John Sykes, the world-renowned guitarist, best known for his work with the likes of Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, and Blue Murder, passed away at the age of 65 on January 21, 2025.

John Sykes, a guitarist who played with Thin Lizzy before joining Whitesnake for its smash 1987 album and later forming Blue Murder, has died of cancer at 65.

The renowned guitarist played with several successful bands from the 1980s including Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy and Tygers of Pan Tang.

Guitarist John Sykes has sadly passed away at the age of 65 following a battle with cancer, with his family thanking fans for their support in a heartbreaking statement

It is with great sorrow we share that John Sykes has passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer,' a statement on his website read. 'He will be remembered by many as a man with exceptional musical talent but for those who didn’t know him personally,

British guitarist John Sykes, best known for his work with rock bands Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, has died aged 65 “after a hard fought battle with cancer.”

John Sykes died from cancer at age 65. The guitarist played for both Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake before joining Blue Murder with Tony Franklin and drummer Carmine Appice.