Lindes sad departure (Ed's view?)

[quizzaciously]

Chris will speak for himself, but I would imagine it would be difficult for a top, pro level guitar player to sit doing basic chords while MK is showing off with the widdly bits

It would be difficult for anybody suffering from egomania If everybody wanted to play the first fiddle, we wouldn't have an orchestra. I always thought all the controversy surrounding Mark's musicians was simply the battle of egos or, in rare cases, other personal reasons.

Thousands of musicians could only dream about playing with the likes of Oscar Peterson, Buddy Rich, or M Knopfler. And if you think playing the second fiddle offends you, go ahead and show people how it's done.

[Brunno Nunes]

I wonder why there are always people with a cloth polishing MK's ego without the slightest need? Everyone is self-centered, except MK, everyone has flaws, except MK, someone may have a personal problem with MK, except MK... it's so predictable, sorry for being blunt, but things can be different, especially when things point in another direction and I know someone might say... But we never hear what MK has to say about each case (in fact, he has spoken in the past about DK and PW's departure, but it was all very superficial). In the end, silence can be very convenient and I'm not here to criticize MK's stance on this controversial subject, but from a researcher's point of view it is inevitable to fail to analyze the facts, how the story was constructed. By the way, I have an interview from 1985 where it is categorically mentioned that Hal was fired from the band by Mark, it is in Portuguese, (Portugal magazine), I will transcribe it into English:


"Mark, what's left of the original line-up? Who are the members of the 85 version of DIRE STRAITST? JI-Besides TERRY WILLIAMS and ALAN CLARK, who were already part of the band on the last tour, there are three new members: CHRIS WRIGHT on saxophone, JACK SONNI, replacing guitarist HAL LINDES, who left us, and finally GUY FLETCHER, who you may know as he was part of ROXY MUSIC. I think we now represent a much more solid team and the work demonstrated on this album may well be the best proof of that. M&S-What were the reasons that led HAL LINDES to leave the group? J.I.-HAL LINDES is part of the group that is currently accompanying Tina Turner on her world tour, but it was Mark who made the decision to fire him. I think he must have other projects, since his interest has always been in forming his own group. M&S-Do you think that these personnel changes could jeopardize, precisely through the introduction of new instruments, the success that was once (and continues to be) attributed to the DIRE STRAITS sound? J.I-No, on the contrary. There is necessarily a new exchange of ideas and that contributes to a certain progress. But the most important thing is the extraordinary atmosphere of camaraderie that exists within the group, which is understood to be fundamental when we spend more than a year on tour!"


I love this type of period material, it helps us understand how history and its narratives were constructed, sometimes we find coherence and contradictions.

[wayaman]

I wonder why there are always people with a cloth polishing MK's ego without the slightest need? Everyone is self-centered, except MK, everyone has flaws, except MK, someone may have a personal problem with MK, except MK... it's so predictable, sorry for being blunt, but things can be different, especially when things point in another direction and I know someone might say... But we never hear what MK has to say about each case (in fact, he has spoken in the past about DK and PW's departure, but it was all very superficial). In the end, silence can be very convenient and I'm not here to criticize MK's stance on this controversial subject, but from a researcher's point of view it is inevitable to fail to analyze the facts, how the story was constructed. By the way, I have an interview from 1985 where it is categorically mentioned that Hal was fired from the band by Mark, it is in Portuguese, (Portugal magazine), I will transcribe it into English:


"Mark, what's left of the original line-up? Who are the members of the 85 version of DIRE STRAITST? JL-Besides TERRY WILLIAMS and ALAN CLARK, who were already part of the band on the last tour, there are three new members: CHRIS WRIGHT on saxophone, JACK SONNI, replacing guitarist HAL LINDES, who left us, and finally GUY FLETCHER, who you may know as he was part of ROXY MUSIC. I think we now represent a much more solid team and the work demonstrated on this album may well be the best proof of that. M&S-What were the reasons that led HAL LINDES to leave the group? J.L.-HAL LINDES is part of the group that is currently accompanying Tina Turner on her world tour, but it was Mark who made the decision to fire him. I think he must have other projects, since his interest has always been in forming his own group. M&S-Do you think that these personnel changes could jeopardize, precisely through the introduction of new instruments, the success that was once (and continues to be) attributed to the DIRE STRAITS sound? J.L.-No, on the contrary. There is necessarily a new exchange of ideas and that contributes to a certain progress. But the most important thing is the extraordinary atmosphere of camaraderie that exists within the group, which is understood to be fundamental when we spend more than a year on tour!"


I love this type of period material, it helps us understand how history and its narratives were constructed, sometimes we find coherence and contradictions.

Who is JL?

