The Captain Meets John Illsley (Dire Straits)

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👆 We had the privilege of having Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee John Illsley for an exclusive interview. John Illsley is best known as the bass guitarist for Dire Straits and today we talk about his musical influences, his song writing process & his latest album!

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⏰ Timestamps ⏰
» 0:00 Introducing John Illsley!
» 1:35 Childhood & Musical Influences
» 9:15 Why Did Dire Straits Standout?
» 11:20 Have Our Music Listening Habits Changed?
» 23:15 Why Play Bass?
» 32:00 Making Music in the 80s
» 37:37 Let's Talk About 'Brothers In Arms'
» 40:40 John Illsley Solo Music & Writing Process
» 53:08 Music is the Greatest Communication Tool!
» 56:15 John & Lee Play 'Sultans of Swing'
» 59:52 What's next for John Illsley

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[Gaulty]

Fabulous. Illsley and the Straits helped define my teenage years and as a result, my life. Comes across as an absolute gentleman and a really humble guy - no airs and graces. Just a genuine guy who happened to be part of the best band in the history of bands.

[letsgococo]

Thank you John for sticking by Mark's side during the Dire Straits era!! He is an amazing song writer, singer and guitarist, he's absolutely timeless!!

[Kai-Peter.Schellhase]

Was literally glued to the screen for this one. Dire Straits always has been, and forever will remain a big part of my life. Thanks ever so much, Lee and John!👍

[grimreaper-qhzn]

If I can be melodramatic, Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits saved my life. In 1980 my world fell apart. I split up from my wife, my Father died, I changed jobs and had to move 100 miles away from my children. I would have lost it, except that I fell back onto the first two Straits albums. Then in October 1980 Making Movies was released. Punk meant nothing to me and my Rock and Roll hero's were from the 60's and 70's. Dire Straits (and after Mark in his solo career) gave me hope and a future.

[davedavem]

I had a huge smile on my face watching John teach Lee Sultans of Swing.

[ggghhhbbnjjjbb]

This was a treat. John was part of something incredibly special. Some of those live performances in the 80s were about as good as it's possible to be. Nice to see that he's down to earth. Wouldn't it be great if Mark would do stuff like this. He's such a phenomenon that every snippet of throwaway playing caught on film is pure gold. Imagine if he was sitting in on this with a battered old acoustic, cutting it loose and having a laugh.

[williampayne]

I'm a Guitarist From The South Wales Valleys I love Dire Stratis Terry Williams is my Favourite Drummer in Dire Stratis.

[rkreisig]

Would love to see the Captain talking to Mark Knopfler.

[davescott]

For me the ending of Tunnel of Love is the best thing they ever created its totally gorgeous

[colliemac]

For my 72 year old self, in 78 I was driving, I heard the intro to Sultans Of Swing.. being a musician myself my ears pricked up, I immediately pulled over.. holy crap!!! I was more interested in punk, but I was blown away & bought the album.. still a massive fan.

[brianshickey]

John, I quite literally wrote about the importance of Dire Straits on my last video stating just how underrated you were as a bass player and the glue that kept everyone present. Your joy playing Alchemy was tangible and I’m so happy you’re still doing interviews like this, including your book which I just purchased yesterday. Dire Straits are easily my favourite band as you guys were capable of pulling out emotion unlike any other band. Thank you for the music you’ve given us, please stay creative and I can’t wait to read your book.

[MrTravelerX]

Lee, you played 'Sultans of Swing' with John Illsley!!! How cool is that? Who cares how good or bad of a job you did? I envy you so much. :-)😃

[stugoodman]

Saw John in Milton Keynes. Met him after and he signed my copy of the book. A true Gent. We even had a chat about that Black Wal bass he used in the 85 Wembley gigs. Dure Straits played a big part in my decision to play the Bass and I thanked him for that! Great Guy.

[williamfoley]

Perfect afternoon listening to a man who’s modesty is amazing. Just imagine being in the studio when Brothers in Arms was being recorded. Chills up the spine stuff.

[OneMorningInAugust]

I met John a few weeks ago in Ireland and had a lovely chat. He was a total gentleman 🥰

[billdehey]

Hey John it's good to see you out. I agree with Lee. I'm 52 and Dire Straits we"re a huge part in my life, and still are!! Thank you for all the beautiful music you helped to create.
Best washes

[mkguitarproject]

Incredible!

The simplicity John added to the Straits' sound is just invaluable.

I mean, when you listen to the live version of 'You and Your Friend', the simple bass line is clearly a great part of that incredible mood.

Keeping it simple isn't easy.

I would like to see what he would've sounded like in the studio version of 'One World', which has one of the most incredible bass lines in Rock's history, but were played by Tony Levin in the original.

Anyway, his solo album 'Beautiful You' is just fantastic. His partnership with Greg Pearle was great.

Not to mention his songs 'All I Want is You', from the album 'Glass', and 'Let the River Flow', from the album 'Never Told a Soul', both featuring Mark on the guitar, which I left playing on endless loops for so many times. His music is just as great as Mark's solo work.

Thanks for the incredible interview. Thank you, John, for making part of the band that has been such a great companion in so many important moments in my life.

Let's bring Mark as well!

[HenryHernandez-vzms]

I was in Sausalito, CA when I first heard “Sultans of Swing” and for me it was a reawakening. Great interview and my Wife will confirm my obsession with the Alchemy video of Sultans.

[Nick-hpul]

Dire straits one of the greatest bands ever

[dangerousandy]

John is an absolute legend! His new album and his book are fantastic.