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'''John James Sykes''' (29 July 1959 – 20 January 2025) was an English guitarist, best known as a member of ], ] and ]. He also fronted the hard rock group ] and released several solo albums. '''John James Sykes''' (29 July 1959 – January 2025) was an English guitarist, best known as a member of ], ] and ]. He also fronted the hard rock group ] and released several solo albums.


Following a stint in the heavy metal band Tygers of Pan Tang in the early 1980s, Sykes joined Irish hard rock group Thin Lizzy for their 1983 album '']''. He then joined Whitesnake, with whom he recorded the ]-selling self-titled ]. However, Sykes was let go from the band before the record's release under acrimonious circumstances, which led to him forming his own group Blue Murder. After two albums and a live record, he embarked on a solo career. For the remainder of the 1990s and early 2000s, Sykes split his time between his solo career and a reformed Thin Lizzy, which he fronted until 2009, when he left to focus on his solo career. Following a stint in the heavy metal band Tygers of Pan Tang in the early 1980s, Sykes joined Irish hard rock group Thin Lizzy for their 1983 album '']''. He then joined Whitesnake with whom he recorded the ]-selling self-titled ]. However, Sykes was fired from the band before the record's release under acrimonious circumstances, which led to him forming his own group Blue Murder. After two albums and a live record, he embarked on a solo career. For the remainder of the 1990s and early 2000s, Sykes split his time between his solo career and a reformed Thin Lizzy, which he fronted until 2009, when he left to focus on his solo career.


Influenced by the likes of ], ] and ], Sykes was known for his distinctive playing style, characterised by his fast alternate picking, use of ], and sense of melody. In 2004, he was included on '']''{{'}}s list of "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time". In 2006, ] released a limited line of John Sykes Signature Les Pauls, which were modelled after his 1978 ]. Influenced by the likes of ], ] and ], Sykes was known for his distinctive playing style, characterised by his fast alternate picking, use of ] and sense of melody. In 2004, he was included on '']''{{'}}s list of "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time". In 2006, ] released a limited line of John Sykes Signature Les Pauls, which were modelled after his 1978 ].


==Early life== ==Early life==
John James Sykes was born 29 July 1959 in ].<ref name="Allmusic">{{Cite web| url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/john-sykes-mn0000189221/biography | title=John Sykes – Biography & History | website=] | first=Jason |last=Ankeny | access-date=29 June 2020 }}</ref><ref name="Kerrang2">{{cite magazine |last=Johnson |first=Howard |date=26 August {{ndash}} 8 September 1982 |title= Tygers Bend the Bars |magazine=] |issue=23 |pages=24{{ndash}}26 | publisher=United Newspapers | location=London, England}}</ref> The Sykes family spent three years living in ], Spain, where John's father and uncle owned a discothèque. Afterward, they moved back to Reading.<ref name="Kerrang">{{cite magazine |last=Kay |first=Max |date=23 February {{ndash}} 7 March 1984 |title= Confident Lickster – Max Kay talks to new Whitesnake recruit John Sykes |magazine=] |issue=62 | publisher=United Newspapers | location=London, England}}</ref> John James Sykes was born 29 July 1959 in ].<ref name="Allmusic">{{Cite web| url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/john-sykes-mn0000189221/biography | title=John Sykes – Biography & History | website=] | first=Jason |last=Ankeny | access-date=29 June 2020 }}</ref><ref name="Kerrang2">{{cite magazine |last=Johnson |first=Howard |date=26 August {{ndash}} 8 September 1982 |title= Tygers Bend the Bars |magazine=] |issue=23 |pages=24{{ndash}}26 | publisher=United Newspapers | location=London, England}}</ref> The Sykes family spent three years living in ], Spain, where John's father and uncle owned a discothèque. Afterward, they moved back to Reading.<ref name="Kerrang">{{cite magazine |last=Kay |first=Max |date=23 February {{ndash}} 7 March 1984 |title= Confident Lickster – Max Kay talks to new Whitesnake recruit John Sykes |magazine=] |issue=62 | publisher=United Newspapers | location=London, England}}</ref>


At age fourteen, Sykes took an interest in the guitar when his uncle showed him how to play some of ]'s ].<ref name="Circus">{{cite magazine |last=Bowcott |first=Nick |date=31 March 1989 |title=Ex-Whitesnake John Sykes forms Blue Murder |magazine=] |page=89 |publisher=Circus Enterprises Corporation |location=New York}}</ref> For the next two years, he practised playing blues songs on an old nylon-string guitar. Upon returning to Reading, Sykes entered a relationship and essentially gave up the guitar for a year and half. After moving to ], Sykes resumed playing and was asked to join the band Streetfighter by his friend Mervyn Goldsworthy, who would later play bass in ], ] and ].<ref name="Kerrang"/> At age 14, Sykes took an interest in the guitar when his uncle showed him how to play some of ]'s ].<ref name="Circus">{{cite magazine |last=Bowcott |first=Nick |date=31 March 1989 |title=Ex-Whitesnake John Sykes forms Blue Murder |magazine=] |page=89 |publisher=Circus Enterprises Corporation |location=New York}}</ref> For the next two years, he practised playing blues songs on an old nylon-string guitar. Upon returning to Reading, Sykes entered a relationship and essentially gave up the guitar for a year and half. After moving to ], Sykes resumed playing and was asked to join the band Streetfighter by his friend Mervyn Goldsworthy, who would later play bass in ], ] and ].<ref name="Kerrang"/>


