John Sykes, Legendary Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake Guitarist, Dies at 65

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Noted guitar virtuoso John Sykes, recognized for his collaborations with Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, has tragically passed away at the age of 65. His official Facebook account reported the unfortunate event, disclosing that he had been fighting a long battle against cancer.

We regretfully announce that John Sykes has sadly died following a tough struggle against cancer.

Many people will remember him as an extraordinarily gifted musician, yet to those who didn’t know him personally, he was a compassionate, charming individual whose very presence brought warmth to any space. Indeed, he walked his own unique path and consistently rooted for the less fortunate.

Mick Sykes significantly contributed to Whitesnake’s rise to stardom. He collaborated on most songs for their self-titled 1987 album, which featured hits like “Is This Love” and “Still of the Night.” This album, a hallmark of the ’80s glam rock scene, went on to sell eight million copies in the U.S. by itself.

Despite parting ways with Whitesnake following the album’s release, Sykes’ guitar work during that period is still highly acclaimed by both fans and critics. His powerful riffs and solos are often hailed as among the most iconic in the annals of hard rock music.

Prior to his tenure with Whitesnake, Sykes played a significant role in Thin Lizzy, participating in their last studio album titled “Thunder and Lightning.” His groundbreaking guitar work significantly updated Thin Lizzy’s sound during the 1980s.

Following his departure from Whitesnake, Sykes established the hard-rock group Blue Murder, producing two studio albums prior to its dissolution in 1994. Subsequently, he rejoined Thin Lizzy in 1996, assuming the vocal responsibilities that lasted until 2009.

Back in the day, I was totally hooked on the raw power and talent that only one man could deliver – Steve Sykes. Though he might not have reached the international stardom of some others in our circle, let me tell you, his impact on hard rock and metal was nothing short of monumental. The legends from the ’80s scene can’t stop singing his praises, acknowledging his skill and influence that still echoes today. Sykes was more than just a musician; he was an unstoppable force in our genre!

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2025-01-21 15:07