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I came across this short film of John and Mike playing a traditional reel called Sporting Nell at the RAH sound-check in 2010



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 Better late than never....
Here is the resurrected mini-documentary I made during the Shangri-La tour whilst on our fleeting visit to India. The country had a profound effect on us all..



Music by Abida Parveen


The
Shangri-La tour diary is still being re-assembled...
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 Some memories from the DS tour in Oz, 1986





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Bap Kennedy's new album is scheduled for release on 30th January 2012

Two versions of the album will be released, a standard and deluxe version which will include a bonus disc made up of 11 of Bap's personal favourites from his career including tracks with Steve Earle, Shane McGowan, a co-write with Van Morrison, songs that have appeared in Hollywood movies and 2 previously unreleased tracks. Both versions are currently available to pre-order from Amazon.


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It's true, we're going on the road again....with Bob. I'm afraid the secrecy has been necessary over the past few weeks as dates and details for this tour have been subject to many changes right up until the last minute.

We are all looking forward to the opportunity to play live with Mark once again, especially in light of the new recent changes in the line-up. It goes without saying that we all miss Danny and Matt as both contributed greatly to the music both live and recorded and we shared many laughs together, but we now look forward to welcoming Ian into the band and the return of Jim. As I'm sure you are aware we are right in the midst of recording Mark's new album but Mark felt that an opportunity such as this was too good to miss and I'm sure the album, which is progressing very nicely, won't be delayed too long. You will understand that I cannot give more detail about its release than that for now, but Mark and his management are continually looking at this and juggling dates etc.

In response to the many questions on this subject - We don't know yet if Mark and Bob will perform TOGETHER, it all depends on Bob I suppose. At the moment, it's MK and band, then a changeover and then Bob and his band, we'll just have to see how it all goes. Stay tuned to the diarioes for info on this once we get rolling...

In a coming together of two of the greatest living songwriters, it was announced today that Mark Knopfler and his band would be joining Bob Dylan for a series of shows around The UK and Europe this autumn.
Both artists will be taking a coterie of their own musicians and as usual Mark has assembled a group of players who are the best in their field. The band will consist of Richard Bennett on guitar, Guy Fletcher on keyboards, Jim Cox on piano, John McCusker on fiddle & cittern, Mike McGoldrick on flute, whistle & pipes, Glenn Worf on bass and Ian Thomas on drums.

Knopfler has taken a break from recording his next album in order to participate in what is likely to be the must see show of the year. Mark's association with Dylan dates back to 1979 when he played on Dylan's Slow Train Coming Sessions and then produced Bob's acclaimed 1983 release Infidels.

"I'm much looking forward to going out on the road with Bob in such a special year. Also, it was an honour to be asked to record one of Bob's songs on the forthcoming Amnesty International 50th anniversary album to mark his 70th birthday"

Oct 06, 2011 Dublin, Ireland, The o2
Oct 08, 2011 Glasgow, Braehead Arena
Oct 09, 2011 Glasgow, Braehead Arena
 Oct 10, 2011 Manchester, MEN Arena
Oct 11, 2011 Nottingham, Capital FM Arena
Oct 13, 2011 Cardiff, Motorpoint Arena
Oct 14, 2011 Bournemouth, BIC, Windsor Hall
 Oct 16, 2011 Lille, FR, Zenith Arena Concert Hall
 Oct 17, 2011 Paris, FR, Bercy
Oct 19, 2011 Antwerp, BE, Sportspaleis
Oct 20, 2011 Rotterdam, NL, Ahoy
Oct 21, 2011 Luxembourg, LU, Rockhal
Oct 23, 2011 Oberhausen, DE, König-Pilsener-Arena
Oct 25, 2011 Mannheim, DE, SAP Arena
Oct 26, 2011 Munich, DE, Olympiahalle München
Oct 27, 2011 Leipzig, DE, Arena Leipzig
Oct 29, 2011 Berlin, DE, O2 World
Oct 31, 2011 Hamburg, DE, O2 World Hamburg
Nov 02, 2011 Herning, DK, Jyske Bank Boxing
Nov 03 , 2011 Malmö, SE, Malmö Arena
Nov 04 , 2011 Stockholm, SE, Globe
Nov 06 , 2011 Hannover, DE, TUI Arena
Nov 07 , 2011 Nuremburg, DE, Arena Nürnberger
Nov 08 , 2011 Innsbruck, AT, Olympia Hall
Nov 09 , 2011 Padova, IT, PalaFabris
Nov 11 , 2011 Florence, IT, Nelson Mandela Forum
Nov 12 , 2011 Rome, IT, Palalottomattica
Nov 14 , 2011 Milan, IT, Mediolanum Forum
Nov 15 , 2011 Geneva, CH, Geneva Arena
Nov 16 , 2011 Zurich, CH, Hallenstadion

