Mark Knopfler has announced a 2019 world tour in support of his forthcoming solo album Down The Road Wherever.
The guitarist, known for his solo work and with Dire Straits, will kick off the tour on April 25th in Barcelona and continue throughout Europe and the UK through July 22nd. After a short break, he’ll kick off the North American leg on August 16th with shows across the U.S. and Canada.
In attempt to ward off scalpers, Mark Knopfler is asking fans to pre-register for tickets on his website, with tickets becoming available as early as October 23rd. Tickets purchased during the presale include a complimentary live recording of the tour and North American ticket buyers will receive a copy of the new album.
Due out November 16, Down the Road Wherever will be available in four formats including Standard CD, Deluxe CD, 2LP and Deluxe LP Box Set. The album is described as a collection of “unhurriedly elegant new Knopfler songs inspired by a wide range of subjects, including his early days in Deptford with Dire Straits, a stray football fan lost in a strange town, the compulsion of a musician hitching home through the snow, and a man out of time in his local greasy spoon.”
While the 69-year-old rocker stays true to the folk and roots-inflected sound of his previous solo material, he does introduce new elements of jazz, funk and even hints at the of the rock leanings of earlier days.
When asked about the title for the new album Knopfler explains, “Down The Road Wherever is a line from the track ‘One Song At A Time’. I remember my pal Chet Atkins once saying that he picked his way out of poverty one song at a time, and it just stuck in my mind. You get to an age where you’ve written quite a few songs. But Down The Road Wherever seems to be appropriate for me just because it’s what I’ve always done. I’ve always tried to make a record and also to keep my own geography happening in the songs.”
Down the Road Wherever is available for pre-order now. Hear the first single, “Good On You Son” below.
Click here for a full list of tour dates.
