‘Money For Nothing’: Dire Straits ex-frontman Mark Knopfler to auction over 120 guitars
‘Money For Nothing’: Dire Straits ex-frontman Mark Knopfler to auction over 120 guitars
In a noteworthy development for music enthusiasts and guitar collectors, Mark Knopfler, renowned as the former frontman of the iconic British rock group Dire Straits, has revealed plans to auction more than 120 guitars and amplifiers that have played a pivotal role throughout his illustrious five-decade career.
This extraordinary auction, scheduled for next year, is set to feature a diverse collection of guitars and amplifiers that have not only accompanied Knopfler on stage but have also contributed to the distinctive sound of Dire Straits’ music. The announcement has generated significant interest among fans, collectors, and music aficionados who are eager to acquire pieces of rock history associated with one of the most influential guitarists and songwriters of his generation.
Mark Knopfler’s musical journey has left an indelible mark on the world of rock and roll, and the upcoming auction provides a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to own instruments that have played a role in creating some of the most iconic and timeless songs in the rock genre. The guitars and amplifiers set to go under the hammer are expected to showcase the evolution of Knopfler’s musical style and the diverse range of sounds he has explored over the years.
The auction will not only be a celebration of Knopfler’s illustrious career but also a rare chance for fans to connect with the tangible artifacts that have shaped the sonic landscape of Dire Straits. Each guitar and amplifier carries its own history, reflecting the musical journey of an artist whose distinctive fingerstyle playing and emotive solos have become synonymous with the sound of Dire Straits.
As the auction date approaches, anticipation is building among fans and collectors eager to participate in this extraordinary event. The guitars and amplifiers that have accompanied Mark Knopfler on his musical odyssey are poised to find new homes, allowing enthusiasts to cherish and preserve the legacy of one of rock music’s most iconic figures.
A momentous event is on the horizon for music history aficionados as Mark Knopfler, the acclaimed former frontman of the legendary British rock group Dire Straits, has announced a spectacular auction of over 120 guitars and amplifiers that have been integral to his illustrious five-decade career. Scheduled to take place at Christie’s auctioneers on January 31, this unprecedented sale promises to captivate fans, collectors, and enthusiasts worldwide.
Among the standout items to be featured in the auction is the guitar synonymous with the recording of Dire Straits’ seminal hit “Money For Nothing.” This iconic instrument, etched in rock history, not only contributed to the creation of one of the band’s most celebrated songs but also gained further renown through its appearance at the historic 1985 Live Aid concert in London.
The Live Aid performance, widely regarded as one of the most memorable moments in music history, showcased Mark Knopfler’s virtuosity and left an indelible mark on the collective memory of rock enthusiasts.
The upcoming auction offers a unique opportunity for fans to acquire guitars and amplifiers that have played an instrumental role in shaping the distinctive sound of Dire Straits. Each instrument carries the legacy of countless performances, recordings, and moments that have defined Mark Knopfler’s musical journey and the band’s enduring impact on the rock genre.
The inclusion of the “Money For Nothing” guitar elevates the auction to a historic level, as it represents a tangible connection to the creation of a song that has become a classic in the annals of rock music. The guitar’s association with the Live Aid performance adds an additional layer of significance, as the event marked a pivotal moment in the global music community’s efforts to address humanitarian challenges.
As anticipation builds for the auction, the prospect of owning a piece of rock history is generating widespread excitement. Music enthusiasts and collectors alike are eager to participate in this extraordinary event, ensuring that these guitars and amplifiers will continue to be cherished as artifacts of Dire Straits’ enduring legacy in the world of music.
The Mark Knopfler Guitar Collection” auction is not merely a showcase of guitars; it is a comprehensive journey through the artist’s prolific career. The collection encompasses an eclectic array of guitars that Mark Knopfler used for writing, recording, and performing both with Dire Straits and during his solo ventures. The guitars hail from esteemed makers such as Gibson, Fender, and Martin, featuring a rich variety of sounds and styles.
In addition to guitars from renowned manufacturers, the auction includes custom-built instruments crafted by highly respected guitar builders Rudy Pensa and John Suhr. These custom models add a distinctive touch to the collection, reflecting the personalized preferences and specifications that resonate with Mark Knopfler’s unique musical expression.
In a statement released by Christie’s, Mark Knopfler expressed his sentiment about the upcoming auction, noting that it’s time for these cherished six-string companions to embark on new adventures with new owners. This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of the auction, where these guitars, infused with the history of countless performances and recordings, are poised to become prized possessions for passionate collectors and music enthusiasts.
