It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of John Sykes, the renowned guitarist known for his influential work with bands such as Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake. Sykes passed away at the age of 65 after a battle with cancer, as confirmed by an official statement released on January 20, 2025.
Born on July 29, 1959, in Reading, Berkshire, England, John James Sykes began his musical journey in the early 1980s with the heavy metal band Tygers of Pan Tang. He contributed to their albums “Spellbound” and “Crazy Nights” in 1981. His exceptional talent soon led him to join the Irish hard rock group Thin Lizzy, where he played on their 1983 album “Thunder and Lightning,” the band’s final studio release.
In 1984, Sykes became a pivotal member of Whitesnake, contributing significantly to their self-titled 1987 album, which achieved multi-platinum status. He co-wrote several tracks, including the hit “Is This Love,” which reached No. 2 on the U.S. charts. Despite the album’s success, Sykes and lead singer David Coverdale faced personal differences. Coverdale later reflected, “John was and is an incredible talent… Our musical chemistry was great, but it didn’t work personally.”
After his tenure with Whitesnake, Sykes formed the hard rock group Blue Murder, releasing a self-titled debut album in 1989. He also pursued a solo career, producing albums like “Out of My Tree” (1995) and “Loveland” (1997). In 1996, Sykes rejoined a reformed Thin Lizzy, serving as the lead vocalist and guitarist until 2009.
Throughout his career, Sykes was celebrated for his distinctive playing style, characterized by fast alternate picking, pinch harmonics, and melodic sensibility. Influenced by legends like Jimmy Page and Gary Moore, he left an indelible mark on the rock and metal genres. In 2004, Guitar World included him in their list of the “100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time.”
An official statement honoring Sykes 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.” In his final days, Sykes expressed “sincere love and gratitude for his fans who stuck by him through all these years.”
As we bid farewell to John Sykes, we celebrate his contributions to music and the lasting legacy he leaves behind. His artistry will continue to inspire musicians and fans alike for generations to come.
