Mark Knopfler plays snippets of some of his songs

Mark Knopfler on the "Book Show" with Mariella Frostrup about how books have influenced his song writing. He plays "Sailing to Philadelphia", "Song for Sonny Liston" and "Done with Bonaparte". From 2012.

[@shivsays24]

This is story telling masterclass from Mark. What I like about him is he is so grounded... Doesn't try to show off..

[@wbravo66]

As Bob Dylan said, MK is the best thing to happen to the guitar since the invention of the guitar string, I agree

[@happykatau]

Seems I was born in the right era, to have been exposed to MK's compositions when I was 14 when Dire Straits were at the height of their fame..... and now have re-discovered him this year :)

[@happykatau]

I'l likely end up travelling to the UK to hear him live, while he is still performing for the public, and in good form!

[@davidelliott5843]

I'm sure Mark would want to mention a few other guitar greats. How about, Clapton, Harrison & even Prince.

[@FlaschDJ]

David Elliott how bout Pat Martino, Chet Atkins, Segovia and George Benson?

[@jackalex454]

@@davidelliott5843 I'm sure he would agree and add Jimi etc. but for my money, no one leaves spaces like Mark

[@fatimaemiko7073]

I don't even understand English very well, but I spent a good amount of time just watching this man talking and singing. He's like a bright day... I love this man.

[@lili6011]

Not only is he the best guitarist, but he's smart, cultured, and funny. Mark Knopfler is the best!🎸🎸🎸❣️❣️

[@philhayhoe1]

As a guitarist of more than 50 years, I can say that his touch is so perfect, feather light, so simple - until you try to play it yourself...

[@ChrisHayworth100]

Then you start discovering what his fingers are doing is totally different to what you're hearing.

[@kennybluet5527]

Well said. He makes it look easy. Absolute tone master.

[@dinopappous6639]

Just like Glenn Tilbrook

[@YAKMANONT]

Man I could watch him play guitar All day long , He is amazing

[@alexandrealonso5446]

There's a huge sense of peace from this guy... Its music that feels like a hug

[@edgarsmith9102]

Beautifully put

[@sveinungtorgrimsen2149]

If I had to listen to just one artist/band for the rest of my life....it would be him. Brilliant and a very warm personality.

[@zachelmquist4932]

Sveinung Torgrimsen I love his comment on the Kennedy assaination.

[@twilightbiscuit]

yes, it would, it surely would!

[@MegaMaharshi]

me too

[@darrenbeakhouse4835]

Totally agree.

[@hayleyregan6191]

Love this man.such.a.talent

[@Holdsworthands]

I followed Mark's career from the beginning, every record, every solo album, almost every soundtrack, and he always make me think about art, about how an artist grow through the years, evolve, and in many cases, like mark, slow down the tempo, simplify the chords... sometimes you need to make sacrifices, to tell something more deep, the way he talks with his songs, i think Mark doesn't play the guitar or sing anymore, he became the guitar and the song, he became the music, he's in that state when is not about a mechanical or psychical thing to play an instrument, it's more like a spiritual thing

[@ianwilson926]

Very well put

[@udarasamarasinghe8811]

Wow...nicely said my friend!

[@davortrninic487]

Udara Samarasinghe u

[@janetriecken1376]

Holdsworthands I

[@martejr]

If only I could have done the same, following his career from the beginning 😅 But I was born very late 🙁 Not until after Golden Heart came out. But Im here now 👏👏❤️

[@alexj7934]

A very impressive, humble man of renown talent on the guitar and for song writing. I never get bored with Mark stories and his wry humour. Thank you Mark for being who you are. Cheers! From 'Down Under' aka 'Aussie Brit'.

[@kevinwahl9838]

Damn, I love Mark Knopfler. He and his music has had a profound influence on my life. Brilliant man. Brilliant songwriter. So humble.

[@wbravo66]

+Kevin Wahl me too only wish he would do this acoustic set for all of his songs

[@danfleming6002]

That's why he wasn't all that thrilled with the RRHF .

[@felixsuarez1160]

Igra

[@felixsuarez1160]

Desde el país del fin del mundo gracias por tu música.Fellix

[@johnharvey4448]

@@danfleming6002 What is RRHF ?

