MARK Knopfler’s popularity shows no signs of waning as the rock legend arrives in Bournemouth.

The former Dire Straits frontman and his eight-piece band may treat fans to some classics like Sultans of Swing and Money for Nothing.

But most of his show at the BIC will be made up of songs from his solo career, this world tour coming on the back of his new double album, Privateering.

And he has been relishing the chance to tour again.

He said: “It’s like being captain of a little fighting ship really, and I enjoy the team thing of being on the road,”

He added: “I really get a buzz out of having this little group of people that sallies forth across the world.

“I enjoy being in command of it, the band, the crew, travelling through this ever changing landscape and playing in all these different places.

“You get where you get without any kind of assistance, really, making your own way in the world.

“There are no government grants to play this music. You’re a privateer. And that's the way I like it.”

Last year Knopfler was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ivor Novello Awards and he continues to write new songs.

Privateering has 20 original songs to form Mark’s first ever double album in a 35-year recording career.

“The older I get, the more I want to write,” he added.

“Whether that is just panic at time running out, I’m not sure. I’m enjoying the process more than ever, writing, recording and playing live, I enjoy all of it. I’m almost tripping over songs.”

He added: “To me a man in a van has got as much to do with privateering as a frigate or a gunboat or anything like that.

“He’s on the road, he’s making his own way, he’s doing his thing, the best way he knows how.

“That’s what I’m talking about here.

“That’s what we’re all trying to do.”

  • Mark Knopfler plays the BIC’s Windsor Hall on Tuesday.