Legendary English guitarist John Sykes (Tygers Of Pan Tang, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Blue Murder, Sykes) has died at the age of 65.
Earlier today (January 20th),the following statement was posted on Sykes‘s social media, “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.”
Sykes co-wrote nine of the tracks on Whitesnake‘s classic 1987 album Whitesnake, including mega-hits Still Of The Night and Is This Love?
11 Responses
I am broken hearted and devastated.
RIP, to one of the most talented, and beautiful men, on the face of the planet. You will be greatly missed.
Thinking of you, Dana, as I know you were a huge fan of John . My friend and I were just talking about his cool guitar tone and the best “vroom” guitar slide in rock two days ago! May he rest in peace!
OMG I just saw a cryptic pic of him with Sykes on instagram, and it came rushing back, how much you adored him. I am devastated, too. Next to Eddie V, he was one of my favorite guitarists. Whitesnake, Blue Murder, he will be missed. I wish we could have gotten one more album from him, I just don’t know what to say.
Shocked, devestated, heartbroken and sad.
John, what you did with your guitar and song writing skills elevated me so much throughout my life as a young man and even now at 51. You were one of the very very best. Your solos on the Thin Lizzy songs “Baby Please Don’t Go” and the Life Live version of “Are You Ready” will forever be my greatest guitar solos ever. You were a Beast on that guitar and a brilliant singer/songwriter as well. If there’s an justice to this, I’m hoping you will be reunited with Gary and Phil. Your presence on this Earth has touched many,many lives. Thank you for picking up that guitar and sharing your talents with us. You will not be replaced. Rest in Heaven John Sykes
Shocked and saddened by this heartbreaking news. RIP John Sykes, your spirit will live on forever in and through your music, and through wonderful people like 2 of your biggest fans/supporters – Eddie Trunk, and our metal Goddess – Dana!
So sad. Great musician whose talents will be greatly missed. My favorite work of Sykes is with Tygers of Pan Tang.
Dana, I thought of you when I first read this news on a different publication. I know you are very saddened by this loss. Stay strong.