As the auction date approaches, the excitement surrounding “The Mark Knopfler Guitar Collection” continues to build, with anticipation reaching a crescendo. Beyond being instruments of music, each guitar in the collection carries the stories of creative processes, collaborations, and the timeless melodies that have left an indelible mark on the landscape of rock and popular music. The auction is not only an opportunity to acquire iconic guitars but also a chance to be part of the living legacy of one of rock’s most influential figures.
Mark Knopfler’s iconic career, spanning over five decades, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of rock music. As the former frontman of the legendary British rock group Dire Straits, Knopfler created timeless hits such as “Sultans of Swing,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Brothers In Arms.” His musical journey also extended into a successful solo career and film soundtracks.
Now, in a remarkable auction titled “The Mark Knopfler Guitar Collection” at Christie’s auctioneers on January 31, 2023, fans and collectors have the opportunity to acquire a piece of rock history. The collection features over 120 guitars and amps used by Knopfler throughout his illustrious career.
Among the highlights is an original 1959 Les Paul Standard, acquired by Knopfler from Bobby Tench of The Jeff Beck Group, estimated at £500,000 ($625,000). This prized possession is expected to be a coveted item for collectors, representing a historic era in the world of guitars.
Another significant piece is the Gibson Les Paul 1983 reissue guitar, the very instrument used to record the iconic “Money For Nothing,” with an estimated value of up to £15,000 ($19,000). This guitar played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of one of Dire Straits’ most celebrated songs.
Additionally, enthusiasts will have the opportunity to bid on a 2002 Fender “Mark Knopfler Signature Stratocaster,” anticipated to fetch up to £6,000. Furthermore, a “Pensa-Suhr MK-1” uniquely crafted and adapted by John Suhr, valued at £6,000-£8,000, adds a touch of custom craftsmanship to the collection.
In a generous gesture, Mark Knopfler has pledged to donate a quarter of the proceeds from the auction to various charities, including the British Red Cross, wildlife conservationists Tusk, and the children’s not-for-profit organization Brave Hearts of the North East. This auction promises to be a celebration of music history and a meaningful contribution to charitable causes, embodying the spirit of Knopfler’s enduring legacy.
Mark Knopfler, the legendary musician and former frontman of Dire Straits, has announced an upcoming auction titled “The Mark Knopfler Guitar Collection.” Scheduled for January 31, 2023, at Christie’s auctioneers, the event will feature over 120 guitars and amplifiers that have played a significant role in Knopfler’s illustrious five-decade career.
The collection spans guitars used by Knopfler for writing, recording, and performing Dire Straits’ and solo tracks. It includes models from esteemed guitar builders like Gibson, Fender, and Martin, along with custom-built creations by renowned artisans Rudy Pensa and John Suhr.
The auction’s standout highlight is the original 1959 Les Paul Standard, expected to be valued at £500,000 ($625,000). Acquired by Knopfler from Bobby Tench of The Jeff Beck Group, this guitar holds historical significance and is anticipated to be a sought-after item among collectors.
Another iconic piece is the Gibson Les Paul 1983 reissue guitar, used in recording the classic “Money For Nothing,” with an expected valuation of up to £15,000 ($19,000). This guitar played a pivotal role in shaping the distinctive sound of one of Dire Straits’ most acclaimed songs.
The auction will also include a 2002 Fender “Mark Knopfler Signature Stratocaster,” projected to fetch up to £6,000, and a “Pensa-Suhr MK-1” uniquely crafted and adapted by John Suhr, valued at £6,000-£8,000.
Mark Knopfler, now 74, has expressed his intention to donate a quarter of the sales proceeds to various charitable organizations, including the British Red Cross, wildlife conservationists Tusk, and the children’s not-for-profit Brave Hearts of the North East. The auction promises to be a celebration of musical history, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire tangible pieces of the rock legend’s journey, all while contributing to charitable causes.
Among the more affordable lots is a mandolin previously owned by blues legend Yank Rachell, expected to cost between £300 and £500. Christie’s will hold a December 9-13 touring exhibition in New York, followed by pre-sale viewings at its London headquarters.
Speaking to the BBC while recording his 10th solo album, Knopfler hinted that he might use some of the auction proceeds to acquire new guitars, admitting that he was “not impervious to temptation.”
