Mark Knopfler has cancelled his European and U.S. tours following a motorbike accident that left the former Dire Straits frontman with six broken ribs and a broken collarbone. Knopfler was injured on March 17th in central London when his vehicle collided with a car. He is expected to make a full recovery.

"Mark is obviously bitterly disappointed and would like to thank the fans who have sent him get well messages," a statement on his Web Site reads. The thirty-date U.S. run was to begin June 26th in Portsmouth, Virginia, and run through the end of July. The tour was to support Knopfler's latest solo album, The Ragpicker's Dream, which was released last fall.

Ticket holders were advised to return their tickets to the original point of purchase.

ANDREW DANSBY
(April 1, 2003)