John Sykes, a guitarist who played in bands like Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, died of cancer at age 65. He cowrote some of Whitesnake's biggest hits, like "Still of the Night" and "Is This Love."

Some of the world’s biggest rockers have paid tribute to former Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake guitarist John Sykes who died at age 65 after a “hard-fought” battle with cancer

British rock guitarist John Sykes, who played for acclaimed bands such as Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy has died aged 65. Sykes’ death was announced via his official Facebook page on Monday night, confirming that he had succumbed to cancer.

Listed among the greatest heavy metal guitarists of all time, John Sykes has been remembered by stars including Guns N' Roses stars Slash and Steven Adler.

Musician played on Irish band’s Thunder And Lightning album in early 1980s and toured playing Phil Lynott’s songs following his death

John Sykes, a guitarist who played with Thin Lizzy before joining Whitesnake for its smash 1987 album and later forming Blue Murder, has died of cancer at 65.

John Sykes, the British hard rock guitarist best known for his time in Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, has passed away. Sykes’ social-media pages reported his passing yesterday, saying that Sykes died after a “hard fought battle with cancer.

“When [guitarist] Snowy White decided to leave Thin Lizzy, John was the natural choice to join us. While Snowy brought a laid-back, bluesy feel to the band, John introduced a heavier, more intense element that Phil Lynott absolutely embraced.

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,

John Sykes, the electrifying guitarist who rocked the world in legendary bands Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, has died at 65.

John Sykes, the guitarist whose talent helped propel Whitesnake to success, is dead at 65. He also worked with the bands Thin Lizzy and Blue Murder.