
I haven't laughted this way about music subjects in years.
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Great Dusty, my colleague and friend Jeppe who is a great fan of Pink Floyd just as I am of DS/MK. He would like to know if (back then) there was ever any collaboration thoughts between Knopfler and David Gilmour ?.
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"A lot of questions seem to be boring or simple anyway, like all the "list-type" questions even coming from full-fledged, genuine AMIT members"
Anyone who asks a question, this question is important to them. Why do you think some questions are boring and uninteresting?
Well because lists are boring... It's fast food of question making and fast food of answers. Favourites change all the time, it's entirely subjective, it's not informative at all, and it's tempting to get a big answer just like it's tempting to consume a lot of calories at once at McDonald's.
And like with the "one question" rule, you're bound to leave something important off the list, it takes too much time to answer, and then arguments will come into the picture as people who won't agree with your list try to prove you wrong or provide their lists in response.
It's BORING in every which way... Instead of asking, say, "List 5 of your favourite MK songs", you can ask "What do you think about The Ragpicker's Dream?", this is way more specific.
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I promise not to write more off-topic content as admins will kill me, however, I do have yet another request. Dusty, could you please think about making a separate thread for each new batch of Ed's responses? Like "Special Q & A with Ed Bicknell - THE ANSWERS (PART 1)" because otherwise if you put all answers in one thread, it will be doomed to be clogged with responses and it will be impossible to follow. Just another 5 cents in the collection of possible amendments. Even the Constitution of the United States had 27 amendments, bear with me.
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I promise not to write more off-topic content as admins will kill me, however, I do have yet another request. Dusty, could you please think about making a separate thread for each new batch of Ed's responses? Like "Special Q & A with Ed Bicknell - THE ANSWERS (PART 1)" because otherwise if you put all answers in one thread, it will be doomed to be clogged with responses and it will be impossible to follow. Just another 5 cents in the collection of possible amendments. Even the Constitution of the United States had 27 amendments, bear with me.
Will discuss with mods and revert.
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Ed,
Off-topic: You mentioned the Blue Nile. From what I have read, managing them must've been sort of like herding cats. Could you give a short synopsis of your work with them and maybe an illustrative anecdote or two?
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Dear Ed,
What's the best question we could ask where the answer isn't "Mark didn't want to?"
I’m not sure I understand your question which may be translation. Could you re ask in a different way please and I will do my best to re address? Thanks.
I'm sure wakeywakey meant something along these lines: As DS was an authoritarian band (was it?), a lion's share of answers could end with "Because Mark didn't want to". As in: Mark didn't want to go to Poland (just as an example, not to offend Polish people!), didn't want to release his version of "Private Dancer", etc.. And the question is, I guess, what is something (the best) that happened to DS without any connection to MK, his desires whatsoever, or even against them?
wakeywakey, please correct me if I'm wrong.
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Ed do you remember why Dire Straits never came to Poland? The same question applies to Mark Knopfler first tour.
Ed:
Hmmm. No. No one ever approached me and back then I don't think I could find a promoter let alone a reliable one. A shame, I tried very hard to get the band into new territories partly for the fans but also to keep it interesting for the musicians.
That's what I suspected. It was our fault :( And the other side of the coin is that it was a time when we had too much phonographic piracy.
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"A lot of questions seem to be boring or simple anyway, like all the "list-type" questions even coming from full-fledged, genuine AMIT members"
Anyone who asks a question, this question is important to them. Why do you think some questions are boring and uninteresting?
Exactly, and what others find "deep and clever" could come across as nerdy nonsense with no little value to others. Like, I'm very curious about setlists, songs that were rehearsed and not played live and so on and couldn't care less about "behind the scenes gossip". if someone stole a sausage and Mark got mad over it, who cares, right? But there might be a few "who-s" who genuinely care, which is fine. It's a bit like comparing ACDC to something like a classical composer. Just because one of them is a bit more basic and "straight forward" than the other, doesn't mean it has less musical value or is objectively of less quality. If the question brings something new out to the public, then it is very much a valid question. Also, we can't expect people to keep track of all interviews. If something is already answered, maybe pasting the answer from "back when" is a good solution.
As for more questions, it all depends on how many of them there are and how many there is time to answer - we can expand from two per member if there is room for it, too. I don't have anything against expanding the # of questions from each member, but in reality it's not a "family member" who is asking additional question, it is the person behind the keyboard.
My first question is: "How do unreleased tracks make their way into set lists, especially when multiple albums are already released?"
Reason for asking: if you choose a basic setlist for a tour (with a wild card or two in the rotation), and you have dozens of tracks to choose from, there is obviously limited space for songs - especially if you do extended versions which limit the # of songs you can play. My first thought is that there are numerous popular tracks that would fit that are left out, and it seems less obvious to give priority to songs people can't buy on a record and listen to later. (this is not a critique, thanks to bootlegging I'm very grateful for the unknown tunes that have found their ways out of concert arenas on various tapes)
"Uncle Fester bonus question": Has there ever been considered doing less extended versions of songs live to be able to include more tunes in the set lists? I'm interested in some thoughts on the balance and compromises here (DS seemed to be a bit more heavy on the longer/extended tunes than most other bands I have come across).
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Thanks Ed, this is really kind.
I saw you play drums with the NHBs at Ronnie Scott’s. It was a perfect night. Steak and chips, red wine, and this amazing band. What was your happiest memory of the DS/NHB era - a day or night when you just thought ‘life doesn’t get any better than this’ Thanks again. Steve Szalay
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Hello Ed, you said 'What he said at that last professional meeting was grossly insulting, patronising, bewildering and deeply hurtful.'. Given that you basically never listened to his music after that gives me the impression that Mark never apologized for that. Given that another family member got a chance to ask a question, I'm afraid that I have to give my dirty uncle the chance to ask his question. I personally wouldn't dare to ask you this, but my uncle assured my that you would enjoy the question: 'Did what Mark say involve the size of your knob?'.
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Hi Ed, thanks for taking the time to answer our questions, it's much appreciated.
Edit: I changed my question because I realized it had already been asked!
About the 96ers! Choosing the Nashville guys was a good idea in my opinion, and I particularly wanted to talk about Chad Cromwell. Did he really suffer from hearing problems that would have pushed him to leave the 96ers later on? Perhaps he was less docile than the others?
What direction would you have taken with the 96ers if you had continued?
Ahh I so wish I'd had an official recording of the 2000-2001 tour, what a great album STP.
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Hi Ed, a family member would like to know: Do you think Mark going solo was always inevitable from more or less the beginning of Dire Straits?
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Hi Ed, it is a magnificent gift you are giving us, thank you.
Three questions, but you can pick one:
- we know many artists make special requests for tours, in the sense of things they always want to find in the dressing room, or special food. Such requests from MK?
- What do you think of Mark as producer of the DS records?
- John Illsey speaks very badly in his book about DS's Italian concerts, at the level of organisation above all. Do you confirm his impressions? (I am Italian)
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Dear Ed,
thanks for your replies. Very nice facts to know about.
For most of us OES tour was the first and only time we saw DS. It is quite sad to read about being so hard for almost everyone involved who has talked about it. I love every bit of it, and the new expanded On The Night has been a gift.
Question... There were a few names of musicians that could have done it but declined... Jeff Porcaro, Vince Gill, Manu Katché¿?... Were there any other musicians proposed that finally did not make it?
This question could be used for other tours, if you are so kind.
Again, thank you very much.
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Dear Ed,
A great big thank you for doing this, and I'm pleased to read that you're actually enjoying it. It's so interesting what you say about MK really being a two-hit wonder. Sure he's a talented songwriter, hardworking and an unbelievable guitar player, but was he so much better than say Richard Thompson or Ry Cooder? I've always thought he was extremely lucky to be in the right place at the right time twice. And listening to his (very long) solo albums, it is evident that not everything he creates is gold. The two albums that have stuck with me are the first and second DS albums. They are just amazing in every respect much due to the true band feel that comes across, Mark's fantastic guitar work, Pick's drumming, and that they for some reason sound timeless.
Forgive me the rambling. I do have a question, and it's not DS/MK related. Since you're passionate about music, I assume you have a top-notch sound system, or maybe even a dedicated listening room. Would you care to tell us what your sound system consists of (components and brands)?
Cheers!
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Question from a family member.
Hi Ed. Thanks for squeezing my bro in. Moving on...
Do you think that there are any music producers out there or were considered who would have brought something better to either Dire Straits output or Marks solo career? My feeling is with the latter and OES he would have definitely benefitted from some more overtly outside influence but really interested in your view and wther other producers were ever considered during your tenure as manager.
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Many thanks for doing it for us - get-a-lifers, Ed. It's an absolute highlight in the history of this Forum.
Following up on hunter's great question above (who hunted my original question - re "was he so much better than..." ), I'd like to know your opinion on why DS was as successful as they became. I was listening the other day to Chris Rea, similar age to MK, with some really good songs, interesting deep voice, characteristic guitar playing (slide), (red strat is his thing too btw) etc. Many ingredients for potential huge success are there and yet, he got nowhere near the level of DS/MK popularity. He was quite popular in Europe but rest of the world doesn't know him.
So, what was it that made DS so huge? Surely more than just being at the right place and time? Although it must happen at some point if you want a serious success I suppose. When asked about these things, MK always says that you really must want to do it, regardless of the ups and downs in your life, you got to be addicted to it, it has to be compulsory. But surely there must be other factors that make someone a world act instead of a toast of the town. Does (good) management play a key role? BTW, I always loved the name of your company - Damage Management. Says a lot about your sense of humour ;D Is that what it comes down to at this high level? Damage management?
