Mark Knopfler Reviews

Terri Loudermilk from Hondo Tx

AWESOME AS ONLY KNOPFLER CAN BE

Folks should not expect to attend a MK concert to hear old Dire Straits songs. He left DS behind in 1992 and has not looked back. Country blues and folk and deliciously mesmerizing guitar playing along with his distinctive vocals was the bulk of concert, but Speedway at Nazareth was the crown jewel. His backing band which consists of highly gifted musicians who have been with him for many years are a joy in themselves. Moody Theater is a great intimate venue. Highly recommend and I’ll be there in September to revel in Marks exceptional talent again

Marci P from Philadelphia, PA

REAL MARK KNOPFLERFAN

I saw him in Philadelphia 8/17/19. Sell out show, played Dire Straits song, I love his solo albums way better. It was a great show, Shame it wasn't a riot for some of you who thought the music sounded like a funeral dirge, it's great music played by a great band and a brilliant guitarist.

from New York, New York

ALL THE WAY FROM AUSTRALIA

I traveled from Perth, Western Australia to MK, didn’t want risk he would make it down under as no tour dates announced, but if he comes to Oz will go and see him again. Fantastic concert, did some of my favourite songs so very happy.

JJB from NJ

PHILLY 8/17

Having attended every MK tour, I must say the Philly show on 8/17 was nothing short of magnificent! The incredible interplay that occurs among the band members does not go unnoticed. I can’t imagine a better ensemble of musicians to compliment Mark’s songs. Everyone’s ability to naturally harmonize and interweave their playing is truly remarkable and enjoyable. I enjoyed every minute of the concert! MK concerts are NOT Dire Straits concerts, so DS fans expecting that will be disappointed. I too, prefer MK's solo work over DS.

Lisa and Mark from Boston, Massachusetts

LAYERED AND GORGEOUS

Came up from Philly for this concert and was sooo glad we did. The sound was perfect. Could hear every note of every instrument. Loved the variety of instruments and talent on stage. Like an orchestra with the loveliest, softest, purest of sounds all playing off each other like voices. Seeing the joy in the audience really added to the experience. Worth it!

Cathy Evers from Boston, Massachusetts

MASTERFUL

Everything I had hoped for and more. The mix of instruments and the level of talent around him was masterful. Beautiful synergy and flow of oid and new music. Loved every minute. A beautiful night in open air pavilion on Boston harbor made for a magical night. One note to some of these other comments about song choice... you bought tickets to MARK KNOPFLER... NOT Dire Straits... so that’s a YOU problem. I thought the mix was perfect. He’s a genius artist still sharing his craft and talent with us after all these years. Be grateful and respectful of his evolution and get out of your high school head.

Webber Thoroughgood from In bed at the Godfrey with my girl

MUSICIANSHIP AND SOUL

Me girl and I flew to Boston for a destination show. Mark and band treated us to a a layered and harmonious joy of an evening. Nearly a dozen musicians, subtle, folky tunes...the mix was perfect, the artistry, exquisite. His new material is timeless. He's a troubadour in the most traditional sense, relating stories through song. Couldn't have better. A magical evening.

Mark from Manchester, Nh

BOSTON 8/23/19

Beautiful evening, great venue to see a stellar band and the incomparable Mark Knopfler! Some folks have complained about past recent shows being boring and mellow lacking in old hits. Anyone who is a true Mark Knopfler fan knows the majority of the stuff he’s done since Dire Straits has been more mellow, and some of DS songs were very slow and mellow as well. He was humorous in between songs and played for almost 2.5 hours. I found it to be a great show ! I love the fact he doesn’t just blast guitar solos all night, he dishes them out appropriately. He and the band came to play and that they did. No complaints from myself and the three others that I went with. Mark Knopfler setlist 8/23/19 Boston Setlist Why Aye Man Corned Beef City Sailing to Philadelphia 
 Once Upon a Time in the West (Dire Straits song) Romeo and Juliet (Dire Straits song) 
My Bacon Roll Matchstick Man Done With Bonaparte Heart Full of Holes 
 She's Gone 
 Your Latest Trick (Dire Straits song) Postcards From Paraguay On Every Street (Dire Straits song) 
 Speedway at Nazareth 

 Encore 1: Money for Nothing (Dire Straits song) 
 Encore 2: Piper to the End Going Home: Theme of the Local Hero 



E. Urovitz from Toronto, Ontario

DOWN THE ROAD

He (and his band) are simply amazing. Great mix of oldy dire Straits and new songs from his latest album. Blew away the house with "Speedway". Never missed a note. Hope he returns to Toronto in the near future.