[@FloydTheWolf]

Mark has that genuine power of bringing you in another world as soon as he starts playing, and it's quite a hard awakening when he brutally stops, and you realise it was just a demo!

[@wbravo66]

Floyd I love your comment, I agree this guy is unique to live music, best wishes

[@ealago]

So true!

[@emgab]

Thanks for This true and lovely comment - love Mark and his Music from the first days and will forever - a true gem of music history - and i am really glad he is still with us and hopefully for a long time to com !

[@wbravo66]

Well said, best wishes

[@remoman]

Yes, it's his rhythm. It's so perfect it's hypnotic.

[@blackiejames1843]

Mark is the best when it comes to articulation and emotion on the guitar. Just a clean guitar tone that speaks volumes. He is one of the best guitarists of all time.

[@wbravo66]

I'll say this again, you are witnessing a musical genious WHAT A HUMBLE MAN

[@Burns1993Joe]

I could listen to Mark talk and play songs on an acoustic guitar all day. He has such a calming voice, almost hypnotic...

[@fatimaluz777]

Me too...❤️

[@ThePapawhisky]

Never get enough of his artistry.

[@geordieexile6236]

It's a privilege to walk the same planet.

[@wbravo66]

geordie exile Me too, a true legend

[@wbravo66]

geordie exile What a humble musician, rare is this time

[@MegaMaharshi]

absolutely agreed

[@Wookie8058]

Damn well said Geordie...!

[@mattiasjohansson7231]

Indeed. There are few gentlemen like Mark around nowadays. I have such great respect for the man!

[@nimeshsompura]

He is a saviour..He makes me a better person. He makes me a humble person. His stories and songs makes me want to dream more. What I would give to meet him and tell how much joy his music has brought in my life!! Love you Sir!❤

[@louisevaughn2281]

I feel awake again since taking a deep dive into all things MK.

[@caveweta]

Imagine being in this audience and watching this unfold. Sheer joy.

[@williamstachour4019]

He was born to tell stories. In his lyrics, with his guitar, how he sings. All of it. So brilliant.

[@ouimetco]

He’s a rare vocalist whom seems to have gotten more mellow and deeper in quality of sound. MK thank you for years of wonderful art.

[@ROCROI]

MARK KNOPFLER : A GREAT ARTIST . DIRE STRAITS : A GREAT BAND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SONGS .

[@amritanath3214]

He personifies purity of thought, empathy and perfection in guitar playing. Respect. Lots of it !

[@cyninbend]

A man who reads novels by women--rarer than any gems. Add his literary interest to his superior musical talent and he is absolutely one of a kind! His folk music reminds me of early Pete Seeger. He is the best!

[@jamesryan5436]

Mark doesn't just sing songs he provides a soundtrack and and a companionship to people's lives my own included . the quality of his music and his skill as a guitar player are just something else

[@rodfjon]

The reason I want to play the guitar. I love his quote "music is your friend for life"

[@wbravo66]

Simply amazing, what a person, humble, talented, nothing more to say

[@Katy-ye1zr]

He fills the room- one man band. I hope he never retires.

[@wbravo66]

Me to Katy, I want him to play in my lounge room just like this

[@Buddhamama-on_tour_2022]

Sadly he has said that the tour he is on now will be his last.😭

[@johnharvey4448]

@@Buddhamama-on_tour_2022 Maybe he will go into his greatest period like REM did when they ceased touring to focus on recording and made two of the best most famous albums of sall time. (all be it they were a lot younger and did resume touring after a while).

[@iaingeorge8608]

I loved Mark in Dire Straits and I love him even more solo. He is one of a kind for sure and I never get tired of anything I listen to with him in it.

[@achuMtk624]

After listening to Mark talk about the inspiration for Done with Bonaparte....hearing him play and seeing his thoughtful face at 11:24 .... So surreal :) Truly a master guitarist and a beautiful song :)

[@pd9121]

Apart from the fabulous playing, concerts, albums, I have learned a LOT about history and geography from MK’s songs. I often find myself going online or buying a book to learn more about what he’s singing about and it’s an education. Wishing history teachers would turn to some of MK’s songs, it would make a dull lesson more interesting and certainly entertaining. Thank you for the learning, Mark!

