Mark Knopfler releases new single 'Skydiver'

Mark Knopfler releases his new single from his acclaimed new album ‘Tracker’. ‘Skydiver’ has a rolling groove and is a paean to a certain type of artist, who lives a life of reckless abandon, or, as author Richard Ford describes it, a ‘rollicking, race-course-vagabond song’.

Says Mark: ‘Skydiver’ is about that period when I was a teenager and being introduced to all that stuff....the Beatles and everything else. It’s about the artist type of guy, an amalgamation of a bunch of different artists...One of the things that comes up in a lot of my songs is gambling. I don’t know why, because I don’t (gamble). It’s a transgression of sorts, which interests me. I will always be interested in people who are compelled to do things. That is one of the most regular elements in what I’m writing about.

‘Skydiver’ was written by Mark Knopfler, produced by Knopfler and Guy Fletcher and was recorded at British Grove Studios in London. The song features Mark Knopfler on guitars and lead vocals, Guy Fletcher on keyboards and bass, and Ian Thomas on drums and washboard; they are joined by singer Ruth Moody (from The Wailin’ Jennys), who adds sumptuous harmonies to the chorus.

Mark Knopfler and his band set out on a world tour in May.

Some Europe tour data:

• May 29th – Palais Nikaïa Nice, France
• May 31st – Schloss Salem, Germany
• June 1st – Hallenstadion Zürich, Switzerland
• June 2nd – Le Zénith Paris – La Villette Paris, France
• June 3th - Le Zénith Paris – La Villette Paris, France
• June 5th - Sportpaleis Antwerp