My Life in Dire Straits

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

De: John Illsley

Narrado por: John Illsley

Brought to you by Penguin.

With a foreword by Mark Knopfler.

Dire Straits filled giant stadiums around the world and sold hundreds of millions of records. Throughout the '80s they were the biggest band on the planet. Their classic songs - 'Sultans of Swing', 'Romeo and Juliet', 'Money for Nothing', 'Brothers in Arms' - formed the soundtrack of a generation and live on today: still racking up sales, still being played on the radio on every continent.

In My Life in Dire Straits, John Illsley - founder member, bassist and mainstay - 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 in Middle England, 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, gigging with wild punk bands to the Live Aid stage at Wembley. Until, ultimately, the shattering demands of touring on a global scale and living life 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 15-year distance. Told with searching honesty, soulful reflection and wry humour, this is the first and only account of that incredible story.

©2021 John Illsley (P)2021 Penguin Audio

100% fit for inquisitive fans of Dire Straits.

Maiking quality music is a very tough job as long as you can survive the distance. most enjoyable.

Great insights, well written and well told

I grew up with Dire Straits, and had the pleasure of seeing them live. Wonderful to hear the stories behind the songs and the shows from John's mouth. The book is well written, and it is an absolute added value that John recorded everything himself. Like he's telling you over dinner.

Greater appreciation for Dire Straits music.

I grew up with my dad blasting Dire Straits through our home and very quickly they became my favourite band too. Listening to this book gave me a greater appreciation for the incredible albums they made. To hear how they were created and recorded, from who was part of making each album as well as each tour and giving us a look at what went on behind the scenes was great.
Loved this book just like I loved the band!