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.
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.
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.
The English guitarist co-wrote Whitesnake's 'Is This Love,' one of the defining power ballads of late-'80s hard rock.
David Coverdale, the renowned English musician, boasts a net worth of $18 million. He is widely recognized for his roles in the iconic rock bands Deep Purple and Whitesnake. In addition to his band work, Coverdale enjoyed a successful solo career and collaborated with Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin on a platinum-certified album in 1993.
Following the death of former Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake star John Sykes on 20 January, his former bandmate and fellow guitarist Scott Gorham has hailed Sykes as "a great musician". Gorham and Sykes played together in Thin Lizzy in 1983 and again in the '90s.
The renowned guitarist played with several successful bands from the 1980s including Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy and Tygers of Pan Tang.
John Sykes, the electrifying guitarist who rocked the world in legendary bands Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, has died at 65.
"In his final days, he spoke of his sincere love and gratitude for his fans who stuck by him through all these years," a statement released Monday read.
John Sykes, best known for playing guitar with iconic bands Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, has died. He was 65 years old and was reportedly battling cancer when he died on January 20, 2025. Thin Lizzy’s Instagram page confirmed the news and shared a statement about his passing.
John Sykes, a guitarist who played with Thin Lizzy before joining Whitesnake for its smash 1987 album and later forming Blue Murder, has died of cancer at 65.
Sykes was honoured by former bandmates and musicians, including members from Whitesnake, Blue Murder and Guns N’ Roses. John Sykes, the guitarist for bands like Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, has died at 65.