Earlier this year John Illsley completed a unique UK tour. For the first time ever he took to the road talking about his life and years with the mega-successful Dire Straits.
Titled ‘The Life And Times Of Dire Straits (An Evening of Music and Memories)’, the show featured an interview section with old friend and Dire Straits’ manager Paul Cummins as well as a concert with John and three of his band. Needless to say it was a huge hit with every audience.
Now John is to bring a version of it to Glastonbury.
Taking to the Acoustic stage at 5.30pm on Saturday June 29th, John will again be accompanied by members of his band and quizzed by Paul Cummins. While looking forward to it he also has just an ounce of trepidation.
“Paul has a terrific memory, mine not so good, so he kept me on my toes when we toured. He threw me a curved ball every night. Now he tells me he’s got some more aces up his sleeve for Glastonbury! But it was great fun before and I’m sure Glastonbury will be even better.”
Following his appearance at Glastonbury John undertakes dates in Europe along with his regular band. After an appearance at Guitare en Scène Festival on the 13th July then Amsterdam’s Paradiso on the 14th September he heads off to Germany and Spain for a string of dates in the autumn before returning to the UK where more Music and Memories’ shows are planned for November.
Well known as the bass player/founder member of Dire Straits (120 million albums and counting) John has released several albums in his own right. His ninth solo album, the recently released ‘Coming Up For Air’, features seven new tracks and has John’s trademark Dire Straits’ feel all over it.
Out on the Creek Record label through Absolute, it comes in various formats – a CD/digital version (CreekCD20) and a limited edition vinyl album (CreekLP20).
John is joined on the album by some other stellar musicians: Robbie McIntosh and Scott McKeon (electric guitars); Steve Smith and Guy Fletcher (keyboards); Stuart Ross (drums); Jodi Linscott (percussion); Hannah Robinson, Jess and Dee Dee Illsley (backing vocals).
Produced by Guy Fletcher, Steve Smith and John, Coming Up For Air was recorded in three studios including British Grove, the studio of his old friend and band mate Mark Knopfler.
www.johnillsley.com
