A rare interview with the late John Sykes, who died this week at the age of 65 – and some personal memories from Myles Kennedy

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.

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.”

Sykes was honoured by former bandmates and musicians, including members from Whitesnake, Blue Murder and Guns N’ Roses. John Sykes, the guitarist for bands like Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, has died at 65.

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

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.

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

John Sykes, a hard-rock guitarist and singer who played with Thin Lizzy before joining Whitesnake for its smash 1987 album and later forming Blue Murder, has died of cancer. He was 65. The news was confirmed on Sykes’ Facebook page,

(Gray News) - Guitarist and songwriter John Sykes, who played for Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, has died. Sykes died at the age of 65 after a “hard-fought battle with cancer,” according to a statement on his website.

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

The English guitarist co-wrote Whitesnake's 'Is This Love,' one of the defining power ballads of late-’80s hard rock.

John Sykes, the hard rock guitarist who worked for Thin Lizzy, has passed away at the age of 65. His death was confirmed via a post on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, January 21 however,