Geography of Rock

I was watching an episode of Brian Johnson’s: A Life on the Road on YouTube (but originally broadcast on AXS TV) last night. It featured Mark Knopfler and there was a lot of interesting information on the origins of some of the songs he wrote for Dire Straits and his solo work. What struck me was a comment he made about the geography of rock music. Knopfler was born in Scotland in 1949 but raised in Newcastle, so his impressions of early rock music were framed by Chuck Berry’s style of rock that certainly evokes images of America. However, Knopfler mentions that artists like Bruce Springsteen also uses U.S. geography to great effect.

He wasn’t being judgemental with that comment. Rather, he said that geography often served as inspiration for his own songwriting. But instead of using iconic geography like Route 66 and the like, he peppered in locales that were near to him in Newcastle — where famous sons include Brian Johnson and Sting.

“Southbound Again” from the first Dire Straits album in 1978 is actually about leaving Newcastle and heading south on the motorway for a gig…or just getting out of town. I’ll admit to not paying attention to references to the “rolling River Tyne,” but I sure as hell paid attention to the lyrics on “Tunnel of Love” from Making Movies (1980). I wasn’t sure where the Spanish City was, nor where Whitley Bay or Cullercoats was for that matter — but I figured it was somewhere in the UK. After watching the interview, I know now.

What struck me in the video interview was when Brian Johnson pointed out to Knopfler that lyrics from “Tunnel of Love” are written throughout the plaza at the Spanish City, Knopfler was truly touched by the gesture. Also, after reading the Wiki on the Spanish City, it seems since 1980 the venue has been playing “Tunnel of Love” every morning when it opens. If you’re a local hero like Knopfler, that’s gotta feel pretty good.

Of course, “Tunnel of Love” isn’t entirely about the Newcastle area. There are references to Rockaway Beach in New York (where Knopfler was living at the time when “Tunnel of Love” was recorded). So, Knopfler’s own geography isn’t entirely confined to his corner of the UK. Rather, his lyrics often evoke many places, but they all seem to come from him experiencing them first hand.

Anyway, it’s a wonderful interview, so have a look. Also, Brian Johnson’s on-stage persona may give off the impression that he’s a rough and tumble guy (and maybe he was/is), but when Knopfler plays him “Matchstick Man” from Down the Road Wherever (2018) he gets close to breaking down and crying. Guess a fellow Geordie and do that to him, right? Why-aye.