Step into the story of Dire Straits with founding member John Illsley, live on stage this autumn.
Kicking off on 24 October 2025, John embarks on a captivating UK tour running through November, with special stops including The Old Market, Hove on 29 October and White Rock Theatre, Hastings on 29 November.
In The Life and Times of Dire Straits, John Illsley invites audiences on an intimate journey through the legendary band’s history, sharing rare insights, untold backstage stories, and live performances of timeless hits like “Money for Nothing” and “Brothers in Arms”—the latter marking its 40th anniversary this year.
Joined on stage by his close friend and former Dire Straits co-manager Paul Cummins, the evening unfolds in a relaxed Q&A format that brings fans closer to the music, the moments, and the memories that shaped one of rock’s most iconic bands. The event also features live renditions of Dire Straits classics and selections from John’s solo work, performed with his exceptional band: Robbie McIntosh, Steve Smith, and Hannah Robinson.
With a career spanning decades, John Illsley’s contributions to music are widely celebrated—Brit and Grammy Awards, an Ivor Novello for Outstanding Contribution to British Music, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. His critically acclaimed memoir, My Life in Dire Straits (Penguin, 2021), became an international bestseller, deepening his legacy as both musician and storyteller.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the music of Dire Straits, John Illsley: The Life and Times of Dire Straits offers a unique night of live music, storytelling, and unforgettable nostalgia.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the music and memories behind one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
