My Life in Dire Straits

The Inside Story of One of the Biggest Bands in Rock History

By: John Illsley

Narrated by: John Illsley

The first, and only, inside story of one of the greatest bands in rock history - Dire Straits - as told by founding member and bassist John Illsley

One of the most successful music acts of all time, Dire Straits filled stadiums around the world. Their albums sold hundreds of millions of copies and their music - classics like “Sultans of Swing”, “Romeo and Juliet", “Money for Nothing”, and “Brothers in Arms” - is still played on every continent today. There was, quite simply, no bigger band on the planet throughout the '80s.

In this powerful and entertaining memoir, founding member John Illsley gives the inside track on the most successful rock band of their time. From playing gigs in the spit-and-sawdust pubs of south London to hanging out with Bob Dylan in LA, Illsley tells the story of the band with searching honesty, soulful reflection, and wry humor. Starting with his own unlikely beginnings in Middle England, he recounts the band’s rise from humble origins to the best-known venues in the world, the working man’s clubs to Madison Square Garden, sharing gigs with wild punk bands to rocking the Live Aid stage at Wembley. And woven throughout is an intimate portrait and tribute to his great friend Mark Knopfler, the band's lead singer, songwriter, and remarkable guitarist.

Tracing an idea that created a phenomenal musical legacy, an extraordinary journey of joy and pain, companionship and surprises, this is John Illsley’s life in Dire Straits.

©2021 John Illsley (P)2021 Penguin Audio

An excellent autobiography about a wonderful time in music. I highly recommend it.

Whether you're just a casual fan or a die hard fan of dIRE STRAITS, I highly recommend this book. John Illsley's description of his early life and the early days of the sTRAITS leading into their global success in the 1980s is fantastic, thoughtful and very entertaining.

Big fan of the band.

Story was wonderful but the reading was mediocre. It was nice to hear the author's own take on it though.

Impressively real, laid-back, contemplative, and dignified

Satisfyingly nuanced for us fans of the band and fans of Mark’s art. No dirt. John Illsley reads his sincere memoir beautifully. It's no surprise that Mark wrote and reads a supportive forward to this fine recording.

fantastically written

Dire Straits is my favorite band so getting this inside scoop from John was incredible. It's a wonderfully crafted and humble story. it confirms my suspicions that the members are all stand up guys with tremendous talents.

you'll love this book whether you are a DS fan or not. it's really a cool time machine back to the days where records were sold, getting a demo tape meant going to a studio and getting a song on the radio was the only way to get a chance.

Masterfully crafted

Illsley gives a unique insight on the many facets of his experience as a member of Dire Straits that even many diehard fans were unaware of thorough vivid imagery and wonderful anecdotes.