Former Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler hits the road and lands in Vegas

Reporting from Las Vegas — Fans of guitarist Mark Knopfler will have a single night to see him perform when he comes to Las Vegas on Sept. 16.

The former lead guitarist and songwriter for 1970s band Dire Straits hits the road in support of his upcoming eighth solo album “Tracker,” which comes out March 17 on Verve Records.

The 11 new tracks include songs inspired by British author Beryl Bainbridge and English poet Basil Bunting. His 36-city North American tour stops at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

Knopfler says he views touring as the final step in the process that starts with songwriting and recording, and ends up on the road. New songs include “Lights of Taormina” and “Silver Eagle,” which were written during his tours with Bob Dylan in 2011 and 2012.

In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine listed Knopfler, who turns 66 this year, as the 27th most important guitarist of all time.

His finger-style of playing on a Fender Stratocaster produces a rich sound best heard in the band’s hit “Sultans of Swing.”

Tickets for “An Evening With Mark Knopfler and Band” go on-sale Friday (Jan. 30), at 10 a.m. Buy a pair of tickets and you’ll land a copy of “Tracker.”

Info: Colosseum at Caesars, (888) 929-7849