John Illsley
Known for Acting · 18 credits
- Born
- 1949-06-24 (age 76)
- Place of birth
- Leicester, England, UK
- Also known as
- John Edward Illsley · Dire Straits
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.
Known For
TV Shows (1)
Movies (17)
Live Aid
1985
as Self
Live Aid: 20 Years Ago Today
2005
as Self
O Melhor do Flash Back - 92 Clipes Para Recordar
2009
as Self (archive footage)
Dire Straits: Live at Wembley Arena
1985
as Bass
Dire Straits: Alchemy Live 1983
1983
as Bass Guitar
Twenty Eighteen Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
2018
as Self [Dire Straits]
Dire Straits: Live at Rockpalast 1979
1979
as bass guitar, vocals
Dire Straits: Sultans of Swing, The Very Best of Dire Straits
1998
Dire Straits: On The Night
1993
as Himself - Bass, Vocals, Guitar
Dire Straits with Eric Clapton - Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute
1988
as bass
Dire Straits: Thank You Australia and New Zealand
1986
as Himself - Bass, Vocals
Dire Straits: Live In Basel
1992
as Himself - Bass Guitar, Vocals
Dire Straits: The Last Concert - Zaragoza 1992
1992
as Himself - Bass, Vocals
Dire Straits: Autumn in Nimes
1992
as Himself - Bass
Arena: Dire Straits
1980
as Self
Dire Straits at Live Aid
1985
as Self
Dire Straits: Brothers In Arms
2025
About 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… With 18 credits spanning from 1974 to 2025, John Illsley has appeared in 17 films and 1 TV show.
Fans searching for John Illsley movies, John Illsley filmography, or the latest projects starring John Illsley can stream many of these titles on Bowood.TV, free and in HD, with no subscription required.
Most Popular John Illsley Movies
- Live Aid (1985) — as Self
- Live Aid: 20 Years Ago Today (2005) — as Self
- O Melhor do Flash Back - 92 Clipes Para Recordar (2009) — as Self (archive footage)
- Dire Straits: Live at Wembley Arena (1985) — as Bass
- Dire Straits: Alchemy Live 1983 (1983) — as Bass Guitar
Where to Watch John Illsley Films
Most John Illsley movies and series are available to stream on Bowood.TV in full HD, completely free and without signup. Browse the complete filmography above to jump directly to any title. For more films and the latest web series featuring John Illsley, check our movies catalogue and browse page.