John Sykes, the guitarist for bands like Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, has died at 65.

“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, he was a thoughtful, kind, and charismatic man whose presence lit up the room.”

Sykes was inspired by guitarists like Jimmy Page and Ritchie Blackmore, causing him to join his first band, Streetfighter. He later joined metal band Tygers of Pan Tang, before leaving in 1982 to join Thin Lizzy. They released their final studio album in 1983, Thunder and Lightning, after which Sykes left the group. He continued to play under Thin Lizzy throughout various line-up changes before officially cutting ties in 2009.

David Coverdale, lead singer and founder of Whitesnake, urged Sykes to join his band ahead of their upcoming 1984 album Slide It In. Together the group released two successful albums, as well as hit songs like ‘Is This Love’ and ‘Here I Go Again.’ Tensions flared when Coverdale fired the rest of the band, and he and Sykes were never able to mend their relationship. Shortly after, Sykes formed his own band Blue Murder.

Sykes found success in later years through his solo career, releasing four studio albums and one compilation project.

“Just heard the shocking news of John’s passing…My sincere condolences to his family, friends & fans,” wrote Coverdale on the Whitesnake Instagram page.

 

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“I loved him like a brother. We lived close to each other when we were in Blue Murder we hung out everyday,” wrote drummer and former bandmate Carmine Appice on Facebook.

“This news hit me like a ton of bricks when I found out last night. I obviously never knew John personally. But he has been a part of my life for many years through the love of his music and through his inspiration to me and others to play guitar,” wrote Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash on Instagram.

“We are reminded in these times that our guitar heroes and gods are just mortal men and woman after all. But his music and legacy will live on forever in the hearts of his fans and loved ones.”

 

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