Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake Guitarist John Sykes Dies at 65

Veteran hard rock guitarist John Sykes, who famously performed with the likes of Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, and Tygers of Pan Tang, has died at age 65 after a long battle with cancer.

The news was confirmed in a statement on his official Facebook page.

"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," the statement read.

Sykes is likely best remembered for his role in Whitesnake's 1987 self-titled album, where he co-wrote nearly every track, including hits like "Still of the Night" and "Is This Love," and played all the guitar parts, Variety reported. However, he was axed from the band before the album's release due to conflicts with lead singer David Coverdale. Other guitarists were brought in to perform his parts in videos and during the band's tours.

Sykes was born in Reading, England, in 1959 and spent part of his childhood in Spain. He picked up the guitar as a teenager and began his career with a band called Streetfighter in the late '70s after relocating to Blackpool. He soon left the group to join Tygers of Pan Tang, a prominent band in the early '80s new wave of British heavy metal movement alongside acts like Iron Maiden and Def Leppard. Sykes recorded three albums with the band but left in early 1982, though he was still required to record two more songs for the label, MCA.

After failing to land a spot in Ozzy Osbourne's band, Sykes was introduced to Thin Lizzy's Phil Lynott through Tygers' producer, Chris Tsangarides. Thin Lizzy, at the time, was at the height of its popularity, and the second lead guitarist position was open — a role that ultimately went to Sykes.

However, his unique heavy metal style didn't resonate with many fans. By then, the band was already on a decline, mainly due to co-founder Phil Lynott's heroin addiction, which led to his death in 1986. Thin Lizzy broke up in 1983.

Though Sykes had planned to keep working with Lynott, he decided to join Whitesnake in early 1984. He contributed guitar to their "Slide It In" album and toured the world with them. However, after recording the band's self-titled album, David Coverdale fired the entire band and brought in musicians from Dio, Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot, and Vandenberg.

Sykes then formed Blue Murder with drummer Carmine Appice and bassist Tony Franklin, but the band lasted only two albums. He was later considered as a potential replacement for Def Leppard's late guitarist Steve Clark, but the role went to Vivian Campbell, who had replaced Sykes in Whitesnake. Sykes continued his solo career and also led a version of Thin Lizzy without Lynott for several years.

In 2009, Sykes auditioned for Guns N' Roses but was not chosen. He continued to work on solo projects up until his death.

"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," the statement on Facebook read.

"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."

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