Rock musician. Born in Glasgow, Knopfler moved with his family to Newcastle in the 1950s. He began his career as a journalist but went on to create the instrumental rock band Dire Straits in 1977, playing lead guitar alongside his brother David (b.1952), John Illsley and Pick Withers. Their hits included Sultans of Swing (1977), with classic albums such as Dire Straits (1977), Communique (1979), Making Movies (1980), Love over Gold (1982), Alchemy (1984) and Brothers in Arms (1985). He has subsequently performed as a solo artist and with other bands.
Knopfler was awarded an OBE in 1999.