Famed guitarist Jack Sonni, who served as a member of Dire Straits, has died at the age of 68, the band Dire Straits Legacy confirmed.
Dire Straits Legacy, a group of musicians who worked with Dire Straits in its album recordings and tours, released a statement on Facebook confirming Sonni's death. The members also collaborated with the late guitarist when he was still active in touring.
"Our beloved Jack has left a void in our heart and soul..." the group wrote. "we will miss you so much. We are forever with u."
Jack Sonni Dead at 68
Dire Straits' official X also shared the news, uploading a black-and-white photo of Jack Sonni alongside the caption, "Rest in Peace."
Other members of the band, including Alan Clark, also paid tribute to him following the massive loss.
As of press time, his cause of death has yet to be confirmed, through Dire Straits Legacy shared on Monday, days before his passing, that he would sit out of several shows due to undisclosed health problems.
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Dire Straits' followers offered heartfelt messages as they looked back at Sonni's legacy after his death.
One said, "Not sure what to say. Except thank you Jack for your talent, but way more, for your decency and humanity. Sail on."
"Absolutely devastating," another wrote. "I'll never forget seeing Jack on the Brothers in Arms tour in Australia. He brought so much energy to the stage and his talent as a musician was incredible. A very sad day. Thank you Jack for so many memories."
His family has not released an official statement yet.
Jack Sonni's Legacy
Jack Sonni was often called "the other guitarist" since joining Dire Straits in 1984 after its initial breakup and Hal Lindes' exit. His participation gave him a chance to play with the group at the 1985 Live Aid.
In his interview with Ring Side Report, the guitarist agreed with the description that he had always been the band's other guitarist.
"Over the years, people introduced me as the guitar player in Dire Straits, and most folks would say, 'But isn't that Mark Knopfler?'" he noted.
Before his stint with Dire Straits, he created the band The Leisure Class when he moved to New York City in 1976, per The Press Democrat.
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