Photo Copyright  Patti S. Stirk, 2001. (patti@starinc.com) 

When the history of Rock N? Roll is written, undoubtedly Mark Knopfler is going to be included with the greatest guitarists of all time.  Mark Knopfler, former frontman of Dire Straits, recently brought his solo show to The Tower Theater, in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.  The Tower Theater, a 3,200 seat theater, was the perfect intimate setting for Knopfler?s soulful, mood setting guitar style.
The show consisted of a 50/50 mix between Knopfler?s solo efforts, Golden Heart(1995)  and his most recent solo release Sailing To Philadelphia, and a repertoire of Dire Straits classics.  Knopfler showcased many songs from his most recent release Sailing To Philadelphia.  Sailing To Philadelphia, features many songs with an American based folk theme.  The title track, Sailing To Philadelphia tells the story Charlie Mason  and Jeremiah Dixon,
two Englishman surveying early America.  Ever hear of the Mason/Dixon Line? Other songs Knopfler featured from Sailing To Philadelpia, were What It Is, Who?s Your Baby Now, Baloney Again, El Macho, and Prairie Wedding. 
Knopfler didn?t leave his longtime Dire Straits fans go home without revisiting some classics.  Knopfler included  a masterpiece guitar solo during the 1978 hit Sultans Of Swing.  How could any person who who ever watched MTV, not remember the 1985 classic Money For Nothing, which was included in the encore set.   The highlights for Dire Straits fans also included Romeo And Juliet, Calling Elvis, Walk Of Life, Telegraph Road, and Brothers In Arms.
Mark Knopfler delivered a very inspired 2 hour and 20 minute show.   Knopfler is not flamboyant, he is not flashy, he uses no wild light shows, and no special effects.  What Knopfler does, is deliver an inspired atmospheric mixture of rock n? roll, blues, and folk music brilliantly laced with some of the most creative and versatile guitar work you will hear anywhere!!! 

Terry Showalter

Was it because it was the second night, was it the city, was I just exhuasted?   I think it was because the company wasn't as good! BUT.....Sailing To Philadelphia Mark Knopfler tour was a little flat last night in the city of brotherly love.

A couple of high points, though.  MK did say he had visited Nazareth, PA just before running into the song of the same title.....it was good.  Also, I had orchestral seats about 20 rows back for a different view but I really liked my mezzanine seats at the Orpheum(thanks Doug!!).

Most disappointing of all was the fact that the Philly crowd was fairly flat all night.  I mean hardly anyone stood or cheered when Sailing to Philadelphia came on except for intro type cheering as in most songs.  I was bummed.  Of course, there, too, James Taylor really made it work Mon.
night(4/23) at the Orpheum.  I don't know, is it me or everyone else.  I'm convinced MK is one of the top guitar players in the world and certainly one of the best storyteller/songwriters.  His voice is very unique.

I did talk to the sound engineer who told me the story of the transmitter short out on the outside street pole near the Orpheum causing the "brownout". He also said they were lucky to get the show pulled off.

Anyway, that's it from Harrisburg, PA. 

From Terry, Leola, PA (showalte@epix.net) 
     (written weeks after the show after Mark Knopfler was interviewed on NPR's Morning Edition)

Subject: Well Mr. Knopfler Gets A Little Exposure! Patti, Thank you so very much for the tip, I caught the interview at 7:45. Nothing I didn't already know, but still cool to hear MK talk about his songs. I have never been able to figure out why DS/MK have been more popular around the world than in America? But, I have come to this conclusion. Americans are basically shallow. Seems Americans only like fast/catchy songs 3:30/4:00 minutes long. MK sings about all kinds of stuff. I always felt MK was painting audio movies (ala Making Movies) with his guitar. I have never heard anyone "set a mood" without saying a word, like MK. He can just play and paint a picture for me. I guess that is why I NEVER liked videos, I want to paint the picture in my mind, not some video producer. His music never seems rushed, long intro's and outro's. DS biggest hit "Money For Nothing" c'mon, cute little song with some catchy guitar licks. Hey he wrote it in a department store, listening to some employees discussing MTV. It isn't even close to MOST of the stuff MK has written. But, it sure fit what America likes! Your friend who went along with us to MK, said "The only DS songs I knew were what I heard on the radio". What a crying shame! I have absolutely NO idea why I went on that long winded review. Sorry. I will write a review for your page, I am very busy this week, I shouldn't be writing this! Take care and thanks for the tip! 

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