==Career== ==Career==


=== Early career === === Early career ===
Sykes began his professional music career when he left Streetfighter to join ].<ref name="Allmusic"/><ref name="Circus"/> Sykes recorded two albums with the group, '']'' and '']'', which were both released in 1981. By the following year, however, Sykes had grown frustrated with the band, as he and vocalist Jon Deverill would often butt heads with the other members.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Johnson |first=Howard|date=21 October {{ndash}} 3 November 1982 |title= Can this man get Lizzy Syke-d up? |magazine=] |issue=27 |page=40 | publisher=United Newspapers | location=London, England}}</ref> Additionally, he felt the group lacked both the style and dedication to achieve major success.<ref name="Kerrang"/> Sykes left Tygers of Pan Tang in early 1982, two days before the start of a French tour.<ref name="Kerrang2"/> However, he appears on two tracks on the band's fourth album '']'', which was released after he had already departed.<ref name="Sykes Noble Interview">{{Cite web|url=http://www.johnsykes.com/nobleinterview.html|title=June 1999 Interview with Tony Nobles from Vintage Guitar magazine|date=27 March 2008|access-date=5 August 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327011356/http://www.johnsykes.com/nobleinterview.html|archive-date=27 March 2008|publisher=John Sykes}}</ref> Sykes made his recording debut on the Streetfighter track "She's No Angel", which appeared on the ] compilation ''New Electric Warriors'' in 1980.<ref name="RIP">{{Cite web| url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/john-sykes-rip | title=Former Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake guitarist John Sykes dead at 65 |work=] |publisher=Louder | first=Fraser | last=Lewry| date=20 January 2025 | access-date=21 January 2025 }}</ref> Afterwards, he left Streetfighter to join ].<ref name="Allmusic"/><ref name="Circus"/> Sykes recorded two albums with the group, '']'' and '']'', which were both released in 1981. By the following year, however, Sykes had grown frustrated with the band as he and vocalist Jon Deverill would often butt heads with the other members.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Johnson |first=Howard|date=21 October {{ndash}} 3 November 1982 |title= Can this man get Lizzy Syke-d up? |magazine=] |issue=27 |page=40 | publisher=United Newspapers | location=London, England}}</ref> Additionally, he felt the group lacked both the style and dedication to achieve major success.<ref name="Kerrang"/> Sykes left Tygers of Pan Tang in early 1982, two days before the start of a French tour.<ref name="Kerrang2"/> However, he appears on two tracks on the band's fourth album '']'', which was released after he had already departed.<ref name="Sykes Noble Interview">{{Cite web|url=http://www.johnsykes.com/nobleinterview.html|title=June 1999 Interview with Tony Nobles from Vintage Guitar magazine|date=27 March 2008|access-date=5 August 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327011356/http://www.johnsykes.com/nobleinterview.html|archive-date=27 March 2008|publisher=John Sykes}}</ref>


