Cleveland, 14 April 2018
1. John Illsley makes acceptance speech
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Cleveland, 14 April 2018
2. SOUNDBITE (English) John Illsley/Recording Artist:
"Well, you know, it's been a tricky sort of journey, this one, but I think that we all agreed that we should come here and represent the band, and just basically get on with it really."
SOUNDBITE (English) Guy Fletcher/Recording Artist:
"And to say thanks, especially to the fans who kind of got us here."
John Illsley: "Yeah, I mean, nothing happens without the people coming out and seeing you play buying the music, even now they buy on the on the download thing, the Spotify thing, or whatever it is you got over here. And so, somebody has got to actually sort of commit themselves to something, you know, and go to the journey with you."
(Reporter: "Did you wish that you guys could perform here?)
John Illsley: "I would like to have performed here."
Guy Fletcher: "I would love to have performed."
John Illsley: "Maybe we will one day. Surprise everybody. You never know."
HBO
Cleveland, 14 April 2018
3. John Illsley talks about Mark Knopfler
MARK KNOPFLER SKIPS ROCK HALL CEREMMONY AS DIRE STRAITS INDUCTED
When plans fell through to find the right person to induct Dire Straits into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday (14 APRIL 2018), bassist John Illsley asked if he could do it. Illsley says he wrote his speech in 15 minutes and had to read it because he didn't have time to memorize it. Frontman Mark Knopfler and guitarist David Knopfler did not attend. Illsley says the other members of the band agreed to "come here and represent the band and just basically get on with it, really." Illsley and keyboard player Guy Fletcher say they would have loved to have performed at their induction, but they did not.
Known for a plethora of hits, including "Money for Nothing," "Sultans of Swing," and "Romeo and Juliet," Dire Straits gained entry into the Rock Hall on their first attempt.