John Sykes, the legendary guitarist who left an indelible mark on rock and metal through his work with Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, has passed away at the age of 65. The news was confirmed through an official statement on his Facebook page, revealing that Sykes had been battling cancer.
“It is with great sorrow we share that John Sykes has passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer,” the statement 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. He certainly marched to the beat of his own drum and always pulled for the underdog.”
Sykes played a pivotal role in Whitesnake’s meteoric rise during the 1980s. As a key songwriter for the band’s 1987 self-titled album, he co-wrote some of its biggest hits, including Is This Love and Still of the Night. The album went on to sell over eight million copies in the U.S. alone, solidifying Whitesnake’s place in rock history and defining the glam metal sound of the era.
Despite parting ways with the band before the album’s release, Sykes’ guitar work became legendary. His powerful riffs and electrifying solos are still regarded as some of the most iconic in hard rock history.
Before his tenure with Whitesnake, Sykes was already making waves as a member of Thin Lizzy. His contributions to the band’s final studio album, Thunder and Lightning, helped modernize their sound for the 1980s, adding a heavier edge that resonated with fans.
Following his Whitesnake departure, Sykes went on to form the hard rock band Blue Murder, which released two studio albums before disbanding in 1994. He later reunited with Thin Lizzy in 1996, taking on vocal duties and continuing to honor the band’s legacy until 2009.
While he may not have achieved the same mainstream recognition as some of his contemporaries, Sykes’ influence on rock and metal was profound. His technical prowess, songwriting ability, and distinctive style have been praised by fellow musicians and critics alike, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come.