After founding Dire Straits in 1977, Mark Knopfler led the band to become one of the most successful acts of the late 20th century, blending literate songwriting with a clean, melodic guitar style that was instantly recognisable.
With landmark albums such as Brothers in Arms and timeless songs including “Sultans of Swing” and “Money for Nothing”, Dire Straits sold over 100 million records worldwide and filled arenas across the globe.
In 1995, Knopfler brought the band’s remarkable run to a close, choosing to pursue a more personal path as a solo artist.
Released in September 2000, Sailing to Philadelphia was Knopfler’s second solo studio album and proved a commercial and critical triumph.
Featuring collaborations with artists such as James Taylor and Van Morrison, the record was praised for its rich narratives, warm production and deft musicianship, reaching audiences worldwide and reaffirming Knopfler’s place as one of music’s finest storytellers.
To support the album, Knopfler embarked on the ‘Sailing to Philadelphia Tour’, which began on 27 March 2001 in Mexico City, Mexico, and comprised 80 concerts in 68 cities across the globe, concluding on 31 July 2001 in Moscow, Russia.
The tour was a resounding success, showcasing Knopfler’s masterful guitar work to enraptured audiences and offering a setlist that balanced fresh material with Dire Straits classics.