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Hi Ed, a family member would like to know: Do you think Mark going solo was always inevitable from more or less the beginning of Dire Straits?
Good one!
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Hi Ed
My, um, sister, Busty Valentino, has this question for you:
Who were the top acts you worked with, and also the more “challenging”, during your pre DS days at Hull University and as an agent?
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Hi Ed and thanks again for you disponibility, huge sens of humour, kindness, and mindblowing informations for all of us
one of my blog followers asks me always the same question : is it true that Mark doesn't choose what songs are released or not on an album ?
is it really the record compagny who decides this ?
for example, who decided to put Eastbound train as B-side and not on the album ? same for Badges, stickers, posters and T-shirts, or Millionaire blues and Kingdom come... lonesome wild blues (NHB), gravy train, my claim to fame... (I just gave examples during the time you had the job)
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Dear Ed, it is a privilege to have this opportunity that you have given us, to come across so much valuable information that you provide, some paradigm shifts, all of this through a contagious sense of humor, many smiles and reflections came to me.
I am one of the few fans here who has never had the opportunity to see a Dire Straits or Mark Knopfler show. I would have loved it if Dire Straits had ever come to Brazil. I never knew if this was ever considered and the exact reasons why they never came to South America.
After acquiring all the official Dire Straits material in the late 90s, I delved deep into bootlegs and discovered a new world. There are two Dire Straits, the studio and the live. No famous band's history will be complete without going through the bootleg universe. (In my opinion), unfortunately, due to commercial and logistical reasons, DS's official live recordings have never revealed the full experience of a band's show. (At this point, I would like to highlight the importance of bootlegs, which reveal another dimension of the band that the official discography of most bands like DS is not capable of offering. Believe me, this brings great happiness to the most dedicated fans. Those who are into this already have everything official material, it's a matter of honor), Alchemy and On The Night were examples of this for decades, only last year they were released in full. If it weren't for the bootlegs, we would never know what the On Location tour 80/81 was like, or the legendary BIA Tour 85/86, just to name a few examples. I used to be a very dreamy fan, I longed for years to watch the Alchemy video in its entirety, with Portobello Belle, the footage of the show in Paris 1983, Wembley 85 in its entirety, outtakes, demos... none of this has come to light to this day, but some pleasant surprises came after a long time, such as the live 78/92 box set, especially the TOTALLY UNRELEASED last show of the original quartet, Rainbow Theatre, London, UK, 20th-21st December 1979, which brings my favorite "incarnation" in terms of sound, I'm a purist DS fan, I love above all that sound of the original quartet.
Mentioned all this to ask a complex question, why aren't there penguins at the North Pole, there are only penguins at the South Pole? Have you ever stopped to think about this aspect of existence? 😅
Of course I'm joking a little, my question is related to the Communique tour 79,, it was the only tour in which Dire Straits toured the United States on two separate occasions, between February and April 79 and September and October 79. I read somewhere that the second American tour was not successful, paradoxically for me it is strange, judging by the bootlegs available, the band is even sharper, with a wider repertoire. What could you say about this period of the last tour with the original line-up? Any notable shows, it seems to me that the Pink Pop Festival, Geleen, The Netherlands, June 4th 1979 was the first time the band performed for a huge audience, probably more than 50,000 spectators in the audience. In the only available DS video of this festival, there is a rare scene where it shows you with sunglasses 😎 watching the band, just before they play Lady Writer.
That's it for now.
I wish you much happiness and health in your life, Ed, you seem to have a remarkably rejuvenated spirit, I love people like that. :wave
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Hello, Mr. Edward Scissorhands
(now i remembered about a 90's porn movie Edward penis hands.... go figure why) So many emotions from my youth
Enough with this nonsense, Rolo.
The guy have high blood pressure (don't say the magic word)
You talked about producers and one thing that still amazes me is the first DS album. Comunique is better in terms of sound. The guitars are cristal clear, drums are big, even J bass is quite good on this album. However, there are the Muff's touch on the first record that is, to my point of view, amazing. For me, the magic happened at Mark's guitar tone. I don't know about it, but to me, that tone it's all Muff's magic.
That mystical chorus/vibrato almost cracked clean tone is magical. And never reproduced live. It's all studio.
Another Muff's touch, to my ears, is that In The Gallery was raised a half-step after the recordings. Well, there was too many songs in A...
Seems to me that Muff got some issues with MK, because he said that D (i almost sayed the magic word) was a great player and good as anyone. (Thank God that D's guitars is almost unaudibles on that record, proven that the 'anti-Golias's' guitars was, at least, weak)
Maybe the little brother would have red light syndrom, who knows...
You talked about Mark was unable to record for Michael Jackson.
People always imagined about a partnership between Gilmour and Mark. However, i always felt that Roger Waters was artistically more "adequated" to a collab with Mark.
Both are "inspired" by wars and pipes.
Did Roger ever made an aproach with you or Mark? I really like his albums "The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking" (with Eric) and "Amused to Death" (with Jeff)
Ah, another one:
Is well know that, at the 90's, MK often spoke about a Unplugged MTV wicth never happened.
How close a MTV Unplugged Mark Knopfler was to happen?
(i have my toughts, but i'll won't say it)
My very good friend Brunno Nunes talked about you guys touring on South America and i remember when you guys came to Brazil (STP Tour). I think that the brazilian media didn't do the proper cover. (I remember to see an MK very short interview on a kid's show called 'Turma da Xuxa'). Seems that was a mess.
I don't know the Rudy's influence on the Brazil mess. He is argentinian, so... HA!
Ed, thank you again.
If you get plans to next summer in Portugal, don't call me.
I am a pain in the ass.
cheers, Ed the Scissorhands.
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“Muff’s touch”
(https://img.rasset.ie/00124d9e-800.jpg)
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“Muff’s touch”
:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol
Go figure...
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if we were talking about Gilmour, we would say the (big) Muff's touch :lol :lol
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Thanks, Ed, for your answer about your sound system. I'm sure it's lovely. Personally, putting some money into a better-than-average playback system and taking the time to learn about proper speaker setup, have been some of the most rewarding things I've done. The music just comes alive in a very different way. Especially well-recorded music like DS and MK, not to mention ECM albums, of which I'm a great fan and collector. Talk about a vast and varied catalog of artists, many totally obscure, who just create the most amazing and amazing-sounding music. Fantastic.
A question, if I may, this time about Mark. One of the things I admire the most about him as a live performer is how effortlessly he plays lead lines behind his vocals. Many famous singer-guitarists don't, or can't. I mean, take Lady Writer for instance. An uptempo song, a mouthful lyrically, and then to play those intricate lines with precision and without messing up the singing. In your opinion, or from observation, is that just something he has a gift for, or did he practice a lot to achieve that kind of independency?
Thank you, and cheers.
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Good morning Ed,
a dear friend of mine from Italy asked me to pass this question to you, he thanks you in advance for a possible answer, whatever will be. :)
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WILLY DEVILLE:
An interview to Mr. Deville released in 2006:
I wanted to ask you about the album you made with Mark Knopfler, I can't remember its title ("Miracle" Willy supplied) how did that come about? Was he assigned to produce you by your label or did it come about some other way?
It was Mark's wife Lourdes who came up with the idea. She said to him that you don't sing like Willy and he doesn't play guitar like you,
Nobody plays guitar like him.
That's for sure, but you really like his stuff so why don't you do an album together?
So I went over to London to do this album. It wasn't easy because we didn't want it to sound like a Dire Straits' album, and his guitar playing is so unique that it was hard to do. But nothing good is going to be easy. I know that I spent the whole time really trying to impress Mark, I wanted it to be good.
But, yeah it was his wife Lourdes who was responsible more than anyone else for that album. She's a really great lady, really nice. I still really like that album, especially "Southern Politician".
In an interview with you on the Live In The Lowlands DVD you talked about Mark's reaction to the song "Storybook Love"...
Oh yeah that was funny. I played him what I had and he looked at me and said how did you know about that. I said what, and he said that he was working on a movie with Rob Reiner called the Princess Bride and I'd just written a song that told the story. He got on the phone and phoned Rob and told him, and Reiner said to get it out to him as soon as possible. So we did it up rough and sent it off and he loved it.
The next thing I know I'm standing backstage and listening to Dudley Moore and Liza Manelli introduce me before going out to sing "Storybook Song" at the Oscars. There I was standing backstage with Tom Selleck and Karl Malden, waiting to onstage. It was weird...
Well Ed, this is my question:
it has always been very strange for me that Deville who was so musically distant from Mark, he had composed a song that fitted perfectly in terms of music and lyrics with The Princess Bride soundtrack, at the right time in the right place. My question is: is it possible that Deville had secretly listened to the Mark's early recordings of The Princess Bride main theme through Lourdes before and then he wrote his song ("Lourdes who was responsible more than anyone else for that album", cit. Willy Deville) ? OK, it seems to be sci-fi but the Mark's reaction was so natural and spontaneous ..( "Oh yeah that was funny. I played him what I had and he looked at me and said how did you know about that. I said what, and he said that he was working on a movie with Rob Reiner called the Princess Bride and I'd just written a song that told the story")
Thank you so much Ed for your time.
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if we were talking about Gilmour, we would say the (big) Muff's touch :lol :lol
Ooooh!
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Thank you again, Ed.
