Founder member of Dire Straits to play The Apex

Along with Mark Knopfler, John Illsley (pictured above) was a founder member of the legendary band Dire Straits who, during their time together, sold over 120 million albums.

And he is due to appear at The Apex, in Bury St Edmunds, in a few week’s time.

John rose to fame as the bass guitarist of the critically acclaimed band and played a major role in the development of the Dire Straits’ sound.

He and Mark Knopfler were the only founding members to remain in the line-up of the band right through from 1977 until they decided to call it a day in 1995.

They still remain close friends and recently produced a programme “Guitar Stories” for Sky Arts.

When Dire Straits took a couple of well-earned breaks John released two albums; “Never Told a Soul” (1984) and “Glass” (1988), both featured Mark Knopfler as a guest musician.

John said:, “Having Mark Knopfler as songwriter, singer and guitar player in the band gave Dire Straits its unique character. It was a pleasure for me to be able to contribute to the distinctive sound of the band and enjoy the friendship and musical journey that Mark and I shared.”

His show at The Apex, on May 2, is an evening of music and memories. It will include the story of the band, from its humble beginnings in a council flat in South London, where songs like “Sultans of Swing” and “Wild West End” were created, to playing all over the world to millions of fans and working with some of the world’s most influential and creative musicians and producers.

John will also be joined on stage by his band, who will play music from the whole Dire Straits’ back catalogue including, “Money for Nothing”, “Brothers in Arms”, “Romeo and Juliet” and “Sultans of Swing”.

It promises to be a special, intimate evening looking into the life and times of one of the biggest rock & roll bands of all time.

The show starts at 7.30pm and call the box office on 01284 758000 or seewww.theapex.co.uk to book tickets.