‘He will be remembered by many as a man with exceptional musical talent’
The legendary rock guitarist, John Sykes, who played with Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, has died.
A statement on his website confirmed that Sykes passed away aged 65 following a battle with cancer.
The statement 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 sombre, we hope the light of his memory will extinguish the shadow of his absence.”
Sykes career began with the band Tygers of Pan Tang in the early 80s.
Sykes then went onto join Thin Lizzy for their 1983 album Thunder and Lightning, co-writing the single Cold Sweat.
The supporting tour for Thunder and Lightning was billed as Lizzy’s farewell tour, although Lynott and Sykes were adamant to continue.
Eight years after Lynott’s early death in 1986, Sykes formed a new version of Thin Lizzy, presented as a tribute to Lynott, with fellow members Brian Downey, Scott Gorham, and Darren Wharton.
Sykes continued with the new Thin Lizzy until 2009 when he announced it was time for him to focus on his own music once again.
He will be remembered as one of the true greats of the guitar world.
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