Jack Sonni.Photo:Jack Sonni/Facebook
Jack Sonni/Facebook
Musician Jack Sonni, who was best known for his tenure as the Dire Straits’ guitarist, has died. He was 68.
“Our beloved Jack has left a void in our heart and soul… we will miss you so much, you are forever with us,” the groupwrote on Facebook, adding a broken heart emoji.
Other members paid tribute, too, including keyboardist Alan Clark, whowrote, “It’s with a heavy heart that I have to say my friend and Dire Straits' colleague has left us. Rest in peace, amigo.”
Dire Straits’ official X (formerly known as Twitter) account alsoshared the news, posting a black-and-white photo of Sonni and writing, “Rest in Peace.”
Though a cause of death remains unclear, Dire Straits Legacywrote on FacebookMonday that Sonni would be unable to play a number of upcoming gigs due to undisclosed “health problems.”
Sonni joined Mark Knopfler and company in Dire Straits for the band’s 1985 No. 1 albumBrothers in Arms, which included hits like “Money for Nothing” and “Walk of Life.” He also toured with the group and played at Live Aid, and became known for wearing a signature red suit during performances.
“Jack performs with enthusiasm and a spontaneity that is a joy to behold, and has played with countless top musicians in every corner of the United States, and always with passion and a rock attitude par excellence,” his bio on Dire Straits Legacy reads.
A native of the Northeast, Sonni moved to New York City in 1976 and formed a band called The Leisure Class, according toThe Press Democrat.
Mark Knopfler and Jack Sonni playing in London in 1985.Ilpo Musto/Shutterstock
Ilpo Musto/Shutterstock
Though he had dreams of being a rock star, he took a day job at a local music shop, and eventually befriended frequent customers Mark and David Knopfler,Musicianmagazine reported in a 1985 article.
“Jack was in a real bad way for a real long time,” Mark toldMusician. “Frustration, just working at his guitar. I said to him, ‘Just one condition. Whatever I do, man, try your damnedest not to let it affect our friendship.'”
“He was born to it. Born to boogie, born to rock; pick your cliché, they all fit Sonni,” Mark added.
Though the band broke up just 18 months later, Sonni — who was a dad to twin daughters born in 1988 — was satisfied with his time as a rock star. He reportedly went on to pursue a career in marketing.
“I got to do what I set out to do… play with all my guitar heroes:Eric Clapton,Pete Townshend,Bob Dylanand Keith Richards,” he toldThe Press Democratin 2013.
source: people.com
