NEW YORK (AP) — John Sykes, the virtuoso guitarist whose distinctive riffs helped shape the sound of 1980s hard rock through his work with Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, died following a battle with cancer. He was 65.
His death was announced through a statement on his official Facebook page, which highlighted both his exceptional musical talent and his personal character. “He was a thoughtful, kind, and charismatic man whose presence lit up the room,” the statement read.
Sykes made his most significant commercial impact as a member of Whitesnake, co-writing all but two songs on the band’s landmark 1987 self-titled album. The record, which achieved eight-times platinum status, produced enduring hits including “Is This Love” and “Still of the Night,” showcasing Sykes’ masterful guitar work and songwriting abilities.
His career began with Thin Lizzy in the early 1980s, where he helped carry forward the band’s dual-guitar legacy. After his departure from Whitesnake following their breakthrough album, Sykes formed Blue Murder, leading the band until its dissolution in 1994. He later returned to Thin Lizzy in 1996, taking on vocal duties alongside his guitar work until 2009.
Despite never achieving the household name status of contemporaries like Eddie Van Halen or Zakk Wylde, Sykes was widely respected within the music industry for his technical prowess and innovative approach to hard rock guitar. His influence can be heard in the work of numerous bands that emerged during and after the 1980s.
In his final days, Sykes expressed gratitude to his loyal fanbase, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout his career. The statement announcing his passing noted that while “the impact of his loss is profound… we hope the light of his memory will extinguish the shadow of his absence.”
Fellow musicians and fans have begun sharing tributes, recognizing Sykes’ contributions to the evolution of hard rock and his role in creating some of the genre’s most memorable guitar moments of the 1980s.
