The claim by a member of Dire Straits that the group would perform at next week's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony with Stevie Wonder was, it turns out, a poor attempt at humor.
Keyboardist Alan Clarke, one of the six members being inducted, posted the story on his website, saying that he, Guy Fletcher and John Illsley would "perform an unplugged version of 'Telegraph Road,' with me on harmonium, Guy on ukulele, John on banjo and the vocal sung by Stevie Wonder."
We reached out to John who told us this is "total rubbish."
Meanwhile, Mark Knopfler's manager refused to explain why he will not attend the induction ceremony. There was, he said, "no comment from our side."
While Mark gets along with Guy and John, his relationships are strained with drummer Pick Withers and his brother David Knopfler, the band's original rhythm guitarist, neither of whom will attend.
David Knopfler on his estrangement from his brother Mark:
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And when we spoke to Mark about the honor, he shied away when told that traditionally the inductee performs. Perhaps he wanted to avoid having such a performance lead into talks of the band reuniting.
Mark Knopfler on the original Dire Straits reuniting:
There is still no word on who will induct Dire Straits.
This year's ceremony is Saturday, April 14th in Cleveland. The Moody Blues, Nina Simone, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Cars and Bon Jovi will also be inducted.
Highlights will air on HBO on May 5th.