John Illsley
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.
Filmography (18 titles)
MovieDire Straits: Brothers in Arms
2025
MovieTwenty Eighteen Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Self [Dire Straits] · 2018
MovieO Melhor do Flash Back - 92 Clipes Para Recordar
Self (archive footage) · 2009
MovieLive Aid: 20 Years Ago Today
Self · 2005
7.6MovieDire Straits: Sultans of Swing, The Very Best of Dire Straits
1998
7.3MovieDire Straits: On The Night
Himself - Bass, Vocals, Guitar · 1993
MovieDire Straits: The Last Concert - Zaragoza 1992
Himself - Bass, Vocals · 1992
MovieDire Straits: Autumn in Nimes
Himself - Bass · 1992
5.0MovieDire Straits: Live In Basel
Himself - Bass Guitar, Vocals · 1992
7.0MovieDire Straits with Eric Clapton - Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute
bass · 1988
8.0MoviePrince's Trust Rock Gala - Volume 1
Self - Performer · 1986
MovieDire Straits: Thank You Australia and New Zealand
Himself - Bass, Vocals · 1986
7.0MovieDire Straits at Live Aid
Self · 1985
7.9MovieLive Aid
Self · 1985
6.5MovieDire Straits: Live at Wembley Arena
Bass · 1985
7.4MovieDire Straits: Alchemy Live 1983
Bass Guitar · 1983
8.0MovieArena: Dire Straits
Self · 1980
10.0ShowRockpalast
1974