I was surprised by Muff’s comments in that TV doc but he’s a producer, I’m not ( and a lovely bloke ). I do not think M shared that view.
M didn't share Muff's view (and the rest of world too)
MTV. He did? Really?
We were never approached, we did not approach them, he never mentioned it to me.
Your thoughts are "not a good idea" aren’t they? .
I remember to see one or two interviews and he talked about a Unplugged Concert.
(my thoughs are that he was waving to MTV)
Well, if MK was interested in a low profile public life, maybe the MTVUnp wasn't the ideal.
I think that (confirmed) MTV never made an approach.
Would be nice? Yes.
I wasn’t involved in the STP tour.
That explains a lot.
Dusty tells me you don't take collect calls so I wouldn’t anyway.
Please, Ed.
Don't take me serious, ever.
All my questions for you are about having a good laugh at the end.
And I never take collect calls.
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Hello Ed,
Again, many thanks for doing this. I was on vacation while this initiative started, so now I've had to waste 8 hours of life reading all your previous answers. Worth it.
Three questions if you and Dusty allow me (I'm not sure about the rules).
- Which countries did you try to get DS to perform but never managed?
- Which country was the most difficult to tour in (in terms of logistics, promoters, payments, all of that)? I know you've mentioned Italy as being difficult in 80/81, but was there a country you particularly struggled with?
- Dire Straits visited my country, Portugal, twice in 1992. Any particular memories of those days there, and why did DS not perform there during the 85/86 tour?
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One person in DS was so active in that area, his body just became a life support system for his penis.
I'm still facing the wall in shame for bringing up your mighty beast, and had MKs solo career been included I would have definitely gone for Richard Bennett, but my guess would be Danny Cummings (If you can play latin percussion and recorded with George Michael and Elton John all options must be open!)
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This is such a great opportunity to ask someone from within the whole operation, I love it.
I wonder (I don't mean this as a gossip-question) how (and if ;-) the band stayed sober and seemingly blind to all the excess drug-fueled showbizz that was going on in the '80's. It seems every band for those years has crazy stories to either tell of being told about them, and DS is never 'accused' of any that! Where there afterparty after shows, did the band go into town for drinks after shows or was it as professional as it appears to be, and were shows being done without some divine intervention (wink) after weeks of little sleep and the occasional cold and/or hangover?
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Hi Ed,
How was like, managing David and Alan?
Generalied opinion is that david leaving the band was not easy and affected family relationships and so on. But after leaving the band we can see Mk playing with David’s band in San Remo both happy and smiling and good harmony. You have any clue what was that about? Was then after david leaves, the major problem between them?
Same with Alan. We can see him after OES and after OTN supporting mk on keabords in a masterclass for 3 guitar players in a tvshow. Was everything ok between them ?
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Ed
Thanks again for doing this.
It was told to me once that you had pushed or maybe just suggested to Mark to get the band back together and do another big tour when the Sultans of Swing compilation was released. Or perhaps the record companies wanted it. Any truth to this?
EDIT: This seems kind of unlikely to me given what you've said about the OES tour...
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Hello Ed, my cousin Ally (not on this forum sadly) always wondered about what Mark had said at the Nelson Mandela gig about Jack. In his little speech at the Walk Of Life break Mark made it look like he suddenly and surprisingly had to find an replacement inside-left as Jack would have become daddy of two lovely babies. How much truth was in this? I wonder if Jack really would have played the Mandela gig if the babies would have been born in, let's say August.Q: Was he ever really asked to do the gig? When was it really decided that Eric would play inside-left?
I know this touches the Jack Sonni theme again but the Nelson Mandela gig was an absolute great thing for me. I always wished this concert would have been properly and officially released as an live album (much better idea than "Live At The BBC"...)
I know Dire Straits were asked very early and were headliners together with Simple Minds. I loved that the rehearsal gigs were made available for fans, was that your idea? Those gigs must have been pure fun. (I always wondered why Mark looked so pale, tired and old at the real event. He could have got a proper hair cut and a decent suit before. Those striped trousers! )
Thank youhuuuuuuu!
LE
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Ed, the almighty.
Lord of Laughs.
Sometimes, me and my dear friend Brunno Nunes (which is a great guitar player and has a great DS Early Years cover act at his hometown ) catch us talking about DK and Hal as, and only as, guitar players.
Hal is a pro-session guitar player until nowadays. Composed a bunch of film scores and recorded a lot of albums. David, was never a pro-player (in my opinion). However, he was capable to deliver the job until the date that he leaves the band.
Thru the 2 first DS albums, DK's guitar is very, very discrete. Both albums are essencially Mark playng guitar, like 90/10 in coparison to David.
To my ears, Hal was (is) very capable to mimic Mark's playing. However, his playing turned (i don't know if was because of Alan) very modest and far from his capacities as a guitar player (Hal can play, technically, much better than what we hear on the records)
So, I have 1 question and my uncle Muff Rolovsky has another one.
- How Hal joined the band? He was indicated by someone? He played on some kind of audition? Were other players in mind or was only Hal?
He wasn't a Joe Doe either, was he?
- How much Hal played on the LOG album? In percentage, less than David? I am asking this question based on a recent discussion here on the forum.
My thoughts are that Hal, because he could mimic MK very well, his parts (on the record) are, sometimes, interpreted as played by Mark.
The public opinion says that Hal played only few lines and chords on the record, the rest (95%) was MK.
off topic:
Did you know that a modern version of a brazilian kind of romantic style called ''brega' is totally inspired by DS? (mainly about Sultans)
And bunch of Brazilian Latin (based on latin-spanish culture) bands are crazy about DS?
There are very small poor cities (almost villages) in the Northeast of Brazil that the only international music that plays on the streets and bars are DS.
Thanks again, Ed.
I am laughing just imagining your answers.
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Hi Ed, loving your answers, pure funny!!
One question I have - when Johnnie Walker interviewed Mark in 1992 at Woburn Abbey, they were talking about Brendan, and Johnnie says “when all this (ie OES tour) is over might you be back on stage as I’ve heard you’ve thoughts of a nice gutsy RnB band as a change for the Hillbillies and you and Brendan might do something”. Mark says it won’t be for a few years but he’d like to do more with Brendan.
Can you shed any light on this? Obvs the NHB did get back together several times but no such sideline project.
Thanks Ed!
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Hello Ed, I have been asked by another family member: Can you give us the names of some of the film soundtracks Mark either turned down or couldn't do because of other commitments?
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Ed, the almighty.
Lord of Laughs.
Sometimes, me and my dear friend Brunno Nunes (which is a great guitar player and has a great DS Early Years cover act at his hometown ) catch us talking about DK and Hal as, and only as, guitar players.
Hal is a pro-session guitar player until nowadays. Composed a bunch of film scores and recorded a lot of albums. David, was never a pro-player (in my opinion). However, he was capable to deliver the job until the date that he leaves the band.
Thru the 2 first DS albums, DK's guitar is very, very discrete. Both albums are essencially Mark playng guitar, like 90/10 in coparison to David.
To my ears, Hal was (is) very capable to mimic Mark's playing. However, his playing turned (i don't know if was because of Alan) very modest and far from his capacities as a guitar player (Hal can play, technically, much better than what we hear on the records)
I am laughing just imagining your answers.
Funny, as I already mentioned to you, dear friend Rolo, I attribute the same phenomenon to Hal's participation in the Love Over Gold album. I have a lot of difficulty in perceiving his signature, where he is present doing some filling, something that identifies, "this is Hal Lindes.", everything seems to be MK. In Private Dancer with Tina, I simply cannot identify any signature of Hal's, the only thing I see Hal copying MK is the tone and nothing more, they had copies of Schecter guitars, the same equipment, this helped him a lot in this sense, in addition to all the guidance that MK certainly gave him. A great professional guitarist, but, for me, he does not have a signature, something that I have always valued a lot, as well as beautiful soulful solos.
In the first two albums, despite the predominance of MK's guitars (in which album does this not happen in DS or solo?) I can more easily notice DK's guitar, which despite being a band with 4 members. In my opinion, DK naturally has elements that emulate guitar sounds more clearly. MK, there is a whole context behind this, they have the same influences, they created their own dynamics between guitars and equipment over years and years (forget the differences in personalities), I'm talking about sound, identity, the rhythmic parts that DK sound very similar to MK's, live it becomes clearer to me.
In the end, it is clear to me, regarding guitar sounds in DS, DK has more identity in what he set out to do, rhythm guitar, he had more expression in this and style than Hal, none of the songs on the first two albums sound like the original quartet and it's not because the next stage went to another level of dynamics because of the keyboards, it's just that when a member leaves, the sound can change a lot, it was like that with DK in 1980, it was like that when Pick left in 1982, but it wasn't like that with the absence of Hal Lindes in 1984.
If Bruce Welch's guitar was not in The Shadows would it be the same? I don't think so. It could be Brendan Croker or Steve Philippe instead of DK, but it wouldn't be the same. There are these nuances.
Just my point of view.
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Hello Ed, I have been asked by another family member: Can you give us the names of some of the film soundtracks Mark either turned down or couldn't do because of other commitments?
could be wrong, but i believe he already did, on here....pls master Ed, correct (and punish) me if i am wrong!
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Ed, the almighty.
Lord of Laughs.
- How Hal joined the band? He was indicated by someone? He played on some kind of audition? Were other players in mind or was only Hal?
He wasn't a Joe Doe either, was he?
also here, in one of his replies he mentioned how (was it our lord and saviour E.B?) Hal got into the band...
