On the subsequent tour, Sykes' place was taken by both Adrian Vandenberg and Vivian Campbell, though within just a couple of years, they too would be out of the band – the former temporarily, due to injury, and the latter permanently, due to personal differences.

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

The English guitarist co-wrote Whitesnake's 'Is This Love,' one of the defining power ballads of late-'80s hard rock.

The guitarist died after a 'hard fought' health battle, according to an official statement.

The rocker co-wrote several of Whitesnake's biggest hits, including "Is This Love" and "Still of the Night." John Sykes, the electrifying guitarist who rocked the world in legendary bands Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy,

John Sykes, best known for playing guitar with iconic bands Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, has died. He was 65 years old and was reportedly battling cancer when he died on January 20, 2025. Thin Lizzy’s Instagram page confirmed the news and shared a statement about his passing.

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,

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.

David Coverdale, the renowned English musician, boasts a net worth of $18 million. He is widely recognized for his roles in the iconic rock bands Deep Purple and Whitesnake. In addition to his band work, Coverdale enjoyed a successful solo career and collaborated with Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin on a platinum-certified album in 1993.

Sykes was honoured by former bandmates and musicians, including members from Whitesnake, Blue Murder and Guns N’ Roses. John Sykes, the guitarist for bands like Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, has died at 65.

A gifted guitarist who played with some of the biggest rock bands and who lived in Blackpool for many years has died, aged 65.