Mark Knopfler [ tickets ] has lined up a coast-to-coast tour of North America that is scheduled to begin on April 23 in Boston, according to his publicist. The outing marks the first North American jaunt by the former Dire Straits frontman in more than a decade.

The veteran singer-songwriter-guitarist is touring in support of his latest album, “Sailing to Philadelphia” (Warner Bros.). The album features guest appearances from Van Morrison, James Taylor and Squeeze members Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Gifford.

Released in September of last year, “Sailing to Philadelphia” is the follow up to Knopfler’s 1996 solo debut, “Golden Heart.” Knopfler spoke about his first solo-outing in support of “Golden Heart” in a recent press release.

"I loved doing the last tour, with basically the same five guys that play on this album ['Sailing to Philadelphia'], augmented by one or two people here and there," he said. That five piece band lineup has now been dubbed the 96ers for the year it was formed, according to the press release.

Knopfler rose to fame during his years fronting Dire Straits, the popular rock act best known for its hits “Money for Nothing”--an MTV staple--and “Sultans of Swing.” The group disbanded in 1995.

Although he did not launch a full-fledged solo career until the release of “Golden Heart,” Knopfler has been composing motion picture scores since the early ‘80s, beginning with 1983’s “Local Hero.” Other films he has scored include 1987’s “The Princess Bride,” 1990’s “Last Exit to Brooklyn” and 1997’s “Wag the Dog.”