Sultan of Swing leaves Bangaloreans wanting for more

Mark makes it a ‘lifetime experience’

The Sultan of Swing left Bangaloreans wanting for more.

Deccan Herald

The clock struck 7.30 on Monday evening and the 20,000-strong crowd gathered at Palace Grounds began chanting, “We want Knopfler”. Barely a few minutes later, the first strumming of the guitar was heard and a white spotlight fell on Mark Knopfler, taking the crowd into a wild frenzy. This was the beginning of what many described as a “once in a lifetime experience”.

Fifty-five year old Mark Knopfler dressed in a full-sleeved white shirt and blue jeans was calm and composed as he took centrestage under the psychedelic lights to belt out numbers most of us have heard growing up. “How you doing out there?” he shouted on the microphone and what followed was a deafening cheer. Knopfler belted out some of his most famous solo tracks peppered with songs from the Dire Straits. But the Sultan stole hearts with his rendition of “Sultans of Swing”.

When this number came on, all arms were up in the air, and so were many mobile phones. Those present at the concert did not want the others who could not make it to miss out on this experience. People were seen calling friends and loved ones to let them hear Mark Knopfler “live” through the phone. Bangalore sang along to an impressed Knopfler who, half way through the concert again asked, “How are you all doing now”? To the roar, he said, “I am very very happy to be here in India”.

He changed guitars for every number and he even took time off to sip on tea. At 9.15 pm, he took a bow and the lights went off. The crowd could not believe this was the end of the show and egged him on with, “Come back Mark,” and “We want more”. Mark Knopfler and his team just gave in to a very spirited Bangalore and came back on stage -this time with “Money for Nothing”.

The event was truly international. Rod and Fiona Stewart, residents of Sankey Road told Deccan Herald, “We are not exactly Mark Knopfler fans. But we want to be part of such international events, which is why we attend almost every concert at the Palace Grounds. Besides, we can walk. Where else can we have such luxury”?

Whether a Mark Knopfler fan or not, everyone present seemed to have a good time, given the excellent sound quality and the unforgettable music. Towards the end, a very happy Bangalore went home.