
The music world mourns the loss of British guitarist John Sykes, who has passed away at the age of 65 following a brave battle with cancer. Sykes, renowned for his exceptional talent and contributions to iconic rock bands Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, leaves behind a legacy cherished by fans and fellow musicians alike.
A Talented Musician and Beloved Personality
In a heartfelt statement on his official website, Sykes was remembered as not only a musician of extraordinary talent but also as a kind, charismatic individual who brightened every room he entered. The statement highlighted his thoughtful nature, which endeared him to those who knew him personally.
Messages of tribute have poured in from the rock community:
David Coverdale, lead singer of Whitesnake, shared nostalgic photos of the two from the 1980s on Instagram, offering his sincere condolences to Sykes’ family, friends, and fans.
Slash, guitarist for Guns N’ Roses, paid his respects with a simple Instagram post: “RIP #John Sykes.”
Carmine Appice, drummer and Sykes’ collaborator in the band Blue Murder, expressed his admiration on Facebook, stating, “John’s playing, writing, and singing were amazing… I loved him like a brother.”
Sykes’ Remarkable Career
John Sykes began his musical journey in 1980 with the British band The Tygers of Pan Tang. His talent quickly garnered attention, leading to a significant career move when he joined the legendary rock band Thin Lizzy in 1982. Although the band was nearing the end of its prime, Sykes’ contributions to their final albums, Thunder and Lightning and Life, left an indelible mark. He also participated in their year-long farewell tour, captivating audiences with his electrifying guitar solos.
Success with Whitesnake
After his stint with Thin Lizzy, Sykes joined Whitesnake and contributed to their 1984 album Slide It In. He gained global recognition while performing alongside the band at major events, including the 1985 Rock in Rio festival, where they played to hundreds of thousands of fans.
Sykes’ songwriting prowess shone through on Whitesnake’s self-titled 1987 album, co-writing iconic hits such as “Still of the Night” and “Is This Love.” The album achieved phenomenal success, selling approximately 20 million copies worldwide.
Challenges and New Beginnings
Despite these triumphs, Sykes’ relationship with Whitesnake’s frontman David Coverdale deteriorated during the recording of their 1987 album. This tension led to Coverdale dismissing the entire band before the album’s tour began. In a 2017 interview with Rock Candy magazine, Sykes described feeling “furious” and “very bitter” about the fallout.
Determined to forge ahead, Sykes formed the hard rock supergroup Blue Murder alongside Tony Franklin and Carmine Appice. While the group’s work achieved limited commercial success, it showcased Sykes’ enduring passion for music.
A Legacy of Love and Gratitude
As his health declined, Sykes remained deeply appreciative of his loyal fans. According to the statement on his website, he frequently expressed his “sincere love and gratitude” to those who supported him throughout his career.
The statement poignantly concluded: “While the impact of his loss is profound and the mood sombre, we hope the light of his memory will extinguish the shadow of his absence.”
Remembering John Sykes
John Sykes’ influence on the rock music scene cannot be overstated. From his powerful guitar riffs to his heartfelt songwriting, he leaves behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire musicians and fans around the world.
The outpouring of tributes reflects the profound impact he had both as an artist and as a person. As the world bids farewell to a rock legend, his music and memory will live on.
Sources