Dire Straits bassist John Illsley has said that there's no chance of the band getting back together for a while, due to Mark Knopfler's successful solo career.

"He's doing different kinds of music now," Illsley said, adding that he'd "love to" do another Dire Straits tour. "I'm very open to doing whatever's suggested," he added. "I think we've definitely got one more tour left in us, and probably another record too."

Speaking of the demise of Dire Straits and how that might impact on the group getting back together, Illsley said, "Mark and I were the only two left in '93, so it's really up to him and I if it happens at all.

"But he's doing incredibly well as a solo artist, so hats off to him. He's having a perfectly good time doing what he's doing."

Watch Dire Straits doing 'Money For Nothing'