Dire Straits guitarist Jack Sonni has died

1 September, 2023

Jack Sonni, formerly of Dire Straits

Jack Sonni, an American guitarist for British rock band Dire Straits, has died at the age of 68.

Dire Straits announced the news on Twitter yesterday (August 31), writing, “Jack Sonni Rest In Peace” alongside a photo of the musician. A cause of death has not been revealed.

Sonni was affectionately referred to as the “other guitar player in Dire Straits” after joining the band in 1984 towards the end of their first active era (1977-1988).

He played guitar and guitar synthesiser on the band’s most commercially successful album, 1985’s ‘Brothers In Arms’. After working with Dire Straits, the Pennsylvania born artist contributed to other musicians’ projects but ended his professional music career in 1988.

Sonni met Dire Straits brothers Mark and David Knopfler in 1978 while working in a Manhattan music shop and later travelled to London to visit their home.

After leaving Dire Straits, Sonni continued to play music and returned to the band that he formed in the late ’70s called The Leisure Class.

He also appeared regularly with other former members of Dire Straits in the Dire Straits Legacy project.

The musician’s website described him as “a writer, musician, nomadic raconteur, father and grandfather who has taken to heart the reality of the hard-learned lesson that life is short”.

It added: “He has embraced a philosophy to live well and live now in pursuit of creating memorable moments with friends and family.

“And he is one who knows the supreme importance of hugging them while you can… because tomorrow never knows.”

See tributes to the late musician below.

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