John Sykes, Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake guitarist, dies aged 65

The account went on to say: “Many will remember him as an exceptionally talented musician, but for those who didn’t have the pleasure of knowing him personally, he was a considerate, compassionate, and captivating individual whose very essence brought warmth and vibrancy to any space.

“He certainly marched to the beat of his own drum and always pulled for the underdog.

Toward the end of his life, he expressed heartfelt affection and appreciation for his loyal fans who stood by him throughout the years.

Though his departure has cast a deep, melancholic hue, we eagerly anticipate that the brightness of his remembrance will dispel the gloom left by his absence.”

“His loss leaves us in a heavy hearted state, but we hold onto faith that the radiance of his memory will banish the darkness of his departure.

1980 marked the start of Sykes’ musical journey when he joined the heavy metal band Tygers of Pan Tang. Over the next couple of years, he contributed to two studio albums but eventually decided to part ways and move on to serve as the lead guitarist for Thin Lizzy, an Irish rock group.

He played on the band’s 1983 album titled “Thunder and Lightning” before embarking on a European tour with Phil Lynott, who was the frontman at that time, as part of a group known as The Three Musketeers.

1984 saw me joining the iconic British band Whitesnake, recruited personally by the band’s frontman, David Coverdale. I made my debut on their album “Slide It In” that same year and even collaborated with him on the writing process for our self-titled album in 1987.

Following his departure from Whitesnake, Sykes established his own group, Blue Murder, which included Tony Franklin and Carmine Appice as members. Together, they produced two studio albums and a live recording before Sykes ventured into a solo career.

Back in 2004, I had the honor of being included on Guitar World’s distinguished list of the 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time – a moment that still resonates with me as a dedicated cinephile of heavy metal music.

Over the internet, there has been an outpouring of tributes for Sykes, following the heartbreaking news of his demise. Eddie Trunk, a popular radio personality, expressed his feelings on X (previously known as Twitter): “I’m utterly stunned by this tragic news! Many are aware that John wasn’t just a friend to me, but also one of my beloved guitarists.

“Stunned by this. What a loss. Condolences to his family and friends. Crushed. RIP John Sykes.”

Sykes is survived by his three sons: James, John Jr and Sean.