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Hello Ed, my cousin Ally (not on this forum sadly) always wondered about what Mark had said at the Nelson Mandela gig about Jack. In his little speech at the Walk Of Life break Mark made it look like he suddenly and surprisingly had to find an replacement inside-left as Jack would have become daddy of two lovely babies. How much truth was in this? I wonder if Jack really would have played the Mandela gig if the babies would have been born in, let's say August.Q: Was he ever really asked to do the gig? When was it really decided that Eric would play inside-left?
I know this touches the Jack Sonni theme again but the Nelson Mandela gig was an absolute great thing for me. I always wished this concert would have been properly and officially released as an live album (much better idea than "Live At The BBC"...)
I know Dire Straits were asked very early and were headliners together with Simple Minds. I loved that the rehearsal gigs were made available for fans, was that your idea? Those gigs must have been pure fun. (I always wondered why Mark looked so pale, tired and old at the real event. He could have got a proper hair cut and a decent suit before. Those striped trousers! )
Thank youhuuuuuuu!
LE
jeez, feeling like the great killjoy here, but also THIS was touched by Ed (in a decent manner of course) and by Jack himself in his podcast. again, should i be wrong, someone throw the first of many stones..
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Then answer, please. (Guess you can't be bothered to check?)
LE
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"In the end, it is clear to me, regarding guitar sounds in DS, DK has more identity in what he set out to do, rhythm guitar, he had more expression in this and style than Hal, none of the songs on the first two albums sound like the original quartet and it's not because the next stage went to another level of dynamics because of the keyboards, it's just that when a member leaves, the sound can change a lot, it was like that with DK in 1980, it was like that when Pick left in 1982, but it wasn't like that with the absence of Hal Lindes in 1984"
That's true. I think so too.
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Ed, the almighty.
Lord of Laughs.
- How Hal joined the band? He was indicated by someone? He played on some kind of audition? Were other players in mind or was only Hal?
He wasn't a Joe Doe either, was he?
also here, in one of his replies he mentioned how (was it our lord and saviour E.B?) Hal got into the band...
Hey!
Thanks for the note.
I'll check again.
Probably i read it too fast his answers and this subject has escaped from my eagle eye.
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Hello Ed, my cousin Ally (not on this forum sadly) always wondered about what Mark had said at the Nelson Mandela gig about Jack. In his little speech at the Walk Of Life break Mark made it look like he suddenly and surprisingly had to find an replacement inside-left as Jack would have become daddy of two lovely babies. How much truth was in this? I wonder if Jack really would have played the Mandela gig if the babies would have been born in, let's say August.Q: Was he ever really asked to do the gig? When was it really decided that Eric would play inside-left?
I know this touches the Jack Sonni theme again but the Nelson Mandela gig was an absolute great thing for me. I always wished this concert would have been properly and officially released as an live album (much better idea than "Live At The BBC"...)
I know Dire Straits were asked very early and were headliners together with Simple Minds. I loved that the rehearsal gigs were made available for fans, was that your idea? Those gigs must have been pure fun. (I always wondered why Mark looked so pale, tired and old at the real event. He could have got a proper hair cut and a decent suit before. Those striped trousers! )
Thank youhuuuuuuu!
LE
jeez, feeling like the great killjoy here, but also THIS was touched by Ed (in a decent manner of course) and by Jack himself in his podcast. again, should i be wrong, someone throw the first of many stones..
I checked myself and it was not in the Podcast but Dusty had messaged him and Jack had answered that he had been contacted by the Management to play the Mandela gig, not by Mark himself and he called that phone call "ridicoulus" and even if Mandela was an important man, he never would miss the birth of his daughters. So maybe Ed can answer my question nevertheless.
LE
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Dear Ed,
I would also like to thank you for your willingness to answer questions, clarify ambiguities and spread a lot of humor, which is particularly commendable. :thumbsup This leads to my first post after 13 years of forum registration.
After the many questions I have already asked, I find a lot of interesting things in your comments about the colloborations and companions around the band and MK in the various projects. That's what my question at the end is aimed at. I could name a whole list of people I would like to ask you about your point of view and especially your personal experiences, but I will limit myself to a few.
1) Van Morrison: There is a wonderful British folk-pop-rock duo (sometimes band) called “Ezio” from Cambridge. Perhaps you know them? They are still phenomenally good in live performances today (usually gigs less than 300 in attendance ;)) and their first albums showed how gifted Ezio is as a songwriter (or rather was back then). The second album was produced by Peter van Hooke, who you probably know as he is a drummer and producer and is about your age. Peter van Hooke was also the drummer in Van Morrison's band for a long time, for example when the album “Beautiful Vision” was recorded. Ezio once told me that he was probably also in favor of getting MK as a guest guitarist for the album and then had the “chutzpah” to complain during the recording of “Cleaning Windows” that the MK contribution was actually quite nice, but why did it have to sound so much like Dire Straits? Not unfunny at all... Maybe you know Peter personally and can confirm that? Anyway...Van Morrison is one of Mark's favorite artists according to his own statement and Mark has also said in interviews that the idea of a duet album came up in the days of STP. Conversely, Van does obviously not seem an easy person to deal with. I would therefore be very interested in your actual findings about the collaborations between the two (was the duet album actually planned?) and your personal image of and experience with Van from these connections.
2) Gerry Rafferty: Another one of my more favorite artists, with whom you also had a very intense and sometimes difficult professional relationship due to his illness. The first musical connection between MK and GR was most likely Local Hero, correct? That will presumably also have come about with your personal involvement?! The collaboration on “Another World” was of course musically not really from "another world", but in my opinion is still better than many others feel and for sure it still touched me in view of Gerry's life and both of their interplay on that. How did the two of them see each other? Can you a little bit elaborate about your experience with Gerry as his manager? If this takes too long, can you at least specify on your experiences and emotions when you saw the two making music together?
3) Randy Newman: One of the few real heroes for me. Of course I don't know him personally, but the wit, self-irony and sarcasm that flows from his interviews often warms my heart. Many of his songs are simply terrific and the lyrics are brilliant. His type and humor must have been right up your alley. Did you have any personal experiences with him. Maybe not because it was probably only about “Land of Dreams” and a few joint appearances by MK and RN at that time, but if so, what would you like to say about your impressions?
4) Chris Rea: He already came up briefly in a question. As far as I know, the two never worked together, but I have read interviews in which Chris, who unfortunately had to endure an unfair and gruesome health story as most of us probably know, spoke very positively about Mark's music. The only connection that has remained with many is the worn-out “Diarrhea Joke”, which unfortunately doesn't last long. Was there anything we didn't know? Did Mark and you know and appreciate Chris and his musical work?
5) Lady Diana - a must! I had to end with something special, but have no doubt that others will be interested in this too. It is always said that Lady D was a big Dire Straits fan and the media coverage of the Princes Trust Galas seems to back this up. Is this true and if so, do you have any interesting stories of your own from that time dealig with the royals?
A big introduction to a short question, but this was also done to give you something to read and some background for the reasons of my personal interest, in the hope that it will inspire you to answer.
Now the question in a nutshell:
What are your personal experiences and views on a) Van Morrison, b) Gerry Rafferty, c) Randy Newman, d) Chris Rea and 5) Lady Diana with regard to your work as a manager of Dire Straits and MK?
Don't worry - there won't be a second question naming additional five from me. ;)
1000 thanks from Germany! :wave
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:thumbsup
Nice set of questions. I guess I didn't spend enough time on my question :( I'm curious to see what Ed says.
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Hi Ed,
I’m really interested to hear more about your life on the road as a manager.
You’ve mentioned before that you weren’t at every gig - did you travel with the band, were you in the same city or hotel?
What is life like running a great travelling circus like the OES tour?
What would you be doing backstage (keep it clean…) and how did that change over time - on those early days were you counting the money from ticket receipts and paying the venue etc or was that done separately?
Was much of your work pre tour getting everything set up (venues, hotels. Riggers, logistics, rtc) or was there still a lot to do to keep the wheels turning
It’s really interesting hearing about the band and the music but as the manager leading behind the scenes you and your team are at least 50% of making what we as fans see happen!
Many thanks!
Ps. As an aside, do you ever go back to Tadcaster and what do you think of Humphrey, MD of Samuel Smiths brewery closing down many of his pubs just because he heard a rude word in there or someone dared to use their phone?!
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Dear, Ed.
Take this question for the last day.
We asked about internal relationships, divorces, musicians, been bossy, phone calls, closing contracts, recordings, trips, drugs, gnomes, threats, tours, sausages....
I feel that, there is one question, that you thinked that it could be on the very first lot of questions. But still haven't been asked.
Tell us, before you say bye to this forum, wich questions we don't made that you were hoping for.
cheers!
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Dear, Ed.
Take this question for the last day.
We asked about internal relationships, divorces, musicians, been bossy, phone calls, closing contracts, recordings, trips, drugs, gnomes, threats, tours, sausages....
I feel that, there is one question, that you thinked that it could be on the very first lot of questions. But still haven't been asked.
Tell us, before you say bye to this forum, wich questions we don't made that you were hoping for.
cheers!
Brilliant, Rolo!
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Dear Ed, I don't know if I'm in time for a extra question from a friend of mine, who is a Fleetwood Mac fan, he said to me that in the Oldfield book it's written that Mk did a session with Stevie Nicks, and that it didn't get released but along the years it was said the song they did together was called "Garbo", there is a demo of that song in YouTube but MK is not there. Some years ago a Stevie Nicks song saw the light of day in which he used one of the instrumentals songs from the Cal score but that has nothing to do with those sessions he and Stevie did years ago. There is anything you can tell us about that?