[@MarcCuevasBlues]

He has inspired many generations of guitarists and songwriters, but he always sounds so humble. He does what he loves and makes you want to do the same. Thank you Mark.

[@acamo8444]

Mark knopfler is a great singer. The best guitarist ever. I love Mark knopfler so much ❤🌷❤🎸

[@johncampbell2273]

I absolutely love the sound of Mark’s songs laid bare to a single voice and guitar. The purity of tone, the engaging rhythms somehow concentrated in the absence of arrangement and supporting vocals. Such a treat.

[@wbravo66]

Yep I agree, I have asked Guy Fletcher his long time DS band mate and Co-Producer of his latest albums if we could have an acoustic version of his vast catalog. The response was very positive . GF said it may happen

[@gloriabrown5376]

mark knopfler is a musical genius!.a guitar god! his music is just right for whatever mood im in...i love dire straits...

[@wbravo66]

Gloria, I'm with you here, my musical god

[@leoded]

Loveliest man on this planet. Thanks so much for making this available!

[@randycurtis1176]

I saw your “The fingers that made a difference.” Nice. I grew up loving Southern rock and the great guitar. Dire Straights taught me to hear incredible playing. Mark’s playing is so distinctive. And great.

[@user-yh3xm3zo9l]

This is the beauty of great musicians and song writers, that genuinely wrote great songs, and can play them,,, yes true greats are the likes of mark that can deliver them, total genius, no doubt the greatest, bless him, 👏👏👏👏👏

[@wbravo66]

I wish MK would do this, unplugged just like this for most of his greatest hits, it would be to die for

[@jimberlygridder183]

Peter West Agreed sir agreed...that would be awesome to have him do an unplugged set.

[@johnharvey4448]

@@jimberlygridder183 Why is there not MTV Unplugged these days ? There's so many artists who could do a great unplugged show, not just Nirvana etc.

[@ShawHortonMusic]

@@johnharvey4448 NPR Tiny Desk concerts are probably the closest thing to MTV Unplugged these days

[@antoniopinedaportillo4277]

We need a complete and 100% acoustic concert!! So fabulous!!

[@black41flashreverse]

The only negative thing about Mark Knopfler is that he leaves me wanting more. I could listen to him all day telling the story behind the songs and watching him play and sing. A true and humble genius. I would count it an honor and privilege to shake his hand.

[@wbravo66]

me as well

[@wbravo66]

Folks, a true gentlman, what a man and what a talent, to play 3 snippets from 3 wonderful songs accoustically in such a simple setting but so memorable

[@corywalker8188]

The guy just makes it look so easy. A grand master indeed.

[@vincents3334]

What an amazing treat to stumble upon this today. No one better than Mark

[@chrismurphy341]

When i first heard sultans of swing, i thought id died and gone to heaven, this guy is a great musician

[@jinkertsun]

That was the same for me. I’d listened to music but was never a fan of anybody. That all changed the day I first heard Sultans of Swing. It was definitely the first time I had to get out to find out who this band was.

[@Beeza56]

I’m smiling ear to ear and with a tear in my eye for some reason.... Thanks so much for posting. Beautiful stuff.

[@armourlyngdoh999]

Mk is a melodic man, his composition is so melodic, full of sweet and vibrant music... He is one of a kind. His music is phenomenal..

[@Sihtarman]

Mark is one of my all time favourite guitar players and has influenced me as a player and a writer. I believe its a lucky world we are in to have him here with us...:)

[@johnharvey4448]

Blessed, not, lucky.

[@silenceofthelambs5178]

We owe so much to Mark Knopfler for his unique and priceless contribution to music...where he draws his inspiration from is a mystery - I remember back in the 70's hearing Sultans of swing and was hooked from the first few bars.

[@DJFalkoHannover]

That Fingerpicking and that lick of "Song for Sonny Liston" is a badass killer blues lick!!!! I listen to it for so many years now and will untill my end!!!

[@tedl7538]

Talent, intelligence and compassion, a treasure of a man.

[@GuitarJr56]

Mark is such a fantastic story teller and player. A real gift

[@mustsilm]

Would be cool if he made a limited edition acoustic album with songs like Sailing to philadelphia. I think he even said one interview years ago he initially wrote Sultans on acoustic.

[@4567mariusz]

The man is a gem.

