
Guitarist from Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake Passes Away at 65
The rock music world mourns the loss of John Sykes, the talented guitarist renowned for his contributions to iconic bands like Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake during the vibrant 1980s era. Sykes was pivotal in co-writing several tracks on Whitesnake’s highest-charting album, including the timeless hit “Is This Love.” His extraordinary musical prowess and influence have left an indelible mark on rock history.
Tragically, Sykes passed away after a courageous fight against cancer, as announced in a heartfelt statement on his verified Facebook page on January 20. This news has deeply affected fans and fellow musicians alike, as they reflect on the legacy he leaves behind.
The statement expressed, “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 individual whose presence lit up the room. He certainly marched to the beat of his own drum and always pulled for the underdog.”
The message continued, highlighting Sykes’ profound appreciation for his fans: “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.”
Whitesnake’s David Coverdale expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “Just heard the shocking news of John’s passing…My sincere condolences to his family, friends & fans.” He shared photos in tribute to his former bandmate, showcasing the bond they shared in their musical journey.
Born in Reading, England in 1959, Sykes developed a passion for the guitar during his teenage years. His musical career began with the band Streetfighter, followed by a stint in Tygers of Pan Tang, although he departed the band in 1982 prior to the release of his first solo single, marking the start of a remarkable journey in rock music.
Sykes co-wrote and recorded the 1982 single “Please Don’t Leave Me” alongside Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott. He later joined Thin Lizzy and contributed to their final studio album, 1983’s Thunder and Lightning, where he co-wrote the impactful track “Cold Sweat.” Reflecting on the album, he noted, “It was a little heavier and I think that was something that I’d brought to the table,” contributing to its distinctive sound.
Sykes reminisced about his early days with Thin Lizzy, stating, “I was young and what I lived for was being involved in rock ‘n’ roll.” At only 22 years old, he found himself living his dream, surrounded by the music he adored, which made that period of his life particularly significant.
However, the band’s split in 1983, after a farewell tour, hit him hard. He reflected, “It was definitely a kick to the guts. I didn’t really think it was going to end and I don’t think Phil really thought it was going to end either,” showcasing the shock of unexpected change in the music industry.
Following his time with Thin Lizzy, Sykes collaborated with Whitesnake to record new guitar parts for the U.S. version of their 1984 album Slide It In, and continued to work with the band on their self-titled album released in 1987, which became a significant highlight in his career.
The album Whitesnake achieved remarkable success, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and spending an impressive 76 weeks on the charts, solidifying Sykes’ role in creating a rock masterpiece.
One of the standout singles, “Is This Love,” co-written by Coverdale and Sykes, soared to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987. This track became one of the most memorable hits from the album, trailing only “Here I Go Again,” which achieved the coveted No. 1 spot on the Hot 100. Both singles contributed immensely to the band’s legacy and commercial success.
Despite being a co-writer on many of the album’s tracks, Sykes’ time with Whitesnake came to an abrupt end when Coverdale unexpectedly fired him and his bandmates before the record’s release. This unexpected turn of events left fans and musicians pondering the internal dynamics of the band.
Coverdale later reflected on their split, stating, “As you know, things went squirrely between us, which was unfortunate. But John was and is an incredible talent. Our musical chemistry was great, but it didn’t work personally.” Such insights reveal the complexities of collaboration in the music industry.
In a 2017 interview with Rock Candy, Sykes shared his perspective on the split, revealing, “David said nothing to any of us about having decided to kick us out of the band,” explaining that he learned about the decision from John Kalodner, then A&R at Geffen Records.
Despite the challenges he faced, Sykes continued to forge his path in music. After his time with Whitesnake, he formed the band Blue Murder, releasing two studio albums and one live album in the early ’90s, showcasing his enduring talent and versatility as a musician.
Transitioning into a solo career, Sykes released five solo albums between 1995 and 2004, displaying his growth and creative evolution as an artist. His last full-length album, Bad Boy Live!, was released in 2004, marking a significant chapter in his musical journey.
In a testament to his enduring passion for music, Sykes released two singles in 2021, “Dawning of a Brand New Day” and “Out Alive,” reminding fans of his unwavering dedication to his craft.
