Mark Knopfler Confesses He “Probably Couldn’t Play” Parts of This Classic Dire Straits Album Today
via Music Factoids / YouTube
Looking Back at a Classic
Mark Knopfler, frontman of Dire Straits, recently shared that he might not be able to play some parts from the band’s 1985 album Brothers In Arms as well today. The record, now 40 years old, featured major hits like Money For Nothing and was the first album to sell one million copies on CD.
Speaking to Guitar World, Knopfler admitted the COVID-19 pandemic affected his playing. “It’s tempting just to say, ‘Oh, it’s nothing’ and downplay it, but thinking about Brothers In Arms now, it seems like that record meant so much to so many people,” he said.
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The Rise of the Album
Knopfler reflected on the album’s surprising rise to fame. “The CD had just been invented and they decided it would be a super idea to push Brothers In Arms in hi-fi shops. That’s where a lot of people first heard it. Then the singles made it in different countries and it became a worldwide thing. Next thing you know, you’re in the eye of the storm.”
When asked whether he would approach the guitar parts differently today, Knopfler responded honestly: “I probably wouldn’t be able to play them so well now. But I’m hoping to put my head down and really get back into some proper playing in the near future. Covid slowed me down a lot. I’ve had it three times.”
Getting Back to the Guitar
Knopfler explained how time away from playing affected his hands. “If you’re away from the guitar for a while, your pads get softer and you lose your facility a little bit. So I’m really looking forward to improving,” he said.
He also noted how his habits changed. “I think what happens is, you develop lazy techniques. I’m forever doing that. You know, half-chords, these little semi-shapes. It wouldn’t make a teacher very happy.”
Fans can now check out the deluxe 40th anniversary edition of Brothers In Arms, available through Mark Knopfler’s official website.
