John Sykes, best known for his work with popular rock bands Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, has died at the age of 65. The British guitarist died after a bout with cancer, according to a statement posted to his website Monday. The statement did not disclose what type of cancer Sykes had nor did it reveal the musician’s exact death date.

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.

It is with great sorrow we share that John Sykes has passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer,' a statement on his website read. 'He will be remembered by many as a man with exceptional musical talent but for those who didn’t know him personally,

Ex- Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake guitarist John Sykes has died at the age of 65. According to a post on Sykes’ official social media pages, the veteran U.K. musician “passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer.”

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.

Iconic English guitarist John Sykes – known for playing lead guitar for bands including Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, and Sykes – has died at the age of 65. Earlier today, the following statement was posted on Sykes ‘s social media: ‘It is with great sorrow we share that John Sykes has passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer.

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,

John Sykes, a guitarist who played with Thin Lizzy before joining Whitesnake for its smash 1987 album and later forming Blue Murder, has died of cancer at 65.