The ex-bassist and founding member of Dire Straits, John Illsley has finally finished his book. Namely, his book titled ‘My Life in Dire Straits’ will be available from November 2021.
In this book, John Illsley goes behind the music with never-before-told stories tracing Dire Straits’ rise. From his own beginnings in Middle England, he recounts the band’s rise from humble origins in London’s pubs to the best-known venues in the world. From Madison Square Garden gigging with wild punk bands to the Live Aid stage at Wembley.
Throughout the eighties, Dire Straits were one of the biggest bands on the planet. They filled giant stadiums around the world and sold hundreds of millions of records. Their classic hit songs formed the soundtrack of a generation and live on today.
“The book above all is about passion and pursuing your dreams – taking, the unpredictable path, not the easy option,” Illsley says.
Told with searching honesty, soulful reflection, and wry humor, Illsley captures a phenomenal musical legacy. John’s story is also a tribute to his great friend Mark Knopfler. The band’s lead singer, songwriter, and remarkable guitarist.
“It charts the journey from my innocent teens strumming a few chords, to playing on the biggest stages in the world. A chance meeting in 1976 with Mark Knopfler that created a musical partnership that lasted 20-years, and a strong friendship that continues to this day.”
“Dire Straits was an idea that created an extraordinary journey of joy, fun, companionship, and surprise. I am immensely proud of my contribution to this journey,” John has added.
With a foreword written by Mark Knopfler himself, this is the first and only inside story of one of the greatest bands in rock history. This is a story that has never been told by one of their own until now.
Illsley rose to fame as the bass guitarist and has received multiple Grammy Awards. He played a major role in the development of the band’s sound.
Illsley rose to fame as the bass guitarist for the critically acclaimed band and has received multiple Grammy Awards. He has also earned a reputation as a painter, with solo exhibitions in London, New York, Sydney, and across Europe. John has eight solo albums to his name, and he owns a pub in the New Forest, United Kingdom.
Roger Taylor one of the founding members of Queen, drummer, and songwriter said:
“A forensic and uplifting journey through the sheer hard work, pitfalls, and thrills of navigating a great rock and roll band to the pinnacle of success. I so enjoyed the ride! Onwards, John!”
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