‘Folks always ask us how we get artists like this to a village hall,’ commented promoter Mike Hoare when introducing the John Illsley Band. ‘Well on this occasion I can tell you it was down to Andy Fairweather Low’s tour manager who told John he should do it.’ A fine recommendation, with Illsley himself later affirming, ‘You must be one of the best audiences we’ve played to!’
Illsley being a co-founder of Dire Straits alongside Mark Knopfler and with the group not reforming any time soon, the John Illsley Band is the next best thing. Launching into Strait’s classics Walk Of Life and Espresso Love, the band immediately had fans onside.
This was very much an authentic reproduction of Dire Straits music rather than tribute. Looking regal and resplendent, centre stage in his crisp white shirt, Illsley exuded charisma as he led the ensemble through a raft of Straits numbers: Private Investigations, Romeo And Juliet, Lady Writer, and, Tunnel Of Love. With Paul Stacey and Robbie McIntosh sharing duties on guitar recreating the unique Straits sound, Jess Greenfield both added presence and an extra dimension with her backing vocals. The line up was completed by Steve Smith (keyboards) and Stuart Ross (drums) and what a tight unit it was.
To the adulation of the crowd, the hits just kept coming. Sultans Of Swing closing the first half saw a standing ovation. Something previous unseen in a Lowdham Village Hall gig. However, when Money For Nothing closed the show, the roof really was raised! There was no way that Illsley and co would get away without returning to the stage for an encore.
The show wasn’t all about Dire Straits. Illsley has his own catalogue. Streets Of Heaven, a love song written for his wife, contrasted with politically inspired Ship Of Fools commenting on Blair’s and Bush’s legacy to world peace (or not). Railway Tracks illustrated how life isn’t always straight forwards and when the band played Long Shadow, Illsley emphasised that, whilst he relished having been in Dire Straits and still loved to play their songs, he was always looking to move forwards and create new material.
The Illsley Band encore was worth the entry fee in itself lasting over 20 minutes. The atmospheric Brothers In Arms, ‘a very important song for the band,’ was followed by The Bug, and, Where Do You Think You’re Going. The group doesn’t usually do village halls but from this reception here I think they may well be back!
