Legendary Guitarist John Sykes Dies at 65 After Cancer Battle

LONDON, England — Legendary English guitarist John Sykes, known for his work with bands like Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, and Blue Murder, died Monday at the age of 65 after a battle with cancer. The news was confirmed in a statement posted on his official social media accounts.

“It is with great sorrow we share that John Sykes has passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer,” the statement read. “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.”

Sykes, who co-wrote Whitesnake’s self-titled 1987 album, was instrumental in creating hits like “Is This Love” and “Here I Go Again,” which propelled the album to sell over eight million copies in the U.S. alone. His distinctive guitar work and songwriting left an indelible mark on the rock and metal genres.

In recent years, Sykes had been working on a long-awaited solo album titled “Sy-Ops.” The project, which was delayed due to disputes with his former label, Golden Robot Records, saw the release of two singles: “Dawning Of A Brand New Day” and “Out Alive,” both produced by Parker Thibault. Sykes had expressed excitement about returning to the stage, telling Reality Check TV in 2019, “I’m looking forward to getting out on the road and playing again.”

Despite his musical success, Sykes maintained a low profile in later years. Former bandmate Carmine Appice of Blue Murder revealed in 2023 that Sykes had become increasingly reclusive, cutting off contact with many of his peers. “I think he’s done [playing music],” Appice said during an interview with SiriusXM‘s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk.”

Sykes’s career spanned decades, beginning with Tygers of Pan Tang in the late 1970s before joining Thin Lizzy and later Whitesnake. He formed Blue Murder in the late 1980s, releasing two studio albums before the band disbanded in the mid-1990s. His influence on rock music remains undeniable, with fans and fellow musicians mourning his loss.

“He certainly marched to the beat of his own drum and always pulled for the underdog,” the statement on his passing continued. “In his final days, he spoke of his sincere love and gratitude for his fans who stuck by him through all these years.”

Sykes is survived by his family, friends, and a legacy of music that continues to inspire generations of rock enthusiasts.