John Illsley
Known for ActingBorn 1949-06-24Leicester, 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.
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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
Live Aid
1985 · as Self
Live Aid: 20 Years Ago Today
2005 · as Self
O Melhor do Flash Back - 92 Clipes Para Recordar
2009 · as Self (archive footage)
Dire Straits: Live at Wembley Arena
1985 · as Bass
Dire Straits: Alchemy Live 1983
1983 · as Bass Guitar
Dire Straits: Thank You Australia and New Zealand
1986 · as Himself - Bass, Vocals
Dire Straits: Sultans of Swing, The Very Best of Dire Straits
1998
Dire Straits: Live In Basel
1992 · as Himself - Bass Guitar, Vocals
Prince's Trust Rock Gala - Volume 1
1986 · as Self - Performer
Dire Straits: On The Night
1993 · as Himself - Bass, Vocals, Guitar
Arena: Dire Straits
1980 · as Self
Dire Straits at Live Aid
1985 · as Self
Dire Straits: Autumn in Nimes
1992 · as Himself - Bass
Dire Straits with Eric Clapton - Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute
1988 · as bass
Twenty Eighteen Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
2018 · as Self [Dire Straits]
Dire Straits: Brothers in Arms
2025
Dire Straits: The Last Concert - Zaragoza 1992
1992 · as Himself - Bass, Vocals