Knopfler wisely peppered the set with favorites from his solo catalogue. The upbeat "What It Is," with its infectious Celtic rock rhythm, was a crowd-pleaser that had the Arena Leipzig swaying in unison. "Sailing to Philadelphia," a track that always resonates deeply in Germany due to its historical narrative, showcased Knopfler’s ability to blend history with melody. These moments served as a bridge for fans who might have been less familiar with the newer tracks, reminding them of the consistent quality of his songwriting post-Dire Straits.
Of course, no review of a Mark Knopfler concert would be complete without addressing the Dire Straits songs. In 2010, Knopfler had settled into a comfortable relationship with his past. He didn't shy away from the hits, but he rearranged them to fit his current band's sophisticated sound. Mark Knopfler Live in Leipzig 2010