John Illsey from Dire Straits chats to Ashdown Radio about his upcoming tour

Hear him in conversation on Thursday 4th September on East Sussex Today

Step inside the extraordinary story of one man’s musical journey as part of the most iconic bands in rock history with John Illsley: The Life and Times of Dire Straits, captivating live UK tour launching on 24th October 2025.

As a founding member and long-time bass player of Dire Straits, John Illsley helped shape a band that sold over 120 million albums worldwide and became a global phenomenon. With their unmistakable sound, poetic song writing, and genre-defining musicianship, Dire Straits conquered the world stage, none more so than with the ground breaking 1985 release of Brothers in Arms, which turns 40 this year.

A landmark moment in music history, Brothers in Arms was the first album to sell over one million copies on CD and topped the charts in over 20 countries. Featuring timeless classics like “Money for Nothing,” “Walk of Life,” and the haunting title track, the album cemented Dire Straits as one of the biggest bands of the 1980s and beyond.

Now, John Illsley invites audiences on a personal journey through that remarkable era. In an intimate evening of music and conversation, he’ll reflect on the band's meteoric rise, the madness of worldwide fame, and the enduring power of their music. With exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and rare insights only an insider could offer, this is a night no music lover should miss.

Live on stage, John will be joined in conversation by his long-time friend and former Dire Straits co-manager Paul Cummins, offering a relaxed Q&A format that brings fans closer to the band’s incredible story. The evening also features live performances of Dire Straits classics and John’s own solo work accompanied by his stellar band featuring musicians Robbie McIntosh, Steve Smith, and Hannah Robinson.

With multiple Brit and Grammy Awards, an Ivor Novello for Outstanding Contribution to British Music, and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2018, John’s place in music history is undeniable. His 2021 memoir My Life in Dire Straits (Penguin) became an international bestseller, further affirming the legacy of a band whose music continues to resonate across generations.

Whether you were there at the beginning or are only just discovering the magic of Dire Straits, John Illsley: The Life and Times of Dire Straits promises a night of unforgettable music and candid memories.

24-Oct-25 Winchester Theatre Royal

25-Oct-25 Monmouth Savoy Theatre

26-Oct-25 Bude Park House Centre

27-Oct-25 Milton Keynes Stables

28-Oct-25 Worcester Huntingdon Hall

29-Oct-25 Hove The Old Market

30-Oct-25 Portsmouth The Lens Studio

2-Nov-25 Stroud Sub Rooms

3-Nov-25 Leeds City Varieties

4-Nov-25 Norwich Playhouse Theatre

5-Nov-25 Wimbourne Tivoli

8-Nov-25 Teddington Landmark Theatre

10-Nov-25 Dorking Dorking Halls

11-Nov-25 Bury St Edmunds Apex Theatre

13-Nov-25 Alnwick Playhouse

14-Nov-25 Liverpool Tung Auditorium

15-Nov-25 Barnard Castle The Witham

16-Nov-25 Bury  The Met Arts Centre

27-Nov-25 Lyme Regis Marine Theatre

28-Nov-25 Beckenham St Georges Arts Centre

29-Nov-25 Hastings White Rock Theatre

Tickets available from venue box office & www.johnillsleymusic.com/tour

For more information please contact warren@chuffmedia.com on 07762 130510