[Brunno Nunes]

I wonder why there are always people with a cloth polishing MK's ego without the slightest need? Everyone is self-centered, except MK, everyone has flaws, except MK, someone may have a personal problem with MK, except MK... it's so predictable, sorry for being blunt, but things can be different, especially when things point in another direction and I know someone might say... But we never hear what MK has to say about each case (in fact, he has spoken in the past about DK and PW's departure, but it was all very superficial). In the end, silence can be very convenient and I'm not here to criticize MK's stance on this controversial subject, but from a researcher's point of view it is inevitable to fail to analyze the facts, how the story was constructed. By the way, I have an interview from 1985 where it is categorically mentioned that Hal was fired from the band by Mark, it is in Portuguese, (Portugal magazine), I will transcribe it into English:


"Mark, what's left of the original line-up? Who are the members of the 85 version of DIRE STRAITST? JL-Besides TERRY WILLIAMS and ALAN CLARK, who were already part of the band on the last tour, there are three new members: CHRIS WRIGHT on saxophone, JACK SONNI, replacing guitarist HAL LINDES, who left us, and finally GUY FLETCHER, who you may know as he was part of ROXY MUSIC. I think we now represent a much more solid team and the work demonstrated on this album may well be the best proof of that. M&S-What were the reasons that led HAL LINDES to leave the group? J.L.-HAL LINDES is part of the group that is currently accompanying Tina Turner on her world tour, but it was Mark who made the decision to fire him. I think he must have other projects, since his interest has always been in forming his own group. M&S-Do you think that these personnel changes could jeopardize, precisely through the introduction of new instruments, the success that was once (and continues to be) attributed to the DIRE STRAITS sound? J.L.-No, on the contrary. There is necessarily a new exchange of ideas and that contributes to a certain progress. But the most important thing is the extraordinary atmosphere of camaraderie that exists within the group, which is understood to be fundamental when we spend more than a year on tour!"


I love this type of period material, it helps us understand how history and its narratives were constructed, sometimes we find coherence and contradictions.

Who is JL?

Typo, corrected now, JI, John Illsley.

[hunter v2.0]

Chris will speak for himself, but I would imagine it would be difficult for a top, pro level guitar player to sit doing basic chords while MK is showing off with the widdly bits

It really depends on the mindset and maturity of the second guitar player. A young hothead who just can't wait to play a long, fancy solo just isn't the right person. A more mature person knows he/she isn't the one with the name on the marquee and understands he/she is there to support the star. I can imagine both Hal and Jack might have found this difficult. People like Phil and Richard not so much. Just a different level of professionalism.

But the point is that this situation isn't unique for Mark and his rhythm guitarists. I mean, it applies equally well to Eric C., David Gilmour, and many more.

[mariosboss]

Chris will speak for himself, but I would imagine it would be difficult for a top, pro level guitar player to sit doing basic chords while MK is showing off with the widdly bits

It really depends on the mindset and maturity of the second guitar player. A young hothead who just can't wait to play a long, fancy solo just isn't the right person. A more mature person knows he/she isn't the one with the name on the marquee and understands he/she is there to support the star. I can imagine both Hal and Jack might have found this difficult. People like Phil and Richard not so much. Just a different level of professionalism.

But the point is that this situation isn't unique for Mark and his rhythm guitarists. I mean, it applies equally well to Eric C., David Gilmour, and many more.

Difficult? For Hal and Jack? These guys are and were accomplished players. Both were excellent guitarists in their own right. A fact, especially in Hal's case where he went onto write scores for various films and tv programs. Jack, well i'm deeply saddened at the lack of attention he has had since his death.

I absolutely love Mr Knopfler when it comes to his guitar tones, playing, songwriting and vocals pre 1991, Love Over Gold and Making Movies are top top albums, but many of you are obviously semi delusional. He was a difficult person to get on with in the Dire Straits days. If it wasn't for those days i'm not sure if we'd be here talking about his solo career.

With regards to my original point about the Terry Williams' interview a few years back, clearly there was an issue with Hal leaving the band and Mark Knopfler. Whilst I brought up the point due to it being ignored amongst various Q and A's in previous years I shall now leave it as Jon in his book nor Ed have commented substantially about it. My hunch was correct but sometimes things are better off left unsaid.

"Down the telegraph road..."

[Chris W]

Thousands of musicians could only dream about playing with the likes of Oscar Peterson, Buddy Rich, or M Knopfler. And if you think playing the second fiddle offends you, go ahead and show people how it's done.

As usual (sadly) your take on the subject is wildly wrong.
I have spent an entire 40 year career as a support player to bigger name artists.
Working with Paul McCartney immediately before Mark, Paul would be upbeat after every show, complimenting us all on a job well done. In rehearsals for the tour Paul announced he wanted everyone to have a moment in the show. I worked up an intro to 'Coming Up'.
If you study any corporate handbook, about running a business successfully, it's about building a team so everyone feels valued. then rewarding the team for the things they are doing right. No one wants to work for someone when you don't feel valued and when everyday starts with a scowl.
Your last sentence in the quote above is so crazy bad.
It's a creative life, it isn't about who has the biggest balls. The support players absolutely understand 100% what their role is. For example, after a two hour show with McCartney or Straits, I never felt like the standing ovation had anything to do with my role, I felt it was all about Paul and Paul's songs, or Mark and Mark's songs.No problem whatsoever, I was just thrilled to be up there....part of the team.
If you are made to feel disposable, not valued, not part of a team, then you'll probably drift away and work with someone who does value what you bring to the job.

