The Worldwide metal and hard rock community has responded with a mix of mourning, tribute, and reflection following the death of guitarist John Sykes, who finally succumbed to Cancer on January 20th.

Many have acknowledged Sykes’s significant contributions to the genre. His work with bands like Tygers of Pan Tang, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, and Blue Murder has been fondly celebrated. Those tributing and remembering the guitarist have highlighted his legacy, often describing him as a legendary guitarist whose distinctive playing style influenced many. Fans and musicians alike have shared their favourite moments from his career, emphasising his guitar work, exemplary tone and songwriting.

Discussions have also inevitably turned to Sykes’s legacy, his impact on rock and metal music, and how his style has influenced newer generations of guitarists. There’s an appreciation for not just his technical ability but also his songwriting and vocal talents, with some fans lamenting that he was underrated in these areas (not here they aren’t – grieving Ed).

Sykes first gained recognition with the band Tygers of Pan Tang, contributing to the burgeoning NWoBHM  scene. His work on albums like Spellbound showcased his early talent. Joining Thin Lizzy in 1983, Sykes helped revitalise the band’s fortunes during their later years. His guitar work on Thunder and Lightning, particularly on tracks like the title track and The Sun Goes Down, is often cited as some of his best. His collaboration with Phil Lynott was seen as a significant moment in keeping the band relevant. Perhaps one of his most commercial successes came with Whitesnake. His guitar work on the self-titled Whitesnake album (also known as 1987 in some regions) was pivotal. Tracks like Still of the Night underscored his ability to blend bluesy, hard rock with a commercial edge, significantly influencing eighties metal music. After leaving Whitesnake, Sykes formed Blue Murder, where he could express his vision more fully. The band’s debut album, while not as commercially successful, is revered by fans for its musicianship, with songs like Jelly Roll and Riot highlighting his technical prowess and songwriting ability.

Sykes was known for his dynamic, expressive guitar playing, combining elements of blues, hard rock, and metal. His solos were melodic yet powerful, with a distinct tone that many guitarists sought to emulate. His use of the wah pedal and his vibrato were particularly noted. Beyond his instrumental talents, Sykes was a more than capable songwriter, contributing to some iconic songs. His ability to write both hard-hitting rock and more melodic tunes showed his versatility.

Many guitarists have cited Sykes as an influence, particularly for his work in Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake. His style has been a touchstone for those looking to blend technical skill with emotional expression. While his commercial peak was in the eighties, Sykes’ music has continued to find new audiences. His contributions to rock music have been acknowledged by peers and critics alike, often highlighting his role in one of Whitesnake’s most successful periods.

John Sykes’s legacy is one of enduring influence in rock music, remembered for his guitar virtuosity, the songs he helped create, and the impact he had on the genre’s direction in the 80s. His work continues to be celebrated, studied, and enjoyed by both old fans and new listeners discovering his contributions to music.

John Sykes: Ten of the Best

1. StreetfighterShe’s No Angel
Raw and uncompromising, quintessential NWoBHM from the great man and his pal, Merv Goldsworthy, later of course to make a name for himself with perennial Sentinel Daily favourites FM.

2. Tygers of Pan Tang – Gangland
A slight refinement of that first track, Sykes added melodic heft to Robb Weir‘s Tygers on the Spellbound Album.

3. Tygers of Pan Tang – Danger In Paradise
One of only two songs Sykes played on on the Tygers’ The Cage elpee, this track, with lyrics from Mr Naughty Naughty himself John Parr, our hero proved he could play melodically as well as providing flash n’bash to headbanging belters…

4. Thin Lizzy – Baby Please Don’t Go
Whilst it was seen as inevitable that Sykes’ talent would find a bigger home than that afforded by Whitley Bay’s finest, no one could have know just what an impact the great man would make when he joined Thin Lizzy…

5. Thin Lizzy – Emerald
And it wasn’t just the new material he brought his own particular spice to…

6. Whitesnake – The Still of the Night
In the world of Sentinel Daily, you won’t find a finer six minutes and thirty two seconds, even if the mercurial Mr Sykes was gone before they had time to make a video…

7. Whitesnake – You’re Gonna Break My Heart Again
In the words of SD editor Scott Adams – “Sykes at his absolute apogee – unbeatable on all fronts”.

8. Blue Murder – Valley of the Kings
Sheer pomp metal overload… Bombastic, beastly and brilliant!

9. Blue Murder – We All Fall Down
As hair metal’s star waned Sykes proved he could turn his hand to darker musical matters with this perfect mix of UFO-styled classicism, grunge chic… and THAT guitat tone…

10. Thin Lizzy – Cold Sweat
Remember that time we were down the pub and John Sykes nicked all the pinch harmonics?

John Sykes (29 July 1959 – 20 January 2025). RIP.

Photo Credit: Getty Images.