John Sykes, former Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy guitarist, dies

Steve Vai followed John Sykes in Whitesnake – and he quickly decided what not to do when playing his parts
On the subsequent tour, Sykes' place was taken by both Adrian Vandenberg and Vivian Campbell, though within just a couple of years, they too would be out of the band – the former temporarily, due to injury, and the latter permanently, due to personal differences.
John Sykes, former Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy guitarist, dies at 65
John Sykes, the guitarist whose talent helped propel Whitesnake to success, is dead at 65. He also worked with the bands Thin Lizzy and Blue Murder.
Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy guitarist dies from cancer at age 65
The renowned guitarist played with several successful bands from the 1980s including Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy and Tygers of Pan Tang.
John Sykes, Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy Guitarist and Co-writer of ‘Still of the Night’ and ‘Is This Love,’ Dies at 65
John Sykes, guitarist with Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy who co-wrote the hit singles 'Still of the Night' and 'Is This Love,' has died. He was 65.
John Sykes, guitarist and hair-metal hitmaker with Whitesnake, dies at 65
The English guitarist co-wrote Whitesnake's 'Is This Love,' one of the defining power ballads of late-'80s hard rock.
John Sykes Dead After Cancer Battle: Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy Guitarist Was 65
Guitarist John Sykes died earlier this month after a battle with cancer. He was 65.
John Sykes of Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy Dies: Rockers React
The death of former Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy star John Sykes has prompted a wave of loving tributes from his peers. The guitarist died at age 65 after what an official statement describes as "a hard fought battle with cancer."
What happened between John Sykes and David Coverdale? Legendry guitarist’s firing from Whitesnake explained
John Sykes, the world-renowned guitarist, best known for his work with the likes of Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, and Blue Murder, passed away at the age of 65 on January 21, 2025.
John Sykes, Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy guitarist, dies aged 65
British guitarist John Sykes, best known for his work with rock bands Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, has died aged 65 “after a hard fought battle with cancer,” according to a statement on his website.
John Sykes, Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy guitarist, dead at 65
John Sykes died from cancer at age 65. The guitarist played for both Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake before joining Blue Murder with Tony Franklin and drummer Carmine Appice.
John Sykes looks back on Blue Murder, the band he formed after leaving Whitesnake
A rare interview with the late John Sykes, who died this week at the age of 65 – and some personal memories from Myles Kennedy
John Sykes, Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy guitarist, dies at 65
John Sykes, the electrifying guitarist who rocked the world in legendary bands Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, has died at 65.
John Sykes, Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake Guitarist, Dies at 65
John Sykes, the guitarist who performed with Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake in the 1980s - and who co-wrote several tracks on ...