1949-06-24 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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2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony | 2018-04-14 | |
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Live Aid: 20 Years Ago Today | Self | 2005-07-13 |
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Dire Straits: Sultans of Swing, The Very Best of Dire Straits | 1998-08-01 | |
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Dire Straits: On The Night | Himself - Bass, Vocals, Guitar | 1993-05-11 |
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Dire Straits: The Last Concert - Zaragoza 1992 | Himself - Bass, Vocals | 1992-10-09 |
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Dire Straits Nîmes 92 | Himself - Bass | 1992-09-28 |
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Dire Straits - Live In Basel | Himself - Bass Guitar, Vocals | 1992-06-28 |
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Dire Straits with Eric Clapton - Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute | bass | 1988-06-11 |
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Dire Straits: Thank You Australia and New Zealand | Himself - Bass, Vocals | 1986-04-26 |
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Dire Straits at Live Aid | 1985-07-13 | |
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Live Aid | Self | 1985-07-13 |
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Dire Straits: Live at Wembley Arena | Bass | 1985-07-10 |
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Dire Straits: Alchemy Live | Bass Guitar | 1984-06-17 |
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Arena: Dire Straits | Self | 1980-12-22 |
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Dire Straits: Live at Rockpalast 1979 | bass guitar, vocals | 1979-02-16 |
