Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy guitarist John Sykes has dies aged 65

British rock guitarist John Sykes, who played for acclaimed bands such as Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy has died aged 65. 

Sykes’ death was announced via his official Facebook page on Monday night, confirming that he had succumbed to cancer.  

His estate wrote: “It is with great sorrow we share that 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. In his final days, he spoke of his sincere love and gratitude for his fans who stuck by him through all these years. While the impact of his loss is profound and the mood somber, we hope the light of his memory will extinguish the shadow of his absence.” 

Sykes was best known for his time with Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy.

He began his career in 1980 with heavy metal band Tygers Of Pan Tang, recording two albums before joining Thin Lizzy in 1982. Sykes remained with Thin Lizzy through to their split in 1984 and featured on their critically acclaimed 1983 album ‘Thunder and Lightning’.  

Sykes joined Whitesnake in early 1984 and featured on the band’s first commercial hit album ‘Slide It In’. He appeared on two Whitesnake albums and co-wrote some of the band's best-known songs, including 'Is This Love' and 'Still Of The Night'.

In 1996, Sykes rejoined the newly reformed Thin Lizzy and fronted the band until 2009.

Following the news of John Sykes’ death, Whitesnake took to social media to pay tribute to their late guitarist. David Coverdale wrote: “Just heard the shocking news of John’s passing… My sincere condolences to his family, friends & fans…” 

Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash shared a picture of Sykes performing and wrote simply: "RIP", while ex-Megadeath guitarist Marty Friedman wrote: “His work with Tygers of Pan Tang was by far my favourite of the NWOBHM [New Wave of British Heavy Metal]. A wonderful guitarist.”