[iorch82]

At least Phil got a few solos, like MFN and TYL, and on some nights even ITILYTM. I imagine it must have been a fun gig being the second guitarist on the OES tour.

[Jules]

At least Phil got a few solos, like MFN and TYL, and on some nights even ITILYTM. I imagine it must have been a fun gig being the second guitarist on the OES tour.

Both Hal and Jack had solos playing with DS. Even Richard had some moments, even Robbie had some solos when the 2002 gigs.

I think David was the only one who didn't had any solo with the band, LOL

[Robson]

Chris will speak for himself, but I would imagine it would be difficult for a top, pro level guitar player to sit doing basic chords while MK is showing off with the widdly bits

It really depends on the mindset and maturity of the second guitar player. A young hothead who just can't wait to play a long, fancy solo just isn't the right person. A more mature person knows he/she isn't the one with the name on the marquee and understands he/she is there to support the star. I can imagine both Hal and Jack might have found this difficult. People like Phil and Richard not so much. Just a different level of professionalism.

But the point is that this situation isn't unique for Mark and his rhythm guitarists. I mean, it applies equally well to Eric C., David Gilmour, and many more.

Difficult? For Hal and Jack? These guys are and were accomplished players. Both were excellent guitarists in their own right. A fact, especially in Hal's case where he went onto write scores for various films and tv programs. Jack, well i'm deeply saddened at the lack of attention he has had since his death.

I absolutely love Mr Knopfler when it comes to his guitar tones, playing, songwriting and vocals pre 1991, Love Over Gold and Making Movies are top top albums, but many of you are obviously semi delusional. He was a difficult person to get on with in the Dire Straits days. If it wasn't for those days i'm not sure if we'd be here talking about his solo career.

With regards to my original point about the Terry Williams' interview a few years back, clearly there was an issue with Hal leaving the band and Mark Knopfler. Whilst I brought up the point due to it being ignored amongst various Q and A's in previous years I shall now leave it as Jon in his book nor Ed have commented substantially about it. My hunch was correct but sometimes things are better off left unsaid.

"Down the telegraph road..."

Do I remember correctly that from the last Box DS LIVE 1978-1992 the concert On The Night is dedicated to Jack Sonni? I know, it may seem strange.

[ds1984]

Jack Sonni story is a bit unusual.

Jack was a guitar seller working for Rudy's Music, he was not a pro tourer muso.

So is involvement with being part of the Dire Straits band is something that had 0.001 % chance to happen. And it happened. The luckiest guitar player on earth?

And may I say that he had not the deep will to be that, because after the BIA tour he could have tried to get the same seat with another bands, maybe he had tried, but actually got another seat, still performing on guitar.

[Love Expresso]

Thousands of musicians could only dream about playing with the likes of Oscar Peterson, Buddy Rich, or M Knopfler. And if you think playing the second fiddle offends you, go ahead and show people how it's done.

As usual (sadly) your take on the subject is wildly wrong.
I have spent an entire 40 year career as a support player to bigger name artists.
Working with Paul McCartney immediately before Mark, Paul would be upbeat after every show, complimenting us all on a job well done. In rehearsals for the tour Paul announced he wanted everyone to have a moment in the show. I worked up an intro to 'Coming Up'.
If you study any corporate handbook, about running a business successfully, it's about building a team so everyone feels valued. then rewarding the team for the things they are doing right. No one wants to work for someone when you don't feel valued and when everyday starts with a scowl.
Your last sentence in the quote above is so crazy bad.
It's a creative life, it isn't about who has the biggest balls. The support players absolutely understand 100% what their role is. For example, after a two hour show with McCartney or Straits, I never felt like the standing ovation had anything to do with my role, I felt it was all about Paul and Paul's songs, or Mark and Mark's songs.No problem whatsoever, I was just thrilled to be up there....part of the team.
If you are made to feel disposable, not valued, not part of a team, then you'll probably drift away and work with someone who does value what you bring to the job.

Hm. I can't see how Quizzaciously states anything other than you, in a nutshell. Just in his own words. Maybe there was a little misunderstanding on your side?

LE

[dustyvalentino]

I imagine it must have been a fun gig being the second guitarist on the OES tour.

Yes. famously the OES tour was a fun time for all involved.

[Jules]

I imagine it must have been a fun gig being the second guitarist on the OES tour.

Yes. famously the OES tour was a fun time for all involved.

Specially when you would had liked to be with Eric Clapton instead.

[goon525]

Speaking of EC, wonder how he enjoyed being MK’s number two on a famous occasion. Seemed to like it alright.