It will probably not mean diddly squat to anyone on here but I am going to post this last message of here section of the forum.
I'm utterly dismayed with some of the stuff written of late regarding the songs that MK has played. Let's be very clear, it is a personal choice what he wishes to bring to his live performance. His catalogue of songs is massive and rightly so.... he's been writing and recording songs for 35 years now.
All this nonsense of "I can't believe he's not played Sultans" is utterly bewildering to me..... so what? I say this from the view point of being a mega DS/Knopfler fan.... We have had the privilege over all the years to see a master at work, a master writing year in, year out remarkable songs of beauty. I'd love to hear Sultans when or if I get a chance to see him live but I'd Equally love to hear other songs that have been dropped of never performed before. Get real..... he is never going to please everyone, It's a rather beautiful predicament to be in from Knopfler's point of view.
Also on the subject of some people's comments regarding "mistakes" in sultans etc... again, get real.... he's human, long have the days gone where we didn't have access to youtube and other media sites to show every single nook and cranny of an artist's performance.... EVERYONE makes mistakes, always have, always will, WE JUST NEVER GOT THE CHANCE TO HEAR THEM... stop living in the past where we only had recordings of Alchemy, Basel etc and understand that we are privy these days to see every solitary bit..
Whilst on the subject of Sultans... Knopfler's performances this tour have been stella pretty much so far.... he's a demon on guitar and who else really does do the business like him any more, particularly near their mid sixties?
Anyway, Rant over.... enjoy what we hear and embrace what we have left with Knopfler.... Rock On
I've always read the forum, but never posted. But there has been much more debate this tour and I wanted to add my thoughts.
I always get to a few gigs each tour, I'm 29, so never watched Dire Straits in their day sadly
In short, Sultans Of Swing has to be played. Fact. People that go to the gigs will ALL agree, the tracks that get the loudest cheers, the tracks which get the standing ovations, the tracks that 99% of the crowd enjoy the most and go to see, are the classic.
These are Sultans, Romeo, So Far Away, Brothers In Arms, Telegraph Road etc etc.
I would personally choose him to play more Dire Straits songs, I would personally prefer 80% DS 20% solo. These are the songs that made him famous, these are (80% wise) the best songs he ever produced. And I know I speak for 99% of the crowd that go to these gigs.... There would be meyhem if they started the waltz to Tunnel of Love. The crowd would burst. We all know this.
Sadly lots of Knopflers solo songs are poor. Many are slow. Many are boring. There are a few good ones, there are a few exceptional ones. Sadly though, even these are omitted from his live shows.
Knopfler is however class, in all ways. As a person, as a songwriter, as a guitarist, as a performer.
The band are world-class, but some of the songs they choose to play are not. It's a shame. Knopfler has so many amazing songs, it's a shame he doesn't play more of them. Confusing even.
Dropping Sultans for song for sonny liston, I'm sorry, this is not only the worst decision in music history, it's an insult to fans that PAY to go and watch these concerts. If it wasn't for the fans, knopfler and co couldn't and wouldn't tour. It's a decision they make before the show, and if one person can give a valid reason for Sultans not being played I'd like to hear it.
I'm sure most people that post here have been to a concert. You are living in denial if you don't see the reaction to the DS classics compared to the mostly dull solo songs.
I don't understand the decision of the band behind it, but it's an insult.
The band are amazing, and always a joy to watch. But jesus, they could be so much better and so much more enjoyable if they played the world class songs at their disposal instead of the 6/7 dull songs they seem to continue to play. I'm sure you won't all agree with my comments, but go to a concert, and tell me if what I'm saying is wrong.
The bottom line - If Knopfler doesn't play sultans its a slap in the face to the paying public, the ones that allow him to tour, and allow him to have such an amazing lifestyle. I hope he knows deep down which his best songs are, I'm sure he does, when he hears the cheers and excitement well he plays them. Song For Sonny Liston - please, don't make me laugh.....
