John Illsley
Acting • Born 1949-06-24
Biography
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 credits
Dire Straits: Alchemy Live 1983
Movie • 1983
Bass Guitar
Dire Straits: On The Night
Movie • 1993
Himself - Bass, Vocals, Guitar
Dire Straits: Live In Basel
Movie • 1992
Himself - Bass Guitar, Vocals
Dire Straits: Autumn in Nimes
Movie • 1992
Himself - Bass
Dire Straits: Live at Rockpalast 1979
Movie • 1979
bass guitar, vocals
Arena: Dire Straits
Movie • 1980
Self
Dire Straits: Live at Wembley Arena
Movie • 1985
Bass
Dire Straits: Thank You Australia and New Zealand
Movie • 1986
Himself - Bass, Vocals
Dire Straits: The Last Concert - Zaragoza 1992
Movie • 1992
Himself - Bass, Vocals
Dire Straits: Sultans of Swing, The Very Best of Dire Straits
Movie • 1998
Dire Straits at Live Aid
Movie • 1985
Self
Live Aid
Movie • 1985
Self
Twenty Eighteen Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Movie • 2018
Self [Dire Straits]
Dire Straits with Eric Clapton - Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute
Movie • 1988
bass
Live Aid: 20 Years Ago Today
Movie • 2005
Self
O Melhor do Flash Back - 92 Clipes Para Recordar
Movie • 2009
Self (archive footage)
Dire Straits: Brothers In Arms
Movie • 2025
Rockpalast
TV • 1974