(Credits: Far Out / Aherrero)
Sun 1 March 2026 12:29, UK
Mark Knopfler might not always be recognised as the coolest member of the rock and roll society, but what he may lack in sunshaded charisma, he exceeds in serious talent. One of the finest guitarists to ever let his fingers grace those six strings, Knopfler knows a thing or two about what it takes it make a powerhouse performer.
Something happens inside your body when you hear the opening notes of ‘Pride and Joy’. Fifth fret on the B string, open E, over and over, the same note but layered, almost a call to attention, an alert that it’s time to stop what you’re doing and get ready to listen to some excellent music. It’s not unusual to have that reaction; that is the power of Stevie Ray Vaughan, and it’s a sensation that people throughout music have experienced.
With his inescapable ability as a musician, when people first heard what Stevie Ray Vaughan had to offer, it was difficult for them to be anything other than enticed. His musical style led to the rebirth of the blues, as the genre became recognised once again in a world dominated by rock. Not only that, but his influence on the musical world meant that many older blues sensations also had a resurgence.
Vaughan took one of the music genres responsible for the music landscape at the time and dragged it back into the spotlight. His style of playing was infectious and one that people couldn’t turn away from. As a result, not only did the world at large have a love for rock music, but it also developed a deeper understanding and appreciation of its origins.
Given his influence, it’s no surprise that many established musicians credit Vaughan as one of the best to take to the stage. One of those musicians is Mark Knopfler, who greatly admires Vaughan and isn’t shy about telling people about him.
His appeal crossed stylistic boundaries with ease. Whether you favoured polished arena rock or smoky club blues, there was something in Vaughan’s phrasing that felt universal. It was not just about speed or volume, but conviction, the sense that every note had been wrestled into existence.
“He was one of the best ever. You know, he was really, really tremendous,” he said when discussing Vaughan and his musical ability. “Especially later on. You know, I thought that uhm… something was happening where the Hendrix and Buddy Guy influences were giving way to some real powerful stuff. He’s one of the best I’ve ever heard. No question.”
It could be argued that most people who have an affinity for good guitar work are fans of Vaughan; however, it is especially unsurprising that Knopfler loves the guitarist. When you consider the sound that Dire Straits became so famous for, that hard rock playing infused with blues music, heavy on solos and infectious riffs, it has Vaughan written all over it.
Unfortunately, like many musicians who originally inspired Vaughan, he joins the list of artists who passed well before their time. Though he achieved a great deal in his career, we never got to experience everything that he had to offer as he died in a tragic helicopter crash. It is always a testament to musicians when they haven’t been able to give the public all they have to offer and are still considered a pivotal foundation in what modern music has been built upon.
Yes, there is no doubt that Knopfler is correct, and Vaughan was one of the very best.