My Life in Dire Straits: The Inside Story of One of the Biggest Bands in Rock History

I found the stories fascinating from a historical standpoint, interested as I have been in Dire Straits’ music for nigh on 40 years. I also pay tribute to the fact that despite what happened in the band re: fallouts, arguments, whatever, Mr Illsley does not have a bad word to say about anyone. It was also quite thrilling to read his mentioning certain gigs that I was at as special in the band's career: the four-gig run at Newcastle City Hall in December 1985, the Nelson Mandela Concert in June 1988, and Earls Court in June 1992. This band is sorely missed; but I am firmly of the view that, if it's over, then it should be OVER. And I THINK that is the conclusion that Mr Illsley draws, too. It was a nice time, but it's done. And the same goes for the book - it was a nice book, a good read, but now that it's done, it's time for him and us to move on. x

As a long-time Straits fan I simply had to get this, and the detail of the Dire Straits years were excellent, particularly the early days, Illsley’s take on David Knopfler’s departure and that of his replacement, Hal Lindes. Illsley was also frank about the effect that being in a touring band had on his relationships, which is to say they were basically trashed.But the best bits were before and after the band, with entertaining anecdotes about his formative years in Market Harborough, his politicisation in Goldsmith’s college and some pretty funny stories during his time in Deptford. Also, after the Dire Straits juggernaut finally came to a halt, it’s great to read how he was able to get the help he needed to live the life he deserved. No mention of his recent battle with cancer but I heard that he is in remission now. Glad that this rock n roll story comes to a good conclusion. He seems like he’s in a good place now and that’s all anyone can hope for for their later years. Great book and highly recommended!

A Truely enjoyable read through the journey of Dire Straits. If you're a fan of this band, I highly reccomend this book.

Once upon a time John rents the cheapest pad he can find and looks for a flatmate. Dave comes along with his guitar. Dave’s brother Mark can play a bit too. John meets Mark for the first time, and he is out of it lying on the floor. A Sleeping Beauty.John receives some money from his grandmother – should he: A – buy food, B – pay the rent, C –spend every penny of it on making a demo tape for the band? Eat, sleep, or buy some magic beans?They only know of one person in the music industry, a disc jockey that they had once written a letter to. He agrees to listen to the priceless demo tape and give the band some feedback.They hear nothing, but this fairy godmother gives them three wishes and says that Dire Straits shall go to the ball.He plays the demo tape on his radio show and says that he will keep playing it every day until the band get signed. The music business forms an orderly queue to sign them and there is no big bad wolf ending. The first wish is granted.A tour of Europe. The second wish is granted.A tour of the States. The third wish is granted.As part of the tour, they go in a limo to play at the Roxy and get invited to a wonderland party afterwards. To get in you need to already have a handful of platinum albums or be a member of the band. Rod Stewart is now getting John a beer and just who is that at the end of the bar? Bob Dylan. He has also been at the gig.The band are all thinking what they should say should they get close enough to speak to Bob. Wait a minute though, Bob is walking over to speak to the band. He invites himself back to their hotel for a few beers and asks if they want to hear a few songs from his next album – has anybody got a guitar handy so he can play them? John fetches his.Only real problem I had with the book is John is too modest about his own contribution. He kicks out a mighty groove like on Money for Nothing. All that fun at Knebworth rubbing shoulders with Eric.Ace player, ace groove, ace book.They all lived happily ever after.

Interesting insight into one of the best bands of the eighties

I DONT USUALLY READ POP MEMOIRS BUT FOUND THIS BOOK INTERESTING DESPITE THE AUTHORSRELUCTANCE TO REVEAL TOO MUCH OF THE DARKER SIDE OF POP STARDOM.I HAVE A FEELING THAT THEDISBANDING OF DIRE STRAITS BY MARK KNOPFLER PROBABLY SAVED HIS SANITY AND LIFE AND POSSIBLYTHAT OF SOME OF HIS BAND MEMBERS.A GOOD ATTEMPT AT DESCRIBING THE INSANITY OF FAME ANDFORTUNE AND ITS GOOD AND BAD SIDES.

John always comes across as calm & easy going yet fun in interviews, and this book has the same style. He had a tranquill childhood, and just wanted to play music. It took a while to get there, as fate had other plans/detours in store for him.Nonetheless, when he joined up with the Knopfler's, fate smiled upon him & them. Add Pick Withers and..you know the rest.It's unputtdownable, which is a bit cliché, but is justified here due to the non-cliched voice and pace.Worth reading.

Well worth the read the real start of the vand worts and all. Good read if yr a long term fan.

A very fascinating book about one of the biggest bands of the eighties, but also a story about growing up in England after the war. A must for all fans of Dire Straits, but you don't have to be a fan to enjoy the book.

In depth history of one of the greatest bands ever! Loved the reading!

A great book if you love everything about Dire Straits and their approach to music. John Illsley their Bass player is a humble man and his writing is that a humble but astute observer about the growth of a band from its roots to the world stage. Illsley is someone you would want in your band - he is a solid musician, dependable, a great attitude and honest about his mistakes and makes changes where needed. This book is also a book about life in a band in general. He clearly has a high regard for Mark Knopfler and his talents as a guitarist and songwriter/composer. Knopfler has continued to compose solo albums well into the 21st Century and continues to be prolific. If you like music and Dire Straits, then you will like this book. This book is very different from those typical unreadable rock biographies where groups struggle, make it big, deal in drugs and women and then burn out in a cold turkey infused explosion and never recover.

Libro ameno en el que aclara algunos de los momentos más turbios como la salida de David Knopfler o el despido de Hal Lindes aunque evita meterse en charcos sobre todo cuando se trata de Alan Clark. Eso sí, el libro contiene algún error garrafal de Illsley (no se asesoró??) como afirmar que el primer concierto de dire straits en España tuvo lugar en 1985 cuando visitaron España dos años antes en la gira Love Over Gold…Interesante en todo caso.

Sono un grande fan dei Dire Straits e mi aspettavo molta più profondità sulle dinamiche del gruppo.Ho invece trovato una sorta di cronaca giornalistica dei concerti, che mi ha annoiato.Peccato.