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, at Park House Centre, Bude, on Sunday, October 26.

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. 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.

John’s 2021 memoir My Life in Dire Straits became an international bestseller, further affirming the legacy of a band whose music continues to resonate across generations.

To book tickets, visit: northcoastarts.co.uk/events/john-illsley-the-life-and-times-of-dire-straits/