Iconic guitarist John Sykes, well-known for his work with rock legends Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, has sadly passed away at the age of 65. The guitarist’s family announced his passing through social media, stating he died after a "hard-fought battle with cancer."
According to the statement, "It is with great sorrow we share this news. John Sykes has passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer. 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."
The news of his death has left many fans heartbroken, prompting tributes from fellow musicians and admirers alike. One fan remarked, "RIP to John Sykes, one of my favourite guitarists of all time... he will always be remembered as one of the best players and songwriters of his time."
Sykes was born on July 29, 1959, in Reading, Berkshire, England, and began his musical career at the age of 14. His first major break came when he joined the British heavy metal band Tygers of Pan Tang, contributing to their albums "Spellbound" and "Crazy Nights" released in 1981. After leaving Tygers, Sykes joined Thin Lizzy and recorded their final studio album, "Thunder and Lightning," which was released in 1983. He quickly gained recognition for his fast alternate-picking style and is often regarded as one of the best guitarists of the 1980s.
During his time with Thin Lizzy, he was pivotal to the band's revitalization, bringing innovative sound and energy to their music. This partnership with frontman Phil Lynott also resulted in the hit single "Cold Sweat." Tragically, Lynott passed away just three years later, but Sykes retained fond memories of their collaboration.
He later joined Whitesnake, where he played guitar on the band's blockbuster self-titled album released in 1987 which included hits like "Still of the Night" and "Is This Love." His songwriting contributions and electrifying guitar solos helped propel the album to multi-platinum status, even as tensions grew with frontman David Coverdale.
After his time with Whitesnake, Sykes formed Blue Murder, releasing two albums, the self-titled "Blue Murder" and "Nothin' but Trouble." The band, comprising Tony Franklin and Carmine Appice, received acclaim but struggled to find commercial success. Sykes continued his music career with occasional solo projects and collaborations.
Fans and industry colleagues took to social media to express their condolences and share memories. Radio personality Eddie Trunk said, "Devastation shocking news! John was not only a friend but always one of my favorite guitarists. Stunned by this. What a loss. Condolences to his family and friends. Crushed. RIP John Sykes." Another fan echoed, "Oh no. I had no idea he was ill. He was awesome. Thank you for sharing your art and talent with us."
Throughout his four-decade career, Sykes left behind more than just his music; he is remembered as much for his personality as for his extraordinary talent. He had had occasions to perform with various artists and was admired for his prowess on the guitar, which made him one of the best and most influential players of his time.
During his life, Sykes amassed accolades, including being named one of Guitar World's 100 greatest heavy metal guitarists. On these lists, he also received praise from his fellow musicians who acknowledged his deep impact on rock music, both as part of bands and as a solo artist.
John Sykes’s struggle with cancer did not deter him from expressing gratitude to his fans during his final days. The family statement reflected this sentiment: "He spoke of his sincere love and gratitude for his fans who stuck by him through all these years." Reflecting the sadness of the music community over Sykes' passing, fans hope to honor his legacy through continued appreciation for his extensive body of work.
Despite the somber mood following his death, Sykes’ family concluded their message with hope: "While the impact of his loss is deep and the mood sombre, we hope the light of his memory will extinguish the shadow of his absence." John Sykes' unparalleled contributions to the rock genre will be cherished by fans and musicians alike for generations to come.