SPOILERS: John Illsley will publish a book about Dire Straits

[jbaent]

I remember John saying they didn't have a single argument ever, that maybe once they didn't agree on something and probably he had said, ok, and that was the end of that disagrement.

Guy also stated they never had arguments in so many years. That doesn't mean they can't disagree on smth, I think it's a misconception about having no arguments. It's just they do it with respect, like a good couple, you know. It's stupid to argue, it doesn't take you anywhere, but it's ok to disagree. So the best way is to listen to your "opponent", come up with good solutions that suit all parties. Basically, making it feel it's not an argument when it really is

In John's case, they were band mates, in Guy's case he's an employee.

That doesn't means Mk and him are not friends, that they are, but probably Guy's approach was always that, he's my boss, he pays me, so he's right, no need to argue, I'm being paid to do what he says.

I think what you've described is generally the way to work when you're working with somebody who's multiple times more successful, famous and powerful than you. Bandmates, friends or not! When Mark says "I'm the guy who wrote the song" and "they let me get away with anything" he means exactly that. And the singer is always right, let alone the writer, let alone the studio owner, let alone the guy who's made it all possible. I think to argue with MK you either need balls the size of the Moon or no brain at all.

When you are a bandmate, you are part of the band, so you feel yourself like a member, with a say, and then there is a chance of arguments. When you are en emplyee, that's what you are, so just do for what you are being paid for!

[ds1984]

That is most about both personality and creativity.

[MagicElliott]

Anecdotes from the OES tour would likely mostly involve MK being an ogre, so not a surprise that John glosses over them.

Well, we all know that Mark Knopfler is not an easy going person, but you can't call him an ogre . That's not fair!

Phil Palmer, called MK an ogre, back in 1992.

I always remember speaking at length with another musician who plays occasionally with MK and remember him saying MK is a Gentleman but you wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of him!

Which makes it remarkable why him and Guy have allegedly never had an argument.
I wonder how what their relationship is like and what the secret is?!? I wonder if it’s a bit like Penn and Teller who openly state that they’re not particularly close friends. They don’t hang out together outside of work etc and they reckon that’s how they’ve lasted so long and work so well together.

I'm a huge P&T fan, so I love any reference to them! Yes, their duo was built on respect, and not affection, and that enabled them to continue working together for 46 years and still counting. Penn says they are like best friends and relatives now after all these years, but it was built on respect rather than affection. John obviously had had huge respect toward MK from day one. Now, keep in mind respect doesn't mean you agree and say yes to everything, I think it's quite the opposite. You're in a constant positive loop of respectful arguing and coming up with great solutions. If you argue without being respectful, that can lead you into trouble.

I also think about the MythBusters, these guys not only weren't friends but nearly hated each other. But the work they produced together...

I love Penn and Teller too! My username might just give you a clue as to my other hobby…..

[vancip]

From Italian Rolling Stone magazine

https://www.rollingstone.it/musica/interviste-musica/john-illsley-se-avessi-avuto-successo-a-20-anni-con-i-dire-straits-oggi-non-sarei-qui/602405/#Part6

Interesting last period JI says that friendship with MK has grown since they didn't play together anymore. They meet, drink a bottle of wine talking about various stuff

[jbaent]

From Italian Rolling Stone magazine

https://www.rollingstone.it/musica/interviste-musica/john-illsley-se-avessi-avuto-successo-a-20-anni-con-i-dire-straits-oggi-non-sarei-qui/602405/#Part6

Interesting last period JI says that friendship with MK has grown since they didn't play together anymore. They meet, drink a bottle of wine talking about various stuff

MK and John are neighbors in the South coast of England, that's where John lives daily and where MK spent lot of time, so chances to see each other are a lot. Actually they both have dogs so when they walk them by the beach they see each other as well as their houses are very close.

[Knopflerfan]

From Italian Rolling Stone magazine

https://www.rollingstone.it/musica/interviste-musica/john-illsley-se-avessi-avuto-successo-a-20-anni-con-i-dire-straits-oggi-non-sarei-qui/602405/#Part6

Interesting last period JI says that friendship with MK has grown since they didn't play together anymore. They meet, drink a bottle of wine talking about various stuff

MK and John are neighbors in the South coast of England, that's where John lives daily and where MK spent lot of time, so chances to see each other are a lot. Actually they both have dogs so when they walk them by the beach they see each other as well as their houses are very close.

And what a lovely place it is to be for them both!!!

[Knopflerfan]

Anecdotes from the OES tour would likely mostly involve MK being an ogre, so not a surprise that John glosses over them.

Well, we all know that Mark Knopfler is not an easy going person, but you can't call him an ogre . That's not fair!

Phil Palmer, called MK an ogre, back in 1992.

I always remember speaking at length with another musician who plays occasionally with MK and remember him saying MK is a Gentleman but you wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of him!

Which makes it remarkable why him and Guy have allegedly never had an argument.
I wonder how what their relationship is like and what the secret is?!? I wonder if it’s a bit like Penn and Teller who openly state that they’re not particularly close friends. They don’t hang out together outside of work etc and they reckon that’s how they’ve lasted so long and work so well together.