P from Cleveland from Ohio

DON'T LISTEN TO A N OTHER FROM PRESCOTT AZ

The mix had a few issues in the beginning, and maybe this person was sitting too close. From 25 rows away the sound was great. And, Sultans of Swing wasn't played. Maybe "A n other" from Prescott AZ was flashbacking to a previous show

Jon Jon from Toronto, Ontario

UNMISTAKABLY KNOPFLER!

It had been 35 years since we'd last seen Mark Knopfler live in concert and we enjoyed every moment of Sunday's concert. Unmistakable and unique Knopfler sound accompanied by such a talented band. The Geordie boy still rocks!

Kent Kearney from Chicago, Illinois

HAPPY ARE THOSE WHOM WERE CALLED TO THE SUPPER

Great sound, great songs, great musicians. You could tell they have many years together by how they intertwine and harmonize. Richard Bennet Guy Fletcher Ian Thomas Danny Cummings Glen Wolf were spot on. Wish I could have followed them on to the Ryman. Thanks for a memorable night. Its too bad that Emylou Harris was not a full time member in this group. Watch You Tube Show. But when your a star who wants to play second fiddle? Elephant and Castle nearby served delicious cold beer and recommend Andys Jazz club afterwards for a night cap. TASTY

Dave O’Donnell from Nashville, Tennessee

AMAZING

I’ve seen all the Mark Knopfler solo shows and this was by far the best. The stellar ten piece band provided opportunities for varied renderings from Mark’s catalog. I, for one, would have been happier with even fewer DS songs, only two songs from the new album. If this is really the band’s last tour, they went out on top. Wolf Trap (DC area) wasn’t the best venue, but not the worst either.

David from Dallas, Texas

11 AMAZING MUSICIANS

Mark showed his guitar mastery and unique style and sound. But also showed me the true artist he is. Only 3 we’ll known Dire Straits tunes, but was fine with it. The 10 musicians with him were world class. A rare, not to be repeated evening. Don’t miss it!

Marilee from Dallas, Texas

CERTAINLY IN MY TOP FIVE LIVE

An evening of pure joy! More like an orchestra than a band. The professionalism and showmanship was top notch. Love Mark's solo career way more than DS. Crazy good guitar riffs by all. Mark....you were sweet too!

Charles Eddington from Seattle, Washington

PROGRESSIVE

I have been following MK since his debut album with Dire Straits and while his finger picking may have slowed over the years, his musical talent has never waned. 3 Grammy awards, sound tracks for at least 4 movies, an extremely successful solo career and still producing great music and touring at the age of 70. It's always a great evening at the St Michele venue with Mark and now it's my children dragging me to his concerts instead of the other way around. His musical entourage and arrangements just keeps getting better every year like fine wine. Thanks Mark. For those of you with your "low reviews", obviously you are stuck in the 70's and 80's. He played 5 songs from his Dire Strait days. Move on or move over.

K Jones from Seattle, Washington

ST MICHELLE WINWRY

Great night of music. Some have complained about not enough D.S. tunes, but he is such a prolific writer, one would expect him to explore his vast catalog. It rocked, it was sensitive, dynamic, and very well orchestrated. His huge band never sounded like anyone was stepping on each other. The only thing I noticed is at times his wonderful soloing might have been a bit loud in the mix. But that could have been my seat location. No complaints, I just noticed it was a bit out front in the mix at times. Since his tone is masterful, it was fine. Our group was thoroughly entertained. He was charming, precise, relaxed, and a genius band leader. He really sets the bar for us. Looking forward to another tour. Don’t retire!!!

