Famous for being the group’s “other guitarist” alongside frontman Mark Knopfler during their Brothers In Arms era, Dire Straits guitarist Jack Sonni has passed away at the age of 68.
On Thursday (8.31,) the death of the musician was confirmed by several of his former bandmates.
While the cause of death was not immediately made public, members of Dire Straits Legacy, the band in which Sonni played alongside other ex-Dire Straits musicians, took to Facebook to announce the sad news, writing “Our beloved Jack has left a void in our heart and soul.” “We will miss you so much. You are forever with us.”
Sonni moved to New York in the 1970s and started working as a session musician, when he met brothers David and Mark Knopfler in 1978. A year later they founded Dire Straits with bassist John Illsley and drummer Pick Withers.
Jack joined the group during the recording their 1985 album Brothers in Arms, which included such hits as ‘Money for Nothing,’ ‘Walk of Life,’ and its title track, that became their most commercially successful album. Sonni joined the band on the subsequent tour and also played the Live Aid concert at Wembley in 1985.
Illsley paid tribute to his ex-colleague on Facebook, writing: “So sorry to hear the sad news that Jack Sonni has died, we loved having him with us on the Brothers in Arms tour, fond memories. R.I.P Jack.”
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Author: Al Denté
Photo: Aldjs