Mark Knopfler praised Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour’s playing, describing it as having both a bluesy character and a “crystalline quality”. The article presents this as evidence of mutual respect between two influential British guitarists known for distinctive, melodic styles.

In a 2002 interview with French Guitarist, Knopfler highlighted Gilmour’s Stratocaster tone, intonation and indirect approach to melodies, calling this the mark of a great guitarist. Gilmour had also praised Knopfler’s “refreshing” style in a 1985 interview, saying it had restored something missing from guitar playing.