Thanks!
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Ok, my uncle Fred has a question:
- I remember hearing that sometimes the band would soundcheck with The Man's Too Strong but with some rather vile alternative lyrics. Do you have any recollection as to what they were? "Strong" rhymes with "bong" and "dong", but that's about as much effort as I've managed to put into my guesswork. Better question: After Making Movies was released it appeared that the band matured massively in terms of on-stage presence. Mark become much more natural at interacting with the audience, more relaxed, more swagger, less manic, lots of eye contact rather than staring at the fretboard etc. Do you recall whether that a conscious thing? It seemed to set them up for the arena life that was to follow.
In addition, my aunt (also named Fred) has a question:
- Can you elaborate any further on Hal's departure? To me, Hal (and Jack) added a bit of international intrigue, and dare I say it, "cool" to what was otherwise in essence a giant pub rock band.
Cheers!
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Thanks for the part that touches me, Ed, it's exciting to read, it makes me laugh naturally, I understand well about being hilarious.😅 I just wanted to add an addendum, you left a gap here when you quote: "MK sounds like MK.
Tony Iommi sounds like Tony Iommi.
Hank Marvin sounds like Hank Marvin.
Joe Walsh sounds like Joe Walsh.
Richie Blackmore sounds like….and so on,
Brunno Ninny Nonny sounds like Brunno Ninny Nonny i.e crap." 🎸
And guitarist "(Rolo) Over Beethoven" sound like what? For "crap" to be complete, I'd like to know.😂
Wonderful stories, Ed. If you'll allow me, of course, my father, a young man of 65, a lover of the Golden Oldies sounds of the 50s/60s and of course, the 70s (which he says is where the "Filet Mignon" is in world music), having a son who loves Dire Straits, naturally listened to a lot of their discography (much more than he normally would) in addition to several bootlegs from 78/92, through me of course, and in view of this, he would like to know from you, six studio albums, six tours, which were the most memorable shows for you, if you want to name a top 5, that's more than enough.
Assuming that your participation here will be like Halley's Comet, a rare event that happens every 75–76 years, many of us will be old by then (yes, very soon science should allow many of us to live to be 180 years old in good health, depending on how much money you have in your bank account, it is very likely that I will not be on that team), I need to ask you one last question, while you are in our orbit:
About possible archived material of the band.
In an interview - Top of the Pops, London, UK, 16th March 1984, Mark mentions that he was satisfied that 17 different performances were not filmed for Alchemy, although some nights in Paris were filmed, but they were not used.
So, what happened to the recordings and filming of the Paris Show, in June 1983, a month before Alchemy? The live version of Portobello Belle on the 1988 Money for Nothing compilation was taken from one of the nights in Paris 83, which underscores what MK mentions in the interview. Is it possible that these recordings from Paris 83 still exist? After the completely unreleased show at Rainbow Theatre 79 on the Live 78/92 box set released last year, a spark of hope lit up in me. What do we know about the Paris 83 footage, dear Ed? Was Rainbow Theatre 79 filmed in its entirety as well?
Phew...
Anyway, I've finished my "almost scientific article", boring, something for nerdy fans.🤓😅
If you meet Bruce Welch's, please extend all my gratitude for everything he has done with the guitar, everything he does is beautiful and very competent, he moves the music like no one else through his guitar and I am another one who learns a lot from him. :wave
As Spock would say in Star Trek: Live Long and Prosper.🖖🏻👽
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Dear Ed, question: just how much did Mark practice the guitar, daily? Many thanks.
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dear Ed,
my son, Mats, would love to know what you remember from the Chet Atkins Musician days, back in 1998?
https://www.amarkintime.org/forum/index.php?topic=7146.0
is a link to where our favourite spaniard had collected a shitload of info about the event, including the news that PBS had apparently taped it all, any idea as to why it never aired? any way to still get it out?
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Dear Ed, question: just how much did Mark practice the guitar, daily? Many thanks.
Sorry, don't want to be the question police, but just a reminder to read all the answers before asking a question please - Ed has already answered this :)
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Ed,
Thank you for the good laughs and for the finest british humour. I felt that I was at kindergarten.
And, thanks to Dusty for the spiritual translation of some jokes.
I don't have a question (thank god)
I have two questions! ;D
Thanks for the laughs.
add:
I just read you answer and the Rolo Thread (LOL)
Don't need to apologize.
I didn't felt offended, I never felt.
I understand the sense of humour barrier. It's absolutely normal.
I know that you have passed thru a LOT during all this years managing and been a musician.
So, I tried to be spontaneous but with carefull to not be intrusive or, even offensive. Because of that, I (like Quizzy) tend to write a lot and it can be boring to read.
The coment about my finger was purely innoscet. I garantee.
However, my good friend Brunno Niny Nyonny turned it into a good joke.
Now I'll pick my guettar and play the newest hits from AMIT.
- The Way She Always Fart
- Golden Fart
Thanks, Ed.
You are pure gold.
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You mentioned how Terry and Jack didn't really get an explanation on why they were not asked back and Pick became marginalized at the time which you didn't really understood, and I guess there are quite some other examples. But you were also there. You were the manager. Why didn't you speak up about this, or did you, or was it just not your role to talk about this? I can image that in a group which such pressures relationships brake done, but I'm surprise that in almost all those cases it seems, nobody managed to go out to dinner and have a conversation about it and at least have some closure.
Edit: I'm not sure if you still want to answer questions related to DS after reading your lasts answers. As an alternative; You mentioned in the Bob Lefsetz interview that of course you are very proud of your children and how they have quite different jobs. Do you think you career has influenced them in any way in their career choice, or are they just finding their own path in life?
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concerning desert island discs, what would be your 10 (yes, 10)
also, pls do feedback after you went to the Gilmour show. the man is a treasure, unlike his bass playing megalomaniac former "bud"
seen him twice, experiences to treasure (hence ...)
also, do you remember a fella called "Herman Schueremans"
i heard stories bout him and you guys. great festival i used to love to go to. but only managed to see you guys there in May of 1992...not 78, ..or 79...(stuff of legends)
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Hi Ed, thanks for your time and your stories! MK has mentioned many times that if a song doesn't work out, he doesn't push or stress; he may try it later on or work on it (Speedway, Rudiger, Secondary Waltz, Do America, etc.). As there were about 20 songs for the LOG sessions, do you remember if anything was passed to the BIA record? In '82, he had already written BIA (the song), but maybe it was after the LOG sessions. Also, I wonder if that happened often during the DS days or if he started to revisit songs more later on in his career.
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Dear Ed, regarding my Stevie Nicks question, yes, I meant SHE (not he), I'm posting from my phone and not only the small screen but the corrector doesn't help too much, lol
The song SHE released in a record called 24 karat gold, with rare and unreleased songs, is called "She loves him still" and it's basically the MK song "Irish road" from the Cal score sounding at the background with Stevie singing his song over it:
https://youtu.be/ATYhiepD0FE?si=FxJDQ2a2gIQ5qnN1
If I'm allowed to filter another question in this post, you said you managed Paul Brady, would you tell us anything about him, his career, personality, friendship with MK and collaborations? As far as I recall MK played on "the game of love" song by Brady and many years later, during the 2000 (can't remember if you were still MK's manager then), Paul Brady did some special shows at Vicar Street in Dublin, and MK played one of those gigs with Brady, and they both shared the stage during maybe a 80% of the song, and with Bonnie Raitt for some songs
Thanks in advance.
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I know you'll think she has no taste in music, but Golden Heart is my wife's favorite of all the DS/MK albums.
I seem to recall that you had a whole tour lined up behind the release of GH, and then Mark decided he needed to record more songs, so you had to scrap the whole tour and start over. Did you have any input into Mark deciding he needed more material for that album? as in, "Mark, this album as currently constructed really doesn't cut it", or similar, or was that all Mark's doing?
And I imagine the PITA it was to start all over with the tour - was the original tour going to be more extensive than the one that ultimately was done?
Did you suggest the album be titled "Blade of Love"? ;D
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Dear Ed, regarding my Stevie Nicks question, yes, I meant SHE (not he), I'm posting from my phone and not only the small screen but the corrector doesn't help too much, lol
The song SHE released in a record called 24 karat gold, with rare and unreleased songs, is called "She loves him still" and it's basically the MK song "Irish road" from the Cal score sounding at the background with Stevie singing his song over it:
https://youtu.be/ATYhiepD0FE?si=FxJDQ2a2gIQ5qnN1
If I'm allowed to filter another question in this post, you said you managed Paul Brady, would you tell us anything about him, his career, personality, friendship with MK and collaborations? As far as I recall MK played on "the game of love" song by Brady and many years later, during the 2000 (can't remember if you were still MK's manager then), Paul Brady did some special shows at Vicar Street in Dublin, and MK played one of those gigs with Brady, and they both shared the stage during maybe a 80% of the song, and with Bonnie Raitt for some songs
Thanks in advance.
Yes, MK composed the music. I completely forgot about it. "Irish Road" in the background. Beautiful. Thanks wayaman:)
Chad Cromwell – drums
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Dear Ed, I want to thank you on behalf of my father for mentioning some shows that were memorable to you. When I saw your list, I immediately realized the historical importance of each one of them.
