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.

Great book

Being a musician and lover of music I enjoy listening to this type of book

If you're a dire straits fan then you'll enjoy the book

I am a huge dire straits fan. there's not a lot out there about their history. This will scratch that itch. Obviously, Mark is the "guy", but John was there the entire way. And, you get a good glimpse into some me of Mark through johns story.

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.

John Illsley & Mark Knopfler are class acts!

I was looking forward to this book & it did not disappoint. John Illsley doesn’t portray himself as a saint, but his decency is apparent. I enjoy books that let me peek into the lives of talented people, but I don’t think I’ve ever experienced any of them giving such praise to the roadies & others who are responsible to “put the show on the road” & he gives them ENORMOUS credit. Refreshing & admirable! Another add-on to this review is that my husband & I were quite fortunate to score great seats at a Mark Knopfler small venue concert in Dallas before COVID-19. (I count it as kind of a lifetime achievement concert!) Mark was gracious & friendly, telling bits of history of how the songs originated & performing them to perfection. He gave credit to the musicians with him (they were great) and it is easy to see how these two talented yet humble artists have maintained a friendship that spans so many years. Thanks for a terrific book that spotlights that talent nurtured by dedication & hard work can result in success beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.

Great book

John thank you for this book. I’ve listened to you guys since the beginning. Still do. The best band ever existed. It was great to hear your story and thank you for telling it !!! Love❤️❤️❤️

One of the best musical artist autobiographies I’ve listened to

I really appreciate it Jon’s narration of his life with the band. I think he covered a lot of the interpersonal relationships between the members and what life is like to be in a band. I’ve been a Dire Straits fan since I first heard their first album Walk Of Life. Being a quadriplegic, I always thought this was tongue and cheek, but listening to Brothers and arms Romeo and Juliet and other masterpieces that Mark Knopfler wrote really solidifies. This band is one of the top acts in the past 45 years thank you for all of the music and I hope that you enjoy the book when you read it or listen