Mark Knopfler
Knopfler is the co-founder and his little brother, David, of the rock band Dire Straits. Label, no. 70, was referred to as a virtuoso. He is a finger-style guitarist, a four-time Grammy recipient, and a three-time Honorary Doctor of Music from the University of Music. An absolute masterpiece of guitar showmanship remains his hit, Sultans of Swing, from Dire Strait’s first album.
Mark Knopfler
Randy Rhoads
A major influence on neoclassical metal was Randy Rhoads, who performed with Quiet Riot and Ozzy Osbourne. Hundreds of revered guitarists cite him as an influence. Sadly, in 1982, he died while on tour with Ozzy Osbourne at the age of 25. A few band members, including Rhoads, took a single-engine plane for a spin when they clipped the top of the tour bus, spiraled out of control, and killed everyone inside the aircraft.
Randy Rhoads