After leaving Tygers of Pan Tang, Sykes auditioned for ]'s band and was briefly a member of ]'s Badlands.<ref name="Circus"/><ref name="Kerrang"/> Despite a few shows and Sloman procuring a recording contract with ], the group ultimately broke-up.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Guy |first=Lyn |date=15 July 1989 |title= Slo an' Easy |magazine=] |issue=247 |pages=31 | publisher=United Newspapers | location=London, England}}</ref> After leaving Tygers of Pan Tang, Sykes auditioned for ]'s band and was briefly a member of ]'s Badlands.<ref name="Circus"/><ref name="Kerrang"/> Despite a few shows and Sloman procuring a recording contract with ], the group ultimately broke-up.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Guy |first=Lyn |date=15 July 1989 |title= Slo an' Easy |magazine=] |issue=247 |pages=31 | publisher=United Newspapers | location=London, England}}</ref>
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Sykes was heavily involved in the making of Whitesnake's next album, co-writing nine songs with vocalist ].<ref name="BraveWords">{{Cite web| url=http://bravewords.com/news/whitesnake-guitarist-john-sykes-discusses-david-coverdale-i-have-no-interest-in-ever-talking-to-him-again | title=Whitesnake – Guitarist John Sykes Discusses David Coverdale – "I Have No Interest In Ever Talking To Him Again" | website=] | date=7 June 2017 | access-date=29 June 2020 }}</ref> Sykes began pushing the band towards a more mainstream sound,<ref name="Raw">{{cite magazine |last=Suter |first=Paul |date=19 April 1989 |title= Fatal Attraction |magazine=] |issue=17 |pages=50{{ndash}}53 |publisher=EMAP Publishing Limited | location=London, England}}</ref><ref name="RockCandy2">{{cite magazine |last=Dome |first=Malcolm |author-link=Malcolm Dome |date=June{{ndash}}July 2017 |title= John Sykes – Strife in the Studio |magazine=Rock Candy |issue=2 |pages=36{{ndash}}39 |publisher=Rock Candy Magazine Limited | location=London, England}}</ref> which Coverdale described as "leaner, meaner and more electrifying".<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/whitesnake-the-story-behind-1987 | title=Whitesnake: The Story Behind 1987 |work=] |publisher=Louder | first=Dom | last=Lawson | date=29 July 2009 | access-date=9 March 2021 }}</ref> The two began writing together in the ] in early 1985, before heading to ] in Vancouver to begin recording.{{sfn|Wall|2010}} Eventually, though, Coverdale's relationship with the rest of the band began to sour. He then fired all other members of the group, including Sykes.<ref name="Sykes Noble Interview"/><ref name="BraveWords"/> Whitesnake's ] was released in April 1987, and it became the band's most commercially successful album to date, reaching number two on the ] chart and selling over eight million copies in the US.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/1987-06-13 |title=Billboard 200 – The Week of June 13, 1987 |magazine=] |access-date=2 July 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=whitesnake#search_section|title = RIAA Searchable Database: search for Whitesnake|publisher = ]|access-date = 29 June 2020}}</ref> Sykes was heavily involved in the making of Whitesnake's next album, co-writing nine songs with vocalist ].<ref name="BraveWords">{{Cite web| url=http://bravewords.com/news/whitesnake-guitarist-john-sykes-discusses-david-coverdale-i-have-no-interest-in-ever-talking-to-him-again | title=Whitesnake – Guitarist John Sykes Discusses David Coverdale – "I Have No Interest In Ever Talking To Him Again" | website=] | date=7 June 2017 | access-date=29 June 2020 }}</ref> Sykes began pushing the band towards a more mainstream sound,<ref name="Raw">{{cite magazine |last=Suter |first=Paul |date=19 April 1989 |title= Fatal Attraction |magazine=] |issue=17 |pages=50{{ndash}}53 |publisher=EMAP Publishing Limited | location=London, England}}</ref><ref name="RockCandy2">{{cite magazine |last=Dome |first=Malcolm |author-link=Malcolm Dome |date=June{{ndash}}July 2017 |title= John Sykes – Strife in the Studio |magazine=Rock Candy |issue=2 |pages=36{{ndash}}39 |publisher=Rock Candy Magazine Limited | location=London, England}}</ref> which Coverdale described as "leaner, meaner and more electrifying".<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/whitesnake-the-story-behind-1987 | title=Whitesnake: The Story Behind 1987 |work=] |publisher=Louder | first=Dom | last=Lawson | date=29 July 2009 | access-date=9 March 2021 }}</ref> The two began writing together in the ] in early 1985, before heading to ] in Vancouver to begin recording.{{sfn|Wall|2010}} Eventually, though, Coverdale's relationship with the rest of the band began to sour. He then fired all other members of the group, including Sykes.<ref name="Sykes Noble Interview"/><ref name="BraveWords"/> Whitesnake's ] was released in April 1987, and it became the band's most commercially successful album to date, reaching number two on the ] chart and selling over eight million copies in the US.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/1987-06-13 |title=Billboard 200 – The Week of June 13, 1987 |magazine=] |access-date=2 July 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=whitesnake#search_section|title = RIAA Searchable Database: search for Whitesnake|publisher = ]|access-date = 29 June 2020}}</ref>


Since leaving Whitesnake, Sykes's relationship with David Coverdale remained strained with the former feeling "very bitter" about how Coverdale handled his firing.<ref name="BraveWords"/> In the early 2000s, there was a "reaching out" between the two as Coverdale was putting together a new Whitesnake line-up. By his own account, Sykes recommended ] and ] to the band (both of whom would end up joining), after which he never heard from Coverdale again.<ref name="MetalRules"/> Mendoza claimed to have acted as a mediator of sorts between Sykes and Coverdale.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://sleazeroxx.com/interviews/marco-mendoza-interview/ | title=Marco Mendoza Interview | website=Sleaze Roxx | first=Ruben | last=Mosqueda | date=29 December 2010 | access-date=27 January 2021 }}</ref> The latter admitted to speaking with Sykes about a possible reunion, but ultimately decided that the two had been "their own bosses" for too long for a reunion to work.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Chirazi |first=Steffan |date=March 2011 |title=David Coverdale Q&A |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/whitesnake-jimmy-page-and-i-walked-through-manhattan-and-stopped-traffic |magazine=] presents: Whitesnake – Forevermore (The Official Album Magazine) |publisher=Future plc |location=London | access-date=12 August 2021}}</ref> In 2017, Sykes said of Coverdale: "I really have no interest in ever talking to him again."<ref name="BraveWords"/> A reunion is longer possible due to Sykes' death in 2025. Since leaving Whitesnake, Sykes's relationship with David Coverdale remained strained with the former feeling "very bitter" about how Coverdale handled his firing.<ref name="BraveWords"/> In the early 2000s, there was a "reaching out" between the two as Coverdale was putting together a new Whitesnake line-up. By his own account, Sykes recommended ] and ] to the band (both of whom would end up joining), after which he never heard from Coverdale again.<ref name="MetalRules"/> Mendoza claimed to have acted as a mediator of sorts between Sykes and Coverdale.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://sleazeroxx.com/interviews/marco-mendoza-interview/ | title=Marco Mendoza Interview | website=Sleaze Roxx | first=Ruben | last=Mosqueda | date=29 December 2010 | access-date=27 January 2021 }}</ref> The latter admitted to speaking with Sykes about a possible reunion, but ultimately decided that the two had been "their own bosses" for too long for a reunion to work.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Chirazi |first=Steffan |date=March 2011 |title=David Coverdale Q&A |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/whitesnake-jimmy-page-and-i-walked-through-manhattan-and-stopped-traffic |magazine=] presents: Whitesnake – Forevermore (The Official Album Magazine) |publisher=Future plc |location=London | access-date=12 August 2021}}</ref> In 2017, Sykes said of Coverdale: "I really have no interest in ever talking to him again."<ref name="BraveWords"/>


