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.

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,

Guitarist John Sykes, who played with rock bands including Think Lizzy and Whitesnake, has died aged 65.

John Sykes has died. He was 65 years old. A notice shared on the Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy guitarist's website revealed that the artist had passed away after a battle with cancer. SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox "It is with great sorrow we share that John Sykes has passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer,

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

John Sykes, the electrifying guitarist who rocked the world in legendary bands Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, has died at 65.

Sykes co-wrote "Is This Love," one of Whitesnake's biggest hits on the Billboard Hot 100, and more songs on the band's chart-topping, self-titled 1987 album.

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.