I'm a huge P&T fan, so I love any reference to them! Yes, their duo was built on respect, and not affection, and that enabled them to continue working together for 46 years and still counting. Penn says they are like best friends and relatives now after all these years, but it was built on respect rather than affection. John obviously had had huge respect toward MK from day one. Now, keep in mind respect doesn't mean you agree and say yes to everything, I think it's quite the opposite. You're in a constant positive loop of respectful arguing and coming up with great solutions. If you argue without being respectful, that can lead you into trouble.

I also think about the MythBusters, these guys not only weren't friends but nearly hated each other. But the work they produced together...

I love Penn and Teller too! My username might just give you a clue as to my other hobby…..

That's Magic! to quote the late fabulous Mr Daniels!!!

[MagicElliott]

Anecdotes from the OES tour would likely mostly involve MK being an ogre, so not a surprise that John glosses over them.

Well, we all know that Mark Knopfler is not an easy going person, but you can't call him an ogre . That's not fair!

Phil Palmer, called MK an ogre, back in 1992.

I always remember speaking at length with another musician who plays occasionally with MK and remember him saying MK is a Gentleman but you wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of him!

Which makes it remarkable why him and Guy have allegedly never had an argument.
I wonder how what their relationship is like and what the secret is?!? I wonder if it’s a bit like Penn and Teller who openly state that they’re not particularly close friends. They don’t hang out together outside of work etc and they reckon that’s how they’ve lasted so long and work so well together.

I'm a huge P&T fan, so I love any reference to them! Yes, their duo was built on respect, and not affection, and that enabled them to continue working together for 46 years and still counting. Penn says they are like best friends and relatives now after all these years, but it was built on respect rather than affection. John obviously had had huge respect toward MK from day one. Now, keep in mind respect doesn't mean you agree and say yes to everything, I think it's quite the opposite. You're in a constant positive loop of respectful arguing and coming up with great solutions. If you argue without being respectful, that can lead you into trouble.

I also think about the MythBusters, these guys not only weren't friends but nearly hated each other. But the work they produced together...

I love Penn and Teller too! My username might just give you a clue as to my other hobby…..

That's Magic! to quote the late fabulous Mr Daniels!!!

I don’t want to hijack this thread so this is the last post on the subject but I got to meet him before he sadly passed. I never thought my two heroes would combine in a conversation but I’m glad I got to meet one of my heroes……the other one is a certain guitar player to whom this forum is devoted to….and we are back on topic.

(If you fancy having a go at an interactive trick, I’ve started a topic in the “unrelated to MK” part.)

[qjamesfloyd]

From Italian Rolling Stone magazine

https://www.rollingstone.it/musica/interviste-musica/john-illsley-se-avessi-avuto-successo-a-20-anni-con-i-dire-straits-oggi-non-sarei-qui/602405/#Part6

Interesting last period JI says that friendship with MK has grown since they didn't play together anymore. They meet, drink a bottle of wine talking about various stuff

MK and John are neighbors in the South coast of England, that's where John lives daily and where MK spent lot of time, so chances to see each other are a lot. Actually they both have dogs so when they walk them by the beach they see each other as well as their houses are very close.

And what a lovely place it is to be for them both!!!

I live very close to them, but sadly I am yet to bump into either of them, not sure what I would do if that happened though.

[jbaent]

From Italian Rolling Stone magazine

https://www.rollingstone.it/musica/interviste-musica/john-illsley-se-avessi-avuto-successo-a-20-anni-con-i-dire-straits-oggi-non-sarei-qui/602405/#Part6

Interesting last period JI says that friendship with MK has grown since they didn't play together anymore. They meet, drink a bottle of wine talking about various stuff

MK and John are neighbors in the South coast of England, that's where John lives daily and where MK spent lot of time, so chances to see each other are a lot. Actually they both have dogs so when they walk them by the beach they see each other as well as their houses are very close.

And what a lovely place it is to be for them both!!!

I live very close to them, but sadly I am yet to bump into either of them, not sure what I would do if that happened though.

If you go regularly to th east end arms, you might get lucky

[qjamesfloyd]

I am yet to visit that pub, maybe next summer I will

[Knopflerfan]

From Italian Rolling Stone magazine

https://www.rollingstone.it/musica/interviste-musica/john-illsley-se-avessi-avuto-successo-a-20-anni-con-i-dire-straits-oggi-non-sarei-qui/602405/#Part6

Interesting last period JI says that friendship with MK has grown since they didn't play together anymore. They meet, drink a bottle of wine talking about various stuff

MK and John are neighbors in the South coast of England, that's where John lives daily and where MK spent lot of time, so chances to see each other are a lot. Actually they both have dogs so when they walk them by the beach they see each other as well as their houses are very close.

And what a lovely place it is to be for them both!!!

I live very close to them, but sadly I am yet to bump into either of them, not sure what I would do if that happened though.

A friend of mine lived literally next door to them with his parents and it's only now he realises who his neighbours were!!!!
If your like me when I met MK, I froze with excitement!!!

[Knopflerfan]

I am yet to visit that pub, maybe next summer I will

Can't believe you haven't been to the East End Arms - I mean it's on your doorstep!!

[qjamesfloyd]

I know, I have just had a look on Google Maps, it's only 17.6 miles from my house, I really should be going!!!

[Knopflerfan]

I know, I have just had a look on Google Maps, it's only 17.6 miles from my house, I really should be going!!!

Oh, I thought you said you lived close!!!