=== Blue Murder === === Blue Murder ===
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== Personal life and death == == Personal life and death ==
Sykes married Jennifer Brooks-Sykes on 10 April 1989, after four years of living together.<ref name="Metal Edge">{{cite magazine |last=Miller |first=Geri |date=May 1989 |title= John Sykes – Blue Murder's Axe Killer |magazine=] | page=82 | publisher=Zenbu Media | location=New York}}</ref> They were married until 1999.{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}} Sykes had three sons: James, John Jr. and Sean.<ref name="Metal Edge"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/thin-lizzy-guitarist-john-sykes-son-playing-keyboards-in-statius |title= Thin Lizzy guitarist John Sykes's son playing keyboards in Statius |website=] |date=18 February 2008 |access-date=16 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media notes |title=Bad Boy Live! |title-link=Bad Boy Live! |others=John Sykes |date=2004 |type=booklet |publisher=Victor |id=VICP-62956 }}</ref> Sykes married Jennifer Brooks-Sykes on 10 April 1989 after four years of living together.<ref name="Metal Edge">{{cite magazine |last=Miller |first=Geri |date=May 1989 |title= John Sykes – Blue Murder's Axe Killer |magazine=] | page=82 | publisher=Zenbu Media | location=New York}}</ref> They divorced in 1999.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jan/21/thin-lizzy-whitesnake-guitarist-john-sykes-dies |title = Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake guitarist John Sykes dies aged 65 |work=] |first=Laura |last=Snapes | date = 20 January 2025 |access-date = 20 January 2025}}</ref> Sykes had three sons: James, John Jr. and Sean.<ref name="Metal Edge"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/thin-lizzy-guitarist-john-sykes-son-playing-keyboards-in-statius |title= Thin Lizzy guitarist John Sykes's son playing keyboards in Statius |website=] |date=18 February 2008 |access-date=16 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media notes |title=Bad Boy Live! |title-link=Bad Boy Live! |others=John Sykes |date=2004 |type=booklet |publisher=Victor |id=VICP-62956 }}</ref>


On 20 January 2025, it was announced that Sykes had died of cancer. He was 65.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://blabbermouth.net/news/legendary-guitarist-john-sykes-dead-at-65|title = Legendary Guitarist John Sykes Dead At 65 |website = ] | date = 20 January 2025 |access-date = 20 January 2025}}</ref> On 20 January 2025, it was announced via a statement on his social media and website that Sykes had died after a hard fought battle with cancer. He was 65.<ref name="RIP"/><ref>{{cite web |url = https://blabbermouth.net/news/legendary-guitarist-john-sykes-dead-at-65|title = Legendary Guitarist John Sykes Dead At 65 |website = ] | date = 20 January 2025 |access-date = 20 January 2025}}</ref>