Jay Symons from Grreek theatre, Berkeley, California

BEAUTIFUL MUSIC. LOVE THE EVOLVING MASTER

I loved every second of it. Love how this man keeps progressing and moves on. He’s an artist and one of supreme mastery and scope. Not a has been who just covers their old shit. I’m sorry but I can’t stand the boomer who just has to hear it the way it was like previous comments. Want to hear anthems? Go listen to top forty you dopes. I go see someone like MK because I want to see the artist and how they come up with this magical stuff and maybe even get a glimpse of them creating new stuff when I’m there. Who knows. New stuff or even old stuff and I don’t want to hear a pre recording. Miles Davis epitomized loving twists in the road. To do something this. Doing the same things twice was a bore. Thank you MK. That was one of the best shows at the Greek I’ve ever seen anywhere from anyone. And thank you for splurging and bringing ten great musicians to make it even better. You’re obviously not concerned about making money. Rather great music.

Susan and Robert Warner from Santa Barbara, California

LOVED IT!

Had never seen MK, my husband had seen him when in DS. We downloaded the songs a month ago to famliarize ourselves with them as had not know many. The band was spectatular, Mark Knopfler was amazing and his voice was powerful and subtle. Something hard to do. Emotion and focus together. The songs were deep, thanks to Genius.com for giving us background on a few. We especially loved "Sailing to Philadelphia" and "Speedway at Nazareth" as well as "Wae Aye Man."

M. from New York, New York

AMAZING

I have loved Mark's voice since I was a young teenager. It was one of my dreams to see him perform Romeo and Juliet and he took my breath away. Yes, I would have loved to have heard Expresso Love, Hand in Hand and Tunnel of Love from that amazing album, Making Movies but I thoroughly enjoyed this concert. He is a great story teller, gifted writer and a brilliant guitarist!

Rae-Ellen from New York, New York

BRILLIANT ARRANGEMENTS GROUNDED BY MARK'S PHENOMENAL GUITAR

Amazing blend of Knopfler's characteristic guitar and unique arrangements by a group of hugely talented musicians - - we loved it!

Charles David Viera from New York, New York

IN THE ROOM WITH GENIUS

Spent the evening with Knophler at the Beacon. Does he do the rocking Dire Straits stuff? No, but what he does do are mature sensitive beautiful music for listening (not dancing). It is obvious he is getting older but I ,like his music ,have slowed down ,reflected and aged with him and his music. He was great.

D and N Kennedy from Chicago, Illinois

MARK KNOPFLER CONCERT FROM CHICAGO THEATER

We thought it was superb--except for--up in the balcony, all we could hear is the beautifully arrangements of Marks guitar, drums, fiddle, sax and trumpet. Unfortunately Mark's sweet words and wonderful voice was not loud enough. I remember seeing him open at the United Center for Bob Dylan. He absolutely smashed the show! Acoustics were best ever. 1st there songs were delicious appetizers to warm up the house then he kicked it up a notch w once upon a time then Romeo Juliet, yeah!!, now we got some meat and potatoes. Ole Mark is looking rather aged from the back row of Chicago Theatre but that luscious guitar tone and random quick riffs to spice it up are heavenly. Great show from a solid 11 piece band. Loved the trumpet!

Disbro from Nashville, Tennessee

KNOPFLER AT THE RYMAN

I don't understand one of the recent comments, as he didn't even play Sultans of Swing... but... look... he's 70 years old, and the chops obviously aren't quite there anymore. It happens to the best of us. I do hope that he looks into CBD or other things that might improve his dexterity. But as for the review, it was a great show, and it's NOT Dire Straights. We paid to see Mark, and his talent, singing, songwriting, and performance were stellar. It amazes me that people just expect to see a 30 year old youngster. The band was great, and this is his music now. An incredible experience! If you want a Dire Straights concert, there's always youTube. But as far as the Ryman, it was really amazing. I sat in the balcony, and the sound was a little weird... guitar too loud, and vocals a bit too soft. I'm not sure if it was the room itself, or the soundpeople. But it was a loud guitar show... however, I love the intimate 2,200 people venue. So all in all I give it 4 stars.

