Dire Straits lead singer Mark Knopfler broke six ribs and a collar bone in a motorcycle accident and will be unable to perform at a London charity concert later this month, his agent said Tuesday.
Publicist Judy Shaw of Mercury Records said Knopfler was knocked from his Honda bike when it collided with a Fiat Punto in Belgravia, central London, on Monday morning.
"Unfortunately this means he will not be able to perform at the Albert Hall on the 25th of March in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust with Eric Clapton," she said. "However, the show will still be going ahead with Eric Clapton."
A spokeswoman for St. Thomas's hospital said Knopfler, 53, was treated for six broken ribs and a broken collar bone before being discharged Monday evening. The female driver of the Fiat was not injured.
A leading exponent of the moody rock lament and one of the world's most respected guitarists, Knopfler has written a series of hit songs, including "Sultans of Swing," "Romeo and Juliet" and "Brothers in Arms," which have won Dire Straits an ardent international following. His most recent production was the solo album, "The Ragpicker's Dream."
In 1999, Knopfler was made an officer of the Order of the British Empire, or OBE.