Mark Knopfler has lived many lives over his long career. Even in his best-known years with Dire Straits, you could say he lived a double life, from that band's early days as a low-key guitar-rock band to their later reign as MTV regulars. Knopfler has dabbled in every subgenre in rock—even country music—and composed the soundtrack to The Princess Bride. All of this hinges, of course, on his immaculate guitar playing. These days, Knopfler's playing songs from throughout his 40-year career, including some classic Dire Straits fan favorites like "Romeo and Juliet" and "So Far Away." But he's also been known to lead his band on some extended jams—no doubt to keep himself entertained, but also to push the audience into unmarked territory.

by Mark Lore