Dire Straits filled giant stadiums around the world and sold hundreds of millions of records. Their classic songsââSultans of Swingâ, âRomeo Julietâ, âMoney for Nothingâ, âBrothers in Armsââformed the soundtrack of a generation and live on
today: still racking up sales, still being played on the radio on every continent. Starting with his own unlikely beginnings in Middle England, John Illsley recounts the bandâs rise from humble origins in Londonâs spit-and-sawdust pubs to the
best-known venues in the world, the working menâs clubs to Madison Square Garden, sharing gigs with wild punk bands to the Live Aid stage at Wembley until, ultimately, the shattering demands of touring on a global scale and living life in
the spotlight took their inevitable toll.
Johnâs story is also a tribute to his great friend Mark Knopfler, the bandâs lead singer, songwriter and gifted guitarist. They were the only band members to stay the fifteen-year distance. Told with searching honesty, soulful reflection and wry
humour, this is the first and only account of that incredible story.