I didn't get to see Dire Straits unfortunately, but I first got to see Mark in Bournemouth, 17th May 1996, but we got there late, and had to stand at the back, however we were directly in the middle of the stage, and the sound was great from where I was standing. I don't remember the set list but I remember being so nervous that I was finally going to see Mark live.
I had a great time seeing Mark on the Sailing to Philadelphia tour at The Royal Albert hall, it also my first visit there.
Another memory is being at the Brighton concert on the Get Lucky tour, that was the same gig that was used for the A Life in Songs documentary, I have tried looking for myself in the crowd, but can't see me, even though the camera is pointing my direction. If I remember correctly, that was the concert where Mark bought and presented Guy with a red Fender Strat, and accidently hit Danny on the head with it.
My other memory is from 2006, when I went to Newcastle for the first time, and it was to attend to Variety Club tribute lunch to Mark, and present him with the Silver Heart. Which was also my birthday, 19th October, so that was the best present ever, not many people can say they had lunch with Mark Knopfler on their birthday. Also there were John Illsley, Jimmy Nail, Tim Healey, Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley, although he had to leave early. But when I went to the bar for a drink, who was there too?only Mr Bruce Welch from The Shadows, I was star struck, but said hello to him, he shook my hand, and then heard some music starting, and hurried off saying "Is Mark about to play" I also remember Mark's mum being presented with a huge bouquet of flowers. I was sat at the table with other fans who bought tickets through MKNews, I don't know who they were, but they could be on this forum, if it was you, please let me know.