As the co-founder, writer and front man of Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler rose to become one of the world’s greatest and most successful guitarists. Between 1977 and 1993 Mark recorded 6 studio albums with Dire Straits, selling over 120 million copies. Most widely known for their classic album Brothers in Arms and the hit Money for Nothing, Mark has remained an influential and in demand musician recoding many solo albums including the Local Hero soundtrack, producing and performing with other artists.
At the start of January 2024, Marks’ guitar collection was put up for auction with Christie’s. The Mark Knopfler Guitar Collection catalogue features more than 120 guitars and amps, which span the 50-year career of one of the world’s most influential musicians. The accompanying catalogue chronicled the diverse array of instruments that Knopfler has used to write, record and perform his extensive catalogue of compositions for Dire Straits, as well as numerous successful solo albums and film soundtracks.
Twenty-five percent of the total hammer price was be divided equally and donated to The British Red Cross, Tusk and Brave Hearts of the North East.
The Mark Knopfler Guitar Collection at the Christies Late
Ahead of the live auction, I got the chance to visit for a ‘Christies Late’ evening to view the guitars, sip some drinks and listen to a new mix of Brothers in Arms.
Spread across three primary galleries at their London HQ, the guitars were displayed along with additional items for sale. The main room showcased some of his most well known guitars, beautifully presented with information for each, including brand, maker and notable records or performances.
In a side gallery the walls were lit in a dark blue, to match the Lover Over Gold cover, complete with lightning flashes! Try as I might, I couldn’t get a great picture of that!
In yet another anteroom was a set of televisions playing ‘Money for Nothing’ on repeat. I grabbed a pair of headphones and happily watched it again!
Some vintage amps were also up for auction, some of them dating back before the sixties. Whilst they wouldn’t have the power of a stack of Marshalls (look it’s a Marshall! Look! It’s a Marshall!) it must have had some sound or feel to be in Mark’s collection.
Screenings of the Princess Bride and Local Hero showcased Mark’s talents with him soundtracks, whilst a small worskhop demonstrated the skill in creating a beautiful guitar.
John Illsley, Dire Straits bassist and only other member of Dire Straits to play on every album was floating around as signed copies of his wonderful autobiography were offered for sale.
But this evening wasn’t just about the sights, it was also about the sounds. Surrounding the amps was a set of modern Dolby Atmos speakers, playing an Atmos mix of Brothers in Arms. Hearing and feeling the heavy rumbles as the title tracked started playing put the hairs up on my neck. I had to cicle back to hear that again it was so good!
There was also a little light relief, with headbands and guitars to pose for the photo machine. As you can see I couldn’t resists having a play!
But the guitars were the stars of the night. I can’t claim to understand how they work, less still be able to play, but to see an instrument that I must have heard thousands of times was truly inspiring.
The Star Guitars
Interestingly enough the guitar that made the most at auction was not from Live Aid, or Money for Nothing, but a guitar Mark played on the ‘Sailing to Philadelphia’ album.
The 1983 Les Paul Standard ’59 Reissue was the second most valuable guitar in the auction. This was the one played on Money for Nothing and during the Live Aid performance.
The final lot of the auction was a guitar that Mark had signed by many of his peers in aid of Teenage Cancer Research. Look closely and you can see the signatures of Bono and the Edge from U2, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, David Gilmour, Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, Slash, Ronnie Wood, Brian May, Sting, Ringo Starr, Bruce Springsteen
This Gibson Les Paul ‘Gold Top’ sold for £403,200, 10 to 20 times its original estimate. The funds from this lot were given to charity as well as a portion of the overall auction value which raised £8,840,160 on the night.
That’s the way you do it!
Seeing, hearing and feeling the music of Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits was a truly was a truly unforgettable evening. Whilst I could never bid for a guitar (and what would I do with it?) I was happy just being part of the evening. My photos, memories and the catalogue are enough for me.
Christies seem to be the leaders, right now, in auctions for rock icons. The Pattie Boyd Collection goes under the hammer in March, with memorabilia from her time with Eric Clapton and George Harrison. Last year the auction house sold the collection of Gentleman Collector Charlie Watts and I think hold the record for a guitar auction with the collection of David Gilmour.
These Christies lates are great fun to attend if you can get in. They aren’t always for rock stars but do keep an eye out for future sales and events.
