I don’t get it. If you or I were lucky enough to be inducted into a hall of fame for our life’s work, we’d relish that achievement. Not so, apparently, with Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits, who’ll be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland on April 14, with or without them in attendance.
Knopfler isn’t the first rock star to have issues with the Rock Hall. I, too, have issues with the criteria and selection process, but it’s better than not having one. Most disgruntled stars eventually succumb, put away hard feelings of being snubbed before and at least attend. Many have poor relationships with former bandmates after bad break ups that are more like bad divorces.
Still, put that crap aside for a night and be gracious that many people loved your work and now want to acknowledge it. You can always take the Steve Miller rout he chose recently, famously ranting against the Rock Hall after the ceremony.
Mark Knopfler now admits about the feat, “You realize in fact it does mean a lot to people.” But, he won’t attend, nor will original rhythm guitar player David Knopfler, Mark’s younger brother, or drummer Pick Withers. A few originals will attend, however.
It’s still a mystery as to who will induct them officially. The Cars will be inducted by Brandon Flowers of The Killers. Bon Jovi gets inducted by Howard Stern, while Heart’s Ann Wilson will present for The Moody Blues.
We won’t see highlights in full until May 5 when HBO airs it.
Doc Watson
