Injuries force Mark Knopfler to call off tour

Former Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler has canceled a planned summer tour of North America because of injuries he suffered in a recent motorcycle accident.

"Mark is obviously bitterly disappointed and would like to thank the fans who have sent him get well messages," said a statement issued by Knopfler's camp. "All ticket holders for the shows should take their tickets back to the original point of purchase for a refund."

Knopfler suffered two broken ribs and a broken collarbone in a March 17 motorcycle accident, his U.K. publicist said.

According to a statement, Knopfler was riding his motorcycle through London, on his way to start rehearsals for the tour, when he was knocked from the motorcycle during a collision with a car.

Knopfler had been scheduled to open a month-long North American tour on April 23.

"Ragpickers Dream," Knopfler's latest album, was released last October.

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.