John Illsley - Dire Straits bassist is back with album number eight

April - May 2022

Tour, UK

Have you heard 'VIII' yet?

John Illsley the Dire Straits bassist returns with his eighth studio album ‘VIII’, released through 100% Records. The album is available for pre-order now, ahead of the official release date of the 6th of May, 2022. He is releasing it on this date so that fans can hear the new songs ahead of UK tour. Which will start in April and go on until May, you can see the tour dates at the bottom of this page. The album will be released on CD and as a purple vinyl edition, with strictly limited numbers of signed copies available via his official store: https://store.100-percent.co.uk/collections/John-Illsley.

Fittingly, ‘VIII’ features eight brand new songs, plus a newly recorded studio version of the classic Beatles track ‘I’m only Sleeping’ which John performed at the virtual ‘Dear John’ concert in 2020 celebrating John Lennon’s 80th birthday. The album release follows the publication of the successful autobiography ‘My life in Dire Straits’. This new album from John instantly evokes the classic feel and sound of the band, augmented of course with his own personal style and touch, and will be a delight to fans old and new.

“I think all of us were affected by the odd world we found ourselves in during lockdown; songs such as ‘None of this was Planned’ were written and recorded at this time. The new album is a reflection of these times, but also looking back to elements of my musical past and family. ‘Long way Back’ is a nod to my time with Dire Straits, and ‘Market Town’ my early family life in Leicestershire. I also like to throw some political or social thoughts into the mix. Oh yes, there’s a love song on there too, so all part of the balance of one’s life!!” - John Illsley (Dire Straits)

Known the world over for his work as the bassist in the massively successful Dire Straits, ‘VIII’ sees John Illsley once again delivering a beautifully observed and affecting set of songs that add yet further to that incredible musical legacy.

'VIII' tracklisting Below:

01 It's a long way Back
02 I love you Still
03 21st Century
04 Market Town
05 The Mission Song
06 Wondering
07 Which way is Up
08 None of this was Planned
09 I'm only Sleeping