John Illsley live at Nell’s

West Kensington, London.

By Decibel Report.

Photography by Judy Totton.

As stalwart bass player in one of the most unique British bands to have scaled the worldwide charts and, from truly dire beginnings, filled arenas as well as bedsits with their instantly recognisable music, John Illsley was in prime position to observe, first hand, one of our finest guitarists/musicians/songwriters and experience a rarified rock lifestyle with his insightful recall as he held court tonight at Nell’s.

Touring a storytelling experience, the first half of this evening’s show was presented in Q & A form with Straits co-manager Paul Cummins posing questions, and jogging the memory, to 70 year old Illsley about a career less ordinary. Aided by videos and rare photographs, the first-hand story of how a band travelled from a modest council flat in Deptford to global, multi-million selling superstardom unfolded in a genial, self-effacing manner.

Following a short interval, Illsley brought out his troupe of players to render a trove of Dire Straits gold standard songs. With former Paul McCartney and Pretenders guitarist Robbie McIntosh fluently executing Knopfler’s inimitable style, the classics rolled out from the stage to the unbridled glee of a full house in this intimate venue run by Vince Power.

A visibly delighted audience, including a starry-eyed Rick Stein, merrily enjoyed the ambience being created as they wistfully cheered these deftly played much-loved tunes as So Far Away, Wild West End, Romeo and Juliet, Private Investigations and Money For Nothing filled this glorified living room setting with their legendary hooks.

With his measured hoarse vocal delivery, almost whispered at times, rare cuts Lady Writer and Expresso Love blended in seamlessly with solo Illsley songs as the dedicated gathering swooned to this sultan of swing.

Sharing his intimate and personable insights, the timeless effect of Illsley's memories and music is the next best experience to those who didn't witness Dire Straits in their pomp.