Dire Straits musician Jack Sonni died on Thursday at the age of 68, the band announced on social media.
During the Brothers In Arms era he was alongside fellow guitarist Mark Knopfler. The cause of death was not immediately released.
“Our beloved Jack has left a void in our hearts and souls,” the statement said. We will miss you very much. You are with us forever.”
Sonni moved to New York in the 1970s and began working as a studio session musician. He met brothers David and Mark Knopfler in 1978, a year after forming Dire Straits with bassist John Illsley and drummer Pick Withers.
He eventually rejoined the group to record their 1985 album Brothers in Arms, which became their most commercially successful album and included signature hits such as “Money for Nothing”, “Walk of Life” and the song of the same name.
Sonni took part in the following tour and was on stage at the legendary Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium in 1985.
Illsley also paid tribute to his friend on Facebook, writing: “So sorry to hear the sad news of Jack Sonni’s passing. We enjoyed having him with us on the Brothers in Arms tour, great memories.” RIP Jack.”