John Edward Illsley (born 24 June 1949, Leicester, England) is an English musician who rose to fame as the bass guitarist of the critically acclaimed rock band Dire Straits. With Dire Straits, Illsley has been the recipient of multiple BRIT and Grammy Awards and a Heritage Award.As one of the founding band members, with brothers and guitarists David and Mark Knopfler, and drummer Pick Withers, Illsley played a role in the development of Dire Straits' sound. When David Knopfler left the band in the early 1980s, Illsley not only lost a bandmate, but also a former roommate and good friend. By the time the group disbanded in 1995, with changes in personnel, Illsley and frontman Mark Knopfler were the only two original band members remaining.Illsley has kept a low-key profile about his own abilities as a musician and songwriter. He produced two albums of his own with Mark Knopfler as a guest musician, and has helped with Knopfler's personal projects and charities. He released two more albums, with influence from the Celtic-based band Cunla.
To date (2016) he hasn't changed the strings on his 1963 Fender Jazz Bass in over 30 years.
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His collection of guitars include, 1962 Gretsch Country Gentleman (acquired from The Who's John Entwistle), 1964 Gibson ES-335, 1960 Fender Stratocaster (Mark Knopfler signature), 1965 Fender Telecaster and his constant 1963 Fender Jazz Bass.
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Now works as a full time painter and recently had his own exibition which was featured in the U.K magazine "HELLO!". He also sometimes plays in concerts with his former bandmate in Dire Straits Mark Knopfler. [February 2003]
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Played bass guitar for the music group Dire Straits 1977-1995.
Music Department
Title
Year
Status
Character
Anton
2008
musician
Cal
1984
musician: bass - uncredited
Soundtrack
Title
Year
Status
Character
Anton
2008
performer: "One"
Local Hero
1983
performer: "Freeway Flyer"
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
Dire Straits: Alchemy Live
2010
Video
Himself
Newsnight
2010
TV Series
Himself
The Making of Anton AKA Trapped
2009
Video documentary
Himself
Sultans of Swing: The Very Best of Dire Straits
2000
Video
Himself (bass)
Dire Straits: On the Night
1993
Video
Himself (as Dire Straits)
Live at Knebworth
1990
Video documentary
Himself
Live Aid
1985
TV Special documentary
Himself (as Dire Straits)
Alchemy Live
1984
TV Movie documentary
Himself (as Dire Straits)
Archive Footage
Title
Year
Status
Character
Memories of 1970-1991
1991
TV Series documentary
Himself
Known for movies
Sultans of Swing: The Very Best of Dire Straits (2000) as Himself (bass)
$14 Million