Art Thurmer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin

SLIGHTLY DISAPPOINTED

I love Mark and I love Dire Straits. I wish I could have heard either clearly. He needs new sound guys. Sounded like he was mumbling most of the time. Also, who picked his song arrangements? Play your hits and your new music. He left out a lot of great songs. I'll keep listening and buying but I probably won't go to another show. His team needs to go to a David Gilmour show. That's how its done!

Tom from Chicago, Illinois

SAME SET LIST TAKES IT TOLL

First the good. No opening act Played 2 hours Great musicians Now the bad. It seems like playing the same set list night after night took its toll. On MK. He seemed to phone this one in. Sound was muddled. No energy. Maybe because of his age. But Ry Cooder, Richard Thompson have been fabulous at a similar age. The anticipation far exceeded the actual event. Overall, disappointed.

Joyce from New York, New York

DISAPPOINTED FOR SURE

Thank goodness for Bonnie Raitt who went on first. Couldn’t really hear Mark and songs sounded the same.

Mark O. from New York, New York

MISSING SPARK

Have to say, the show was decent. Band was tight and talented, but song selection was more apropos for a smaller venue. I hate to say this as a B-side / solo album kind of guy, but If you're playing the Beacon and tix are $200 / ea. one should suck it up and play some hits from the catalog. Mark seemed tentative and was definitely pulled back in the mix - both guitar and vocals. The reason we were all there. I love his writing, playing and voice, but it just fell flat. Yes, he's aged (have't we all), but I couldn't help but think about any of the Richard Thompson shows I've been to and age has nothing on him. Same for Dave Davies, Neil Young, Paul Simon or David Gilmour. Maybe it was an off night, but really missed spark and spontaneity.

Jennifer from Boston, Massachusetts

HE DIDN'T GIVE THE AUDIENCE WHAT THEY WANTED. PEOPLE PAID TO HEAR THE SONGS THEY KNOW.

He is an amazing musician - but too many musicians on stage - and celtic/irish songs. It would have been fine if he added a few more dire Straits songs in the mix

Rob from Toronto, Ontario

THE MIXING ENGINEER ...

appears to have been at the pub during the concert. All those talented people on stage performing only to have their lovely music crushed. If you are going to play loud try to make sure you are not hitting the rails.

Nancy C. from Indianapolis, Indiana

BAD SOUND, BAD VENUE, TOO MANY HORNS

Didn't expect Dire Straits but did expect more of the perfection of Dire Straits and much of MK's solo work. Don't know if it was the acoustics of the auditorium (plus the seats are old, too close together with little breathing room, and little air conditioning) - but the sound was terrible - much of it sounded like noise rather than the beautiful music that MK is capable of making. Too many instruments and certainly too many horns. Maybe all the instruments and sound were designed to take the spotlight off MK. MK, maybe you got slower as you got older, but I wanted to hear YOU and your guitar. There's magic in much of your music, no matter when you wrote and recorded it, but it was missing last night. Couldn't believe it when I got to my feet and left before the intermission, but I was too disappointed to stay, despite the cost of the tickets. (Suggestion: If you want to sing a love song, sing an age appropriate one like the beautiful Silver Eagle.)

from Atlanta, Georgia

DISAPPOINTED

We thought we were going to a Mark Knopfler rock concert , but instead were treated to an Irish music assortment ...too many horns and other instruments. Waiting and waiting for some Dire Straits but never happened.

Marco from Watauga, TX

SMH

Come on Mark, you had to know why we were there! The crowd was of a certain vintage wanting to hear those tunes that reminded them of their younger years. D.S. had so many great hits, couldn't you have played just a few mixed in? After all, these are the songs that payed for the big house and put the kids through college! Even the bone you threw us for the first encore; "Money for Nothing" disappointed. When I realized the second encore was yet ANOTHER, new, unknown, drawn-out fiddle-fest; we were out of there! Never again Mark!

