A concert of Music & Memories – An evening with John Illsley about the Life and Times of Dire Straits

Event Information

An evening with John Illsley about the Life and Times of Dire Straits

Step inside the extraordinary story of one of rock’s most legendary bands with John Illsley, founding member and long-time bass player of Dire Straits.

In this intimate and entertaining evening, John will reflect on his life in music – from the early days of the band, to global superstardom, to the wild ride that followed. With insights and anecdotes only an insider could share, this Q&A-style event promises a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the highs, lows, and everything in between.

John will be interviewed live on stage by his old friend and former Dire Straits co-manager Paul Cummins, and will perform many Dire Straits classics alongside his band – featuring renowned musicians Robbie McIntosh, Steve Smith, and Hannah Robinson.

A recipient of an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music, John’s legacy includes multiple Brit and Grammy Awards. His 2021 autobiography, My Life in Dire Straits (Penguin), became an international bestseller, further cementing his place in music history.

In 2018, Dire Straits were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a testament to the band’s enduring impact and timeless music.

Kicking off on 24th October 2025, The Life and Times of Dire Straits UK tour promises a night of unforgettable music, candid conversation, and exclusive stories from the road. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering Dire Straits for the first time, this is a night not to be missed.

Refreshments

There will be a Cash Only licensed bar or bars for this event (no spirits or shots) under the auspices of a TEN licence from Bromley Council. Refreshments may be purchased before and during the performance and during the interval. The usual alcohol licensing law applies including as to age and serving etc. We reserve the right to refuse to sell, serve or otherwise supply alcohol to any person for whatever reason and more specifically we reserve the right to request satisfactory proof of age before selling, serving or supplying alcohol to any person. Audience members are not permitted to:-

• Bring alcohol into the buildings.
• Consume alcohol on the premises unless it has been purchased from our bar(s).
• Consume alcohol outside the buildings.
• Buy alcohol from the bars for consumption off the premises or to remove it from the premises.

Event Artists