John Illsley

Born: 1949-06-24

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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Live Aid

as Self
Released: 1985-07-13

Live Aid was held on 13 July 1985, simultaneously in Wembley Stadium in London, England, and the...

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Twenty Eighteen Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

as Self [Dire Straits]
Released: 2018-04-14

Recorded live, this special honors fivenew performer category inductees: Bon Jovi, The Cars,...

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Dire Straits: Sultans of Swing, The Very Best of Dire Straits

as uncredited
Released: 1998-08-01

Sultans of swing - Lady writer - Romeo and Juliet - Tunnel of love - Private investigations -...

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Dire Straits: Alchemy Live 1983

as Bass Guitar
Released: 1984-06-17

Alchemy is a double live album originally released in 1984 with an accompanying VHS, now...

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Live Aid: 20 Years Ago Today

as Self
Released: 2005-07-13

This concert film was created for the London premiére launch of Live Aid on dvd in November...

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Dire Straits - Live In Basel

as Himself - Bass Guitar, Vocals
Released: 1992-06-28

Concert held at St. Jacob Stadium in Basel, Switzerland, 28.06.1992, during the On Every Street...

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Dire Straits: Live at Rockpalast 1979

as bass guitar, vocals
Released: 1979-02-16

A classic early live show from Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits, performed in Germany in 1979. ...

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Dire Straits: Thank You Australia and New Zealand

as Himself - Bass, Vocals
Released: 1986-04-26

In 1985, Dire Straits embarked on a world tour of unprecedented proportions. Promoting their hit...

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Dire Straits: Live at Wembley Arena

as Bass
Released: 1985-07-10

On July 10th, 1985, under the inspiring eye and ear of master guitarist and frontman Mark...

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Dire Straits with Eric Clapton - Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute

as bass
Released: 1988-06-11

The Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute was a popular-music concert staged on June 11, 1988 at...

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Dire Straits: Autumn in Nimes

as Himself - Bass
Released: 1992-09-28

Dire Straits show at Les Arènes de Nîmes 1992 festival in Southern France. Dire Straits is a...

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Dire Straits: On The Night

as Himself - Bass, Vocals, Guitar
Released: 1993-05-11

Music from Dire Straits, recorded live in concert in 1991. Tracks include: "Calling Elvis",...

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Arena: Dire Straits

as Self
Released: 1980-12-22

Arena cameras were on hand to film the return of Dire Straits from their triumphant 1980...

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Dire Straits at Live Aid

as uncredited
Released: 1985-07-13

The band with Sting perform at Wembley

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Dire Straits: The Last Concert - Zaragoza 1992

as Himself - Bass, Vocals
Released: 1992-10-09

This DVD is of the Last concert ever performed by the band Dire Straits. It was the 211th...

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Rockpalast

as uncredited
First aired: 1974-10-04

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