Mark Knopfler at the Royal Albert Hall, London

The problem with being a dyed in the wool Knopfler fan is that expectation is always high. The support act for his recent Royal Albert Hall run was Kate Walsh, an Essex born folk singer who was excellent, although not my particular cup of Earl Grey, and who's set was a bit slow for my liking, but is first class at what she does so my opinion is a bit superfluous. Mark Knopfler however, different story. Despite having suffered a trapped nerve in his back earlier in the tour, didnt bottle it which Bono from U2 had allegedly done, Just adopted an ergonomically adjusted stool and did THE BUSINESS. The band were amazing, Mark doesn't tend to work with second rate musicians and his usual line up of Guy Fletcher (keyboards, synths, guitar and Musical Director) Richard Bennett (bravest guitar player in America) Matt Rollins (keyboard and piano player by whom all should be measured) and Danny Cummings (Percussionist and Drummer who's perfectly balanced style drives the music along whilst giving the other musicians the space they need with just enough embellishment to enhance the song without overpowering) were complemented by folk legends John Mckusker and Mike McGoldrick whose talent and musicality were perfectly in tune with Knopfler's lateast trend toward traditional Celtis music ( he was born in Glasgow after all). the whole evening was etheric. with old four piece Dire Straits stuff from 1978 mixed in with the latest offerings, A Mark Knopfler gig is what happens when the best musicians, technicians and road crew go touring. Not that I'm biased of course (MUCH!!!!!)