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John Illsley

John Illsley

Birthday: 1949-06-24 | Place of Birth: Leicester, England, UK

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.

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Known For

Acting

Year
Title

Role

2025
Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms

as    John Illsley

1993
Dire Straits: On The Night

as    Himself - Bass, Vocals, Guitar

1992
Dire Straits: Autumn in Nimes

as    Himself - Bass

1992
Dire Straits: Live In Basel

as    Himself - Bass Guitar, Vocals

1992
Dire Straits: The Last Concert - Zaragoza 1992

as    Himself - Bass, Vocals

1986
Dire Straits: Thank You Australia and New Zealand

as    Himself - Bass, Vocals

1985
Dire Straits at Live Aid

as    Self

1984
Dire Straits: Alchemy Live 1983

as    Bass Guitar

1980
Arena: Dire Straits

as    Self

1979
Dire Straits: Live at Rockpalast 1979

as    bass guitar, vocals