== Style and influences == == Style and influence ==
Sykes listed ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] among his biggest influences.<ref name="BadBoys"/><ref name="Metal Edge"/> He regarded himself as a "blues player that plays rock".<ref name="MetalRules"/> Some of the main characteristics of Sykes's playing were his fast alternate picking, doubled‐note lines, wide fret-hand vibrato, ] and ].<ref name="Musicradar">{{Cite web| url=https://www.musicradar.com/how-to/5-guitar-tricks-you-can-learn-from-whitesnakes-john-sykes | title=5 guitar tricks you can learn from Whitesnake's John Sykes | website=] |first1=Phil |last1=Hilborne | date=30 September 2019 |access-date=6 January 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/top-10-pick-squealers-all-time | title=The Top 10 Pick Squealers of All Time | website=] | date=27 October 2017 |access-date=16 January 2021 }}</ref><ref name="Guitar Player">{{Cite web| url=https://www.guitarplayer.com/players/they-came-from-planet-shred-how-80s-guitar-heroes-changed-hard-rock-forever | title=They Came From Planet Shred: How '80s Guitar Heroes Changed Hard Rock Forever | website=] | date=9 March 2021 |access-date=9 March 2021 }}</ref> Former ] guitarist Will Wallner described Sykes as having a great sense of melody in his playing.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.guitarworld.com/blogs/bent-out-shape-john-sykes-back | title=Bent Out of Shape: John Sykes is Back! | website=] | last=Wallner | first=Will | date=21 December 2012 |access-date=16 January 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.guitarworld.com/blogs/bent-out-shape-blue-murder-remastered-and-reloaded | title=Bent Out of Shape: Blue Murder Remastered and Reloaded | website=] | last=Wallner | first=Will | date=29 April 2013 |access-date=16 January 2021 }}</ref> Sykes listed ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] among his biggest influences.<ref name="BadBoys"/><ref name="Metal Edge"/> He regarded himself as a "blues player that plays rock".<ref name="MetalRules"/> Some of the main characteristics of Sykes's playing were his fast alternate picking, doubled‐note lines, wide fret-hand vibrato, ] and ].<ref name="Musicradar">{{Cite web| url=https://www.musicradar.com/how-to/5-guitar-tricks-you-can-learn-from-whitesnakes-john-sykes | title=5 guitar tricks you can learn from Whitesnake's John Sykes | website=] |first1=Phil |last1=Hilborne | date=30 September 2019 |access-date=6 January 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/top-10-pick-squealers-all-time | title=The Top 10 Pick Squealers of All Time | website=] | date=27 October 2017 |access-date=16 January 2021 }}</ref><ref name="Guitar Player">{{Cite web| url=https://www.guitarplayer.com/players/they-came-from-planet-shred-how-80s-guitar-heroes-changed-hard-rock-forever | title=They Came From Planet Shred: How '80s Guitar Heroes Changed Hard Rock Forever | website=] | date=9 March 2021 |access-date=9 March 2021 }}</ref> Former ] guitarist Will Wallner also highlighted Sykes's sense of melody in his playing.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.guitarworld.com/blogs/bent-out-shape-john-sykes-back | title=Bent Out of Shape: John Sykes is Back! | website=] | last=Wallner | first=Will | date=21 December 2012 |access-date=16 January 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.guitarworld.com/blogs/bent-out-shape-blue-murder-remastered-and-reloaded | title=Bent Out of Shape: Blue Murder Remastered and Reloaded | website=] | last=Wallner | first=Will | date=29 April 2013 |access-date=16 January 2021 }}</ref> Jackson Maxwell, writing for '']'', noted how Sykes "could go full-throttle with the most impressive speedsters, but will be best known as a player who shone brightest when showcasing his other talents."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/guitarists/john-sykes-dies-at-65 |title= “Always one of my favorite guitarists – what a loss”: John Sykes, Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Tygers of Pan Tang guitarist, dies at 65 |website=] |first=Jackson |last=Maxwell |date=20 January 2025 |access-date=21 January 2025 }}</ref> ] and ] guitarist ] cited Sykes as major influence, stating: "I was all about ] and ], and all those guys who were huge then. But John Sykes really got me – he changed my world through his tone and vibrato."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/rich-ward-stuck-mojo-fozzy |title= “I was all about Eddie Van Halen and George Lynch. But John Sykes really got me – he changed my world through his tone and vibrato”: How Fozzy’s Rich Ward took a shred attitude and funk-metal mindset to invent Stuck Mojo |website=] |first=Andrew |last=Daly |date=20 January 2025 |access-date=21 January 2025 }}</ref>


In 2004, Sykes was included on '']'''s list of the "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guitar-world-s-100-greatest-heavy-metal-guitarists-of-all-time/ |title= Guitar World's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists Of All Time |website=]|date=23 January 2004 |access-date=6 January 2021 }}</ref> In 2011, he was included on '']'s'' list of "50 Unsung Heroes of the Guitar".{{sfn|Molenda|2011}} ''Guitar Player'' also highlighted Sykes in their 2021 article "How '80s Guitar Heroes Changed Hard Rock Forever" as one of the quintessential hard rock guitarists of the 1980s.<ref name="Guitar Player"/> In 2004, Sykes was included on ''Guitar World'''s list of the "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guitar-world-s-100-greatest-heavy-metal-guitarists-of-all-time/ |title= Guitar World's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists Of All Time |website=]|date=23 January 2004 |access-date=6 January 2021 }}</ref> In 2011, he was included on '']'s'' list of "50 Unsung Heroes of the Guitar".{{sfn|Molenda|2011}} ''Guitar Player'' also highlighted Sykes in their 2021 article "How '80s Guitar Heroes Changed Hard Rock Forever" as one of the quintessential hard rock guitarists of the 1980s.<ref name="Guitar Player"/> Following Sykes's death, '']'' magazine's Quentin Thane Singer wrote: "While Sykes didn't see the same worldwide recognition as other like-minded 1980s guitar heroes his musical contributions to the genre and capabilities as a guitarist are no less significant."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/quentinsinger/2025/01/20/john-sykes-thin-lizzy-and-whitesnake-guitarist-dead-at-65/ |title= John Sykes, Thin Lizzy And Whitesnake Guitarist, Dead At 65 |website=] |first=Quentin Thane |last=Singer |date=20 January 2025 |access-date=21 January 2025 }}</ref>


== Equipment == == Equipment ==
Line 129: Line 130:
!Credits !Credits
!Ref(s) !Ref(s)
|-
| 1980
| Streetfighter
| ''New Electric Warriors''
| "She's No Angel"
| Guitar
| <ref name="RIP"/>
|- |-
| 1992 | 1992

Latest revision as of 23:38, 21 January 2025

British guitarist (1959–2025) For other people named John Sykes, see John Sykes (disambiguation).

