The music world is reeling from the news that legendary rock guitarist John Sykes has died at the age of 65. Best known for his virtuosic work with Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake in the 1980s, Sykes leaves behind an immeasurable legacy as one of the most influential and respected guitarists of his generation.
A Titan of Rock Guitar
Born in 1959 in Reading, England, John Sykes discovered his passion for the guitar at a young age. He cut his teeth in bands like Tygers of Pan Tang before landing his breakthrough gig with Irish rockers Thin Lizzy in 1982, injecting their sound with a heavier metal edge on the album Thunder and Lightning.
But it was with Whitesnake that Sykes truly made his mark. Recruited by frontman David Coverdale, Sykes’ incendiary playing and songwriting transformed the band into arena-filling superstars. His work on the multi-platinum self-titled 1987 album, including co-writing the smash hit “Still of the Night,” cemented his status as a bona fide guitar hero.
I don’t know anyone who sounded quite like him. John had a very unique guitar voice that was all his own.
Vivian Campbell, Def Leppard guitarist
Remembering a Legend
News of Sykes’ passing after a battle with cancer has sent shockwaves throughout the music community. Tributes have poured in from rock luminaries like Whitesnake’s David Coverdale, Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, and countless others who were inspired by Sykes’ playing and moved by his warmth off-stage.
Coverdale remembered Sykes as a “beautiful soul” while Slash praised him as “one of the best pure rock & roll guitarists of all time.” Beyond his musical impact, friends and bandmates paint a picture of a thoughtful, charismatic presence who cared deeply for others and remained humble despite his immense talent.
My heart is shattered by the devastating news of the passing of my dearest friend and brother in music, John Sykes. Recalling all the joyous times we shared from day one to the last, I’m overwhelmed by the loss of this incredibly gifted musician.
David Coverdale, Whitesnake frontman
An Enduring Legacy
Though he may be gone, John Sykes’ impact on rock music is eternal. His groundbreaking work with Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake expanded the vocabulary of hard rock guitar, influencing generations of players who followed in his footsteps. Songs like “Cold Sweat” and “Crying in the Rain” stand as monuments to his singular talent and vision.
Beyond the music, Sykes will be remembered as a true original who marched to the beat of his own drum. He spoke up for the underdog, treated others with kindness, and let his humanity shine through in an industry not always known for its heart. That generosity of spirit is what fans and friends will miss most of all.
His presence lit up the room. 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.
Statement on behalf of John Sykes’ family
Though the music world is undoubtedly poorer without him, the incomparable John Sykes gifted us a lifetime of music and memories to cherish. His light will continue to shine through the fretwork of every guitarist brave enough to follow their own path. Rest in power to a true one-of-a-kind, an uncompromising artist and beautiful soul the likes of which we may never see again.