Dates and venues are also listed in the link to Terry's MK-News site below (including MK fans' presale info) and for further information please contact assistant@paulcrockfordmanagement.com

http://www.mark-knopfler-news.co.uk/frameset.html

15th July 2011

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Ben Lilly from ATC speakers dropped by the studio last week for a quick photo-shoot with Mark posing with a particular loudspeaker which will I believe take the industry by storm.



The new ATC SCM25A professional monitors designed by Ben himself are truly stunning and Mark and I have been monitoring SOLELY on these little babies since April. What is interesting is that when Chuck Ainlay arrived for our recent tracking sessions with the band, he informed us that he too was using them. This only goes to further endorse our original opinion of them. British Grove already utilizes the huge and impressive SCM300ASL's in both control rooms and these near-fields compliment them to perfection.

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Just a few shots here from the 2011 British Grand Prix at Silverstone last weekend. I was asked to join Eddie Jordan's band on keys on the big stage at the after race party. In the band were Luca London, Leandro Bartorelli, Senza Bavaglio and Claudio Sax??
Great fun, no rehearsal. Most the drivers dropped by as they were interviewed in between performances. We then played a set at a sponsors event at the Force India factory, just outside the Silverstone main gates. I went with my youngest son Leon (below with Lewis) and my brother Conrad. A great day out, shame about the British drivers...still, an exciting race and as always, there's nothing quite like being up close to an F1 car.



11th July 2011

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 Last night Mark, myself and a small band comprising John McCusker, Luke Brighty and Danny Thompson played a private fundraising event for a charity set up three years ago by Mark's (and mine) long term friend Mariella Frostrup. The charity called The Gender Rights and Equality Action Trust - GREAT - aims at fostering gender equality and raising awareness and funds to support grass roots gender equality projects in Africa and beyond. The GREAT Initiative works in partnership with Femmes Africa Solidarité, a renowned African charity.

We played a short set early in the evening at the very newly opened Corinthia hotel near Trafalgar Square in London.
The songs played were
Sailing to Philadelphia
Romeo and Juliet
Get Lucky
Song for Sonny Liston
Marbletown and
Local Hero

A particularly nice example of Mark's MK Strat was auctioned after the show. The guitar played so well and sounded so good, it was a difficult one for Mark to give up. 
A very worthy cause though.


Mark has just informed me that the guitar was sold for £75,000





 20th May 2011

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The Native Roses have been recording in my studio off an on over the past few weeks and have put together a great EP.


Colours is available now on iTunes



 
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Bap Kennedy sessions
Mark is producing, and playing on, the record which will feature the following players:

Ian Thomas- drums
Glenn Worf- bass
James Walbourne-guitars
MK - guitars
Guy Fletcher-piano, keyboards
John McCusker-fiddle
Mike McGoldrick-whistles
Jerry Douglass - steel guitars

There are no plans for any release as yet.

