John Sykes, the iconic British rock guitarist renowned for his work with Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, has passed away at the age of 65 after a courageous battle with cancer.
A statement on his official website described Sykes as a “thoughtful, kind, and charismatic man whose presence lit up the room” and shared his heartfelt appreciation for his fans in his final days.
Sykes’s illustrious career began in 1980 with the heavy metal band Tygers of Pan Tang, where he recorded two albums.
He joined Thin Lizzy in 1982, contributing to their album Thunder and Lightning and touring Europe alongside frontman Phil Lynott in a separate project called The Three Musketeers.
His talent caught the attention of Whitesnake’s founder and frontman David Coverdale, who invited him to join the band in 1984.
Sykes recorded parts for their album Slide It In and co-wrote some of their most celebrated hits, including Still of the Night and Is This Love, which featured on their critically acclaimed and commercially successful 1987 self-titled album.
After leaving Whitesnake, Sykes formed the group Blue Murder, releasing two albums, and later spearheaded a touring version of Thin Lizzy in tribute to the band’s legacy following Lynott’s death in 1986.
In their statement, Sykes’s family and team expressed profound sorrow at his passing, highlighting his exceptional musical talent and the indelible mark he left on those who knew him.
“He certainly marched to the beat of his own drum and always pulled for the underdog,” they shared, adding, “We hope the light of his memory will extinguish the shadow of his absence.”
Tributes poured in from across the rock world. David Coverdale shared nostalgic photos and heartfelt condolences, stating, “Just heard the shocking news of John’s passing… My sincere condolences to his family, friends & fans…” Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash also honored Sykes, posting a photo of the late musician with a simple “RIP.”
John Sykes leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable music and a reputation as a dynamic performer whose influence will resonate for generations.
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