Mark Knopfler whips radio bidders into frenzy

Nov 12 2008 by Sam Wonfor, The Journal

IT was a case of a lot of money for something yesterday when a guitar masterclass with Mark Knopfler went for a whopping £100,000.

The bid for a lesson with the Dire Straits frontman (who had a hit with Money For Nothing) was made on Radio Two by an anonymous caller during Terry Wogan’s annual raffle in aid of Children in Need for things that money can’t buy.

Alongside other priceless lots such as a cruise with Marco Pierre White (which went for £18,000) and a two-day stay with BBC’s Springwatch team (£10,000), the 45-minute lesson with one of the North East’s finest musical exports whipped up two listeners into a fundraising frenzy.

One of the first bids for the session, which will take place next year at Knopfler’s London studios, started proceedings at £50,000, which looked as if it would have seen off even the most devoted of his fans. But then a generous listener called in to double the original offer.

His or her identity will remain a mystery after the bidder decided to remain anonymous.

Last night Mark said: “I’m delighted to have helped make so much for such a wonderful cause. I’ve gone off to buy a new string.”

For more information on the Children in Need auctions, visit www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/events/cin08/