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John Illsley
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 Award…
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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
Movies and shows, newest first
- 2025
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2018
Twenty Eighteen Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Movie Self [Dire Straits]
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2009
O Melhor do Flash Back - 92 Clipes Para Recordar
Movie Self (archive footage)
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2005
Live Aid: 20 Years Ago Today
Movie Self
- 1998
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1993
Dire Straits: On The Night
Movie Himself - Bass, Vocals, Guitar
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1992
Dire Straits: The Last Concert - Zaragoza 1992
Movie Himself - Bass, Vocals
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1992
Dire Straits: Autumn in Nimes
Movie Himself - Bass
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1992
Dire Straits: Live In Basel
Movie Himself - Bass Guitar, Vocals
- 1988
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1986
Prince's Trust Rock Gala - Volume 1
Movie Self - Performer
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1986
Dire Straits: Thank You Australia and New Zealand
Movie Himself - Bass, Vocals
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1985
Live Aid
Movie Self
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1985
Dire Straits at Live Aid
Movie Self
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1985
Dire Straits: Live at Wembley Arena
Movie Bass
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1983
Dire Straits: Alchemy Live 1983
Movie Bass Guitar
More credits
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1980
Arena: Dire Straits
Movie Self
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1974
Rockpalast
TV show
