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.

The death of former Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy star John Sykes has prompted a wave of loving tributes from his peers. The guitarist died at age 65 after what an official statement describes as "a hard fought battle with cancer."

The man accused of a 2018 murder has been charged in a separate case after he allegedly fired a shot at a woman in Blue Springs.

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, 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.

Legendary guitarist John Sykes lost his battle with cancer and succumbed to death on Monday, January 20, aged 65.

The music world is in mourning following the heartbreaking news that John Sykes, the legendary guitarist known for his work with Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, and Blue Murder, has passed away at the age of 65.

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,” according to a statement on his website.

Revered hard rock guitarist John Sykes, best known for his work in Thin Lizzy and the multi-platinum selling glam rock outfit Whitesnake, has died at age 65