The show in Madison Square Garden NY, BIA tour with guests Billy Joel and David Sanborn RIP, has always been in my top 5 shows of the BIA tour. The bootleg recording reveals the incredible atmosphere of a band at their peak.🔥
Whitney Houston's question in your dressing room in 1988 was absolutely hilarious!😂🤦🏻
It's interesting that you mention the Auckland show in March 1986. Almost two years ago I came across a recording of that show made by a cameraman you had hired. His name is Avital Davidzon. According to him, you liked his work and invited him to the tour in Australia and New Zealand in 1986 to film the band for the big screens at stadium shows. For us it was a find, a time capsule that remained unreleased for almost 40 years and that reveals an incredible performance by a band at the height of its career, ending an impressive tour.🔥 I released it here at AMIT, we were all very happy with this recording. Avital also made available a very fun video of the band and the road crew playing a game of cricket, a way to relax a little, to get away from the routine during a tour of Australia and New Zealand in March 1986. I don't know if you know these recordings, but you might want to see them. I'm leaving the links here:
Footage of the show in Auckland 86, improved quality.
https://youtu.be/FLxUVCPIdzw?si=RhzlWJsB72uRvWSw
Band v's Crew part 1
https://youtu.be/WhfL6ghT-kE?si=Eh3mENW7UzQFnwFj
Band v's Crew part 2
https://youtu.be/3kb-A-ZOkhY?si=G9W1jy46njywWqvA
Regarding Mark's statement about having recorded some of the shows in Paris in 1983, the information that it was an interview on Top of the Pops may not be correct, I saw this information on an old website a while ago and it stuck in my mind, but I'm leaving the link to the interview below, a video of only 3:27, at the end, when asked about Alchemy, Mark addresses this issue.
Personally, I believe they used the Rolling Stone Mobile to record some of the 5 nights in Paris 83, a month before the Hammesmith Odeon shows.
https://youtu.be/BfjjHANqovE?si=uTcfCaR_u0nECmOP
If Portobello Belle live in June 83 was recorded by the band and is present in the MFN compilation released in 88, who knows if there are more recordings from that occasion, or even from others, 80/81, 85/86. (Just a hypothesis). Rainbow 79 was certainly recorded by the BBC for the BBC Arena, very lucky for us (the fans) that they recorded the audio of the entire show, it would be great if they had the complete footage, from a historical point of view, a record of the end of the band's first phase. Although for you it is the worst period of the band, September to December of 79 is the period that fascinates me the most musically, I love the setlist from that period, especially the versions,🔥❤️ they are incredible, but, I am just a fan looking from the outside at everything that happened, and you were the band's manager and your view is from the inside out, you saw everything happen in real time, another experience completely different from ours, which is very fascinating, very grateful for sharing.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
This morning I revisited the song "Mustang" by the Shads. Not only Bruce's rhythm guitar, but the drums here also do an excellent job. Everything about this song takes me back to the Old West. I love that feeling. Listening to The Shadows has always been a luxury at any time.💎❤️🎸
If you'll allow me, I would be interested in a few more aspects related to DS (and I believe others would be too) I will return to the topic again, live releases of the band: The question of how Alchemy was planned and elaborated was already wonderfully explained by you, so I would like to know if at any point was a live release of the BIA tour 85/86 planned, given the size of the success of the album, as well as the tour? And of course, to finish, how was the planning of what became On The Night? Was it a decision of the record company, or between you and the band? By the time it was recorded in May 1992, the band had been on the road for almost a year, so Nimes and Rotterdam were chosen for this production, a very different dimension to what Alchemy was, the result of one night. Did On The Night happen as planned?
Was STP initially planned to be a DS album? Or was that "The voice and guitar of Dire Straits" thing just marketing?
The Police and Dire Straits are from the same generation. They emerged at the same time and in the same place, but with different sound proposals. In retrospect, when you look at the trajectory of both, is there any parallel in their careers? What could you consider? I am impressed by the amount of video recordings that The Police have between 77/81 (the first three albums), many of them filmed shows, Dire Straits doesn't even come close to the amount of recordings that they have, was the reason for this some internal politics of the band, or rather, of its management?
Finally, have you ever visited Brazil? Is there anything in our music that you appreciate? I imagine that you know names like Tom Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes, João Gilberto, maybe Ivan Lins, Hermeto Pasqual or Gilberto Gil.
Cheers!
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"No. Your wife has no taste in men."
That was a given, but turned out great for me.
"I have no recollection of that at all.
No. I'm sure that’s not right either re more songs or moving the tour.
I definitely didn’t do the latter and what we did was what I planned from the outset."
This i remembered from one of Liz's last DSIS letters, which I have tracked down.Here is the relevant section :
The reason for the postponement is that Mark wants to write and record some additional tracks. Since it will take him a little time to do this (he hasn't even written the songs yet), we will not be able to deliver the finished product to the record company in time for them to meet the proposed March 1st release date. The most likely time for the album to come out will now be autumn of 1995, and the tour will be after that, possibly even as far off as 1996. We will keep all names ...
Very, very sorry about this - but there's nothing I can do about it. We had an exceptionally well routed tour set up which took months of planning and which we have now had to cancel, and a lot of people lined up to work on the tour who are now without work for next summer, so believe me, it is not a decision that was taken lightly... and we are all just as disappointed by the whole thing as you probably are (understatement of the year)!
https://neck-and-neck.hier-im-netz.de/dsis/9501/jan_95.htm (https://neck-and-neck.hier-im-netz.de/dsis/9501/jan_95.htm)
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Some of Mark's songs, including one's you won't have heard, involve shady sarcastic macho characters: Money for Nothing, Mans too strong, Cleaning My Gun, Rudiger, Boom Like That, 5:15AM. Can you see shadow aspects of Mark's personality in these characters ?
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Of course, especially in those I won't have heard. Can you, too?
LE
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Ed. Thanks for doing this. Some quite enlightening answers.
Being a big Sting/Police fan as well as an MK fan, I’ll ask this. Did you ever encounter their manager Miles Copeland III on your travels? I gather he’s quite the character. I wish Mark and Sting had performed together more often over the years.
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Ed, Thank you for the ton of info you gave us
My Q: When you say 'dozens of unreleased DS songs' do you mean finished songs ? if so, can you reveal any title ?
and if there were some that you think should have been absolutely released?
Uncle Q: Is the rumor of about 20-25 OES concerts recorded for On The Night correct ? Who had the idea to mix
2 shows (Rotterdam + Nimes) for On the Night ? Did you agree with the decision (by MK ?) to leave out many important songs ?
Friend #1 Q: What MK's guitar sound you like most ?
Friend #2 Q: Any chance of a NHB live concert release ?
Friend #3 Q: Can you describe the relation between MK and money ?
Friend #4 Q: Any idea why MK has not released any video official live concert during the whole very long solo career ?
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Dear Ed, thanks for answering my wife's questions, now here's mine:
what can you tell us about DS album covers? You said that from MM onwards the record company had no say in artistic matters. Who chose the covers for the first two albums? And the others? You, M, someone else? Are there any anecdotes about the covers? Do you like them? Why is the OES cover so bad? ;D ;D
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Where is Liz Whatley? She was great managing DSIS
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Hi Ed and thanks for the opportunity to ask questions.
The closest thing to DS reunion must’ve been John Illsley’s wedding back in 99? What can you recall about that event?
What about offers for reunion, any particular stories about those? Festivals or one off events?
Thank you for your time and patience 😄
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Hello Ed, another question from a cousin. Do you remember or even know who wrote what parts of What's The Matter Baby? it is the only track credited to both Knopfler brothers, so, that in itself makes it unique, but was it a case of one writing the words the other the music? Also, was a studio version of it recorded?
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Hello Ed.
I was just thinking about you saying that MK used to say during the NA promo of the first tours there than "guitar George" was a coal miner from Leeds, but it wasn't true, but was just a rhyme between George and chords... Do you remember any other story that MK had been telling to the press that it wasn't true, or just partially?
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Hello Ed, another question from a cousin. Do you remember or even know who wrote what parts of What's The Matter Baby? it is the only track credited to both Knopfler brothers, so, that in itself makes it unique, but was it a case of one writing the words the other the music? Also, was a studio version of it recorded?
Hello, I am posting here a message on behalf of my friend Mimmo Carrata in reply to the James Floyd question.
'If I may: Yes, What's The Matter Baby was actually recorded in studio. Around 15 years ago I found two unreleased acetates recorded in 1979 with the studio version of What's The Matter Baby recorded on side B, a very powerful studio version. The side A has the full alternate version of Solid Rock that was officially released on the soundtrack LP Riding High, but the version on the acetate is longer than that. Both songs were recorded by the original band: MK, DK, JI, PW. One acetate is a 10" and it was cut at the Trident Studios in London, the second acetate is a 7" with the same songs but the label is Audiodisc and it is autographed by Mark.
A big hello to all my friends on Amit and to Ed. He won't remember about me, but we had a long chat at Ronnie Scott's in London in 1998 after a NHB concert, I think it was on 27.Jul, I asked him a lot of questions that he answered with enthusiasm, and for the next couple of years I used to send Damage Management some faxes for Ed with others DS/MK questions that Ed always kindly answered. I still have all your faxes Ed ! So Ed, many thanks for that, great memories for me, it was 25 years ago".
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Ed, Thank you for the ton of info you gave us
My Q: When you say 'dozens of unreleased DS songs' do you mean finished songs ? if so, can you reveal any title ?
and if there were some that you think should have been absolutely released?
