John Illsley

The first and only inside story of the global music phenomenon Dire Straits, with a foreword by Mark Knopfler.

Dire Straits filled giant stadiums around the world and sold hundreds of millions of records. Throughout the eighties, they were one of the biggest bands on the planet. Their classic songs - 'Sultans of Swing', 'Money for Nothing', 'Brothers In Arms' - formed the soundtrack of a generation and live on today. In his memoir, John Illsley - founding member and bassist - evokes the spirit of the times and tells the story of one of the great live acts of rock history. Starting with his own unlikely beginnings, he recounts the band's rise from humble origins in London's spit-and-sawdust pubs to the best-known venues in the world, the working man's clubs to Madison Square Garden and the Live Aid stage at Wembley. Until, ultimately, the demands of touring and living in the spotlight took their inevitable toll. John's story is also a tribute to his great friend Mark Knopfler, the band's lead singer, songwriter and gifted guitarist - the only band members to stay the fifteen-year distance. Told with honesty, soulful reflection and wry humour, this is the first and only account of that incredible story.