[@martej.r.2310]

Its completely magical! I have listened to this video (interview) so many times. Its just wonderful to hear how he gets his inspiration and hearing him playing it. His music suits perfect when you are going to sleep, when you want to jump and dance of joy, and in those moments when you dont feel very happy.

[@nicolasmera2403]

Same here, I've watched it so many times I know the transitions between the songs :) You've got to love MK, such brilliance, such humility! The greatest of all

[@Robbo57]

I'm so happy to say I've actually met the man backstage at Newcastle City Hall when he fronted Dire Straits. What a totally lovely guy.

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

This man has been a star almost all of my life, a real artist

[@karenharris5663]

Mark Knopfler has an excellent voice and so many wonderful albums out there!!! I only wish I could have seen him live in concert! He is so talented as many other are-- I saw Elton John 3 times he was great and many others too!!!

[@vintagestrings6]

Master Guitarist and Wordsmith and I feel he's just a God gifted great human being who through his music n lyrics takes you into that place where you feel good and never want to come back. From his first album till now, Wow what a great adventure for truly a great soul. Love You Brother.

[@wbravo66]

+vintagestrings6 OMG great coment

[@nz3058]

+Peter West Thank You Sir.

[@1234567doug789]

Genius!!! Retirement talk this tour breaks my heart

[@jkskateaway9274]

Amazing thanks for the upload....Mark showing off his lyrical excellence and I think it certainly makes a difference when Mariella clearly knows what she's talking about with so much enthusiasm.. Well done!

[@EvelcyclopS]

Goosebumps. What a legend

[@armingottschling975]

We can just be thankful God lent him to us for a while

[@martycech5844]

Amen

[@user-kh7nv5qt7h]

I love you yesterday, today and forever genius Mark!

[@jakefowler8522]

Such a soulful voice and a timeless sound from that guitar!! Legend!

[@julian_b]

He is so naturally gifted

[@robertd4468]

What I like most about him aside from the brilliant music is how ridiculously humble he is. He never self aggrandizes. Rather than talk about the songs he talks about the great books that inspired them. If he has an ego, you’d never know it.

[@wbravo66]

Oh in deed

[@ChrisHayworth100]

I've had the privilege of meeting him on more than one occasion. I've never met a more humble man.

[@AJGreen-cn8kk]

The look on his face when he starts a song is priceless. He simply goes away and the music takes over.

[@xtofgcr7712]

Many thanks Mark 4 bringing all this joy music and lyrics !!

[@h.w.mhesselmans2346]

Mark is the very best. The best this world can bring!!!!

[@RodrigoDeMatos1]

What a cozy and interesting small interview, with one of the best musicians ever.

[@fuzzywuzzy4193]

I can watch this for days.

[@geoffbagg9306]

This man is a genius!

[@wbravo66]

+Geoff Bagg only wish he would do this acoustic set for all of his songs

[@mightress]

Met him once. Was going to buy a new guitar for my daughters birthday. She sat down and started playing sultans of swing. We both had not seen him. All off a sudden he stood next to me and said: nice tune, sounds familiar. Chatted few minutes than mark said: buy her that strat, she can make it sing. he smiled and walked away.

[@wbravo66]

OMG

[@cherrywilson1556]

Wow! What a great tale. Sage advice from a wonderful person. 👍

[@jeffwisener1378]

How awesome

[@standandeliver8376]

Thanks to KZbin, I'm only just starting to see Mark being interviewed. He really has no ego at all. Interesting also that his singing voice hasn't changed but has always sounded old (I mean that as a compliment). He grew into it.

[@garywildman1273]

Sit up and pay attention, the master MK is playing.

[@MaxRevs911]

Excellent! Thanks for the upload. Knopfler is not only an excellent musician but a great story teller as well.

[@lionelhunt3610]

Best story telling guitarist of all time, the great Mark Knopfler, Geordie lad at heart!

[@wbravo66]

a simply humble musician

[@lionelhunt3610]

@@wbravo66 song for Sonny Liston is one of my favorites. This man is a genius songwriter and man can he play that guitar.

[@victaylor1]

Was he born there?

[@lionelhunt3610]

Vic Taylor he was born in Scotland but grew up in Newcastle at an early age.