John Sykes
Sykes in 2008Sykes in 2008
Background information
Birth nameJohn James Sykes
Born(1959-07-29)29 July 1959
Reading, Berkshire, England
DiedJanuary 2025(2025-01-00) (aged 65)
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • singer
  • songwriter
Instruments
  • Guitar
  • vocals
Years active1980–2025
Formerly of
Websitejohnsykes.com
Musical artist

John James Sykes (29 July 1959 – January 2025) was an English guitarist, best known as a member of Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy and Tygers of Pan Tang. He also fronted the hard rock group Blue Murder and released several solo albums.

Following a stint in the heavy metal band Tygers of Pan Tang in the early 1980s, Sykes joined Irish hard rock group Thin Lizzy for their 1983 album Thunder and Lightning. He then joined Whitesnake with whom he recorded the multi-platinum-selling self-titled 1987 album. However, Sykes was fired from the band before the record's release under acrimonious circumstances, which led to him forming his own group Blue Murder. After two albums and a live record, he embarked on a solo career. For the remainder of the 1990s and early 2000s, Sykes split his time between his solo career and a reformed Thin Lizzy, which he fronted until 2009, when he left to focus on his solo career.

Influenced by the likes of Jimmy Page, Ritchie Blackmore and Gary Moore, Sykes was known for his distinctive playing style, characterised by his fast alternate picking, use of pinch harmonics and sense of melody. In 2004, he was included on Guitar World's list of "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time". In 2006, Gibson released a limited line of John Sykes Signature Les Pauls, which were modelled after his 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom.

Early life

John James Sykes was born 29 July 1959 in Reading, Berkshire. The Sykes family spent three years living in Ibiza, Spain, where John's father and uncle owned a discothèque. Afterward, they moved back to Reading.

At age 14, Sykes took an interest in the guitar when his uncle showed him how to play some of Eric Clapton's licks. For the next two years, he practised playing blues songs on an old nylon-string guitar. Upon returning to Reading, Sykes entered a relationship and essentially gave up the guitar for a year and half. After moving to Blackpool, Sykes resumed playing and was asked to join the band Streetfighter by his friend Mervyn Goldsworthy, who would later play bass in Diamond Head, Samson and FM.

Career

Early career

Sykes made his recording debut on the Streetfighter track "She's No Angel", which appeared on the New wave of British heavy metal compilation New Electric Warriors in 1980. Afterwards, he left Streetfighter to join Tygers of Pan Tang. Sykes recorded two albums with the group, Spellbound and Crazy Nights, which were both released in 1981. By the following year, however, Sykes had grown frustrated with the band as he and vocalist Jon Deverill would often butt heads with the other members. Additionally, he felt the group lacked both the style and dedication to achieve major success. Sykes left Tygers of Pan Tang in early 1982, two days before the start of a French tour. However, he appears on two tracks on the band's fourth album The Cage, which was released after he had already departed.

After leaving Tygers of Pan Tang, Sykes auditioned for Ozzy Osbourne's band and was briefly a member of John Sloman's Badlands. Despite a few shows and Sloman procuring a recording contract with EMI, the group ultimately broke-up.

Thin Lizzy

Sykes (left) and Phil Lynott (right) performing with Thin Lizzy at the 1983 Reading Festival.

After his departure from Tygers of Pan Tang, Sykes was still contractually obligated to deliver a single to the band's label MCA Records. Through Tygers of Pan Tang producer Chris Tsangarides, Sykes got in touch with Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott. The two co-wrote and performed the single "Please Don't Leave Me", which was released in 1982. The track also featured fellow Thin Lizzy members Brian Downey and Darren Wharton. Afterwards, Sykes was asked to join Thin Lizzy. He was officially confirmed as the band's new guitarist in September 1982. Sykes performed on the group's 1983 album Thunder and Lightning, for which he also co-wrote the single "Cold Sweat". Sykes's inclusion helped revitalise the band, steering them towards a sound more akin to heavy metal. The supporting tour for Thunder and Lightning was billed as Thin Lizzy's farewell tour, though Sykes and Lynott were eager to continue further. During the tour, the band recorded the live album Life. Sykes also accompanied Lynott on a European solo tour. Thin Lizzy played their final UK concert at the Reading Festival in August 1983, before finally disbanding after a show at Nuremberg's Monsters of Rock festival on 4 September.

Phil Lynott died on 4 January 1986, aged 36. In 1994, Sykes along with former Thin Lizzy members Brian Downey, Scott Gorham and Darren Wharton, formed a new touring version of Thin Lizzy, which was presented as a tribute to Phil Lynott's life and work. While the band only performed songs from Thin Lizzy's back catalogue and did not compose any new material, they were still criticised for using the Thin Lizzy name without Lynott. In 2000, the group released the live album One Night Only. Sykes continued to front Thin Lizzy through various line-up changes before announcing his own departure in 2009, stating: "I feel it's time to get back to playing my own music." Scott Gorham would later reform Thin Lizzy without Sykes's involvement.

