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

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.

The English guitarist arrived in the 1980s' New Wave of British Heavy Metal, toting a Les Paul Custom and a vibrato wider than the English Channel

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.

(Gray News) - Guitarist and songwriter John Sykes, who played for Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, has died. Sykes died at the age of 65 after a “hard-fought battle with cancer,” according to a statement on his website.

Listed among the greatest heavy metal guitarists of all time, John Sykes has been remembered by stars including Guns N' Roses stars Slash and Steven Adler.

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.

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,

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

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, 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,