John Sykes, the celebrated British rock guitarist known for his work with iconic bands Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, has passed away at the age of 65 following a battle with cancer.
His family announced the news through a statement on his official website, describing Sykes as a “thoughtful, kind, and charismatic man whose presence lit up the room.”
Sykes was widely admired for his guitar skills and his ability to co-write some of the most memorable rock anthems of the 1980s.
He made a significant mark in the rock music world as a key member of Whitesnake, contributing to the band’s success with hits such as Still of the Night and Is This Love, both of which he co-wrote.
His contributions to Whitesnake’s self-titled 1987 album helped solidify the band’s place in rock history, as the album became both a critical and commercial success.
Sykes began his music career in 1980 with the heavy metal band Tygers of Pan Tang, where he recorded two albums before taking on a more prominent role in Thin Lizzy.
Joining the band in 1982, Sykes played on Thunder and Lightning, the last album released by the group before the death of frontman Phil Lynott in 1986. He later went on tour with Lynott as part of a separate project, The Three Musketeers.
In 1984, Sykes joined Whitesnake at the invitation of founder and frontman David Coverdale. His time with the band was marked by his impressive technical skill and creative input, helping to define the sound of Whitesnake during their peak years.
Sykes’s guitar work became an essential part of the band’s identity, contributing to their most popular and enduring tracks.
After his departure from Whitesnake, Sykes formed Blue Murder, releasing two albums with the band. Later in his career, he played a key role in reviving Thin Lizzy as a touring act, continuing the legacy of the band after Lynott’s death.
A statement on Sykes’s website read, “He will be remembered by many as a man with exceptional musical talent but for those who didn’t know him personally, he was a thoughtful, kind, and charismatic man whose presence lit up the room.
In his final days, he spoke of his sincere love and gratitude for his fans who stuck by him through all these years.”
Tributes have poured in from across the music world following the announcement of his passing. David Coverdale, Whitesnake’s frontman, shared his condolences on social media, posting a series of photos from the band’s heyday alongside Sykes.
“Just heard the shocking news of John’s passing. My sincere condolences to his family, friends & fans…” Coverdale wrote.
Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash also paid his respects, sharing a picture of Sykes performing and simply writing, “RIP.”
John Sykes’s legacy as a guitarist will live on in the timeless music he helped create. His contributions to rock music and the bands he was part of continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans around the world.
