John 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.
Read more about John Illsley: Personal Life, Solo Discography
Famous quotes containing the word john:
“Look Johnny, Spig just joined the Navy. I’m married to it. I run the mess hall. I swab the deck. I chip the rust. You’re afraid that they’ll kick Spig out of the Navy. I’m afraid that they won’t.”
—Frank Fenton, William Wister Haines, co-scenarist, and John Ford. Minne Wead (Maureen O’Hara)