The guitar legend also had an acclaimed solo career

Guitar legend John Sykes has passed away. In a statement released by his family on his official social media pages, it was confirmed that Sykes lost “a hard-fought battle with cancer.” He was 65 years old.
“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 man whose presence lit up the room.
He certainly marched to the beat of his own drum and always pulled for the underdog. 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.”
John Sykes was born on July 29, 1959, in Reading, Berkshire, England. From a young age, he displayed a passion for music, particularly rock and blues. Inspired by the guitar work of artists like Jimmy Page, Ritchie Blackmore, and Gary Moore, Sykes developed his signature playing style characterized by melodic phrasing, emotional vibrato, and blistering speed.
Sykes’s professional career began in earnest when he joined the British heavy metal band Tygers of Pan Tang in 1980. This band was a prominent act in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. Sykes contributed to two albums: Spellbound (1981) and Crazy Nights (1981). His powerful, innovative guitar playing elevated the band’s sound and garnered critical acclaim. Notable tracks like “Gangland” and “The Story So Far” showcased his ability to blend melody with aggression.
Despite his success with Tygers of Pan Tang, Sykes left the band in 1982 to explore broader musical opportunities.
In 1982, Sykes joined Thin Lizzy, replacing Snowy White as the band’s lead guitarist. This marked a pivotal moment in his career, as he teamed up with legendary frontman Phil Lynott. Sykes’s contributions were instrumental in shaping Thin Lizzy’s final studio album, Thunder and Lightning (1983). The album was a critical and commercial success, with tracks like “Cold Sweat” highlighting Sykes’s aggressive yet melodic style.
Sykes also participated in Thin Lizzy’s farewell tour, which concluded in 1983. Although the band disbanded, Sykes and Lynott maintained a close friendship until Lynott’s untimely death in 1986.
After his stint with Thin Lizzy, Sykes joined Whitesnake, led by vocalist David Coverdale. Sykes’s tenure with the band was transformative, both for his career and for Whitesnake’s sound. He contributed to the writing and recording of the Whitesnake (1987) album, also known as 1987 or Serpens Albus in some regions. This record became a monumental success, selling millions of copies worldwide.
Key tracks like “Still of the Night,” “Is This Love,” and “Here I Go Again” feature Sykes’s dynamic guitar work, which helped catapult the band to international stardom. However, tensions between Sykes and Coverdale led to Sykes’s departure before the album’s release.
Following his exit from Whitesnake, Sykes formed Blue Murder in 1988. The band’s self-titled debut album, released in 1989, showcased a fusion of hard rock, heavy metal, and blues influences. Featuring bassist Tony Franklin and drummer Carmine Appice, the album received critical acclaim for its sophisticated musicianship and anthemic tracks like “Valley of the Kings” and “Jelly Roll.”
Although Blue Murder released a second album, Nothin’ but Trouble (1993), the band struggled to maintain momentum due to shifting musical trends and internal challenges. Sykes continued to carry the Blue Murder banner with a Japan-only release, Screaming Blue Murder: Dedicated to Phil Lynott (1994).
Sykes embarked on a solo career in the mid-1990s, releasing albums that highlighted his virtuosic guitar skills and powerful vocals. His solo discography includes:
- Out of My Tree (1995)
- Loveland (1997)
- 20th Century (1997)
These records demonstrated Sykes’s versatility as a songwriter and performer, blending hard rock, ballads, and blues.
In later years, Sykes focused on live performances and sporadic recording projects. He has remained a revered figure in the rock community, known for his influence on modern guitar playing and his role in shaping several iconic albums.
John Sykes’s career spans over four decades, during which he has cemented his reputation as one of rock’s most accomplished guitarists. His innovative playing, particularly his mastery of tone and phrasing, has inspired countless musicians. Whether through his contributions to Tygers of Pan Tang, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Blue Murder, or his solo work, Sykes’s impact on the rock and metal genres remains indelible.
Today, Sykes continues to be celebrated for his artistry, with fans and fellow musicians alike praising his extraordinary talent and enduring legacy.