Dire Straits guitarist Jack Sonni dies age 68
He was affectionately known as ‘the other guitarist’
Dire Straits guitarist Jack Sonni has died at the age of 68, it has been reported.
The news comes after Dire Straits Legacy – a group of musicians who formerly toured with the band – announced on Facebook the guitarist had been suffering from ill health on Tuesday.
Their announcement read: “Dear fans, unfortunately, Jack Sonni will not be able to participate in our next gigs because of health problems. Jack get better soon, we are waiting for you! With love, the DSL family.”
No cause of death has yet been confirmed.
Bassist and founding Dire Straits member John Illsley posted a tribute 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”
A one-time session player and jobbing musician in New York, Sonni became friends with David and Mark Knopfler after they visited the guitar shop he worked at. Mark Knopfler asked Sonni to join Dire Straits in 1984, replacing previous guitarist Hal Lindes during the recording sessions for ‘Brothers In Arms’.
Although his contribution to the album (one of the best selling in history) was minimal, Sonni turned out to be a great fit for the touring side of the band with Knopfler laughing “He was BORN to it,” to a jounalist after he’d been in the band a month. “Born to boogie, born to rock; pick your cliche, they all fit Sonni.”
Sonni was often known as ‘the other guitarist’ but he always had a sense of humour about his perceived role in the band.
Speaking to Ring Side Report, he said: “Over the years, people introduced me as the guitar player in Dire Straits, and most folks would say, ‘But isn’t that Mark Knopfler?’
“And I would say, ‘Yes, I’m the other guitar player.'”
He went on to tour with Dire Straits for several years, notably playing at Live Aid, but retired from being a professional musician in 1988 when his twin daughters were born.
In later life he worked in marketing for musical brands such as Seymour Duncan and Line 6, where he was responsible for both the shape and name of the Line 6 POD.
Rest in peace Jack Sonni.
Gallery: Rock stars who have sadly died in 2023
Robbie Bachman
Bachman-Turner Overdrive drummer and co-founder, Robbie Bachman, died at the age of 69 on 12th January 2023. Referencing Jeff Beck’s recent passing, Robbie’s older brother and band mate, Randy, wrote: “Another sad departure. The pounding beat behind BTO has left us. I just got a call from Fred Turner and my youngest brother Robbie has joined Mum, Dad & brother Gary on the other side. Fred said maybe Jeff Beck needs a drummer to play with. He was an integral cog in our rock ‘n’ roll machine and we rocked the world together.” Robbie Bachman was credited with designing the BTO ‘gear’ logo, and he appeared on the band’s first eight studio albums and their biggest hits including ‘Takin’ Care of Business’, ‘Hey You’ and the international smash ‘You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet.’
Bruce Gowers
British director and producer Bruce Gowers, best known for directing Queen’s iconic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ video, died on Sunday 15th January in Santa Monica, California from an acute respiratory infection. He was 82. Following the success of Bohemian Rhapsody in 1975, Gowers directed dozens of music videos throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s including Rod Stewart’s ‘Hot Legs’, 10cc’s ‘I’m Not In Love’, The Bee Gees’ ‘Stayin Alive’, Prince’s ‘1999’, Rush’s ‘Tom Sawyer’, Supertramp’s ‘The Logical Song’, Kansas’ ‘Dust in the Wind’, Genesis’ ‘A Trick of the Tail’, and The Rolling Stones’ ‘Fool To Cry.’ Gowers went on to direct and produce hundreds of television events and shows including The Primetime Emmy Awards, The Billboard Awards, The MTV Awards, and American Idol.
Van Conner
Van Conner, who co-founded Screaming Trees in 1984 with his brother Gary Lee and singer Mark Lanegan, died on 17th January 2023. He was 55 years old. “Van Conner, bassist and song writer of Screaming Trees, died last night of an extended illness at 55,” his brother wrote. “It was pneumonia that got him in the end. He was one of the closest friends I ever had and I loved him immensely. I will miss him forever and ever and ever.” Conner remained a constant member of the Seattle grunge pioneers until their split in 2000 and appeared on all eight of their studio albums. Conner’s death came 11 months after the passing of his Screaming Trees band mate Mark Lanegan.
