John Sykes.
Neil Lupin/RedfernsGuitarist John Sykes died earlier this month after a battle with cancer. He was 65 years old.
“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of John Sykes after a fierce battle with cancer,” read a statement posted to Sykes’ official Facebook page on Monday, January 20. “Many will remember him as a man of exceptional musical talent but for those who did not know him personally, he was a caring, kind and charismatic man whose presence lit up the room.
The statement continued: “He certainly marched to the beat of his own drum and always shot for the underdog. In his final days, he spoke of his sincere love and gratitude to his fans who stayed by his side all these years.
Sykes’ team concluded: “While the impact of his loss is profound and the mood dark, we hope that the light of his memory extinguishes the shadow of his absence.” »
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Sykes was born and raised in England, where he began his career with bands like Streetfighter and Badlands before joining Tygers of Pan Tang in 1980. The musician recorded two albums with the group: 1981’s. Bewitched And Crazy nights – before its release in 1982.
The rocker was introduced to the Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott around the same time and the duo collaborated on their single “Please Don’t Leave Me”, released in 1982. Sykes officially joined the Irish rock band later that year as guitarist.
Thin Lizzy’s 1983 album Thunder and lightning was his first record with the group, followed by Life. Sykes later recorded 2000’s live album One night only with the group even though Lynott died in 1986.
The band mourned the loss of Sykes via Instagram on Tuesday, January 21, crediting the late musician with “bringing a harder edge to their sound.”
“He always sounded fantastic and looked cool on stage. He stayed with the group until the end, in perfect harmony with Phil, Scott (Gorham), Brian (Downey) And Darren (Wharton)”, we read in the social media post. “Our respect and thoughts to her family and friends and a huge thank you for being a part of Thin Lizzy’s history and history. Please play T&L today and play hard.
After his success with Thin Lizzy, Sykes continued to take the rock world by storm as the guitarist for Whitesnake. He released the years 1984 Slip it in and the years 1987 White snake albums with the group before moving on to Blue Murder. He released three albums – and served as both singer and guitarist – with the English band from 1989 to 1994.
The iconic guitarist also had a successful solo career before his passing. His first solo album, Out of my treewas released in 1995. Sykes released two albums in 1997 and one in 2000. His last album, Bad Boy Live!was released in 2004.
The music community paid tribute to Sykes via social media Monday and Tuesday. Tony Franklinwho was part of Whitesnake and Blue Murder, honored his late friend via »
He added: “I am heartbroken and will miss him terribly. I’m grateful for the time we spent together and the music we created. Rest in peace John. I love you forever 💙.
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Radio personality and music talk show host Eddie Trunk shared her own message via X, calling Sykes’ death “shocking and devastating news.”
“As many know, John was not only a friend, but he was always one of my favorite guitarists,” he continued. “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.
