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