Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler’s guitars have fetched more than €10 million at auction, with the final total including buyer’s premium confirmed at £8,840,160 (approx. €10,333,000). A quarter of the proceeds will be donated by Knopfler to various charities, including the British Red Cross and wildlife charity Tusk.
The auction, which took place in London, featured several iconic guitars from Knopfler’s collection, including his 1959 Vintage Gibson Les Paul Standard, which sold for £693,000 (€809,900), and the 1983 guitar used to record Dire Straits’ hits ‘Money For Nothing’ and ‘Brothers in Arms’, which fetched £592,000 (€691,900).
Expressing his delight at the outcome of the auction, Knopfler said that it was heart-warming to see that the guitars have brought joy to so many people and continue to inspire through the music that has been created with them over the years.
The London auction attracted bidders and buyers from 61 countries, demonstrating the global interest in Knopfler’s collection. The musician emphasised that the guitars were the result of his 60-year “love affair” with the instruments, but felt it was time to part with some of them. Although sentimental about letting them go, he expressed the hope that fellow players, enthusiasts and collectors would create many happy memories with his cherished guitars.
Prior to the auction, the guitars were on display at Christie’s New York showrooms in December 2023 and at the auctioneer’s London headquarters in January 2024, allowing fans and collectors to appreciate these historic instruments. The successful auction not only highlights the enduring legacy of Dire Straits’ music, but also showcases Knopfler’s generosity in supporting charitable causes.