[@stevenpryce7808]

​@@victaylor1born in Scotland but has always been a Geordie (his words)

[@jameskelly4621]

He is the greatest of all time. Been a fan since sultans.

[@index1001]

Stunning and brilliantly interviewed.

[@dunjazgonc4457]

him and springsteen. the only artists i wouldn’t know how to live without.

[@MrBarrynicholas]

Springsteen would be close to the bottom of my list.

[@stephenclarke2481]

Both have large fan bases, but I doubt there is much overlapping of the two. In fact, I think most fans of one don’t care much for the other at all. But, you are of course free to feel differently.

[@armandogomes4631]

No comment ! MARK is the BEST off the BEST...🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸😍

[@alanwhitbread8248]

Unique man....his songs have travelled with me everywhere

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Mark's music is very often highly simple - but beautifully executed, the chord progressions are largely classic, nothing earth shattering, but he has the gift of phrasing, of feel, this makes all the difference.

[@wbravo66]

Before I die I want his great musician to come and play like this in my lounge room excatly like this, am I asking for too much? God this is sensational

[@rabahsoukehal9618]

Mark Knopfler, Great and Simple Man 💞💞💞💞💞💞💞

[@wbravo66]

How good is this, raw, stripped back, none the less pure gold

[@brenkelly5866]

his guitar collection is amazing,,some real beauties...

[@wbravo66]

Bren Kelly Contact me I'll give you some links to some of his best live work

[@brenkelly5866]

cheers peter..ive probably seen most of it..been a huge fan since the early 80s,,thanks all the same tho man..

[@wbravo66]

Bren Kelly Keep well

[@RobGutmann]

6:56 this is so much incredible feel he puts in that rhythm and nearly impossible to play

[@erniescullion8452]

That lady interviewing Mark is beautiful natured and pleasant.

[@nimeshsompura]

I only look up to him and hope someday I could do something that is useful to humanity. And still remain very humble and kind to everyone.

[@raystargazer]

This man is just brilliant.

[@patrickdurnion4548]

So unasuming lets guitar do the talking

[@Musical_Man_Guitar]

Such a talented guy. Just honest, well crafted, heartfelt music.

[@wbravo66]

MK fans, go to 10:51 to see something that we all love, what a tear jerking performance from the best guitarist,.song writer and lyricist of our time, and my, is it passionate? Breath taking ling good.

[@surajpoudel3215]

+Peter West I also feel the same Peter. He is absolutely astounding in his characterisation and weaving stories in music. He truly is a genius.

[@wbravo66]

Suraj Poudel Well said, I'm glad we share the same music passion

[@wbravo66]

+Suraj Poudel Simply the best, this performance is outstanding. I wish he would do a solo acoustic set of some of his songs

[@Randall2468]

Guitarist yes, I agree he is the greatest of my generation. But songwriter, in my opinion, Springsteen takes that crown followed by Bob Dylan.

[@nimeshsompura]

@@Randall2468 Dylan is a comparable case. I wouldn't compare Springsteen with MK with all due respect to him.

[@eduardoserrano4191]

what a musician, the talent, the touch he has Thanks Mark keep on enjoying us

[@johngrosshans1040]

MK just rambling on is far more interesting than anything the narrator has to say. This few minutes is breathtaking and shows the master at work.

[@greensombrero3641]

please keep writing and recording until the end. you are one of a kind and we need you.

[@shashimenon1000]

Mark Knopfler should be on every wall in the R&R Hall of Fame. The most soul in a rock artist and a genius with the guitar. Beware (or take pleasure) all ye who draw near to MK, you will tread in the corridors of his soul...and feel.

[@Samantha-vlly]

Mark mentioned James Taylor, of course, both artists who played and wrote music passionately. Treasures in our humanity.

[@fatimaluz777]

Magnificent!! 💯❤️💯

[@paulgriffiths3082]

He practically re invented guitar playing because his playing is so unique, probably one of the best guitarists in the history of the instrument, but also one of the best song writers ever, also great vocalist is there no end to this mans talent ? his only let down is that his guitar solos aren't long enough he always leaves you wanting more

[@wbravo66]

Paul, your comments echo my sentiments,

[@malcolmspence2869]

Check out Tunnel of Love...live in 85. That might satisfy you