Whitesnake

Sykes performing with Whitesnake at the Oakland Coliseum in 1984.

After Thin Lizzy's break-up, Sykes was initially keen to continue working with Phil Lynott in what would become Grand Slam. However, he was soon asked to join English hard rock group Whitesnake, whom he had met while on tour with Thin Lizzy. After negotiating a satisfactory contract and receiving Lynott's blessing, Sykes agreed to join the band. He made his live debut with the group in Dublin on 17 February 1984. He was first tasked with recording new guitar parts for the US release of the band's 1984 album Slide It In. Afterwards, Whitesnake embarked on a lengthy world tour, which culminated in two shows at the 1985 Rock in Rio festival. The record became Whitesnake's first major success in the United States, selling over half a million copies. Sykes played a key role in the group's newfound success, with a more vibrant look and sound compared to the band's previous guitar players.

Sykes was heavily involved in the making of Whitesnake's next album, co-writing nine songs with vocalist David Coverdale. Sykes began pushing the band towards a more mainstream sound, which Coverdale described as "leaner, meaner and more electrifying". The two began writing together in the South of France in early 1985, before heading to Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver to begin recording. Eventually, though, Coverdale's relationship with the rest of the band began to sour. He then fired all other members of the group, including Sykes. Whitesnake's seventh album was released in April 1987, and it became the band's most commercially successful album to date, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 chart and selling over eight million copies in the US.

Since leaving Whitesnake, Sykes's relationship with David Coverdale remained strained with the former feeling "very bitter" about how Coverdale handled his firing. In the early 2000s, there was a "reaching out" between the two as Coverdale was putting together a new Whitesnake line-up. By his own account, Sykes recommended Marco Mendoza and Tommy Aldridge to the band (both of whom would end up joining), after which he never heard from Coverdale again. Mendoza claimed to have acted as a mediator of sorts between Sykes and Coverdale. The latter admitted to speaking with Sykes about a possible reunion, but ultimately decided that the two had been "their own bosses" for too long for a reunion to work. In 2017, Sykes said of Coverdale: "I really have no interest in ever talking to him again."

Blue Murder

Following his dismissal from Whitesnake, Sykes formed Blue Murder, which featured bassist Tony Franklin and drummer Carmine Appice. Initially, drummer Cozy Powell and vocalist Ray Gillen were tapped to the project. The former eventually left to join Black Sabbath, while latter was let go after Geffen Records' A&R executive John Kalodner encouraged Sykes to front the band himself.

Blue Murder's self-titled debut album was released in April 1989, reaching number 69 on the Billboard 200 chart. The band then embarked on a tour across America and Japan. While their debut album would go on to sell an estimated 500,000 copies according to Sykes, Blue Murder's success fell short of both the band's and label's expectations. Sykes felt Geffen Records did not properly promote the group, stating: "I think they were trying to get me and David back together. They wanted me to get back with the 'winning formula'. But the wounds were too fresh. I stayed with the same label. In hindsight, I would have done better with a different label."

During the recording of Blue Murder's sophomore album, Franklin and Appice left the group. They were replaced by Marco Mendoza and Tommy O'Steen. At the same time, Sykes was being considered for the guitarist spot in Def Leppard. While no formal auditions took place, Sykes did jam with the band and sang backing vocals on their 1992 album Adrenalize. Ultimately Def Leppard would hire Vivian Campbell, formerly of Dio and Whitesnake. Blue Murder, meanwhile, released their second album Nothin' But Trouble in 1993. It failed to chart, something Sykes once again attributed to Geffen Records, whom he felt "didn't do anything" to promote the record. In 1994, Blue Murder released a live album, Screaming Blue Murder: Dedicated to Phil Lynott, after which they were dropped from their label and broke up.

There were several attempts to reunite Blue Murder since the band's break-up. In 2019, Carmine Appice stated that the group had rehearsed together, but Sykes wanted the band to tour under the moniker John Sykes & Blue Murder, something Appice was unwilling to do. In 2020, Appice stated that he and Sykes had once again talked about the possibility of a Blue Murder reunion, but nothing ultimately came of the conversation.

Solo career

After parting ways with Geffen Records in 1994, Sykes signed with the Japanese branch of Mercury Records and released his first solo album Out of My Tree in 1995. His second solo album Loveland was released in 1997. Mercury Records had initially requested a seven-track extended play of ballads, but Sykes ultimately decided to expand the project into a proper album. 20th Century, a companion record to Loveland featuring heavier material, was released that same year. This was followed-up by Nuclear Cowboy in 2000. After a failed attempt to secure a European recording contract with Z Records, Sykes signed a distribution deal with Burnside Distribution in 2003, which made his solo albums available in the US for the first time. In 2005, Sykes released the live album Bad Boy Live!. According to guitarist Richard Fortus, Sykes also auditioned for Guns N' Roses in 2009.