15th Jan 2011

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***Christmas Competition***
 
   No prizes, just for fun
Somewhere within the site there is a snow-rabbit
can you find it?
(ps. it's not the one on the Tooth poster)

 The bunny WAS discovered by:
Dominique Callaerts
Elliott Hodges
Lars Bentsen
Colin Bryce
Alice & The Mad Hatter

Aidan Williamson

 Nelly Duclos
 Patrick Vincent
 Mark Abrahams
 Marty McAuliffe
Dirk Tuinenburg
and David Parker

solution : The Snow-Rabbit is on "this page"

December 2010

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The BluesClub band is stirring into action once again. In recent weeks we've had a few rehearsals and decided to start thinking about some shows in the new year, possibly even venturing into Europe!

Stay tuned to this site for more info ..



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The Prince's Trust Rock Gala was a resounding success.

It will be broadcast on
Sunday 19 December 2010 on Sky 3D (Sky Channel 217).

AND

Prince's Trust Rock Gala 2010: The Highlights 

Sky Arts 1 HD

Friday, December 31st, 2010 6:00pm to 7:30pm




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Mark Knopfler Get Lucky tour 2010 Recording policy -

It has been noticed that there are increasing numbers of fans filming the show. This is becoming very distracting for the band and also irritates many people in the audience.  Everyone should be able to enjoy the concert without interference from fellow fans.

Please note that starting with immediate effect, cameras/equipment used for recording moving pictures (DVD/video/cine, etc), e.g video/DVD/film cameras, will not be permitted in any part of the venue. Single shot cameras and audio are still okay but please be mindful of your fellow fans.

Standard 35mm film, digital cameras and compact point-and-shoot models are allowed provided they do not obstruct the view of other fans. Any camera with a removable lens is not permitted.

Professional cameras or other equipment, including tripods, are not allowed unless the user has the appropriate working media credential. Personal photography or video may NOT be used to reproduce the concert for commercial purposes.

Please note that this camera policy is subject to change for any event based on the requests of the venue or promoters. Where an individual venue does not permit ANY type of recording/photographic equipment (including audio, SLRs, digital compacts, etc) then the policy of that venue will be respected. In cases where the venue says they bow to the policy of the artist, it is recommended that you take a printout of this policy with you on the night of the concert.

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with rehearsals now drawing to a close, we're all eager to get on that stage in Seattle and kick off the tour. Natural Selection CD's now shipping. Once you receive your copy, you'll be able to have a crack at the competition!!!

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Rehearsals have started for the MK Get Lucky tour..v.exciting...see the
diary for more..

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I was recently asked to mix an album for a band called the Riders. 
It's a great little album with a very interesting story attached . The album is available now.

Go to The Riders website to find out more



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Fans of the old band may be interested to learn that this week I've started work with John Illsley on his new solo venture. We've been running up some of his tunes at my studio and in a few weeks will be showing up at British Grove for some cutting sessions. I'm sure I will take a few pics along the way.

I will be recording my album this month too.

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STONE EP SHIPPING TODAY (SAT 7th NOVEMBER 2009)
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October 2009


The new Stone ep is now finished and consists of eight tracks. Four of which were recorded during the Inamorata sessions, the other four are remixes of tracks on Inamorata.

Ever since I dove head-first into the weird world of tape manipulation in the mid 70's, I've always been intrigued by the possibilities in remixing. These explorations into the now digital world of music production satisfy in part what ever-the-hell it is I'm doing here. It's fun and it doesn't hurt. I'd always intended at some point to release the 'left-over' songs from the Inamorata sessions but wanted to add something else, something different to contrast them.

'Stone' was the first of the remixes as I'd always heard potential for something different in the production so I thought I'd pursue it. 'Inamorata' with a drum beat and multi-layered backing vocals? Surely not, well yes, AND Danny Cummings on the Cajon. 'Love is Coming Round' has it's full extended outro with extra piano overdubs and guitars, and 'Broken Wing' was taken and remixed by a local programmer/musician and friend of my son Max's, a certain Hamish Sandys-Renton. An upcoming talent for sure.

