John Illsley
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
Live Aid
O Melhor do Flash Back - 92 Clipes Para Recordar
Prince's Trust Rock Gala - Volume 1
Dire Straits: Alchemy Live 1983
Live Aid: 20 Years Ago Today
Dire Straits: Live In Basel
Dire Straits: Thank You Australia and New Zealand
All Movies (18)
- Dire Straits: Brothers In Arms2025
- Twenty Eighteen Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony2018 · as Self [Dire Straits]
- O Melhor do Flash Back - 92 Clipes Para Recordar2009 · as Self (archive footage)
- Live Aid: 20 Years Ago Today2005 · as Self
- Dire Straits: Sultans of Swing, The Very Best of Dire Straits1998
- Dire Straits: On The Night1993 · as Himself - Bass, Vocals, Guitar
- Dire Straits: The Last Concert - Zaragoza 19921992 · as Himself - Bass, Vocals
- Dire Straits: Autumn in Nimes1992 · as Himself - Bass
- Dire Straits: Live In Basel1992 · as Himself - Bass Guitar, Vocals
- Dire Straits with Eric Clapton - Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute1988 · as bass
- Prince's Trust Rock Gala - Volume 11986 · as Self - Performer
- Dire Straits: Thank You Australia and New Zealand1986 · as Himself - Bass, Vocals
- Dire Straits at Live Aid1985 · as Self
- Live Aid1985 · as Self
- Dire Straits: Live at Wembley Arena1985 · as Bass
- Dire Straits: Alchemy Live 19831983 · as Bass Guitar
- Arena: Dire Straits1980 · as Self
- Dire Straits: Live at Rockpalast 19791979 · as bass guitar, vocals
All TV Shows (1)
- Rockpalast1974