#jason hook

Former Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake Guitarist John Sykes Dies at 65

John Sykes, the guitarist who played with Thin Lizzy before joining Whitesnake, has died.

Sykes was 65 and died Jan. 20 “after a hard-fought battle with cancer,” per a statement on his website.

“In his final days, he spoke of his sincere love and gratitude for his fans who stuck by him through all these years,” it read.

“While the impact of his loss is profound and the mood somber, we hope the light of his memory will extinguish the shadow of his absence.”

After making two records with the Tygers of Pan Tang, Sykes joined Thin Lizzy in 1982 and appeared on the Thunder and Lightning LP.

He then joined Whitesnake, appearing on the Slide It In and Whitesnake albums.

Sykes’ death was “shocking news” to David Coverdale.

“My sincere condolences to his family, friends and fans,” the Whitesnake frontman said in a statement.

Sykes was “one of the greatest guitarists of the genre,” Jason Hook wrote on social media.

“RIP, Brother, your contribution to hard rock/heavy metal is immeasurable,” he said.

Sykes subsequently formed Blue Murder with Tony Franklin and Carmine Appice; fronted a reformed Thin Lizzy, with whom he remained until 2009; and embarked on a solo career.

“His music will live on as an inspiration to musicians worldwide,” Will Wallner said.

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