'Without You' is a song which never made it onto the Inamorata album and many thought that a shame. 'Ocean Song' is another such title and was one of the first songs for me which was completely inspired by coastal life. There are also two instrumentals, 'Steel Guitar Rag' an old favourite of mine and originally written by Western Swing legend Leon McAuliffe who was in Bob Wills' band The Texas Playboys. The other is one of my little slide guitar odysseys entitled 'Devil's Slide'.

You can preview and Pre-order your copy of the Stone ep (the first 200 will be signed and numbered) here

I'd like to thank everybody who in the past has purchased Inamorata, also for the amazing feedback I've received from you all. It's been very positive and has been quite influential in my continuing to write and produce music of my own. The new album (for 2010) is pretty much written and I am beginning the recording process now. Stay tuned to the site as I fully intend to give updates on how it's all going once I get cracking in earnest in late November.

Please do continue to post comments, questions and thoughts on the forum. I enjoy hearing from you and it feels like I've gotten to know quite a few of you over the years.

I hope you enjoy listening to the music as much as I have making it.

thanks

Guy

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Since so many have asked what guitars were played by Mark on the album, here's the complete list.

1. Border Reiver -  '54 blonde Tele Vibrolux / Gibson Southener acoustic
2. Hard Shoulder - Gretch 6120 - Tone King / Gibson Southerner acoustic
3. You Can’t Beat The House - '58 Les Paul - Fender Bassman
4. Before Gas & TV - '58 Gibson Les Paul - Marshall JTM45 / Gibson Advanced Jumbo
5. Monteleone - Monteleone Isabella
6. Cleaning My Gun - '58 Les Paul - Reinhardt / Burns double 6 - Vox AC15 / Gibson Southerner
7. The Car Was The One - '54 Strat - Vibrolux / Gibson Southerner acoustic / Gibson Mandolin
8. Remembrance Day - '54 Fender Strat - Fender Vibrolux / Gibson Advanced Jumbo acoustic
'58 Gibson Les Paul - Komet / Mini Martin (Terz tuning half step)
9. Get Lucky - (Steve Phillips) NS14 acoustic
10. So Far From The Clyde - '54 Les Paul - Marshall JTM45 also '54 Tele - Vibrolux
11. Piper To The End - Grosh - Reinhardt / Gibson Dove acoustic

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 Over the past 2 weeks I've been mixing an album for a band from the west coast of America. Tom Cusimano  from 'The Riders'  asked me to mix and master for them. I'm on the final stages and should be done in a few days. 
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Pallant House Gallery Fender MK Strat AUCTION

An Evening with Mark Knopfler
on Saturday September 12th 2009 - Pallant House Gallery Chichester
Mark, myself, Luke Brighty and John McCusker performed at a private, invitation only fundraising event for the
Pallant House art gallery in Chichester.

Mark played one of his own MK signature Strats during the show and this actual guitar has been auctioned on ebay to raise funds for the gallery. It raised an amazing £6,300. Many thanks to all who bid.

Click here to view the AUCTION


More images from the event will appear here....as and when I receive them


 




Mark here pictured (with dodgy iPhone) with the guitar during Rehearsals at British Grove for this' week's events. The Hurlingham Club on Wednesday 9th (Princes Trust), Paris Friday 11th (Taratata) and the Pallant event on Saturday 12th



The format was similar to that of the Hurlingham gig in that Rick Stroud was honourable questionmaster.

SET LIST
Sailing to Philadelphia
Sultans of Swing
Secondary waltz
Romeo and Juliet
Get Lucky
Why Worry
Money for Nothing
Monteleone

Marbletown
If this is goodbye
Local Hero


Pallant House Gallery is an independent charitable trust which depends on the generous support of dedicated individuals, companies, Local Government and other major funders. The gallery exhibits one of the finest collections of modern art in the UK.

The Gallery receives only 25% of its annual budget through public funding.

The Gallery receives no subsidies from Central Government (the average public funding of a gallery of this stature, size and importance by Government and local authorities can be between 50% and 60%).

Our ‘Free by 2012’ Appeal is the Gallery’s contribution to the cultural and sporting Olympics!