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American rock legend Jack Sonni, known as “the other guitarist” from British band Dire Straits, has died aged 68.
His cause of death is currently unclear, although bandmates cited “health problems” that rendered him unable to play a gig on Tuesday.
Dire Straits announced the death on social media on Thursday with a black and white picture of Sonni, captioned: “Rest In Peace.”
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Dire Straits Legacy — a group made up of musicians, including Sonni, which toured and performed with Dire Straits decades ago and now perform covers of its iconic tracks — on Tuesday wrote: “Unfortunately, Jack Sonni will not be able to participate in our next gigs because of health problems.”
Days later, they released their own tribute to the rock star, saying: “Our beloved Jack has left a void in our heart and soul.”
“We will miss you so much, you are forever with us.”
Sonni joined the Dire Straits for their Brothers in Arms album and tour, and amassed a fan base which has flocked to social media following his death to share tributes to the late rock star.
“Part of the greatest era of Dire Straits was Jack, and he was a great guitarist himself,” one person tweeted.
Another said: “Jack embraced a philosophy to live well and live now, in pursuit of creating memorable moments with friends and family.”
“And he was one who knows the supreme importance of hugging them while you can … because tomorrow never knows.”
One person spoke of working with Sonni in the ‘80s through well-known New York guitar shop Rudy’s Music Stop, and shared a memory about Sonni’s start with Dire Straits.
“Jack would call for parts he needed when doing repairs at Rudy’s. He told me how Mark Knopfler would jam with him at the store when he was in town. Then Mark asks him to join the band. Storybook. Jack was a true gentleman. Godspeed my friend,” they tweeted.
Knopfler, the Dire Straits lead guitarist, shared his own tribute to his old friend and bandmate on Thursday: “A sad farewell to our old friend Jack Sonni, whom I met when he was working at Rudy’s Music Stop on 48th St.”
“Jack was a genuine guitar enthusiast who loved to play, jam, and talk guitars and amps all day. He joined us on tour during the Brothers in Arms era and took to life on the road with the band like a fish to water.”
“Jack made friends wherever he went and will be missed by his many pals worldwide. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
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