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
Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms
John Illsley
2025
Twenty Eighteen Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Self [Dire Straits]
2018
O Melhor do Flash Back - 92 Clipes Para Recordar
Self (archive footage)
2009
Live Aid: 20 Years Ago Today
Self
2005
Dire Straits: Sultans of Swing, The Very Best of Dire Straits
1998
Dire Straits: On The Night
Himself - Bass, Vocals, Guitar
1993
Dire Straits: The Last Concert - Zaragoza 1992
Himself - Bass, Vocals
1992
Dire Straits: Autumn in Nimes
Himself - Bass
1992
Dire Straits - Live In Basel
Himself - Bass Guitar, Vocals
1992
Dire Straits with Eric Clapton - Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute
bass
1988
Dire Straits: Thank You Australia and New Zealand
Himself - Bass, Vocals
1986
Dire Straits at Live Aid
1985
Live Aid
Self
1985
Dire Straits: Live at Wembley Arena
Bass
1985
Dire Straits: Alchemy Live 1983
Bass Guitar
1984
Arena: Dire Straits
Self
1980
Dire Straits: Live at Rockpalast 1979
bass guitar, vocals
1979
Rockpalast
(1 episode)
1974