Legendary former Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake guitarist John Sykes dies at 65
Iconic English guitarist John Sykes – known for playing lead guitar for bands including Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, and Sykes – has died at the age of 65.
Earlier today, the following statement was posted on Sykes‘s social media: ‘It is with great sorrow we share that John Sykes has passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer.
‘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.
‘He certainly marched to the beat of his own drum and always pulled for the underdog. In his final days, he spoke of his sincere love and gratitude for his fans who stuck by him through all these years.
‘While the impact of his loss is profound and the mood somber, we hope the light of his memory will extinguish the shadow of his absence.’
Sykes is perhaps best known for joining the Irish hard rock group Thin Lizzy for their 1983 album Thunder and Lightning.
He became a member of the band Whitesnake shortly after, with whom he recorded the multi-platinum-selling self-titled 1987 album.
He then went on to form his own group Blue Murder with whom he made two albums and a live record before deciding to try out a solo career.
Sykes was admired by many music aficionados, many of whom ranked the guitarist among the best of the 80s.
He was known for his fast alternate-picking style and tendency to use pinch harmonics and was named to Guitar World’s list of 100 greatest heavy metal guitarists in 2004.
Guitar collectors also know and love Sykes for the John Sykes Signature Les Pauls line that came out in 2006, which were modelled after Sykes’ 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom.
Radio personality Eddie Trunk is among those paying tribute online, writing on X: ‘Devastating shocking news! As most know John was not only a friend, but always one of my favorite guitarists. Stunned by this. What a loss. Condolences to his family and friends. Crushed. RIP John Sykes’
X user @Riperoo6565 posted: ‘RIP to John Sykes, one of my favourite guitarists of all time, who played with countless of my favourite bands. From Tygers of Pan Tang, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake and Blue Murder, and then onwards, he will always be remembered as one of the best players and songwriters of his time.’
@jezjames87 wrote: ‘Today, we lost a rock God. I’ve been a fan of John Sykes for as long as I can remember. From the Tygers of Pan Tang, Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Blue Murder and his solo career. RIP in the Valley Of The King’s Sykes. 🙏 🎸’
@LeslieMierow agreed: ‘I just read John Sykes, Blue Murder, Whitesnake, has passed away from cancer. My heart is broken.’
Legendary former Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake guitarist John Sykes dies at 65