Mark Knopfler @ SECC, Glasgow 17/05/2013.

Mark Knopfler playing in Glasgow is like a homecoming for him and he certainly enjoyed himself. In fact, he had enjoyed himself on the previous night too at band member John McCusker’s birthday bash. If any of the band was under the weather then it didn’t show. A set of Celtic influenced solo songs and a dusting of classic Dire Straits tracks had the audience in the palm of his hands. Knopfler has surrounded himself with some of the UK’s top musicians and it was a pleasure to listen to the art of instrumentalists. The band were all multi-instrumentalists and could turn their hand to any genre as Blues, Jazz, Country and Rock were all served up with the same passion and dexterity. Songs from the latest album, Privateering, were well received with the eponymous title track and Gator Blood highlights. However, the best applause was saved for Romeo & Juliet, Telegraph Road and the final encore of Local Hero. It’s 35 years since I first saw Mark Knopfler play with Dire Straits and his prowess on the guitar has not waned one little bit. We were promised an ‘Evening With Mark Knopfler’ and that is exactly what we got.

 

David Blue.