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John Sykes, Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy guitarist, dead at 65
Fox News ^ | January 21, 2025 12:14pm EST | Lauryn Overhultz

Posted on 01/21/2025 10:27:11 PM PST by Olog-hai

Musician John Sykes, the guitarist for Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake and more, has died. He was 65.

Sykes passed away after battling cancer, according to a post shared on his verified social media accounts.

“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,” the statement read. […]

Sykes began his music career with the band The Tygers of Pan Tang in 1980. He went on to audition for Thin Lizzy. While the band was already popular, Sykes performed during the group’s farewell tour and played for the last two albums, “Thunder and Lightning” and “Life.”

The guitarist then joined Whitesnake, founded by David Coverdale. Sykes played for the group’s album “Slide It In” before co-writing some of the band’s greatest hits, including “Still of the Night” and “Is this Love.” …

(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...


TOPICS: Music/Entertainment
KEYWORDS: johnsykes; sykes; thinlizzy; whitesnake

1 posted on 01/21/2025 10:27:11 PM PST by Olog-hai
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To: Olog-hai

I was very sad to hear this news. I was a big fan of his work. Thunder and Lightning is one of my favorite albums. I also loved what he did with Blue Murder. Their first album is another favorite. RIP to a monster guitar player.


2 posted on 01/21/2025 10:37:31 PM PST by Rainbow Rising (Welcome back, President Trump!)
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To: Rainbow Rising

He was a breath of fresh air for that early 80’a metal, I agree. He kicked the Tygers into high gear with albums 2 and 3. The Lizzy album is his masterpiece though you’re right.


3 posted on 01/21/2025 10:43:21 PM PST by toddausauras
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To: toddausauras

Man he had some great solos. So melodic and emotive. A real inspiration to me.


4 posted on 01/21/2025 11:10:35 PM PST by catbertz
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To: Rainbow Rising

Blue Murder was a forgotten gem that i recently re-discovered....


5 posted on 01/21/2025 11:28:12 PM PST by Jaysin (Trump can't be beat, unless the democrats cheat)
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To: Jaysin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCkoHBJbJeI

Yup.
Some good pickwork in there.
And no autotune


6 posted on 01/21/2025 11:34:39 PM PST by Darksheare (Those who support liberal "Republicans" summarily support every action by same. )
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To: Rainbow Rising

> Blue Murder

Dang, I thought there was a reason that name sounded familiar. “In the Valley of the Kings” was one of my favorite Monday morning drive to work anthems...


7 posted on 01/21/2025 11:37:47 PM PST by Kommodor (Solzhenitsyn was an optimist...)
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To: Olog-hai

Too damn young!


8 posted on 01/22/2025 3:47:24 AM PST by montag813
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To: Olog-hai

His work with The Tygers of Pantang was pretty good also and as usual overlooked.


9 posted on 01/22/2025 4:33:11 AM PST by TexasM1A (GLASS HAMAS )
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To: catbertz

Definitely agree.


10 posted on 01/22/2025 4:40:35 AM PST by toddausauras
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To: Darksheare

This is my favorite song from Blue Murder.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hfsZ4EzSn80&pp=ygUfYmx1ZSBtdXJkZXIgdmFsbGV5IG9mIHRoZSBraW5ncw%3D%3D


11 posted on 01/22/2025 8:35:42 AM PST by hout8475
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