Knopfler 's first solo album , '' Golden Heart '' , was released in March 1996 . It featured the UK single " Darling Pretty " . The album 's recording sessions helped create Knopfler 's backing band , which is also known as '' The 96ers '' . It features Knopfler 's old bandmate Guy Fletcher on keyboards . This band 's main line-up has lasted much longer than any Dire Straits line-up . Also in 1996 , Knopfler recorded guitar for Ted Christopher 's Dunblane massacre tribute cover , '' Knockin ' on Heaven 's Door ''
Dunblane massacre
Dunblane massacre
Mark Knopfler