During an appearance on That Metal Show in 2011, Sykes revealed he was forming a new band with drummer Mike Portnoy. However, Eddie Trunk confirmed in 2012 that the project, tentatively titled "Bad Apple", was no longer moving forward. Bassist Billy Sheehan had been tapped to the band as well, but ultimately the members' individual schedules didn't line up. According to Trunk, Sykes was "not on the same timetable" as Portnoy and Sheehan. Sykes was later replaced by Richie Kotzen and the group became the Winery Dogs.

In 2013, Sykes revealed he was working on a new solo album. Samples from the record were released in 2014 and Sykes discussed the album in a 2017 interview with Young Guitar Magazine. In January 2019, it was announced that Sykes had signed a recording contract with Golden Robot Records with the intent of releasing his long-delayed album that same year. However, in November 2019, Sykes announced that he had ended his partnership with Golden Robot Records. On 1 January 2021, Sykes released "Dawning of a Brand New Day", his first new song in over twenty years. This was followed up by "Out Alive" in July.

Personal life and death

Sykes married Jennifer Brooks-Sykes on 10 April 1989 after four years of living together. They divorced in 1999. Sykes had three sons: James, John Jr. and Sean.

On 20 January 2025, it was announced via a statement on his social media and website that Sykes had died after a hard fought battle with cancer. He was 65.

Style and influence

Sykes listed Jimmy Page, Ritchie Blackmore, Gary Moore, Michael Schenker, Uli Jon Roth, Allan Holdsworth and John McLaughlin among his biggest influences. He regarded himself as a "blues player that plays rock". Some of the main characteristics of Sykes's playing were his fast alternate picking, doubled‐note lines, wide fret-hand vibrato, pinch harmonics and tapping. Former White Wizzard guitarist Will Wallner also highlighted Sykes's sense of melody in his playing. Jackson Maxwell, writing for Guitar World, noted how Sykes "could go full-throttle with the most impressive speedsters, but will be best known as a player who shone brightest when showcasing his other talents." Stuck Mojo and Fozzy guitarist Rich Ward cited Sykes as major influence, stating: "I was all about Eddie Van Halen and George Lynch, and all those guys who were huge then. But John Sykes really got me – he changed my world through his tone and vibrato."

In 2004, Sykes was included on Guitar World's list of the "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time". In 2011, he was included on Guitar Player's list of "50 Unsung Heroes of the Guitar". Guitar Player also highlighted Sykes in their 2021 article "How '80s Guitar Heroes Changed Hard Rock Forever" as one of the quintessential hard rock guitarists of the 1980s. Following Sykes's death, Forbes magazine's Quentin Thane Singer wrote: "While Sykes didn't see the same worldwide recognition as other like-minded 1980s guitar heroes his musical contributions to the genre and capabilities as a guitarist are no less significant."

Equipment

Sykes performing in 2007 with his 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom

Sykes used a 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom throughout most of his career. The guitar was fitted with chrome hardware (which were added at Phil Lynott's suggestion), Grover tuners and a brass nut. The guitar featured a Gibson Dirty Fingers pick-up in the bridge position, which was later swapped out for a Gibson PAF reissue. In 2006, Gibson produced a limited number of Les Pauls based on Sykes's model. The line quickly sold out. Other guitars Sykes used over the course of his career include a sunburst 1959 Gibson Les Paul (which is featured on the cover of his 1997 album Loveland), a 1961 Fender Stratocaster, an EVH Frankenstein and a Joe Satriani model Ibanez. Sykes used Ernie Ball strings, gauge .010 to .046, and Dunlop 1.14mm Tortex picks.

Sykes mainly used EVH 5150 III amplifiers and cabinets. He previously used modified Marshall JCM800s for live performances. For Whitesnake's 1987 album and the first Blue Murder record, Sykes used two Mesa Boogie Coliseum heads with Mark III pre-amp sections and six 6L6 power tubes. For live performances, Sykes used rack‐mounted chorus and delay effects. During his first stint with Thin Lizzy, he used a Boss chorus pedal, which was retired after Whitesnake bassist Neil Murray complained it was too noisy.

Discography

Solo albums

with Tygers of Pan Tang

with Thin Lizzy

Main article: Thin Lizzy discography

with Whitesnake

Main article: Whitesnake discography

with Blue Murder

Other appearances

Year Artist Album Track(s) Credits Ref(s)
1980 Streetfighter New Electric Warriors "She's No Angel" Guitar
1992 Def Leppard Adrenalize — Backing vocals
1996 Various artists Crossfire: Salute to Stevie Ray "Pride and Joy" Guitar
1998 Various artists Merry Axemas 2 – More Guitars for Christmas "God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen" Guitar, producer, mixer
2001 Phil Lynott Live in Sweden 1983 All tracks Guitar, backing vocals
2002 Hughes Turner Project HTP "Heaven's Missing an Angel" Guitar
2004 Derek Sherinian Mythology "God of War" Guitar
2016 Rick Wakeman, Tony Ashton Gastank "Growing Up", "The Man's a Fool" Guitar
2018 Various artists Moore Blues for Gary: A Tribute to Gary Moore by Bob Daisley and Friends "Still Got the Blues" Guitar

References

Footnotes

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  8. Guy, Lyn (15 July 1989). "Slo an' Easy". Kerrang!. No. 247. London, England: United Newspapers. p. 31.
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Book sources

External links

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