He's considered a sleeping pill, a buzzkill, a stubborn buck. And Mark Knopfler is actually more of a ponderous sort. He is more a family man than a rock star, he opposes the madness of business prudence and fights with his hands and feet against a Dire Straits reunion. Yet this stubbornness, coupled with idealism and passion, is what makes the man who turned 70 on August 12 so proud. eclipsed congratulates the tall bald man with the dry humour.
We're meeting Mark Knopfler in London. More precisely, in the district of Chiswick, in the southwest of the English metropolis. This is where the British Grove Studios are located. Owner: Mark Knopfler. Here he also recorded his latest solo work "Tracker". The 65-year-old Briton, who was not always a grateful interview partner in the past, talks about these in detail and with growing enthusiasm. And he is so relaxed that he also answers questions about the complex of topics Dire Straits, which has been closed for him for a quarter of a century, in a friendly and patient manner.
eclipsed: Your new album is called "Tracker". That's another word for detective, isn't it?
For fifteen years, John Illsley kept his leukemia secret. After successful bone marrow donation by his sister and positive prognosis, the co-founder of the famous British band Dire Straits has returned with the solo album "Testing The Water" (Review: eclipsed 10/2014). We talked to the bass player about his illness, the new album and the levels of meaning of his songs.
eclipsed: At the end of June, you turned sixty-five. Does it feel different for you to celebrate your birthday after you've defeated the disease?
John Illsley: Oh, my goodness, thank you for reminding me. (laughs) You know, the last few years have been pretty interesting, and I've come out stronger from all this history. I'm feeling very positive vibrations right now.
eclipsed: How was it writing songs at the hospital?