Uncle Q: Is the rumor of about 20-25 OES concerts recorded for On The Night correct ? Who had the idea to mix
2 shows (Rotterdam + Nimes) for On the Night ? Did you agree with the decision (by MK ?) to leave out many important songs ?
Friend #1 Q: What MK's guitar sound you like most ?
Friend #2 Q: Any chance of a NHB live concert release ?
Friend #3 Q: Can you describe the relation between MK and money ?
Friend #4 Q: Any idea why MK has not released any video official live concert during the whole very long solo career ?
real road running??
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Dear Ed,
Love all the answers so far. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this! Here comes the "uncle" one.
How did the band present the new material to you? We know the story about the debut album but how about the rest? Did they invite you to their rehearsals and play you a finished product live once they figured out all arrangements, or did they record demos before going into the studio and played you those? We know that some songs evolved on tours, like TR or fragments of PI during the On Location tour. Did Mark play you the early drafts of the songs (i.e. on his acoustic only as he does these days when he gets the band together)? Did he ask for your feedback on these early versions? Did any song make a particularly strong impression on you when you first heard it? I imagine hearing something like BIA for the first time must have been special.
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A reminder that all good things must come to an end and this Q&A ends tomorrow, 17th September.
Get your final questions in quick…
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You mentioned that we get-a-lifers as a group have little knowledge of how a record deal works. I confess to this. My question is this:
I have read of other artists who were obligated by their contract to deliver a certain number of albums, even when the band was itself imploding. What if DS had had say two records left on their deal (after On the Night)? Could Mark have just said "here's an album of Rarities and B-Sides, and here's an album of half-finished crap" and the record company has to take it? Can he say "There will be no further Dire Straits product" and terminate the contract? Or could he use a solo record to satisfy this? How does this work (or how did it work back in the day)?
Did OTN complete Dire Straits' obligation to the record companies? Were they just going one record at a time by that point?
Also: My brother (JT) wants to know: did you ever get to read Jack's unreleased book? I can imagine it would make a nice counterpoint to John's well-polished account.
My dad (JJ) wants to know: if you could manage one (other) act from modern history, who would it be? Doesn't have to coincide with your career exactly. Elvis, the Beatles, U2, Taylor Swift, anyone.
Thanks again for doing this Q&A, it's been fabulous to read.
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Hello Ed, another question from a cousin. Do you remember or even know who wrote what parts of What's The Matter Baby? it is the only track credited to both Knopfler brothers, so, that in itself makes it unique, but was it a case of one writing the words the other the music? Also, was a studio version of it recorded?
Hello, I am posting here a message on behalf of my friend Mimmo Carrata in reply to the James Floyd question.
'If I may: Yes, What's The Matter Baby was actually recorded in studio. Around 15 years ago I found two unreleased acetates recorded in 1979 with the studio version of What's The Matter Baby recorded on side B, a very powerful studio version. The side A has the full alternate version of Solid Rock that was officially released on the soundtrack LP Riding High, but the version on the acetate is longer than that. Both songs were recorded by the original band: MK, DK, JI, PW. One acetate is a 10" and it was cut at the Trident Studios in London, the second acetate is a 7" with the same songs but the label is Audiodisc and it is autographed by Mark.
A big hello to all my friends on Amit and to Ed. He won't remember about me, but we had a long chat at Ronnie Scott's in London in 1998 after a NHB concert, I think it was on 27.Jul, I asked him a lot of questions that he answered with enthusiasm, and for the next couple of years I used to send Damage Management some faxes for Ed with others DS/MK questions that Ed always kindly answered. I still have all your faxes Ed ! So Ed, many thanks for that, great memories for me, it was 25 years ago".
It's a very interesting thing to see, even more so if one day we all get the chance to hear this studio version of Whats The Matter Baby.
About the version of Solid Rock on side A of this recording, I wonder if it could be the Demo they recorded back in 79? On Bootleg 18.11.79 - Tivoli Theatre, Copenhagen, Denmark, (recently discovered) we can hear the demo of Solid Rock at the end of the show, the recording coming out of the band's PA, something I found very interesting at the time, because it means they could release it as a Single, who knows, maybe in late 79 or early 80. Hearing this recording is one of my dreams.🤩🙌🏻
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First of all, thank you very much for taking the time to answer all those questions and for being so open! I may have missed it, but was there a specific moment that Mark told you he wanted to have a solo career and did he then ask you to manage it? Or was he contractually 'bound' to you at the time? If he asked you, did you realize what you were getting yourself into at the time?
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Hi Ed
A question from my mum, Lusty Valentino. She says she met you after a gig in the 70s, and because my dad was working nights at the time you kindly took her home and fixed her Soda Stream.
Anyway, she is wondering if you knew the Spiders From Mars from back in your Hull days?
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Dear Ed,
here are two last-minute ones from two friends (who are totally unrelated to the Valentino clan):
Rusty wants to know about the famous red Schecter strat that was stolen. How did that happen, and did anyone ever find out what happened to it (or its parts)?
Crusty would like to know what inspired the decision to record MM in New York rather than in the UK. Was it the feeling of needing a fresh start, MK's love for all things American, money/strategic issues, studio quality or something else?
Once again, thank you very much for all your time and patience with all of us get-a-lifers! :-)
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Just a very simple question, but i've always wondered; how tall is Mark? At the On the night show he always appeared really tall to me(over 6 foot something?) but on other occasions/pictures/movies he could also be 5ft10 or 5ft11.
Thanks!
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Ed did you meet Chuck Loyola, who, according to Michael Oldfield's book, came up with the DS logo (a red guitar with Dire Straits written on it) And would you agree to participate in a radio program?
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Hi Ed, a couple of easy ones…:
1. OES tour - what would you do differently if it was 1991 now (and you’d decided to stick with whatever the reason might have been), could it have been a happier better tour? More indoor arenas maybe like the 1991 stint?
2. Would you work with MK again?
Cheers!
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Message from Mimmo with 4 photos in attachment:
Dear Ed,
english is not my language. Hard for me to understand if yours it's just british humour or something different. But I am not neither a dreamer nor a liar, see the 4 attached photos. I was happy to get in touch again with you after so many years, at least just to say hello, but I wish I'd never posted that message. I'll stay with my happy memories of 25 years ago. All the best .
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I can't find if this was asked already, but my distant relative from Uranus, Rusty Valentino, is curious about other "unusual" celebrities you or M met. You've mentioned Pat Boone and Joe Pass, which I never knew, and it made my day. Joe Pass successfully inspired thousands of guitar players to quit guitar, what a legend. M mentioned Ennio Morricone, Chet Baker, and Rüdiger himself, being close friends with Lonnie Donegan and a million obvious examples. It seems he met everybody who wasn't dead. If Elvis lived as long as Colonel Tom Parker, I bet we'd have a duet. So if you have something else to share on this front, that would be great.
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Hi Ed.
I'm a bit late to the party and have not yet been able to read all responses so far, so apologies if some of this has already been covered and if there are too many questions.
1] Dire Straits were recorded live at the Hope & Anchor, London in 1977 and Eastbound Train was released on the “Front Row Festival” LP and as a DS b-side. Do you recall the circumstances around this recording? Was the whole show recorded by the band and that track given to the LP organisers?
2] Do you know if MK ever recorded any home demos of any of his songs (eg on a portastudio or just strumming on an acoustic guitar to a cassette) to present to the band (or management) before LP sessions or would the usual process be for MK to just play the songs live to the band in rehearsal?
3] From a previous answer you seem to have been unaware of the Solid Rock demo being released on the 1981 Riding High soundtrack – I had presumed this may have been given to the soundtrack compilers by the record company by mistake, but the back of the LP sleeve states "Many of the tracks featured on this album were specially composed, recorded or re-arranged for the film.", so looks like a different version of Solid Rock was intended to be used, so surely the band/management would have been aware at the time? (Also, DS are seen recording this version at Basing Street studios in the 1980 Arena BBC special.)
4] Another demo question – the version of Where Do You Think You’re Going on the 1988 Money For Nothing LP was a demo (but not noted as such on the sleeve) – any recollections why this was specifically chosen over the LP version for that release?
5] Were any additional unreleased tracks recorded for Brothers In Arms? Any additional tracks recorded for On Every Street-possibly Think I Love You Too Much or The Long Highway that were played on the tour?
6] Did you accompany MK to his Steely Dan session? If so, any recollections?
7] Were you present in the studio when MK recorded Blanket Roll Blues with Scott Walker? If so, any recollections? Are you aware if MK recorded any other material with Scott for the Climate of Hunter LP?
8] Any recollections from the Knebworth 1990 show where DS appeared augmented by Eric Clapton’s band? Also, were any of the 1988 Hammersmith Mandela shows recorded to your knowledge?
9] Looking back, any thoughts on why the On Every Street LP may not have been more successful in terms of sales/critical attention at the time? May these reasons include the success of Brothers In Arms being too big a yardstick for any band to be measured against and also many other big selling albums being released around the same time that may have taken some attention away from DS?
10] And finally - I previously worked for the BBC and one of the “perks” of the job was access to some of their digital archive including the full unedited recordings of some pre broadcast interviews. I once found an interview of MK with Johnnie Walker from 2015, where at the end, once the main interview was finished and they were preparing to leave, Mr Walker could be heard asking MK “So how is Basher Bicknell these days?” (I can’t remember MK’s exact answer – I think he replied along the lines that you were no longer working together).
My question is - I had never heard you referred to as “Basher” before - was this a music industry nickname for you back in the day and what was the origin?
Many thanks!
