Whitesnake and Skinny Lizzy guitarist John Sykes has died, aged 65

John Sykes, guitarist for acclaimed rock bands reminiscent of Whitesnake and Skinny Lizzy has died on the age of 65.

Sykes’ dying was introduced through his official Fb web page on Monday evening (January 20), confirming that he had succumbed to most cancers, which he had been battling for a number of years. His property wrote: “It’s with nice sorrow we share that John Sykes has handed away after a tough fought battle with most cancers. He shall be remembered by many as a person with distinctive musical expertise however for individuals who didn’t know him personally, he was a considerate, form, and charismatic man whose presence lit up the room.”

“He actually marched to the beat of his personal drum and all the time pulled for the underdog. In his remaining days, he spoke of his honest love and gratitude for his followers who caught by him via all these years. Whereas the affect of his loss is profound and the temper somber, we hope the sunshine of his reminiscence will extinguish the shadow of his absence.”

See the total put up under.

Sykes was greatest identified for his time with Whitesnake and Skinny Lizzy, although he was additionally celebrated for his time with Tygers of Pan Tang. The English guitarist, who was born in Studying, bought his begin within the heavy metallic band Tygers of Pan Tang and featured on each of their 1981 information. After rising annoyed with the band, he give up Tygers and joined Skinny Lizzy in 1982.

John Sykes remained with Skinny Lizzy via to their break up in 1984 and featured on their lauded 1983 album ‘Thunder and Lightning’. Sykes joined Whitesnake in early 1984 and featured on the band’s first industrial hit album ‘Slide It In’. Skyes has additionally written and recorded elements for the band’s self-titled seventh album, which was launched in 1987, although frontman David Coverdale had fired the whole thing of the band earlier than its launch.

Upon his firing, Sykes shaped Blue Homicide, which featured bassist Tony Franklin and drummer Carmine Appice earlier than going solo in 1994. Two years later, Sykes rejoined the newly reformed Skinny Lizzy and fronted the band till 2009.

In 2011, Sykes revealed that he was forming a brand new band with then ex-Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy. Nevertheless, the challenge by no means got here to correct fruition, and Skyes was changed by Richie Kotzen, with the band then happening to incorporate Billy Sheehan and being named The Vineyard Canine.

Within the remaining years, Sykes dabbled in a number of solo initiatives, final releasing the ‘Dawning of a Model New Day’ and ‘Out Alive’, in 2021. The 2 songs marked his first solo materials in 20 years, and had been his final releases.

Although etched in rock ‘n’ roll historical past for his contributions to Skinny Lizzy and Whitesnake, Sykes’ legacy in music has additionally led to the beginning of different metallic heavyweights. Tygers of Pan Tang have been credited with the formation of 1 metallic’s greatest band: Metallica.

In 1983, drummer Lars Ulrich posted an advert in a newspaper that learn: “Drummer searching for different musicians to jam with – Tygers of Pan Tang, Diamond Head, Iron Maiden.” James Hetfield would go on to reply to the add and the 2 quickly shaped Metallica.

Following the information of John Sykes’ dying, Whitesnake took to social media to pay tribute to their late guitarist. David Coverdale wrote: “Simply heard the surprising information of John’s passing…My honest condolences to his household, associates & followers…”

Eddie Trunk, a rock and metallic radio character and pal of Sykes, wrote: “Devastating surprising information! As most know John was not solely a pal, however all the time one in every of my favorite guitarists. Shocked by this. What a loss. Condolences to his household and associates. Crushed. RIP John Sykes.”

Devastating surprising information! As most know John was not solely a pal, however all the time one in every of my favourite guitarists. Shocked by this. What a loss. Condolences to his household and associates. Crushed. RIP John Sykes pic.twitter.com/magE63l3wr

— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) January 20, 2025

Ex-Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman wrote: “His work with Tygers of Pan Tang was by far my favorite of the NWOBHM [New Wave of British Heavy Metal]. A beautiful guitarist.”

Very unhappy to listen to of John Sykes passing. His work with Tygers of Pan Tang was by far my favourite of the NWOBHM. A beautiful guitarist.

— Marty Friedman (@marty_friedman) January 20, 2025

R.I.P. #JohnSykes. An enormous expertise and large affect. pic.twitter.com/SsnDklNb0C

— Winger (@WingerTheBand) January 21, 2025