Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy Guitarist John Sykes Dies At Age 65 - Noise11.com
John Sykes

John Sykes

Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy Guitarist John Sykes Dies At Age 65

by Paul Cashmere on January 21, 2025

in News

John Sykes, the former guitarist for Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy has died at the age of 65 from cancer.

Sykes played on Thin Lizzy’s ‘Thunder and Lightning’ (1983) and live record ‘Life’ (1983) albums and was also heard on the 2000 live album ‘One Night Only’, recorded during a reunion tour of 1994 to honour Phil Lynott. Sykes co-wrote ‘Cold Sweat’ on ‘Thunder and Lightning’.

After Thin Lizzy broke up in 1984 Sykes joined Whitesnake. He was first credited with Whitesnake on the sixth album ‘Slide It In’ and then co-wrote seven of the nine songs om 1987’s ‘Whitesnake’ album including the hits ‘Is This Love’ and ‘Still of the Night’.

After Whitesnake, Skykes formed Blue Murder with Carmine Appice, Ray Gillen and Tony Franklin. Blue Murder released their debut album in 1989.

Sykes released his first solo album ‘Out of the Tree’ in 1995. He released four studio albums through to 2000. In 2009 he auditioned for Gun ‘n Roses. That didn’t work out. He started work on a fifth solo album in 2013. Eventually the song ‘Dawning of a Brand New Day’, his first new music in 20 years was released.

A statement of John’s socials reads:

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.

Stay updated with your free Noise11.com daily music news email alert. Subscribe to Noise11 Music News here

Be the first to see NOISE11.com’s newest interviews and special features on YOUTUBE and updated regularly. See things first SUBSCRIBE here: Noise11 on YouTube SUBSCRIBE

Noise11.com

Noise11 is now on Bluesky. Follow us at

Related Posts

Metallica photo by Ros O'Gorman
Metallica Rumours For The Sphere Las Vegas 2026

Though nothing is officially announced yet, numerous reputable outlets report that Metallica is in advanced talks to book a residency at the Sphere in fall 2026. Betting markets, particularly in the UK, currently list Metallica as the 6/1 favorites to be the next artist headlining the Sphere.

9 hours ago
Jon and Sally Tiven
R.I.P. Songwriter Sally Tiven Aged 68

Songwriter and musician Sally Tiven, who co-wrote the Ian Moss hit ‘Mr Rain with Ian and her husband Jon Tiven, has passed away at the age of 67.

4 days ago
Michael Jackson Thriller vinyl
Michael Jackson Biopic To Star His Nephew

Michael’s nephew Jaafar Jackson is set to star as the late singer in the movie, and after a number of delays, Lionsgate has confirmed it will receive a global theatrical release on April 24, 2026.

5 days ago
The Damned at Northcote Theatre, Melbourne 22 March 2024 photo by Mary Boukouvalis
The Damned Cancel North American Tour

The Damned have cancelled their scheduled performances in Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver this weekend, citing a "catastrophic event" at a band member’s home.

6 days ago
Crowded House perform at Rod Laver Arena 10 December 2024 photo by Winston Robinson
Crowded House Sentenced To One Night At Fremantle Prison

Crowded House are going to prison, Fremantle Prison in Western Australia to be exact.

July 15, 2025
Joe Camilleri Black Sorrows
Wilbur Wilde’s Message To The Punks Who Stole Joe Camilleri’s Guitars

Former Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons sax player Wilbur Wilde has a few words for the thieves who broke into the home of Joe Camilleri and stole thousands of dollars of equipment.

July 11, 2025
Duran Duran, SXSW. Photo by Ros O'Gorman.
Sabrina Carpenter and Duran Duran Collaborate

Sabrina Carpenter surprised her fans when she brought out Duran Duran during her BST Hyde Park show on Sunday.

July 8, 2025