Shelley from Vancouver, British Columbia

THE STARS ARE FOR THE BAND

I have read many of the reviews and have myself attended many concerts of the “old guys”: Jeff Lynn, Bob Seager, Neil Young, the list goes on. I am sorry but not buying the age thing as an excuse, it is very simply the same self indulgent, egocentric Mark Knoffler. The man knows that at least half his audience is there to hear some of the old familiar upbeat Dire Straits/MK tunes, in fact, all us Middle Ages jumped to our feet when he finally played anything upbeat (unfortunately it took the encore to do so). A few times throughout the show his own band mates desperately tried to involve the audience participation by madly clapping out the beat. I am an avid concert goer of all genres and definitely appreciated the talent on stage but also feel giving some of us a little of what we paid for would have gone a long way!

Derek Johnson from Vancouver, British Columbia

MARK KNOLFER IN VANCOUVER

It was nice to see the legend that he is play guitar. A very melodic show, loved that. However, the sound guy should be fired, we could hardly hear a word that was sung. It was the worst sound mix I have heard at a concert EVER. At times his voice was like a dull mumble, a few time you could here him, but 90% of the time it was in-audible, bizarre show.

Ari S from Los Angeles, California

SO DISAPPOINTED

Paid great money to hear MK - couldn’t hear Mk. Hardly played any DIre straits - the only thing we wanted to hear. Wasted good money for nothing!

Jerry from Chicago, Illinois

MARK KNOPFLER PLAYS IT SAFE IN CHICAGO

It’s difficult for me to criticize one of my guitar heroes but it appears it’s over for Knopfler in terms of guitar solos and the spontaneity that we are used to seeing in his guitar performances. He simply does not possess the ability he once had before ( He is now Mr. Stevens senior like in the movie Remains of the Day) . Probably why he chose songs that don’t require elaborate guitar solos on this tour. Mark you had a great run. I will keep watching the older performances from the 80’s and 90’s and not complain anymore.

Daves71Lincoln from New York, New York

1ST TIME SEEING KNOPFLER & WAS REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS,BUT....

I Literally just got home from Manhattan/NYC/'The City' from seeing Mark Knopfler & Bonnie Raitt at MSG. I have Both Knopfler Solo & Dire Straits on Vinyl and enjoy most of his music in all different different Genres.The MAIN REASON I gave this a 2 Star rating was because of the Sound at the Garden.IT WAS TERRIBLE!!! VERY SIMILIAR to what people are saying from different venues on this tour recently.I DO NOT blame the acoustics at the Garden but I was at the Garden Friday before last for Peter Frampton 'final' tour with Jason Bonham's Zeppelin Experience opening and BOTH of those acts Sound-Wise were MUCH BETTER than Knopfler's sound mix.Mainly it was Knopfler's VOCALS that you could barely hear in the mix.I'm just guessing,but perhaps he did that on purpose so people would focus on all the different instruments and musicians on stage(there were more than 7 with him) but he should give all the fans partial refunds for the Sound was not Great. :(

A n other from Prescott, AZ

DIRE

Most of the show consisted of Irish funeral dirges - badly performed. Too much fiddle. Too much penny whistle. The two-hour performance was tedious, self-indulgent and dull. We felt cheated and waited optimistically for the precise guitar playing on the Dire Straits’ anthems that most people had paid handsomely to see? We received Telegraph Road and Sultans of Swing. That’s was all. The rest was mechanical plucking by Knopfler, mumbled lyrics by Knopfler, badly mixes sound by people who should know better … NEVER AGAIN

Mrs. B from Los Angeles, California

DOLBY

Pretty disappointed in the mix. We were expecting to be able to actually hear Mark sing but seemed liked the sound guys had other plans. The sound was much better a couple of years ago in Long Beach. Frankly I was tempted to leave after the second song but we waited just in case the mix got better. In the end we left before the encores. Really have to think hard before going to another of his concerts.

Jeff Baca from Denver, Colorado

WASTE OF 2 HOURS

Have seen Mark Knopfler a couple of other times. Was always blown away by his guitar playing. Now he seems like an average singer who plays guitar. Also 9 back up musicians ? Its a shame he needs that many people to cover his disinterest in playing guitar.

Gerry from Vancouver, British Columbia

OLD ROCKER

Got 2 songs from Down the Road Wherever - the name of the tour! Vagabond was fabulous. Otherwise, theound mix wasn't good - couldn't hear the vocals or the words. 10 other virtuoso players on the stage. As Mark said "this ridiculous band". Wouldn't go again.

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