
Person
John Illsley
Acting · Born 1949-06-24 · Leicester, England, UK
Biography
John Edward Illsley (born 24 June 1949) is an English musician, best known as bass guitarist of the rock band Dire Straits. With it, he has received multiple BRIT and Grammy Awards, and a Heritage Award. As one of the founding band members, with guitarist brothers Mark and David Knopfler, and drummer Pick Withers, Illsley played a role in the development of Dire Straits' sound. By the time the group disbanded in 1995 changes in personnel meant that Illsley and lead singer Mark Knopfler were the only two original band members remaining. Illsley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Dire Straits in 2018. Illsley has produced two albums of his own, with Mark Knopfler as a guest musician, and has helped with Mark's personal projects and charities. He released two more albums, influenced by the Celtic-based band Cunla.
Known for

Rockpalast
1974

Live Aid
Self

Dire Straits: Live In Basel
Himself - Bass Guitar, Vocals

Live Aid: 20 Years Ago Today
Self

Dire Straits: Alchemy Live 1983
Bass Guitar

Dire Straits at Live Aid
Self

Dire Straits: Live at Wembley Arena
Bass

O Melhor do Flash Back - 92 Clipes Para Recordar
Self (archive footage)

Dire Straits: On The Night
Himself - Bass, Vocals, Guitar

Dire Straits: Brothers in Arms
2025
Filmography
- 2025Dire Straits: Brothers in Arms
- 2018Twenty Eighteen Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction CeremonySelf [Dire Straits]
- 2009O Melhor do Flash Back - 92 Clipes Para RecordarSelf (archive footage)
- 2005Live Aid: 20 Years Ago TodaySelf
- 1998Dire Straits: Sultans of Swing, The Very Best of Dire Straits
- 1993Dire Straits: On The NightHimself - Bass, Vocals, Guitar
- 1992Dire Straits: The Last Concert - Zaragoza 1992Himself - Bass, Vocals
- 1992Dire Straits: Autumn in NimesHimself - Bass
- 1992Dire Straits: Live In BaselHimself - Bass Guitar, Vocals
- 1988Dire Straits with Eric Clapton - Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tributebass
- 1986Prince's Trust Rock Gala - Volume 1Self - Performer
- 1986Dire Straits: Thank You Australia and New ZealandHimself - Bass, Vocals
- 1985Dire Straits at Live AidSelf
- 1985Live AidSelf
- 1985Dire Straits: Live at Wembley ArenaBass
- 1983Dire Straits: Alchemy Live 1983Bass Guitar
- 1980Arena: Dire StraitsSelf
- 1974Rockpalast
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