John Sykes, whose masterful playing and songwriting helped shape the sound of legendary bands Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, has passed away at age 65 after a prolonged battle with cancer, per variety.com.
The acclaimed rock guitarist, known for his distinctive blonde mane and virtuosic guitar work, left an indelible mark on rock music history, most notably through his contributions to Whitesnake’s breakthrough 1987 self-titled album. As co-writer of the band’s massive hits “Still of the Night” and “Is This Love,” Sykes played a crucial role in crafting what would become one of hard rock’s most successful albums of the era.
In a poignant announcement on his official Facebook page, Sykes was remembered not only for his exceptional musical talent but also for his charismatic personality and compassion for others. During his final days, he expressed deep gratitude to his loyal fans who supported him throughout his career.
Born in Reading, England in 1959, Sykes’ journey through rock’s upper echelons began with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal band Tygers of Pan Tang before joining the renowned Thin Lizzy in the early 1980s. His heavy metal influence brought a fresh edge to Thin Lizzy’s sound on their final album, Thunder and Lightning.
His tenure with Whitesnake, though relatively brief, proved to be historically significant. Despite recording all guitar parts for their multi-platinum 1987 album and co-writing its biggest hits, Sykes was dismissed from the band before its release due to creative differences with frontman David Coverdale. In an ironic twist, other guitarists would mime his parts in the iconic music videos that helped propel the album to global success.
Following his departure from Whitesnake, Sykes formed Blue Murder with drummer Carmine Appice and bassist Tony Franklin, releasing two albums. He later fronted a version of Thin Lizzy and continued working on solo material throughout his career. His technical prowess and songwriting abilities attracted attention from other major acts, including considerations for positions with Def Leppard and Guns N’ Roses.
Sykes’ passing marks the end of a chapter in rock history, leaving behind a legacy of influential recordings and memorable performances that helped define the sound of 1980s hard rock.
- Image by Brian Rasic/Getty Images
