After selling over one-hundred million albums with the world famous rock band Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler ventured out on his own and has turned his band career into a successful solo career. Having produced songs with legends like Bob Dylan and after securing nine solo studio albums under his belt, it’s clear that the legendary rocker has proven his musicianship time and time again.
Keeping with that trend, the rock frontman released his most recent album Down The Road Wherever last Fall and has been touring in support of the new record since April. Originally kicking off in Europe, Knopfler is now nearing the end of the North American leg of his 2019 tour. Scheduled to wrap at the end of September, the Down The Road Wherever tour has left its mark around the world as Mark Knopfler and his band have blown fans away with their loud and classic sound.
Promising an “Evening With Mark Knopfler and Band” doesn’t give much away regarding this spectacular show. Fortunately, we’re here to give a bit more insight into what you should expect from Mark Knopfler on his current tour. Check out all of our tour spoilers here!
Who’s the opener?
Mark Knopfler and his band. We’re not kidding. The Dire Straits legend does not have an opener on this 2019 tour. The good news is, he doesn’t need one. Expect a full show of Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits classics.
What song does he open his set with?
The show begins with Mark’s 2002 stomping hit, “Why Aye Man,” featuring an extended solo played by Knopfler himself. One of his most famous solo hits, Mark and his band have been regularly playing the song live since its original release in 2002.
Does the setlist change?
Not radically. From Europe to North America, Knopfler and his band have made no drastic changes to the setlist on this tour. The only changes that have been made to the setlist from night-to-night happen in the encore (more on that later).
How long is the setlist?
Considering the setlist has remained virtually the same throughout all four months of the tour thus far, the length of the setlist is pretty straight forward. Anticipate a sixteen to seventeen-song set at every city. And while that may seem a bit tame for an act as large as this, don’t forget what Mark can do with his guitar. Expect extended guitar solos and jam sessions amongst him and the band all night.
Any deep cuts?
Oh yes. The band has reached far back in Mark’s large catalogue of hits including two songs that had never been played live throughout all of Mark’s solo career— “Once Upon a Time in the West” (Dire Straits cover) and “Heart Full of Holes.” What a set.
How about Dire Straits songs?
Other than the deep cut, you’re only going to hear four other Dire Straits hits including "Romeo and Juliet," "Your Latest Trick," "On Every Street" and "Money For Nothing." While it’s a bit unfortunate that so few songs made the cut, it’s not unusual for Mark to include mostly solo records, especially considering the tour is in support of his most recent album. And don’t worry, you won’t be disappointed by the ratio. Knopfler’s solo repertoire is just as impressive as his Dire Straits history.
What’s the production like?
Other than the radiating light panel backdrop, the show’s production is relatively simple when compared to a lot of modern-day concerts. Luckily, with Mark Knopfler’s musicianship and an equally talented band behind him, the music is all you need at these much-anticipated shows.
Is there an encore?
Try two. Mark Knopfler leaves the stage after his first encore featuring the Dire Straits 1985 hit “Money For Nothing” only to return for a second encore of his own solo hits. While the second encore has differed from show-to-show, expect either a one or two-song follow up including “Piper to the End” and/or “Going Home: Theme of the Local Hero.”
Any special guests?
So far, there haven’t been any special guests on this tour. However, Bonnie Raitt is scheduled to be a part of the bill at his final North American show of the tour in September. Additionally, I wouldn’t put the possibility of other guests past Mark as he has performed with many legendary artists like Emmylou Harris, Eric Clapton, Sting, and Phil Collins.
Can we see the full setlist?
Look no further…
Where can we catch him next?
Check out all of Mark Knopfler’s remaining 2019 tour dates below and don’t forget to grab your tickets at LiveNation!
08/23 – Boston, MA @ Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
08/24 – Montreal, QC @ Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier/Place Des Arts
08/25 – Toronto, ON @ Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
08/27 – Indianapolis, IN @ Old National Centre – Murat Theatre
08/28 – Kansas City, MO @ Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland
08/30 – Minneapolis, MN @ Orpheum Theatre
08/31 – Milwaukee, WI @ Riverside Theatre
09/01 – Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theatre
09/03 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
09/04 – Atlanta, GA @ Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park
09/06 – Sugar Land, TX @ Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
09/07 – Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater
09/08 – Grand Prairie, TX @ Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie
09/10 – Denver, CO @ Venue TBD
09/13 – Portland, OR @ Keller Auditorium
09/14 – Woodinville, WA @ Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
09/15 – Woodinville, WA @ Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
09/16 – Vancouver, BC @ Orpheum Theatre
09/18 – Berkeley, CA, @ United States The Greek Theatre
09/20 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl
09/21 – Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theatre
09/22 – Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre
09/25 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden (with Bonnie Raitt)
