MY LIFE IN DIRE STRAITS

12 July 2022

Dire Straits filled giant stadiums around the world and sold hundreds of millions of records.

Their classic songs – 'Sultans of Swing', 'Romeo & Juliet', 'Money for Nothing', 'Brothers in Arms' – formed the soundtrack of a generation and live on today: still racking up sales, still being played on the radio on every continent.


John's story is also a tribute to his great friend Mark Knopfler, the band's lead singer, songwriter adn gifted guitarist. They were the only band members to stay the fifteen-year distance.


“I had forgotten the joys of a quiet, domestic life, the simple satisfactions of working on the house or going out the shops, the cinema or the pub with Pauline. There was no social media, of course, and as the band spurned publicity rather than stoking it, never hiring a PR company, all of us apart from Mark could go about our daily lives without fear of being pestered for an autograph or putting up with a long inquisition from a stranger at the bar about the chord structure of ‘Romeo & Juliet.”


Told with searching honesty, soulful reflection and wry humour, this is the first and only account of that incredible story.


‘My Life in Dire Straits’ by John Illsley


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1 November 2022
Excerpts from the book...
31 October 2022
It's been a Gorgeous Summer! We've had a bumper summer this year and really made the most of the pub since our refurbishment works. Bought in 1990 by me to preserve it for the local community, we have managed to retain its loyal local following while also drawing in visitors from outside the area, attracted by the authentically good food and relaxed atmosphere. We have a great menu, so if you havent been recently, please do pop in. Occasionally I am playing with the band, so if you get a chance to pop by, you may stumble across a jaming session! Just in case you didnt know, you can also book a room and stay the night in one of our cosy bedrooms, and we have serve locally brewed ales. The restaurant is open for food every day apart from Monday & Tuesdays. Recommended by Secret Earth: Proof that John Isley makes as good a restaurateur as he did as the bassist in Dire Straits, the East End Arms has flourished as a revamped New Forest hostelry, serving up good, hearty pub grub. The menu is all about simple things done well; a classic burger, sausages from the local butcher served up with fluffy mash, home-cured salmon gravadlax. In a world of one-size-fits-all gastropubs, the East End Arms is refreshingly old school. If you would like to request a table for the restaurant, please either phone us on 01590 626 223 or send us an email info@eastendarms.co.uk . Please note that your booking is not guaranteed until you are contacted by a member of staff either by phone or email. We are based in the beautiful New Forest, and not far from Lymington. Maybe see you there! East End Arms Menu Something To Share Charcuterie Platter with a Selection of Local Cured Meats, Olives, Hummus & Bread Stick Dorset Bresaola, Wild Venison Chorizo, Pink Purbeck Cider Salami, White Pepper & Pork Salami, Dorset Chorizo Picante & Hartgrave Coppa 9.25 pp New Forest Blyton Brie, Roasted Grapes, Candied Pecans & French Baguette 14.50 Starter Langoustines Alla Busara & Sourdough Bread 11.50 Beef Carpaccio, Walnuts Micro Herbs & Roquefort Cheese 10.95 Charred Mackerel & Tomato Ceviche 8.50 New Forest Roasted Tomato Soup, Basil Oil & Charred Sourdough 7.25 Mains Fillet of Brill, Lobster Broth, Mussels & King Scallops 27.95 Seared Rare Tuna, Pea & Carrot Puree & Sake Ponzu Dressing 24.95 Fish & Chips, Hand Cut Chips, Minted Mushy Peas & Tartar Sauce 16.45 Lamb Loin, Parmesan Risotto & Roasted Shallots 20.95 New Forest Chicken Burger, Goats Cheese, Prosciutto Ham & Roasted Peppers. Choose Between Homemade Chips or Courgette Fries 17.50 Puy Lentils, Avocado, Pomegranate & Walnut Salad VE 14.25 Charred Squid Toast Chermoula, Salad & Lemon Vinaigrette 17.95 Sides Seasonal Vegetables | Tomato & Mozzarella Salad 5.50 Onion Rings | Skinny Fries | Homemade Chips | House Salad 3.75 New Forest Goats Cheese, Olives, Roast Pepper, Chilli & Garlic Salad 6.50
22 August 2022
April - May 2022 UK Tour - 15 Venues across the UK
10 March 2022
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