Dire Straits guitarist Jack Sonni dies aged 68 as band pays tribute

The band's official Twitter account broke the news with a snap of the guitarist and the caption: "#JackSonni Rest In Peace #DireStraits."

The band has since been reposting tributes paid for the star on their Twitter page following the announcement.

One fan said: "So sorry to hear that Jack Sonni has passed away, with me being a massive fan of Dire Straits I was fortunate enough to see him live twice during the Brothers in Arms Tour.

"He made his red coat iconic in live aid. I spoke to him on more than one occasion, lovely guy. R.I.P Jack.

While a second shared their condolences: "He left his mark, style and personality during his time with dIRE sTRAITS. Rest in peace, your guitar will never stop playing! #jacksonni #direstraits #rip." (sic)

And another echoed: "I worked with Jack - didn’t know him too well but he was one of those guys, you knew was awesome because everyone said he was. So sad."

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• 'Disgusting' ITV blasted for 'celebrating' Wilko closure as presenter hails discount prices
  
• Carol Vorderman weighs into national service row with blistering attack on Penny Mordaunt
  
• Isabel Webster erupts at guest in fiery ageism row over claims elderly are 'intimidating' and 'scary'
  

#JackSonni 🎸 Rest In Peace 🙏#DireStraits pic.twitter.com/W3vx65bY5h

— Dire Straits 🎸 (@DireStraits77) August 31, 2023

The band hasn't released a cause of death for the guitarist.

Sonni performed with the band during one of their final and arguably most iconic appearances on stage.

He performed alongside his bandmates at the 1985 Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium alongside a number of other big-name acts to raise money for the famine in Ethiopia.

Dire Straits disbanded in 1985, though leading star Mark Knopfler continued his music career as a solo artist.