No Tour with the new album.

[dustyvalentino]

Not sure, but I could imagine that playing almost every day means less time to think of something new to play. But it has to be somewhat boring to just repeat the same over and over again. I could get the excitement at the start of the tour, but once you know everything works, the thrill can't be just the same.

At least he used to play Portobello Belle in Ireland a few times post-1983

I saw him play it in Scotland in 1996

[Chris W]

Not sure, but I could imagine that playing almost every day means less time to think of something new to play. But it has to be somewhat boring to just repeat the same over and over again. I could get the excitement at the start of the tour, but once you know everything works, the thrill can't be just the same.

The enjoyment playing live is entertaining thousands of people, also the professional satisfaction of doing a good job. You don't need to be playing new songs every few days or weeks to feel that way.
Any new song requires different equipment (guitars maybe, keyboard sounds), different lighting schemes, maybe different settings for the out from sound. It's not as easy as just writing a new set list every few days. The artists who choose songs on a whim (Springsteen/Dylan) are not the kind most musicians want to work with. It's a kind if stressful scenario not knowing what you are doing from one day to the next.
Also, most artists at this level (like Mark) are not playing 'almost every day'.

[Mossguitar]

Not sure, but I could imagine that playing almost every day means less time to think of something new to play. But it has to be somewhat boring to just repeat the same over and over again. I could get the excitement at the start of the tour, but once you know everything works, the thrill can't be just the same.

The enjoyment playing live is entertaining thousands of people, also the professional satisfaction of doing a good job. You don't need to be playing new songs every few days or weeks to feel that way.
Any new song requires different equipment (guitars maybe, keyboard sounds), different lighting schemes, maybe different settings for the out from sound. It's not as easy as just writing a new set list every few days. The artists who choose songs on a whim (Springsteen/Dylan) are not the kind most musicians want to work with. It's a kind if stressful scenario not knowing what you are doing from one day to the next.
Also, most artists at this level (like Mark) are not playing 'almost every day'.

Exactly! I am a (part time, but gigging) musician myself, and it’s very satisfying (and common) to contiousely enhance and develope the same songs and sets and making the performance better and better. I guess it’s the same with other art forms too, like acting and dancing. I am both a Dylan and Springsteen fan and seen countless concerts, but the best songs are almost always the songs they’re played the most.

[2manyguitars]

Not sure, but I could imagine that playing almost every day means less time to think of something new to play. But it has to be somewhat boring to just repeat the same over and over again. I could get the excitement at the start of the tour, but once you know everything works, the thrill can't be just the same.

The enjoyment playing live is entertaining thousands of people, also the professional satisfaction of doing a good job. You don't need to be playing new songs every few days or weeks to feel that way.
Any new song requires different equipment (guitars maybe, keyboard sounds), different lighting schemes, maybe different settings for the out from sound. It's not as easy as just writing a new set list every few days. The artists who choose songs on a whim (Springsteen/Dylan) are not the kind most musicians want to work with. It's a kind if stressful scenario not knowing what you are doing from one day to the next.
Also, most artists at this level (like Mark) are not playing 'almost every day'.

Exactly! I am a (part time, but gigging) musician myself, and it’s very satisfying (and common) to contiousely enhance and develope the same songs and sets and making the performance better and better. I guess it’s the same with other art forms too, like acting and dancing. I am both a Dylan and Springsteen fan and seen countless concerts, but the best songs are almost always the songs they’re played the most.

I think it very much depends on your approach to performance. I've just watched Bruce Hornsby on BBC Piano room and it struck me how he is the complete antithesis of MK. Never plays the same song the same way twice, in fact is compelled to keep changing things up much to the occasional annoyance of his die hard fans. MK on the other hand finds what he likes and (certainly in the last 10 years or so) sticks to it.

Not passing judgement on either approach to live work, its just interesting...

[qjamesfloyd]

Each way is good, if every musician did things the same way it would be boring, it's the fact that artists do do things differently that makes things good.

[quizzaciously]

Each way is good, if every musician did things the same way it would be boring, it's the fact that artists do do things differently that makes things good.

They just do what they are good at. If you're good at improvising and creating gold on the spot, you improvise. If you're a perfectionist and don't want to "make your mistakes in public" like Mark often says, you stick to things. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, that works for any artist. Mark always plays it VERY safely, providing only minor changes to things, including his setlists. Add a horn, add a mandolin, add an old DS song here and there.

Again, our man of contrasts says he makes his mistakes in public, but in reality, avoids making such mistakes as much as possible.

[Silvertown]

Each way is good, if every musician did things the same way it would be boring, it's the fact that artists do do things differently that makes things good.

Again, our man of contrasts says he makes his mistakes in public, but in reality, avoids making such mistakes as much as possible.

I think he refers to the decisions, which he afterwards thinks to be mistakes. And possibly also the fact that there are some people, who like to analyze his every movement and habit...

[hunter v2.0]

If you change things too much, or try new things, you're always at the risk of failing. Mark I think is committed to making sure everyone who attends his shows will have an equally high-quality experience, so when he's found something that works well, he sticks to it. Maybe playing a little too safe, but at least top quality is guaranteed.

[cannibals]

Is Guy leaving the option open for a possible promo song or 2 with the release of the new album looking at the answer on a question a few days ago??? 

[holaknopfler]

Is Guy leaving the option open for a possible promo song or 2 with the release of the new album looking at the answer on a question a few days ago???

Seems reasonable. April is still a long time

[jbaent]

Is Guy leaving the option open for a possible promo song or 2 with the release of the new album looking at the answer on a question a few days ago???

Can't find any answer from him that suggest that...

[cannibals]

Is Guy leaving the option open for a possible promo song or 2 with the release of the new album looking at the answer on a question a few days ago???

Can't find any answer from him that suggest that...

He's saying:.i don't know.
Could be me but if you ask about a new tour the answer is NO. It seems he leaves a small window open for some kind of promo activities..
But perhaps i'm reading to much in it

[ds1984]

I would take Guy's answer for what it is.

 

[jbaent]

Is Guy leaving the option open for a possible promo song or 2 with the release of the new album looking at the answer on a question a few days ago???

Can't find any answer from him that suggest that...

He's saying:.i don't know.
Could be me but if you ask about a new tour the answer is NO. It seems he leaves a small window open for some kind of promo activities..
But perhaps i'm reading to much in it

That's a NO in my opinion, but who knows if there is a less demanding song when it comes to guitar playing live in a radio and he feels secure to go and play...

[qjamesfloyd]

I feel Mark has enough songs that he could put on low key shows, no lead guitar heavy songs, he could even do an unplugged show.