Keith Richards has never been shy about voicing his opinions on other musicians, but when the Rolling Stones guitarist talks about Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler, the tone is unmistakably respectful. Over the years, Richards has spoken with genuine admiration for Knopfler’s guitar work, singling out his distinctive sound, feel, and songwriting instincts rather than just technical skill.
In interviews with the BBC, Richards praised Knopfler’s “touch” and said he loves the direction of his writing, describing himself as “very impressed” by what Knopfler has continued to produce. He also pointed to Knopfler’s time working with Bob Dylan as an important chapter, noting that the experience clearly shaped his musical depth. For Richards, Knopfler stands out not just as a guitarist, but as a musician with a voice that carries weight.
That respect goes back decades. In 1986, Richards selected Dire Straits’ Money for Nothing as one of his favorite tracks on his My Top 10 radio show. The choice highlighted an early appreciation for Knopfler’s sharp songwriting and instantly recognizable guitar style — a riff-driven approach that left a lasting impression even on rock royalty.
The connection between the Stones and Dire Straits also runs through studio history. In 1983, Dire Straits recorded Alchemy: Dire Straits Live using the Rolling Stones’ mobile studio, resulting in one of the most celebrated live albums of its era. Years later, the roles reversed when the Stones recorded parts of Blue & Lonesome at British Grove Studios, the London recording space owned by Knopfler himself. Richards later praised the studio’s versatility, pointing out its rare balance of vintage equipment and modern technology.
Richards’ comments underline how British rock generations have long influenced one another. Dire Straits, who rose to global prominence between the late 1970s and early 1990s, were shaped in part by earlier bands like the Stones. Today, Knopfler’s continued solo work carries that lineage forward, just as Richards remains openly appreciative of artists who develop a sound that’s unmistakably their own.
