Mark Knopfler broke six ribs and a collarbone in a motorcycle accident yesterday (March 17) in London. The former Dire Straits frontman was on his way to conduct rehearsals for his upcoming tour when he was knocked from his Honda as it collided with a Fiat Punto in Belgravia, central London.
A spokesperson for St. Thomas’s hospital said the 53-year-old musician was treated for his injuries and discharged last night. The female driver of the Fiat was reported to be unhurt.
The accident will prevent Knopfler from co-headlining a charity concert next week with Eric Clapton. according to a statement from Mercury Records, Knopfler’s U.K. label. The March 25 show at London’s Royal Albert Hall to benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust will go on with Clapton, Nigel Kennedy, and others performing “The Jam Sessions.”
Knopfler’s recovery is not expected to derail plans for a European tour set to kick off in April, or a planned North American tour due to kick off June 26 in Portsmouth, Va. The activity comes in support of his third solo album, “The Ragpicker’s Dream,” released in October in the U.S. via Warner Bros.
Get well wishes can be sent care of Mercury Records at 136-144 New Kings Road, London, SW6 4FX.
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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