John Illsley - The Life and Times of Dire Straits

Event information

Founder member and long-time bass player of DIRE STRAITS,
one of the biggest international bands of all time, John knows
exactly what it takes to be starting out, what it’s like when
you’ve arrived and what a wild rollercoaster it can be.
John will be interviewed by an old friend and Dire Straits co-
manager Paul Cummins, and will perform many Dire Straits’
classics together with three members of his band, Robbie
McIntosh, Steve Smith and Hannah Robinson.
John is the recipient of an Ivor Novello award for outstanding
contribution to British Music and multiple Brit and Grammy
awards
In 2021 Penguin published John’s autobiography “My Life In
Dire Straits” which has sold extensively around the world.
Dire Straits were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
in 2018
Kicking off on the 24th October 2025, ‘The Life and Times of Dire
Straits ‘UK tour promises to be a complete eye-opener with
some wonderful music thrown in - an utterly entertaining,
insightful and unique night out!

Along with Mark Knopfler, bass player John was a founder member of the legendary band DIRE STRAITS who, during their time together, sold over 120 million albums. The evening will feature classics from the Dire Straits catalogue and include a Q & A with a/v led by Paul Cummins {ex-Dire Straits management}. Paul will be asking questions, during which John will reveal the story and development of the band from its humble beginnings in a council flat in South London, where songs like Sultans of Swing and Wild West End were created, to playing all over the world to millions of fans, making albums in London, New York, Montserrat and Nassau; performing and and working with some of the world’s most influential and creative musicians and producers.

“Having Mark Knopfler as songwriter, singer and guitar player in the band gave Dire Straits it’s unique character. It was a pleasure for me to be able to contribute to the distinctive sound of the band, and enjoy the friendship and musical journey that Mark and I shared.”

John will also be joined on stage by fellow musicians from John’s band who will play music from the whole DS catalogue including, Money for Nothing, Brothers in Arms, Romeo and Juliet and Sultans of Swing.

It promises to be a special, intimate evening looking into the life and times of one of the biggest rock & roll bands of all time
Unreserved seating
Leo's Pizzas + bar from 6.30pm.
Bring cash for a raffle to support a local good cause.
Parking all around the venue.
Limited disabled parking at the front.
Tickets also available at face value (with no booking fee) from Bude T.I.C. Spencer Thorn Bookshop and The Seventh Wave Gallery - all in Bude.