Review (minutes after the show) by the notoriously grumpy reviewer Thomas Treo, from eb.dk
(link:
https://ekstrabladet.dk/musik/koncert_anmeldelser/trist-i-boxen-knopfler-kan-ikke-mere/7670158Hope my translation makes sense
Sadness in “Boxen”: Knopfler is doneThe ageing guitar hero was a sad sight during a sleep-inducing koncert in front of 12.000 on the moor.
Mark Knopfler highly unusual entered the stage a few minutes before the announced show start in Boxen. That wasn’t significant for his effort.
The veteran isn’t exactly the sparkly type, and only in glimpses did one notice his presence in his harmless relation with his sizeable band.
Initially, “Why Aye Man” and “Corned Beef City” rambled together in resounding acoustics until the sound man got the ruckus adjusted to a tolerable level.
Ballads like “Sailing to Philadelphia” and “Romeo and Juliet” sounded better, but the - by Knopfler - required warm melodiousness never did spread.
- I was a young dude, when I first came to Denmark. Now I’m an old guy. I often think that I should retire, Knopfler said and explained that he still enjoys it.
Kicking the bucketThe audience booed by the thought of retirement, as the old timer sat down like Kim Larsen, Phil Collins, Marie Fredriksson and all the others.
The brit turns 70 in August, and he might still fill Boxen and Royal Arena where he plays this Saturday, but musically, he’s kicking the bucket.
Knopfler seems resigned on this autum’s weak “Down the Road Wherever”, and the concert almost died, when he by inexplicable reasons decided to thrum the hopeless “My Bacon Roll” from the album. Just the name of it.
In the leaned back world of the guitar hero, to rock is like rocking a rocking chair, but even to his standards, the two hour set was enormously subdued and calm.
One could swing by the local tank station and get a pack of beers while he was introducing the ten fellow musicians and their countless instruments.
Celtic soundsThe lads diligently mastered everything from violin to flutes and accordion, horns and an arsenal of stringed instruments, which often emphasised the celtic tones in Knopfler’s sound.
But it wasn’t enough.
The concert missed basic dynamics, and it seemed like the audience slumbered into dreaming of Dire Straits, while the idiots in the VIP-lounges kept getting more and more drunk and loud.
The guitar playing of the main character was in contrast surprisingly downplayed. By the end, “Money for Nothing” was finally played, and was met by roaring cheers which quickly silenced as not even the classic hit had the needed impact.
Knopfler left the stage with heavily slouching steps. Much like his effort.
3 of 6 stars
