Mark Knopfler admits he “probably wouldn’t be able to play” parts of this classic Dire Straits album now
Dire Straits’ Mark Knopfler says he probably wouldn’t be able to play some parts of their 1985 Brothers In Arms album today, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic slowed him down.
The classic album, which marked their fifth studio release, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. It featured hits like Money For Nothing and became the first album to sell one million copies on CD. Knopfler isn’t too stressed about the pandemic’s impact on his playing though, as he’s actually looking forward to improving again.
READ MORE: “Everybody shouted at once, ‘No! Don’t touch it!’”: How a microphone mishap led Mark Knopfler to finding the perfect guitar tone for Money For Nothing
In a Guitar World interview, Knopfler says, “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 adds, “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.”
Asked if he would play the guitar parts on the record differently today, he replies, “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.
He continues, “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. 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.”
A deluxe 40th anniversary edition of Brothers In Arms is out now – find out more or order it now via Mark Knopfler’s official website.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
