Why did Mark get DS back together to record OES?

[KnopfleRick]

"In many ways, Dire Straits was always a bit puzzling. The guitars were slippery. The lyrics were muttered. They were not Arena Rock. They were not Folk Rock. And they were not New Wave"

That's true too

Yeah, and this made them something very special. An outstanding band!

Thanks for sharing this great article!

[hunter]

Now I understand No, these are just two quotes. The author does not specify where they come from.

But quotes from what? The the Polish author interview Mark and John? Or is it how the Polish author imagined the conversation happened? If it is not rooted in reality, I don't the see the value of it.

[Robson]

I wrote that the author does not give the source (maybe he should)

[hunter]

I wrote that the author does not give the source (maybe he should)

Who is the author of the text that has been added to the original text, though? Doesn't seem like a very reliable source, to be quite honest.

[Robson]

I wrote that the author does not give the source (maybe he should)

Who is the author of the text that has been added to the original text, though? Doesn't seem like a very reliable source, to be quite honest.

The author of the supplement (1984-1993) is Jan Skaradziński - music journalist.

[TJ]

I don't know about the album, but the giant tour I  feel sure was largely Ed's doing.  He was all about maximizing the $$$.

I heard (from someone who knew someone at Damage Management) years ago, just after Mark and Ed split up, that when the Sultans of Swing "very best of" compilation came out Ed really pushed Mark to get the band back together and do another big world tour, which Mark of course had no interest in.

[the visitor]

I think long ago I've read somewhere (possibly the Colin Irwin book) that besides the contractual obligation for another album MK felt like he owed it to the other DS members (and I think in particular John whose father financed their break-through demo) to give them one big final opportunity to capitalize on Dire Straits with a last studio album, big tour and live album. After that he could abandon DS with a clear consious and just only do what he wanted, how he wanted without feeling any moral duties towards the DS team. I suppose in that respect the formalazation of Dire Straits being MK, JI, AC & GF (and EB's position in Dire Straits Overseas Ltd) should also be seen seen.
Of course I don't if this is true, however to me seems plausible and even quite likely for it to at least have played a role in MK's considerations (amongst other things) .

I agree with this take on events.  OES clearly states that 'Dire Straits are Mark, John Guy and Alan' and it does feel as though this was MKs way of capping off the Dire Straits vehicle and giving long serving members their dues. I'm sure the tour was very lucrative too, though world recession fell at this time and a number of events had to be cancelled.  Note though he still retains full writing credits. 

I think as ever though there were a number of reasons for OES, not just down to money and obligations although it was a big part.  I'm sure he did want to get the team back together again as it was a safe place, as we read that this time of his life was difficult. Whatever the reasons the tour got tired and the sound was in my opinion clinical, maybe reflecting the circumstances around its incarnation.

I'd love to hear another Dire Straits record or even little EP. Seems a shame Mark and John just can't do a little something being next door to each other. Simple things often the most difficult.

[Robson]

"I'd love to hear another Dire Straits record or even little EP. Seems a shame Mark and John just can't do a little something being next door to each other. Simple things often the most difficult.


There was a time that I used to wonder why John Illsley wasn't in Mark Knopfler's band.

[ds1984]

Wasn't Mark too busy all these years to find some time off and gig with John?

[the visitor]

Wasn't Mark too busy all these years to find some time off and gig with John?

It's kinda sad really; saw John played the other day at a local festival to them and also he sometimes does music at his pub I think. You'd think MK might pitch up one day...who knows, maybe he does but I think we would have heard about it.  If I were John I'd be miffed.  They are a good combination: John by himself really rocks.

[hunter]

I think Mark values his friendship with John highly and really doesn't want to mix business with pleasure, as it were. After the many intense years of being together in Dire Straits, I can imagine it must be nice for Mark to feel that he doesn't have to make any decisions as leader in his contact with John. They can just be pals and neighbors, on equal terms.

[mariosboss]

According to various performers from the live band during the tour around 1991-92 Mark wasn't exactly ecstatic to be touring. Very down and very moody, probably due to personal issues that had arisen during that period, that said everyone has issues, so from all the articles i've read it's quite disheartening to read that actually Mark wasn't the easiest to get along with in that period. Also i've noticed some negative reviews of drummer Chris Whitton during that tour. He was quality to be fair, and bearing in mind i'm a Pick Withers fan, and I also love Terry Williams' playing on Alchemy and Live Aid. BUT as usual fans look to blame the newcomers. in reality Whitton was exceptional, ironically Knopfler wanted this big Drum sound which Chris struggled (to hear) with and then fast forward to Mark's solo career and he is a world away from big drum sounds. Life is funny,

[cannibals]

I don't know about the album, but the giant tour I  feel sure was largely Ed's doing.  He was all about maximizing the $$$.

I heard (from someone who knew someone at Damage Management) years ago, just after Mark and Ed split up, that when the Sultans of Swing "very best of" compilation came out Ed really pushed Mark to get the band back together and do another big world tour, which Mark of course had no interest in.

Know the story. By the time STP was out MK was really pushed to do another DS tour....

[quizzaciously]

I don't know about the album, but the giant tour I  feel sure was largely Ed's doing.  He was all about maximizing the $$$.

I heard (from someone who knew someone at Damage Management) years ago, just after Mark and Ed split up, that when the Sultans of Swing "very best of" compilation came out Ed really pushed Mark to get the band back together and do another big world tour, which Mark of course had no interest in.

Know the story. By the time STP was out MK was really pushed to do another DS tour....

It's a very brave decision to refuse, as this might easily be one of the highest-grossing tours in the world, so Mark quite literally chose love over gold.

[ds1984]

They lost a lot of money in the US and Aussie in 1991-1992.

DS was big in Europe.