Tributes flow in for Thin Lizzy & White Snake guitarist, John Sykes - Passed away age 65

The passing of John Sykes, renowned guitarist for Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, and Blue Murder, has sparked an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from fellow musicians.

Sykes, 65, died after a "hard fought battle with cancer," according to an official statement.

Sykes began his career in 1980 with the heavy metal band Tygers Of Pan Tang before he joined Thin Lizzy in 1982. He was invited to join Whitesnake in 1984 by Coverdale and co-wrote some of the band’s most famous songs including Still Of The Night and Is This Love.

Thin Lizzy issued a statement on their socials saying -

John Sykes, has passed away aged 65 after battling with cancer. He was with Lizzy for the Thunder and Lightning album and tour bringing a harder edge to their sound. He always sounded fantastic and looked cool on stage. He stayed with the band until the end, a perfect fit with Phil, Scott, Brian and Darren. He joined Whitesnake after, a perfect foil for David Coverdale.
Our respect and thoughts to his family and friends and a massive thank you for being a part of the Thin Lizzy story and history. Please play T&L today and play it loud. John Sykes 29 July 1959 – January 2025

David Coverdale, who collaborated with Sykes on Whitesnake’s Slide It In and Whitesnake albums, expressed his shock, writing, "Just heard the shocking news of John's passing. My sincere condolences to his family, friends & fans."

"I am saddened about the news of my band mate John Sykes," wrote drummer Carmine Appice, who performed alongside Sykes in the '90s group Blue Murder. "I’m shocked about his passing. We played such great music and had such great times together. John’s playing, writing and singing were amazing. …I loved him like a brother. We lived close to each other when we were in Blue Murder, we hung out everyday. He was an amazing guitarist and together with Tony Franklin on bass we had a great rock trio. He will be missed."

Here is just a few of the posts across social media remembering the legend.