Rock Guitarist John Sykes, Known for Whitesnake, Dies at 65 BBC
John Sykes, the iconic British rock guitarist known for his work with Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, has passed away at the age of 65 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Sykes, who had a profound impact on the world of rock music, was remembered as both a gifted musician and a deeply kind and charismatic person.
In a heartfelt statement shared on his official website, his family and team expressed the profound sadness they felt at his passing. They described him as "a thoughtful, kind, and charismatic man whose presence lit up the room," and shared that in his final moments, Sykes expressed deep love and appreciation for his loyal fans who had supported him throughout his career. His fans, too, had a special place in his heart, and he never took their support for granted.
Sykes was best known for his time with Whitesnake, the legendary hard rock band, where he played a pivotal role. He co-wrote some of their most iconic hits, including Still of the Night and Is This Love, contributing not only his powerful guitar skills but also his songwriting talent to the band’s success. His work on Whitesnake's Slide It In (1984) and their self-titled 1987 album cemented his place in rock history.
Before his success with Whitesnake, Sykes had an impressive career that began in the early 1980s with the heavy metal band Tygers of Pan Tang. He recorded two albums with them before joining Thin Lizzy in 1982. During his time with Thin Lizzy, he played on the band's final album, Thunder and Lightning (1983), and went on a European tour with the band. He later performed with a group called The Three Musketeers, alongside Thin Lizzy’s frontman Phil Lynott.
Sykes’ time with Whitesnake began in 1984 when David Coverdale invited him to join the band. His contributions to Whitesnake’s Slide It In album were significant, but it was the 1987 self-titled album that propelled the band into international stardom. His guitar solos, powerful riffs, and songwriting were central to the band's success during this era.
After leaving Whitesnake, Sykes went on to form his own band, Blue Murder, and released two albums with them. He also brought Thin Lizzy back to the stage in a touring version after the original band's disbandment following Lynott’s death in 1986.
On his website, Sykes’ team described him as a man who “marched to the beat of his own drum” and “always pulled for the underdog.” His final words reflected his gratitude for his fans, who stood by him through thick and thin.
In the wake of his passing, tributes have poured in from friends, fans, and fellow musicians. David Coverdale, Whitesnake's founder, shared his sorrow on social media, posting several photos of himself with Sykes from their time together in the band. "Just heard the shocking news of John's passing," Coverdale wrote, offering his condolences to Sykes' family, friends, and fans.
Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash also paid his respects, sharing a picture of Sykes performing and simply writing: "RIP." The world of rock music has lost one of its most talented and beloved figures, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of musicians.
