John Sykes Dies at 65: Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake Icon

Renowned guitarist John Sykes, celebrated for his influential roles in Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, has passed away at the age of 65. An official statement has confirmed that Sykes was diagnosed with cancer, which ultimately led to his untimely demise. His legacy as a musician is complemented by his reputation as a genuinely kind and charismatic individual, whose vibrant spirit and thoughtful nature left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know him personally.

The statement reflects on Sykes’ profound impact, noting, “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.” It emphasized Sykes’ unique personality, stating, “He certainly marched to the beat of his own drum and always pulled for the underdog,” showcasing his individuality and supportive nature.

Sykes made a significant contribution to Thin Lizzy’s acclaimed 1983 album Thunder and Lightning, a record that marked the end of an era with the late frontman Phil Lynott. This album was a critical success, landing in the Top 5 of the U.K. charts and demonstrating Sykes’ ability to blend hard rock with melodic sensibilities. Following his time with Thin Lizzy, he joined Whitesnake, where he played a pivotal role in the band’s resurgence during the mid-1980s, beginning with the revamped 1984 release of Slide It In.

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During his illustrious career, Sykes co-wrote nearly all the tracks on the multi-platinum 1987 album Whitesnake, which soared to the international Top 10 and included the iconic hit “Is This Love,” which reached No. 2 on the U.S. charts. Despite the commercial success, his collaboration with lead singer David Coverdale was marked by personal tensions. Coverdale later expressed, “John was and is an incredible talent,” acknowledging their strong musical chemistry while also highlighting the personal disconnect that hindered their collaboration.

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Watch Whitesnake’s ‘Is This Love?’ Video

John Sykes Expresses Deep Appreciation for His Fans

Following his tenure with Whitesnake, Sykes took over as lead vocalist when Thin Lizzy reunited in 1996, contributing to the live album One Night Only in 2000 and remaining with the band until 2009. Reflecting on his time with Thin Lizzy, Sykes remarked in a 1999 interview, “You know, we go out and pay our respects to Phil Lynott. He wrote damn good songs. It’s just a great pleasure to go out and play and think of him. Like a group of old veterans, we tell a few lies and have a few laughs, go and play the tunes and it’s great,” showcasing his deep connection to the band’s legacy.

Prior to his iconic stints with Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, Sykes was the driving force behind two albums with the band Tygers of Pan Tang, notably Spellbound and Crazy Nights, both released in 1981. Even after his departure, he contributed to two tracks on the 1982 album The Cage. Later in his career, Sykes formed the supergroup Blue Murder, collaborating with renowned musicians such as Tony Franklin and Carmine Appice, further solidifying his place in rock history.

Throughout his career, Sykes released five solo albums, including the 2004 live album Bad Boy Live!, which featured reimagined tracks from his time with Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake. Additionally, his 1994 album Screaming Blue Murder: Dedicated to Phil Lynott paid homage to his earlier career achievements and his connection to Lynott, emphasizing the emotional depth of his musical journey.

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In his final days, Sykes conveyed heartfelt sentiments to his loyal fans, expressing, “In his final days, he spoke of his sincere love and gratitude for his fans who stuck by him through all these years,” as mentioned in the official statement regarding his passing. The statement concludes with a poignant note, stating, “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,” highlighting the enduring legacy he leaves behind.

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Gallery Credit: Loudwire Staff

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