John Illsley is one of the greatest bass guitarists in the world and played in one of the greatest bands in the world, DIRE STRAITS for nearly 20 years. He and Mark Knopfler and Mark's brother David formed the band in a flat in Deptford in 1977. John says: "We were living on next to nothing and weren't even able to pay the gas bill." He added that they "weren't called Dire Straits for nothing".

 Their hits included Romeo and Juliet, Sultans of Swing, Money for Nothing and Private Investigations and their album Brothers in Arms sold over 30 million copies in 1985. Since then he has released EIGHT solo albums, written a book as well add painting to his talents with an impressive array of paintings of guitars.

 Now multi-talented John, aged 72 is bringing his brilliant UK Tour to Teddington's Landmark Arts Centre on Wednesday, May 4th .  It is called AN EVENING WITH JOHN ILLSLEY - THE LIFE & TIMES OF DIRE STRAITS.

Here he talks to Nub News in advance of his gig next month. His latest album, his book and prints of his paintings will be on sale on the night.

So John, this is your 8th solo album and I assume the clue is in the title of the latest album V111. Any significance in the Roman numerals and can you tell us about the background to the photo of the cover which I am assuming is a very young John Illsley? Yes this is my 8th solo album. The picture on the front is of me at 8 yrs old getting dressed up to have Sunday lunch with Granny hence the tie. It was one of the photos in my recent autobiography so it seemed appropriate for the album cover. Tell us what keeps you going and inspiring you to continue to make music as well as a 15- town tour starting later this month (April) Writing is second nature to me and is an interesting process, most of what I write is discarded.. the rest gets combined with musical ideas over time, a massive jigsaw puzzle which eventually makes sense one way or another. It's generally a tough business then something magical happens. I still love performing, the relationship between artist and audience is a special one, keeps communication alive. In the past you have played in some of the greatest venues in the world like Madison Square Garden and Wembley Stadium with Dire Straits, is it difficult to make the adjustment to smaller audiences on a tour like this? Well of course it's very different, the scale, the energy, the vibe, but the smaller shows are more intimate and relaxed and still very enjoyable. On the first listening V111, I got the distinct impression of a Dire Straits-type sound on a couple of tracks especially It's a Long Way Back, is that deliberate? I'm not sure why people are surprised that there is a Dire Straits feel to my music it was my life for 20 years and I still make records in a similar way. I also learnt a lot from Mark's writing and approach. As well as you own material does your band also plays some of the great Straits tracks. I am sure the audience expect to hear some of them? Yes, it's a good mix. My songs seem to work well with Mark's also I think audiences like to hear new music. Tell us a bit about the band you now tour with? Are there any musicians back from the days with Dire Straits? I have been playing with some other my band members for many years, Steve Smith on keyboards, Robbie McIntosh on lead guitar and Scott Mckeon occasionally on Lead as well, Stuart Ross on Drums, and Hannah Robinson a writer in her own right on BV's and acoustic guitar. Of the nine tracks on the new album are there any particular ones which relate to the momentous events of the last couple of years? I am thinking specifically of None of this Was Planned in relation to the pandemic? Yes, that track reflected where the world was at the time, also 21st Century, the album was made during lockdown which was not easy trying to get the musicians together. How did you and your family cope with pandemic? Did you simply hunker down and focus on your music? It was strange for all I think with no idea what was going on or how to fix it. My family was all together in the country we took it in turns to cook, my son learnt how to play the piano, I wrote and recorded the album and wrote a book so I was very busy with no interruptions. You also wrote a book called My Life in Dire Straits, tell us how that came about and did it bring back some great memories and perhaps some not so great? I was approached by a literary agent with the idea of a book after she saw the 'Life and Times of Dire Straits show.' All in all it was a cathartic experience, a celebration of a very special time for me and the other band members, must of the memories were positive but there were difficult moments obviously after all those years , bound to happen it's human nature that stuff happens. During your career the music industry has changed dramatically and the way music is consumed is now so different, how do you feel about that? Changes are inevitable. Where would we be if everything stayed the same, some changes are extraordinary the delivery of music and ideas has never been easier whether it's better or not should be left to the individual to decide.

One of the most surprising developments has been the amazing revival of vinyl, which, of course, flourished in Dire Straits times especially with Brothers in Arms selling over 30million copies. How do you feel about vinyl and how does the sound compare to the technology today. Do you record your music at a studio at home?

Vinyl for some of us never went away, if you have a good system the sound is I think superior but you can't knock the fact that you can carry so much music on you digitally— its amazing is it not? I only have a rehearsal studio at home  I prefer to record at a studio away from home and mix at British Grove.

Do you miss still playing with Mark Knopfler and the rest of the band? Are you all still friends?

Honestly,  of course I miss that but life moves on and I'm very happy doing what I do and so is Mark and yes we are still very good friends.

I have read on various occasions that there have been massive financial offers for a DS reunion like Glastonbury – how do you feel about that? Is it something you'd consider and support?

Of course there is big money on the table for a DS reunion, but it's not going to happen.

As well as the tour and the book, you are still busy as an accomplished artist as well as owning a pub! Tell us how you divide time and what gives you the most pleasure?

I have a very busy and varied life I am extremely fortunate to have a wonderful family and am never bored. I love getting up in the morning and  doing whatever appeals a the time, apart from some obvious like walking the dogs every day or checking the ale out at my pub !!

What do you feel has been finest achievement in the various areas of your work?

Surviving the trials and tribulations of everyday life and being an eternal optimist.

I appreciate it's a very historic question but often the likes of Wikipedia and various stories are inaccurate, so how did you and MK actually first meet and how did the band come to be called Dire Straits? 

That's all in the book, chapter 1!

You have played at the Landmark in Teddington before, do you have any historic links to the area, which, as you know, is famous for its music links with the Stones, the Beatles, Clapton and Rod Stewart?

No I don't have any historical links to the area, I did love playing there a few years ago and really enjoyed, it its run I think by mostly volunteers who really looked after us, looking forward to playing there again.

To purchase tickets for the Landmark Arts Centre on May 4th click here.

To visit John's personal website click here.