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BORN
1959
DIED
2025
John Sykes Obituary
John Sykes was a guitarist, singer, and songwriter known for his time in the hard rock bands Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake.
We invite you to share condolences for John Sykes in our Guest Book.
Read the full obituary in Legacy's headline news section.
(Photo: Krasner/Trebitz/Redferns)
28 Entries
T.Kelly
May 22, 2025
John, it's with sadness to see such a wonderful,talented, and very handsome man suffer from cancer, but I do know that you're resting in peace and you've left you're sons who will carry on your legacy. It was great to see you play you're guitar with the passion you played. I hope you're life is endless and an eternal life. The music was and is so good. I enjoyed every minute of it. R.I.P. John .
T.Kelly
Sharyn Graham
May 7, 2025
You will live in my heart forever! I still can't believe that you're gone! I'm totally gutted! You were a sweet, beautiful, private beautiful man! You touched so many lives, especially mine! Rest easy "Lord Sykes"!
Rhonda Edwards
February 26, 2025
I've only seen Whitesnake preform live once in 1994. It was one of the most memorable nights of my life. R.I.P. Mr. Sykes of Whitesnake I can say I'll be listening to some specific songs tonight.
Paul Mitchell
February 11, 2025
John thank you for the great
Music god bless and rest you stand down you have done your duty
How you can show support
Anna jackson
February 7, 2025
Met john on night out in Blackpool January 1987 (I didn't know who he was, just saw this beautiful man with gorgeous hair. I told him he looked like
jon bon jovi haha). He was with cozy Powell (nice man). Got chatting and getting to know him. He told me about David Coverdale thing. He was staying at his mums writing songs. Saw him a few times before he went back to LA. Needless to say I followed his career from then on. Was really nice to me and down to earth. So sad he has passed. Love and strength to his family and sons. Lovely man. Fantastic musician.
Thomas McKellips
February 5, 2025
Prayers and Sincere Condolences for the Families. Blessed and Grateful for the Music & Musicianship he shared with the World. RIP JJS
Terry mullen
February 4, 2025
Frist time I met John was at his house in northridge. I picked up a bass from him. He was a great guy ,had a few beer talk about bands. It was cool we sang few tuns together. We stayed in touch with each other for a long time. I'm going to miss ya brother. I'll see you in heaven my friend. rock&roll buddy.
Andrew Berycz
January 31, 2025
My hero and idol and I wouldn't be here today and the way I can play without his influence.
Love you John, R.I.P
ard vd Wetering
January 29, 2025
I bought the Spellbound album way back in 1982 I think. I remember the record holder asking me why I chose this one over No sleep till Hammersmith? Later on he joined Lizzy my favourite band ever since I heard side A of the LAD album. Later on I had the privilege of seeing Lizzy ( not really) with Sykes in Rijsen and Hardenberg. Great guitarist and I surely liked it when he opened up with the Ozzy riff in 1984 while playing with Whitesnake!
Catherine Peiro
January 28, 2025
I was 17 when blessed with your Blue Murder album, in 1989. It's my most played, and loved. There will never be another "you". Keep rockin' John. You are loved so much. Rest easy in your paradise. Sincere condolences to the Sykes family.
Mr.Jr.
January 28, 2025
My Condolences.
Anne Müller
January 27, 2025
Thanks for being present in my best and oldest memories, with your wonderful song.
mike adams
January 26, 2025
giving John grief for his 'photo'
face vs his normal face. He'd always throw the best 'Blue Steel' the minute a cameras popped up .. it was always a good laugh. he was always a good sport about everything and a lot warmer than most ever saw. loved the man.
Bob Cupp
January 25, 2025
Thank you for sharing your musical talents with the world. You leave a legacy that forever plays on. Bravo maestro! .
mark gateshill
January 25, 2025
Patricia Metal Goddess Kellogg and Heavy Metal Chapello
January 24, 2025
Johns playing always brought sheer joy. He was truly a Metal God guitarist of force and melody! Condolences to his family.
Dana Livingstone
January 24, 2025
May the highest and brightest be with him. Such an Incredibly talented handsome musican during the best years of rock. Condolences to John's family.
Anna Lucia Klug
January 24, 2025
Biggest guitar of the World.
Peace and light forever
Harley Gray
January 24, 2025
I never had the chance to meet John, but if I did I would tell him how thankful I am for the contributions he made to the world of music. His songs got me through hard times and kept me smiling when things were rough. An inspiration to so many, he will be missed. My condolences to his family, friends, and anyone who was close to him.
Dave Jones
January 24, 2025
John was loved and adored by many. He love of life laughter and humbleness were features you would not expect from someone of his stature. But that's only were the story begins. John may you have God's speed and blessing, and I'm absolutely sure you are jamming with the best now.
Julie childs
January 24, 2025
How lovely he was
mark gateshill
January 24, 2025
Rest easy john one of the greatest guitarists vocalists of all time.you will be hugely missed.thank you for the amazing music and memories you left us all. your number 1 fan- Mark Gateshill
Michael
January 23, 2025
R.I.P. our condolences to family ,freind . Fan s Michael Crosswhite and Jon Atkinson
RB
January 23, 2025
An amazingly talented musician, singer and songwriter. A fighter to the end. Heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Sykes family. May God be with you as you go through this difficult time of your loss.
Michael Frantz
January 23, 2025
A true asset to the he music world. I followed his career for the entirety of the time he was out there.His talent wil echo through time of that there is no doubt. My heart and love goes out to his family friends and fans. Big love.
Jonathan Windhorst
January 23, 2025
So Sorry about John´s passing. My first memory of John is when he joined Thin Lizzy and played on the Thunder and Lightning Album. An absolutely Fantastic Album!!
I met John in 2001 when he was back with Thin Lizzy. He was a very nice person! R.I.P. John You will be missed !!!
Dip Nailor
January 22, 2025
My truest condolences to John's family. So many years of my life have been filled with John's music. So many memories to go along with the beautiful sounds he created. Our loss is Heaven's gain. We are all blessed to have experienced such a unique and amazing musician.
James Marr
January 22, 2025
The love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
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