Last Big Tour... Say Goodbye

[Jules]

Yesterday I had the impression that MK looks smaller... Its weird but it's like he has some back problems or something...

He looks quite sad and tired sometimes, and this is just the start of the tour, it's going to be a long way to him...

[Knopflerfan]

Yes agreed, he doesn't look comfortable, and I should imagine his back still has issues and he may even suffer with Arthritis. 

[neco]

I think he seems only smaller because the brass section stands on a small platform, which makes them taller.. confuses your brain (illusion)

[Jules]

No, he looks smaller in general, when he stands next to Guy, for example...

[dmg]

Actually, he's not in his 70s, he be 70 in August.  He looks like he's in his 80s though which is a concern. He does appear to have shrunk which can be attributed to age or postural issues/back problems. 

The way he hold his guitar now is different and kind of awkward looking and I'm guessing this is perhaps to save pain on his back.  I suffer from frozen shoulder and postural problems myself and can understand this.  The new angle may alleviate some of the weight across the top of his neck.  I do this when carrying things around my neck for long periods such as my camera.

[neco]

He gained some weight since 2015, which also could contribute to that it seems he have shrunk. Also, he might be a little stiff nowadays, but he certainly does not look like he's in his 80s in my opinion

[dmg]

He gained some weight since 2015, which also could contribute to that it seems he have shrunk. Also, he might be a little stiff nowadays, but he certainly does not look like he's in his 80s in my opinion

I know plenty of people older than Mark (go to the football with them), my parents are only a few years younger and yet they not only look younger but are physically more able bodied.  Mark appears to have had a dramatic downturn physically since last tour which is very sad. 

After show two and looking at his physical condition I'm more than a bit concerned about just what he has taken on here.

[superval99]

He gained some weight since 2015, which also could contribute to that it seems he have shrunk. Also, he might be a little stiff nowadays, but he certainly does not look like he's in his 80s in my opinion

He's not in his 80s, not even 70 until August!   

[superval99]

He gained some weight since 2015, which also could contribute to that it seems he have shrunk. Also, he might be a little stiff nowadays, but he certainly does not look like he's in his 80s in my opinion

I know plenty of people older than Mark (go to the football with them), my parents are only a few years younger and yet they not only look younger but are physically more able bodied.  Mark appears to have had a dramatic downturn physically since last tour which is very sad. 

After show two and looking at his physical condition I'm more than a bit concerned about just what he has taken on here.

I'm worried he won't make it through the entire tour.   

[vr46mk]

He gained some weight since 2015, which also could contribute to that it seems he have shrunk. Also, he might be a little stiff nowadays, but he certainly does not look like he's in his 80s in my opinion

I know plenty of people older than Mark (go to the football with them), my parents are only a few years younger and yet they not only look younger but are physically more able bodied.  Mark appears to have had a dramatic downturn physically since last tour which is very sad. 

After show two and looking at his physical condition I'm more than a bit concerned about just what he has taken on here.

I'm worried he won't make it through the entire tour.   

Could it be that bad? 

No doubt the touring schedule is tough this time again, although I spot more gaps and many 2-3days in a row instead of 3-4 days...

But yes, he's not getting younger. Hopefully we all get to see him one last time this year

[hunter]

Watching the clips fills me with a lot of sadness, I must say. Mark's physical state, the melancholy of many of the songs, the huge stage and arena which create a lack of intimacy, an era soon coming to an end, etc. Even when watching Once Upon a Time, I can't help but feeling sad. I am actually struggling a little with how to cope with this.

[FenderBender]

Mark did say in interviews last year that he would give up touring before giving up writing and recording. I am just in shock that it has occurred so soon, thought he was talking about a few years time, not a few months.

I do like the fact that he has chosen to announce his decision to stop touring personally (as it were) in front of his fans, rather than promoting this as a "farewell" tour beforehand.

Count me in on any way of showing him our appreciation at Leeds or the RAH.

Best regards and enjoy the shows to come

[ds1984]

I attended the opening night  and was surprised by the words he choose to announce his retirement from touring. I would like an exact transcript of it because if I have well understand his speech it was a sad goodbye to Barcelona.

[qjamesfloyd]

I am not sad that this is the last tour. I am happy that I got to know Mark's music in the first place, and it has brought me nothing but joy since first hearing Sultans of Swing in 1988. He has had a profound influence on my life, both in terms of a musical and emotional impact, but also he is the reason I learned to play guitar, and attempted to write songs. He is a giant in the music world, and always will be. This is not a time for sadness, but a time to celebrate the end of an extraordinary contribution to live performance over the years, remember Live Aid, Mandela tribute, Alchemy, Brothers In Arms tour to name a few. His songs, music, lyrics and guitar playing is like no other, he is and always will be a legend for me. If this is the last tour, so be it, he deserves the rest. He will always write and record songs. And we will always have the memories. 

[Dutchessy]

I attended the opening night  and was surprised by the words he choose to announce his retirement from touring. I would like an exact transcript of it because if I have well understand his speech it was a sad goodbye to Barcelona.

I will give it a try, i wrote it down from an audience recording, pretty accurate (not 100%)

Alright Barcelona - happy or great to see you again
yeah, it's been a long time now
i always loved to be in Barcelona
so, once again is, hello Barcelona
but now, i am an oooold man, you know
so, i wanna thank you Barcelona for all the many happy years of me coming to say hello
it is also goodbye Barcelona for me, i am very sad
so hello Barcelona, dear Barcelona, i love Barcelona
but i will still try to make some records and write songs, but has to be no more travelling for old granddad, nevermind