David Knopfler is a British singer-songwriter, rhythm guitarist and pianist from Glasgow, born in 1952. He is a co-founder of Dire Straits with his older brother Mark Knopfler and plays rhythm guitar on the band’s first two albums, Dire Straits and Communiqué. He is listed as a member of Dire Straits.

Knopfler is active as a solo recording artist after leaving Dire Straits during the making of the band’s third album, Making Movies, where he is left uncredited. His solo work includes a substantial run of albums, and he also has writing credits beyond recording. He lives quietly in the English countryside and is a regular panelist at music conventions.

Solo work and collaborations

One of his solo albums, Ship of Dreams, is co-produced with Harry Bogdanovs. The album features guest appearances by Chris Rea and Alan Clark of Dire Straits, among others, and its cover uses a painting supplied by Jack Vettriano. Knopfler also produces instrumental pieces for film and television projects.

Other activities

He is a lifelong member of Amnesty International and Adopt a Minefield, and he is described as a once-married family man. He also publishes poetry; his first poetry book is titled Blood Stones and Rhythmic Beasts.