The rock music world lost another legendary performer on Monday with the death of guitarist John Sykes who performed with both Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy in the 1980s. His passing marked the continuation of what has been a brutal start to 2025, with nine performers now having lost their lives.

Garth Hudson, best known for his role with “The Band,” died Tuesday at the age of 87. Jan Haust, Hudson’s longtime friend and colleague, confirmed his death to “Rolling Stone.” No cause of death was revealed, but he said Hudson “died peacefully” and “yesterday was a day of music and hand-holding.”

Beej Chaney, described as a punk rock hero in Minnesota, died on Jan. 5. Chaney, 68, who played with the band The Suburbs, was reportedly found after he went for a swim in the Pacific Ocean.

Legendary guitarist John Sykes died at the age of 65. The death of the talented musician was confirmed Jan. 20 in an official statement posted on Facebook. “It is with great sorrow we share that John Sykes has passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer,