John Sykes - 1959 - 2024

[@JJDon5150]

For everyone commenting, please try and share John's music (Tygers of Pantang, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Blue Murder, Solo) where ever you can and on every platform. Many people have heard the songs he's played on, but don't actually know the player. John never got the dues he deserved in the music industry or in life. If he did, he'd be just as big of a house hold name today as Eddie Van Halen or his own guitar hero, Gary Moore. He influenced thousands of guitar players like myself, and deserves respect from everyone for his contributions to music.

[@EJH-jn6mo]

You’ve noted John passed in 2024. Please correct. Thank you.

[@fernandes5986]

For not getting recognition he can only thank David Fuckerdale, and Blue Murder not getting proper media exposure in the US.

[@ANTONIOIVAN-zh4fw]

John sykes merita di essere menzionato perché è stato davvero un grande chitarrista

[@digitizerproductions]

@@EJH-jn6mo the official poster claimed he passed in 2024. it was up on john sykes’ website

[@yippy327]

I'm a child of 80's guitar. To me and my friends, he was always as big as those you mentioned. His music will always have an impact on my playing and writing. Sadly miss. Peace to you all.

[@johnkehoe1067]

For those who know, he was a legend

[@CrimsonThorns]

Jon Sykes No more pain... Now only freedom.🕊

[@stephensdygert7600]

There is no freedom from this world, without Christ. The wages of sin is death.

[@nc1969]

@@stephensdygert7600 1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 1 Corinthians 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

[@nc1969]

1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 1 Corinthians 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

[@stephensdygert7600]

@@nc1969 If people in neo-evangelicalism understood Ephesians 3:1-21(kjv) and Colossians 1:24-29(kjv) Romans chapter (11) Romans 16-25-26(kjv) denominationalism would disappear

[@nc1969]

@@stephensdygert7600 😊👍 It seems we may likeminded my brother! I left denominational Christianity many years ago… I am a saved, grace believer, rightly divided…. So much confusion in American Christianity… but who is the author of that? We love people on this side of eternity and as many who want to wish peace upon those who pass on…. There is no peace outside of the finished work of the cross of Christ This isn’t religion…. It’s resurrection! Jesus Christ came to destroy sin, death and the devil! And it was accomplished at the cross

[@AliensWanted]

The architect of the Whitesnake 87 album and an all around great musician.

[@しんぞー-n7r]

最も好きなギタリスト、作曲家でした。もっと作品を聞きたかった、唯一無二のサウンドでした。そして私の多くの思い出と共にありました。私は死ぬまであなたの作品を聞くと思います。有難うジョン！！まだ信じられません。

[@td-dp1mk]

この人は能力高かったですね。ホワイトスネイクでもカヴァーデールの「影」だったのに、曲もいいしギタリストなのに歌まで上手い。器用すぎた。

[@ShieldMaiden1960]

A new fantastic band now playing in heaven. The members are John Sykes, Phil Lynott, Cozy Powell, Gary Moore and Jon Lord. Can't wait to see them ❤

[@mikaeltjelle4293]

I can 😊❤️

[@marclichtenstein6601]

That vibrato is insane. RIP.

[@jimfinlaw4537]

The world has lost a great musician, guitarist, songwriter and riff master. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. You are missed. Keep on rocking my rock and roll brother in the heavenly valleys forever. RIP John Sykes. 🎸♩🎶🎵🤘👍💔

[@victorlecca1156]

Forever in our hearts , John Sykes

[@Balmung5150]

John, you are one of the reasons why I picked up the guitar, and why I still continue to play to this day. You are pound for pound, in my eyes, truly one of the greats and very much unsung in your talent. As saddened by this news as I may be, I will always remember you as one of my heroes, and use this time to celebrate your life rather than mourn it. Even though it sucks that you had to say goodbye, just know that your fans will always cherish what you did for us. May you rest easy and continue to rock out in Heaven with God, Christ, and all other great Musicians who transcended our mortal plane. Rest in Power My Hero, Jonathan James Sykes

[@cymro6537]

Well said 🙏

[@mesaeddie]

I met John and Scott at the Portland Airport a day after a great show. I walked up and told the show was great and John immediately shook my hand and thanked me.He will be missed by many.

[@rilianriggs4620]

Whitesnake would've NEVER made it without John Sykes. His skills were unique and second to NONE.

[@chrisluckhardt]

RIP John Sykes. Blue Murder was such a phenomenal and underrated album.

[@ナンちゃん-z1f]

ジョンありがとう！安らかにお眠りください。

[@PlayFloyd_IN]

One of my favourite guitarists of all time. ♥️🎸

[@キャリー-l6c]

20年前から、これからも貴方が最高のギターヒーローです。ガンの痛みから解放されたことが幸いです。どうか安らかな旅立ちでありますように🌹

[@Flintbox]

RIP John. To say I'm devastated is an understatement. An inspiration to me and millions of others. Gone far too soon. Hope you're rocking out with Phil, Gary, Nik, Eddie and all who the music world has lost. My thoughts are with your family and friends

[@gratay2075]

Thank you John

[@greekfreak1980]

RIP John Sykes, he was the whole "package". Monster guitarist, superb songwriter & fantastic vocalist. And I concur, we would love to hear his last recorded music, incl. the demos he did on the sessions with Portnoy & Sheehan.

[@ケイジェイ888]

３８年間、あなたの音楽で僕の人生を豊かにしてもらいました。ずっとアルバムを待ち望んでおりましたが、永遠に叶わぬ夢となってしまいました。あまりの衝撃で現実を受け止められない。虚無感と悲しみでいっぱいです。ありがとうジョン。安らかにお眠りください。

[@Jacobin777]

John Sykes was one of my top 2 or 3 all time favourite guitarists. His Mesa Boogie sound was what got me into Mesa Boogies in the first place. Of course, "Whitesnake" is one of the greatest rock/guitar albums ever made. Sykes playing on it was simply incredible. I was also fortunate to see Blue Murder back in 1989 at the Cabaret Metro in Chicago. I was hoping he would start touring again. He will most definitely be missed. R.I.P. John Sykes.

[@joyaji926]

こんなにロマンティックに歌い、ギター🎸を泣かせるアーティストはいない😢 心からご冥福をお祈りします❤

[@thefonzkiss]

Release his last album! John didn’t care about his career or his music anymore but the fans still do!

[@matthewmartinez3663]

One of the very best metal guitarists. Rest in peace John. Music has lost a master.

[@evelynamadio3059]

Im writing this on behalf of my roommate who was the sound engineer for Thin Lizzy from 2000 to 2009. He always told me stories of his time traveling with John and the band, the good times and the bad. He remained friends with all the band members even to this day, one of whom I was lucky enough to meet at a concert with his new band here in Phoenix (Scott Gorham) . Chip had just talked with John a few weeks ago and they reminisced about their times on the road, Japan, Brazil, etc. he told me “I can’t believe all he wanted to talk about was the times we traveled together”. He is devastated at his friend’s loss. Words cannot describe what Chip is going through now. He told me this morning “now that I think about it, I think all the reminiscing was his way of saying goodbye”. I think Chip was right. I never met John but i feel like i know him through my friend’s many adventures with him. RIP John Sykes. Your good friend misses you more than you know.

[@citizenerazed5539]

oh... rest in peace with Phil & Gary.

[@RedDawnRocker]

Truly one of the most underrated songwriters of the modern era. RIP John, I'm listening to "Billy" as we speak.

[@mhoff7722]

One of my all time favorite tunes. 😢😢🙏🤘🤘🤘

[@Essie666]

I'm sorry, but it's 2025.

[@Essie666]

Great loss.. 😢💔

[@adjkuhgajkn]

I saw you in Super Rock 84 and still clearly remember your awesome performance at the concert RIP John

[@ジョニー77-i6s]

マジか…ゲイリーもエディももう居ないのにジョンまでも居なくなっちまったのかよ… 早いよ早過ぎるよ…(´；ω；｀)ﾌﾞﾜｯ

[@stevebuchner4505]

The guitar solo in Out Of Love is still one of the finest pieces of art ever cut to tape. After thirty plus years, it still gives me goose bumps. It serves the song brilliantly. RIP Mr. Sykes.

[@ArmandoRibeiro-pl1wu]

Sad, sad...young and talented. Killer tone, vibrato..... thanks for the Music...... R.I.P.

[@gregwinter8503]

I was in awe of him as a kid. Still am. A big part of my upbringing. Thank you, John for the music and inspiration. ❤

[@永沼理]

R.I.P for Mr. John Sykes 😢😢😢😢🙏🙏🙏🙏The first time I met John Sykes was in 1983 at Thin Lizzy's final live show. I was captivated by the magic of his guitar playing. The next time I met him was in 1984, in Whitesnake's Crying In the Rain, where he played a slow ballad solo on a 1962 model salmon pink Stratocaster in the intro, before switching to a Les Paul Custom for a melodic bluesy solo with his right-hand playing - his playing was incredible. The next time was in 1989, when he joined forces with a Blue Murder keyboard player and performed as a four-piece band, which was fantastic. The next time was at a radio show event in 1995 to promote the release of Out of My Tree. I've seen him four times in total, and he's always played great guitar. Thank you. And forever.🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@LOOSEbowelz]

This breaks 💔 my heart...😢

[@melorogerio]

whoever is remembered never dies

[@overwatchband]

John will leave a massive footprint for guitarist across the planet for the rest of our time on this earth… he was a giant in the music community… a legend to say the least…. I hope that all his unreleased music gets put out for all the enjoy in his honor and as a tribute to him.. he deserves all the recognition and respect that is being given to him.. rest in peace my guitar hero.. your fans will love you forever and you will never be forgotten.. tonight I will play my blue murder album so loud my neighbors neighbors will be able to hear it !!!! 💪🏼

[@chriswillsdon992]

We all have opinions. John was always up there with Eddie and Nuno. My top three. Seen them all, have their back catalogues. John Sykes was that good. I think the only praise that John may have wanted was from Gary Moore and if you watch the clips of them both on stage and Gary watching John play and smiling, there is more than words going on their. Mutual appreciation. John Sykes song writing and live presence should not be underestimated either. I sincerely hope any new material that's out there can be released now. RIP mate. Thank you.

[@javierjj338]

John Sykes was very influenced by Gary Moore. Together with John Norum, they have a lot of licks that clearly were learned from Moore. Two legends that are gone now... I'm still a great fan of Gary Moore...

[@officialsyomedia]

本当にショックです・・・素敵な音楽をありがとうございました！天国でもロックしてください！ご冥福をお祈りします。

[@西本弘樹-w9g]

I remember great live show in Osaka 2004 . I wish you play guitar with Phil and Gary . Miss you 🌹

[@Gregory637]

Totally underrated player, a true guitar hero. He motivated me a lot when playing and improving on guitar...His tone was always what I wanted to have...and he was the 80s chorus king for me. Insane playing...We will never forget you!!! RIP John!

[@Simeon_Harris]

Thank you for making this memorial to John. Amazing player and also a very underrated singer, imo. RIP.

[@kevingross2221]

His vibrato ranks as one of the best of all time. His solo on Jelly Roll on Bad Boy Live is a prime example of how great John was!!

[@johngregory7329]

The Rock music world has Lost one of the Greatest musicians of our time. His music will live with all of us for eternity. Now he is performing in heaven above. REST IN PEACE and Thank you John for giving us such beautiful music.

[@darkbluebossa]

I hope Sykes Estate releases some never before released music from John. Sad day . RIP

[@Old-Skull.]

Rest in Peace dear John Sykes and thanks for the sound of your guitar, a true gift to the world .

[@barriebland8765]

Another Rock Legend gone too soon . Underrated and Amazing Guitarist/singer /songwriter. May he rest in peace

[@Aircooled911]

Rest in peace, my greatest guitar hero ever...

[@2312RAF]

Love your music man! Saudade.

[@gacktcbiz]

One of the most inspiring guitarists ever. He will be missed.

[@AndreaMaccianti]

What an inspiration you were John. Thank you for everything. 🙏 Now you'll be jamming with Phil, Cozy and Nik in the Valley of the Kings. Rock In Peace ❤️

[@jaqueslagerweij6882]

Best guitarist in my opinion!. Have a great time jamming with Phil over there🤘. R.I.P

[@SuperHorsecow]

I can't believe it. Sad day for Music. Sad day for us all

[@shreddinghobbiest5509]

You made my life happy with your music. Especially with Whitesnake...

[@jonm3956]

John Sykes' guitar playing with Whitesnake transformed my own playing opening a window of what was possible with the guitar. He was amazing beyond belief and it is so incredibly sad he is gone so soon. His music will live on forever though.

[@justfunguitar1500]

What a legend, another great English guitarist gone, whose influence on music is really underestimated. RIP 🎸

[@marting652]

God bless you John Sykes, a true musician of immense talent. Saw you with Lizzy, mind blown. You elevated Whitesnake to another level. Fact. To sing and play such technical guitar parts with such mastery, wow. May you Rest ferever in peace my friend 🙏😔

[@riverdragonmarineservice441]

RIP. One hell of a guitar player. Godspeed sir!

[@takechandayone5042]

最高にヘビーでかっこ良くてボーカルも素晴らしくて偉大なギターリスト、ご冥福をお祈り申し上げます。

[@iurihabib]

RIP, great guitar player! I saw him playing with Whitesnake in 1985, Rock In Rio, Brazil

[@davidleerotharmy]

I saw you in pictures, very cool, with the black custom and I dreamed of being like you. Rest in peace great man

[@Koolaid79]

One of the best has left us. Rest in peace John.

[@powellk9875]

Your music has been a guiding light and a source of comfort in my life. Your talent, passion, and dedication have touched countless hearts, including mine. Thank you for everything you have shared with the world. You will always be remembered and deeply missed. Rest in peace.

[@gianasirock]

To me, Sykes was one of the 10 top in every time! His technique, feeling, punch were incredibles! RIP John Sykes and thanks forever for all inspiration and beautiful in your songs!

[@ヤマダ-u5s]

大好きだった、ジョンサイクス 本当にありがとう❤

[@NeroTheIncredible]

One of my favorite guitarist & songwriter . One part of my youth is gone . RIP John .

[@nikolauseder]

What a great Guitarhero and Singer, Composer, hard to believe, The Best die too young, God bless! R.i.P. dear Sir Sykes

[@charlesbartlett5069]

Weeping while I listen to this. So sad about his passing, but so grateful I’ve had John’s music in my life since I was but a lad.

[@krosamaja3407]

Everybody who loved him, will now listen to his music. I'm sure he feels it. 🎵 🌹🎶

[@lifewithquattro]

大きくゆっくり揺らすビブラートと素晴らしいギターサウンドが聴けなくなるのは寂しいです。

[@rockonbaz]

There are no words, just let his music talk. R.I.P. John Sykes, forever to be missed but never forgotten. 😪

[@RockStarParking10]

His music is timeless, thank you for all your amazing work. RIP

[@shizuokakenmin7607]

ありがとう😉👍🎶 ブルーマーダーでのギタープレイが 今でも忘れません 本当にありがとう😂

[@grand_charioty.1567]

あなたが大好きです 来日公演で観たジョン・サイクスは最高でした ブルーマーダーのアルバムはいまだに定期的に聴いてます 早すぎる旅立ちに言葉が出ません せめて安らかにお過ごし下さい ギター弾いてるのかな… 貴方に出逢えて良かったです ありがとう

[@DC7ify]

So glad I got back into 80s rock music during Covid to find John Sykes and be inspired again. He had such a unique style! He could go from a beautiful wide vibrato to a face melting shred in seconds. When I heard Blue Murder I knew he was that album 1987 was mostly him! RIP to the legend himself John Sykes!

[@ferlinmarcini]

Rest in peace, maestro John Sykes. You've rocked this world, now moved on to Eternal life. Thanks for the music especially on Whitesnake 1987 is a master piece and the best Whitesnake album for songs and guitar. ❤🤟

[@LRBerry]

R.I.P. and thank you for all the great music. I will always treasure the memories of seeing you twice with Thin Lizzy.

[@Verminousv]

Hace muchos años atrás, una chica muy especial me mostró la música de Mr. Sykes. Quedé impactado por su feel, por su alma y por hacer sonar una Les Paul como nadie mas. Para ese tiempo yo tambien tenia una Les Paul y Sykes se convirtió en una inspiración gigante e intentar aprender sus solos es todo un desafío. Hoy por hoy es inevitable no oir a Sykes y pensar en esa historia mia que terminó mal, a la que sin embargo y pese a todo, le agradezco tantas cosas, una de ellas, haber conocido a este gran guitarrista. Estes donde estes, que descanses en paz Mr. Sykes gracias por todo

[@nopuppetsounds5070]

leaves me... speechless, thank you for the music and R.I.P.

[@atpapa193]

You are one of the best heavy rock guitarist and musician ever. No one else can sing and play "Bad Boys" but you ! I love love love guitar solo, " Crying In The Rain" . I appreciate you with my tears. Forever John, R.I.P.

[@denden1506]

誰か悪い冗談だと言ってくれ！ 信じたくない！信じたくない！ ずっと待ってたんだよ日本に来てくれる日を… 最高の音を聴かせてくれた 理想のロックギターを！ 残念でならない。早過ぎる。 せめて彼の最後の日々が幸せだった事を祈る。 そして向こうでフィルと再会する事を！ あぁやっぱり　please don't leave me

[@felipezaraorellana]

Thank you John for making my life happier with your great music and your incredible guitar playing. I listen to your albums everyday and as a drummer who's trying to play guitar, you are my biggest inspiration. Rest in peace, your legacy will live forever.

[@КонстантинНакцев]

Прекрасный музыкант , услышал больше 40 лет назад ... очень жаль и скорбь по утере отличного гитариста ! 😢😢😢 ... Беларусь , Могилёв...

[@evanwyatt9768]

John was the reason I got into Whitesnake, not for the 1987 album, but addition to Slide it In. The last Whitesnake greatest hits in 2023 features a solo from John...so grateful we got to hear that. I will never understand what happened between David and John, but what could have been, was never meant to be. RIP John, your fans will always love you!!!!

[@robertkidd6270]

One of the all time greats ...sad loss

[@joeykirkland1904]

John, Thank You for the music…. Thank You for sharing your immense talent…. Thank You for that “FIRE” that permeated your guitar playing…. You Will Be Missed…Godspeed Brother!!! 🤘🏻🎼🎸🎤🙏🏻

[@MichaelTortorella]

I can’t believe you’re gone. I’ll forever play and learn your music. ❤😭

[@donaldyoung9838]

Another Amazing Guitarist Gone To The Rock An Roll Heaven Above Rest In Peace John Your Music Will Always Be In Hearts Thanks

[@singyuenlau423]

Rest in peace Mr Sykes. 😢His note choices, vibrato and soul in his music will always resonate with me.

[@hammerheadmouse]

His solo work is his best work in my opinion....

[@kamikazekrush3758]

One of my all time favorites!!! John your music has brought me many happy days though out my life! Godspeed Sir!❤

[@dirkundanja1]

Your the best Guitarist and Vocalist for me of this Planet

[@edsonbrito2610]

Heroes nerver die... I will keep in my memories that January 1985, when I was 17 years old, at Rock in Rio Whitesnake concert, the virtuos performance of John Sykes and the long solo in "Crying in the rain"!! Now, I am 57 y.o. man living with same teenager and love for guitar spirit.

[@Goosebear77]

Thanks for the music. R.I.P.

[@wwqq-yw8ki]

I loved your guitar. Rest in peace.

[@SonnyGTA]

What an amazing singer and guitar player. I met him after a Thin Lizzy show. I wish I took a pic.

[@akntak_mio1876]

Your rock sound will live forever.

[@hachirouchiyama2093]

You were the best! R.I.P., John.

[@SimonLloydGuitar]

Very sad news. John was a hero of mine. My uncle worked with John when he briefly moved to Blackpool and said what a totally cool bloke he was. A gifted player, singer and superb writer. Still of the Night must be one of the greatest rock songs of all time. RIP brother x

[@JustinColman-kz5fl]

Tygers of Pantang, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake & Blue Murder - what can you say? One of my favourite guitar players of all time... May all your Nights be Still John, you changed my life!! RIP🎸🎸.

[@andresagustingarcia4914]

Thanks for all John RIP

[@2760ade]

John was the ultimate guitar hero in my mind, he had the look, the attitude, the hair and incredible chops! I will truly miss him. Life is now that little bit bleaker.