
John Sykes, the celebrated British guitarist known for his influential work with rock bands Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, has died at the age of 65 following a battle with cancer. His passing was confirmed via a statement on his official website, which described him as “a thoughtful, kind, and charismatic man whose presence lit up the room.”
Sykes, born in Reading in 1959, embarked on his musical career in 1980 with the heavy metal band Tygers of Pan Tang. He recorded two albums with the group before joining Thin Lizzy in 1982. His tenure with the band saw him contribute to their final studio album, ‘Thunder and Lightning,’ released in 1983. He also toured Europe alongside the band’s frontman, Phil Lynott, as part of The Three Musketeers project.
In 1984, Sykes was invited by Whitesnake founder and frontman David Coverdale to join the band. He played a pivotal role in shaping their sound on the ‘Slide It In’ album and co-wrote some of their most iconic tracks, including ‘Still of the Night’ and ‘Is This Love,‘ featured on their eponymous 1987 release. The album’s critical and commercial success solidified Whitesnake’s place in rock history, though Sykes departed the band before its release.
Following his departure from Whitesnake, Sykes formed the hard rock outfit Blue Murder, releasing two albums that showcased his virtuosity and songwriting prowess. In later years, he led a touring version of Thin Lizzy, honouring the band’s legacy after Phil Lynott’s passing in 1986.
Sykes remained active in the music scene throughout his career, releasing solo material and continuing to inspire generations of guitarists. In 2006, Gibson Guitars honoured Sykes with a limited series release of his custom guitar: a Signature Gibson Les Paul. Despite not always receiving the widespread recognition of his peers, his contributions to rock music were highly regarded. Forbes magazine’s Quentin Thane Singer noted, “While Sykes didn’t see the same worldwide recognition as other like-minded 1980s guitar heroes […] his musical contributions to the genre and capabilities as a guitarist are no less significant.”
He is survived by his three sons, James, John Jr., and Sean.
A private funeral service is expected to take place, with further tributes pouring in from the music world as they remember one of rock’s most gifted and enduring figures.