Legendary Guitarist John Sykes Passes Away

A Life of Music and Legacy

When you have Tygers of Pan Tang, Thin Lizzy, and Whitesnake on your CV, you have earned the right to be referred to as a ‘legend’. That is definitely the term being used to describe John Sykes, who sadly passed away after a long battle with cancer. He was 65.

A Life of Music

John Sykes was born on 29 July 1959 in Reading, Berkshire. He began his music career in the late 1970s, playing with various bands before joining Tygers of Pan Tang. His time with the band saw him develop his unique guitar style, which would go on to influence a generation of musicians.

Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake

In the early 1980s, Sykes joined Thin Lizzy, playing on the band’s final studio album, “Thunder and Lightning”. His time with the band was marked by his incredible guitar work, which helped to cement his reputation as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Whitesnake and the Rise to Fame

In 1984, Sykes joined Whitesnake, playing on the band’s album “Slide It In”. The album was a huge success, and Sykes’ guitar work was a major factor in the band’s rise to fame. He went on to play on the band’s self-titled album in 1987, which saw the band gain a firm foothold in America.

A Legacy of Music

John Sykes’ passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from the music community. His former bandmates, including David Coverdale, have paid their respects, as have other musicians who were influenced by his work. Sykes is survived by his ex-wife, Jennifer Brooks Sykes, and three children – James, John Jr, and Sean.

A Final Statement

A statement on Sykes’ social media page read: “It is with great sorrow we share that John Sykes has passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer. He will be remembered by many as a man with exceptional musical talent, but for those who didn’t know him personally, he was a thoughtful, kind, and charismatic man whose presence lit up the room.

“He certainly marched to the beat of his own drum and always pulled for the underdog. In his final days, he spoke of his sincere love and gratitude for his fans who stuck by him through all these years.

“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.”

Condolences from the Music Community

David Coverdale, Sykes’ former bandmate in Whitesnake, expressed his condolences on social media, saying: “Just heard the shocking news of John’s passing…My sincere condolences to his family, friends & fans…”

Guns N’ Roses axeman, Slash, also paid tribute on Instagram with a simple message of “R.I.P”, underlining the influence Sykes had on a generation of guitar players.

Conclusion

John Sykes was a true legend of rock music, leaving behind a legacy of incredible guitar work and a generation of musicians who were influenced by his playing style. His passing is a sad loss for the music community, but his music will continue to live on, inspiring new generations of musicians and fans alike.

FAQs

Q: What was John Sykes’ age at the time of his passing?
A: John Sykes was 65 years old at the time of his passing.

Q: What were some of the bands John Sykes played with?
A: John Sykes played with Tygers of Pan Tang, Thin Lizzy, and Whitesnake.

Q: What was John Sykes’ guitar style like?
A: John Sykes was known for his unique guitar style, which was a blend of rock, blues, and metal influences.

Q: Who paid tribute to John Sykes after his passing?
A: David Coverdale, Slash, and other musicians paid tribute to John Sykes after his passing.