“I’m really sorry we didn’t get to work together”: Mark Knopfler and Jeff Beck were planning a collaborative album before Beck died By Matt Owen published 30 April 24 Beck's last-ever recording featured on Knopfler's recent all-star charity single
“The initial thought was, ‘What the hell am I gonna play?’ There are so many players on this track, and so much is going on, but they just let me be me”: Steve Lukather takes you behind the scenes of Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes By Andrew Daly published 5 April 24 Going Home is the all-star charity guitar track of the year, with Knopfler recruiting over 50 players to the cause. Toto legend Steve Lukather reflects on making a little bit of music history
“Some guitars are just that little bit special that they work their way in, you know?” Mark Knopfler on why he had to keep his Sultans of Swing Strat – despite selling his Money for Nothing Les Paul and the rest of his collection By Matt Parker published 3 April 24 The Dire Straits icon recently sold off his most famous and valuable instruments – but there were a few notable exceptions...
“An absolutely genius video presentation”: New video for Mark Knopfler’s all-star Guitar Heroes charity single reveals who played what on the 50-guitarist-strong instrumental epic By Matt Owen published 22 March 24 The cleverly put together clip picks apart the many pieces of the nine-minute track, putting the spotlight on the track's A-list contributors
“What he did with it, it just brings you to tears”: Jeff Beck’s last-ever recording has been released – as Mark Knopfler’s sensational star-studded charity single finally arrives By Matt Owen published 15 March 24 More than 50 of the world’s finest guitar heroes have joined forces for the track, which has been recorded to raise funds for teenage cancer charities
“I think what we’ve had is an embarrassment of riches”: The first minute of Mark Knopfler’s star-studded charity single has been released – can you guess the guitar heroes from their chops? By Matt Owen published 4 March 24 The nine-minute extended cut contains contributions from over 50 guitar legends, and features Jeff Beck's final recording
“Eric came in, played great, just one tasty lick after another. Jeff Beck’s contribution was spellbinding”: Mark Knopfler enlists Clapton, Townshend, Iommi, Slash and dozens more for all-star charity single By Jonathan Horsley published 8 February 24 Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes raise funds for teenage cancer charities with an epic version of his Local Hero theme, featuring Jeff Beck’s final recording, and over 50 guitar legends – including David Gilmour, Joan Armatrading and Brian May
“These guitars illustrate the musical journey of one of popular music’s greatest artists”: Inside Christie’s’ epic $11.2 million Mark Knopfler guitar auction By Jamie Dickson published 5 February 24 We got an up-close look at some of the most storied, rare and collectible of Mark Knopfler's guitars, just before they went under the hammer
“Staggering”: Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Collection has sold at auction for over $11 million – with a record-breaking ’59 Burst sale and 28 guitars fetching over $100k By Matt Parker published 1 February 24 The 122 lot sale included the Dire Straits man’s Money for Nothing Les Paul and Walk of Life Schecter, alongside his custom Suhr guitars
“I never thought that my signature would be on anything – never mind Fenders, Gibsons, and Martins, they're the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost of guitars”: Mark Knopfler is selling off 120 guitars, including his Money For Nothing Les Paul By Matt Parker published 21 November 23 See the Scottish guitar great talk through highlights of his immense collection of signature models, custom builds and guitars used on Dire Straits’ most iconic tracks
“Let me know if you like it or you think I ruined it!” Dire Straits’ Sultans of Swing becomes Sultans of Shred as Sophie Lloyd gives the guitar anthem a high-gain makeover By Matt Owen published 6 October 23 Mark Knopfler's sultry single-coil runs get given a generous injection of searing shred tones in Lloyd's latest cover
“A genuine guitar enthusiast who loved to play, jam, and talk guitars and amps all day”: Dire Straits’ ‘other guitarist’ Jack Sonni passes away, aged 68 By Matt Parker published 4 September 23 Mark Knopfler has paid tribute to the US guitarist who played and performed through the band’s globe-stomping Brothers in Arms era – and even worked on the first Line 6 POD
How to play Money for Nothing on guitar By Chris Bird published 7 February 23 Learn how to play Dire Straits' biggest riff – and how to nail its distinctive tone
Learn the rhythm and lead secrets of Mark Knopfler with this in-depth guitar lesson By Andy Saphir published 11 December 22 It's time to ditch the pick and go fingerstyle for this comprehensive tutorial in the Dire Straits legend's unique style
Pedal steel master Greg Leisz: “I learnt to improvise on pedal steel by playing in a live band situation with musicians who were better than me” By Chris Eaton published 15 November 22 Fresh from album sessions with Mark Knopfler, steel guitar master Greg Leisz tells us what it takes to make it
Learn Mark Knopfler’s game-changing rhythm and lead styles By Martin Cooper published 22 July 22 Phrasing and dynamics are the order of the day in this tutorial on the immaculate playing style of the Dire Straits guitar legend
Mark Knopfler donates signed Fender Stratocaster to Streets of London's #ComeOnHome prize draw By Sam Roche published 16 June 21 The draw – which also features items from Coldplay, Liam Gallagher, The 1975 and more – seeks to provide funding for those experiencing homelessness in the English capital
Mark Knopfler’s signed Strat, Eric Clapton’s autographed Martin and more raffled to support COVID-19 relief By Richard Bienstock published 1 December 20 UK Charity Stagehand has launched the massive prize draw campaign to assist out-of-work production staff and stage crews
Mark Knopfler’s 2019 guitar rig has been revealed By Michael Astley-Brown published 12 September 19 Guitar tech Glenn Saggers lifts the lid on Dire Straits icon’s setup
Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler perform Cocaine in 1988 By Damian Fanelli published 12 August 19 An inspired, guest-star filled performance