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John Sykes, Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy guitarist, dead at 65

Musician John Sykes, guitarist for bands such as Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, has died. He was 65 years old.

According to a post shared on a verified social media account, Sykes passed away after a battle with cancer.

“He will be remembered by many as a man of extraordinary musical talent, but for those who didn't know him personally, he was a thoughtful, kind and charismatic man. His presence lit up the room.” A statement was read.

“He certainly marched to the beat of his own drum and always stepped up for the underdog. On his final day, he expressed his deepest love and gratitude to the fans who stood by him through the years. He was expressing his gratitude.”

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John Sykes formed Blue Murder following his success with Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake. (Wataru Asanuma/Shinko Music/Getty Images)

“The impact of his death is profound and the mood is heavy, but we hope that the light of his memory will erase the shadow of his absence.”

Sykes began his musical career in 1980 with a band called The Tigers of Pantin, before auditioning for Thin Lizzy. Although the band was already popular, Sykes played during the group's farewell tour and also played on their last two albums, “Thunder and Lightning'' and “Life.''

The guitarist then joined Whitesnake, founded by David Coverdale. Sykes played on the group's album Slide It In and co-wrote some of the band's biggest hits, including “Still of the Night” and “Is This Love.”

sung by John Sykes

John Sykes of Thin Lizzy performs on stage during the “Thunder and Lightning” tour on March 10, 1983. (Pete Still/Red Ferns)

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Coverdale pays tribute to Sykes On Instagram.

“I heard the shocking news of John's passing… My deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans…” she wrote, along with several photos of their time together in Whitesnake.

Despite co-writing the album, Sykes, along with bassist Neil Murray and drummer Ainsley Dunbar, were all expelled from the band before the album's release.

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Sykes formed Blue Murder with Tony Franklin and drummer Carmine Appice, who also paid homage to Sykes.

John Sykes playing guitar

John Sykes began his career in the 1980s. (Mick Hutson/Red Ferns)

“We played some great music and had a great time together,” he wrote on Facebook. “Check out the Blue Murder 1 and The Cry of Love albums. John's playing, writing, and singing were amazing…I loved him like a brother. We lived near each other and played together every day. He was a great guitarist and a great rock trio with bassist Tony Franklin. It's done. ”

“I'll miss him when he's gone.”

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