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Dear Ed, I have no words to thank you for your patience and attention in answering my questions. What a privilege I had and so many others had here. Who knows, maybe the more than 100 questions you answered here will inspire you to write a book. You have the fuel to take this journey through your memories and take us together through a fun and exciting reading materialized in a book. This can be an essay, if you want. But if you don't want to, that's not a problem at all. I'm sure that we will ALL be eternally grateful for the opportunity you gave us here at AMIT. :clap Speaking for myself, I never imagined that this would be possible. This is the miracle of the internet, one of its best fruits.
Since we are nearing the end, and the bells are about to ring, I will paraphrase:
"And then the man he steps right up to the microphone
And says at last just as the time bell rings
"Goodnight, now it's time to go home"
Then he makes it fast with one more thing..."🎸🎸🎸
The last questions will be from my uncle, Kingsley Nunes I:🫢😅
What are the moments you miss most when you think of Dire Straits?
There is a benefit show that the Notting Hillbillies did shortly after the OES tour ended, at Swan Hunter 06.07.93, Newcastle City Hall, Newcastle, UK, we have the audio of it available for our enjoyment, however, it was filmed as we can see in the following photo from the Swan Hunter show 06.07.93. in the link below to the wonderful website, On Every Bootleg.
http://www.oneverybootleg.nl/swanhunter_04.jpg (http://www.oneverybootleg.nl/swanhunter_04.jpg)
http://www.oneverybootleg.nl/swanhunter_02.jpg
To this day it has never been released, at this show, Alan Clark was in Guy's place for some reason that we do not know. Are you aware of this video recording? What do you remember about that performance?
It's a shame that none of the NHB shows between 97 and 99 were officially recorded by you. It would have been fabulous. Thank goodness some kind people were able to record it on video for our enjoyment.
Finally, a daydream (thinking outside the box, playing with your imagination):😱 If in the 90s a sought-after filmmaker told you that he wanted to make a film about Mark Knopfler, telling his love for music, for instruments, since his childhood, his talent as a guitarist and the paths that led him to Dire Straits... In your opinion, is there any way that something like this could be told on the big screen someday? Even if it was with a pinch of fiction, a bit of drama or comedy (these things happen), but without straying too far from the band's biography? How would you react?👽🖖🏻
Many bands and musicians have had this kind of thing happen to them, Elton John, John Lennon, Queen, in 2025 we will have A Complete Unknown, a film that portrays the life of Bob Dylan. The story of how Jack became the guitarist for Dire Straits at the height of the band's popularity is a surreal story in itself, as he demonstrates in podcasts that I was able to watch, but also the beginning of the band, in the midst of the hurricane of Punk, New Wave in England and Disco Music in the United States, it was absolutely challenging for a band like they were in 77 to gain space and grow exponentially over the years, almost never following the musical trends of their time. A good filmmaker could make a good juice by squeezing this "orange" well, you can't completely underestimate it, I don't know if you agree, dear Ed.
This must have certainly been the worst question asked to you on this forum, without rhyme or reason, I'm almost asleep as I write, it's past midnight here in Brazil.🥱🥱🥱
May God bless you always, Ed, 🙏🏻as has already been written here, you are worth your weight in gold.🙌🏻
Fraternally.👏🏻
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my alter ego MvP just realized no one asked (much) about the dylan connection
how was YOUR experience dealing with BD back in 79 and again in 82/83 as well as down under in 86?
and did Mark behave ANY different when he was around him? seeing as he calls him his main influence since his sis bought that first record of him...
pretty sure being around Dylan should be a source of some amazing stories, pls do not dissapoint.
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My uncle Ignatius is really curious about your thoughts on OES tour, musically speaking and its evolution through its duration.
- What do you think were the show's highlights and downs?
- On its beginning there was much more variety in terms of set list. On the later part, set list was pretty much set in stone with perhaps When It Comes To You or Fade To Black getting in and out. Do you have any insight on this? Was this consequential with the band mood's at that moment?
- Is there any song rendition/version you thought it was a downgrade from previous tours? What do you think about M using the Pensa Suhr for pretty much every classic song?
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Ed, my cousin still won't get out more!!
Dire Straits played a show in the early 80's which also had Mike Oldfield on the bill, did you meet him? Did he and Mark chat? I know Mike is a fan of Mark.
What did you think of Mark's playing the first time you ever saw him play?
What would be written on your head stone?
Thanks for taking the time to answer all our questions.
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Ed, a question from my stinky old uncle, Fusty Valentino.
He was prompted by the mention of Knebworth above.
On the original posters/programme/tv broadcast it was billed as "Mark Knopfler" appearing, but by the time the CD/video came out it had changed to DS, can you remember the reason for the change?
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Question from my cousins friend Nark Kobbler.
Hello Ed
What was the deal with the Live At the BBC release? Was this just a contractual thing and were there any other alternatives considered at the time? E.g the Mandela gig, do you think Mandela set will ever be released?
Thanks for all the answers so great to read. A lot of joy.
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Hi Ed,
Thank your for you dedication to this Q&A.
These are my sons' questions (one for each of them):
Sound evolution. From your point of view: What was the most unexpected musical approach change during the first five studio albums? Did MK anticipate you where his musical direction was heading to? Did he ask you for advice in that sense anytime?
The "7th" Studio Record. What type of record did you miss from DS career, that one that it should had been done? No need to be the last one, but any opportunity in between the other ones.
Songs and audience. Which song do you think it was never applauded enough (hidden gem) and which one surprised you being a top song to the audience?
Longer DS life. Would DS have kept releasing a few more albums if BIA had a success level Alchemy-like years? Not so burnout mentally and physically, less media exposure, less exhausting fan environment, etc.
Kicking-off. 1977-1979, the band is starting to feel that this time can really work and this is the opportunity of their lives. Were they stepping up to improve themselves as musicians (more hours of practice, music theory study, other professional players help)? Or they didn't have time for that with the early quick success train of promotions, gigs, recording sessions...
Hypothetical future. All planets align and you are back as MK (fit and looking forward to go back on tours) manager with plenty of powers: what would you do with his career?
MK in another band. Was MK tempted anytime to split DS and join any well/long time established band?
Ed is in back in town. How would it be the band that takes you back from your retirement? A band that ignites that fire that DS sparked 46 years ago, that it'll make you say: "this is my last dance". What ingredients would you like too see in a pub band to put you back in action?
...and finally my question:
MK and his approach to harder rock genres: does he like them? Did he listen to these bands? Did he try to walk on that route anytime (heavier sounds around the 79-80&BBC Arena era, also certains moments of the BIA Tour). I'm curious to know a little bit more of his thoughts related to that part of the rock history (interviews and himself mostly focusing 60's classic rock backwards onto blues/country pioneers). Just to mention a few, no need to go one by one, but if you consider to say anything about any of them (maybe they were another planet to Mark and he was not interested at all):
1st heavy metal/hard rock eras: Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, Budgie, Thin Lizzy, UFO, Kiss, Scorpions, AC/DC, Rainbow...
Until things went to next generations: Motorhead, Randy Rhoads, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Megadeth, Helloween, Guns N' Roses, virtuosos like Eddie Van Halen, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai...
Anything from the prog-rock band Camel leaded by Andy Latimer? MK and AL share very deep emotional tones sometimes.
And the cherry on the top: could you tell us the name of any band we wouldn't imagine MK loves?
Thanks again.
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Ed, please more info on the funny wierd Assad boy
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Hi Ed,
My youngest son learnt to speak between my last post and this one. This is his question:
Can you tell us your dreamed DS line-up with musicians that weren't in the band?
Only three conditions:
1) Avoid players that participated in charities, obvious options or unrealistic chances -i.e: Clapton as the DS rhythm guitarist for years-).
2) They don't have to be the best ones, but they would match MK musically and they would blend tastefully with DS songs' spirit or adding a singular touch.
3) You can pick them from any moment in music history, not only active musicians during 77-92.
And my final question:
Can we know your opinion as a drummer yourself about Brian Downey?
Thank you!
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Hi Ed
Thank you for taking your time to look at my question.
You’ve touched upon certain things in other peoples answers along the way, whether Alchemy was a mix of nights, also the filming of the Paris '83 gigs and Universal Studio Fire. It’s nice to be hearing this new info. The production logo for Alchemy says it was a PolyGram Music Video International production, who then presumably hired Limelight Films as the actual “film crew” to produce the footage. Polygram Filmed Entertainment then seems to have been sold on or taken over by several companies along it’s way such as Universal Pictures - then possibly onto a company called Vivendi - or Universal Studios - all according to Wikipedia. It's confusing to read but makes me wonder how any archives are dealt with during these changes. I do hope that any archived film footage wasn’t part of the 2008 Universal Studio fire that destroyed many original master tapes of artists. It had crossed my mind before whether DS lost anything in that fire.
So my question, can you recall if the original footage/negative of the “other” night of Alchemy (Hammersmith) was kept in it’s entirety and if so, was that kept in archive conditions somewhere? Or that same question more specifically from your managerial perspective maybe, was the “other” night also agreed to be supplied and archived or was the agreement with the film team at the time more something like - to simply “supply 1x DS concert movie”. Would there have been an effort to archive and store things like any unused footage and negatives back in 1983, even if deemed not “required” after completion?
As for any future releases, I’m not pursuing that question and I’m aware that it’s not your area now, just whether you recall if the “other” night was archived properly at the time and exists? Hopefully not lost in somewhere like the warehouse at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Thank you
Ingrained
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And with that, we are done!
Answers to follow…