Dire Straits in 1982; Alan Clark on far left (Rob Verhorst/Redferns)Earlier this week, founding Dire Straits rhythm guitarist David Knopfler revealed via a Facebook post that neither he nor his brother, Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler, would be taking part in the band’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction on April 14 in Cleveland. A new message from ex-Dire Straits keyboardist Alan Clark seems to confirm that news.
Clark posted a note on his official website sharing what he says is the “official” word about which members of the band would be attending the ceremony and what they’d be performing, although the specifics about the performance seem somewhat unlikely.
Clark reports that he, fellow Dire Straits keyboardist Guy Fletcher and bassist John Illsley “will attend the ceremony where we’ll be…performing an unplugged version of ‘Telegraph Road,’ with me on harmonium, Guy on ukulele, John on banjo, and the vocal sung by Stevie Wonder.”
“Telegraph Road” is the epic 14-minute track that opens Dire Straits’ 1982 album Love over Gold.
As for how he feels about receiving the honor, Clark writes, “While it’s nice to receive recognition for my work, I really can’t take it seriously. That said, I’ve bought a new tuxedo and my signature now ends with the words ‘LIVING LEGEND.'”
In his Facebook message, David Knopfler said he decided not to attend the ceremony because the Rock Hall organizers reneged on a promise to cover his travel expenses. As for why his brother wouldn’t be attending the gala, David explained, “Mark has other more creative things to be doing with his time.”
In a separate Facebook note posted this week, David Knopfler revealed that he was “having a splendid time making a new studio album,” adding that he hoped “to have it finished later in the year.”
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